Daily Detroit

Bombshell news in the local and Michigan political world as Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit, is running for Governor as an independent.

It's a curveball and a bold play - could it pan out for him? What are the implications? How might it hurt and help Democrats and Republican candidates? What about funding?

Jer and Devon scrapped their regular planned rundown to talk about the announcement, walk through the announcement video and the positioning, as well as think about what this means overall. It's still early, but it does get the mind spinning with questions.

Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

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

Today, we kick off our new series, "They Might Be Mayor," with a conversation featuring Detroit City Council Member Fred Durhal III. Representing the 7th District, Durhall discusses his exploratory committee for a mayoral run in the 2025 election and shares his vision for the city's future.

Durhal reflects on Detroit's progress under Mayor Duggan, highlighting the revitalization of downtown and the need to extend growth into the neighborhoods. He emphasizes the importance of creating walkable communities, supporting small businesses, and addressing housing stability to build generational wealth and combat poverty.

In a candid discussion, we talk about the challenges of retaining the middle class in Detroit, advocating for a balanced tax structure, improved public safety, transit, and education.

As an experienced public servant, Durhal shares insights on coalition building and working across political lines, drawing from his experience in the Michigan legislature. He also touches on economic development and the balance between downtown and neighborhood growth.

Join us for an engaging conversation about the future of Detroit and the potential leadership of Fred Durhall III.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

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

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Monday, December 2, 2024. Jer Staes and Fletcher Sharpe get into the latest happenings in Southeast Michigan. As we approach the end of the year, we reflect on resolutions, goals, and unexpected developments in the city.

Our first story revolves around General Motors' bold announcement to demolish Detroit's iconic Renaissance Center if public funding isn't secured for its renovation plans with Dan Gilbert's Bedrock. The proposal faces skepticism from lawmakers and pushback from local architects and preservationists. Jer and Fletcher debate whether this threat is a bluff and discuss the potential impacts on Detroit's skyline. More reported info on the Freep: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2024/12/01/gm-tear-down-rencen-towers-subsidies-rejected/76658555007/

Next, changes at Stellantis as CEO Carlos Tavares steps down following a challenging year for the auto giant. The company, formed from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler, faces significant financial challenges and a search for a new leader. The discussion touches on the future of iconic brands like Jeep and Chrysler and the evolving automotive market. Why did they let Chrysler lose their swagger?

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle is set to reopen on December 4th. This historic gem, designed by George Mason and Albert Kahn, has been a beloved part of Detroit since 1904. We get into its rich history and the excitement surrounding its reopening.

In sports, the Detroit Lions bolster their defense by signing former All Pro safety Jamal Adams. Despite recent injuries, Adams' versatility is seen as a valuable addition to the team. Fletcher Sharpe provides insights into what this means for the Lions' defense.

Finally, we turn our attention to the Detroit Pistons. Despite a 9-13 record, the team is showing promise. Fletcher highlights the impact of players like Cade Cunningham and Malik Beasley, as well as the positive changes under new coaching. There's hope for a playoff push as the Pistons continue to develop and grow.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit every single day on our podcast and newsletter.

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

Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

In a bonus episode of your Daily Detroit, we talk about the Lions win over the Bears, look at the injury struggles and look ahead to the Packers.

How did exactly the Chicago Bears blow their chance to tie the game?

Who is Kwon Alexander and why did the Lions pick him up off the Denver practice squad? Fletcher Sharpe gets into the details on the pickup.

How players who have been struggling like Kindle Vildor are going to have to step up in new ways with so many injuries.

What to look for in the upcoming Thursday game against the Packers, and how the Lions will have to close ranks to pull out the win against a division rival.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

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

Welcome to the Wednesday before Thanksgiving!

We talk about opening of Social Brews, a new spot in Detroit's financial district, offering a unique blend of coffee, cocktails, and self-serve beer taps in a spacious, modern setting.

Jer and Devon discuss the challenges and opportunities for businesses in this lesser-known part of downtown - might be time for us to write a going-out guide for the area.

In a bittersweet moment, they discuss the closing of 8 Degrees Plato, a beloved beer store and bar in the Cass Corridor, reminiscing about its impact and hoping that someone takes over the space.

The episode wraps up with a deep dive into the massive $1.6 billion transformation plan for Detroit's Renaissance Center. Jer and Devon discuss the proposed demolition of two towers to create more public space, the potential public funding involved, and the implications for the city's skyline and community spaces. They address listener concerns about parking, the future of the Grand Prix, and the possibilities for new attractions like an aquarium, encouraging public input in the planning process.

