Daily Detroit News Byte

Today's episode is from the vault in April. The automobile is synonymous with Detroit. It is, after all, the Motor City. But what if there was a different way forward than a vehicle for every man, woman and even sometimes, child? What if instead of a half hour at the gym then a half hour in your car, you could bike or walk and get to where you're going? Or, like here in Michigan, get around without paying the highest car insurance in the nation? It seems like crazy talk, I know. But it's a growing movement in car-dominated America, and here in Metro Detroit. Both the city and some suburbs are making improvements aimed at making more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods. Our guest today is Doug Gordon. He's a co-host of The War On Cars podcast and a long time advocate of safe streets — think bike and pedestrian safety. I'd add that Gordon pushes for city life that actually experiences the city you live in instead of whizzing past it at 70 miles an hour. Thanks for listening! The Daily Detroit podcast is everywh

On today's episode, we hit the vault to re-tell a story originally aired in May.  We're taking a look at a company that's making high-end leather goods right here in the city of Detroit, putting Detroiters and veterans to work. We're talking about Pingree Detroit, based just about a block away from the well-known Shinola. Pingree is a worker-owned company formed as an L3C — a special type of company that puts both the bottom line and the social mission of the company first. And when there are profits, 77 cents of every dollar is shared with the workers. Pingree just made their 100th pair of Mayor sneakers. Why Mayor? Because the company is named after shoemaker and former Detroit mayor and Michigan governor Hazen S. Pingree. Considered Detroit's best mayor, he has a fascinating back story. But back to the present day. The company is based out of an old Albert Kahn bank building, and that's where we met Pingree Detroit founder Jarret Schlaff. Pingree founder Jarret Schlaff and our Sven Gustafson toured the fac

Happy New Year! On today's show: Yes, it looks like we're getting a Robocop statue in 2020. Here's more: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/imaginationstation/detroit-needs-a-statue-of-robocop/posts/2721312 Dilla's Delights is raising money to move and keep open: https://www.gofundme.com/f/preserving-the-donut-shop And, we visit one of your most listened to episodes, our mini documentary about the change and transformation of Capitol Park in Downtown Detroit. Like what we're doing and feeling generous? Become a member! Just a few bucks a month really makes a difference. http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit Or tell a friend about the show. On Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942?mt=2 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=U6qjJ6_mQG2yY43pH5EUMQ

On today's show, we re-release a conversation from July with Sarosh Irani. He's a transit advocate and Wayne State student who came up with a plan that got national attention by shifting existing bus stops to serve more people. And then we dive into more transit topics such as what is important to do to improve Detroit transit. But before that, recent events are the reason we decided to share this particular conversation - our most listened to on Spotify. A state rep is talking about how buses are "mean," bus stops are "smelly" and how ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft could replace transit in the suburbs.  But really, ridesharing can really add up as a regular commuting solution. And let's be honest - having thousands of people relying on companies that don't make money and pay more than they would if they owned a car doesn't seem like a smart idea. Shianne calls out how out of touch these ideas are, and illustrates just how much it would be to cross the region via Uber. Spoiler alert: It's not sustaina

Cynthia Canty has a long and storied career, and we were honored to have her as a guest in mid-July. Well, her retirement is now actually a thing, so figured it'd be a great time to re-share this conversation. It's also audio editor Shianne's favorite episode. Cynthia Canty is a veteran broadcaster who hosted the news, policy and culture program Stateside on Michigan Radio, a NPR affiliate that broadcasts in the Detroit area at 91.7 on the FM dial. She's been on air a variety of places in Detroit. She spent years as part of Jim Harper's legendary morning show, going with him across the FM dial. Canty also was on television at WKBD-TV. On today's show, me and Sven talk with Canty all about her career, how radio has changed over the years — and her thoughts on why so many people have so little trust in the news media. Hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. If you like the show, don't forget to follow the Daily Detroit podcast free in your podcast app of choice. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.appl

Plymouth-based Rivian has a neat new trick to make it turn like a tank Allee Willis has died Not one, but two donut incidents in Detroit - and Detroit Police has a suspect Royal Oak delays the sale of recreational marijuana in their city Mt. Clemens wants to add an art space And Woodpile BBQ is finally going to open in Madison Heights

We sit by the fire with the dog and talk all things Detroit - the year in review, the year ahead, some of our favorite stories and of course, well wishes and thanks for quite the year. 

