Daily Detroit
The show for everyone who chooses Detroit! We share what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. Keep up on what matters, who's interesting, and what's happening around town. What's that new thing being built? What's the best food in town? Who are the most interesting people? What are the best stories? Our all-local independent daily podcast talks about what pushes Detroit and Southeast Michigan forward. Produced by your neighbors in the city of Detroit, serving the region.
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Your 2026 Ferndale Pride Guide ft. Julia Music
05/12/2026
Your 2026 Ferndale Pride Guide ft. Julia Music
Ferndale Pride executive director Julia Music joins us to preview this year’s mile-long joyous celebration on West Nine Mile – from a new creamsicle Pride beer to drag, street waffles, stages, and a sensory-friendly zone. Find out where all the fun and connections are for this free festival on 5/30/26. And be sure to say hey at our Pride arch and get a special edition sticker! More:
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She Never Left Detroit
05/11/2026
She Never Left Detroit
Lifelong Detroiter Jerrylyn Cope Howard joins us to share what it’s really been like to grow up, raise a family, and stay rooted in the city for decades. From Hudson’s and Kresge’s ice cream waffle sandwiches to the 1967 uprising, STRESS and the Big Four, legendary nightclubs, Gantos at Northland Mall, and today’s rooftop bars, she traces how Detroit has changed — and why she still loves it. We get stories about Brightmoor, parenting a kid with a big vocabulary (our own Norris Howard), and what it means to move beyond Motown nostalgia and look to the future... while still holding on to the good memories. This is the beginning of an occasional series on Detroiters, focusing on those not always lifted up in the media. Feedback as always — dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211.
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Pittsburgh Travelogue, Godfrey Rooftop, and Detroit’s New Convention Hotel
05/08/2026
Pittsburgh Travelogue, Godfrey Rooftop, and Detroit’s New Convention Hotel
Jer and Devon are back at the table, kicking things off with Devon’s recent trip to Pittsburgh and what Detroit can learn from its dense, walkable core, lively riverfront, and reuse of historic buildings. Then they swing back home as Jer heads up to the rooftop at The Godfrey to check in on the views, vibes, and espresso martini trees lighting up the night crowd. Devon pushes back on the idea that Dearborn is losing people, arguing the city is quietly adding residents, building housing, and skewing younger than most of Michigan — and he previews the upcoming Dearborn Night of Innovation and Bet on Dearborn business expo. Finally, the pair break down plans for a new 600-room convention hotel connected to Huntington Place, why downtown still needs more rooms, and how the project fits into the post-office, hotel-vs-residential debate in Detroit’s core. As always - feedback dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211.
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Abdul El‑Sayed on Medicare for All, Detroit, and Michigan’s Economy
05/07/2026
Abdul El‑Sayed on Medicare for All, Detroit, and Michigan’s Economy
Today on Daily Detroit, we're back into our series of candidate discussions as Dr. Abdul El‑Sayed, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Michigan joins me. We get into why he’s getting back into the political arena, his case for Medicare for All (and his case to people who worry they'll lose their current benefits), and what he thinks a U.S. Senator can really do on healthcare with a Republican in the White House. We also talk about Michigan’s sputtering economic numbers, how to keep and grow good‑paying jobs here at home, and his ideas for reining in Wall Street short‑termism, banning stock buybacks, and using targeted tariffs to bring high‑growth manufacturing back to the state. Then we focus on Detroit: Federal support for Detroit’s big lifts around affordable housing, transportation, and water infrastructure — from a national housing bill and renter protections to real investment in light rail and fixing our pipes. And because this is Daily Detroit, we wrap with some fun: Abdul’s go‑to coffee shops, pizza spots, bagels, and his favorite places in town. As always, we’re not making endorsements in this race, but we are making space for locally focused conversations that matter. My idea with these conversations for our hyper-local audience is hit on some of the topics national outlets may not. I've already talked to one candidate in this race; and the third is scheduled. If you’ve got thoughts, keep it respectful and hit the inbox at dailydetroit@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 313‑789‑3211. And if you value episodes like this — consider supporting our work at patreon.com/dailydetroit. We basically can't run ads on political content nowadays. So your support matters more than ever.
