Daily Detroit News Byte

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 thei

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

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.sp

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 abo

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,

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 suppor

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

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

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 - N

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

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 cra

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‑ou

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 ta

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://podca

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 Pist

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