Daily Detroit

Jer Staes is joined by co-hosts Devon O'Reilly and Norris Howard for a wide ranging talk about food, faith, politics, and Detroit's future.​ What we talk about​ Devon went to Dearborn for Mayor Abdullah Hammoud's Unity Iftar dinner during Ramadan and talks about what Iftar is, who was in the room, and how it felt to see an Imam and a priest share very similar prayers.​ The crew gets into why learning about other cultures in Metro Detroit can break down fear and hate, and why showing up when you are invited matters.​ Jer visited the new Detroit 75 Kitchen brick and mortar spot, talks about the giant portions, the menu, the space, and why it feels like the start of a bigger concept.​ Norris checks in after a whirlwind trip to Washington, D.C. for the State of the Union, riding the underground tram at the Capitol, and trying to talk with members of Congress while votes keep getting moved around.​ The table digs into the "weird" mood in D.C., the feeling that we are at the end of an era, and how broken national leadership and media bubbles spill down into local politics.​ We respond to listener feedback on Michigan's slide in education and economic numbers, why covering bad data is not "being negative," and a listener question about Chinatown gets into a bigger conversation about population loss and where capital follows growth — and that the city has lost a lot of the middle class since 2000, a fact that continues even with recent popultion upticks. That loss has real impacts on what businesses can survive in that aftermath.​ ​We close on the tight Michigan governor's race, why early polls show a true toss up, why no major candidate is dropping out, and what Governor Whitmer's low key State of the State might say about her next move.​​ Support and follow​ Sign up for the Daily Detroit newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/ Become a member to support local coverage: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit Feedback: ​dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211 Follow us on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get shows for future episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Today, we're talking about the future of Midtown. Getting details on that new Chinatown project (and a whole lot more) with the executive director of Midtown Detroit, Inc. You'll learn a lot about this series of Detroit neighborhoods in this conversation and what's ahead for an area of Detroit so many people have so many connections to. More show notes to come. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Ferndale Pride isn't just a single day in May. It's a months-long celebration of joym community, and giving back that has its roots in a meeting at Soho 16 years ago. In this episode, I talk with Ferndale Pride executive director and longtime listener Julia Music about how the festival started, why it has always been free to attend, and how it has already given more than $500,000 to charity while centering downtown Ferndale businesses.​ Julia walks us through what to expect on May 30 in downtown Ferndale: three stages, Reading with Royalty, 220 vendors, nine food trucks, and a footprint stretching along 9 Mile from Woodward to Livernois. But before the big day, there's a full calendar of events designed to both build community and raise the funds needed to keep Pride accessible.​ You'll hear about the Small Packages cigar-box art auction at Detroit GT Studios, Soho Leather Weekend, Junk Jewels' allergy-friendly treats at Urbanrest, and the "Out of the Closet and Onto the Dance Floor" party that invites you to finally wear that wild outfit hiding in the back of your closet. We also dig into Hot Daddies, the Cougar Hunt (a true "coalition of cougars"), Pistons Pride Night, a psychic self-care evening at Boston Tea Room, and the always-popular Pokémon trivia night at B. Nektar. More: https://ferndalepride.com/ Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

New polling of Michigan voters shows a massive gap between how people feel about the state and where we actually rank. We dig into why voters think Michigan is middle‑of‑the‑pack while we're near the bottom on reading, income, and unemployment, the huge awareness gap on data centers (4 in 10 Michiganders haven't even heard of them), and what it all means for the 2026 governor's race where a new poll puts former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan in the lead (in contrast to earlier ones, putting him at just 20%).  The poll we reference is by the Glengariff Group, commissioned by the Detroit Regional Chamber, and can be found here: https://www.detroitchamber.com/feb-2026-michigan-voter-poll/ Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Today, we are at the table in Techtown for a fast‑moving conversation on how Metro Detroit goes out now. We start with the closure of Mutiny Bar and ask if Detroit's modern tiki bar era has quietly ended, even as tiki continues in places like San Diego and Palm Springs.​ Norris shares a visit to Bastille Bar, praising it as a no‑frills "it's just a bar" hangout, while the crew argues that happy hour has effectively shifted to 3–6 p.m. thanks to changing work patterns and school pickups. Devon then delivers an ode to the hotel bar via Four Vagabonds at the Dearborn Inn, celebrating it as a hub for travelers' stories and local recommendations.​ We close with a debate over whether it's time to ditch third‑party delivery apps like DoorDash. We saw a number of restaurants pull the plug on delivery services, so we're asking if you are, too.  Here's the rundown: 02:13 - Mutiny Bar is done: Is Detroit's age of Tiki bars over? 06:49 - Where we've been: Bastille Bar 09:11 - Has Happy Hour moved to 3pm? 10:01 - An ode to the Hotel Bar (Four Vagabonds) 12:13 - Where we've been: Mexico City Mexican Restaurant 15:00 - Vote for us for Metro Detroit's best podcast on Hour 17:37 - Is it time to break up with delivery apps like DoorDash? Some Detroit area restaurants are pulling the plug on delivery Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Today's Daily Detroit is about being real with each other and with this city we love. Norris and I start with the passing of Rev. Jesse Jackson, what he meant to Detroit, and how his generation of civil rights leaders helped shape our city and our lives.​ From there, we look ahead to the next public meeting on the possible I‑75 cap near downtown, why it matters for how Detroit connects across freeways, and who stands to be impacted if it moves forward.​ We also dig into a listener email on Business Improvement Zones and what cleaner, better‑maintained streets could mean for the East Riverfront and beyond. ​ We end on a more personal note, talking about losing a couple of listeners this week and why this community means so much to us Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Support our work on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