If you're looking for a bar that mixes Detroit iconography with midcentury modern (along with a dash of west coast garnish) you've found it in Hammer & Nail. Located in the old Carpenter's Union building on Woodward across from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Hammer & Nail's drink menu runs the gamut from the crafty to the accessible, venerable, inexpensive beer. So the other day we (Randy Walker, Sven Gustafson and Devon O'Reilly) talked to the General Manager, Rick Paulger, about what the history of the place is, what their thoughts were bringing this concept to Detroit, and how they're doing so far. Also, the fact that they use real cherries in their drinks. Most cherries you get at bars are actually manufactured and not technically food. We also tasted a few drinks, courtesy of Hammer & Nail, to get a feel for the menu. We rarely approach a new place with the idea of it is "good" or "bad" (unless they truly deserve it), but more along the lines of "if you like X, you'll like Y." If you like wh

On your Daily Detroit for Friday, December 20, 2019: 46 people have been arrested in Warren as part of a major sting operation. The U.S. Steel plant on Zug Island is laying off more than 1,500 people. The Second Avenue bridge over I-94 in Midtown Detroit is crumbling, and closing earlier than expected. Sports betting and online gambling will be legal in Michigan. You might be able to get in the action in time for March Madness. And there's a Michigan company, Refraction AI, piloting autonomous deliveries of your lunch – Sven Gustafson has that conversation with Matthew Johnson-Roberson. If you like what you've heard, we do this every weekday on Daily Detroit. Subscribe free in Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9

Episode 400! W00t! On today's show we do a big roundup of the things happening around town. Some highlights: There's a new Trump Administration program that aims to fight violent crime in the city, called Operation Relentless Pursuit. However, in a city like Detroit, it can bring up memories of STRESS, a terrible time in the city's early 70s. Here's the announcement in Attorney General William Barr's own words. Here's background on STRESS from the Crimetown podcast. Ooops, they demo'd again. Here's a piece about a Detroit demo contractor taking down the wrong house again. More on the Freep who broke this story. The deadline is nigh to get a property tax exemption in the city of Detroit based on poverty. Here's a link: https://detroitmi.gov/government/boards/property-assessment-board-review/homeowners-property-tax-assistance-program-hptap Wheelhouse Detroit in Hamtramck is closing. Their riverfront location will remain open.  Can a foodie destination exist in Novi? Here's a link to a story about an Asian-

You know, we spend a lot of time in the city. but more and more - mostly by popular demand - we're venturing into the suburbs. It's a running gag among my friends that once I cross 8 Mile or west of Wyoming or Telegraph, that I start to turn to dust and blow away into thin air. But this simply isn't the case.  Today, the show ventures to the west downtown of Dearborn. The Longboard by Jolly Pumpkin is on Michigan Avenue is a new entrant to the Metro Detroit cuisine game, and they have an interesting spin on the Jolly Pumpkin favorites as well as new dishes and drinks to befit a very Hawaiian theme. If you visit our website, you'll find pictures to go along with the audio with impressions of the night. And here's a link to the Jolly Pumpkin Longboard site. https://www.longboardjp.com/ If you like the Daily Detroit podcast, we talk cover what to know and where to go every day. Be sure to subscribe: If you like what you've heard, we do this every weekday on Daily Detroit. Subscribe free in Apple Podcasts: https:

Today we're discussing the news that Ford will invest $1.45 billion into plants in Wayne and Dearborn to build the new 2020 Bronco and the Ranger small pickup truck. Both are resuscitations of beloved automotive brands that went away for the past couple of decades. Then, Jer tells us about his visit to the new Rocket Fiber broadcast studio at the Detroit Pistons' new training facility in the New Center Techtown. And staying with sportsball, we check in with our sports correspondent, Fletcher Sharpe, to talk about the Pistons' wild swing from beating the Rockets in Houston over the weekend to losing in humiliating fashion to the lowly Washington Wizards at home. Speaking of lowly, we also talk about the rumor that Amazon CEO and World's Richest Man Jeff Bezos wants to buy our belove Detroit Lions. Well, the Fords are trying to tamp down that rumor by saying they have no plans to sell to anybody, yet they just announced that GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia will be back in 2020. Lastly, we go over some

On today's episode of Daily Detroit, we're taking a look at the new and interesting things happening in Detroit's dining and drinks scene. There's been so much going on it's hard to keep up, so join Devon, Sven and Randy to talk about what's hot and what's not around town. That way, you know what to check out and where to spend your hard-earned dollars. Some of the places we talk about include: Bucharest, Bobcat Bonnies, Balkan House, The Highlands and Hearth 71, Leila, Longboard, a variety of cozy bars, Abicks, JoeBar, The Miracle at the Oakland, Whiskey Parlor, Ghost Bar, Folk, and more. Also, thanks to this week's show sponsor, The Sleigh Ball. That's a winter dance party this Saturday featuring Raven from RuPaul's Drag Race. Use code DAILYDETROIT25 for 25% off regular or VIP tickets. Go here: https://www.universe.com/events/sleigh-ball-2019-tickets-HWD5JK If you like the Daily Detroit podcast, we talk cover what to know and where to go every day. Be sure to subscribe: If you like what you've heard, we do

There's a new taproom and brewery in Detroit's Islandview Neighborhood - Brewery FaisAn. The space - with tables made of reclaimed wood from the Packard Plant, a big roll-up door, and a wide selection of house-made beers - looks to be a place to have a lot of fun in the coming years.  So on today's show, Sven heads down to 1087 Beaufait Street in Detroit to talk to co-founder Rachel Szlaga about what they're doing and, of course, to try a few beers. Cheers! Here's a link to their website: https://www.breweryfaisan.com/ If you like what you've heard, we do this every weekday on Daily Detroit. Subscribe free in Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9  