We hope you have an excellent holiday weekend.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to our podcast and read our newsletter.

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

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

On your Daily Detroit sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan, three topics.

Shi and Jer get into development news as General Motors and Dan Gilbert's Bedrock announce a $1.6 billion transformation of Detroit's Renaissance Center.

With plans to demolish two towers to create an entertainment space, the hosts discuss the implications, including public funding concerns and the project's potential to reshape Detroit's skyline.

We took a tour of the festive atmosphere at Michigan Central Station, now bustling with holiday shopping and activities. They share their excitement about the space's activation, highlighting local vendors and community events that bring new life to the historic building.

Finally, one of Shianne's favorites - Jack in the Box - is returning to Michigan after a very long hiatus. We speculate on potential locations for the fast-food chain's expansion in Metro Detroit. Shi shares her nostalgic love for their tacos, and gives why she would drive to Indiana for them.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit every single day on our podcast and newsletter.

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

In our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit every single day on our podcast and newsletter. On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

On today's all-local podcast, the trio of Devon, Norris and Jer talk about some new restaurants in Detroit. They start by discussing Lady of the House, which just opened again in the Core City neighborhood. Devon went there and says the food is still good, but wonders if they should try new dishes since Detroit has so many different restaurants now. They also talk about how Core City is becoming a cool place where lots of young people like to hang out. Then they talk about a new restaurant called Javier's on Brush Street. It serves food that mixes Southwest and Mexican styles. Next, they discuss Parlay Gaming, which has fancy sports bar vibes, in the old location of Beer Exchange on Washington Boulevard. Devon went and talks about the tons of food choices and many TVs to watch sports. They're also planning to add special rooms for cigars and a secret-style hangout spot. The friends talk about how important it is to make places where everyone feels welcome in Detroit. At the end, we have an important conversation about how people from different backgrounds feel when they go to restaurants in Detroit. What goes into a welcoming spot? We ask listeners to tell them about places where everyone feels comfortable and welcome. Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: [**https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942**](https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942) Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

One of the projects in Detroit that's gotten a lot of attention locally and nationally is the proposed removal of the I-375 freeway in downtown Detroit and turning it back into something that fits with the fabric of a community.

Eric Larson, head of the Downtown Detroit Partnership, sat down with us in studio to share his thoughts on why the I-375 project is more than just a standard infrastructure upgrade. Initially conceived as a bridge repair effort, the project has evolved into a significant opportunity to reimagine Detroit's transportation landscape.

With support from the Biden administration and a $105 million federal commitment, the project aims to reconnect communities, enhance pedestrian-friendliness, and address past harms inflicted on historic neighborhoods like Black Bottom and Paradise Valley.

The conversation covers the Downtown Detroit Partnership's role in ensuring the project reflects the city's broader vision for sustainable urban development. Larson discusses the balance between maintaining traffic flow for major events and creating a livable environment for everyday residents. He emphasizes the importance of community engagement and innovative traffic management solutions to address concerns about speed and access.

The episode also touches on the potential integration of the I-375 project with the separate I-75 caps initiative, highlighting the need for coordinated urban planning to maximize benefits for Detroit's diverse communities. With construction slated to begin next year, Larson urges listeners to participate in upcoming community meetings and provide input on the project's future.

For those interested in learning more and getting involved, visit downtowndetroit.org to access the peer review and stay informed about public engagement opportunities. And however you feel about the project, don't miss the December 3, 2024 meeting hosted by MDOT for further community discussions.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit every single day on our podcast and newsletter. On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

On this episode of Daily Detroit, we welcome Orlando Bailey. He's a community organizer, Emmy-award winning journalist, Executive Director of Outlier Media and co-host of the Authentically Detroit podcast.

He joins Jer and Norris Howard for an insightful conversation about the future of Detroit. As the city stands on the edge of major political and social changes, we talk with Orlando on the upcoming transitions in leadership, the impact of federal resources, and the evolving landscape of the city and its suburbs.

We dive into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, including the importance of organizing and community engagement in shaping the city's future. Orlando talks about the need for leaders who can navigate these changes with a focus on love for the people and a strong policy agenda for both the city and the region.

The conversation also touches on the cultural and economic shifts within Detroit, the issue of black flight to the suburbs, and the necessity of addressing hard infrastructure and service challenges.

We consider how Detroit can maintain its unique identity while embracing growth and diversity.

Plus, don't miss the opportunity to connect with Outlier Media at their upcoming Holiday Hustle Party on December 5th at SpotLite. For more, go here: https://outliermedia.org/listings/events/the-holiday-hustle-party/

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit every single day on our podcast and newsletter. On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942