Daily Detroit News Byte

On the show today…. On August 6, 2019 there's going to be a neat event on the Detroit riverfront. It's called the "Silent Hike." It's an audiovisual experience with music, narration and nature. Our guest on the show today to talk about it is creator Murray Hildary. Also on the show: Spirit Plaza in downtown Detroit is going to become a permanent thing, thanks to a 5-4 Detroit City Council vote that reverses a previous decision. After the news, Jer gets into why he thinks the plaza and walkable spaces downtown are good ideas. The legendary Gold Dollar burned Tuesday night, where the White Stripes got their start. It's being investigated as arson. Kid Rock is selling his Detroit riverfront home. And free ice cream tomorrow (Wednesday) for Detroit's birthday! Be sure to catch the Hudsonville crew in Campus Martius from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Don't miss another episode! Be sure to catch the show on your favorite mobile podcast app. 

Today's show is a two-fer. First, we speak with Randy Essex of the Detroit Free Press. He tells us all about the paper's investigation into how Ford Motor Company tried to hide defective transmissions in older models of the Focus and Fiesta small cars. The problems have led to many injuries and lawsuits. Then we catch up with soccer correspondent Fletcher Sharpe after Detroit City FC crashed out of the NPSL playoffs Sunday against Cleveland.

Cynthia Canty is a veteran broadcaster who hosts 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, following him across the FM dial. Canty also was on television at WKBD-TV. She recently announced plans to retire at the end of the year after four decades in broadcast news in Southeast Michigan. 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. 

There's been a ton of scrutiny, including from this podcast, about the Ilitch family's failure to follow through on its promises to develop the District Detroit. Now, The Detroit News reportsthat the Ilitches also own 44 vacant lots and eight empty buildings surrounding the MotorCity Casino Hotel complex, where the family now hopes to build a seven-story parking structure. But ya know, yours truly has been doing some thinking about the whole District Detroit thing, and I may have actually found a silver lining, which I discuss in this episode. Elsewhere, we round up some recent food and fun news: The New York Times name-dropped two Detroit chefs among its list of 16 Black Chefs Changing Food in America. And here's our friend Melody Baetens' writeup on the same at the News. Syd Gold's Request Room opens Friday. Taqueria Mi Puebla is expanding to Macomb County. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will hold a pop-up old-school video game arcade on Tuesday, coinciding with the performance of "Video Games Live." Last

We previously told you about a project that would overhaul the Livernois streetscape, north of 6 Mile (McNichols) to 8 Mile. But it seems that things, at least for local businesses, aren't going so well. Jonathan Merritt joins me on the show today to talk about what's happening on the Avenue of Fashion. He says the project — though he's excited about what it will bring — is putting many of the businesses in danger of closing, including his own, Narrow Way Cafe. Narrow Way opened in 2017 and has quickly become a neighborhood anchor. Beyond the immediate things happening on the Avenue, I took the time to talk to Merritt about being of service in the community and what that looks like. After all, he has a unique perch of the city and region as a Pastor at Straight Gate International Church, an entrepreneur, and now an author. His new book is "Step Out: Leave Your Impact On The World."

On today's show, Jer talks with Jill Gonzalez an analyst from WalletHub about Detroit being the most stressed city in the United States. Then, Sven talks with Drew Kups from the Michigan Glass Project about the upcoming glass show at the Russell Industrial Center this weekend. Also, here's a pair of quick stories around town. The Detroit City Council has rejected a plan make Spirit Plaza a permanent instillation. Kuzzo's Chicken and Waffles in the Avenue of Fashion has temporarily closed for renovations. They are expected to reopen in November. Thanks for listening! Love what we're doing? Consider telling a friend to subscribe free on Apple Podcasts. 

Today we're talking about Michigan's emerging recreational marijuana economy with Roberta King. She's the founder and owner of Canna Communication, a communications firm focused on the cannabis sector. Plus, we bring you up to speed on: The start of UAW negotiations The Regional Transit Authority (2045 priorities map is here) The city of Detroit has partnered with 3 universities to get its own economic data And upcoming Detroit City FC playoff matches.

Happy Friday, friends! On today's show, we run down the new proposal by Lansing Republicans to fix the damn roads in Michigan. They want to borrow $10 billion against teacher pensions. What could go wrong? Also, Jer tells us about his recent visit to the Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood on Detroit's east side. Specifically, the flooded streets east of Jefferson, where canals that cut through the neighborhood from the Detroit River have topped their banks. Lastly, what's up with White Claw? Sales of the so-called "hard seltzer" — which tastes to me like a LaCroix mixed with vodka, blech — have surpassed those of all other craft beers save for Blue Moon. We discuss. Thanks for listening to Daily Detroit. If you like what you're hearing, tell a friend about us, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or support us by becoming a Patreon member.

