Daily Detroit

Latest Episodes:

Why Michigan Has the Most to Lose in a U.S. - Canada Trade War Aug 24, 2026

Show notes

The U.S.–Canada trade situation took a wild turn over the weekend. We thought we had an agreement, but now we're suddenly facing a full-scale trade war with our closest neighbor.

Glenn Stevens from MICHAuto joined me to break down what went wrong and what this uncertainty actually means on the ground for Michiganders and Michigan companies.

From auto supply chains, to materials, to local jobs, to healthcare workers and tourism, Michigan has more to lose than most anywhere else in the United States as this may drag on. Michigan residents have already been impacted by thousands of dollars since the disputes started in 2025, whether it's in increased prices or decreased wages and profit-sharing.

We dig into why unraveling this more than century-long economic partnership makes little sense and why getting both sides back to the table. That yes, friends always have disagreements, but blowing everything up isn't the thing to do.

Give it a listen, and let me know how these potential tariffs are impacting your work or family across the border. Email us at dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211.

How Outsiders Tried to Rage Bait Dearborn (and Lost Again) Aug 21, 2026

Show notes

We've got a full studio today.

Devon O'Reilly gives us an inside look at what it was actually like inside the Henry Ford Centennial Library during Tuesday night's Dearborn City Council meeting while far-right agitators and local counter-protesters gathered outside.

We talk about how the Dearborn community stood together and stood strong, why hate-driven political stunts ultimately fail to gain traction here, and how local solidarity continues to win out.

Plus, Jer and Norris talk some Michigan politics to analyze Jocelyn Benson's pick of Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks for Lieutenant Governor — and why West Michigan representation and legislative experience matter on the 2026 ticket.

And, if you abandon your longtime political party over one thing, forgetting everything else — did you ever believe in it? Or were you really a one-issue voter the whole time?

As always, be sure to share the show with a friend. Feedback dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.

Detroit's Giant RenCen is only 5% occupied. So what's next? Aug 19, 2026

Show notes

On today's show, Norris and I are diving deep into the high-stakes redevelopment plans for the Renaissance Center and the nearby east riverfront, looking to transform 35 acres that has been sitting mostly quiet for many years.

After going to their preview center and attending the first of a number of weekly CBO meetings, we ask and react honestly the big question on everyone's mind: what do you actually do with a massive waterfront complex that's currently only 5% occupied? What vibes did we get from the community? And what's next?

You can also learn more about the project here, and give your feedback to them: https://detroit-riverfront.bedrockdetroit.com/

Also as Metro Detroit's one of America's greatest news towns: We also quickly talk through the disturbing Christian nationalist march targeting Dearborn's Muslim community. We'll dig into it more on the show in a future episode.

Plus, I break down a press event I attended at the Wright Museum outlining a proposed regional millage to keep Wayne and Oakland County's core historical institutions funded for the next decade.

It's a packed episode of your Daily Detroit covering the economic, political, and cultural shifts shaping Metro Detroit right now.

Feedback as always: dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211.

Just $3.13 keeps this coverage going from the 313: https://patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Left, Right, and Local: What Our Survey Says Daily Detroit Listeners Believe Aug 17, 2026

Show notes

Today we're digging into the results of our recent Daily Detroit audience survey to see where our community actually stands on key political issues and values.

Using Pew's excellent and long-standing political typology framework of nine groups, I look at the data and break down how our listeners and readers compare to the rest of the country, and what issues where we find a ton of common ground, no matter what party you may have voted for.

Per Pew:

"Pew Research Center's political typology sorts the American public into nine political groups based on responses to questions about social and political values. The goal of this long-standing project is to go beyond people's partisan leanings or vote choices to provide a deeper understanding of the American political landscape. This is the ninth version since 1987."

While our audience spans a wide range of perspectives, the data shows a clear shared commitment to respect, local engagement, and smart, solutions-focused debate.

Listen to see where you land in the numbers and how our community fits into the broader national picture.

Thanks to our supporters on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit

If this is your first time, be sure to follow us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.

Fair Lane Previews Garage Renovation, Unc's Pizza Opens, New Life for Old GM HQ? Aug 14, 2026

Show notes

In today's episode, Devon O'Reilly and I dive into some exciting developments across Metro Detroit, starting with my firsthand look at Unc's Detroit-style pizza in downtown Detroit.

We also talk about our recent visit to Fair Lane Estate for a media preview, where the team is making huge progress restoring Henry Ford's powerhouse, garage, and new welcome center ahead of its full opening.

Plus, we discuss reports that Henry Ford Health is considering redevelopment options for Cadillac Place — the historic former GM World Headquarters in New Center, currently occupied by the State of Michigan.

Finally, with the Detroit Lions kicking off their preseason, Devon shares his thoughts on the upcoming season and what to expect from the Honolulu Blue this year.

Don't forget to join us this Saturday morning for our Summer Studio Open House at TechTown for free coffee, donuts, and great conversation! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator

The Big Data Center Fight Continues, Newsman Retires, & Listener Pushback Aug 12, 2026

Show notes

On today's show, Norris Howard and I are talking about the massive debate over data centers sweeping Southeast Michigan.

