Daily Detroit

There are a lot of openings and closings in the food and drink world to talk about. First, cheers to Brooklyn Street Local. Nine plus years is a heck of a run, and they say in a heartfelt Facebook post that there are going to be new chapters ahead here for the pair from Toronto. https://www.facebook.com/BrooklynStreetLocal/posts/4409536882415444 -Detroit Axe is opening up in Corktown today. It's in a space they're calling the "Yard at Corktown." Are you an axe-throwing person, or no? - The Mixing Board is opening in Little Caesars Arena, a Michigan-themed live music and restaurant venue; plus the Points Bet sports bar.  - The New York Times has praise for a place that Devon is somewhat embarrassed he hasn't been to, Al Tayeb. - A local designer who also is an Afghan refugee is in Project Runway, it'll be something cool to watch. Full story: https://www.freep.com/story/entertainment/television/2021/10/14/project-runway-sabrina-spanta-afghanistan/6050286001/ Also, Victor Williams is the GOAT of skateboarding newscasters. The door is open, sir, if you ever wanna sit in on an episode. Well done. If you haven't seen the video: https://twitter.com/NewsWithVictor/status/1448488259710038018

Our feature conversation with with Kelli Dobner of Samaritas. He organization is looking to raise funds to help 350 Afghan refugees in Metro Detroit and Grand Rapids get a footing while they restart their lives. More: https://www.samaritas.org/refugee-crisis Also, I share a quick thing to know and two places to go. - Bally Sports Detroit has renewed their deal to broadcast Tigers and Wings games. But can we please get a real streaming option? - The Detroit Bourbon Fest is this weekend to support the Friends of Detroit River. https://detroitbourbonfest.com/ - And there's a new mural at Van Dyke and Mack you may wanna check out this weekend. It reimagines the Spirit of Detroit in a beautiful way.  https://twitter.com/TheDailyDetroit/status/1448672244478185473  

Apple has opened a new iOS and App developer academy here in Detroit with the goal of bringing in a thousand students a year across their programs. It's part of their Racial Equity and Justice Initiative, with the goal to help address systemic racism and expand opportunities for communities of color across the country. To learn more, our feature conversation is with Apple's Alisha Johnson. She leads external engagement for Apple's Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives. Here's a link to learn more and apply when slots become available: https://developeracademy.msu.edu/  

It is a busy show today! 01:13 - The Pensole Lewis School of Business and Design will be Michigan's only HBCU. The school is the brainchild of Dr. D'Wayne Edwards and we caught up for a few minutes and tell the story of how this project that not only teaches design as a career, but offers free tuition, comes together. 08:18 - Towing has been a source of controversy and corruption in metro Detroit. The city has a new ordinance to try and curb the abuses and tilt things more in favor of residents. 09:47 - Things are not smelling like roses on Detroit's east side near the Stellantis plant. 10:37 - The city is in line to get a new Detroit Animal Care and Control facility, more than doubling the number of available kennels to 200. 11:26 - Fletcher Sharpe steps in to talk Detroit City FC's matchdays, the upcoming Black Star initiative to help build soccer in the Detroit community. He then has thoughts on Ben Wallace joining the Piston's front office and whether Grant Hill should have his number retired. p.s. - I know from being in the city awhile people appreciate when you ask for what you need. So two things. Everybody - if you like the show, tell a friend. Leave a review on Apple Podcasts. Send an email to spread the word. And if you happen to be able to spare some coin, we're able to stay independent and going thanks to our members on Patreon. It takes more than a full work day to produce a show like this. Interviews. Editing. Writing. Behind the scenes work. So consider becoming a member at http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Today, we start in Dearborn. We discuss the news that Miller's is for sale, and what tweaks might need to happen next. Plus, there's a new food hall opening up on Michigan Avenue near another development we talked about recently.  Devon ranks his top three Dearborn burgers, honoring a place that's gone and a place Jer hadn't heard of but needs to try. Plus, a couple of affordable housing projects that are actually kinda neat are happening. One, the Cathedral Apartments that look like a UFO could land on them, and the other a three-story project that brings back to life an old neighborhood apartment building. Finally, Devon waxes poetic about the return of the Thanksgiving Parade for in-person attendance. Thanks for stopping by fun Friday! And thanks to our members on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit for supporting us. 

