Daily Detroit

Latest Episodes:

Summer in the City: New Openings, Sushi, a Coffee Shop and a Bourbon Garden Jun 14, 2024

Show notes

Today, we're diving into the vibrant summer scene in Detroit.

Devon and Jer kick things off by discussing the new restaurant and bar scene, including the exciting opening of Easy Peasy, a new concept located in the old Cornerstone space downtown. They're now offering a lunch sushi program from Detroit Sushi, making it a must-visit spot.

We also highlight the Monarch Club's fantastic cocktails and the importance of using reservation apps to snag last-minute tables at popular spots.

Jer shares his recent experience at Coriander, a restaurant on the far east side of the city by the canals, which has upped its game with an excellent Marrow burger and a busy, vibrant atmosphere.

For those with kids, Devon offers some tips on finding family-friendly restaurants in Detroit, emphasizing the need for space and a lively atmosphere. He mentions Supergeil as a great example of a kid-friendly spot with outdoor space.

There's a new coffee shop opening at Post in Detroit on Kercheval near Grosse Pointe Park, adding to the growing list of cool daytime spots in the area. We also discuss the transformation of a Starbucks into a Lucky Coffee in the village of Grosse Pointe, expanding the brand's footprint.

Summer events are in full swing, and we talk about the Brisa Bar in Campus Martius, which offers a casual vibe with small bites and tropical drinks. Capitol Park's new art installation and the upcoming Grand Circus Gala and Bourbon Garden are also on our radar, promising fun and unique experiences in the city.

And in other news, Michigan has surpassed California to become the largest cannabis market in the United States by sales volume. We discuss the implications of this milestone and what it means for the state's economy and tax revenue.

As always, we appreciate your feedback and support.

You can reach us at dailydetroit@gmail.com or 313-789-3211. Follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and consider supporting us on Patreon to keep local media thriving.

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

Holistic Approaches to Poverty (ft. Ryan Hertz of Lighthouse Michigan) Jun 13, 2024

Show notes

Today on your Daily Detroit, we're chatting with Ryan Hertz, the head of Lighthouse Michigan. Ryan tells us about the amazing work Lighthouse is doing for affordable housing and emergency services in Oakland County and beyond.

We begin with how Lighthouse Michigan started. It's a combination of two old human service organizations. They aim to provide emergency shelter, food services, and affordable housing. Ryan talks about the big problems that cause homelessness and the new ways Lighthouse is using to solve them.

Ryan also talks about the issues of affordability in cities like Pontiac, comparing it to what's happening in Detroit. He speaks about the growing number of households in Oakland County struggling to pay rent and the various strategies Lighthouse is using to make housing affordable.

Ryan shares some interesting future projects, too. These include rebuilding apartment buildings in Pontiac, expanding their emergency shelter, and setting up a campus with a health clinic, job training programs, and a food pantry that respects the choices of its clients.

Ryan stresses that working together is key to achieving these big goals. He highlights the need for everyone to help fight poverty and build fair communities. He suggests moving from a charity approach to a justice approach, which he believes will benefit the whole economy.

Join us for this interesting chat about the future of affordable housing, community development, and the important role of teamwork in making lasting changes in southeast Michigan.

This was recorded at the Mackinac Policy Conference. Thanks to our sponsor for this episode, your Metro Detroit Best Choice Roofing. Call 313-474-7031 for more information.

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Restaurants may need to show their cards // Royal Oak approves apartments // A new hat in the Detroit mayoral race? Jun 12, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to your Daily Detroit, your essential guide to what's happening in Southeast Michigan. It's Wednesday, June 12, 2024, and we're broadcasting from our studio at TechTown.

First off, a huge congratulations to Hajime Sato of Sozai in Clawson for winning the James Beard Award for Best Chef! It's fantastic to see a spot in the suburbs, like Clawson, getting recognition alongside Detroit. We also talk about the vibrant restaurant scene in Oak Park and the regional growth that lifts everyone.

