Daily Detroit News Byte

It's Juneteenth, and normally we take Federal holidays off. But today, we're getting into a conversation about the holiday, the scope of our coverage in Metro Detroit, the changes in our area, as well as the importance of listening to people who’ve been around when you're new to working in a community. We tackle some common feedback that Daily Detroit should focus solely on the city Detroit proper. We talk about why we cover the region, and argue that Metro Detroit's interconnectedness means covering the suburbs is essential. Crossing city borders is a way of life here, acknowledging that two-thirds of Detroiters work in the suburbs and 75% of city jobs are held by suburbanites — not to mention family connections and more. The trio also touches on the issue of gatekeeping and the need for a more inclusive approach to covering the region. Blackness crosses borders here, and that understanding the diverse demographics of Metro Detroit is crucial. They also discuss the need for diversity in media and the importa

In this deep-dive episode, we explore the transformative work of Force Detroit, a nonprofit organization led by Dujuan "Zoe" Kennedy. His story goes from end to end - from prison to being invited to the White House twice. He gives us an intimate look into the world of community-based violence intervention. Kennedy explains the science-backed methods behind their work, and how these approaches help regulate thought processes and emotions. He discusses the importance of addressing trauma and the need for proactive, intentional efforts to deal with it. The conversation then moves to the role of social media in community conflicts. Kennedy maintains that social media can escalate conflicts by providing unlimited access to individuals, a problem that Force Detroit addresses directly. Kennedy also shares the impressive impact of their work, with stats showing a significant reduction in non-fatal and fatal shootings in their areas of operation. However, he highlights the need for continuous funding to maintain and s

We've got a lot of stories to talk about today. First, a quick note: it's going to be a hot one this week. There are a number of cooling centers across the region and in the city of Detroit, including libraries, as temperatures are expected to soar into the nineties. Please be careful out there, especially with pets. If you walk them, walk them on grass instead of cement and keep them hydrated. We have some sad news from the weekend. A mass shooting occurred at a splash pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan, leaving nine people injured, including two children. The shooter, a 42-year-old male from Shelby Township, took his own life hours after the incident. Police are still investigating the motive. We discuss for a bit. On a brighter note, the annual Concert of Colors is this week, featuring events all over Midtown. Highlights include a K-pop dance review and the Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue. The Concert of Colors is a foundational event in Detroit, bringing people together through music and culture. In sports n

Today, we're diving into the vibrant summer scene in Detroit. Devon and Jer kick things off by discussing the new restaurant and bar scene, including the exciting opening of Easy Peasy, a new concept located in the old Cornerstone space downtown. They’re now offering a lunch sushi program from Detroit Sushi, making it a must-visit spot. We also highlight the Monarch Club's fantastic cocktails and the importance of using reservation apps to snag last-minute tables at popular spots. Jer shares his recent experience at Coriander, a restaurant on the far east side of the city by the canals, which has upped its game with an excellent Marrow burger and a busy, vibrant atmosphere. For those with kids, Devon offers some tips on finding family-friendly restaurants in Detroit, emphasizing the need for space and a lively atmosphere. He mentions Supergeil as a great example of a kid-friendly spot with outdoor space. There's a new coffee shop opening at Post in Detroit on Kercheval near Grosse Pointe Park, adding to the g

Today on your Daily Detroit, we're chatting with Ryan Hertz, the head of Lighthouse Michigan.  Ryan tells us about the amazing work Lighthouse is doing for affordable housing and emergency services in Oakland County and beyond. We begin with how Lighthouse Michigan started. It's a combination of two old human service organizations. They aim to provide emergency shelter, food services, and affordable housing. Ryan talks about the big problems that cause homelessness and the new ways Lighthouse is using to solve them. Ryan also talks about the issues of affordability in cities like Pontiac, comparing it to what's happening in Detroit. He speaks about the growing number of households in Oakland County struggling to pay rent and the various strategies Lighthouse is using to make housing affordable. Ryan shares some interesting future projects, too. These include rebuilding apartment buildings in Pontiac, expanding their emergency shelter, and setting up a campus with a health clinic, job training programs, and a

