Daily Detroit

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Checking out Improv; Peacocks and Pilsners, Rite-Aid reactions and more Jun 28, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Friday! On the podcast:

Jer shares his experience at Go Comedy! Improv Theater in Ferndale, highlighting its pride-themed event and the importance of supporting independent arts in Metro Detroit.

Devon talks about his recent visit to the Detroit Zoo with his daughter, discussing the new attractions and the joy of seeing animals through a child's eyes

We discuss Amar Pizza in Hamtramck getting a nod from The New York Times as one of the best pizza places in the U.S.

We highlight the $153 million development project at the historic Fisher Body Auto Plant, which will include residential and commercial spaces, set to be completed by summer 2026.

Detroit's three new solar neighborhood projects are discussed, focusing on the benefits of converting vacant land into solar arrays and the home improvements for nearby residents.

Jer outlines some of the local projects receiving funding from the Michigan state budget, including the Detroit Zoo, Jimmy John's Field, and the Downtown Boxing Gym.

That leads us on a sidetrack, getting into the ongoing discussions and differing opinions surrounding the I-375 project and its potential impact. Devon doesn't think it's gonna happen.

And we end talking about the implications of Rite Aid reportedly closing all their stores in Michigan, creating pharmacy deserts and the potential for new business opportunities.

Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211 Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify

Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Fireworks around Detroit park closures for the Fireworks, Third Street reopens Jun 27, 2024

Show notes

A couple of stories we're talking about today.

First, Norris Howard relived his college days by checking out the reopened Third Street Bar in Detroit's Midtown.

Then, we have a deep-dive into what is a contentious issue in some circles: Should Detroit city parks be mostly closed for the annual fireworks show?

Some say it's anti-resident; others, it's just what needed in today's world for safety and crowd control and with limited resources this is what can be done.

What do Detroiters think? New study sheds light on top concerns, voter engagement and more Jun 26, 2024

Show notes

It's easy to open up your favorite social media app and think that everyone is thinking a certain way. It doesn't matter the topic. in our always connected world, whether it's about some national story or something in town, we've all seen it.

The pile on with comments. But in my mind, that isn't the greatest indicator of what people really think.

A friend of mine called it "roll and scroll," where a lot of people will see something going a certain way, roll their eyes, and scroll on instead of getting into it. So how do we find out what Detroiters are really thinking?

What brings Detroit voters to the polls? What are their top priorities for local elected officials? You ask them. But to it right, it requires expertise and expense.

So when I saw that outlier media had commissioned the Detroit metro area communities study to survey 1,100 of our citizens? My ears perked up.

To unpack the findings… Sarah Alvarez, the founder and editor in chief of Outlier Media joined me in the studio at Techtown.

Link to the full survey results to follow along: https://outliermedia.org/detroit-voter-turnout-2024-elections-priorities-survey/

Thanks to our episode sponsor, City Bird Detroit: https://citybirddetroit.com/

Block party crackdown, Fireworks pet safety, and international friendlies Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to Monday... We've got some serious stuff, some vibes from a game we went to, and we're going to talk a little bit about dogs, pets, and fireworks because it is the season.

Before we get started, I wanted to tell you that our new Patreon-only Discord is open. This is for supporters only. You just have to join us at Patreon.com/dailydetroit. Already a lively community, people chiming in, having questions, it's absolutely great. Appreciate your support!

First up, a couple of serious things to talk about.

An Oakland County sheriff's deputy was shot in Detroit over the weekend in what is being described as an ambush. He was in plain clothes following a stolen vehicle in Detroit. It's a sad situation.

Next, the city of Detroit is cracking down on unauthorized block parties. There have already been a number of car shows where people get together without permits, and things sometimes get out of hand. This has caused tension within the city. While some residents enjoy these gatherings, others prioritize safety and family-friendly neighborhoods.

As the Ford Fireworks are tonight - and you can check them out on Channel 4 - or if you're going down, it should be a fun experience. And there will be fireworks across the region from now until July 4.

But fireworks can be stressful for our pets. As Fletcher works with dogs, and we can't really stop people from letting off big booms, we talk about a few tips to keep pets a bit calmer during this stressful time

And we end with some immaculate vibes from this weekend. Keyworth Stadium was electric for the Detroit City FC game against Pumas. The energy was incredible, with fans from around the country showing up. The game was intense, and even though Pumas lost, their fans kept cheering. It was a vibe we hadn't felt since before the pandemic, and makes us wonder about how long it makes sense to stay in the Open Cup vs. having international friendlies that can really pack the stands.

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

Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify

Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Letters to Cleo's Michael Eisenstein Talks Old Times, New Music (and a local show at The Magic Bag) Jun 21, 2024

Show notes

Coming to town next weekend on Sunday, June 30, to the Magic Bag in Ferndale is a band that anyone who grew up in the nineties will definitely know.