It's budget season in Detroit and in Lansing, and the choices leaders make now will shape city services and state programs for the next few years. On today's Daily Detroit, we talk with Steve Watson of the consulting firm Watson & Yates about where the money comes from and where it might go.​ First, we look at Detroit's budget in Mayor Mary Sheffield's first year as mayor. Detroit's money picture is different from the suburbs, and Steve breaks it into four big "buckets": income tax from people and businesses in the city, fast-growing casino and online betting taxes, state revenue sharing, and property taxes, which rank only fourth even though rates are high. They explain how careful revenue forecasts, the lasting impact of remote work, and a growing labor force all change what Detroit can afford to do.​ Then the conversation shifts to Governor Gretchen Whitmer's final proposed state budget. There are new cost pressures from federal rule changes, and about proposed state tax hikes on tobacco, internet gaming, sports betting, and digital ads. They connect this to what it means for Detroiters who use Medicaid and SNAP, and for Detroit's casino-based tax revenues.​ To wrap up, they share simple steps you can take to get involved, including who to call, key dates to watch, and why paying attention to budgets now can help your neighborhood later. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On today's show with Devon, Norris and Jer talking all things Detroit: 01:04 - Where we've been: Empire in Midtown Detroit 03:21 - Where we've been: Mother Handsome in Oak Park 04:47 - Where we've been: Avenue Bistro in Wayne 09:36 - Data Centers coming to Wayne County (Van Buren Township) and Michigan with bipartisan support (but lots of people aren't happy) 17:39 - Does the City of Detroit need a Wal-Mart? Happy Valentine's Day! We'll be back on Tuesday as Monday is a Federal holiday. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On today's Daily Detroit, Jer and Norris talk about three big changes in the city: a loved restaurant closing, a historic building maybe turning into a hotel, and a new business district along the river.​ First, Kuzzo's Chicken & Waffles is closing after more than a decade on the Avenue of Fashion. Norris shares memories of hosting events there and why Kuzzo's helped make Livernois feel like a place where the whole city could come together. Jer and Norris talk about how costs have gone up for restaurants since COVID and how other favorites like New Center Eatery and Parks' have also closed, even while some nearby spots are still doing well.​ Next, they move downtown to the Park Avenue Building by Grand Circus Park. Developer Rino Soave now wants to turn it into a hotel with more than 100 rooms, a restaurant, and other amenities instead of apartments. We get into why more projects are choosing hotels, what the coming renovation at the Renaissance Center Marriott could mean, and why Norris still wants more full‑time residents downtown, not just weekend visitors and staycations.​ Finally, the show heads to the riverfront to talk about Rivertown's new Business Improvement Zone. The new BIZ will cover nearly 300 commercial properties and could raise about $850,000 a year — almost 10 million over 10 years — for extra trash pickup, cleaning, and other services, working with the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Norris explains why these public‑private partnerships can help neighborhoods grow, and how tools like BIZ-es might free up the city to fix up more parks and blocks across Detroit. Plus, Norris called it with his prediction that you'd see more of these in the city.​ Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Today, an essay and a line-by-line reality check about recent statements about the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a link crucial for Michigan and Metro Detroit's economy. I take my 10+ years of experience watching this project, doing interviews, and keeping notes to break down what's fact from fiction from a list of grievances on Truth Social. Original post: https://www.dailydetroit.com/canada-paid-for-the-bridge-trump-wants-half/ Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On today's Daily Detroit from the floor of the Detroit Policy Conference, we're digging into what it really took to get the Gordie Howe International Bridge this close to the finish line — and what it's going to mean for everyday life on both sides of the river later this year.​ I'm joined at the table by Michael Griffie, Detroit market leader for AECOM, one of the key firms behind the massive project. We get into the nuts and bolts of a more than $4.5 billion, decade-in-the-making effort that doesn't just include the record-setting cable‑stayed span, but also the new U.S. and Canadian ports of entry and a rebuilt I‑75 interchange designed to keep trucks moving and out of neighborhoods.​ Griffie explains how engineers from two countries had to literally "meet in the middle," navigating different regulatory systems, a frozen global supply chain, and a pandemic — and still kept the delay to about a year. We talk about what makes a cable‑stayed bridge different, why the 1.2‑mile span and 770‑foot pylons matter, and how much trade will roll across once it opens.​ There also will be a multimodal path that will let you bike or walk across the border — passport in hand — and the subtle design tribute to "Mr. Hockey" himself, with pylons that echo Gordie Howe's iconic stance on the ice.​ Plus, we touch on how Canada ended up fronting the money, why toll booths will all be on one side, and more. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Are your ready for the weekend? Mr. Friday Devon O'Reilly is in and we've got some recommendations on where we've been — two cheap but good lunch spots. Plus, Devon shares a requiem for Bahama Breeze that after April 5 will leave this earth. Then, we get into the mess that is Stellantis and what might happen to some brands that have a lot of Detroit history. Here's the rundown: 01:11 - Detroit's gotten double the snow this year, and facing a national salt shortage 04:03 - Where we've been: $10 Meal 07:51  - Why Thousand Island Dressing is called Thousand Island Dressing 08:21 - Where we've been: Kitab Cafe 10:47 - A Requiem for Bahama Breeze and End of the line BD's Mongolian Grille 14:12 - What are the best Bahama Breeze dishes? 15:28 - Devon thinks BD's was overrated 17:03 - Stellantis is under stress but what about Jeep, Chrysler and all these names Detroiters know? Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On your Daily Detroit, we learned that owning a tank is apparently legal in Michigan. Should we get one? Plus, Detroit's the City of the Year, Michigan Central has a new thing, and we open the floor to your ideas for attracting more career-aged and younger people to choose Michigan. 03:45 - Should we get a tank? 07:00 - Detroit is the City of the Year 09:56 - New Thing at Michigan Central 12:08 - How do we get more career-aged people to choose or stay in Michigan? Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Justin Onwenu is a Detroit-born organizer, environmental justice advocate, and attorney who is now running for State Senate in Michigan's newly redrawn District 1, which stretches from neighborhoods on Detroit's west side through downtown and into a number of downriver Metro communities. He's worked in environmental justice, in labor and minimum wage campaigns, and in economic development at the city level, giving him a rare view that connects workers, small businesses, and neighborhood health.​ In our conversation, we get into why he chose to jump into this insane time in politics, how he thinks Michigan can actually tackle affordability on things like housing, health care, and utilities, and what it looks like to balance development, labor, and the environment instead of pitting them against each other.  We also talk about rebuilding Michigan's economy from the neighborhood up, from transit and schools to small business support… and much more. Episodes like these are made possible by our members. Join us at DailyDetroit.com/support and help keep the conversation going. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Today, we're taking you inside the Second Baptist Church of Detroit — the oldest historically Black church in Michigan, a former last stop on the Underground Railroad, and now a hub for human trafficking awareness and free STEAM education for Detroit kids. I'm joined by Pastor Lawrence Rodgers to talk about nearly 190 years of history, how Greektown is transforming, and what it means to build a beloved community in Detroit right now. At the start of Black History Month and in a moment when it's tempting to gloss over or sanitize our past (or even preferred, by many) it feels especially important to me to lift up institutions that didn't just witness history, but made it — and are still doing the work right now.  Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.  Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Devon, Norris, and Jer tackle three topics live at the Detroit Policy Conference. First, we get into lunch spots we like and are disappointed by recently. Then, there's a proposal to provide transit to all of the cities in Wayne County, as currently a number of communities have no connecting service. We talk about hwo this is the base layer to the cake of transit. Then, there's some ideas around overhauling the city of Detroit's tax structure, including a possible excise tax in greater downtown to provide more money for the neighborhoods. Today's show was recorded live at the Detroit Policy Conference put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