Welcome to your Daily Detroit, your essential guide to what’s happening in Southeast Michigan. It’s Wednesday, June 12, 2024, and we’re broadcasting from our studio at TechTown. First off, a huge congratulations to Hajime Sato of Sozai in Clawson for winning the James Beard Award for Best Chef! It's fantastic to see a spot in the suburbs, like Clawson, getting recognition alongside Detroit. We also talk about the vibrant restaurant scene in Oak Park and the regional growth that lifts everyone. Next, we discuss Councilman Scott Benson’s renewed push for health inspection placards at Detroit restaurants. The proposed system would use a simple pass/fail color code (green for pass, red for fail) to indicate health inspection results. Despite some pushback from business groups, we argue that this measure is essential for public safety and transparency. We then shift our focus to Royal Oak, where a contentious meeting resulted in the approval of a 42-unit apartment development on an old bank site. Despite local op

Hey all - welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're diving into a variety of topics. Starting with a local traffic and design issue that has been causing quite a stir. A listener highlighted a large speed bump on Lafayette near downtown Detroit that has been surprising many drivers. We discuss the implications of this speed bump, its design, and suggestions for making it more noticeable to ensure it serves its purpose without being a surprise ramp for drivers. Next, we shift gears to sports. Terrion Arnold has picked up the number zero on his jersey and earned the nickname "Sub Zero" from his teammates. We get into the the confidence this choice represents. We also discuss the cornerback competition during minicamp, including standout performances and ongoing questions about the Lions' roster. Tayshaun Prince, a Pistons legend, is being considered for the role of general manager of the franchise. We explore his journey from player to front office executive and the potential impact of his return to Detroit. His experie

As long as we’ve done this show, growing Michigan, and getting it into gear to be competitive against the rest of the country has been a topic. Honestly, it sometimes feels like I'm screaming down into the void as someone who is usually pushing for things to be better. Because as much as we love our city, region and state, there's much to be proud of… There is work to do. There has been for years. After all, Michigan is second to last in the nation for attracting people from other states. Mix that with our well-documented brain drain? It hasn’t been a good recipe. So how do we wrestle with all of this?  Today’s conversation is from the Mackinac Policy Conference with a special guest, Hilary Doe, Michigan's Chief Growth Officer. Join us as we have an in-depth discussion about Michigan's population growth, talent attraction, and the future of the state. Key topics include: Population Growth and Talent Attraction: Hilary Doe shares insights from a new national poll targeting young talent in cities like Austin, N

  Welcome to your Daily Detroit, your go-to local podcast for everything happening in Southeast Michigan. It's in two parts. First, we dive into one of Detroit's most talked-about events - the concert at Michigan Central. Then we catch up with our regular Friday host, Devon O'Reilly to talk about a new restaurant in downtown Detroit and answer some questions about what "mobility" is. Concert Extravaganza: Norris Howard joins us to recap one of the best free concerts he's ever attended. From the energetic crowd to the stellar performances by Eminem, Big Sean, and Diana Ross, we break down what made this free concert a standout event. Norris shares his firsthand experience from the pit, highlighting the family reunion vibe and the sober, yet electrifying atmosphere. Detroit's Ultimate Talent Show: Jer and Norris discuss the significance of the Michigan Central concert's impressive turnout of 20,000 people, the fact it was a dry event and the potential for making this an annual Detroit family reunion. They also

Today we’re diving into one of Detroit’s most historic and charming neighborhoods: Indian Village. Joining us in the studio at TechTown is Mark Reynolds, the chairperson of the 2024 Indian Village Home Tour.  Get ready for a fundiscussion about the allure, history, and future of Indian Village. Mark Reynolds' Journey to Indian Village: Discover what drew Mark to move from the suburbs to Indian Village and why he became so involved in the community. Historical Significance: Learn about the fascinating history of Indian Village, from its origins as a ribbon farm and horse racing track to its development into a high-end neighborhood with homes built by Detroit's elite. Stunning Architecture: Explore the unique and eclectic architecture of Indian Village, where few houses are the same, and hear about the meticulous efforts to preserve these historic homes. Community Spirit: Understand the strong sense of community that has helped Indian Village thrive, including the role of the Indian Village Association in main