Next, we discuss Councilman Scott Benson's renewed push for health inspection placards at Detroit restaurants. The proposed system would use a simple pass/fail color code (green for pass, red for fail) to indicate health inspection results. Despite some pushback from business groups, we argue that this measure is essential for public safety and transparency.

We then shift our focus to Royal Oak, where a contentious meeting resulted in the approval of a 42-unit apartment development on an old bank site. Despite local opposition citing increased traffic and a desire to maintain a "rural feel," the need for more housing in Metro Detroit ultimately won out. We delve into the broader issue of NIMBYism and its impact on regional development.

Lastly, we discuss the political landscape as Dennis Archer Jr. hints at a mayoral run if Mayor Mike Duggan doesn't seek re-election. With his deep connections in both the business and local communities, Archer Jr. could be a formidable candidate. We explore what his potential candidacy means for the city and the challenges he might face.

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When a speedbump is a ramp, "Sub-Zero" Terrion Arnold, Visit Detroit x Burnley Jun 11, 2024

Show notes

Hey all - welcome to Tuesday! Today, we're diving into a variety of topics.

Starting with a local traffic and design issue that has been causing quite a stir. A listener highlighted a large speed bump on Lafayette near downtown Detroit that has been surprising many drivers. We discuss the implications of this speed bump, its design, and suggestions for making it more noticeable to ensure it serves its purpose without being a surprise ramp for drivers.

Next, we shift gears to sports. Terrion Arnold has picked up the number zero on his jersey and earned the nickname "Sub Zero" from his teammates. We get into the the confidence this choice represents. We also discuss the cornerback competition during minicamp, including standout performances and ongoing questions about the Lions' roster.

Tayshaun Prince, a Pistons legend, is being considered for the role of general manager of the franchise. We explore his journey from player to front office executive and the potential impact of his return to Detroit. His experience with the Memphis Grizzlies and his connection to the Pistons' culture make him a promising candidate.

For soccer fans, Burnley Football Club is partnering with Visit Detroit, and you'll see their jerseys featuring Detroit's name during the soccer tournament in North Carolina. This collaboration celebrates the shared industrial heritage of Detroit and Burnley, and we discuss the potential cultural exchanges and joint events that could arise from this partnership.

Lastly, we touch on Detroit City FC's recent 2-0 victory over Rhode Island, highlighting the return of Elvis Amoh to the field. Despite not scoring, his presence is a positive sign for the team's future. We also discuss the team's current standing in the Eastern Conference and the importance of securing a home playoff game.

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What will it take to grow Michigan? (ft. Hilary Doe) Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

As long as we've done this show, growing Michigan, and getting it into gear to be competitive against the rest of the country has been a topic.

Honestly, it sometimes feels like I'm screaming down into the void as someone who is usually pushing for things to be better.

Because as much as we love our city, region and state, there's much to be proud of… There is work to do. There has been for years. After all, Michigan is second to last in the nation for attracting people from other states. Mix that with our well-documented brain drain? It hasn't been a good recipe.

So how do we wrestle with all of this?

Today's conversation is from the Mackinac Policy Conference with a special guest, Hilary Doe, Michigan's Chief Growth Officer.

Join us as we have an in-depth discussion about Michigan's population growth, talent attraction, and the future of the state.

Key topics include:

Population Growth and Talent Attraction: Hilary Doe shares insights from a new national poll targeting young talent in cities like Austin, Nashville, New York, and LA. Discover what factors are most important to young people when choosing a place to call home, with safety, community diversity, and walkability topping the list.

Public Engagement: We talk about the public engagement efforts undertaken by Hilary's office, including conversations with thousands of Michiganders and national polling. Hear how these efforts are shaping policies and initiatives aimed at retaining and attracting young talent.

Housing and Economic Realities: Dive into the critical issue of housing affordability and its impact on talent attraction. Hilary discusses the importance of down payment support and the need to address Michigan's rent burden to make the state more attractive to young professionals. It's not just about the cost of housing, but the cost as percentage of income.