The rundown: 02:07 - Michigan's population is growing, we discuss 05:13 - Amazon Fresh fizzles out in Metro Detroit, leaving a number of empty potential storefronts 09:11 - MOCAD is reopening in April after renovation  Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Today's conversation is in two parts. First, we dig into USA Today (formerly Gannett) buying the Detroit News - just a month after a joint operating agreement ended between the two papers and bringing the Detroit Free Press and news under the same ownership umbrella. They say they'll continue as separate publications, but based on the track record of those involved, we have our personal skepticism. We also get into the precarious state of local news in America. Then, a personal conversation on the events over the weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We get into the aftermath, the Orwellian nature of it all, how Norris isn't surprised it happened, and the near death of actual conservatism as a political force in America. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211.  Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

What was Detroit like 10 years ago?  On today's Daily Detroit, inspired by the trend on social media, we're taking a warm walk through a very specific era: Detroit in 2016 and how it stacks up to 2026.​ Jer, Norris, and Devon remember a city that still felt like a secret to everyone else. When it felt like the creative class was driving the narrative, loft parties were happening in half-abandoned buildings, and you could still find a decent apartment for under $1000. We talk about how that energy shifted as big development showed up faster than expected, squeezing some creatives to the margins.​ You'll hear stories of the stomp‑clap‑hey era, bottomless mimosas and DJ brunches, nights at City Club and the after‑hours scene, plus memories of Great Lakes Coffee, Union Street, Cliff Bell's jazz brunch, and neighborhood classics like Tom's Tavern. Jer shares the excitement of watching the first QLINE streetcars be delivered, and everyone offers a key 2016 memory that marked a new chapter in their lives.​ Then, a look at what changed, what didn't, and an invitation to share your own 2016 Detroit stories — and what year you want us to time‑capsule next. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On today's show: 00:28 - Dittrich Furs ran out, but found more furs: Is fur a cultural garb of Detroit? 03:20 -China is about to break into the Canadian car market, that hurts Detroit 11:02 - Michigan canabis market shrinking 14:34 - MAILBAG: Expand People Mover to Grand Boulevard? Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Coming to you from the studio at TechTown after a long weekend, today's show is all about what's happening in Detroit's food and drink world — the good, the bad, and the "wait, that closed already?" I'm joined by our engineer of both audio and alcohol, Randy Walker, to dig into some big changes at longtime favorites, why some promising spots didn't make it, and where you should actually spend your money right now. We'll talk rum bars, laptop bans at coffee shops, the future of the Ren Cen, and Randy's first impressions of Medusa in Midtown. The topics: Hygrade Deli in Southwest Detroit is in receivership after loan defaults and building issues, putting the longtime corned beef spot's future in doubt.​ We unpack why some well-regarded restaurants like Carajillo in Ferndale close within a year, from price perception to competition and capital.​ Randy talks about how Port in Ferndale shifted from laid-back rum haven to trendier, simpler drinks and how that changed the vibe.... plus where serious rum fans should go now, from Tocororo to Mutiny, and tease a future Daily Detroit happy hour.​ A new Pizza Cat on East Jefferson shows promise for downtown lunches even as the surrounding Jefferson/Ren Cen area struggles.​ We preview Burns Night with Acroyd Scottish Bakery at Urbanrest, complete with haggis, neeps and tatties, bagpipers, and the "stabbing of the haggis."​ Are you for or against laptops at coffeeshops? Roost Detroit's no-laptop policy sparks a bigger conversation about coffee shop etiquette, remote work, and who these spaces are really for.​ We had a "last lunch" at the Ren Cen Burger King and reflect on the eerie, post-pandemic decline of the complex, and how demolishing two Ren Cen towers and opening the site to the riverfront could match reality better than nostalgia.​ And finally, Randy gives a first-look review of Medusa in Midtown, from standout lamb and cocktails to price point, vibe, and whether it's worth a special night out.​ Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Today's show is a trifecta where we get Norris, Devon, and Jer all in the studio at once talking local stuff.  Here's the rundown: 01:43 - Shout out to Northern Lights 02:35 - There are some maybe possible Detroit People Mover expansion routes shared with the public. Where would you want to see it go? 11:17 - A fake CEO fools some in the media  19:00 - Responding to listener questions: Where is Gov. Whitmer on hot issues? She seems oddly silent lately. Feedback as always: dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211. Saturday coffee and conversation event: https://www.facebook.com/events/850409107962992 Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Show notes to come. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

On today's Daily Detroit, our conversations is with Joanna Whaley, a Democrat running in the primary for State House District 2, covering Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale and Southgate. Whaley is not a typical candidate. She's a former evangelical pastor, a seminary-trained theologian, a clinical spiritual care provider in a hospital, and a trans woman who has spent the last several years doing LGBTQ+ rights work inside religious spaces across Michigan and beyond.​ In this candid conversation, Whaley shares how pressure from both faith communities and local organizers pushed her from the pulpit toward politics.. and why she finally said yes. For her, she says the job is less about making viral clips and more about showing up in rooms where people don't always agree with her — then staying long enough to hear what they actually need.​ The discussion also touches on the "K-shaped" economy we're in and what that looks like in inner-ring suburbs that helped build Metro Detroit's middle class but now feel ignored by Lansing. Whaley details what she's hearing at doors and coffee hours: workers stuck in multiple part-time jobs, ACA premiums and deductibles spiking, and residents who are wary of being left holding the bag again.  That includes a proposed AI data center near the iconic tire along I‑94.​ There's a lot in about 20 minutes to unpack, and I hope you get something interesting out of it.  Her campaign website: https://www.joannawhaley.com/ Free coffee and conversation, this Saturday morning the 17th at the studio: https://www.facebook.com/share/14XWN3tcPNo/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

