Daily Detroit

Norris Howard and I unpack a massive election eve bombshell as U.S. Representative Haley Stevens makes a last-minute turn against fellow Democrat Abdul El-Sayed to endorse Republican Mike Rogers for U.S. Senate. Who knew we'd have a November surprise, and that it'd look just like a wrestling storyline.

We break down the immediate fallout across Michigan politics, the massive fundraising backlash, and what this high-stakes political drama means for local voters.

Plus, we pay tribute to the legendary Juan Atkins, the Belleville Three pioneer and undisputed originator of Detroit techno, following his sudden passing at age 64.

Feedback as always: [email protected] or 313-789-3211.

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The 2026 Midterm election is just days away, and it's time to put our predictions on the record.

I've got Norris Howard, Devon O'Reilly and Chris Moyer around the table to talk through Michigan's midterm elections. Who we think wins, how close it'll be, and what we're watching Tuesday night.

We all think Jocelyn Benson wins the governor's race. But Abdul El-Sayed against Mike Rogers? That's where our confidence levels start to differ. Plus, downballot races and more.

We also get into what's happening on the ground in parts of metro Detroit and whether the coalitions we're used to are changing. Then we turn to Lansing and the state house.

And don't forget the rest of your ballot. We talk statewide proposals, the history museum and zoo millages, and the transit renewal in Macomb County.

These are predictions, and we could get plenty wrong. We're getting back together Wednesday to talk about what actually happened, and probably with a lot of coffee.

Tell me what you think: [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.

Local media needs local support to survive and thrive. Become a member at patreon.com/dailydetroit.

Today we're leaning into the "where to go" part of Daily Detroit, with a look at Youmacon at Huntington Place this weekend.

We talk with Youmacon CEO Eric Gaiser and music department head Marcus Cooper about anime, gaming, cosplay, and a music lineup that brings those worlds together.

We get into what's new and why having a place to find your people matters. Plus, we talk about what exactly what you'd need for a proper Prince of Brightmoor cosplay — and yes, the Casio watch is required.

More on Youmacon.

Norris Howard is back in the studio, and we've got a lot of ground to cover: Host's plans for Chroma, Baobab Fare's east-side expansion, housing in the North End, a new artisan market on 6 Mile, and Literati's move in Ann Arbor.

Plus, Detroit City FC has a home playoff game this Friday.

Then it's into politics with a week before election day. Wae talk through early voting, the latest polls, and what we're seeing on the ground with one week until Election Day.

Finally, Norris catches up with Jemele Hill at the Detroit Public Theatre for a few minutes on Spolitics, her Detroit roots, and why getting involved matters beyond the presidential election.

You can see her full conversation with Dr. Abdul El-Sayed here: https://youtu.be/CrIYSKYcvB8?si=kzIXFOzntc9088Py

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

Support our show and local media project: https://patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Today on the show, Norris, Devon, and I talk about the reported resolution of that recent City Council inquiry involving small businesses in West Village we talked about earlier this week

We break down the intense community backlash, the broader tensions, and why city governments need to focus on removing red tape for local entrepreneurs instead of throwing up roadblocks.

Then, on a much lighter note, we celebrate Michigan & Trumbull Pizza being named one of the top pizza spots in America by Food & Wine magazine!

That kicks off a lively debate about our go-to everyday pizza joints versus our favorite experimental spots, Devon's wild thin-crust take, and where we land on Supino.

Finally, we wrap things up with a quick look at a few new restaurant openings on both sides of town.

Places Mentioned Today: Two Birds, Barkside, Bar IX, Grandma Bob's, Michigan & Trumbull, Jet's, Pie-Sci, Bellacino's, Buddy's, Amar Pizza (Hamtramck), Mama Rosa's, Loui's (Hazel Park), Supino Pizzeria, Baobab Fare East (East Warren), Capers, G. Grant Steakhouse (Dearborn), Spiedo (Midtown)

We're brought to you by our members: patreon.com/dailydetroit - also, your feedback is welcome [email protected] or 313-789-3211.

On today's Daily Detroit, I'm joined by Planet Detroit founder Nina Ignaczak and managing editor Dustin Blitchok to talk about the environmental stories shaping our region and their nonpartisan voter guide.

We get into data centers and electricity costs, Metro Detroit's air quality, and drinking water concerns, including PFAS and lead service lines. We also talk about how decisions in Washington and Lansing connect to what we experience at home.

Then we dig into Planet Detroit's voter guide: candidate responses, environmental voting records, and campaign contributions from utilities. Nina shares what they heard when they asked readers for questions, including concerns about electricity costs and protecting our water.