And if you don't, well, you should get acquainted with the alt-rock legendary sound of Letters to Cleo. The band has some new material to go with favorites like "I Want You to Want Me," "Here and Now," and "Cruel to Be Kind."

To talk about the band, music, and the show, my guest is guitarist Michael Eisenstein. If it sounds like I'm a little excited, I'll put it on the table right now that I'm a fan.

Michael shares stories along the band's journey — and the fresh energy they bring to their new material. We discuss how technology has changed the way they create music, contrasting the hands-on, live development of songs in the early nineties with today's digital collaboration. Michael reflects on the unique challenges and benefits of remote recording and how it has affected the band's creative process.

We also get into the band's involvement with the iconic movie "Ten Things I Hate About You," sharing behind-the-scenes stories, including the thrilling experience of filming the closing shot from a helicopter. Michael talks about the gratifying experience of hearing from younger musicians who were influenced by Letters to Cleo and how the band continues to inspire the next generation of artists.

Looking forward to their upcoming show at the Magic Bag, Michael shares his excitement about returning to the Midwest and performing in a venue that feels like home.

He reminisces about past tours through Metro Detroit with other artists and the joy of reconnecting with old friends and fans. The intimate setting of the Magic Bag suits the band's vibe perfectly, promising a night of great music and energy.

Don't miss Letters to Cleo at the Magic Bag in Ferndale on Sunday, June 30. Doors open at 7pm.

Tickets: https://www.ticketweb.com/event/kickstand-productions-presents-letters-to-the-magic-bag-tickets/13463344?pl=magicbag

p.s. - I want to put a pin in your calendar for Thursday, July 11, 2024. Our Daily Detroit Happy Hour returns, this time at The Royce in downtown Detroit from 4pm to 7pm.

If you've got questions, email us at dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify

Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Dooped Donuts, Self-serve taps, Is it now the Detroit 2 as Stellantis is cutting jobs?, Michigan transit funding in limbo Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Thursday, June 20, 2024! Jer and Devon dive into a packed episode covering everything from new local spots to major news impacting the region.

First, Devon shares his excitement about Elephant and Company, a new venture by Eastern Market Brewing Company in Midtown.

The spot offers coffee, vegan donuts by Duped Donuts, and soon, self-serve taps for beer.

Devon also introduces us to Jarvis, Michigan's only robot barista. Next, they discuss The Lone Goat, a British pub in the Metropolitan Building, offering an authentic atmosphere with traditional British ales, lagers, and hearty pub food. It's a new favorite for Devon, who appreciates the unique selection of beers and the cozy ambiance.

The conversation then shifts to the aftermath of a severe storm that left 40,000 people without power. On the business front, they talk about Stellantis' major cost-cutting measures, which could result in significant job losses at their North American headquarters in Auburn Hills. The discussion touches on the company's lag in EV and hybrid technology, the possibility of a downtown Detroit headquarters, and their seemingly lesser civic presence compared to Ford and GM.

Lastly, they tackle a contentious issue: The potential blocking of over $2 billion for housing, public transit and projects by two progressive Democrats in the Michigan state legislatue. As always, your constructive feedback and support are appreciated. Join our Patreon community at / dailydetroit to access our member-only Discord launching soon. Thanks for listening, and remember - you are somebody. We'll talk tomorrow!

Bye, Monty Williams. Who's next for the Pistons? (BONUS) Jun 20, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to an emergency bonus edition of Daily Detroit! We get into the surprising (to some) decision by the Detroit Pistons to part ways with head coach Monty Williams. Despite a hefty $65 million contract, new management decided it was time for a change.

Fletcher shares his reaction to the move, admitting that he didn't see it coming, though he was never on Team Monty - and gets into the reasons behind Williams' leaving.

The conversation touches on the challenges Williams faced, including re-interviewing for his own job and failing to convince the management of his vision. The duo discusses the mixed reactions from fans and the potential future for Williams, who now has $65 million reasons to be okay with never coaching again.

They also talk some potential candidates for the Pistons' head coach position. Names like JJ Redick and James Borrego come up..

On top of the Pistons' news, we have a quick preview of an international soccer friendly coming to Detroit. Pumas, one of Mexico's top clubs, will face off at Keyworth Stadium, promising a fun match for local soccer fans. https://www.detcityfc.com/international-friendly/

As always, we appreciate your feedback and support. You can reach us at dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

Don't forget that our Patreon-only Discord is launching later this week, offering an exclusive space for our community to connect and discuss all things Detroit.

Thank you for tuning in to this special episode. Remember, you are somebody, and we'll talk tomorrow. Take care!

