Daily Detroit

In this episode of Daily Detroit, Steve Friess joins us to dive into the complexities of political polling, the upcoming presidential debate, and local Michigan politics.

We dissect the reliability and value of national polls, discuss the implications of Kamala Harris's campaign strategies, and explore the contentious University of Michigan Board of Regents race.

Tune in for a deep dive into the current political landscape and what it means for Michigan and beyond.

Main topics:

• The Unreliability of National Polls
• Kamala Harris's Campaign Strategies
• Local Michigan Politics and Fundraising
• University of Michigan Board of Regents Race

As always, you can follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you download shows.

Devon and Jer are back for a Friday edition of the podcast. A heads up, the last segment of this one is pretty emotional.

To start, they dive into the vibrant Detroit dining scene, highlighting Ladder 4 Wine Bar, and the only downtown deli, La Pecora Nora, emphasizing the importance of revisiting and supporting local favorites.

Devon shares his experience at Mezcal Express Eatery in Dearborn, perfect for quick, delicious Mexican meals without the booze.

Jer explores the newly renovated Love Building in Detroit' Core City, a hub for several nonprofits including Allied Media Projects and Detroit Justice Center, focusing on collaboration and community impact.

They also discuss the unique Periodicals store, a curated magazine shop also in Core City, celebrating the resurgence of the written word among younger generations.

We finish the show talking about the ultimate dog bucket list in Detroit. Jer opens up about his dog Gabby's recent cancer diagnosis, sharing plans for her bucket list and inviting listeners to suggest the best dog-friendly spots in Metro Detroit.

Don't miss this engaging episode filled with local insights, heartfelt moments, and community spirit. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast app of choice.

Here's what's on today's all-local podcast agenda:

800 Teamsters Local 283 members at Detroit's Marathon Oil Refinery have gone on strike, demanding better pay and schedules. Despite Marathon's assurances of continued operations, the strike underscores ongoing labor tensions.

Workers at a GM and LG battery plant in Tennessee have joined the UAW, marking the second battery plant in the U.S. to unionize. This move is part of a broader trend of growing union influence in the electric vehicle sector.

Chick-fil-A is expanding in Metro Detroit, adding new locations and creating around 2,500 jobs. Despite controversy, the chain continues to find business success, highlighting the region's complex relationship with fast food brands.

We dive into the Detroit People's Food Co-op in the North End, a project 14 years in the making aimed at promoting Black food security. Despite its mission, many locals are unaware of its existence, raising questions about community engagement and awareness - and how to bridge that gap.

Don't miss this engaging episode as we navigate the intersections of labor, community, and commerce in Detroit.

Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

We're back after the Labor Day holiday, and talking about Fletcher's racing in the Hamtramck Labor Day Yacht Festival, an event filled with human sized soap car derbies and water balloons. Despite making it to the finals for the fifth straight year, his team, Whiskey in the Jar, fell short again.

We also dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Metro Detroit's recent events, including the Jazz Fest and Arts, Beats & Eats. Jer recounts his bike ride along the Dequindre Cut and the need for better connectivity for cyclists during major events. The conversation shifts to the aesthetics and logistics of fencing off Hart Plaza for festivals, balancing safety and accessibility.

As the Detroit Lions gear up for their first game against the Rams, we debate the idea of honoring former quarterback Matt Stafford. We also preview the game.

Finally, we touch on the marijuana market in Michigan, where prices have hit historic lows, sparking significant sales. We discuss the impact of neighboring states' laws and the evolving perception of marijuana use for both recreational and medicinal purposes.

Don't miss this engaging and insightful episode. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Welcome back from the long weekend! Steve Friess is back to talk all things politics with a Michigan and local Metro Detroit lens.

If you don't know Steve, he's a veteran freelance journalist for the New York Times, Newsweek and many others.

Some of the topics we hit:

Political Landscape: Jer and Steve discuss the heated race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump. Harris recently visited Detroit and we discuss her possible strategic avoidance of college campuses maybe due to a hot-button issue.

Internal Conflicts: The Michigan GOP's internal struggles come to light as Ron Wiser, a significant figure in the party, loses the nomination for the University of Michigan's Board of Regents. This is seen as a sign of the complete Trumpification of the party.

Democratic Tensions: The Democratic Party faces its own challenges with a pro-Palestinian activist's nomination for the Board of Regents, highlighting the internal conflicts over the Gaza issue and the party's reluctance to address it head-on.

Senate Race: A new poll shows Elissa Slotkin leading Rep. Mike Rogers 46 to 42 with 12% undecided. We analyze the campaign strategies, including Rogers' dual approach of presenting himself as both independent and a Trump ally.

Media Trust and Journalism: Jer and Steve discuss the growing distrust in media from both the left and right, and the challenges faced by journalists in today's polarized environment. They reflect on the importance of local news and the impact of social media on public discourse.

