Daily Detroit

Latest Episodes:

Taking Stock of the Detroit Tigers at the All-Star Break Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to a baseball edition of your Daily Detroit for Wednesday, July 17, 2024, broadcasting from the studio at TechTown.

Today, we're taking stock of the Detroit Tigers at the All-Star break. Jer is joined by Fletcher Sharpe and Justin Remington to discuss the team's recent performance, challenges, and future prospects.

Key Topics:

The Tigers' recent 8-2 run and its impact on team morale.
The potential trade of key player Tarik Skubal and its implications.
The challenges faced by the team, including financial constraints and player performance.
Positive highlights such as Justin Henry Malloy's first home run and the energy among younger players.
Fan engagement, attendance trends, and the impact of Bally Sports on accessibility.
The importance of the Tigers' identity and their connection to Detroit's culture.

Daily Detroit is on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube and wherever you listen to podcasts.

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"True Gretch" Book Review (And a Word on Recent Events) Jul 16, 2024

Show notes

This episode is in two parts.

First, Jer talks about the importance of speaking when it adds to the silence, especially on important issues.

Then, his review of the book "True Gretch - What I've Learned About Life, Leadership, and Everything in Between."

You can find the full text version of the review on our website.

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Tackling Degree Completion and Career Gaps in Michigan (ft. Danielle North, Degree Forward) Jul 15, 2024

Show notes

On this Monday episode of the podcast, Danielle North, founder and CEO of Degree Forward joins me.

Danielle shares her insights on the critical gaps in education and talent, emphasizing the importance of degree completion for achieving a sustainable living wage. She discusses the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students and minority groups, and how Degree Forward is addressing these issues through flexible, competency-based education programs.

Key Topics Discussed:

The ongoing relevance of degrees for financial stability and upward mobility.
Disparities in degree completion among different demographic groups, particularly Black and Latino students.
The challenges faced by first-generation college students and the importance of support systems.
Degree Forward's approach to bridging educational gaps through online, competency-based programs.
The role of generational wealth and exposure in educational attainment.
Degree Forward's offerings, including healthcare management, business management, and communications degrees, as well as certifications in high-demand fields.

Key Quotes:

"A degree is still that pathway into the middle class, or what we call actually having a livable wage."
"We have to bridge the opportunity gap and the knowledge gap for first-generation students.

Listen in to learn more about how Degree Forward is empowering individuals to complete their education and advance their careers. For more information, visit Degree Forward.

Two RenCen Towers to be demolished? Inside a new distillery, and more around Metro Detroit Jul 12, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the Friday edition of your Daily Detroit, sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan.

Today:

We talk about a visit to the Shankar Distillery, making the Varchas brand, a new spot blending Indian and American whiskey traditions. Learn about their unique offerings, including a Reserve 102 bourbon whiskey and the cultural significance behind their eagle branding.

Jer and Devon discuss his favorite twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring mezcal and tequila. Perfect for summer sipping, this drink brings a smoky flavor. T

he much-anticipated grand opening of Elephant and Company is happening this Saturday. With pizza, self-serve taps, and a kid-friendly environment, this new space could become a local favorite.

Jer corrects a previous misstatement about the number of rooms at the Marriott in the RenCen, clarifying that it has over 1,300 rooms, making it the largest hotel in Michigan.

Devon shares informed speculation about the potential future of the RenCen, including the possibility of Dan Gilbert's Bedrock purchasing the property and transforming it to better integrate with Detroit's riverfront by demolishing at least two of the towers, and bringing green space to East Jefferson.

Priority Waste is facing significant delays in trash collection across the region after taking over from GFL Environmental.

A downtown apartment project has secured over $11 million in public financing, paving the way for a September start.

This $38 million project will convert and expand three existing buildings on Broadway into a nine-story residential building with 80 units.

And we react to listener feedback on the cancellation of the Midtown Target project. They discuss the mixed opinions on the need for big-box stores like Target in Detroit.

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Midtown Target is dead, so where else in Detroit could it go? (Plus Sheetz talk) Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Wednesday! Here's what's on tap for today's show:

Daily Detroit Happy Hour: Join us this Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 7 PM at The Royce. (More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667)

Target in Midtown Canceled: Jer and Norris discuss the cancellation of the proposed 32,000 square foot Target store in Midtown due to project delays and complications. Despite this, 350 apartments will still be built at the site by City Club Apartments, who are seeking another national retailer to replace Target.

Potential City Target Locations In Detroit: The hosts brainstorm various potential locations for a smaller format City Target in Detroit, including the North End, New Center, and even the Avenue of Fashion.

Full-Size Target Stores: They also explore ideas for full-size Target locations in Metro Detroit, with suggestions like Grand River and Greenfield on the west side and potential spots on the east side.

Sheets Convenience Stores: Norris and Jer get into the buzz around Sheets, a combination gas station and convenience store chain, which is expanding into Michigan. They discuss its appeal and the potential impact on local businesses.

Road Trips vs. Flying: How long do you drive before you feel like you need to fly? Tune in for a\ lively debate on the merits of road trips versus flying, with Jer advocating for the joys of road travel while Norris shares his reservations and personal experiences.

