Welcome to your Daily Detroit, your essential guide to what’s happening in Southeast Michigan. It’s Wednesday, June 12, 2024, and we’re broadcasting from our studio at TechTown. First off, a huge congratulations to Hajime Sato of Sozai in Clawson for winning the James Beard Award for Best Chef! It's fantastic to see a spot in the suburbs, like Clawson, getting recognition alongside Detroit. We also talk about the vibrant restaurant scene in Oak Park and the regional growth that lifts everyone. N...
Jun 12, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1442
Hey all - welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're diving into a variety of topics. Starting with a local traffic and design issue that has been causing quite a stir. A listener highlighted a large speed bump on Lafayette near downtown Detroit that has been surprising many drivers. We discuss the implications of this speed bump, its design, and suggestions for making it more noticeable to ensure it serves its purpose without being a surprise ramp for drivers. Next, we shift gears to sports. Terrion Arno...
Jun 11, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1441
As long as we’ve done this show, growing Michigan, and getting it into gear to be competitive against the rest of the country has been a topic. Honestly, it sometimes feels like I'm screaming down into the void as someone who is usually pushing for things to be better. Because as much as we love our city, region and state, there's much to be proud of… There is work to do. There has been for years. After all, Michigan is second to last in the nation for attracting people from other states. Mix th...
Jun 10, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1440
Welcome to your Daily Detroit, your go-to local podcast for everything happening in Southeast Michigan. It's in two parts. First, we dive into one of Detroit's most talked-about events - the concert at Michigan Central. Then we catch up with our regular Friday host, Devon O'Reilly to talk about a new restaurant in downtown Detroit and answer some questions about what "mobility" is. Concert Extravaganza: Norris Howard joins us to recap one of the best free concerts he's ever attended. From the en...
Jun 07, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1439
Today we’re diving into one of Detroit’s most historic and charming neighborhoods: Indian Village. Joining us in the studio at TechTown is Mark Reynolds, the chairperson of the 2024 Indian Village Home Tour. Get ready for a fundiscussion about the allure, history, and future of Indian Village. Mark Reynolds' Journey to Indian Village: Discover what drew Mark to move from the suburbs to Indian Village and why he became so involved in the community. Historical Significance: Learn about the fascina...
Jun 06, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1438
Today is anchored by two big stories and two of our favorite returning contributors. The stories involve charges (and lavish details) against former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith, and more thoughts on Michigan Central's renovation with a pair of people who toured it. Joining Jer as we return to the friendly confines of the studio at TechTown are Robin Runyan of Urbanize Detroit and Norris Howard. Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Embezzlement Case: William Smith, the former CFO, ...
Jun 05, 2024•26 min•Ep. 1437
Join us as we dive into the latest happenings in Southeast Michigan, from local events to exciting rumors and sports updates. In this episode, we cover: Ferndale Pride Recap: Jer and Fletcher share their experiences from the 14th edition of Ferndale Pride, highlighting the joy and inclusivity of the event. Downtown Detroit Retail Rumors: Speculations are buzzing about a potential large-name technolog store coming closer to opening on Woodward Avenue. What could this mean for the city's retail la...
Jun 04, 2024•14 min•Ep. 1436
Excitement is in the air across the city as today the grand reveal of Michigan Central Station — and we got an inside tour of the historic icon. Join Jer Staes and Devon O'Reilly as they explore the transformation of this Detroit landmark. From its historical significance to its future potential, this episode is packed with insights and reflections on what this revival means for the city. In this episode if your all-local podcast, we cover: First Impressions: Jer and Devon share their initial re...
Jun 03, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1435
It's been a busy week up at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. But what are some of the things happening that could impact you? State Representative Mike McFall of the 8th District stopped by and talked about what's moving through Landing and made the Governor's proposed budget. We'll dive into the latest policy discussions and legislative efforts impacting Metro Detroit and beyond. In this episode, we cover: Redistricting Changes: Representative McFall ...
May 31, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1434
From the Porch of the Grand Hotel at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Jer and Devon talk about the latest happenings around Metro Detroit. There's a mix of heavy and hopeful news on this one. In this episode, we cover: Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Scandal: Fresh developments reveal that up to $40 million may have been embezzled from the nonprofit fund. The FBI is investigating, and the potential fallout could impact local black developers and businesses. Dan Gilbert’s Philanthropic Vision: At t...