Today is anchored by two big stories and two of our favorite returning contributors. The stories involve charges (and lavish details) against former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith, and more thoughts on Michigan Central's renovation with a pair of people who toured it. Joining Jer as we return to the friendly confines of the studio at TechTown are Robin Runyan of Urbanize Detroit and Norris Howard. Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Embezzlement Case: William Smith, the former CFO, has been charged with bank and wire fraud in a federal court. The allegations involve a scheme to embezzle tens of millions of dollars, using conservancy funds for personal expenses and unauthorized payments to a company he controlled. Our hosts dive deep into the details and implications of this scandal. Michigan Central Station Transformation: Both Robin and Norris share their impressions of the newly renovated Michigan Central Station. From its architectural grandeur to the future potential of the space, this segme

Join us as we dive into the latest happenings in Southeast Michigan, from local events to exciting rumors and sports updates. In this episode, we cover: Ferndale Pride Recap: Jer and Fletcher share their experiences from the 14th edition of Ferndale Pride, highlighting the joy and inclusivity of the event. Downtown Detroit Retail Rumors: Speculations are buzzing about a potential large-name technolog store coming closer to opening on Woodward Avenue. What could this mean for the city's retail landscape? Michigan Central Station Concert Lineup: Executive produced by Eminem, the concert lineup for Michigan Central Station's reopening includes big names like Common, Melissa Etheridge, and Slum Village. Discover the national and international stars set to perform. WNBA Team Returning to Detroit?: Fletcher provides updates on the possibility of a WNBA team returning to the city, including the drama surrounding the Detroit Shock name. Pistons Shakeup: General Manager Troy Weaver is out. What does this mean for the

Excitement is in the air across the city as today the grand reveal of Michigan Central Station — and we got an inside tour of the historic icon. Join Jer Staes and Devon O'Reilly as they explore the transformation of this Detroit landmark. From its historical significance to its future potential, this episode is packed with insights and reflections on what this revival means for the city. In this episode if your all-local podcast, we cover: First Impressions: Jer and Devon share their initial reactions and the significance of Michigan Central Station's transformation for Detroit. Day One Vision: What the public can expect when they first step inside the station, including the pristine condition and initial plans for the space. Future Developments: Insights into the planned hotel, restaurant, and business spaces, and the necessary zoning changes to bring these visions to life. Technological Integration: How Ford is leveraged their unique skills from automotive to restore and innovate within the station, inclu

It's been a busy week up at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. But what are some of the things happening that could impact you? State Representative Mike McFall of the 8th District stopped by and talked about what's moving through Landing and made the Governor's proposed budget. We'll dive into the latest policy discussions and legislative efforts impacting Metro Detroit and beyond. In this episode, we cover: Redistricting Changes: Representative McFall discusses the recent redistricting that will see him campaigning for House District 14, which includes parts of Madison Heights, Hazel Park, and Warren. Learn how these changes are reshaping local representation. Public Transit Initiatives: McFall, co-chair of the Public Transit Caucus, shares insights on the new bill package aimed at expanding public transit, affordable housing, and placemaking efforts across Michigan. Discover how $2 billion over ten years could transform the state's transit landscape. Affordable H

From the Porch of the Grand Hotel at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Jer and Devon talk about the latest happenings around Metro Detroit. There's a mix of heavy and hopeful news on this one. In this episode, we cover: Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Scandal: Fresh developments reveal that up to $40 million may have been embezzled from the nonprofit fund. The FBI is investigating, and the potential fallout could impact local black developers and businesses. Dan Gilbert’s Philanthropic Vision: At the Mackinac Policy Conference, Dan Gilbert announced plans to give away his fortune, potentially transforming Detroit through large-scale investments in education, transportation, and community development. We play the game "what would you do first if you were able to decide where to put a billion dollars?" Mark Hackel’s Political Ambitions: Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel plays footsie with a gubernatorial run again while distancing himself from supporting President Joe Biden, stirring local political dynamics.

