Daily Detroit

Latest Episodes:

New Baby Gorilla, Primark, Downtown Development Haircut, and New Riverfront Homes Aug 15, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to your all-local daily news podcast serving Metro Detroit!

We kick off with the heartwarming news of a baby gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo, the first in nearly 100 years. Bandia, a first-time mom, and her baby are doing well, although the Great Apes building is temporarily closed to guests to give them a calm and quiet space.

Next, we discuss the upcoming opening of Primark's first Michigan store at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. Set to open on September 12, the new location will offer over 36,000 square feet of retail space with the latest fashion trends, household essentials, and beauty supplies at affordable prices. Notably, Primark is known for paying fair wages, with sales associates starting at $15.25 an hour. Norris shares his experiences with Primark in Boston and London, comparing it to a larger, more affordable H&M.

In downtown Detroit, the Cadillac Square development, previously known as the Monroe Blocks, is facing delay. Dan Gilbert's Bedrock is expected to request an extension to begin construction. The revised plan includes fewer residences and office space but adds a concert venue. Jer and Norris discuss the implications of these changes and the potential impact on the area.

On the east side, Detroit is launching its first single-family waterfront home development in over 24 years at Shorepoint Village on Greyhaven Island. The project includes ten new homes with docks, high-end finishes, and 24-hour gated security, with prices starting at half a million dollars. The development aims to attract buyers from surrounding affluent areas.

Don't miss this engaging discussion on the latest happenings in Detroit. Share your thoughts with us at dailydetroit@gmail.com. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Trying Detroit's "Autonomous" Shuttle, Corn on the Corner, MJ's Ice Cream Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

Detroit has a new shuttle service, Connect AV, and we tried it (and not during the press tour). Boy, do we have thoughts.

For "where we've been," Devon talks about Corn on the Corner in West Dearborn. Turns out Devon loves corn, and a restaurant specializing in it is exactly what he was looking for. https://www.cornonthecorner.com/

And Jer talks about MJ's North End Ice Cream shop, where he drowned his not so great weekend in a strawberry sundae. https://mjsnorthendicecream.com/

Will That Church at Woodward and 7 Mile Ever Happen? Plus 5 Things Around Detroit Aug 13, 2024

Show notes

Happy Tuesday and welcome to your all-local news podcast, Daily Detroit.

Fletcher Sharpe kicks off talking about the Olympics, especially the electric performances from Team USA's basketball stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. They share amusing anecdotes about foreign sports broadcasts, highlighting the unique passion and energy that different languages bring to the games.

The conversation then shifts to some concerning local news. Stellantis is laying off up to 2,450 workers at their Warren truck plant, reducing shifts and discontinuing the Ram 1500 Classic. Jer and Fletcher discuss the broader implications for the local economy and the challenges facing Stellantis, including their lack of investment in R&D and declining sales across multiple brands.

In state politics, the debate over ending the tipped minimum wage in Michigan heats up. Despite a ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court, some Democrats are expressing concerns about the economic impact. Fletcher shares his strong opinions against the tipped minimum wage, emphasizing the need for a fair, flat wage for service workers.

On a brighter note, the East Warren Public Market in Detroit recently broke ground. The $5.5 million project will feature a grocery store, farmers market, retail spaces, and more, aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs. Jer and Fletcher discuss the positive impact such projects can have on communities.

However, skepticism surrounds the long-stalled Perfecting Church project at Seven Mile and Woodward. Despite recent zoning approvals, Jer and Fletcher remain doubtful about its completion, given its lengthy history of delays.

In sports, Fletcher shares a fun encounter with a listener who shares his cautious optimism about the Detroit Lions. They discuss the team's preseason performance and the importance of managing expectations.

The episode wraps up with a listener question about Detroit City FC. Despite a new coach, the team struggles to score goals and secure wins. Is it time for a reset on the field?

Don't miss this engaging discussion, and share your thoughts with us at dailydetroit@gmail.com. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Working a polling place and talking the Presidential race in Michigan Aug 12, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Monday, August 12, 2024.

On the all-local podcast today:

Steve shares his recent experience working the polls in Superior Township, offering a firsthand account of the election process and the importance of bipartisan poll workers. He highlights the challenges and intricacies involved, and learned a lot.

The conversation then shifts to the national political scene, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris's recent surge in swing states according to a Sienna College poll. They discuss the implications of her rise and how it has transformed the dynamics of the presidential race. We also dive into the strategic moves by both the Harris and Trump campaigns, analyzing voter sentiments and media strategies.

In more local politics, the discussion turns to Elissa Slotkin's victory over Hill Harper and her upcoming race against Mike Rogers. Steve and Jer explore the challenges Rogers faces in appealing to a broader electorate while staying aligned with the Trump campaign.

The episode wraps up with a listener question about the impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict on the presidential race. Steve offers insights into how this issue has already influenced the campaign and the potential implications moving forward.

Don't miss this engaging and informative discussion. Share your thoughts with us at dailydetroit@gmail.com. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Up at Kamper's, Rhode Island thoughts, "Devon Downer" and New Autonomous Shuttle Launching Aug 09, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Friday, August 9, 2024. Hosts Jer and Devon dive into a rich discussion, starting with Devon's recent trip to Providence, Rhode Island.

Devon shares how he enjoyed the charm of this New England city, from its historical architecture to its seafood delights, and reflect on how it compares to Detroit's vibrant scene.

