Antoine Bryant is Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan's pick as Director of the Planning and Development Department.

He stopped by the studio for a wide-ranging conversation on what he hopes to bring to the table; and his ideas for the department to be visible in and include all of Detroit's neighborhoods.

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Although cases are lower than areas right now, the path isn't looking good. Soon we'll be in another COVID outbreak - along with hospitalizations - thanks to the Delta variant and a high percentage of unvaccinated people who are vulnerable to getting catastrophically sick.

With just 40 percent of city residents vaccinated and less than half of state of Michigan citizens, we're in for a rough time with the Delta variant that spreads faster.

To help get us ready, educator and nurse John Campbell joins me from the U.K. He has a popular YouTube channel that I've been following this whole pandemic for science-based, smart and practical knowledge about what's happening in the world.

And as the Delta variant has spread around the world first, I thought it important to get international perspective. After all, the cases and positive test rates are rising fast here in Metro Detroit.

In Michigan last week, 10 counties qualified under CDC guidance as high-transmission areas. Now, 31 do, including Oakland and Macomb.

The respected nurse and academic has a doctorate focused on the development of open learning resources for nurses nationally and internationally. He's very good at helping things make sense.

You can find his channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCF9IOB2TExg3QIBupFtBDxg

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Carl Levin has passed at the age of 87. Jer has thoughts from interviewing him and his memoir, "To the Heart of the Matter." Jer also penned this piece in March for Hour Detroit: https://www.hourdetroit.com/political-topics/carl-levin-isnt-giving-up-on-american-democracy/

Also: Both U of M and MSU are mandating vaccines for students, faculty and staff this August. It's expected smaller schools may follow.

Cade Cunningham is a Detroit Piston, and he has buffs

There's a new Detroit House of Pancakes appearing. Thanks to a listener tip!

Plus, remember the primary election in your local community is Tuesday, August 3rd. In the city of Detroit, turnout is expected to be 18% or less so your voice really will matter if you vote.

Thanks to our members on Patreon who keep this show going: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

We cover seven stories to know around town from rising COVID cases to new developments to things to go check out in the next few days.

- COVID cases are on the rise as the Delta variant spreads

- Ford confirms their ION battery park and is making progress in the electric market

- DT Midstream puts their HQ in the Ally building in downtown Detroit

- A row of 12 townhouse units on Porter street in Detroit get new life, with some being set as affordable units. The building was built in about 1917. Also, Clark Park is getting $3.3 million in improvements.

- The Special Olympics Unified Cup is coming to Keyworth in 2022

- Rendezvous du Detroit is this weekend at Fort Wayne. More here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/le-rendez-vous-du-detroit-tickets-160324822861

- On Tuesday is a pop up at Soho in downtown Ferndale for Delray Barbecue. That's Engineer Randy's pick. https://www.facebook.com/events/4032432490199930

p.s. - Heads up that this one will sound a little bit different because Jer's recording went bad. So we used a backup mic. Still totally audible but it sounds like he's on the phone. Apologies.

Three stories:

1) Detroit City Council member Andre Spivey has been charged with conspiracy to commit bribery over an alleged $35,000 accepted between him and a staff member.

2) The Great Lakes Water Authority CEO, Sue McCormick, is resigning. And although many people will be pleased by the news, I outline why whoever is in that job in the future has a tough road ahead.

3) Finally, Fletcher Sharpe stops in to talk about the Pistons and rumors they might not take Cade Cunningham first in the NBA draft. He thinks if they skip Cade that's a mistake, and we get into it.

What do you do to handle traffic before there were traffic signals everywhere? Build a tunnel to safely get people across the street, of course!

That's what Highland Park did in the 1920s and we tell the story of these forgotten tunnels that look like the entrance to subways stations - and the context of the city they were built in.

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On today's podcast, Fletcher Sharpe is in studio.

We talk about the COVID memo outlining punishments for teams that forfeit games to due to unvaccinated, COVID-positive players.

The Tigers have a seven game winning streak.

Plus, we've talked to fans who think Detroit City FC should be in Major League Soccer. Fletcher outlines why you might not want that to happen and why you should support the team now instead of later.

Robert Courtney is our guest today as we talk about business and marketing tips for the world after COVID as the pandemic recedes.

More on Robert here: https://www.robertcourtneyandassociates.com/

Plus headlines:

Reports say Ford may have computer chip modules installed by dealers to help alleviate supply chain problems that are hurting the company More: https://www.autonews.com/dealers/ford-weighs-shipping-vehicles-missing-chips-dealerships-finish

Vault of Midnight is moving from downtown Detroit to the Milwaukee Junction neighborhood (near New Center)

The Canadian border is reopening to vaccinated Americans in August

600+ Nurses have issues their notice to strike at Macomb McClaren

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Today's feature conversation is about a proposed downtown Warren concept, that would transform land next to Warren's city hall into a hotel, 500 apartments, dining and restaurants.

To discuss it and the merits of the project from his perspective, David Gifford joins us. He's a Warren resident and runs Transit Guide Detroit on Twitter.

Plus some news stories around town:

We now have the cost to rebuild I-75 in Troy, plus how long it's going to take.

The new greenway that will be finished later this year down the old Jos. Campau from Jefferson to Vernor has a proposed name - the Dennis W. Archer Greenway. I also share some details on the project in case you're not familiar.

Royal Oak's Social District is opening this weekend, letting you take to-go drinks around downtown Royal Oak near Main Street.

Stay as dry as you can out there. We had a record rainfall for July 16, 2021 - 2.13 inches. You know, we're supposed to get 3.16 the entire month of July.