Daily Detroit News Byte

A mover and shaker is helping fund a campaign for equal rights for LGBTQ Michiganders Speaking of which, a new housing development will be built to support youth in that community (read more in the Detroit News) Beaumont Hospital is expanding in Grosse Pointe The Detroit People Mover is changing direction And then a conversation with developer David Alade, the co-founder of Century Partners. I caught up with him at the Detroit Policy Conference and we chatted about the Fitzgerald neighborhood in the city of Detroit, over by 6 Mile between the Marygrove and the University of Detroit Mercy campuses. That's where his company is doing a variety of projects and it's one of the neighborhoods the city is focusing on right now. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 And although the show will always be free, our members help make it available for everyone else. Become a member on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dai

Look, this has been a busy, long week. Lots of things happening. Serious conversations. Big issues. But today is not that. No, it's the weekend so we kicked back, cracked open some Casamara Club and talked to Jason LaValla. What is Casamara Club? Well, it's what's called a leisure soda. That's a concept I wasn't sure about at first. But now? I totally get it. but now?. They're amaro soft drinks, made with actually natural ingredients, founded here in metro Detroit. Now, this isn't some huge operation. It's a few people and bubbly dream that is becoming, case by case, a reality. And that hard work is something I can always raise a glass to. Enjoy. If this is the first time meeting our show, we're on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 And although the show will always be free, our members help make it available for everyone else. Become a member on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

On today's podcast: A deeper dive than we've done before on some issues across the state. Most polls focus on the horserace. Who's up, and who's down. But this is more about what is on the minds of metro Detroiters and Michiganders, and get an idea of some possible solutions. Joining me and Sven Gustafson to talk about it is Brad Williams from the Detroit Regional Chamber. He's their Vice President of Government Relations. Of course, we talked about the roads. historically, Michigan has last in the nation - 50 out of 50 states - when it comes to per-person spending on them. We also touch on healthcare and some other topics. Also - Governor Gretchen Whitmer rolled out her plan to loan $3.5 billion through bonds to fund 122 road projects while the lawmakers look at a more permanent solution. And, a planned 34 story tower next to the Michigan Opera Theater has been shelved. Go here for more: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/mot-halts-proposed-high-rise-next-detroit-opera-house-downtown If this is the f

Today, we're live from the Detroit Policy Conference at Motor City Soundboard. There are two main themes for today's show: First, there's a new energy for regional cooperation from Oakland County Executive David Coulter. He outlined his cooperative strategy for regional economic attraction, his support for transit (and why), and drew some contrasts to his predecessor. Dug Song also was big on working together, talking about how he believes Ann Arbor is part of Metro Detroit economically. We dive into that, and we have a poll on Twitter (of course). Then, a conversation with cannabis entrepreneur Anqunette Sarfoh. She's a former Fox 2 News anchor who now serves on the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association. She's also planning to launch a growing, processing and retail facility in Macomb County. And, a bill to require study of toll roads has made it out of the Michigan senate. If this is the first time meeting our show, we're on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 S

On today's show: Challenging weather conditions and high water levels continue to complicate plans for the highly anticipated Oudolf Garden Detroit project on Belle Isle. Auburn Hills-based auto supplier BorgWarner is buying Delphi Technologies in an all-stock deal. You can read more about it here.  The Detroit News is reporting that the city of Detroit will be asking for proposals to redo historic Fort Wayne in February.  The restaurant chain Bar Louie has just filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. There are eight locations in metro Detroit.  Sven talks about the work being done on the former Motorama Motel site at 8 Mile and Woodward. An episode of the No BS News Hour with Charlie LeDuff and Peter Karmanos has gotten a lot of people talking. Sven thinks it's not crazy that President Donald Trump would do something to shorten Kwame's 28-year sentence. Detroit City FC has released its spring schedule ahead of its first full season of professional soccer. The Paczki Run returns for its 8th year.  Than