What should we expect at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show? Sam Klemet, the Executive Director of the event, joins me to walk through what's happening at Huntington Place. From cars, to interactive experiences, to performances — there's a lot to look for. The public show days are January 17-25. Tickets available here. Then, I bring you 5 things to know around town so you're caught up and what to know and where to go for your Monday. A shake up in the race for Michigan Governor A proposed bill to use the Defense Production Act with the aim of building more housing It's the end of the rack for Dittrich Furs after 132 years MSU's Endowment has bought even more of the Fisher Building in Detroit Mic Drop Comedy is opening in Detroit with a unique theme Feedback as always - 313-789-3211 or dailydetroit@gmail.com Live stream on Tuesday afternoon on our Daily Detroit YouTube, we may discuss these and other stories around town. Free coffee and conversation, Saturday morning the 17th at the studio: https://www.facebook.com/share/14XWN3tcPNo/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

On a weekend edition of your Daily Detroit, we unpack how national news has pushed its way into local conversations, why we're limiting our social media lately and why it's more important than ever to get together in person.  03:37 - Minneapolis, terrible violence, and how national news and federal forces are forcing their way into local 04:13 - Why we're spending way less time on social media 08:30 - Are Happy Hours dead? Also, we're having more happy hours and in-person events  Free coffee and conversation, Saturday morning the 17th at the studio: https://www.facebook.com/share/14XWN3tcPNo/ Or on Eventbrite if you don't have the FB https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-coffee-donuts-and-community-talking-detroit-and-the-region-tickets-1980178680739 As a heads up, it's likely that Devon's episodes will now air on Saturdays going forward. Keep this project free for everyone else and support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Local media across America is in its most tumultuous moment in decades, and Detroit is at the center of it. From the end of the joint operating agreement between the Free Press and the News, to shifts in public media funding, to the chaos around how you watch the Tigers, Pistons, and Red Wings, there's a lot to sort through. I talk with longtime PR pro and media watcher Matt Friedman of Tanner Friedman Public Relations about what's really happening, what's at stake for Metro Detroiters, and why your media subscriptions matter more than ever. The Rundown: 01:56 - People are confused in today's fast-changing media landscape. 02:58 Detroit's JOA (Joint Operating Agreement) is dissolved and the Detroit News and Free Press are separate now. What does that mean? Matt walks through how joint operating agreements emerged in the 1980s to keep multiple daily papers alive, and how Detroit's JOA kept the News and Freep tied together on the business side while competing in the newsroom for decades. He explains why their recent split into fully separate business and news operations is such a big deal in a market many don't think is "big enough" to support two robust metro newsrooms. We also get into the financial pressures facing local media, how Pittsburgh has lost two papers recently, how the New York Times makes more money and more profit than all of the USAToday/Gannett papers combined, and more.  18:08 The state of PBS and Public Media today: In short, it's not dead. With federal funding clawed back through a budget rescission and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting dissolved, local stations now have to replace that money through philanthropy and memberships, which Detroit has managed so far — but smaller markets may not.  22:57 The local sports TV rights business is a mess right now.  There's real uncertainty about how fans will watch first‑place teams if the parent of the regional sports network can't find a buyer, and that contingency planning is already underway. Plus, might we see some games on free TV?  This was a conversation as a media nerd I was glad to have with someone who has a 360 degree view of the landscape, and I hope you get some value out of it.  If you've got feedback, email me - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com, hit up our contact form, or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Jer and Norris talk Detroit nightlife nostalgia and a viral TGI Fridays "club" promo, a wild DDOT discipline case, where auto trends are really heading in 2026, and Jer's feature in Hour Detroit on Michigan politics and social media. Topic list: The last TGI Fridays in Michigan in Southfield turning into "the club" with paid booth service on a Wednesday; memories of Fridays, Club Blue, and early‑2000s happy hour culture.​ "The club is dead" argument; bottle‑service pricing, booths vs dancing, and how nightlife has shifted.​ Case for bringing back happy hour instead: coffee hangs at the studio, listener suggestions for meetups, and shout‑outs to Zuzu, Ema's Izakaya happy hour, Bastille bar, and Marrow in Eastern Market (including Jer's steak eview).​ DDOT discipline story: Office of Inspector General report on a supervisor and driver whose on‑the‑clock romantic hookup caused a 115‑minute service delay and further issues after abandoning a running bus.​​ Transit talk for "bus nerds": SMART's FAST Woodward and Gratiot routes moving to 20‑minute headways between Detroit and the suburbs, plus 30‑minute headways on Nine Mile and why that actually makes the bus useful for commutes and events.​ Auto talk: GM becoming the number‑two EV seller in the U.S.; Cadillac Lyriq and new EV SUVs, Ford Maverick's popularity and pricing, Lightning discontinuation, and why hybrids are quietly winning.​ Are EVs "failing"? Pushback on the narrative that "people don't want EVs," with Norris talking about living with an EV and never wanting to go back to gas.​ Jer in Hour Detroit/Hour Magazine: being featured alongside other Detroit voices on 2026 political outlooks, including concerns about Michigan's governor's race, U.S. Senate race, and Democrats' name ID.​ Why medium‑form, edited work (magazines, newsletters, podcasts) matters more than hot‑take social media for political and civic coverage.​ Rethinking social media in 2026: Daily Detroit shifting emphasis to newsletter, podcast, and live streams; gaining followers even while posting less; frustration with junky, "engagement first" content.​ Norris talks about the viral fake DoorDash "backend engineer" post as an AI‑generated hoax; term "enshittification," and why platforms stay quiet even when misinformation blows up.​ Community over algorithms: We're using in‑person events to build local connection instead of chasing feeds. Mark your calendars for Saturday morning the 17th of January.​ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Today, a conversation about what happens when a clever design school project turns into something much bigger. From a 20‑pound prototype stitched in a grandparents' bedroom to a 21,000‑square‑foot facility on Detroit's east side… and 100,000 coats later... Empowerment Plan has become a made‑in‑Detroit way of literally keeping the world warm. These are coats that turn into sleeping bags, sewn by Detroiters who have themselves experienced homelessness and are using this job as a stepping stone to what is next.  Founder and CEO Veronika Scott is my guest, and talks about building an uplifting ecosystem around that coat. You will also hear how feedback from people actually using the coat reshaped its design and how a product made from seconds and dead‑stock fabric ends up serving people from Detroit to more than 20 countries. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Detroit has a new mayor making moves, school funding is on the line over attendance rules, Highland Park is pushing back on a possible ICE site, Sheetz keeps expanding, and there's a very cool archaeology event you can actually go to.​ On this episode of Your Daily Detroit, ive stories to kick off 2026: Detroit makes history as Mary Sheffield becomes the city's first woman mayor, steps into office after a landslide win, and immediately signs on to the RX Kids program that delivers cash assistance to pregnant and new moms. ​ Detroit's main school district is staring down more than $2.2 million in state penalties because daily attendance has fallen below the 75% threshold, putting a spotlight on how the rules land hardest in high‑poverty communities. ​ In Highland Park, local leaders say they'll fight any move to put an ICE detention and processing center in the city after it appeared on an internal federal shortlist. It's still in rumor‑and‑draft territory, but the conversation raises bigger questions about local control.​ You'll also hear about Sheetz opening a new Warren location on the old Pampa Lanes site. And to close, I give you the details on Wayne State's Public Archaeology Day at Old Main, a free, all‑ages Saturday event with artifacts, shipwreck finds, and more. 01:23 Detroit has a new Mayor, RX Kids, and new City Council officers 03:04 Detroit Schools fined millions for low attendance 04:34 An ICE Detention facility for Highland Park? 06:12 More Sheetz, This Time In Warren 07:38 Public Archeaology Day at Wayne State Coming attractions: Live stream tomorrow (Tuesday) with Norris Howard; in-depth conversation on 100,000 coats from Detroit keeping peopel warm; and check out Hour Detroit this month (January) in print. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Today's episode is all about Detroit sandwich culture, community, and the power of sharing good food with good people. I'm joined in studio by Carlos Parisi, the mind behind Sandwich Week, for a wide-ranging conversation on where to find great sandwiches across the region – and how those places help you make real-life connections, not just grab lunch and go.​ 02:24 - Honoring Greg Mudge We start by remembering the late Greg Mudge of Mudgie's, whose new honorary street sign that went up over the weekend recognizes just how much he did to shape Detroit's modern restaurant and bar scene. Carlos shares personal stories about Greg as a mentor, community builder, and straight shooter who helped countless businesses get off the ground and pushed people to be better.​ 05:55 - 10 Rapid-fire sandwich takes Then I put Carlos through 10 rapid-fire sandwich questions, starting with the eternal "Is a hot dog a sandwich?" (he says no, emphatically). We get into toasted vs. untoasted bread, mayo vs. mustard, pickles, diagonal vs. straight cuts, fries and chips on the sandwich, bologna nostalgia, and why texture, temperature, and proper "shredduce" (shredded lettuce) make or break a great bite.​ 15:37 - Sandwich Week 2025 preview and schedule From there, we dig into Sandwich Week 2025, running December 26–31 in its 12th year. Carlos walks through the schedule:  Friday, Dec. 26 – Mudgie's (12–3 p.m.): Kicking things off where so much started, with the Uncle Carlos sandwich back on the menu.​ Saturday – Vesper Books & Wine (12-3 p.m.): A first-ever Sandwich Week pop-up with Ayiti Spaghetti​ Sunday – Ladder 4 (12-3 p.m.): Wild, creative sandwiches from one of the top spots in the country, plus that off-the-beaten-path wine-bar vibe.​ Sunday night – Dakota Inn Ratskeller (ticketed dinner, 6 p.m.): A 15-foot sandwich built on a giant table in the newly revived basement German wine bar! Plus sides, Aunt Nee's chips and salsa, and two drinks with your ticket.​ Monday – Rocco's (12-3 p.m.): A must-visit Italian market stop with art between two slices of bread.​ Tuesday lunch (12–3 p.m.) – Tall Trees: Ferndale's small-but-mighty cafe, with obsessive attention to thoughtful sandwiches.​ Finale – Batch Brewing (6 p.m.): Closing things out under the big tent with a special smoked-meats sandwich lineup and a big community raffle with concert tickets, gift cards, and more from businesses across Metro Detroit. There are also a number of sidequests with deals at Gonella's, Pietrzyk  Pierogi, JP's Makes and Bakes, Last Chance Saloon, Bev's Bagels. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Jer and Devon cue up our annual mild, hot, and spicy predictions for Detroit, Metro Detroit and Michigan things in 2026! From fun, to development, to automotive, to transit, to politics - we cover all of the bases. If you've got your own predictions (or agree or disagree with ours!) let us know.  It's one of our must-listen local podcast episodes of the year.  Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit  Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Show notes to come   Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Michigan's auto industry is still a global leader, but Glenn Stevens of MICHAUTO argues in this episode that "innovate or be left behind" is no longer a slogan — it's the stakes of the moment for the state's economy. Glenn walks through the forces reshaping the industry — rapid technology shifts like automation, AI, and EVs, fierce global competition from places like China, and whiplash in trade and domestic policy that makes long-term planning harder. He explains why the real battle is for talent: from skilled trades to high-end software and digital jobs, Michigan needs better K–12 outcomes, clearer career pathways, more counselors, affordable housing, and reliable transit if it wants people to build their lives and careers here. Here's the full report if you want to check it out for yourself: https://michauto.org/michauto-report-michigan-must-innovate-or-be-left-behind-amid-rapidly-changing-automobility-industry/ Feedback as always: dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com Thanks to City Bird for their support. Get grat local gifts this holiday season: https://www.citybirddetroit.com/ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