The Detroit Shipping Company is a recent success on Peterboro, just west of Cass. The "shipping company" part, if you didn't know, doesn't refer to logistics and freight but to the 21 shipping containers that make up the two-story building. It's about 10,000 square feet of food and beer hall, having a variety of culinary outposts and a couple of bars in a blended indoor/outdoor space. Reports last year said it cost about $3 million dollars to build. And before we go any farther, cards on table. We kind of have front row seats. As long time listeners of the podcast probably know that we often record at the Podcast Detroit studios within the complex.  The Detroit Shipping Company has now been open a year, so I figured it's a good time to take the temperature and talk to their Events General Manager Julie Sailus about the story of the place, what they've learned, what they'd really like to see in the neighborhood and how they're celebrating a year in business. DSC Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DetroitShippi

We run down your headlines plus Randy Walker joins us to talk about Duck in Novi, Bread at Kroger and Dumplings downtown. 

The RISK! Podcast lives in a unique place in the podcasting world. If you're not familiar, the show is a series of short stories by the known and unknown that are true and boldly told. What does that mean? It means the topics are very real. They're sometimes heartfelt. Sometimes risqué. And most often, hilarious. So my guest today is the ring leader of the podcast, comedian Kevin Allison. He has credits in a variety of media, but the for the last decade — along with his talented co-conspirators — he's been producing RISK! It has a passionate following and millions of downloads to their credit. It's often a traveling show and they're coming here to Metro Detroit on August 15 to Ferndale's Magic Bag. We chat about storytelling and podcasting, including how to develop the good stories that are already inside of you. Enjoy. If you like what you're hearing and want to keep pushing Detroit's conversation forward, support us on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Welcome back from the holiday weekend, comrades. Today's show is Episode 300 of your Daily Detroit, and for that we thank you, our listeners. We also dive into two pieces of Ilitch-related news: First, that Olympia Development has missed a deadline to submit a development proposal for a parcel on Woodward between the Little Caesars Arena and I-75. After already receiving a one-year extension. [Crain's] Secondly, that Chris Ilitch signed Tigers GM Al Avila to a "multi-year" contract extension, because the Tigers rebuild is never-ending going great! Other things you'll hear on No. 300: Soccer correspondent Fletcher Sharpe joins us to recap Detroit City FC's big weekend, in which it clinched the conference championship and a spot in the NPSL playoffs. Stevie Wonder is getting a kidney transplant. Ann Arbor could get a new 19-story high-rise behind the Michigan Theater. [MLive] Lobster Week is a thing, and it's happening at two Detroit-area eateries. Two Guys From Italy pizzeria is closing in Hazel Park. The n

Welcome to the final podcast before Independence Day! Here's what we cover around town: Sven and Jer ruminate on the legacy of Lee Iacocca, who died at the age of 94. [NY Times] The state of Michigan has issued new emergency rules outlining requirements for new marijuana businesses now that voters have legalized recreational weed. The rules are meant to help local municipalities and prospective business owners decide whether they want to participate in the new industry. Plum Market is opening in downtown Detroit. Randy sent us details. It has groceries. A grab and go bar. And a Moet champagne vending machine. Detroit Eatz is opening in downtown Farmington. With a drive thru deli counter. And yes, it's another business that ends their name with a Z. [Crains] And, Fletcher Sharpe joins us to talk about the red-hot Detroit City FC.

Can the bus be the "in" thing as far as getting around town? Tastes are changing around the country and here in Detroit. Many younger adults don't feel the same attachment to the car as previous generations. Today our conversation is with Sarosh Irani. He was recently featured in the national publication Streetsblog for his research at Wayne State University to improve Detroit's bus system. For instance, just by moving the shelters to where people actually need them — not building new ones — 8x more people could have access to bus shelters. And weather in Detroit? As you know, it can be a real thing to deal with. Also on the show: Chicago-style pizza joint Giordano's downtown Detroit outpost closes without fanfare. We have feelings.  The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is getting some big upgrades, including a kayak launch. And, sadly, Cutie Pie the goat has passed on. Cutie Pie and his owner Erick Brown have been spotted numerous times around Detroit. Fortunately, Brown still has Deer, a second therapy goat. If

New Census estimates are out that show Detroit lost 1,526 residents between 2017 and 2018 to 672,622, yet the city's tax revenues are up, thanks mostly to more people working in the city and paying the city income tax. So we ask: Can Detroit's recovery continue even if population losses continue? Mayor Mike Duggan has famously said he should ultimately be judged by whether the city can stem its long-running population loss and grow again. Elsewhere, we talk about that viral video of the blockade of the Lodge Freeway Friday in Detroit so a bunch of people driving Dodge Charger Hellcats could do donuts and burn rubber. Because Detroit is a weird place. Also: Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Shri Thanedar says he's moving to Detroit and may run for public office. A new auto show aims to fill the void left by the North American International Auto Show's move to June. It'll be held in Novi in January. Condada Tacos is coming to Royal Oak. Three Detroit-area pizzerias rank among the top 50 in North Americ