On today's show: The GM Detroit Hamtramck plant has a new electric future. A new poll shows little support for new road funding taxes, a lot of support for expanding protections for LGBT housing and employment, and although many Michiganders want changes made to the health care system, not much support for Medicare for All as the way to do it.  The Michigan State Police Crime Lab in Sterling Heights will be closed and merged with the one in Detroit to help with months-long backlogs. Oakland County saw $575 million in new investment in 2019, with 41% from foreign firms. And, Shianne Nocerini joins us to break down and look behind the scenes on her big burger list that went up yesterday.  If this is the first time meeting our show, we're on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 And although the show will always be free, our members help make it available for everyone else. Become a member on Patreon: http:/

Today's show is a long-form conversation with author Conrad Kickert. He's a retail and planning expert and professor at the University of Cincinnati. His most recent book caught my eye, "Dream City: Creation, Destruction, and Reinvention in Downtown Detroit." Backed up by research and global experience, he busts some myths about downtown Detroit and its history. He adds perspective from his career from world-class cities and working on making urban design and retail planning that actually works. He is very frank about the possibilities for the future. That there are real opportunities. But doing things as we did before isn't a path forward. Here are some highlights: Why Conrad got interested in Detroit and downtown Detroit. Because of shifting market forces that are beyond what's happening locally, you probably won't be able to buy a pepper grinder at a store unless it has an "authentic" "story" behind it. Why? Regular transactions are all moving online, and retail is transitioning to becoming 3D advertiseme

The big beer news in town was that Atwater Brewery sold to a subsidiary of Molson Coors, Tenth and Blake. But why? And what's next? To take a look behind the deal, a talk with Atwater owner Mark Rieth. That conversation is at 7 minutes in. We also round up a few things happening around Michigan and Detroit: Tesla can now sell cars easier in Michigan, and service them through a subsidiary. That's big news. But there may be more to the story. Experts say that a dealer protection law that passed almost unanimously - and with bipartisan support - probably couldn't have withstood a true challenge in court. That would have major impacts as buyers are used to online and streamlined buying experiences, and more than 36,000 people are employed by Michigan's 600 or so franchise dealers. Here's a link to the Attorney General's announcement. Detroit's three casinos have record revenue. The Detroit River at Ralph C. Wilson park is going to get a big cleanup, as it turns out it's an "area of concern." The city of Detroit'

The New Year is a great time to take inventory of what we've done and where we're headed, and I like to talk to Dennis Archer Jr.,the CEO of Ignition Media Group and the president of Archer Corporate Services ahead of the Detroit Policy Conference that's coming up this Wednesday, January 29. We touch on a variety of topics including transit, education, development, the focus going forward on the neighborhoods, and why Archer doesn't like the word "comeback" when it comes to Detroit. Archer is also the chair of the conference, with speakers like Dug Song, who has gotten more visibly involved in policy and such since selling his company, Duo Security, to Cisco. Actor Hill Harper, who owns the Roasting Plant in downtown Detroit and bought a house in the city. The suburbs are in, too. Oakland County Executive David Coulter is speaking. A statewide perspective from Lieutenant-Governor Garlin Gilchrist. I could go on, but here's a link to everything if you want to know more or want to go. If this is the first time

On today's show: Last week on this show we told you how a capitol reporter in Lansing alleged that state Senator Peter Lucido of Shelby Township made a sexist remark to her while she tried to interview him. Now, a fellow state senator of Lucido's says she's filing a workplace sexual harassment complaint against him. State Senator Mallory McMorrow tells Crain's the incident took place in November 2018 after she was first elected to her seat representing the 13th District in Oakland County. Recreational marijuana sales seriously lag behind a neighboring state, Wayne County gets its first recreational dispensary, and the city of Detroit pushes their ban out another couple of months saying they're working on making the licenses more inclusive.  The Ilitch organization is trading some parcels of land that will become parks for an extension of development rights near Little Caesar's Arena. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says it's a good deal. Greenspace in downtown Ferndale is closing. So where else is good to get a go

