Welcome back to Daily Detroit, your go-to podcast for all things happening in Southeast Michigan. In today's episode, Jer Staes is joined by journalist Steve Friess to dive deep into the current political landscape leading up to the general election. They kick things off with a discussion on early voting in Michigan, expressing confusion over the lack of a coordinated push from election officials and candidates alike. The conversation then shifts to the national stage, examining the recent poll ...
Jul 29, 2024•38 min•Ep. 1472
We kick off this Friday episode with Devon's excitement about the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the first Olympics with full spectators in six years. Devon and Jer discuss the impact of the time zone differences, the thrill of watching events live, and the local ties with Michigan athletes competing. They also share their personal Olympic memories and favorite events, ranging from track and field to gymnastics. The conversation transitions to a significant local development: the Gordie Howe Int...
Jul 26, 2024•26 min•Ep. 1471
Join us for an important episode of Daily Detroit as we talk abouit the history and impact of the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 Detroit uprising. Our guest, Dr. Danielle McGuire, a civil rights historian and author, shares her insights on the tragic events that unfolded and the significance of the newly erected state historical marker at the site. We explore the harrowing night when Detroit police, National Guardsmen, and Michigan State Police officers raided the Algiers Motel, leading ...
Jul 25, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1470
Welcome back to Daily Detroit, your all-local podcast sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Ariel_Knight, the creative mind behind the popular game "We Never Yield," join us in the studio. We talk about the journey from working out of his grandmother's attic to becoming a renowned game developer. We get into the making of "We Never Yield," a game set in Detroit featuring an all-Black voice cast and characters rooted in the city's cult...
Jul 24, 2024•13 min•Ep. 1469
Welcome back to your Daily Detroit, your all-local podcast sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. First, a shout-out to Mickey Lyons, who recently brought us a 1930s Detrola tabletop radio. Detroit has a rich history of manufacturing beyond cars, including radios for the working person. This beautiful piece now has a special place in our studio. We talk a little about the fascinating history of Detroit's manufacturing legacy and how it has shaped the city's identity beyond t...
Jul 23, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1468
Today, we pivoted from our planned episode to cover a story that has profound implications both nationally and locally: President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek a second term. We don't always play in the national politics pond, but with Michigan being a key state in the upcoming race, this development has significant ramifications. In short, Michigan matters. And Metro Detroit does, too. Joining us to dissect this news is journalist Steve Friess - who both has experience and is known f...
Jul 22, 2024•27 min•Ep. 1467
Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Friday, July 19, 2024, podcasting from our studio in TechTown in Detroit, Michigan. Jer and Devon dive into the latest happenings around town, including new coffee spots, dining experiences, and a reactions to the reaction on the future of Detroit's iconic Renaissance Center. Shibam Coffee in Dearborn Jer and Devon discuss the unique flavors of Yemeni coffee at Shibam, a new coffee shop in Dearborn. With its rich history and distinct taste, Shibam is making wave...
Jul 19, 2024•22 min•Ep. 1466
In this episode, Jer and Norris cover a variety of topics, from local transportation updates to an exciting event for coffee enthusiasts. Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Thursday, July 18, 2024, podcasting from TechTown in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit Metro Airport Improvements Jer and Norris discuss the $38 million investment in Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara Terminal, including new restrooms, upgraded jet bridges, and revamped baggage carousels. Detroit People Mover Upgrades Details on the u...
Jul 18, 2024•29 min•Ep. 1465
Welcome to a baseball edition of your Daily Detroit for Wednesday, July 17, 2024, broadcasting from the studio at TechTown. Today, we’re taking stock of the Detroit Tigers at the All-Star break. Jer is joined by Fletcher Sharpe and Justin Remington to discuss the team’s recent performance, challenges, and future prospects. Key Topics: The Tigers' recent 8-2 run and its impact on team morale. The potential trade of key player Tarik Skubal and its implications. The challenges faced by the team, in...
Jul 17, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1464
This episode is in two parts. First, Jer talks about the importance of speaking when it adds to the silence, especially on important issues. Then, his review of the book "True Gretch - What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between." You can find the full text version of the review on our website. Feedback - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com Support our work: One time: https://buymeacoffee.com/dailydetroit As a monthly member: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit...
