Daily Detroit News Byte

Today, we pivoted from our planned episode to cover a story that has profound implications both nationally and locally: President Joe Biden has announced he will not seek a second term. We don't always play in the national politics pond, but with Michigan being a key state in the upcoming race, this development has significant ramifications. In short, Michigan matters. And Metro Detroit does, too.  Joining us to dissect this news is journalist Steve Friess - who both has experience and is known for his sharp political insights. We get into: Initial Reactions: Steve shares his first thoughts upon hearing Biden's decision, juxtaposing it with recent campaign communications and historical precedents like Lyndon Johnson's decision not to run. Political Calculations: Do we think polling data and advisors influenced Biden's choice, and the broader implications for Congress and the Democratic Party. Impact on Democrats: Analysis of how Biden's decision reshapes the Democratic strategy, with Kamala Harris emerging a

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Friday, July 19, 2024, podcasting from our studio in TechTown in Detroit, Michigan. Jer and Devon dive into the latest happenings around town, including new coffee spots, dining experiences, and a reactions to the reaction on the future of Detroit's iconic Renaissance Center. Shibam Coffee in Dearborn Jer and Devon discuss the unique flavors of Yemeni coffee at Shibam, a new coffee shop in Dearborn. With its rich history and distinct taste, Shibam is making waves not only locally but also with new locations opening in Canton MI, Texas, and first talked about here on Daily Detroit - Midtown Detroit. Ferndale Dining  Jer had a culinary jaunt in Ferndale, starting with Christine's Cuisine, a classic diner offering great value for money. He then steps it up with a visit to Tiger Lily, a trendy spot known for its Asian-inspired menu and vibrant atmosphere. Elephant and Co. Devon visited the newly opened Elephant and Co., the latest venture from the team behind Eastern Market Brewi

In this episode, Jer and Norris cover a variety of topics, from local transportation updates to an exciting event for coffee enthusiasts. Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Thursday, July 18, 2024, podcasting from TechTown in Detroit, Michigan. Detroit Metro Airport Improvements Jer and Norris discuss the $38 million investment in Detroit Metro Airport's McNamara Terminal, including new restrooms, upgraded jet bridges, and revamped baggage carousels. Detroit People Mover Upgrades Details on the upcoming $5 million track replacement project for the Detroit People Mover, set to begin after Labor Day and expected to be completed before Thanksgiving. Stellantis' New Mega Hub Crain's Detroit Business reports on Stellantis' plans for a 2.7 million square foot Mopar parts distribution center near the old Ford Romeo engine plant. More: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/transportation/dtw-airport-terminal-undergoes-38m-renovations Detroit Coffee Week Jer and Norris are joined by Amélie Haakonsen and Lucas Powell from Dess

Welcome to a baseball edition of your Daily Detroit for Wednesday, July 17, 2024, broadcasting from the studio at TechTown. Today, we’re taking stock of the Detroit Tigers at the All-Star break. Jer is joined by Fletcher Sharpe and Justin Remington to discuss the team’s recent performance, challenges, and future prospects. Key Topics: The Tigers' recent 8-2 run and its impact on team morale. The potential trade of key player Tarik Skubal and its implications. The challenges faced by the team, including financial constraints and player performance. Positive highlights such as Justin Henry Malloy’s first home run and the energy among younger players. Fan engagement, attendance trends, and the impact of Bally Sports on accessibility. The importance of the Tigers' identity and their connection to Detroit’s culture. Daily Detroit is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.  Feedback for the show - dailydetroit - at- gmail - dot - com Local media requires local support! https://buy

This episode is in two parts. First, Jer talks about the importance of speaking when it adds to the silence, especially on important issues. Then, his review of the book "True Gretch - What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between." You can find the full text version of the review on our website. Feedback - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com Support our work: One time: https://buymeacoffee.com/dailydetroit As a monthly member: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit  

On this Monday episode of the podcast, Danielle North, founder and CEO of Degree Forward joins me. Danielle shares her insights on the critical gaps in education and talent, emphasizing the importance of degree completion for achieving a sustainable living wage. She discusses the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students and minority groups, and how Degree Forward is addressing these issues through flexible, competency-based education programs. Key Topics Discussed: The ongoing relevance of degrees for financial stability and upward mobility. Disparities in degree completion among different demographic groups, particularly Black and Latino students. The challenges faced by first-generation college students and the importance of support systems. Degree Forward's approach to bridging educational gaps through online, competency-based programs. The role of generational wealth and exposure in educational attainment. Degree Forward's offerings, including healthcare management, business managemen

Welcome to the Friday edition of your Daily Detroit, sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. Today: We talk about a visit to the Shankar Distillery, making the Varchas brand, a new spot blending Indian and American whiskey traditions. Learn about their unique offerings, including a Reserve 102 bourbon whiskey and the cultural significance behind their eagle branding. Jer and Devon discuss his favorite twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring mezcal and tequila. Perfect for summer sipping, this drink brings a smoky flavor. T he much-anticipated grand opening of Elephant and Company is happening this Saturday. With pizza, self-serve taps, and a kid-friendly environment, this new space could become a local favorite. Jer corrects a previous misstatement about the number of rooms at the Marriott in the RenCen, clarifying that it has over 1,300 rooms, making it the largest hotel in Michigan. Devon shares informed speculation about the potential future of the RenCen, including the p