Today on your Daily Detroit, we're talking all things autos. After all, it's usually at this time of year when everyone's in town for the North American International Auto Show. Although the big Detroit show is in the summer now, have no fear. We thought we'd fill your tank with some updates on cool car tech from the Consumer Electronics Show, talk about the almost-sure reintroduction of the Hummer, the Mustang Mach E, Jeep, saving money when buying a car,  and of course, electric and self-driving cars. Our conversation style today will be very similar to when we do one of our bar and restaurant roundups, where we bring in someone who has their head in that stuff all the time.  So today, joining us is Eric Trytko. He has years of experience covering and working in the industry, as well as experience as a motorsports announcer. You might know him online as Rumblestrip. Find him on Twitter here. As well as YouTube.  So enjoy! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spoti

On today's show, Alexandra Schmidt from Bridge Magazine joins us to talk about a new report they released today, "No Substitute: The Public's Agenda To Reduce Michigan's Reliance On Uncertified, Long-Term Substitute Teachers." We run through the data and the responses with Schmidt, including: 50,000 kids are served by long-term, uncertified substitute teachers Enrollment in teaching prep programs in the state is down 70 percent in eight years Average pay is dropping for Michigan teachers This impacts districts across the state, but even more so those that serve people of color as 18 percent of students are minorities but 92 percent of teachers are white Polling shows that Michigan parents are very concerned about all of this. Many people may not know that Michigan does not require any sort of teacher certification for long-term subs. Bridge's polling shows 9 in 10 Michiganders want that to change. So what are some of the solutions? We discuss it all. We also round up some stories you should know around to

On today's show, Michigan and Metro Detroit have been talking about the callout by Michigan Advance reporter Allison Donahue of State Senator Peter Lucido, after this exchange, excerpted from her first-person account: "You should hang around! You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you." The teenagers burst into an Old Boys' Network-type of laughter, and I walked away knowing that I had been the punchline of their "locker room" talk. Except it wasn't the locker room; it was the Senate chamber. And this isn't high school. It's my career.  We quickly run through where it stands as of this recording (here's her original, first-person post) and here's Lucido's tweet about it and another story about it. Oh, and a national story too. But more than the basics  lots of people may know, Shianne dives in and shares about her experiences, and she praises Donahue (with apologies to Lizzo) as "100% That Reporter."  And, we touch on the disappointment of a first-run movie theatr

Detroit lays claim to a rich musical legacy going back decades, including Motown Records, a vibrant jazz scene, techno music and more than one generation of booty-shaking garage rock. But it's been a while since it was home to an actual music magazine. That's changing with the debut of Maggot Brain, a new full-color quarterly print magazine launched by Third Man Records. That's the retailer, record press and label founded by Jack White. We speak with the magazine's editor and longtime music writer, Mike McGonigal. You can subscribe here or pick it up at a variety of local stores. ALSO: Turns out no permits were issued for a piece of Detroit riverfront that collapsed into the waterway. More here. And Kermit the Frog is going back on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts after a long hiatus. We have all the green details. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 Although the show will always be free, our me

New research is out that ties economic issues can tie to health issues, specifically when it comes to auto plant closures. On today's show, we speak to Dr. Atheendar Venkataramani from The University Of Pennsylvania. He joins Jer to talk about the study by him and his colleagues in The Journal Of The American Medical Association, there were a stunning 85 percent more deaths related to opioids in communities where automotive factories closed.  Then, two more stories you should know about:  An update on more ooze - this time found in the City Of Detroit.  And another large project in the area is being scaled back due to skyrocketing construction costs.  Don't forget we're in all your favorite podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 Become a member on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Happy Friday! On today's show: The Detroit News has a new report out that says that many City of Detroit homeowners have been overcharged at least $3,700 a year in property taxes since 2010. Find the story here.  Could the Federal Government take over the United Auto Workers? According to U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, it's a possibility.  Pier One is downsizing, and it looks like its location on Woodward is on the chopping block.  Bottom Line Coffeehouse has set up a GoFundMe appeal to help raise money to reopen the Midtown coffee shop.  Illinois based Cooper's Hawk is opening in Troy this spring. It will be its third location in Michigan. A new Chic-Fil-A opened in Allen Park on Thursday.  People lined up around the restaurant and down the street to get chicken sandwiches and lemonade.  Up in Birmingham Hazel, Ravine's and Downtown will be rolling out a new pop-up later this month. Hazel's Crab Trap will celebrate all things crab from January 21 through February 16.  In Eastern Market News, Mike's Cone