State House Speaker Matt Hall's move to cancel $645 million in already-approved state funding is the political equivalent of a rug pull, and it has real consequences for projects and people across Michigan. This episode digs into what happened, why it matters, and what comes next for cities, nonprofits, and everyday Michiganders. This wasn't theoretical money on a spreadsheet. It hit projects that were already underway with contracts signed and local dollars already spent on the promise of state reimbursement. The cuts touch everything from Motown Museum improvements and the BAMF Cancer Center in Detroit to an emergency shelter in Sault Ste. Marie, RX Kids cash support for new parents, police infrastructure in Dearborn, Detroit Zoo funding, and Detroit's right-to-counsel program. To break down the facts, impacts, what could be next and what you could do about it is Steve Watson. He is a Partner and COO at Watson and Yates, a consulting firm here in Detroit that serves public sector and non-profit clients.  He knows his stuff. Formerly, Steve was budget director for the city of Detroit. His post, "Speaker Hall's How the Grinch Stole Christmas" took what I had seen in other outlets to another level with his in-depth understanding and I knew I just had to talk to him. https://watsonyates.substack.com/p/speaker-halls-how-the-grinch-stole Support the show on Patreon, get stickers: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Three timely stories to talk about today: 01:20 – Sherrone Moore Fired The University of Michigan and head football coach Sherrone Moore abruptly part ways after an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a staffer, plus a separate assault probe in Washtenaw County.​ Jer and Fletcher dig into how this goes far beyond wins and losses: the impact on recruits, assistants, and a program still reeling from recent scandals.​ They also explore how boosters, fans, and parents might see Moore differently after this, and what it means for Michigan's near-term future on and off the field.​ 09:57 – Leland House Power Cut Detroit's historic Leland House goes dark after a fire marshal–ordered evacuation, with DTE and ownership pointing fingers over damaged equipment and unpaid bills. ​​ The conversation widens to what happens when iconic Detroit buildings fall into limbo—and how quickly "troubled" can turn into "too far gone."​ 15:19 – Kronk Gym Returning to Detroit Some good news: Kronk Gym is back inside Detroit city limits at a new home on Wilkins, not far from where legends once trained.​ The revived gym blends big-name boxing alumni with youth programming, fitness classes and a renewed community mission.​ Fletcher shares personal memories of the old Kronk and why hearing "hailing from Detroit, Michigan, out of Kronk Gym" still hits different for the city.​ Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Detroit's stories in today's show are on the riverfront, in Corktown, in our startup labs, and even inside a nearly century-old neighborhood theater. From a $71 million defense-tech hub on the water and a plant-based diner bringing new life to Michigan Avenue, to a controversial new cannabis tax, brain-drain at U-M startups, and the Senate Theater's call for help, this episode breaks down some of the forces reshaping Detroit in 2025. The rundown: 01:07 - Where we've been: Saksey's 03:55 - Where we've been: City Bird and Nest 06:47 - State Grants Money For New Riverfront Defense HQ  09:17 - Street Beet opening in Corktown this Thursday 12:33 - Mocha and Company coffee shop opening downtown 15:01 - Marshall M Fredricks Museum opening a studio on the eastside 17:52 - Michigan judge allowing wholesale tax on canabis to start January 1st  20:29 - Report says that the state has a hardtime keeping U of M startups 27:05 - Senate Theater raising money for building repairs 29:00 - Mailbag: Pile of junk update 30:10 - Norris RoboCop statue thoughts Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

We got a ton of feedback on the Packard Plant project announcement last week, so we sort through it with our thoughts. Plus, Norris keeps it a buck on people who want Detroit to win and what it'll take to keep families in the city. Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Today's episode is a fun one in two parts: 1) What are YOUR favorite podcasts, books, and music? We got our Spotify Wrapped and since Devon's a parent and his music selection has been completely skewed by his family, we thought we'd walk through ours and also ask if YOU want to share your favorite stuff! What did the data analytics miss? 2) We have an update on the proposed demolition date of the RenCen, 2027. But should we do something fun with it in between?  Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431  

Detroit has a RoboCop statue. I watched it go in myself on Wednesday. It's a real thing. An amazingly detailed, 10-foot tall, 2.5 ton bronze behemoth will be greeting future generations coming to Eastern Market.  For more of the story, I sat down with three of the key people who refused to let this long-running project die: Filmmaker and original organizer Brandon Walley Producer and Free Age co-owner Jim Toscano  Omni Consumer Products' "defictionalizer-in-chief" Pete Hottelet Together, we unpack how a jokey tweet comparing Detroit to Philadelphia's Rocky statue turned into a nearly decade and a half odyssey that pulled in Hollywood effects legends, local foundry artisans, a major studio, and countless twists and turns. Brandon explains how the idea leapt from a viral Facebook page into a real public art commission through the old Imagination Station, and why the team was adamant that the statue be made in Detroit.  He walks through the early missteps, the learning curve on how you actually build a 10-foot bronze figure, and the multi-year collaboration with Venus Bronze Works, the shop behind many of Detroit's landmark sculptures.​ Pete gets into the legal and technical hurdles: getting MGM on board, putting up his own money to show good faith, and insisting on screen-accurate detail by restoring Peter Weller's original armor from a warehouse in Houston with artist Mark Dubois and the legendary Tippett Studio. One of the most interesting points for me, from a community perspective, is that he talks about "defictionalizing" Robocop's Directive One — serve the public trust — by turning the statue's plaque itself into a QR code that can connect visitors to community causes, donating straight from their phones.​ Jim shares how Free Age became Robocop's eventual "roommate" after other locations, including the Science Center, fell through during the pandemic.  He and Walley talk about the symbolism of placing Robocop on the edge of Eastern Market as a welcoming figure, arm extended, and how they're bracing — in a good way — for fans who donated years ago, people honoring loved ones, and visitors from around the world to show up on their Russell Street patio.​ Throughout, the group reflects on the grind of seeing a wild idea through nearly 15 years, the friendships and collaboration that kept it alive, and what it means for Detroit to finally have a pop-culture monument that is both deeply nerdy and deeply rooted in the city's perseverance and generosity. You're not going to want to miss this conversation, or your chance to see a bit of movie history right here in the Motor City. More on Eastern Market's website: https://easternmarket.org/robo-cop-statue/ More on Omni Consumer Products: https://www.omniconsumerproductscorporation.com/ Free Age: https://www.instagram.com/thefreeage/?hl=en Brandon Walley: https://www.instagram.com/brandonwalley/?hl=en Cover art photo by Ryan Southen. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/ Daily Detroit is made possible by our members on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit  