Devon shares his admiration for Providence's old-world charm, but notes the city's lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and its surprisingly abandoned tallest building.

Back in Detroit, Jer had a birthday visit to the rooftop bar Kamper's at the Book Tower, highlighting the luxurious vibe. They discuss the challenges of navigating popular spots like Kamper's and offer tips for a smoother experience.

The conversation takes a turn as Devon addresses recent listener feedback, defending his stance on Detroit's potential Olympic bid and the proposed I-75 cap project. Labeled "Devon Downer" as of late, he explains the importance of balancing optimism with realism, especially given Detroit's complex development landscape.

And in local news, the city of Detroit is set to launch the Connect AV shuttle service, an autonomous vehicle pilot program. The service will operate on an eleven-mile loop through key areas like Corktown and the East Jefferson riverfront. While Devon expresses cautious optimism, both hosts discuss the potential impact of AV technology on Detroit's transit future.

Sare your thoughts with us at dailydetroit@gmail.com. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Will Detroit turn out for Kamala Harris? // The Race Hill Harper could have won Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

In this episode, Jer and Norris dive into the crucial races, including Elissa Slotkin's dominant performance in the US Senate primary, Hill Harper's missed bid (and which race he could have won).

They discuss the implications of these results on the political landscape, particularly the need for new leadership and deeper community engagement. How changing demographics mean you can't just show up and assume a demographic is going to show up for you.

They also touch on the broader national scene, analyzing Vice President Kamala Harris's potential to energize voter turnout and the strategic significance. The conversation extends to the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party and the importance of relatable, grounded candidates like Tim Walz.

Join Jer and Norris as they provide insightful commentary on the changing face of politics, both locally and nationally, and what it might mean for Detroit's future.

Don't miss this engaging discussion, and share your thoughts with us at dailydetroit@gmail.com. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Spotting (and squashing) the invasive Spotted Lanternfly Aug 06, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode, we dive into the world of invasive species with a focus on the Spotted Lanternfly. Join us as we chat with Zach Lacombe, Assistant Manager of the Davey Residential Office, to learn about this unwanted garden guest, what to look out for, and how to handle it.

DNR link: https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/spotted-lanternfly

Moosejaw's Final Chapter // NewsNet Shuts Down // Unpopular Opinions Aug 05, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Monday, August 5, 2024. Hosts Jer and Fletcher dive into their unpopular opinion, the end of beloved outdoor retailer MooseJaw, and the abrupt closure of Newsnet.

We open with a pair of unpopular opinions about coney dogs and pedal pubs.

Then in our segment on endings, we talk about the closure of MooseJaw's final three stores, including the last Michigan location in Birmingham. Acquired by Dick's Sporting Goods in early 2023, Jer and Fletcher discuss the missed opportunity for a strong, locally-based brand.

We also discuss the end of News\et, a free ad-supported streaming TV network founded by the billionaire behind 5 Hour Energy. The network, based in Cadillac, Michigan, and with a secondary studio in Farmington, has shut down due to a lack of audience interest, resulting in 80 layoffs. The hosts reflect on the changing media landscape and the challenges of delivering news that people claim they want but often don't support with their attention or dollars.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the evolution of local businesses and media. Share your thoughts with us - including your unpopular opinions at dailydetroit@gmail.com - and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Should Detroit make an Olympic bid? // Hulk pushback // Corktown controversy Aug 02, 2024

Show notes

Happy Friday! Today - a busy show.

A local man held prisoner by Russia was freed as part of a swap. We discuss.

We get into a question some of you had about whether Detroit should bid for a future Olympics - and get into if that's something we even want to go for?

Plus, some listeners weren't happy with an earlier episode where Fletcher Sharpe had strong feelings about Hulk Hogan. FYI. Devon also has strong feelings. Plus how media and audiences need to not just include voices of color, but allow them to bring their experience.

Finally, we end talking about the great brick debate in Corktown. A plan to redo Michigan Avenue in one of Detroit's oldest sections of town has caused some strong feelings - and we get into multiple sides of the discussion and where folks stand.

Yes, our cover art is AI generated nonsense, asking if what it might look like if Detroit held the Olympics. It's Friday, after all.

Everything you ever wanted to know about the Joe Louis Greenway Aug 01, 2024

Show notes

The Joe Louis Greenway has gotten a lot of buzz locally and nationally. But what's the bigger vision? What's ahead? How will this integrate with the communities it serves?

Joe Louis Greenway Partnership Executive Director Leona Medley joins us to discus the formation and goals of the newly formed nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Joe Louis Greenway project in Detroit.

The partnership focuses on community engagement, ongoing beautification, programming, and maintaining the greenway to ensure it is a safe, clean, and enjoyable space for residents and visitors.

Key topics we talk about...

Formation of the Partnership: Established in 2022 to support the public project, with Liana joining in 2023.
Community Engagement: Involvement with residents and municipalities like Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck.
Programming and Events: Family-friendly, free programming, including fitness classes, yoga, and bike events.
Beautification and Maintenance: Ensuring the greenway remains clean and well-maintained for a pleasant user experience.
Future Vision: Expanding construction through 2025, increasing programming, and fostering economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Community Involvement: We discuss the importance of community involvement and the impact of the greenway on local neighborhoods.
There's an emphasis on: The significance of providing a clean, safe, and beautiful public space while also creating economic opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs.

Don't miss another episode of the podcast! We do this every weekday. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.

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