Welcome to Wednesday! Here's what's on tap for today's show: Daily Detroit Happy Hour: Join us this Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 7 PM at The Royce. (More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667) Target in Midtown Canceled: Jer and Norris discuss the cancellation of the proposed 32,000 square foot Target store in Midtown due to project delays and complications. Despite this, 350 apartments will still be built at the site by City Club Apartments, who are seeking another national retailer to replace Target. Read more: Potential City Target Locations In Detroit: The hosts brainstorm various potential locations for a smaller format City Target in Detroit, including the North End, New Center, and even the Avenue of Fashion. Full-Size Target Stores: They also explore ideas for full-size Target locations in Metro Detroit, with suggestions like Grand River and Greenfield on the west side and potential spots on the east side. Sheets Convenience Stores: Norris an

On today's show: Daily Detroit Happy Hour: Join us this Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 7 PM at The Royce. (More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667) Survey Feedback: Jer and Fletcher discuss the results of a recent listener survey, highlighting the importance of community input for growth and improvement. Unpermitted Block Party Clampdown: The hosts address a recent block party incident where two young people were killed, and more than 20 shot. They delve into the city's response, including new measures announced by Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James White to curb such violence. Dan Gilbert's Option to Buy the Rencen: Jer and Fletcher discuss the possibility of Dan Gilbert buying the Ren Sen, exploring the implications for Detroit's real estate landscape. (More: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/dan-gilbert-rencen-purchase-table-documents-show) Three-on-Three Basketball: Fletcher educates listeners on Ice Cube's Big Three league an

Join us on the Daily Detroit podcast as we sit down with Donald Rencher, president and CEO of the Hudson Weber Foundation.  Donald shares his insights on the crucial role of philanthropy in Detroit's growth, the importance of affordable housing, and his vision for inclusive growth in the city. Key Topics Discussed: The role of philanthropy in Detroit’s development and supporting transformational projects Strategies for attracting more residents to Detroit and stopping population decline The necessity of creating safe, inclusive neighborhoods that retain residents The importance of affordable housing across various income levels The need for investment in neighborhoods to improve amenities and living conditions Donald's goals for the future, including continuing work on criminal justice reform and supporting arts and culture in Detroit Key Quotes: "Philanthropy has a crucial role in pushing transformational projects in Detroit." "We need to ensure that Detroit's growth is inclusive and that all residents fe

In today's episode - the final before the July 4th break - Jer Staes, Devon O'Reilly, and Norris Howard dive into the latest developments in Detroit, including the new JW Marriott project and its potential impact on the city's landscape. They explore the aesthetics and functionality of the project, the need for more hotel rooms, and the broader implications for Detroit's convention and tourism sectors. The conversation shifts to the challenges and opportunities in the local real estate market, emphasizing the importance of efficient development processes and the role of both large and small developers in shaping the city's future. The team also discusses the potential for new leadership in Detroit's upcoming mayoral election and what it could mean for the city's growth and development. Devon shares his observations on the changes in the Foxtown area, including the transformation of the Town Pump Tavern into the Chandelier Room, and the ongoing development projects nearby. The team reflects on the importance o

In this episode, Fletcher Sharpe discusses the recent changes and developments with the Detroit Pistons.  The team covers the hiring of coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the impact of Fred Vinson on player shooting performance, and the potential of new draft picks Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman.  They also talk about the return of Tobias Harris, Cade Cunningham's commitment to the team, and the overall outlook for the upcoming season. Fletcher shares his insights on what the team needs to do to improve and the importance of patience with young players. Don't miss their detailed analysis and predictions for the Pistons' future. Key Topics: J.B. Bickerstaff's coaching style and impact Fred Vinson's influence on shooting performance New draft picks: Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman Return of Tobias Harris Cade Cunningham's role and future with the Pistons Team development and expectations for the upcoming season Importance of patience with young talent Announcements: Happy Hour on Thursday, July 11, at the Royce: https://

Happy Monday! Let's get this holiday week started. The largest urban equestrian center in the nation is coming right here to the city of Detroit, and we're going to talk about it. Jer sits down with David Silver, founder and executive director of Detroit Horsepower, a nonprofit that teaches Detroit students to ride and care for horses. This new facility aims to develop critical skills in students, setting them up for academic, career, and life success. They discuss the transformational impact of working with horses, the five core social-emotional skills the program focuses on, and the journey to building this massive project on the former Paul Robeson school site at Linwood and Fenkell in the city. David shares the planning and community engagement that has gone into making this dream a reality, including the $11.4 million project budget, the $6.6 million already committed, and the targeted groundbreaking in fall 2024. They also touch on the importance of new market tax credits and the various funding sources