It's the weekend in summer! So we thought with the heat and sun we'd do a rundown of what's hot, what's not, what's new and what's closing around Detroit's bar and restaurant scene. Joining Sven Gustafson is our regular man about town, Devon O'Reilly. Also in studio is Randy Walker and of course Jer.  We cover: Tasting the new Momo Cha in the Detroit Shipping Company Capper and Capper pops up in the David Whitney Pao opens in Grand Circus Park Delmar, the new rooftop bar coming to the roof of an old bakery called Delmar in Greektown Is Greektown de-Greekified? Fort Street Galley Stumbles, and what it really takes to make it in downtown Detroit The inappropriate use of the letter "Z" in marketing Izakaya Katsu closing after just six months. Was Detroit ready?  The excellence that is Frame in Hazel Park Thanks for listening! If you love what we're doing on Daily Detroit, be sure to become a member at Patreon.com/DailyDetroit.

Aquavit is a caraway-flavored spirit long popular in Scandinavia, where it originated (aquavit literally translates to "water of life"). Yet it's never exactly been a liquor of choice here in the states. But here comes Norden Aquavit, a nearly year-old brand distilled right here in Detroit by longtime bartender and Berkeley, California native Robyn Cleveland. I met Cleveland last weekend at a midsommar Swedish dinner at Frame in Hazel Park put on by chef Jill Vedaa, of Salt in Cleveland, no less. It featured four different cocktails made with Norden Aquavit. Today, Cleveland dropped by the studio with a bottle of Norden to sample and to discuss the company and his work launching a startup aquavit brand from Detroit. Norden Aquavit drinks like a very smooth, non-juniper-y gin, with notes of caraway, of course, but also the sweetness of dill and a licorice/anise finish. We drank it neat — traditionally it's enjoyed slightly chilled — but it was subtle and not hot. And yes, we discuss recipes.

We all want the roads in Michigan fixed. But the price? And paying more for it? That's been a topic of hot debate among politicians and online commenters since Governor Gretchen Whitmer unveiled her plan to raise the gas tax by 45 cents a gallon to raise about $2.5 billion for the roads. But actually "Fixing the Damn Roads" is harder than a catchphrase. There's a real problem on the ground, with large populations, high traffic volumes and aging infrastructure. The bill is adding up, and getting bigger the longer we don't do anything. So to dive in on a very local level – specifically Wayne County, Michigan's most populous county – we're joined by Deputy Wayne County Executive Khalil Rahal and Director of Public Services Beverly Watts. We talk about previous road funding "fixes," where technology really is at to fix roads, where Michigan really stands per capita on funding our roads and some of the restraints Michigan law puts on local cities and counties for raising money for their roads. It's an interesting

What does it take to make a startup work in Detroit? Our conversation today is with Andrew Landau. His Detroit-based e-commerce company, Jewel, was recently purchased by banking giant Capital One. They're going to stay, grow and hire in Detroit, even after the acquisition. We also talk about why he's choosing the Motor City, and what tips he has for other entrepreneurs. Oh, and they're hiring. Also on the show: A wealthy suburban school district votes to close two schools amid racial tension. There's new life for the site of the old Hazel Park Race Track. The cold truth is that Cold Truth, a popular soft-serve joint in Eastern Market, is temporarily closing. Also, The Villages Biergarten may be no more. However, one of Detroit's notorious dive bars, with a history they say is connected to the infamous Purple Gang, may be reopening this fall.  Love the show? Be sure to tell a friend and subscribe in Apple Podcasts or wherever you download your favorite shows.

Over the weekend, an interesting thing happened. Detroit's Rosa Parks Transit Center got swarmed by bees. A very alert Twitter user shared the story. https://twitter.com/Imutahr/status/1142518278402846725 This set in motion a rescue of the bees from Detroit Hives. The Detroit-based nonprofit not only advocates and takes of bees in the area, but educates people on the benefits of bees. Whether it's health benefits, or like in the food desert that is parts of the city, that natural honey can be one of many benefits of bees. Our guests for the show are Timothy Paule Jackson and Nicole Lindsay who stop by to talk about what happened at the Transit Center, how bees can benefit Detroit and how you can support bees. Also: Muralist and graffiti artist Sheefy McFly was arrested by Detroit Police last week for vandalism while working on a mural commissioned by the city of Detroit. The Palace of Auburn Hills is meeting the wrecking ball. And Ferndale is installing a new rainbow sidewalk. Thanks for listening to the Dail