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New, New, New: Pro Women's Hockey, A 1926 Beauty, and a Hi-Fi Listening Bar
05/06/2026
New, New, New: Pro Women's Hockey, A 1926 Beauty, and a Hi-Fi Listening Bar
Detroit is having a week full of newness — and we've got all of it. PWHL Detroit is officially happening: the city's new Professional Women's Hockey League franchise will play at Little Caesar's Arena starting in the 2026–2027 season, in black, silver, and a hint of Red Wings red. The PWHL Awards and entry draft are coming to Detroit on June 16th and 17th, and roster building kicks off May 28th. Norris Howard weighs in on the collapse of Spirit Airlines — plus, the case for trains over short-haul flights. Downtown development: The historic 1908 Ford Building on Griswold — a Daniel Burnham Chicago-style gem — is headed to auction at just 14% occupancy, raising questions about what it takes to bring Detroit's financial district back to life. Jer and Norris dream big: 100,000 people in 7.2 square miles, a Trader Joe's in the State Savings Bank, and density done right. Bedrock's Belle — a 1926 Beaux Arts building on Broadway — is now accepting pre-lease tours on its 42 newly finished units. And coming soon to Southwest Detroit at 2545 Bagley: Tigris, a hi-fi listening bar with a custom Bing Audio sound system, vinyl DJ sets, Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails, and a daytime café to boot. Finally, Jer is moderating a panel at the free at the Marrow in the Market — all about what it takes to make Michigan a true culinary destination, and what Michelin recognition could mean for the state.
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Arab Film Festival: Come for the Films, Stay for the Afterparty
05/05/2026
Arab Film Festival: Come for the Films, Stay for the Afterparty
Filmmaker Hannah Fahoome of Now Listen Here Young Lady LLC joins Jer Staes and Norris Howard to talk about Arab Film Fest After Dark — an interactive afterparty she's been building around the Arab Film Festival for over three years. The Arab Film Festival runs Tuesday, May 5th through Sunday, May 10th at the Arab American National Museum in East Dearborn. It's been going for over 20 years and features films from across the Arab world and Arab America. On Saturday, May 9th, Hannah is also hosting a screenwriting workshop at 10 a.m. in the museum library — open to anyone who has a story and wants to learn how to put it on screen. That evening, Arab Film Fest After Dark brings together DJs, interactive lighting demos, and screenwriting games. Buy a ticket to any single festival screening and the afterparty is free. Arab Film Festival tickets and passes:
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Why Gas Is So High — and The End of Spirit Airlines w/ Patrick De Haan
05/04/2026
Why Gas Is So High — and The End of Spirit Airlines w/ Patrick De Haan
Gas is suddenly a lot more expensive in Michigan — and Spirit Airlines just shut down for good. Jer talks with GasBuddy head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan about Great Lakes refinery outages, record diesel and jet fuel prices, how a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is pushing costs higher, and why that fuel shock helped finish off Metro Detroit–founded Spirit Airlines. After, Jer digs into some details about Spirit's demise and we're looking for your Spirit experiences. Feedback as always — dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211.
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Michigan 2026 Primary Poll Deep Dive: Senate Race Wide Open
04/30/2026
Michigan 2026 Primary Poll Deep Dive: Senate Race Wide Open
We break down fresh polling data from the With 36% of Democratic voters still undecided in the Senate race, this election is anyone's game. Plus, we get into the Republican and Democratic primary landscapes, examining Donald Trump's 85.9% favorability among GOP voters, Jocelyn Benson's commanding 58-point lead in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, and the tight three-way Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed, Haley Stevens, and Mallory McMorrow with a huge universe of undecided voters. The conversation also explores Gretchen Whitmer's potential role in the 2028 presidential race, as she's got immense popularity in the state and is the leading candidate here for president — or be the person that chooses who would win on the Democratic side. Topics covered: Detroit Regional Chamber/Glengariff Group poll methodology (500 respondents per party, ±4.4% margin of error) Republican primary: John James vs. Perry Johnson for governor Democratic Senate primary breakdown by region and demographics Youth voter impact on both parties Presidential preference polling for 2028 The disconnect between progressive policies and progressive candidates Why showing up matters
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Why Ferndale is Growing While Other Suburbs Are Shrinking
04/29/2026
Why Ferndale is Growing While Other Suburbs Are Shrinking
Ferndale is bucking the trend. While most of Detroit’s inner-ring suburbs are losing people, Ferndale has grown 1.3% since 2020 — outpacing every municipality that touches Detroit's city limits. We dig into new population data highlighted by the Detroit Free Press and ask what makes Ferndale different: walkable neighborhoods, a real downtown at Woodward and Nine Mile, a strong LGBTQ community, and a place where people say they feel safe because neighbors have their back. Here's a link to the piece we discussed: We contrast Ferndale’s urbanist-friendly density and sense of belonging with the population losses in places like Warren, Redford, Dearborn Heights, and River Rouge, and talk about how Gen Z, dual-income-no-kids households, and the Woodward corridor are reshaping where Metro Detroiters choose to live.