On today's show, we're talking with Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller about that green ooze on I-696 and how it impacts neighbors, as well a questions about if sites in Metro Detroit haven't been properly cleaned up, and, despite the city and county boundaries you see on a map, how we're all, quite literally, connected. If you don't know Miller, before this role, the St. Clair Shores native has had a long history of elected service. The Republican has been Michigan Secretary of State, Macomb County Treasurer, Harrison Township Supervisor and a member of the United States House of Representatives. Also on the show: Updates on other sites owned by Gary Sayers, the owner of the shuttered Electro Plating in Madison Heights. Stories mentioned on Channel 4 here about a Detroit location and on WXYZ here in regard to Sanilac, including one about a mom and a 13-year-old possibly cleaning up the stuff in Detroit. The City of Detroit is expanding its taxpayer assistance program to help keep low-i

Today's episode is about a condition that has stayed in the shadows, and a filmmaker looking to bring it into the light.  Hidradenitis Suppurtiva Foundation - or HS for short - is one of the most severe conditions in dermatology, according to the HS Foundation.  HS is also known in the European areas as Acne Inversa (AI), and is a chronic, non-contagious, painful and quality of life-impacting skin disease that causes boils to form in the folds of the skin, and can cause tunneling wounds. Because of its physical scarring, it's often not talked about and hidden. However, HS is not rare. Somewhere between 1% and 4% of the population have it, with it impacting more African American women than other subgroups.  Many doctors don't know how to deal with it or misdiagnose it. Joining us in the studio is Jasmine Ivanna Espy, a filmmaker from Detroit who has directed a new piece involving her story and others, "My Gold Lining, A Documentary on Hidradenitis Suppurativa." Although the event has solid out, it is being sho

On today's episode, we wrap up 2019 auto sales with Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Autotrader. The industry finished the year above 17 million cars and trucks for the fifth straight year, the first time it's ever gone that long above that number. We go over results at each of the Detroit automakers, including surprising troubles for some of Ford's popular SUVs and how Ram trucks have leapfrogged the Chevy Silverado in popularity. Then, we talk recycling. The city of Detroit just got grants from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit, to expand curbside recycling and recycling education. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to boost Michigan's abysmally low 15% recycling rate. We discuss. Also we check in with sports correspondent Fletcher Sharpe to discuss a few big storylines with the ailing Pistons, including what Blake Griffin's season-ending injury means and how likely it is that Detroit actually trades Andre Drummond. Thanks for lis

Here's what to know and where to go around Southeast Michigan: An update on the green ooze that spilled onto I-696 just east of I-75 in Madison Heights Target is the target of thieves, with four stores getting hit in total in the region Vinsetta Garage is getting their long-awaited parking lot out back, and neighbors are none too happy. (Go read more here) could there have been a better solution? Maybe in a different region. Bistro 82 in downtown Royal Oak is closing. That part of town has been taking it on the chin as far as closures as of late. Cleanup of a petroleum spill or dump continues at the Red Run Drain. 75-100 gallons of possible gasoline was spilled into the water system on Friday. Novi joins Dearborn, Eastpointe, Ferndale, Oak Park, Roseville and Southfield in being certified "Redevelopment Ready" Little Caesars now offers delivery through their app. Kinda crazy the third largest pizza chain in the country didn't deliver. Better Made has a new flavor of popcorn - Jalapeno cheddar. And, there's a