Today's show is in two parts. First, someone from the insurance company side who's willing to come on air and talk in detail about insurance rates in Detroit and how they might come down. Eric Poe heads up Cure auto insurance, a not-for-profit carrier that's entered the Detroit market and says they can signficantly reduce car insurance rates. I'm interested to see what you think when you kick the tires. Plus, Dr. Michael Lutz from the MIU Men's Health initiative previews Saturday's free health screening fair for men at Ford Field.

Today, Fletcher Sharpe talks all the things Detroit City FC. From the drubbing Le Rouge gave to New Amsterdam (and their goalie situation), to a 0-0 draw, we cover the on the field play. Then we get into a piece in Sports Illustrated focusing on the club and giving it some national press. There's also the new smoke jerseys and a community initiative to help raise up soccer in the Detroit Public Schools. At the very end, by listener request, we talk about the mean streets of Bloomfield Hills. Or that's what one local brand was trying to sell you. Until they took all the products down. You can follow Fletcher on Twitter @SaintFDW Thanks to our members on Patreon.

Today's conversation is with Anthony Adams, candidate for mayor of the city of Detroit. He has a long career in public service, and we dive into the issues the city of Detroit faces and how he'd approach them. Some of the topics we touch on include education, policing, flooding, transit, mobility, lowering (or maybe eliminating) Detroit's residential property tax, campaign finance, and universal basic income. His website: https://anthonyadamsformayor.com/  

Today's feature conversation is with sculptor Austen Brantley.  Website: https://www.austenbrantleysculpture.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austenbrantley/ Also in the back few minutes, I share a couple quick things to know around town: - Local officials are worried about the city's low (43.9%) vaccination rate and a November/.December COVID-19 surge in the region. So far, Metro Detroit has been relatively spared.  - The Starbucks at Woodward and Montcalm in the Fox Theater building quietly closed 

The Detroit Grand Prix could be moving downtown. It's big news, as many Detroiters have had a mixed view of the race. Many are supportive of the race as it's the Motor City, but also not too pleased about the impact to Belle Isle. To look at the pros, the cons, the racing angles of taking the race back downtown after 32 years - Eric Trytko. He's got 30+ years of experience as a motorsports announcer, 20+ years covering motorsports and has raced cars and motorcycles himself. We also talk about Motor Bella and how that went this year.

Today's show: -Detroit City Councilman Andre Spivey pleads guilty as part of a widening corruption probe - A Detroit Firefighters union official is alleged to have taken $220k in union funds - Mom's Spaghetti is opening permanently in downtown Detroit And our feature conversation is with Fletcher Sharpe. We talk Detroit City FC's 1-0 win over the Force and preview upcoming games and against New Amsterdam and Maryland. Plus, his Lions thoughts and the Detroit Pistons are one of only two NBA teams that are fully vaccinated. Our show is funded by our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

As we run up to the November Detroit election, we're doing some candidate interviews. One of them is M.L. Elrick. He's running for District 4 on Detroit's east side. We talk about his ideas around keeping flood waters out of basements, ethics, his plan to remove the perk of a city-provided car for council members, development, Detroit's bus problems, and more. His website: https://ml4detroit.com/ Note: We will have an automated transcript up on our website this week. To be clear, we are not offering endorsements. The point of these conversations is to leave our listeners more informed, however you decide to vote. What we do want to do is raise up policy ideas and solutions as our city and suburbs face a number of challenges and opportunities. Information is in the episode if you're a candidate or represent one and would like to connect for a conversation.