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Ice Cream Taste Test + How Noise Pollution Hurts City Birds
04/27/2026
Ice Cream Taste Test + How Noise Pollution Hurts City Birds
In this two-parter, we start with Detroit’s birds and end with Detroiters eating dessert. Science and snacks, basically. First up, we talk with University of Michigan alum and Defenders of Wildlife science and policy analyst Natalie Madden about a new meta-analysis on how urban noise affects birds. They get into what a “study of studies” actually is, why everyday city sounds can mess with bird communication, nesting, growth and reproduction, and what planners and policymakers can do to turn down the volume so common species like robins and sparrows can actually thrive in metro Detroit. Then we head back to the studio for a taste test: producer Shianne Nocerini and Big Lucci Marcon join me at the table to try Hudsonville’s new Little Debbie-inspired ice cream sandwiches — Cosmic Brownie and Oatmeal Cream Pie. They rate, debate and rank which one deserves freezer space, with plenty of sugar, carbs and opinions along the way. As always, send your feedback or guest ideas to dailydetroit@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.
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Daly’s Restaurant Memories, Coffee Speakeasy, Boat Club & New Arts Center
04/24/2026
Daly’s Restaurant Memories, Coffee Speakeasy, Boat Club & New Arts Center
Detroit’s Friday crew is back! We kick things off a hidden “speakeasy of coffee” called Sml Wrld Cafe on Gratiot in Detroit, and why now is the time to get your yard and urban garden in order. Plus, the historic Detroit Boat Club is on getting on track for a major revival into a public-facing hub with restaurants, events, and rowing education. Jer also checked out the new Cadillac Arts Center near Waterworks Park, with In Thicket Books, Take Me Home, and Bowerbird Home anchoring a growing Little Village arts district on the east side. On the west side, the guys mourn the end of nearly 70 years of Daly’s Restaurant, swapping memories of steam-bun burgers, cherry fudge shakes, and midcentury drive-in diner culture as the last Livonia location prepares to close. Then a serious note: DTE’s proposed $474 million electric rate hike has listeners worrying about affordability. Finally, meet our Spring logo, featuring Phezzy - a pheasant because quintessentially Detroit and they're in every corner of the city.
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Detroit & Ann Arbor Development, Plus Science Center After Dark
04/22/2026
Detroit & Ann Arbor Development, Plus Science Center After Dark
Detroit’s downtown housing study is back, and the headline is clear: there’s still a lot of runway to grow. Norris and I dig into what so many potential new units really means and how incentives, red tape, and construction costs shape what actually gets built. Then we get into lessons from Ann Arbor’s plan to turn a parking lot into a library-and-housing hub, and what real urban density could look like in Michigan and Metro Detroit. After all, Norris hates surface parking lots in cities. Plus, we end on some joy with the Michigan Science Center’s adults-only Aurora Space Party this Friday night and a call to bring back a sense of wonder. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows! Feedback as always (including our new alternate logo) - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com. As always, thanks to our members on Patreon.
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Eastern Market: Feeding Detroit’s Bodies and Hearts
04/20/2026
Eastern Market: Feeding Detroit’s Bodies and Hearts
Eastern Market is best known as a Saturday tradition and Flower Day selfie spot. But it’s also one of the beating hearts of Michigan’s food system. In this episode, I sit down with Eastern Market Partnership president and CEO Katy Trudeau at TechTown to unpack how this 120-year-old market is adapting for 2026 and beyond. Katy explains how the historic sheds anchor a 24/7 neighborhood where live animal processing, wholesale distribution, breweries, restaurants, and nightlife all coexist — and why keeping the core of the district focused on food is key to its future. You’ll hear about Shed 7, a new 40,000-square-foot indoor wholesale facility opening this year, and plans for an indoor, two-story Shed 4 with teaching kitchens and community space. We talk about Detroit’s urban farming movement, including a program with a cooperative of Detroit growers to distribute thousands of free produce boxes. Katy also shares how Eastern Market connects rural Michigan farmers and generations‑old family farms to Detroiters, and why Flower Day, Tuesday wellness markets, Sunday artisan markets, and Eastern Market After Dark matter for both residents and small businesses. If you care about Detroit’s future, local food, or how cities can connect urban and rural communities, this episode will give you a deeper appreciation for what’s really happening behind the scenes at Eastern Market, and why it’s still worth getting up early on a Saturday to experience it yourself. More info: Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Our work is supported by our members on Patreon.
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Detroit: Arsenal of Democracy Again? + New Poll Shakes Up Michigan’s Senate Race
04/16/2026
Detroit: Arsenal of Democracy Again? + New Poll Shakes Up Michigan’s Senate Race
On today’s Daily Detroit, we dig into a fresh Emerson College poll that shakes up the Michigan U.S. Senate race. If their numbers are right, the Democratic primary is suddenly a two-person contest, with Abdul El‑Sayed and Mallory McMorrow tied at the top and Haley Stevens slipping into third, even as more than a third of voters are still undecided. We talk through the big generational split driving those numbers, and reshaping the Democratic coalition, and why jobs and the economy are still the real deciders for that huge undecided block. We also touch on a few other topics in the poll. Then, we zoom out to a bigger question with deep Detroit roots: should this region become the “Arsenal of Democracy” again? A quiet Pentagon push to involve automakers in weapons production is colliding with the reality that we may be past peak car sales. We talk about what that could mean on the ground here. That means drones and cybersecurity to good-paying munitions jobs in old factory space, plus the moral, emotional, and neighborhood-level questions that come with it. If forced to pick between the two, would you rather live next to a data center or a munitions plant, and who actually gets the jobs either way? We wrestle with nostalgia, economic necessity, and what kind of future Detroiters really want to build. Your feedback is always welcome - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com 313-789-3211.
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Detroit's City Budget, Explained
04/15/2026
Detroit's City Budget, Explained
On today’s Daily Detroit, we unpack Detroit’s new $3 billion city budget that was just approved and what it actually means for people who live, work, and play in the city. I’m joined by and to walk through where the money’s going, what got reshuffled, and what that means on your block. We get into why the overall budget, approved in April of 2026, actually shrank by about $30 million this year, even as Detroit’s population ticks up. Mayor Mary Sheffield and council still managed to pass a balanced plan. It includes $30 million more for DDOT to boost bus driver pay and maintenance, the creation of a new Housing, Homeless and Family Services department, and continued investment in community violence intervention. We also talk about the big questions underneath the line items: Only 14% of rentals are code compliant. Or the fact that nearly one in every three city dollars goes to policem but less than 1 in 4 live in the city of Detroit. And, the Land Bank has moved from mass demolition to figuring out what to do with thousands of remaining lots. Plus, how growing the city's population might help with making the budget have a little more room. As always, feedback is at dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211. You can follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you download podcasts.
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Dearborn on the Rise: Hilton at Fairlane, West Warren, Greenways & New Housing
04/14/2026
Dearborn on the Rise: Hilton at Fairlane, West Warren, Greenways & New Housing
Today’s show comes to you from the Ford Experience Center in Dearborn, as Jer catches up with Devon O’Reilly at the city’s first‑ever Dearborn Development Day. They dig into the future of the former Hyatt hotel at Fairlane — now moving forward as a Hilton‑flagged property — with plans for 168 residential units, a mix of restaurants and entertainment, and a revived rotating bar at the top. From there, the conversation zooms out to Dearborn’s wider development push: the emerging ‘Midtown’ Fairlane area, West Warren streetscape changes, and new housing concepts around Lundy, the Eugene and Porath sites, and the Joe Louis Greenway. In the final third, Jer recaps his trip to the groundbreaking of the Gratiot Life Sciences Building on part of the old ‘fail jail’ site in downtown Detroit, why the two‑story project coming online in 2027 matters for ‘eds and meds’ jobs, and what BAMF Health and Henry Ford Health are planning there. As always, send feedback to dailydetroit‑at‑gmail‑dot‑com, and be sure you’re following the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
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Why Are New Single-Family Homes So Rare in Detroit? (And How One Company Is Changing It)
04/13/2026
Why Are New Single-Family Homes So Rare in Detroit? (And How One Company Is Changing It)