May 30, 2024•22 min•Ep. 1433
How does Michigan and metro Detroit turn the corner on being the place people want to choose to build their lives? On your Daily Detroit, we explore this pressing question with Khalilah Burt Gaston, the founding executive director of the Song Foundation. From the Mackinac Policy Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, the conversation dives deep into the holistic approaches and collaborative efforts necessary to revitalize the region. Some of the topics we cover: The Song Foundation: P...
May 29, 2024•26 min•Ep. 1432
You might have seen some changes in your local TV station over the last few years. Or that more sports is going behind a service that's not your cable provider. Or that more of the well-reported journalism you want to read is behind a paywall. That's because there are fundamental shifts happening in the media business, pushing these moves. Joining Jer at the studio in Tech Town is a longtime friend of the show, Matt Friedman, partner at Tanner Friedman Public Relations. Matt brings his expertise...
May 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1431
Mr. Friday, Devon O'Reilly, is in and we talk about a bunch of local to Metro Detroit things. Devon had dinner at The Little Club, his first eastside yacht club experience as a west sider We had a chance to try the Ford Mustang Mach-E for a week, and have a number of thoughts on the electric car that doesn't give off electric car vibes After touring the new housing construction on Fischer by Greatwater Homes, some thoughts on how this project was able to come together so well, sell homes quickly...
May 24, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1430
Interesting show of Metro Detroit stories today. In the fun category, recently a listener asked why Norris Howard isn't the Baron of Brightmoor, because of the alliteration. He explains why he's the Prince. There was so much demand for Michigan Central's big concert that it sold out - and so have all the tickets for the tour since we recorded this episode and posted. So I won't include that link. Then we get into the race for U.S. House, where Adam Hollier didn't get enough valid signatures to m...
May 23, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1429
A few years ago, Milwaukee and Brush streets was a quiet corner tucked just south of West Grand Boulevard. Now, between Kiesling, Milwaukee Caffe and a host projects since then, it’s becoming one of Detroit’s interesting intersections - of fun, work, and residential. Which projects like Chroma Detroit, Freya, Oak and Reel and more nearby, it's becoming a bonafide attraction. Today we’re talking with the crew behind Kiesling - an approachable cocktail bar in the city’s Milwaukee Junction neighbor...
May 22, 2024•33 min
From Royal Oak where the Detroit Zoo getting new water tower art, to a quick update on Detroit City FC stadium situation in Corktown, to talking about the Lions and how they might do next season on a national stage, we have you covered on Daily Detroit. Our all-local daily podcast is on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify...
May 21, 2024•22 min•Ep. 1427
Today we're talking about three stories around town with Fletcher Sharpe. First up, news that the old Belle Isle Zoo (technically, the Children's Zoo for a time) will be razed and turned into natural habitat. Both of us remember going to that place when it was a thing, we share our memories and a movie that was shot there. Second, the Belle Isle slide is returning this summer, says the Michigan DNR. Is riding the Giant Slide at Belle Isle your real "I'm a Detroiter" baptism? (We're of course jok...
May 20, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1426
The news broke just after we recorded yesterday's show that Detroit City FC intends to build a 14,000 seat stadium in Corktown, near Michigan and 20th streets. Fletcher Sharpe, Norris Howard and I discuss what we know, what we don't, and then the pair get into a conversation speculating about the future of soccer in Detroit - and bring up the uncomfortable topic for some, MLS in Detroit. On Monday we'll know more hard details. But for now, enjoy the speculation and would love to know what you th...
May 17, 2024•33 min•Ep. 1425
Due to news, our schedule gets flipped around. Devon O'Reilly joins in on a Thursday to talk about a couple of stories around town and a couple of places we've been. Where we've been: Devon went to check out the Detroit Vinyl Society, a new spot in Detroit's Paradise Valley and has some thoughts. Jer went to Cafe Noir in Detroit's North End. News stories: The city of Detroit gained 1,852 people last year, according to the latest Census estimate. that's the first time since the 1950s that the cit...
May 16, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1424
Fletcher Sharpe is in and we're talking about some of the interesting sports - and sweet - stories around town. 01:16 - Dutch Girl Donuts are back Baby! 04:38 - Detroit Piston's disapointing draft lottery spot 12:02 - Michigan Panthers clinch a playoff spot 14:25 - Phoenix Rising, DCFC draw Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211 Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify Thanks to our member...
May 15, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1423
Norris Howard is in for an epsiode full of stories that didn't exist less than 24 hours ago. 00:38 - The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO is put on leave over allegations of financial mismanagement, including a call for criminal charges. We discuss, as the Riverfront has been one of those organizations that has kept going through lots of hardships in the city. Crain's Detroit - https://www.crainsdetroit.com/nonprofits-philanthropy/detroit-riverfront-conservancy-puts-cfo-leave-amid-probe Detroi...