Today's show is in two parts. First half, Jer and Shi break down a Detroit Regional Chamber poll released today that talks about how the state feels about the economy, mask mandates, Afghan refugee resettlement and more. You can read the data for yourself here: https://www.detroitchamber.com/sept-michigan-priorities-poll/ On the back half, Fletcher Sharpe and Jer catch up to talk about Detroit City FC's first loss in a year to Stumptown AC on Saturday night and preview the important game that is against LA Force next weekend. A reminder: We're supported by our members on Patreon. It keeps the show free for everyone else to enjoy: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Fletcher Sharpe is in the North End studio today. From a bicycle kick victory goal on ESPN SportsCenter to NISA season shifts, there's a lot of soccer news. Plus, Fletcher gives an athlete's perspective on the road ahead for injured Lion Jeff Okudah. Who were the greatest Pistons? Fletcher's piece in Hour runs through it and on the show he shares his pick for best Piston of all time. Detroiter Chris Webber is in the NBA Hall of Fame. There are strong thoughts. Detroit Neighborhood Softball League playoffs are starting. And a listener shares a tip so if you get caught going the wrong way to Canada how to get back.

New Holland v Coppercraft v Two James A no fear, no favor review of Michigan-made canned craft cocktails available for public purchase at the time of recording. 

Today we visit the Eddystone in downtown Detroit. We share some history, then talk to Keith Bradford. He's the Senior VP of Development at Olympia Development. More: https://eddystonedetroit.com/ Remember, we have our 2021 annual listener survey: http://dailydetroit.com/survey

Today's feature conversation with Duncan Campbell, talking about the Oudolf Garden on Belle Isle. It was designed by Piet Oudolf. Plus, five stories to know around town from Rivian setting up to go public to Korean Fried Chicken chain Bon Chon coming to the region. We do this for our listeners. We've been growing a lot lately, so it's time for our annual 2021 listener survey: http://www.dailydetroit.com/survey  

Today's feature conversation is with Fletcher Sharpe (@saintfdw) on Detroit City FC's win over 1904 FC. He also tees up next week's match against Chicago House. But first, stories around town: A newly-minted Detroit Police Officer gets arrested just hours after he gets his badge for fighting in Greektown The Fisher Building is up for sale. Anyone want a skyscraper? The Book Tower has a new extended-say apartment concept for newly relocated Detroiters called "Roost." Which is funny to me because I remember when the third floor of that thing was a roost — for birds. And, the Ford F-150 Lightning has so much interest Ford is said to be doubling production. Of course, we're funded by our members on Patreon. Thank you and you're crucial to this keeping going: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit You can find Fletcher Sharpe on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/SaintFDW  

Our feature conversation is about a Detroit-based company that's created a Minecraft world to teach personal finance called Fintropolis. Also, through their "Moguls" program is working with Big Sean to diversify the finance industry. My guest is Andrea Brimmer from Ally.  Stories around town: Interim Detroit Police Chief James White tapped to become permanent A new poll from EPIC/MRA and commissioned by the Freep shows (and you can read more results here: https://www.freep.com/story/news/politics/elections/2021/08/22/whitmer-craig-michigan-governor-election-poll/8161789002/) Gretchen Whitmer and former DPD chief James Craig neck and neck Majority support for mask mandates, but not vaccine mandates Also, non-essential land travel from Canada and Mexico stays suspended (important as a border city). General Motors is recalling all the Chevy Bolts for battery issues. Ford is doing well with pre-order reservations for the Ford Maverick small pickup truck. Thanks to our members who keep this going for everyone else! http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  Also, you can find us wherever fine podcasts are found: http://www.dailydetroit.com/podcast  

Today's rundown on a Friday, from the David Whitney Building across from Grand Circus Park: - Longtime city activist, commentator and so much more Steve Hood has died. Go read a far better piece by someone remembering his friend here: https://deadlinedetroit.com/articles/28509/detroit_tv_host_and_activist_steve_hood_who_often_knew_the_real_story_in_politics_dies_at_58 - The World Economic Forum is opening an innovation centre in Detroit. Devon notes it's a big deal. We'll have a future episode focusing on it and what it all means. - DTE Energy is now offering $100 credit for people still without power as of last Monday. Is it enough? Should there be more? - Black Restaurant Week kicks off today. There are so many restaurants in so many places - many with curbside options - so go support some. https://fullofdetroitsoul.com/dbrw/restaurants - The Red Hook opens their new location on Jos Campau at Jefferson, at the foot of the Dennis W. Archer Greenway today.  - In Grosse Pointe Park, Brine Oyster Bar is opening to give a little New Orleans flair. It replaces the long-standing Janet's Lunch. - Don't forget there's the bourbon garden party in Grand Circus Park each Thursday. More: https://www.facebook.com/events/229049269094840/ Thanks to all of our Patreon members who keep this podcast going! Because we hit our summer goal, we aren't being annoying about supporting us until September. But it really DOES matter and every dollar counts to keep this content free for everyone to enjoy and get value from: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