Don't miss this insightful episode. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

On today's show:

• Show and Tell: Mayor O'Reilly Campaign Merch to the studio!
• Devon is excited about football season kicking off
• Local Spotlights: La Ventana and a tour of the upcoming Marrow space
• Inside the reopened Third Street Bar
• Development News: The Henry on Cass
• Listener Question: When Will Detroit start seeing the real impact of being a Climate Change Haven?

Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Progamming note: We're taking a day off before the Labor Day Holiday, we'll be back on the air on Tuesday. Thanks for listening!

Welcome to your Wednesday all-local podcast sharing what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit.

• Power Outages: Jer and Norris Howard dive into the ongoing power outage affecting over 190,000 DTE customers, including Jer himself, keeping his streak of longer than one-day outages every summer.
• Internet Incentives Expiration: With Congress failing to renew funding for the program that subsidizes internet for low-income households, thousands of Detroiters are at risk of losing their internet service. Jer and Norris discuss the implications and the importance of considering internet access as a basic utility.
• Detroit Mayoral Race: The potential entry of Saunteel Jenkins into the Detroit mayoral race sparks a discussion on the future of Detroit's leadership. The hosts reflect on the transformative impact of Mayor Mike Duggan and the qualities needed in the next mayor to continue Detroit's progress.
• Policy and Infrastructure Needs: Jer and Norris talk about the necessity of a mayor who can effectively work with both local businesses and state government to drive sustainable growth.

Don't miss this engaging and insightful episode. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Happy hot Tuesday! I hope you're beating the heat.

• Lions history showcased: Jer shares his weekend adventure at the Detroit Historical Museum, where he explored a new exhibit on the Detroit Lions. From old helmets to historic footage, discover the rich history of this iconic team.
• The op Ten Detroit Lions Since 1965: Fletcher Sharpe tackles a listener question from Larry, listing his top ten Detroit Lions players from 1965 onwards. From Alex Karas to Calvin Johnson, this segment is a deep dive into Lions history.
• Hamtramck Labor Day Festival: Get ready for a rocking good time with music, food, and wrestling at the Hamtramck Labor Day Festival. Headliners include GMAC Cash, Sada Baby, and a special appearance by Jack White. And don't miss Fletcher's participation in the yacht club canoe races!

Our weekly roundup of locally-tied political news is back, as veteran journalist Steve Friess joins us to talk all things from local to statewide to how the national race ties into Metro Detroit.

We hit on a few topics today:

• RFK Jr. has officially dropped out of the race. We discuss the implications of his decision to endorse Donald Trump and how this might impact Michigan's political landscape. Steve shares insights into RFK Jr.'s controversial past and his strange, erratic behavior that has puzzled many.
• We dive deep into the dynamics of the U.S. Senate race between Mike Rogers and Elissa Slotkin. Both candidates seem to be distancing themselves from their respective parties, which is unusual. We explore why this might be the case and what it means for the voters in Michigan.
• Vice President Kamala Harris's potential impact on Detroit's voter turnout is another hot topic. We speculate on how her presence might benefit Elissa Slotkin and discuss the importance of engaging young voters on college campuses.
• The Democratic National Convention had some notable Michigan moments. We talk about Dana Nessel's fiery speech, Gretchen Whitmer's underwhelming presentation, and Mallory McMorrow's creative look at Project 2025.
• To finish, we get into the controversy surrounding Tim Walz's son Gus and awful comments made by some about him. Gus deals with NVLD, and why all of this personally connects with Steve.

Don't miss this engaging discussion on the latest political developments in Detroit and beyond. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Welcome to the Friday edition of the podcast! Thanks for accomodating our posting schedule this week.

- Devon O'Reilly talks about a family trip South Haven, a charming West Coast Michigan beach town. He offers tips for first-time visitors, including must-see spots.

- Jer explores the underappreciated Detroit suburb of Berkley. He highlights Coffee and Bark, a dog-themed coffee shop with a coworking space and dog-friendly area, and Perch, a home goods store with unique items like a heron lamp and a wall-mounted peacock with a top hat. He also mentions grabbing tacos at Casa Amado and the area's walkability.

- Devon provides an update on the extensive restoration of the Henry Ford estate, Fairlane, which has been closed for eleven years. He discusses the meticulous work being done to restore the estate to its 1920s glory and shares insights into the historical significance of the property. We also talk about Henry Ford's earlier residence in Detroit, located on Edison, and the contrasting lifestyles and contributions of Henry and his son, Edsel Ford. They touch on the differences between the Fairlane estate and Edsel's home, the Ford House, in Grosse Pointe.

Don't miss this engaging discussion on local destinations, historical insights, and personal updates.

Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.