Plus, if you're not familiar with the publication... how Planet Detroit got started, why local environmental reporting matters, and how they're taking some of that work beyond the screen with community walks.

Check out the voter guide: https://voterguide.planetdetroit.org

Read Planet Detroit: https://planetdetroit.org

Local media needs local support. Become a Daily Detroit member: https://patreon.com/dailydetroit

Feedback? Email [email protected] or call 313-789-3211.

What do Detroit's young people actually want from their city?

That's what we're talking about on your Daily Detroit for Wednesday October 21st 2026.

We're gonna step away from the usual adult-led debates on youth spaces, teen takeovers, and recreation. Let's listen to the people who live it.

Joining Norris Howard and myself is Jaedun Ward. He's a Cass Tech High School student, entrepreneur, and host of the talk show 'Things, Things, Things.'

Jaedun breaks down why today's youth aren't just looking for places to hang out. They want more, and what I like about this conversation is he gets specific, and shared what he learned from talking to others.

I'll note this conversation was conducted with Jaedun's parents permission, and his dad was in-studio with us while we recorded.

Feedback as always - [email protected] or 313-789-3211.

Make sure to support our work on Patreon! Local work needs local support to survive and thrive.

In episode 1976 of the podcast, we are breaking down the growing backlash in Detroit's West Village after District 5 City Councilmember Renata Miller requested administrative reviews into popular local spots along Kercheval, including Two Birds and Barkside dog run — as well as some that aren't open yet, like Grandma Bob's Detroit-style pizza or Bar IX, focused on women's athletics.

Coming on the heels of a scuttled affordable housing project near the Butzel Rec Center, the inquiry has sparked intense debate over neighborhood density, small business support, and who gets to shape the future of Detroit's commercial corridors.

Thank you for the many messages on this one, we moved it to the front because we can tell from listeners it struck a chord.

A public council hearing with the Planning and Development Committee, for either in-person or virtual attendance, is on Thursday at 10am in the Committee of the Whole room at the Coleman A. Young Municipal Center, or online.

Dan Gilbert just made a massive $1 billion announcement about the future of the Renaissance Center, giving $1 billion to convert and run the massive RenCen redevelopment through a 501(c)(4) non-profit.

That means no tax write-off for the owner of Rocket and the Cleveland Cavaliers, but a huge shift in how this cornerstone project will be developed and funded over the next 30 years — and maybe, perceptions of it.

In this special edition of Daily Detroit, we break down what this non-profit model actually might mean for the city.

We talk about:

Public Money vs. Private Donation: Why Brownfield tax credits and City Council approval are still on the table despite the $1B gift

The Shift Away from Corporate Space: How converting the RenCen into public space, residential units, and hotels opens up the riverfront for the broader community

The Income Tax Reality: Why Detroit's development strategy is doubling down on job creation and income tax over property tax

Billionaire Philanthropy & Legacy: Is this Gilbert's version of a Carnegie move, and does it set a new precedent for major urban developments?

Got thoughts on the RenCen plans? Let us know for our upcoming mailbag episode! Email us at [email protected] or call 313-789-3211.

The Rundown:

01:21 – Dan Gilbert's $1 Billion RenCen Non-Profit Announcement

03:58 – Nonprofit makes sense, considering the financials

05:12 – Community inclusion & Civic leadership reactions

07:26 – Shifting needs from offices pace to housing

09:40 – How affordable housing regulations work & Metro area metrics

10:18 – Role of 501(c)(4) Non-Profits in advocacy

11:15 – Billionaire Philanthropic Models & Legacy Building

15:23 – Economic Projections of Jobs, Visitor Spending & Growth

17:15 – Preserving History vs. Embracing Detroit's Urban Progress

19:13 – Tax Base Comparisons & Long-Term Community Impact

22:04 – Looking Ahead to 2036 & Episode Wrap-Up

Devon O'Reilly joins me over a listener's gift of Eastern Kille bourbon to talk about all things Metro Detroit.

A big topic we hit, especially in the shadow of all the RenCen news: Why Detroit's soon to be nearly vacant Penobscot Building deserves more attention, and why that could be a huge opportunity.

I also checked out National Coney Island's refreshed Royal Oak location, and we talk about Westland Mall for sale at a reduced price, plus Devon's childhood belief that its Santa was the real deal.

Plus, Devon explains why this election season's political ads finally pushed him to turn off local TV news.

Feedback as always - [email protected] or 313-789-3211.