Legislative Momentum and Pilot Programs: We talk about some of the policy recommendations from the "Growing Together Michigan" report and the legislative momentum they've gained. Hilary outlines the pilot programs being rolled out to address regional specificities in talent retention and attraction.

Storytelling and Marketing Michigan: We get into the importance of storytelling in changing perceptions about Michigan. Hilary highlights the success of the "You Can in Michigan" campaign, which has already driven significant interest and won multiple awards.

Balancing Long-term Goals with Immediate Actions: Hilary discusses the importance of incremental progress and the role of every Michigander in promoting the state. Discover the specific policies and initiatives that are set to make a difference in the short term.

Don't miss this conversation about the future of Michigan, its challenges, and the exciting opportunities ahead. Tune in on this website, Apple Podcasts or Spotify to hear how Hilary Doe and her team are working to make Michigan a top destination for young talent.

Our all-local daily podcast is on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

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

Michigan Central concert reaction // Inside Nuevo Soul // Why Mobility is important Jun 07, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to your Daily Detroit, your go-to local podcast for everything happening in Southeast Michigan. It's in two parts. First, we dive into one of Detroit's most talked-about events - the concert at Michigan Central. Then we catch up with our regular Friday host, Devon O'Reilly to talk about a new restaurant in downtown Detroit and answer some questions about what "mobility" is.

Concert Extravaganza: Norris Howard joins us to recap one of the best free concerts he's ever attended. From the energetic crowd to the stellar performances by Eminem, Big Sean, and Diana Ross, we break down what made this free concert a standout event. Norris shares his firsthand experience from the pit, highlighting the family reunion vibe and the sober, yet electrifying atmosphere.
Detroit's Ultimate Talent Show: Jer and Norris discuss the significance of the Michigan Central concert's impressive turnout of 20,000 people, the fact it was a dry event and the potential for making this an annual Detroit family reunion. They also touch on the diverse lineup, from Diana Ross to a heartfelt tribute to J Dilla to a pyrotechnic-filled performance by Jack White and finishing off with Eminem.
Are you into concerts? Devin O'Reilly talks about how he doesn't dlike for concerts and gets into his eclectic taste in music, from reggaeton to country, and the types of smaller, more intimate venues he prefers.
New downtown Detroit restaurant: Devin introduces us to Nuevo Sol, a hidden downtown lunch spot offering a unique Mexican-Korean fusion menu. From birria tacos to Korean fried chicken, Devin raves about the food, the vibe, and the full cocktail bar. Check it out for a delightful dining experience.
Michigan Central Insights: We revisit the Michigan Central Station transformation and the feedback we've received. In response to listener questions, Devon, who once held the title of Director of Mobility Initiatives, explains the importance of mobility in Detroit's future and how Michigan Central is poised to become a national hub for innovation in transportation and technology.

Don't forget to leave five stars in your favorite podcast app and share the show with a friend.

Our all-local daily podcast is on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

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

Inside Detroit's historic Indian Village (And tour it this weekend!) Jun 06, 2024

Show notes

Today we're diving into one of Detroit's most historic and charming neighborhoods: Indian Village. Joining us in the studio at TechTown is Mark Reynolds, the chairperson of the 2024 Indian Village Home Tour.

Get ready for a fundiscussion about the allure, history, and future of Indian Village.

Mark Reynolds' Journey to Indian Village: Discover what drew Mark to move from the suburbs to Indian Village and why he became so involved in the community.
Historical Significance: Learn about the fascinating history of Indian Village, from its origins as a ribbon farm and horse racing track to its development into a high-end neighborhood with homes built by Detroit's elite.
Stunning Architecture: Explore the unique and eclectic architecture of Indian Village, where few houses are the same, and hear about the meticulous efforts to preserve these historic homes.
Community Spirit: Understand the strong sense of community that has helped Indian Village thrive, including the role of the Indian Village Association in maintaining the neighborhood's integrity.
Future Prospects: Discuss the influx of new families into the neighborhood and what this means for the future of Indian Village. It's chaning quickly, as 20% of the neighborhood has turned over since the beginning of the pandemic in 2020.
Indian Village Home Tour: Get all the details about the upcoming 48th Indian Village Home and Garden Tour, including how to get tickets, what to expect, and the unique homes and gardens featured this year.