Jul 16, 2024•8 min•Ep. 1463
On this Monday episode of the podcast, Danielle North, founder and CEO of Degree Forward joins me. Danielle shares her insights on the critical gaps in education and talent, emphasizing the importance of degree completion for achieving a sustainable living wage. She discusses the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students and minority groups, and how Degree Forward is addressing these issues through flexible, competency-based education programs. Key Topics Discussed: The ongoin...
Jul 15, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1462
Welcome to the Friday edition of your Daily Detroit, sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. Today: We talk about a visit to the Shankar Distillery, making the Varchas brand, a new spot blending Indian and American whiskey traditions. Learn about their unique offerings, including a Reserve 102 bourbon whiskey and the cultural significance behind their eagle branding. Jer and Devon discuss his favorite twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring mezcal and tequila. ...
Jul 12, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1461
Welcome to Wednesday! Here's what's on tap for today's show: Daily Detroit Happy Hour: Join us this Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 7 PM at The Royce. (More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667 ) Target in Midtown Canceled: Jer and Norris discuss the cancellation of the proposed 32,000 square foot Target store in Midtown due to project delays and complications. Despite this, 350 apartments will still be built at the site by City Club Apar...
Jul 10, 2024•19 min•Ep. 1460
On today's show: Daily Detroit Happy Hour: Join us this Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 7 PM at The Royce. (More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667 ) Survey Feedback: Jer and Fletcher discuss the results of a recent listener survey, highlighting the importance of community input for growth and improvement. Unpermitted Block Party Clampdown: The hosts address a recent block party incident where two young people were killed, and more than...
Jul 09, 2024•25 min•Ep. 1459
Join us on the Daily Detroit podcast as we sit down with Donald Rencher, president and CEO of the Hudson Weber Foundation. Donald shares his insights on the crucial role of philanthropy in Detroit's growth, the importance of affordable housing, and his vision for inclusive growth in the city. Key Topics Discussed: The role of philanthropy in Detroit’s development and supporting transformational projects Strategies for attracting more residents to Detroit and stopping population decline The neces...
Jul 08, 2024•16 min•Ep. 1458
In today's episode - the final before the July 4th break - Jer Staes, Devon O'Reilly, and Norris Howard dive into the latest developments in Detroit, including the new JW Marriott project and its potential impact on the city's landscape. They explore the aesthetics and functionality of the project, the need for more hotel rooms, and the broader implications for Detroit's convention and tourism sectors. The conversation shifts to the challenges and opportunities in the local real estate market, e...
Jul 03, 2024•30 min•Ep. 1457
In this episode, Fletcher Sharpe discusses the recent changes and developments with the Detroit Pistons. The team covers the hiring of coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the impact of Fred Vinson on player shooting performance, and the potential of new draft picks Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman. They also talk about the return of Tobias Harris, Cade Cunningham's commitment to the team, and the overall outlook for the upcoming season. Fletcher shares his insights on what the team needs to do to improve and t...
Jul 02, 2024•20 min•Ep. 1456
Happy Monday! Let's get this holiday week started. The largest urban equestrian center in the nation is coming right here to the city of Detroit, and we're going to talk about it. Jer sits down with David Silver, founder and executive director of Detroit Horsepower, a nonprofit that teaches Detroit students to ride and care for horses. This new facility aims to develop critical skills in students, setting them up for academic, career, and life success. They discuss the transformational impact of...
Jul 01, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1455
Welcome to Friday! On the podcast: Jer shares his experience at Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale, highlighting its pride-themed event and the importance of supporting independent arts in Metro Detroit. Devon talks about his recent visit to the Detroit Zoo with his daughter, discussing the new attractions and the joy of seeing animals through a child's eyes We discuss Amar Pizza in Hamtramck getting a nod from The New York Times as one of the best pizza places in the U.S. We highlight the $1...
Jun 28, 2024•24 min•Ep. 1454
A couple of stories we're talking about today. First, Norris Howard relived his college days by checking out the reopened Third Street Bar in Detroit's Midtown. Then, we have a deep-dive into what is a contentious issue in some circles: Should Detroit city parks be mostly closed for the annual fireworks show? Some say it's anti-resident; others, it's just what needed in today's world for safety and crowd control and with limited resources this is what can be done.
Jun 27, 2024•25 min•Ep. 1453
It’s easy to open up your favorite social media app and think that everyone is thinking a certain way. It doesn’t matter the topic. in our always connected world, whether it’s about some national story or something in town, we’ve all seen it. The pile on with comments. But in my mind, that isn’t the greatest indicator of what people really think. A friend of mine called it “roll and scroll,” where a lot of people will see something going a certain way, roll their eyes, and scroll on instead of g...
