Daily Detroit

In today's episode, we dive into the world of invasive species with a focus on the Spotted Lanternfly. Join us as we chat with Zach Lacombe, Assistant Manager of the Davey Residential Office, to learn about this unwanted garden guest, what to look out for, and how to handle it.

DNR link: https://www.michigan.gov/invasives/id-report/insects/spotted-lanternfly

Welcome to your Daily Detroit for Monday, August 5, 2024. Hosts Jer and Fletcher dive into their unpopular opinion, the end of beloved outdoor retailer MooseJaw, and the abrupt closure of Newsnet.

We open with a pair of unpopular opinions about coney dogs and pedal pubs.

Then in our segment on endings, we talk about the closure of MooseJaw's final three stores, including the last Michigan location in Birmingham. Acquired by Dick's Sporting Goods in early 2023, Jer and Fletcher discuss the missed opportunity for a strong, locally-based brand.

We also discuss the end of News\et, a free ad-supported streaming TV network founded by the billionaire behind 5 Hour Energy. The network, based in Cadillac, Michigan, and with a secondary studio in Farmington, has shut down due to a lack of audience interest, resulting in 80 layoffs. The hosts reflect on the changing media landscape and the challenges of delivering news that people claim they want but often don't support with their attention or dollars.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the evolution of local businesses and media. Share your thoughts with us - including your unpopular opinions at [email protected] - and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

Happy Friday! Today - a busy show.

A local man held prisoner by Russia was freed as part of a swap. We discuss.

We get into a question some of you had about whether Detroit should bid for a future Olympics - and get into if that's something we even want to go for?

Plus, some listeners weren't happy with an earlier episode where Fletcher Sharpe had strong feelings about Hulk Hogan. FYI. Devon also has strong feelings. Plus how media and audiences need to not just include voices of color, but allow them to bring their experience.

Finally, we end talking about the great brick debate in Corktown. A plan to redo Michigan Avenue in one of Detroit's oldest sections of town has caused some strong feelings - and we get into multiple sides of the discussion and where folks stand.

Yes, our cover art is AI generated nonsense, asking if what it might look like if Detroit held the Olympics. It's Friday, after all.

The Joe Louis Greenway has gotten a lot of buzz locally and nationally. But what's the bigger vision? What's ahead? How will this integrate with the communities it serves?

Joe Louis Greenway Partnership Executive Director Leona Medley joins us to discus the formation and goals of the newly formed nonprofit dedicated to supporting the Joe Louis Greenway project in Detroit.

The partnership focuses on community engagement, ongoing beautification, programming, and maintaining the greenway to ensure it is a safe, clean, and enjoyable space for residents and visitors.

• Formation of the Partnership: Established in 2022 to support the public project, with Liana joining in 2023.
• Community Engagement: Involvement with residents and municipalities like Highland Park, Dearborn, and Hamtramck.
• Programming and Events: Family-friendly, free programming, including fitness classes, yoga, and bike events.
• Beautification and Maintenance: Ensuring the greenway remains clean and well-maintained for a pleasant user experience.
• Future Vision: Expanding construction through 2025, increasing programming, and fostering economic opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
• Community Involvement: We discuss the importance of community involvement and the impact of the greenway on local neighborhoods.
• There's an emphasis on: The significance of providing a clean, safe, and beautiful public space while also creating economic opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs.

Don't miss another episode of the podcast! We do this every weekday. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.

In this episode of Daily Detroit, hosts Jer and Norris dive into the landmark Michigan Supreme Court ruling that will significantly impact minimum wage and paid sick leave laws.

The Court has ruled that the "adopt-and-amend" tactics used by the (at the time) Republican-controlled Legislature to alter ballot initiatives regarding minimum wage and paid sick leave were unconstitutional. They attempted to adopt language passed by voters, but then change it so it was unrecognizable to what was passed.

The ruling means the minimum wage will rise from $10.33 to over $12 per hour on February 21, with further increases tied to inflation. The tipped wage, currently at $3.93, will be gradually phased out by 2029. Additionally, the amount of mandatory paid leave at larger employers will increase from 40 to 72 hours, and smaller employers will no longer be exempt from providing paid sick time.

They discuss the implications for the restaurant industry, the potential for increased automation, and the broader questions about service jobs and living wages.

The episode also touches on the political landscape, including recent polling data showing a significant lead for Vice President Kamala Harris and what it means for the upcoming elections.

Don't miss this insightful discussion on the future of work and politics in Michigan.

Don't forget to tell a friend about the show and follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your podcast player of choice.

On today's show with Fletcher Sharpe....

We talk Michiganders and Michigan-connected people to watch at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Fletcher shares his excitement for the games, particularly the cultural celebrations and the significance of medals to athletes from smaller countries. A couple of names include basketball star Devin Booker and track sensation Grace Stark.

Next, they delve into the unexpected appearance of Terry Bollea (a.k.a. Hulk Hogan) at the Detroit Lions training camp. This segment explores the mixed reactions from fans and the implications of Hogan's controversial past. Fletcher provides a nuanced perspective on the situation, questioning the appropriateness of Hogan's presence given his history.

The discussion then shifts to the Detroit Lions' upcoming season, specifically focusing on kicker Jake Bates, who is stepping up due to Michael Badgley's injury. Fletcher analyzes Bates' performance and the potential impact on the team's season.