Join us for a walk through memory lane and a peek into the future of Indian Village.

For more details on the Indian Village Home Tour, visit historicindianvillage.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the Jefferson Avenue Presbyterian Church on the day of the tour.

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Feds charge in Riverfront embezzlement case, more Michigan Central thoughts Jun 05, 2024

Show notes

Today is anchored by two big stories and two of our favorite returning contributors.

The stories involve charges (and lavish details) against former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith, and more thoughts on Michigan Central's renovation with a pair of people who toured it.

Joining Jer as we return to the friendly confines of the studio at TechTown are Robin Runyan of Urbanize Detroit and Norris Howard.

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Embezzlement Case: William Smith, the former CFO, has been charged with bank and wire fraud in a federal court. The allegations involve a scheme to embezzle tens of millions of dollars, using conservancy funds for personal expenses and unauthorized payments to a company he controlled. Our hosts dive deep into the details and implications of this scandal.
Michigan Central Station Transformation: Both Robin and Norris share their impressions of the newly renovated Michigan Central Station. From its architectural grandeur to the future potential of the space, this segment highlights the emotional and cultural significance of the project for Detroit.

Background reading:

Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO Charged with Embezzling Tens of Millions of Dollars from Conservancy [U.S. Attorney]

Feds: Embezzled millions funded ousted Riverfront Conservancy CFO's lavish lifestyle [Freep]

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Retail rumor buzz, Michigan Central concert goes Peacock, and Pistons retool front office Jun 04, 2024

Show notes

Join us as we dive into the latest happenings in Southeast Michigan, from local events to exciting rumors and sports updates.

In this episode, we cover:

Ferndale Pride Recap: Jer and Fletcher share their experiences from the 14th edition of Ferndale Pride, highlighting the joy and inclusivity of the event.
Downtown Detroit Retail Rumors: Speculations are buzzing about a potential large-name technolog store coming closer to opening on Woodward Avenue. What could this mean for the city's retail landscape?
Michigan Central Station Concert Lineup: Executive produced by Eminem, the concert lineup for Michigan Central Station's reopening includes big names like Common, Melissa Etheridge, and Slum Village. Discover the national and international stars set to perform.
WNBA Team Returning to Detroit?: Fletcher provides updates on the possibility of a WNBA team returning to the city, including the drama surrounding the Detroit Shock name.
Pistons Shakeup: General Manager Troy Weaver is out. What does this mean for the future of the Pistons, and what steps should the team take next to get back on track?

Don't forget to leave five stars in your favorite podcast app and share the show with a friend.

Our all-local daily podcast is on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

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Inside Michigan Central: What it means for Detroit, and what's next Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

Excitement is in the air across the city as today the grand reveal of Michigan Central Station — and we got an inside tour of the historic icon.

Join Jer Staes and Devon O'Reilly as they explore the transformation of this Detroit landmark. From its historical significance to its future potential, this episode is packed with insights and reflections on what this revival means for the city.

In this episode if your all-local podcast, we cover:

First Impressions: Jer and Devon share their initial reactions and the significance of Michigan Central Station's transformation for Detroit.
Day One Vision: What the public can expect when they first step inside the station, including the pristine condition and initial plans for the space.
Future Developments: Insights into the planned hotel, restaurant, and business spaces, and the necessary zoning changes to bring these visions to life.
Technological Integration: How Ford is leveraged their unique skills from automotive to restore and innovate within the station, including drone technology and mobility solutions.
Preserving History: The meticulous effort to maintain the station's historical elements, including the preservation of selectgraffiti and architectural details.
Community Impact: The psychological and cultural significance of this restoration for Detroit, symbolizing a blend of grit and grandeur.

Join us for an emotional and insightful journey as we celebrate the rebirth of a Detroit icon. We'll be talking about this throughout the week, and would love to answer your questions - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.

Our all-local daily podcast is on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple

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