Jun 26, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1452
Welcome to Monday... We've got some serious stuff, some vibes from a game we went to, and we're going to talk a little bit about dogs, pets, and fireworks because it is the season. Before we get started, I wanted to tell you that our new Patreon-only Discord is open. This is for supporters only. You just have to join us at Patreon.com/dailydetroit . Already a lively community, people chiming in, having questions, it's absolutely great. Appreciate your support! First up, a couple of serious thing...
Jun 24, 2024•24 min•Ep. 1451
Coming to town next weekend on Sunday, June 30, to the Magic Bag in Ferndale is a band that anyone who grew up in the nineties will definitely know. And if you don't, well, you should get acquainted with the alt-rock legendary sound of Letters to Cleo. The band has some new material to go with favorites like "I Want You to Want Me," "Here and Now," and "Cruel to Be Kind." To talk about the band, music, and the show, my guest is guitarist Michael Eisenstein. If it sounds like I'm a little excited...
Jun 21, 2024•13 min•Ep. 1450
Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Thursday, June 20, 2024! Jer and Devon dive into a packed episode covering everything from new local spots to major news impacting the region. First, Devon shares his excitement about Elephant and Company, a new venture by Eastern Market Brewing Company in Midtown. The spot offers coffee, vegan donuts by Duped Donuts, and soon, self-serve taps for beer. Devon also introduces us to Jarvis, Michigan’s only robot barista. Next, they discuss The Lone Goat, a British...
Jun 20, 2024•23 min•Ep. 1449
Welcome to an emergency bonus edition of Daily Detroit! We get into the surprising (to some) decision by the Detroit Pistons to part ways with head coach Monty Williams. Despite a hefty $65 million contract, new management decided it was time for a change. Fletcher shares his reaction to the move, admitting that he didn't see it coming, though he was never on Team Monty - and gets into the reasons behind Williams' leaving. The conversation touches on the challenges Williams faced, including re-i...
Jun 20, 2024•17 min•Ep. 1448
It's Juneteenth, and normally we take Federal holidays off. But today, we're getting into a conversation about the holiday, the scope of our coverage in Metro Detroit, the changes in our area, as well as the importance of listening to people who’ve been around when you're new to working in a community. We tackle some common feedback that Daily Detroit should focus solely on the city Detroit proper. We talk about why we cover the region, and argue that Metro Detroit's interconnectedness means cov...
Jun 19, 2024•34 min•Ep. 1447
In this deep-dive episode, we explore the transformative work of Force Detroit, a nonprofit organization led by Dujuan "Zoe" Kennedy. His story goes from end to end - from prison to being invited to the White House twice. He gives us an intimate look into the world of community-based violence intervention. Kennedy explains the science-backed methods behind their work, and how these approaches help regulate thought processes and emotions. He discusses the importance of addressing trauma and the n...
Jun 18, 2024•28 min•Ep. 1446
We've got a lot of stories to talk about today. First, a quick note: it's going to be a hot one this week. There are a number of cooling centers across the region and in the city of Detroit, including libraries, as temperatures are expected to soar into the nineties. Please be careful out there, especially with pets. If you walk them, walk them on grass instead of cement and keep them hydrated. We have some sad news from the weekend. A mass shooting occurred at a splash pad in Rochester Hills, M...
Jun 17, 2024•18 min•Ep. 1445
Today, we're diving into the vibrant summer scene in Detroit. Devon and Jer kick things off by discussing the new restaurant and bar scene, including the exciting opening of Easy Peasy, a new concept located in the old Cornerstone space downtown. They’re now offering a lunch sushi program from Detroit Sushi, making it a must-visit spot. We also highlight the Monarch Club's fantastic cocktails and the importance of using reservation apps to snag last-minute tables at popular spots. Jer shares his...
Jun 14, 2024•21 min•Ep. 1444
Today on your Daily Detroit, we're chatting with Ryan Hertz, the head of Lighthouse Michigan. Ryan tells us about the amazing work Lighthouse is doing for affordable housing and emergency services in Oakland County and beyond. We begin with how Lighthouse Michigan started. It's a combination of two old human service organizations. They aim to provide emergency shelter, food services, and affordable housing. Ryan talks about the big problems that cause homelessness and the new ways Lighthouse is ...
Jun 13, 2024•21 min•Ep. 1443