On this episode of Daily Detroit, host Jer Staes is joined by barchaeologist and writer Mickey Lyons to explore the newest and best places to grab a drink around the city. They dig into Mickey's latest guide for Eater Detroit, "The Best New Bars in Detroit Right Now," which highlights standout spots for cocktails, beer, and wine across the region. From intimate neighborhood joints to polished hotel bars and creative cocktail dens, the conversation covers what makes each place worth a visit, how they fit into Detroit's evolving bar scene, and why thoughtful hospitality still matters as much as a good drink.​ Jer and Mickey talk about how Detroit's bar culture has matured over the past decade, what trends are emerging behind the stick, and how new openings are spreading beyond the traditional downtown and Midtown cores. They also share practical tips on what to order, when to go, and how to pick the right spot for your next night out, date, or low‑key hang with friends.​ If you're plotting your next bar crawl or just want a fresh place to become a regular, this episode is a handy starting point. Check out Mickey's full list on Eater Detroit here: https://detroit.eater.com/maps/detroit-best-new-bars-cocktails-wine-beer Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Detroit's Packard Plant finally has a realistic reuse plan — and downtown's historic Leland is abruptly shutting its doors. On today's Daily Detroit, Jer Staes is joined by producer Shianne Nocerini and reporter Luciano Marcon to unpack two very different development stories that say a lot about where the city is headed. Packard Plant reboot Jer and Shianne break down the newly announced 28‑acre redevelopment of the southern half of the Packard Plant site along East Grand Boulevard, after going to the announcement on the city's east side. The plan, led by Packard Development Partners in a public‑private‑philanthropic partnership with the city and groups including the Albert Kahn Legacy Foundation, calls for a new 393,000‑square‑foot Class A industrial building and an estimated 300 permanent manufacturing jobs They outline what's envisioned for the historic Albert Kahn building: 42 affordable live‑make units, a skate park, the Museum of Detroit Electronic Music (MODEM) and more than two acres of indoor‑outdoor public and recreation space, with completion targeted for 2029. The team talks about why keeping the 1903‑era frontage on East Grand matters to the neighborhood and the city's psyche, and why this feels like a grounded, "doable" project instead of yet another Packard pipe dream. They also speculate, based on the more than 50 loading docks and rail/freeway access, that the site is more likely headed toward logistics or shipping than a data center. Leland House shutdown In the second half, Luciano joins Jer and Shianne after a very cold visit to the Leland House, the nearly century‑old former Leland Hotel downtown that's now telling remaining residents they must leave with less than a week's notice. Management letters delivered over the holiday weekend say the building will close by Wednesday, December 3, amid bankruptcy complications and stalled redevelopment efforts following the death of owner Michael Higgins. Luciano describes what he saw inside: Residents relying on space heaters Visible water damage Tarps tacked to ceilings and years of deferred maintenance The crew talks about the scramble by the city to help people relocate, the potential loss of jobs tied to longtime nightlife fixture City Club and the scale of money it would take to save the property. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On this pre-Thanksgiving episode of Daily Detroit, Norris Howard and I come to you in our Sunday sport-coated best fresh from a heavyweight fireside chat with Detroit's outgoing Mayor Mike Duggan and Rocket's Dan Gilbert. We react to a conversation that's a look into the future of Detroit and Michigan from two people shaping where we're headed next. We break down the biggest takeaways from the discussion, including why housing affordability tops Duggan's agenda as he runs for governor (as an independent) and why zoning reform and building more duplexes, triplexes, and other smaller-scale multi-family housing are absolutely crucial for Detroit. We get into the realities of market demand, population shifts, and why transit is still the other half of Detroit's comeback equation. Because whether it's chicken or egg, you need both people and transit to revitalize a city. Beyond the political stage, Norris and I swap thoughts on how local development impacts long-standing communities, and why the land value tax push in Lansing was such a key piece of the mayor's agenda. Then, we switch gears for a rapid-fire rundown of where to shop, eat, and support local business for Small Business Saturday across Southeast Michigan, from Merry in Midtown to the Rust Belt in Ferndale. Plus, some of our holiday traditions, why you shouldn't ring the bell at the Two Way Inn unless you're feeling extra generous, and why supporting our local spots matters more than ever. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On your Daily Detroit, we're diving into a crisis that affects not just our classrooms, but the future of our entire region: Michigan's unraveling education and talent pipeline.  I'm joined by Greg Handel, chief education and talent officer at the Detroit Regional Chamber. We're going to unpack a new report that doesn't pull punches…. Michigan has tumbled to 40th in per capita income nationwide, a far cry from the place we held just a generation ago. The full report: https://www.detroitchamber.com/just-released-2025-state-of-education-talent-report/ We're going beyond the headlines. On this Tuesday, November 25 we get into:  What happened to our advantages? How did our state fall behind, and what's being done to reverse the slide?  In a world where place and talent attract each other, we'll explore the hard truths and real opportunities for a region at a crossroads. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.  Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On today's show: At what temperature do you stop wearing shorts? 02:31 – Detroit Lions narrowly defeat Giants, and the season is on the line The "Cardiac Cats" deliver another stressful win: the Lions barely get by the Giants. Jer and Fletcher break down the wild ride that is the Jameis Winston experience ("more fun when it's not your team on the line!"), and how Jamir Gibbs stepped up in historic fashion. Deep dive into what's working and what isn't—especially a candid convo about Jared Goff, the offensive coordinator, and whether the Lions are too predictable. The hosts highlight what must improve for Detroit with national eyes on them for Thanksgiving against the Packers—a critical NFC North matchup. Both agree: If the Lions want a real shot at the playoffs, they basically need to win out.  11:12 – Detroit Pistons: 12-Game Win Streak and Rising Hopes The Pistons are HOT: 14-2 with a 12-game win streak, taking down Milwaukee on the road (even if Giannis was out). "Are the Pistons for real?" Discussion weighs schedule quality, team growth, the impact of new players, and how Detroit is earning national respect. Local pride watch: Shoutout to Ryan Rollins (Macomb Dakota) leading Milwaukee in the absence of their stars. Being able to expect the Pistons to win games, not just "play hard"—Detroit fans everywhere can relate how good this feels! Call to listeners for vintage Pistons gear for the studio. 18:11 – Red Wings: "Wings in Flight" and Atlantic Division Leaders Quick coverage of the Red Wings' strong season—they're leading the Atlantic and scoring with flash. Props to Dylan Larkin, DeBrincat, and Lucas Raymond, plus some talk about the Yzerplan paying off. 19:35 – Stephen Carroll retires as DCFC Captain for Front Office Role Longtime Detroit City FC captain Stephen Carroll announces retirement from the pitch but stays with the club in a (yet-to-be-named) front office role. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/ Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit    