May 14, 2024•24 min•Ep. 1422
For 14 years, Ferndale Pride has been bringing people across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum (and their allies) to West Nine Mile Road. The 2024 edition of Ferndale Pride on Saturday, June 1 will bring together thousands of people in what is one of the major centers of life for the community - with entertainment, dancing, vendors, special events and more. Julia Music is key to organizing all of this, and joins us in studio to preview the events before and during Pride, as well as share some history about ...
May 13, 2024•25 min•Ep. 1421
Detroit has picked up the pace - and it seems like the city is starting to get back to that "buzz" of new things on a regular basis. Devon O'Reilly is in and we talk about a bunch of new restaurants, developments and things around Detroit: 00:47 - Where Devon's been: Previewing Vollmers in the old Park Bar space. It's a bar, and aims to be great at being a bar with some food. 06:46 - The Spanish-inspired Leña is opening in Brush Park, Devon has already been inside. 10:08 - Jer shares that athlet...
May 10, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1420
We're keeping it hot on today's episode - even if we're a bit tired after watching Detroit City beat the MLS side, Houston Dynamo, in super duper late overtime. Today's episode... 00:52 - Why we're so tired today (all hail Saldaña!) 03:52 - The balcony of the Fox bounces as the crowd loses their minds for Gunna. Norris then shares why it's ok to embrace the "uncle" phase of life, grab a lawn chair and hit the Jazzfest. 08:26 - A report says that a plan is being floated to put Wayne County all-in...
May 08, 2024•24 min•Ep. 1419
The DBG (you might know them as the Downtown Boxing Gym) is making some big moves supporting Detroit's youth, along with plans for a new facility. Khali Sweeney and Peter Fezzey from the organization join me to talk about it more. Then I send you out the door with three stories to know around Metro Detroit. 00:30 - Ad for City Bird - https://www.citybirddetroit.com/ 01:31 - DBG Conversation with Khali Sweeney and Peter Fezzey Three things to know: 16:07 - Gleaners has a new store concept to addr...
May 07, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1418
Today's show has a special guest in Michigan native Steve Clark, goalkeeper for the Houston Dynamo in MLS. Before that, there's a lot to talk about this Monday around sports and Metro Detroit, and Fletcher Sharpe is in to help do it. 01:11 - The untimely and young passing of former U of M basketball player Darius Morris 02:58 - Do the new Tigers City Connect jerseys connect? Or are they a miss? 08:52 - Detroit high schools are the biggest source of NFL talent in the country. We discuss why peopl...
May 06, 2024•24 min•Ep. 1417
Welcome to Friday and welcome to episode 1416 of your Daily Detroit. Today, we’re talking about finding success in Southwest Detroit. The combination restaurant and market La Jalisciense has been making it happen for more than a decade. Plus, what are some of the top dishes you should try? What are some keys to making it happen? And share some things about Cinco de Mayo you might not have known. La Jalisciense chef Jose Vargas joins me to talk about it all. Plus, I learned this after we recorded...
May 03, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1416
The Renaissance Center has been at the center of Detroit's skyline since the 1970s - and it's a building with a fascinating past, present, and future. With General Motors moving out and going to two floors of the Hudson's Detroit up Woodward Avenue, in the next year GM and Bedrock will be working together to try to find new uses for the 5.5 million square foot complex that today is mostly offices and a hotel. I felt like we should learn a bit more about the building, and talk about way to not on...
May 02, 2024•38 min•Ep. 1415
Where's the beef? The beef is everywhere, it seems. This is an episode where Norris Howard and Devon O'Reilly rule the show. And it's an episode about beefs. And proposed changes to marijuana policy - and we talk about the possible impact, and what might actually make more money. . The rundown: 01:03 - Devon wants to know more about the beef between Kendrick and Drake. Norris obliges. 07:13 - Then we get into the beef between Comcast / Xfinity and Bally Sports, where viewers are losers in a seas...
May 01, 2024•31 min•Ep. 1414
Hey all - it's just you, me, and the news make three today. No conversation today, just 10 stories to know around Metro Detroit - from the interesting to the important we take you from Pontiac to Berkley to Detroit. From iconic donuts to the re-opening of a Detroit icon. Full rundown and links to come. On Apple: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple On Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify Thanks to our members on Patreon. Local coverage requires local support: http://www.patreon.com/dailyd...
Apr 30, 2024•14 min•Ep. 1413