"Detroit in 50 Maps" is a new book out this November. Alex B. Hill is the author and our guest, talking about the ways to tell Detroit's story with maps and what we can learn. Available for preorder here: https://beltpublishing.com/products/detroit-in-50-maps  

Today's show covers three main topics: 00:42 - Fletcher Sharpe talks about Cal United and Detroit City FC's tie plus previews Saturday's game against SD 1904 02:32 - Jalen Green needs to sit down when it comes to Detroit-bashing. Devon O'Reilly joins Fletch to weigh in. 08:35- "Untold: Malice at the Palace" came out on Netflix. It's one of our listerners favorite topics, but it's in the news so we spend a few minutes on it. Devon labels it "propaganda." Fletcher was there. 15:41 - And finally, if you were in the stands and got Miguel Cabrera's 500th career home run ball, would you keep it? Thanks to our members for supporting the show! We hit our summer goal. If you'd like to join our three great new members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Today: The city of Detroit's population is now 639,111 - a drop of 10.5% and far below what Census estimates had said. 800,000 in Metro Detroit without power and it will be days until it's restored. A Coca-Cola bottling plant is closing on West Warren and the operations moving to Grand Rapids. The Michigan Restaurant and Lodging Association has a new survey out showing how bad the labor shortage is for them. Man About Town Devon O'Reilly checked out Supergeil and shares his thoughts and recommendations. The Detroit Historical Museum has a special event this Sunday, "Body by Fisher." Remember we're wherever fine podcasts are found and that we're supported by our members at http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Show was delayed due to lack of power, but once we got the batteries plugged in, we were good to go. Our stories: 410k Metro Detroit houses were out of power in a snap thanks to a harsh thunderstorm that cause a lot of damage Wednesday. COVID cases have almost doubled in the city of Detroit and the city has strongly encourage indoor mask wearing. The city has a low vaccination rate. Statewide, we're pushing 1400 cases a day. Schools are going in all different directions, which is worrisome as the Delta variant impact children far more than Alpha did. Howe's Bayou in Ferndale is closed until further notice for lack of staff, and Eater Detroit reports that Noodletopia has a robot server that acts like a cat. Lear is going into the old Cadillac Stamping plant site on Detroit's east side. The QLINE Streetcar returns to service in late September with promises to change. The suburban bus system SMART has a new General Manager, who served in Cincinnati and a number of other cities. Detroit's O'Hair Park was rededicated after $2 million in improvements. Jer also gives you a little Detroit history. And finally - Smokey Bones is coming to Shelby Township. They call themselves "The Master of Meat." Are they? Have you been to one? We need intel! A reminder we're on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever fine podcasts are found. Also, thanks to our members on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit for keeping this thing going.       

Today's show is mostly about developments around town. - There are new plans for the State Fair Transit Center that would save the historic Dairy Cattle Building, but demolish all but the portico of the old Coliseum - Marwood + Marston is coming to the North End, an $18.2 million residential development with affordable housing - There's some progress over at the Eddystone. It overlooks Little Caesars Arena. - Barcade (the actual name-brand Barcade) will open on Selden later this August.  - Is a business-focused hotel coming to downtown Ferndale? - A possible Meijer in Macomb Township is facing stiff resistance from residents because of fears of lights, crime and sex trafficking that the grocery store might bring. https://www.macombdaily.com/2021/08/06/plans-for-macomb-township-meijer-move-ahead/ - And late-breaking news as we record the podcast, the founder of Garden Fresh Salsa, Jack Aronson, has died at 68. Remember we're wherever fine podcasts are found and are powered by our Patreon members! Thanks to our newest members Timothy, Gary, Kanwinder and Jon... as well as Rebecca who stuck with us. You can join them at http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