On today's show: The Conners Creek Power Plant (what's left of it) is coming down Friday. Detroit City FC joins a pro league! Bobcat Bonnie's is opening a new outpost for their local empire, at Partridge Creek mall Then we get into your weekend plans! We have a pop-up podcasting happy hour on Friday (tomorrow!) from 4-7p at Hammer and Nail. Here's the Facebook event. https://www.facebook.com/events/450555065871093/ Also - The Detroit Party Marching Band is celebrating 10 years at Detroit Sanctuary. 8p- on. Saturday: I talk about Corktown Aglow - http://www.corktownaglow.com and of course, the Motor City Soul Club December Soul Stomp https://www.facebook.com/events/2395989757320182/ Then Sven and Jer get into an interesting conversation about recreational medical marijuana and the early results and impact.  Thanks for listening and hope to see you at Hammer and Nail! If you're new to the show, don't forget to subscribe. On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 On Spot

From our state's major teacher shortage to large numbers of long-term substitutes, to students not making it to school (let alone the political challenges in Lansing). Michigan's education system is in real trouble. Students are falling farther and farther behind, and this issue is one of the most important to talk about as it's literally the future of our region and state. We do a deep with Ron French from Bridge Magazine as to why. The main pieces we talk about, if you're following along, are here: Why do Detroit kids miss so much school? Hint: Don't just blame the schools: https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/why-do-detroit-kids-miss-so-much-school-hint-dont-just-blame-schools After 3 years of substitute teachers, this Michigan girl may flunk 3rd grade: https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/after-3-years-substitute-teachers-michigan-girl-may-flunk-3rd-grade Also, Bridge Magazine is a non-partisan, non-profit outlet that covers issues across the state. We're glad to be able to highlight their wor

Jer here. I have a lot of personal connection to the east side of Detroit. My grandmother lived just blocks from where this new pop-up bookstore, 27th Letter Books, just opened. They're the winners of the Hatch Detroit contest, and before their permanent space has been found they've set up shop in a neat old retail storefront on Van Dyke. What follows in today's episode as a conversation with the owners, Drew and Erin Pineda. We talk about their journey to get set up in Detroit, books and more.  On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9  

On today's show:  - "Sweeping" changes are coming to Detroit's Animal Care and Control, including more people and money - Detroit's darling watch and luxury goods maker, Shinola, is doing layoffs and outsourcing. Will we have to undergo a true culture shift to be able to make things in America again? More on Fox 2: https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/shinola-lays-off-employees-plans-to-outsource-some-operations Our previous Shinola story: http://www.dailydetroit.com/2019/07/18/shinola-is-laying-people-off-is-there-trouble-brewing-at-detroits-darling-brand/ And our tour of Pingree: http://www.dailydetroit.com/2019/05/11/meet-pingree-detroit-a-maker-of-leather-goods-that-isnt-shinola/ - Tiger Great Lou Whitaker has been denied the Hall of Fame, again. - New tenants announced in the District Detroit, specifically the Boston Consulting Group - Beyond Juice to open in the GM Rencen, and soon Midtown and New Center. - Madison Heights city council election was super close after a recount. More on Oakland County Time

So what exactly is the state of our Detroit region as we head in 2020? It's important to look at, as regardless of what angry people on the internet might think, our region is economically and culturally connected. Most metro Detroiters live in one county or city and work in another. We all use the same infrastructure to commute, to visit family, to shop. And I know from personal experience that in the eyes of the world, we compete on one Detroit team, even though proponents of our long-standing internal divisions might try to tell you otherwise. The fact is, we're in this together. So the Detroit Regional Chamber does an annual state of the region report. Here's a link. http://www.detroitchamber.com/sor/ This year, we poured through the documents and pulled out what we think were important highlights along with our thoughts. We realized quickly that if our region were a dashboard on a car, we have some key warning lights blinking that we need to pay attention to — as well as some positives. And don't forget

On today's show: At some point over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a portion of the riverbank near Fort Wayne collapsed into the Detroit River.  That riverbank is believed to contain material left over from the Manhattan Project. If you remember, that was the National effort to create the Atomic Bomb during World War 2. And, suffice it to say, that's not good.  Dave Battagello from the Windsor Star-who broke the story (you can read it here) joins us to talk about it. Also, give him a follow on Twitter.  Plus: New developments in the cast of the slain Detroit Police Officer Rasheen McClain.  Layoffs are coming to workers at the Detroit/Hamtramck GM Plant as it retools for new, electric products.  One more Kid Rock thing.  The Boulevard, the largest residential project in New Center in years has finally opened its doors.  The Wilcox Mill in Plymouth and the Newburgh Mill in Livonia just took a big step toward being redeveloped.  This weekend is the Detroit Urban Craft Fair at the Masonic Temple! It's always