How does Michigan and metro Detroit turn the corner on being the place people want to choose to build their lives? On your Daily Detroit, we explore this pressing question with Khalilah Burt Gaston, the founding executive director of the Song Foundation. From the Mackinac Policy Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, the conversation dives deep into the holistic approaches and collaborative efforts necessary to revitalize the region. Some of the topics we cover: The Song Foundation: Publicly working for the last year, the foundation focuses on emergent youth leadership, tech ecosystem building, and supporting community organizations. Economic Diversification: There's a critical need for Michigan to shift from its traditional reliance on the automotive industry to fostering tech startups and innovative companies. But some still don't see that - and how do we work with them, and move forward? Investment in Founders: The importance of supporting tech founders and entrepreneurs who are committed to ma

You might have seen some changes in your local TV station over the last few years. Or that more sports is going behind a service that's not your cable provider. Or that more of the well-reported journalism you want to read is behind a paywall. That's because there are fundamental shifts happening in the media business, pushing these moves. Joining Jer at the studio in Tech Town is a longtime friend of the show, Matt Friedman, partner at Tanner Friedman Public Relations. Matt brings his expertise to help us navigate the fast-changing media landscape. We talk about the: State of Media: Matt discusses the dramatic changes in local TV news, including buyouts and the impact of cord-cutting on local stations' revenue. Economic Shifts: The conversation covers how the economics of TV have shifted from high profit margins to a more challenging financial environment, affecting staffing and news coverage. Institutional Knowledge: Concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge in newsrooms and its implications for c

Mr. Friday, Devon O'Reilly, is in and we talk about a bunch of local to Metro Detroit things. Devon had dinner at The Little Club, his first eastside yacht club experience as a west sider We had a chance to try the Ford Mustang Mach-E for a week, and have a number of thoughts on the electric car that doesn't give off electric car vibes After touring the new housing construction on Fischer by Greatwater Homes, some thoughts on how this project was able to come together so well, sell homes quickly - and what Detroit needs to look at if we want to get serious about building more new housing which is needed Devon talks about Leadership Detroit and we preview the Mackinac Policy Conference together that we will be at next week. You can find Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you listen to shows. We can't do this without listener support. Join our Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Interesting show of Metro Detroit stories today. In the fun category, recently a listener asked why Norris Howard isn't the Baron of Brightmoor, because of the alliteration. He explains why he's the Prince. There was so much demand for Michigan Central's big concert that it sold out - and so have all the tickets for the tour since we recorded this episode and posted. So I won't include that link. Then we get into the race for U.S. House, where Adam Hollier didn't get enough valid signatures to make the ballot, dealing a blow to the possibility of black representation for Detroit and nearby areas. Norris gets into why it matters, but also people need to get their stuff together. Our all-local daily podcast is on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple  Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify  

A few years ago, Milwaukee and Brush streets was a quiet corner tucked just south of West Grand Boulevard. Now, between Kiesling, Milwaukee Caffe and a host projects since then, it’s becoming one of Detroit’s interesting intersections - of fun, work, and residential. Which projects like Chroma Detroit, Freya, Oak and Reel and more nearby, it's becoming a bonafide attraction. Today we’re talking with the crew behind Kiesling - an approachable cocktail bar in the city’s Milwaukee Junction neighborhood. The building started life as a grocery store in the 1890s, but is now one of the best bars in Detroit. They have been holding pop-ups and events there, helping foster even more development of the hospitality community in the city while delivering a fun time that you don’t want to miss.  Owner Ashley Davidson, General Manager Jonny Brill and Bar Manager Allison Everitt  More on Kiesling here: https://www.kieslingdetroit.com/  Our all-local daily podcast is on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple  Spo