Finally, they pay tribute to Abdul "Duke" Fakir of the Four Tops, who recently passed away at the age of 88. They reflect on his lasting legacy and the importance of preserving the stories of Motown legends. There will be a public viewing on Thursday.

Support local media by joining us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our member-only Discord: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Daily Detroit is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a friend to help push Detroit's conversation forward.

Welcome back to Daily Detroit, your go-to podcast for all things happening in Southeast Michigan.

In today's episode, Jer Staes is joined by journalist Steve Friess to dive deep into the current political landscape leading up to the general election. They kick things off with a discussion on early voting in Michigan, expressing confusion over the lack of a coordinated push from election officials and candidates alike.

The conversation then shifts to the national stage, examining the recent poll numbers that show a tight race between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris, with a surprising 9.7% for RFK Jr. They debate the implications of these numbers and the potential influence of RFK Jr.'s candidacy on the election outcome.

Jer and Steve also explore the impact of the Dobbs decision on the women's vote and the importance of having Kamala Harris, a vocal abortion rights proponent, at the top of the ticket. They discuss the potential VP picks for Harris, weighing the pros and cons of candidates like Mark Kelly, Josh Shapiro, and Pete Buttigieg.

We talk about the Michigan Senate race, highlighting the head-to-head poll showing Elissa Slotkin leading over Mike Rogers in the General. They discuss the challenges in the Democratic Primary that Hill Harper faces as a first-time candidate and the broader implications for Michigan politics.

And finally Jer and Steve both reviews of the Gretchen Whitmer book, "True Gretch," and came to two different conlusions.

Jer's review in Daily Detroit: https://www.dailydetroit.com/book-review-true-gretch-reveals-the-kind-of-reasonable-relatable-leader-america-needs/

Steve's review in Hour Detroit: https://www.hourdetroit.com/books-literature/is-that-all-there-is/

Support local media by joining us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our member-only Discord: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Daily Detroit is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a friend to help push Detroit's conversation forward.

We kick off this Friday episode with Devon's excitement about the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, the first Olympics with full spectators in six years.

Devon and Jer discuss the impact of the time zone differences, the thrill of watching events live, and the local ties with Michigan athletes competing. They also share their personal Olympic memories and favorite events, ranging from track and field to gymnastics.

The conversation transitions to a significant local development: the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This massive $4.5 billion project, the longest cable-stayed bridge in North America, is set to transform Detroit's skyline and boost trade with Canada. Jer and Devon explore the economic implications, the logistics improvements, and the community impact of this monumental infrastructure.

Finally, they touch on the recent political shift with Vice President Harris's new campaign and its potential effects on business and policy in Michigan. They also discuss the current state of the auto industry, particularly the challenges and future of electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids.

Support local media by joining us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our member-only Discord: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Daily Detroit is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a friend to help push Detroit's conversation forward.

Join us for an important episode of Daily Detroit as we talk abouit the history and impact of the Algiers Motel incident during the 1967 Detroit uprising.

Our guest, Dr. Danielle McGuire, a civil rights historian and author, shares her insights on the tragic events that unfolded and the significance of the newly erected state historical marker at the site.

We explore the harrowing night when Detroit police, National Guardsmen, and Michigan State Police officers raided the Algiers Motel, leading to the brutal deaths of three young Black men: Fred Temple, Carl Cooper, and Aubrey Pollard. Dr. McGuire discusses the lasting trauma and the importance of acknowledging this dark chapter in Detroit's history to foster healing and understanding within the community.

Norris Howard joins the conversation, adding depth with his personal reflections on growing up in Detroit and the ongoing struggle for justice and safety. Together, we examine how the marker serves as a memorial and a step towards reckoning with the city's past, emphasizing the need for community involvement and historical recognition.

This episode underscores the critical balance between security and justice and calls for continued dialogue and accountability to address the enduring issues of police brutality and racial injustice.

Support local media by joining us on Patreon for exclusive content and access to our member-only Discord: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Daily Detroit is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to podcasts. Share this episode with a friend to help push Detroit's conversation forward.

Welcome back to Daily Detroit, your all-local podcast sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan.

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Ariel_Knight, the creative mind behind the popular game "We Never Yield," join us in the studio.

We talk about the journey from working out of his grandmother's attic to becoming a renowned game developer. We get into the making of "We Never Yield," a game set in Detroit featuring an all-Black voice cast and characters rooted in the city's culture.

Ariel_Knight talks about the challenges he faced in the gaming industry, especially as a Black developer, and how he overcame them to create a game that resonates with many. He emphasizes the importance of representation and how he incorporated Detroit's essence into his game. From pitching his ideas at parties to collaborating with passionate voice actors and musicians, Ariel's story is one of perseverance and creativity.

We also discuss the unique aspects of "We Never Yield."

For all the gamers out there, "We Never Yield" is now available on multiple platforms, including Xbox, PlayStation, PC (Steam and Epic Games Store).

The game launch party is this Saturday at Black Tech Saturdays: https://www.blacktechsaturdays.com/events/gamingtakeover

Want local media to survive and thrive? Local media needs local support or it just won't happen. Support us on Patreon, get some swag, and join our member-only Discord: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Daily Detroit is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to shows.