For the first time in 16 months, Man about town Devon O'Reilly is in studio to help talk about some interesting stories around town and highlight things to check out this weekend. Stories: COVID numbers are up in Metro Detroit: https://covidactnow.org/us/metro/detroit-warren-dearborn_mi/?s=21421067 Rocket Companies says employees need to be vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID tests Smalls in Hamtramck, Magic Bag in Ferndale and Marble Bar in Detroit are leading the pack with requiring vaccination or proof of a negative test to enter. Is this the way of the future? Will what part of town the bar is in play a role in this? Townhouse is reopening with a new look. Devon talked with the owner and here's pics: https://www.facebook.com/townhousedetroit/posts/4815531851806846 Jer waxes about the wax at Spotlite Detroit. It's at 2905 Beaufait Street. https://www.spotlitedetroit.com/ plus pictures on our Instagram, http://www.instagram.com/dailydetroit The Detroit Smart Parking Lab is opening up on West Lafayette, in West Riverfront between Corktown and downtown. It's a neat thing that Devon gets into what exactly it is. But what you don't say is that it's in Corktown Shores. That doesn't exist. The First Lady of Detroit Techno has died, K-Hand or Kelli Hand. Then we get into fun things around town: The Motor City Car Crawl is this weekend downtown. It's no auto show, but you'll be able to get your outdoor new car thing going if you're interested. https://naias.com/motor-city-car-crawl The Hamtramck Music Festival is this weekend: http://2021.hamtramckmusicfest.com/ Detroit City FC opens their season at Keyworth Saturday (preview tomorrow with Fletcher on the show): https://tickets.detcityfc.com/events/dcfc-mens-80721 And for future weeks, check out the Grand Circus Bourbon Party is every Thursday.

Tuesday's primary election results in the city of Detroit turned some heads and created some interesting conversation on social media. After all, Mayor Mike Duggan pulled in 72% of the vote; and the hotly debated Proposal P fell to defeat by a 2-1 margin. To help unpack what all of it means and what we should be thinking about going forward, Chase Cantrell. He's the founder and executive director of Building Community Value and he has a real passion for how policy could improve the lives of Detroiters. He also understands how systems work. Between running a non-profit, being a developer and having a law background he's able to add needed context and understanding to the conversation. Find him here: https://www.bcvdetroit.org/ Support our show, members are crucial to keeping us on the air: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Antoine Bryant is Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's pick as Director of the Planning and Development Department. He stopped by the studio for a wide-ranging conversation on what he hopes to bring to the table; and his ideas for the department to be visible in and include all of Detroit's neighborhoods. Support our show, members are crucial to keeping us on the air: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Carl Levin has passed at the age of 87. Jer has thoughts from interviewing him and his memoir, "To the Heart of the Matter." Jer also penned this piece in March for Hour Detroit: https://www.hourdetroit.com/political-topics/carl-levin-isnt-giving-up-on-american-democracy/ Also: Both U of M and MSU are mandating vaccines for students, faculty and staff this August. It's expected smaller schools may follow. Cade Cunningham is a Detroit Piston, and he has buffs There's a new Detroit House of Pancakes appearing. Thanks to a listener tip! Plus, remember the primary election in your local community is Tuesday, August 3rd. In the city of Detroit, turnout is expected to be 18% or less so your voice really will matter if you vote. Thanks to our members on Patreon who keep this show going: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

We cover seven stories to know around town from rising COVID cases to new developments to things to go check out in the next few days. - COVID cases are on the rise as the Delta variant spreads - Ford confirms their ION battery park and is making progress in the electric market - DT Midstream puts their HQ in the Ally building in downtown Detroit - A row of 12 townhouse units on Porter street in Detroit get new life, with some being set as affordable units. The building was built in about 1917. Also, Clark Park is getting $3.3 million in improvements. - The Special Olympics Unified Cup is coming to Keyworth in 2022 - Rendezvous du Detroit is this weekend at Fort Wayne. More here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/le-rendez-vous-du-detroit-tickets-160324822861 - On Tuesday is a pop up at Soho in downtown Ferndale for Delray Barbecue. That's Engineer Randy's pick. https://www.facebook.com/events/4032432490199930 p.s. - Heads up that this one will sound a little bit different because Jer's recording went bad. So we used a backup mic. Still totally audible but it sounds like he's on the phone. Apologies.