Thanks for listening, and remember, you are somebody. We'll talk tomorrow.

Juneteenth and Crossing City Borders in Metro Detroit Jun 19, 2024

Show notes

It's Juneteenth, and normally we take Federal holidays off. But today, we're getting into a conversation about the holiday, the scope of our coverage in Metro Detroit, the changes in our area, as well as the importance of listening to people who've been around when you're new to working in a community.

We tackle some common feedback that Daily Detroit should focus solely on the city Detroit proper. We talk about why we cover the region, and argue that Metro Detroit's interconnectedness means covering the suburbs is essential.

Crossing city borders is a way of life here, acknowledging that two-thirds of Detroiters work in the suburbs and 75% of city jobs are held by suburbanites — not to mention family connections and more. The trio also touches on the issue of gatekeeping and the need for a more inclusive approach to covering the region. Blackness crosses borders here, and that understanding the diverse demographics of Metro Detroit is crucial.

They also discuss the need for diversity in media and the importance of hiring local talent to truly understand the community. The conversation wraps up with a call for intentionality in media representation and community engagement.

Feedback: dailydetroit@gmail.com or 313-789-3211 and leave a voicemail for the show.

Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and consider supporting us on Patreon. We have a member-only Discord launching this week - kinda like Metro Detroit's personal helpdesk. Thanks for listening, and remember that you are somebody.

Detroit's Grassroots Solutions to Gun Violence (ft. Dujuan Zoe Kennedy, Force Detroit) Jun 18, 2024

Show notes

In this deep-dive episode, we explore the transformative work of Force Detroit, a nonprofit organization led by Dujuan "Zoe" Kennedy.

His story goes from end to end - from prison to being invited to the White House twice.

He gives us an intimate look into the world of community-based violence intervention.

Kennedy explains the science-backed methods behind their work, and how these approaches help regulate thought processes and emotions. He discusses the importance of addressing trauma and the need for proactive, intentional efforts to deal with it.

The conversation then moves to the role of social media in community conflicts. Kennedy maintains that social media can escalate conflicts by providing unlimited access to individuals, a problem that Force Detroit addresses directly.

Kennedy also shares the impressive impact of their work, with stats showing a significant reduction in non-fatal and fatal shootings in their areas of operation. However, he highlights the need for continuous funding to maintain and scale their work, arguing for policy changes that would ensure permanent funding for community-based violence intervention.

Lastly, Kennedy calls on listeners to get involved, whether through volunteering or advocating for community-led solutions, emphasizing that everyone's expertise and lived experience is valuable when they're informed.

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation about a grassroots solution to community violence that's making a real difference in Detroit.

More on Force Detroit: https://forcedetroit.org/

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

Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify

Thanks to our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Hello, Monday. Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

We've got a lot of stories to talk about today.

First, a quick note: it's going to be a hot one this week. There are a number of cooling centers across the region and in the city of Detroit, including libraries, as temperatures are expected to soar into the nineties. Please be careful out there, especially with pets. If you walk them, walk them on grass instead of cement and keep them hydrated.

We have some sad news from the weekend. A mass shooting occurred at a splash pad in Rochester Hills, Michigan, leaving nine people injured, including two children. The shooter, a 42-year-old male from Shelby Township, took his own life hours after the incident. Police are still investigating the motive. We discuss for a bit.

On a brighter note, the annual Concert of Colors is this week, featuring events all over Midtown. Highlights include a K-pop dance review and the Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue. The Concert of Colors is a foundational event in Detroit, bringing people together through music and culture.

In sports news, the Detroit Lions have signed kicker Jake Bates to a two-year deal. Despite some concerns, Bates has proven he can make long field goals, which could be a valuable asset for the team.

Switching to Detroit City FC, the team recently beat Charleston 2-0 at Keyworth Stadium. Maxi Rodriguez scored a PK goal, and Elvis Amoh scored in the fourth minute of added time. Despite the win, Detroit City FC is still in fifth place, with a widening gap between the top teams and the bottom four in the playoffs. Additionally, Ali Coote is reportedly not returning, and there might be changes in the goalkeeper position.

We discuss the potential wind down of the Nate Steinwasher era at Detroit City FC, as new (to Detroit) goalkeeper Carlos Saldaña has been getting more play time. But to get a long-saught after home playoff match, the team needs to focus on scoring more goals.

Thank you to our members on Patreon who keep this show going. We're excited to announce a new benefit: a Discord for members only, where you can chat with us, get story updates, and more. This will be available to all tiers sometime this week.

As always, we appreciate your feedback and support. You can reach us at dailydetroit -at- gmail.com or 313-789-3211.

Thanks for listening, and remember, you are somebody. We'll talk tomorrow.

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