Support the show: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Detroit wants to stop illegal block parties, Uncle Dan could buy the Rencen, and what should the new 3 on 3 basketball team be called? Jul 09, 2024

Show notes

On today's show:

Daily Detroit Happy Hour: Join us this Thursday, July 11, from 4 to 7 PM at The Royce. (More: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667)
Survey Feedback: Jer and Fletcher discuss the results of a recent listener survey, highlighting the importance of community input for growth and improvement.
Unpermitted Block Party Clampdown: The hosts address a recent block party incident where two young people were killed, and more than 20 shot. They delve into the city's response, including new measures announced by Mayor Mike Duggan and Police Chief James White to curb such violence.
Dan Gilbert's Option to Buy the Rencen: Jer and Fletcher discuss the possibility of Dan Gilbert buying the Ren Sen, exploring the implications for Detroit's real estate landscape. (More: https://www.crainsdetroit.com/real-estate/dan-gilbert-rencen-purchase-table-documents-show)
Three-on-Three Basketball: Fletcher educates listeners on Ice Cube's Big Three league and its new Detroit team, and we talk about where the games might be held.
Detroit Pistons Update: The episode wraps up with a discussion on the Pistons' latest pickup, Malik Beasley, and what it means for the team's future.

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How Philanthrophy is Helping Shape Detroit's Future (ft. Donald Rencher, Hudson-Webber) Jul 08, 2024

Show notes

Join us on the Daily Detroit podcast as we sit down with Donald Rencher, president and CEO of the Hudson Weber Foundation.

Donald shares his insights on the crucial role of philanthropy in Detroit's growth, the importance of affordable housing, and his vision for inclusive growth in the city.

Key Topics Discussed:

The role of philanthropy in Detroit's development and supporting transformational projects
Strategies for attracting more residents to Detroit and stopping population decline
The necessity of creating safe, inclusive neighborhoods that retain residents
The importance of affordable housing across various income levels
The need for investment in neighborhoods to improve amenities and living conditions
Donald's goals for the future, including continuing work on criminal justice reform and supporting arts and culture in Detroit

Key Quotes:

"Philanthropy has a crucial role in pushing transformational projects in Detroit."
"We need to ensure that Detroit's growth is inclusive and that all residents feel a part of it."

Listen in to learn more about how Detroit is evolving and the pivotal role of philanthropy in this transformation!

Recorded at the Mackinac Policy Conference.

More on the Hudson-Webber Foundation: https://hudson-webber.org/

More on our Happy Hour on July 11 at the Royce Detroit! We had to open up more free tickets there was so much demand. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667

Predictions for the Next 6 Months in Detroit, New Hotel Rendering Changes Detroit's Skyline (and more) Jul 03, 2024

Show notes

In today's episode - the final before the July 4th break - Jer Staes, Devon O'Reilly, and Norris Howard dive into the latest developments in Detroit, including the new JW Marriott project and its potential impact on the city's landscape. They explore the aesthetics and functionality of the project, the need for more hotel rooms, and the broader implications for Detroit's convention and tourism sectors.

The conversation shifts to the challenges and opportunities in the local real estate market, emphasizing the importance of efficient development processes and the role of both large and small developers in shaping the city's future.

The team also discusses the potential for new leadership in Detroit's upcoming mayoral election and what it could mean for the city's growth and development.

Devon shares his observations on the changes in the Foxtown area, including the transformation of the Town Pump Tavern into the Chandelier Room, and the ongoing development projects nearby. The team reflects on the importance of creating vibrant, connected neighborhoods and the need for streamlined processes in the city to support smaller developers.

Announcements:

Happy Hour on July 11 at The Royce: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667
Listener survey at DailyDetroit.com/survey
We'll be back with new episodes on Monday

Hitting the Reset Button on the Detroit Pistons Jul 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Fletcher Sharpe discusses the recent changes and developments with the Detroit Pistons.

The team covers the hiring of coach J.B. Bickerstaff, the impact of Fred Vinson on player shooting performance, and the potential of new draft picks Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman.

They also talk about the return of Tobias Harris, Cade Cunningham's commitment to the team, and the overall outlook for the upcoming season.

Fletcher shares his insights on what the team needs to do to improve and the importance of patience with young players. Don't miss their detailed analysis and predictions for the Pistons' future.

Key Topics:

J.B. Bickerstaff's coaching style and impact
Fred Vinson's influence on shooting performance
New draft picks: Ron Holland and Bobi Klintman
Return of Tobias Harris
Cade Cunningham's role and future with the Pistons
Team development and expectations for the upcoming season
Importance of patience with young talent

Announcements:

Happy Hour on Thursday, July 11, at the Royce: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/daily-detroit-happy-hour-at-the-royce-wine-bar-tickets-936633384667
Listener survey at DailyDetroit.com/survey

Tune in for a comprehensive overview of the Detroit Pistons' current state and what fans can look forward to in the near future.

Unbridled Potential: The Largest Urban Equestrian Center In America Is Coming To Detroit Jul 01, 2024

Show notes

Happy Monday! Let's get this holiday week started.

The largest urban equestrian center in the nation is coming right here to the city of Detroit, and we're going to talk about it.

Jer sits down with David Silver, founder and executive director of Detroit Horsepower, a nonprofit that teaches Detroit students to ride and care for horses.

This new facility aims to develop critical skills in students, setting them up for academic, career, and life success.

They discuss the transformational impact of working with horses, the five core social-emotional skills the program focuses on, and the journey to building this massive project on the former Paul Robeson school site at Linwood and Fenkell in the city.

David shares the planning and community engagement that has gone into making this dream a reality, including the $11.4 million project budget, the $6.6 million already committed, and the targeted groundbreaking in fall 2024.

They also touch on the importance of new market tax credits and the various funding sources that have been pivotal in reaching this stage.

Don't forget:

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