This episode of Daily Detroit with Jer Staes and Devon O'Reilly covers: Thanksgiving vibes: Jer and Devon kick off with light banter on their favorite Thanksgiving sides  Where we've been: Devon shares his experience at the new Ford World Headquarters grand opening in Dearborn, highlighting the innovative "glass spaceship" campus, family legacy, and downtown impact. This includes the historic Dearborn Inn and its newly redone literary-themed cottages. Where we've been, pt 2, holiday happenings: Jer describes the festive transformation of Michigan Central Station for "Winter at the Station," complete with interactive video walls and seasonal events, making it a must-visit holiday destination in Corktown. Community and connection: We encourage listeners to explore diverse neighborhoods and businesses across Metro Detroit! Get to know your neighbors! Facing serious news: The conversation shifts to recent protests in Dearborn, debunking harmful myths (notably, the false "Sharia law" narrative) and reflecting on the robust, peaceful, and united local response. Devon, recently elected to City Council, shares some hsitory and context about Dearborn's resilience and diversity — as outsiders coming around with factually false ideas is nothing new. We end with calls for stores from listeners in communities across the region. After all, Daily Detroit has the core value of localism. Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.  Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Jer and Norris are in with hot takes and hot stories around Metro Detroit! 03:12 - Sweetgreens opening day annoucement 05:32 - Belle Isle news: Zoo to be demolished and the historic Boat House will be leased to developer 11:41 - David Whitney Building converting existing apartment units to condos 15:07 - DTE Energy trying to fast track approval for data center 20:27 - Sinclair media trying to buy EW Scripps - which includes WXYZ Channel 7 here in Detroit

What do you think of the new "Nasty Dogs" Pistons nickname? Plus, Cade's getting his flowers with a new show; the Lions look kinda lacking and need to step their game up if they're gonna make the playoffs. PLUS - Eminem and Paul Rosenberg are producing the halftime shows for Thanksgiving Day for the next three years. First up? Jack White. We're supported by you, our members on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211.

Me and photographer Ryan Southen reflect on Ford's new glass-clad headquarters across from The Henry Ford in Dearborn. We get into the design elements, the thoughts behind the campus, and details we noticed from the tour. It shows an organization that's looking not only to the future, but to having a campus that top talent from around the country would want to work at. Ford's new World Headquarters isn't just glass and steel. It's a 2.1 million square foot bet that Metro Detroit and Michigan can compete for talent with Silicon Valley. You can see the entire photo tour on our website here: https://www.dailydetroit.com/see-inside-fords-big-bet-on-the-future-a-new-world-headquarters/  

Welcome to Friday! This is your Daily Detroit sharing What's Next, What's Now and What Matters in the Motor City. Devon O'Reilly and Jer are your hosts and today's bucket of topics include: Detroit development updates: Henry Ford campus expansion, new Amsterdam Lofts, and transformation around Grand Boulevard Discussion of the changing Milwaukee Junction, originally the crucible of the auto industry and generally an industrial neighborhood and now turning to lofts and residential Where we've been: Fishbones in St. Clair Shores and the new Nick Gilbert Way for the holidays Devon laments the loss of the "kitschy" vibe in dining — and the rise of homogenized minimalism in Detroit restaurants Are you a minimalist or a maximalist with design? New placemaking features: There's a giant teddy bear at Nick Gilbert Way and improved Woodward corridor with outdoor "rooms" Pingree Detroit's opening on Columbia  Retail update: Timberland store opening on Woodward today Abrupt closure of the Sonder Hotel (Gabriel Richard Building) due to national bankruptcy; what's next for the property Our main topic: A new $75 million DDA incentive for Renaissance Center conversion and riverfront redevelopment; breakdown of funding and vision for more public access and a "Navy Pier-like" experience Comparing Detroit's Riverfront to other U.S. cities and discussion on what it still needs to truly be the best Upcoming events: David Whitney building tree lighting on November 22nd Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

And we're back! Jer and Fletcher are in to talk about all things Detroit on this Veteran's Day.  Also, thanks for the HUGE effort by you, our community, on our Gleaners virtual food drive! Support it here: https://fooddrives.gcfb.org/event/2025-daily-detroit-virtual-food-drive/ Your show rundown: 03:47 - RoboCop Statue in Eastern Market: Jer and Fletcher discuss long-awaited completion and location of Detroit's RoboCop statue; impact as a tourist destination; personal reflections and the journey to completion. 07:36 - Detroit Lions Talk: Recap Lions' 44-22 win over Washington; Jer and Fletcher analyze Dan Campbell's offensive play-calling shift, staff decisions, game tactics, impact on the team, and upcoming game vs. Eagles. 15:18 - Pistons Off to a Hot Start: Jer and Fletcher break down Detroit Pistons' 9-2 record, Cade Cunningham's historic triple-double, change in team chemistry, new players, and renewed energy; Fletcher analyzes growth and outlook. 18:09 - Detroit City FC Playoff Run Ends: Reaction to DCFC's playoff elimination (penalty shootout), success exceeding expectations, offense frustrations, league parity, and challenges retaining talent. 21:40 - Listener: Why Not More Red Wings Talk? Listener question about lack of Red Wings coverage; Fletcher shares personal reasons and nostalgia for Red Wings' 90s dynasty. But yes, we totally hear you! 25:10 - What is Fletcher's favorite Daily Detroit sticker? Get yours at https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/