Daily Detroit

Devon, Norris, and Jer tackle three topics live at the Detroit Policy Conference. First, we get into lunch spots we like and are disappointed by recently.

Then, there's a proposal to provide transit to all of the cities in Wayne County, as currently a number of communities have no connecting service. We talk about hwo this is the base layer to the cake of transit.

Then, there's some ideas around overhauling the city of Detroit's tax structure, including a possible excise tax in greater downtown to provide more money for the neighborhoods.

Today's show was recorded live at the Detroit Policy Conference put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber.

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The rundown:

02:07 - Michigan's population is growing, we discuss

05:13 - Amazon Fresh fizzles out in Metro Detroit, leaving a number of empty potential storefronts

09:11 - MOCAD is reopening in April after renovation

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

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Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Today's conversation is in two parts.

First, we dig into USA Today (formerly Gannett) buying the Detroit News - just a month after a joint operating agreement ended between the two papers and bringing the Detroit Free Press and news under the same ownership umbrella. They say they'll continue as separate publications, but based on the track record of those involved, we have our personal skepticism.

We also get into the precarious state of local news in America.

Then, a personal conversation on the events over the weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We get into the aftermath, the Orwellian nature of it all, how Norris isn't surprised it happened, and the near death of actual conservatism as a political force in America.

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

Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

What was Detroit like 10 years ago?

On today's Daily Detroit, inspired by the trend on social media, we're taking a warm walk through a very specific era: Detroit in 2016 and how it stacks up to 2026.​

Jer, Norris, and Devon remember a city that still felt like a secret to everyone else. When it felt like the creative class was driving the narrative, loft parties were happening in half-abandoned buildings, and you could still find a decent apartment for under $1000.

We talk about how that energy shifted as big development showed up faster than expected, squeezing some creatives to the margins.​

You'll hear stories of the stomp‑clap‑hey era, bottomless mimosas and DJ brunches, nights at City Club and the after‑hours scene, plus memories of Great Lakes Coffee, Union Street, Cliff Bell's jazz brunch, and neighborhood classics like Tom's Tavern.

Jer shares the excitement of watching the first QLINE streetcars be delivered, and everyone offers a key 2016 memory that marked a new chapter in their lives.​

Then, a look at what changed, what didn't, and an invitation to share your own 2016 Detroit stories — and what year you want us to time‑capsule next.

Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.

Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

On today's show:

00:28 - Dittrich Furs ran out, but found more furs: Is fur a cultural garb of Detroit?

03:20 -China is about to break into the Canadian car market, that hurts Detroit

11:02 - Michigan canabis market shrinking

14:34 - MAILBAG: Expand People Mover to Grand Boulevard?

Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.

Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Coming to you from the studio at TechTown after a long weekend, today's show is all about what's happening in Detroit's food and drink world — the good, the bad, and the "wait, that closed already?"

I'm joined by our engineer of both audio and alcohol, Randy Walker, to dig into some big changes at longtime favorites, why some promising spots didn't make it, and where you should actually spend your money right now.

We'll talk rum bars, laptop bans at coffee shops, the future of the Ren Cen, and Randy's first impressions of Medusa in Midtown.

The topics:

Hygrade Deli in Southwest Detroit is in receivership after loan defaults and building issues, putting the longtime corned beef spot's future in doubt.​

We unpack why some well-regarded restaurants like Carajillo in Ferndale close within a year, from price perception to competition and capital.​

Randy talks about how Port in Ferndale shifted from laid-back rum haven to trendier, simpler drinks and how that changed the vibe.... plus where serious rum fans should go now, from Tocororo to Mutiny, and tease a future Daily Detroit happy hour.​

A new Pizza Cat on East Jefferson shows promise for downtown lunches even as the surrounding Jefferson/Ren Cen area struggles.​

We preview Burns Night with Acroyd Scottish Bakery at Urbanrest, complete with haggis, neeps and tatties, bagpipers, and the "stabbing of the haggis."​

Are you for or against laptops at coffeeshops? Roost Detroit's no-laptop policy sparks a bigger conversation about coffee shop etiquette, remote work, and who these spaces are really for.​

We had a "last lunch" at the Ren Cen Burger King and reflect on the eerie, post-pandemic decline of the complex, and how demolishing two Ren Cen towers and opening the site to the riverfront could match reality better than nostalgia.​

And finally, Randy gives a first-look review of Medusa in Midtown, from standout lamb and cocktails to price point, vibe, and whether it's worth a special night out.​

Feedback as always - dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211.

Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Today's show is a trifecta where we get Norris, Devon, and Jer all in the studio at once talking local stuff.

Here's the rundown:

01:43 - Shout out to Northern Lights

02:35 - There are some maybe possible Detroit People Mover expansion routes shared with the public. Where would you want to see it go?

11:17 - A fake CEO fools some in the media

19:00 - Responding to listener questions: Where is Gov. Whitmer on hot issues? She seems oddly silent lately.

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

Saturday coffee and conversation event: https://www.facebook.com/events/850409107962992

Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit

Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431

Show notes to come.

Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit

Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431

On today's Daily Detroit, our conversations is with Joanna Whaley, a Democrat running in the primary for State House District 2, covering Allen Park, Lincoln Park, Melvindale and Southgate.

Whaley is not a typical candidate. She's a former evangelical pastor, a seminary-trained theologian, a clinical spiritual care provider in a hospital, and a trans woman who has spent the last several years doing LGBTQ+ rights work inside religious spaces across Michigan and beyond.​

In this candid conversation, Whaley shares how pressure from both faith communities and local organizers pushed her from the pulpit toward politics.. and why she finally said yes.

For her, she says the job is less about making viral clips and more about showing up in rooms where people don't always agree with her — then staying long enough to hear what they actually need.​

The discussion also touches on the "K-shaped" economy we're in and what that looks like in inner-ring suburbs that helped build Metro Detroit's middle class but now feel ignored by Lansing.

Whaley details what she's hearing at doors and coffee hours: workers stuck in multiple part-time jobs, ACA premiums and deductibles spiking, and residents who are wary of being left holding the bag again.

That includes a proposed AI data center near the iconic tire along I‑94.​

There's a lot in about 20 minutes to unpack, and I hope you get something interesting out of it.

Her campaign website: https://www.joannawhaley.com/

Free coffee and conversation, this Saturday morning the 17th at the studio: https://www.facebook.com/share/14XWN3tcPNo/

Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit

Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431

What should we expect at the 2026 Detroit Auto Show? Sam Klemet, the Executive Director of the event, joins me to walk through what's happening at Huntington Place.

From cars, to interactive experiences, to performances — there's a lot to look for.

The public show days are January 17-25. Tickets available here.

Then, I bring you 5 things to know around town so you're caught up and what to know and where to go for your Monday.

• A shake up in the race for Michigan Governor
• A proposed bill to use the Defense Production Act with the aim of building more housing
• It's the end of the rack for Dittrich Furs after 132 years
• MSU's Endowment has bought even more of the Fisher Building in Detroit
• Mic Drop Comedy is opening in Detroit with a unique theme

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

Live stream on Tuesday afternoon on our Daily Detroit YouTube, we may discuss these and other stories around town.

Free coffee and conversation, Saturday morning the 17th at the studio: https://www.facebook.com/share/14XWN3tcPNo/

Support the show on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit

Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=df538dae2e144431