From moratoriums to legal battles to recall efforts, local communities are raising real questions about energy, water, and land use.

We also talk through the University of Michigan selecting an Ypsilanti Township site for a $1.25 billion supercomputer project with Los Alamos National Lab, the response from longtime Rep. Debbie Dingell, and why the city of Detroit's power grid makes hyperscale data centers a tough sell without huge infrastructure investment.

Plus, we address the large amont of listener feedback we received after our recent primary election coverage. We hear you, and we discuss how we're bringing on more guest voices ahead of November to make sure the full range of local viewpoints is represented — as the state of Michigan as a whole voted one way, but Metro Detroit clearly voted another.

Finally, we toast a Detroit journalism legend: WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn, who is retiring after many years of guiding local public radio. Norris shares what Jerome's mentorship meant for his own career.

REMINDER: Our Summer Studio Open House is this Saturday, August 15, from 10a to 1p at TechTown! Come by for free coffee, free donuts, and great conversation with the Daily Detroit crew. Please RSVP on Eventbrite if you can so we have a headcount. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/studio-summer-open-house-and-detroit-community-coffee-tickets-1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator

Feedback or thoughts? Drop us a line at dailydetroit@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.

Walking the Gordie Howe Bridge: First Impressions & What to Know Aug 11, 2026

Show notes

Today on Daily Detroit, photographer and urbanism enthusiast Ryan Southen joins me to share what it's actually like to walk the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge.

We admire the architecture, the breathtaking views of the river and skyline, and what the experience is like going from the American side to the Canadian side — and the huge difference between the two.

Plus, Ryan shares a few practical tips on parking near and navigating the span if you're planning to check it out yourself.

Thanks to our members on Patreon for supporting the show! Join our new $3.13 tier to support work in the 313.

Don't forget our Saturday Summer Studio open house! 10a-1p, free coffee, free donuts, free conversation. Please RSVP so we know how much food to get. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator

Redesigning Greektown: Inside Detroit's New People-First Streetscape For An Old Favorite Aug 10, 2026

Show notes

Greektown has been a staple of downtown Detroit for generations. I have so many great memories as a kid, and it's one of the most "city-feeling" areas of Detroit, and has a litany of great restaurants, bars, and more.

Now, a major transformation has made Monroe Street more flexible, pedestrian-friendly, and vibrant for the future.

Norris Howard and I sat down with Lori Singleton, landscape architect and design director at SmithGroup, to break down the vision behind the new Greektown streetscape.

We dive into:

The Shift to Pedestrian-First Design and why sacrificing some on-street parking allowed for expanded outdoor dining, curbless walkways, and flexible plaza spaces.
How clever systems and underground engineering keep street trees healthy without destroying sidewalks or drowning roots.
And how incremental public space improvements — from the Dequindre Cut, to Beacon Park, to Capitol Park, to Grand Circus Park — are reshaping how people experience downtown Detroit.

There are more images in our newsletter going out tonight. Sign up here: https://www.dailydetroit.com/

Remember that our Summer Studio Open House is SATURDAY MORNING! It's free, but please RSVP on Eventbrite so we know how much coffee and donuts to get. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator

Make sure to follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.

Thanks to our members on Patreon! We have our new $3.13 tier to keep local media alive in the 313.

Why the Detroit Shock Deserve More Credit in WNBA History Aug 07, 2026

Show notes

Writer and director Larry J. Sanders joins the show to discuss his upcoming documentary, Shockwave, which explores the legacy of the three-time champion Detroit Shock.

We dig into why one of the WNBA's most dominant early dynasties seemed to abruptly vanish from the city — and why their story deserves way more credit in league history.

Plus, with a new WNBA franchise set to arrive in Detroit in 2029, we break down what it takes to honor the past while building the future of local sports.

You can check out the teaser here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEXSRJ44hDo

More information: https://bio.site/shockwavefilm

Our Summer Studio Open House is Saturday, August 15! Come join us for free coffee, donuts and conversation: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator

Money Couldn't Buy Michigan: El-Sayed Beats Stevens in Most Expensive Primary Ever Aug 05, 2026

Show notes

In this special post-election edition of Daily Detroit, we break down the high-stakes results from Tuesday's primary elections across Michigan.

In this episode:

How Abdul El-Sayed pulled off a razor-thin victory over Haley Stevens despite massive outside spending, driven by strong overperformances in places like Kent and Ingham Counties.
The failure of heavy television spending and why multi-million dollar ad blitzes failed to deliver wins for Stevens and Perry Johnson over on the Republican side.
Wayne County voters overwhelmingly approved a regional transit expansion, powered by strong turnout from voters under 30.
Downballot, Donovan McKinney defeated Shri Thanedar in the 13th Congressional District to restore Black representation in Detroit, plus updates on victories for Justin Onwenu, Joanna Whaley, and others.
Why the polling was hot garbage.
Plus, we get into listener questions on general election strategy, messaging, and unifying moderate and progressive voters against Mike Rogers.

Support the Show: Keep Daily Detroit fearless, independent, and free! Join our brand new $3.13 Patreon Tier today! https://patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected