Daily Detroit News Byte

Welcome to your all-local news and entertainment podcast, Daily Detroit, for Tuesday, August 20th, 2024!  - General Motors is laying off more than 1,000 salaried employees globally, including about 600 jobs at the tech campus in Warren. This restructuring is part of GM's efforts to streamline operations and prioritize investments in electric and software-defined vehicles. We discuss the implications for Metro Detroit and the wider auto industry, noting the shift of jobs to the West Coast and the need for the region to stay competitive. - Controversy in Detroit's 36th District Court as Judge Kenneth King forced a 16-year-old girl to don jail attire and handcuffs for falling asleep in his courtroom. The incident has sparked community outrage and raises questions about judicial conduct and the treatment of minors. - Another courtroom drama unfolds with Judge Cedric Simpson, who handed down multiple contempt of court charges to defendant Daryl Jarrell following a profanity-laced tirade. The incident, which result

Welcome back to the podcast! Journalist Steve Friess joins me as he does every week to talk politics, local, state and national. - We discuss the recent white supremacist demonstration in Brighton, the third such event in Livingston County this year. Local businesses have condemned these actions, and we explore the historical context of racism in the area. - Former President Trump's upcoming visit to Howell has raised concerns among local officials. We analyze the strategic implications of this visit and its potential impact on the Michigan Senate race. - Reports suggest that Vice President Harris met with Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. We discuss the significance of this meeting and its potential impact on policy and the upcoming election. - We preview the Democratic National Convention, highlighting key moments such as tributes to Joe Biden and speeches by the Obamas. We also discuss the importance of Vice President Harris's speech and what it means for her campaign. - And, listener comments, including a

Welcome back to Daily Detroit, your podcast for everything Metro Detroit! Today, we’re talking about the crisis of talent attraction and retention in Southeast Michigan. With me is Jayme Powell, the executive director of the Detroit Regional Workforce Partnership. Jayme talks about how her organization connects employers with local schools and community partners to build a strong talent pool in Southeast Michigan. We discuss the challenges and benefits of this approach, like the need for lasting results and the urgent issue of low workforce engagement. A stunning fact is 500,000 working-age people in the tri-county area of Oakland, Macomb and Wayne are not working, facing problems like expensive childcare and unreliable transit and transportation. Powell also talks about the need for continuous learning due to fast-changing technology. We explore how employers and schools can better work together to meet current and future job needs. This is a crisis - and though some areas of the region may feel like they’re

Welcome to your all-local daily news podcast serving Metro Detroit! We kick off with the heartwarming news of a baby gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo, the first in nearly 100 years. Bandia, a first-time mom, and her baby are doing well, although the Great Apes building is temporarily closed to guests to give them a calm and quiet space.  Next, we discuss the upcoming opening of Primark's first Michigan store at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. Set to open on September 12, the new location will offer over 36,000 square feet of retail space with the latest fashion trends, household essentials, and beauty supplies at affordable prices. Notably, Primark is known for paying fair wages, with sales associates starting at $15.25 an hour. Norris shares his experiences with Primark in Boston and London, comparing it to a larger, more affordable H&M. In downtown Detroit, the Cadillac Square development, previously known as the Monroe Blocks, is facing delay. Dan Gilbert's Bedrock is expected to request a

Detroit has a new shuttle service, Connect AV, and we tried it (and not during the press tour). Boy, do we have thoughts. For "where we've been," Devon talks about Corn on the Corner in West Dearborn. Turns out Devon loves corn, and a restaurant specializing in it is exactly what he was looking for. https://www.cornonthecorner.com/ And Jer talks about MJ's North End Ice Cream shop, where he drowned his not so great weekend in a strawberry sundae. https://mjsnorthendicecream.com/

Happy Tuesday and welcome to your all-local news podcast, Daily Detroit. Fletcher Sharpe kicks off talking about the Olympics, especially the electric performances from Team USA's basketball stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. They share amusing anecdotes about foreign sports broadcasts, highlighting the unique passion and energy that different languages bring to the games. The conversation then shifts to some concerning local news. Stellantis is laying off up to 2,450 workers at their Warren truck plant, reducing shifts and discontinuing the Ram 1500 Classic. Jer and Fletcher discuss the broader implications for the local economy and the challenges facing Stellantis, including their lack of investment in R&D and declining sales across multiple brands. In state politics, the debate over ending the tipped minimum wage in Michigan heats up. Despite a ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court, some Democrats are expressing concerns about the economic impact. Fletcher shares his strong opinions against th

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Monday, August 12, 2024.  On the all-local podcast today: Steve shares his recent experience working the polls in Superior Township, offering a firsthand account of the election process and the importance of bipartisan poll workers. He highlights the challenges and intricacies involved, and learned a lot. The conversation then shifts to the national political scene, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris's recent surge in swing states according to a Sienna College poll. They discuss the implications of her rise and how it has transformed the dynamics of the presidential race. We also dive into the strategic moves by both the Harris and Trump campaigns, analyzing voter sentiments and media strategies. In more local politics, the discussion turns to Elissa Slotkin's victory over Hill Harper and her upcoming race against Mike Rogers. Steve and Jer explore the challenges Rogers faces in appealing to a broader electorate while staying aligned with the Trump campaign. The episod

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Friday, August 9, 2024. Hosts Jer and Devon dive into a rich discussion, starting with Devon's recent trip to Providence, Rhode Island. Devon shares how he enjoyed the charm of this New England city, from its historical architecture to its seafood delights, and reflect on how it compares to Detroit's vibrant scene. Devon shares his admiration for Providence's old-world charm, but notes the city's lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and its surprisingly abandoned tallest building. Back in Detroit, Jer had a birthday visit to the rooftop bar Kamper's at the Book Tower, highlighting the luxurious vibe. They discuss the challenges of navigating popular spots like Kamper's and offer tips for a smoother experience. The conversation takes a turn as Devon addresses recent listener feedback, defending his stance on Detroit's potential Olympic bid and the proposed I-75 cap project. Labeled "Devon Downer" as of late, he explains the importance of balancing optimism with realism,

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Wednesday, August 7, 2024.  In this episode, Jer and Norris dive into the crucial races, including Elissa Slotkin's dominant performance in the US Senate primary, Hill Harper's missed bid (and which race he could have won).  They discuss the implications of these results on the political landscape, particularly the need for new leadership and deeper community engagement. How changing demographics mean you can't just show up and assume a demographic is going to show up for you.  They also touch on the broader national scene, analyzing Vice President Kamala Harris's potential to energize voter turnout and the strategic significance. The conversation extends to the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party and the importance of relatable, grounded candidates like Tim Walz. Join Jer and Norris as they provide insightful commentary on the changing face of politics, both locally and nationally, and what it might mean for Detroit's future. Don't miss this engaging discussion, an

In today's episode, we dive into the world of invasive species with a focus on the Spotted Lanternfly. Join us as we chat with Zach Lacombe, Assistant Manager of the Davey Residential Office, to learn about this unwanted garden guest, what to look out for, and how to handle it. DNR link: https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/spotted-lanternfly

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Monday, August 5, 2024. Hosts Jer and Fletcher dive into their unpopular opinion, the end of beloved outdoor retailer MooseJaw, and the abrupt closure of Newsnet. We open with a pair of unpopular opinions about coney dogs and pedal pubs. Then in our segment on endings, we talk about the closure of MooseJaw’s final three stores, including the last Michigan location in Birmingham. Acquired by Dick's Sporting Goods in early 2023, Jer and Fletcher discuss the missed opportunity for a strong, locally-based brand. We also discuss the end of News\et, a free ad-supported streaming TV network founded by the billionaire behind 5 Hour Energy. The network, based in Cadillac, Michigan, and with a secondary studio in Farmington, has shut down due to a lack of audience interest, resulting in 80 layoffs. The hosts reflect on the changing media landscape and the challenges of delivering news that people claim they want but often don't support with their attention or dollars.  Don't miss this

Happy Friday! Today - a busy show.  A local man held prisoner by Russia was freed as part of a swap. We discuss. We get into a question some of you had about whether Detroit should bid for a future Olympics - and get into if that's something we even want to go for? Plus, some listeners weren't happy with an earlier episode where Fletcher Sharpe had strong feelings about Hulk Hogan. FYI. Devon also has strong feelings. Plus how media and audiences need to not just include voices of color, but allow them to bring their experience.  Finally, we end talking about the great brick debate in Corktown. A plan to redo Michigan Avenue in one of Detroit's oldest sections of town has caused some strong feelings - and we get into multiple sides of the discussion and where folks stand.  Yes, our cover art is AI generated nonsense, asking if what it might look like if Detroit held the Olympics. It's Friday, after all. 

The Joe Louis Greenway has gotten a lot of buzz locally and nationally. But what's the bigger vision? What's ahead? How will this integrate with the communities it serves? Joe Louis Greenway Partnership Executive Director Leona Medley joins us to discus the formation and goals of the newly formed nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Joe Louis Greenway project in Detroit.  The partnership focuses on community engagement, ongoing beautification, programming, and maintaining the greenway to ensure it is a safe, clean, and enjoyable space for residents and visitors. Key topics we talk about... Formation of the Partnership: Established in 2022 to support the public project, with Liana joining in 2023. Community Engagement: Involvement with residents and municipalities like Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck. Programming and Events: Family-friendly, free programming, including fitness classes, yoga, and bike events. Beautification and Maintenance: Ensuring the greenway remains clean and well-maintained for a

In this episode of Daily Detroit, hosts Jer and Norris dive into the landmark Michigan Supreme Court ruling that will significantly impact minimum wage and paid sick leave laws.  The Court has ruled that the "adopt-and-amend" tactics used by the (at the time) Republican-controlled Legislature to alter ballot initiatives regarding minimum wage and paid sick leave were unconstitutional. They attempted to adopt language passed by voters, but then change it so it was unrecognizable to what was passed. The ruling means the minimum wage will rise from $10.33 to over $12 per hour on February 21, with further increases tied to inflation. The tipped wage, currently at $3.93, will be gradually phased out by 2029. Additionally, the amount of mandatory paid leave at larger employers will increase from 40 to 72 hours, and smaller employers will no longer be exempt from providing paid sick time. They discuss the implications for the restaurant industry, the potential for increased automation, and the broader questions abo

On today's show with Fletcher Sharpe.... We talk Michiganders and Michigan-connected people to watch at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Fletcher shares his excitement for the games, particularly the cultural celebrations and the significance of medals to athletes from smaller countries. A couple of names include basketball star Devin Booker and track sensation Grace Stark. Next, they delve into the unexpected appearance of Terry Bollea (a.k.a. Hulk Hogan) at the Detroit Lions training camp. This segment explores the mixed reactions from fans and the implications of Hogan's controversial past. Fletcher provides a nuanced perspective on the situation, questioning the appropriateness of Hogan's presence given his history. The discussion then shifts to the Detroit Lions' upcoming season, specifically focusing on kicker Jake Bates, who is stepping up due to Michael Badgley's injury. Fletcher analyzes Bates' performance and the potential impact on the team's season. Finally, they pay tribute to Abdul "Duke" Fa

Welcome back to Daily Detroit, your go-to podcast for all things happening in Southeast Michigan. In today's episode, Jer Staes is joined by journalist Steve Friess to dive deep into the current political landscape leading up to the general election. They kick things off with a discussion on early voting in Michigan, expressing confusion over the lack of a coordinated push from election officials and candidates alike. The conversation then shifts to the national stage, examining the recent poll numbers that show a tight race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with a surprising 9.7% for RFK Jr. They debate the implications of these numbers and the potential influence of RFK Jr.'s candidacy on the election outcome. Jer and Steve also explore the impact of the Dobbs decision on the women's vote and the importance of having Kamala Harris, a vocal abortion rights proponent, at the top of the ticket. They discuss the potential VP picks for Harris, weighing the pros and cons of candidates like Mark Kelly, Josh

We kick off this Friday episode with Devon's excitement about the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the first Olympics with full spectators in six years. Devon and Jer discuss the impact of the time zone differences, the thrill of watching events live, and the local ties with Michigan athletes competing. They also share their personal Olympic memories and favorite events, ranging from track and field to gymnastics. The conversation transitions to a significant local development: the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This massive $4.5 billion project, the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, is set to transform Detroit's skyline and boost trade with Canada. Jer and Devon explore the economic implications, the logistics improvements, and the community impact of this monumental infrastructure. Finally, they touch on the recent political shift with Vice President Harris's new campaign and its potential effects on business and policy in Michigan. They also discuss the current state of the auto industry, part

Join us for an important episode of Daily Detroit as we talk abouit the history and impact of the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 Detroit uprising. Our guest, Dr. Danielle McGuire, a civil rights historian and author, shares her insights on the tragic events that unfolded and the significance of the newly erected state historical marker at the site. We explore the harrowing night when Detroit police, National Guardsmen, and Michigan State Police officers raided the Algiers Motel, leading to the brutal deaths of three young Black men: Fred Temple, Carl Cooper, and Aubrey Pollard. Dr. McGuire discusses the lasting trauma and the importance of acknowledging this dark chapter in Detroit's history to foster healing and understanding within the community. Norris Howard joins the conversation, adding depth with his personal reflections on growing up in Detroit and the ongoing struggle for justice and safety. Together, we examine how the marker serves as a memorial and a step towards reckoning with the city's

Welcome back to Daily Detroit, your all-local podcast sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Ariel_Knight, the creative mind behind the popular game "We Never Yield," join us in the studio. We talk about the journey from working out of his grandmother's attic to becoming a renowned game developer. We get into the making of "We Never Yield," a game set in Detroit featuring an all-Black voice cast and characters rooted in the city's culture. Ariel_Knight talks about the challenges he faced in the gaming industry, especially as a Black developer, and how he overcame them to create a game that resonates with many. He emphasizes the importance of representation and how he incorporated Detroit's essence into his game. From pitching his ideas at parties to collaborating with passionate voice actors and musicians, Ariel's story is one of perseverance and creativity. We also discuss the unique aspects of "We Never Yield." For all the gamers out there, "We Ne

Welcome back to your Daily Detroit, your all-local podcast sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. First, a shout-out to Mickey Lyons, who recently brought us a 1930s Detrola tabletop radio. Detroit has a rich history of manufacturing beyond cars, including radios for the working person. This beautiful piece now has a special place in our studio. We talk a little about the fascinating history of Detroit's manufacturing legacy and how it has shaped the city's identity beyond the automotive industry. Everyone on the team is getting their chance at reactions to the national presidential news. Fletcher and I discuss the implications for Detroit and Michigan, given Biden's past support for the area. We explore how this decision might affect local policies, federal support, and the political landscape in Michigan. Fletcher shares his perspective, noting the significance of Kamala Harris's candidacy as the first African American and Asian American woman major presidential candidate. He emphasizes