Welcome to Friday! On the podcast: Jer shares his experience at Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale, highlighting its pride-themed event and the importance of supporting independent arts in Metro Detroit. Devon talks about his recent visit to the Detroit Zoo with his daughter, discussing the new attractions and the joy of seeing animals through a child's eyes We discuss Amar Pizza in Hamtramck getting a nod from The New York Times as one of the best pizza places in the U.S. We highlight the $153 million development project at the historic Fisher Body Auto Plant, which will include residential and commercial spaces, set to be completed by summer 2026. Detroit's three new solar neighborhood projects are discussed, focusing on the benefits of converting vacant land into solar arrays and the home improvements for nearby residents. Jer outlines some of the local projects receiving funding from the Michigan state budget, including the Detroit Zoo, Jimmy John's Field, and the Downtown Boxing Gym. That leads us on

A couple of stories we're talking about today. First, Norris Howard relived his college days by checking out the reopened Third Street Bar in Detroit's Midtown. Then, we have a deep-dive into what is a contentious issue in some circles: Should Detroit city parks be mostly closed for the annual fireworks show? Some say it's anti-resident; others, it's just what needed in today's world for safety and crowd control and with limited resources this is what can be done. 

It’s easy to open up your favorite social media app and think that everyone is thinking a certain way. It doesn’t matter the topic. in our always connected world, whether it’s about some national story or something in town, we’ve all seen it. The pile on with comments. But in my mind, that isn’t the greatest indicator of what people really think. A friend of mine called it “roll and scroll,” where a lot of people will see something going a certain way, roll their eyes, and scroll on instead of getting into it. So how do we find out what Detroiters are really thinking? What brings Detroit voters to the polls? What are their top priorities for local elected officials? You ask them. But to it right, it requires expertise and expense. So when I saw that outlier media had commissioned the Detroit metro area communities study to survey 1,100 of our citizens? My ears perked up. To unpack the findings… Sarah Alvarez, the founder and editor in chief of Outlier Media joined me in the studio at Techtown. Link to the ful

Welcome to Monday... We've got some serious stuff, some vibes from a game we went to, and we're going to talk a little bit about dogs, pets, and fireworks because it is the season.  Before we get started, I wanted to tell you that our new Patreon-only Discord is open. This is for supporters only. You just have to join us at Patreon.com/dailydetroit. Already a lively community, people chiming in, having questions, it's absolutely great. Appreciate your support! First up, a couple of serious things to talk about. An Oakland County sheriff's deputy was shot in Detroit over the weekend in what is being described as an ambush. He was in plain clothes following a stolen vehicle in Detroit. It's a sad situation.  Next, the city of Detroit is cracking down on unauthorized block parties. There have already been a number of car shows where people get together without permits, and things sometimes get out of hand. This has caused tension within the city. While some residents enjoy these gatherings, others prioritize saf

Coming to town next weekend on Sunday, June 30, to the Magic Bag in Ferndale is a band that anyone who grew up in the nineties will definitely know. And if you don't, well, you should get acquainted with the alt-rock legendary sound of Letters to Cleo. The band has some new material to go with favorites like "I Want You to Want Me," "Here and Now," and "Cruel to Be Kind." To talk about the band, music, and the show, my guest is guitarist Michael Eisenstein. If it sounds like I'm a little excited, I'll put it on the table right now that I'm a fan. Michael shares stories along the band's journey — and the fresh energy they bring to their new material. We discuss how technology has changed the way they create music, contrasting the hands-on, live development of songs in the early nineties with today's digital collaboration. Michael reflects on the unique challenges and benefits of remote recording and how it has affected the band's creative process. We also get into the band's involvement with the iconic movie "

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Thursday, June 20, 2024! Jer and Devon dive into a packed episode covering everything from new local spots to major news impacting the region. First, Devon shares his excitement about Elephant and Company, a new venture by Eastern Market Brewing Company in Midtown. The spot offers coffee, vegan donuts by Duped Donuts, and soon, self-serve taps for beer. Devon also introduces us to Jarvis, Michigan’s only robot barista. Next, they discuss The Lone Goat, a British pub in the Metropolitan Building, offering an authentic atmosphere with traditional British ales, lagers, and hearty pub food. It's a new favorite for Devon, who appreciates the unique selection of beers and the cozy ambiance. The conversation then shifts to the aftermath of a severe storm that left 40,000 people without power. On the business front, they talk about Stellantis' major cost-cutting measures, which could result in significant job losses at their North American headquarters in Auburn Hills. The discussion

Welcome to an emergency bonus edition of Daily Detroit! We get into the surprising (to some) decision by the Detroit Pistons to part ways with head coach Monty Williams. Despite a hefty $65 million contract, new management decided it was time for a change. Fletcher shares his reaction to the move, admitting that he didn't see it coming, though he was never on Team Monty - and gets into the reasons behind Williams' leaving. The conversation touches on the challenges Williams faced, including re-interviewing for his own job and failing to convince the management of his vision. The duo discusses the mixed reactions from fans and the potential future for Williams, who now has $65 million reasons to be okay with never coaching again. They also talk some potential candidates for the Pistons' head coach position. Names like JJ Redick and James Borrego come up.. On top of the Pistons' news, we have a quick preview of an international soccer friendly coming to Detroit. Pumas, one of Mexico's top clubs, will face off a