Daily Detroit

On today's show: - More shifts when it comes to electric vehicles. Ford is making some moves, changing timelines and offerings. - There's a mulch fire on Detroit's west side, so that's why the air quality might be bad today and for the next few days. - Some of Metro Detroit's most beloved pizza spots are among the top in the country. We go through them, and want to know your favorites! Then our feature conversation is about the idea that moving to Detroit is kind of like moving into a construction zone. Different neighborhoods are different levels of "done," but it's important to set expectations for people moving here about the work needed to be done - and how to join, not take over, a community. Programming note: There will no Thursday show, as Jer's dog is going to have major surgery. Send up good vibes for the pup. Be sure to follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or here on YouTube.

Welcome to your all-local news and entertainment podcast, Daily Detroit, for Tuesday, August 20th, 2024!

- General Motors is laying off more than 1,000 salaried employees globally, including about 600 jobs at the tech campus in Warren. This restructuring is part of GM's efforts to streamline operations and prioritize investments in electric and software-defined vehicles. We discuss the implications for Metro Detroit and the wider auto industry, noting the shift of jobs to the West Coast and the need for the region to stay competitive.

- Controversy in Detroit's 36th District Court as Judge Kenneth King forced a 16-year-old girl to don jail attire and handcuffs for falling asleep in his courtroom. The incident has sparked community outrage and raises questions about judicial conduct and the treatment of minors.

- Another courtroom drama unfolds with Judge Cedric Simpson, who handed down multiple contempt of court charges to defendant Daryl Jarrell following a profanity-laced tirade. The incident, which resulted in nearly 18 months of jail time for Jarrell, has gone viral and sparked discussions about the balance of power in the judicial system and the importance of courtroom decorum.

- On a lighter note, we wrap up with the Detroit Lions' preseason victory over the Kansas City Chiefs. Jake Bates shines as the hero, hitting a game-winning 43-yard field goal. We discuss the significance of this win and what it means for the Lions as they head into the regular season.

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

Welcome back to the podcast! Journalist Steve Friess joins me as he does every week to talk politics, local, state and national.

- We discuss the recent white supremacist demonstration in Brighton, the third such event in Livingston County this year. Local businesses have condemned these actions, and we explore the historical context of racism in the area.

- Former President Trump's upcoming visit to Howell has raised concerns among local officials. We analyze the strategic implications of this visit and its potential impact on the Michigan Senate race.

- Reports suggest that Vice President Harris met with Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud. We discuss the significance of this meeting and its potential impact on policy and the upcoming election.

- We preview the Democratic National Convention, highlighting key moments such as tributes to Joe Biden and speeches by the Obamas. We also discuss the importance of Vice President Harris's speech and what it means for her campaign.

- And, listener comments, including a suggestion to endorse RFK Jr. for president. We share our thoughts on RFK Jr.'s campaign and political competency; and, we compare Michigan's political landscape to other swing states and discuss the unique factors that influence voting patterns in the state.

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 back to Daily Detroit, your podcast for everything Metro Detroit! Today, we're talking about the crisis of talent attraction and retention in Southeast Michigan.

With me is Jayme Powell, the executive director of the Detroit Regional Workforce Partnership. Jayme talks about how her organization connects employers with local schools and community partners to build a strong talent pool in Southeast Michigan.

We discuss the challenges and benefits of this approach, like the need for lasting results and the urgent issue of low workforce engagement. A stunning fact is 500,000 working-age people in the tri-county area of Oakland, Macomb and Wayne are not working, facing problems like expensive childcare and unreliable transit and transportation.

Powell also talks about the need for continuous learning due to fast-changing technology. We explore how employers and schools can better work together to meet current and future job needs.

This is a crisis - and though some areas of the region may feel like they're doing well, we need to work on how we compete in a national context. In policy, Jayme supports the working parent tax credit and changing licensing rules for returning citizens.

She stresses the need for policies that help working families and remove job barriers.

Don't miss this talk on creating a stronger workforce in Southeast Michigan. Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]

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Welcome to your all-local daily news podcast serving Metro Detroit!

We kick off with the heartwarming news of a baby gorilla born at the Detroit Zoo, the first in nearly 100 years. Bandia, a first-time mom, and her baby are doing well, although the Great Apes building is temporarily closed to guests to give them a calm and quiet space.

Next, we discuss the upcoming opening of Primark's first Michigan store at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. Set to open on September 12, the new location will offer over 36,000 square feet of retail space with the latest fashion trends, household essentials, and beauty supplies at affordable prices. Notably, Primark is known for paying fair wages, with sales associates starting at $15.25 an hour. Norris shares his experiences with Primark in Boston and London, comparing it to a larger, more affordable H&M.

In downtown Detroit, the Cadillac Square development, previously known as the Monroe Blocks, is facing delay. Dan Gilbert's Bedrock is expected to request an extension to begin construction. The revised plan includes fewer residences and office space but adds a concert venue. Jer and Norris discuss the implications of these changes and the potential impact on the area.

On the east side, Detroit is launching its first single-family waterfront home development in over 24 years at Shorepoint Village on Greyhaven Island. The project includes ten new homes with docks, high-end finishes, and 24-hour gated security, with prices starting at half a million dollars. The development aims to attract buyers from surrounding affluent areas.

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

Detroit has a new shuttle service, Connect AV, and we tried it (and not during the press tour). Boy, do we have thoughts.

For "where we've been," Devon talks about Corn on the Corner in West Dearborn. Turns out Devon loves corn, and a restaurant specializing in it is exactly what he was looking for. https://www.cornonthecorner.com/

And Jer talks about MJ's North End Ice Cream shop, where he drowned his not so great weekend in a strawberry sundae. https://mjsnorthendicecream.com/

Happy Tuesday and welcome to your all-local news podcast, Daily Detroit.

Fletcher Sharpe kicks off talking about the Olympics, especially the electric performances from Team USA's basketball stars like LeBron James and Stephen Curry. They share amusing anecdotes about foreign sports broadcasts, highlighting the unique passion and energy that different languages bring to the games.

The conversation then shifts to some concerning local news. Stellantis is laying off up to 2,450 workers at their Warren truck plant, reducing shifts and discontinuing the Ram 1500 Classic. Jer and Fletcher discuss the broader implications for the local economy and the challenges facing Stellantis, including their lack of investment in R&D and declining sales across multiple brands.

In state politics, the debate over ending the tipped minimum wage in Michigan heats up. Despite a ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court, some Democrats are expressing concerns about the economic impact. Fletcher shares his strong opinions against the tipped minimum wage, emphasizing the need for a fair, flat wage for service workers.

On a brighter note, the East Warren Public Market in Detroit recently broke ground. The $5.5 million project will feature a grocery store, farmers market, retail spaces, and more, aimed at supporting local entrepreneurs. Jer and Fletcher discuss the positive impact such projects can have on communities.

However, skepticism surrounds the long-stalled Perfecting Church project at Seven Mile and Woodward. Despite recent zoning approvals, Jer and Fletcher remain doubtful about its completion, given its lengthy history of delays.

In sports, Fletcher shares a fun encounter with a listener who shares his cautious optimism about the Detroit Lions. They discuss the team's preseason performance and the importance of managing expectations.

The episode wraps up with a listener question about Detroit City FC. Despite a new coach, the team struggles to score goals and secure wins. Is it time for a reset on the field?

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

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Monday, August 12, 2024.

On the all-local podcast today:

Steve shares his recent experience working the polls in Superior Township, offering a firsthand account of the election process and the importance of bipartisan poll workers. He highlights the challenges and intricacies involved, and learned a lot.

The conversation then shifts to the national political scene, focusing on Vice President Kamala Harris's recent surge in swing states according to a Sienna College poll. They discuss the implications of her rise and how it has transformed the dynamics of the presidential race. We also dive into the strategic moves by both the Harris and Trump campaigns, analyzing voter sentiments and media strategies.

In more local politics, the discussion turns to Elissa Slotkin's victory over Hill Harper and her upcoming race against Mike Rogers. Steve and Jer explore the challenges Rogers faces in appealing to a broader electorate while staying aligned with the Trump campaign.

The episode wraps up with a listener question about the impact of the Israel-Gaza conflict on the presidential race. Steve offers insights into how this issue has already influenced the campaign and the potential implications moving forward.

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

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Friday, August 9, 2024. Hosts Jer and Devon dive into a rich discussion, starting with Devon's recent trip to Providence, Rhode Island.

Devon shares how he enjoyed the charm of this New England city, from its historical architecture to its seafood delights, and reflect on how it compares to Detroit's vibrant scene.

Devon shares his admiration for Providence's old-world charm, but notes the city's lack of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure and its surprisingly abandoned tallest building.

Back in Detroit, Jer had a birthday visit to the rooftop bar Kamper's at the Book Tower, highlighting the luxurious vibe. They discuss the challenges of navigating popular spots like Kamper's and offer tips for a smoother experience.

The conversation takes a turn as Devon addresses recent listener feedback, defending his stance on Detroit's potential Olympic bid and the proposed I-75 cap project. Labeled "Devon Downer" as of late, he explains the importance of balancing optimism with realism, especially given Detroit's complex development landscape.

And in local news, the city of Detroit is set to launch the Connect AV shuttle service, an autonomous vehicle pilot program. The service will operate on an eleven-mile loop through key areas like Corktown and the East Jefferson riverfront. While Devon expresses cautious optimism, both hosts discuss the potential impact of AV technology on Detroit's transit future.

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

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Wednesday, August 7, 2024.

In this episode, Jer and Norris dive into the crucial races, including Elissa Slotkin's dominant performance in the US Senate primary, Hill Harper's missed bid (and which race he could have won).

They discuss the implications of these results on the political landscape, particularly the need for new leadership and deeper community engagement. How changing demographics mean you can't just show up and assume a demographic is going to show up for you.

They also touch on the broader national scene, analyzing Vice President Kamala Harris's potential to energize voter turnout and the strategic significance. The conversation extends to the evolving dynamics within the Republican Party and the importance of relatable, grounded candidates like Tim Walz.

Join Jer and Norris as they provide insightful commentary on the changing face of politics, both locally and nationally, and what it might mean for Detroit's future.

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