On today’s Daily Detroit, Jer sits down with developer and to unpack what it really takes to build brand-new single-family houses inside the city limits. After all, there were only 19 permits pulled in 2024 in Detroit. We dig into the brutal math behind new construction: why a typical unit can cost $250,000–$400,000 to build, how the “1% rent rule” prices many Detroiters out of new apartments, and why at $2,500 a month most people start asking whether they should just buy instead. Temkin says Detroit has always been a city of houses, and that new construction needs to respect that history while also meeting modern needs. Jer and Matt talk about designing homes that fit the neighborhood — solid walls, solid oak floors, real fireplaces, and façades that sit comfortably next to 100-year-old houses — without falling into the “matchstick” trap of cheaply built new builds. How trying to cut every corner doesn't actually help anybody. They also tackle pricing strategy, how Greatwater makes it financially sustainable while many others behind them have failed, and why bigger floorplans often end up being the better deal per square foot. And we talk about policy: Detroit’s tiny share of new home construction in Wayne County, Mayor Mary Sheffield’s goal of 1,000 new single-family homes, and what process changes like permits, taps, and inspections that could aunlock more quality new housing in city neighborhoods. As always, be sure to follow Daily Detroit in your favorite podcast app like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you isten to shows.
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Detroit’s First Michelin Stars? Our Picks and Predictions (and more!)
04/09/2026
Detroit’s First Michelin Stars? Our Picks and Predictions (and more!)
On today’s Daily Detroit, a fast-moving, food-and-development-heavy episode rooted in what’s changing on the ground in metro Detroit. Jer is joined by Devon O’Reilly and Norris Howard for a full-table conversation that spans ballparks, the best places to eat, and big bets on Dearborn’s future. The crew starts with Opening Day, as Norris recounts one of the most beautiful Tigers home openers he’s ever seen — complete with a cautionary tale about trying to outdo his dad. Devon then takes us to Midtown for a deep dive on Mad Nice as a rare, reliable “power lunch” spot, breaking down its cocktail program, menu, and why its scale, aesthetics, and backing have given it real staying power past the three-year mark. From there, the conversation shifts to huge news for the region: Detroit and the Great Lakes are now eligible for Michelin stars. Jer, Devon, and Norris build their own shortlist of contenders — from Freya and Seldon Standard to London Chop House, Ladder 4, Grey Ghost, Saffron De Twah, and more — while debating consistency, creativity, and what a first star should reward. The focus turns west to Dearborn, where the former Hyatt/Edward Hotel site moves toward a major hotel-and-residential redevelopment, and Ford plans a massive “World Headquarters South” campus that will bring thousands of employees, Ford Performance, and new amenities to the city. Plus, we get into the Detroit Grand Prix that's starting to get set up, and coming renovations at the Motor City Casino Hotel. Rundown: 03:06 - Where we've been: Mad Nice 07:36 - Which Detroit restaurant should get a Michelin Star first? 16:04 - Dearborn Hotel Rebuild? 17:23 - Ford World HQ South Plans 19:47 - Detroit Grand Prix is starting their setup work 22:20 - Major Motor City Casino Renovation
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Teen Takeovers; More Neighbors, Fewer Empty Offices; and More
04/08/2026
Teen Takeovers; More Neighbors, Fewer Empty Offices; and More
On today’s Daily Detroit, I’m joined by the Prince of Brightmoor himself, Norris Howard, for a conversation about what kind of city and community we actually want to build. We start with the University of Michigan men’s basketball national championship, how a starting five of transfers signals a new era in college hoops, and why I’m choosing some hope for the Detroit Pistons. From there, we dive into the recent “teen takeover” downtown and what really happened versus the panic you might have seen on social media. Norris talks about growing up in the city, why big groups of kids have always gathered somewhere when the weather turns nice, and how race, class, and whose property we value shape which crowds we call a “problem.” We also kick around what it would mean to actually welcome young people downtown with spaces and programming designed for them. Then we pivot to a new Rocket Mortgage survey on the “neighborhood paradox” — most of us say community matters, but only a fraction really know our neighbors. Norris makes the case that HOAs are “the death of the neighborhood,” and we swap stories about block‑level care, watching each other’s kids, and why I chose to live in a part of Detroit where people still show up for one another. We close with Detroit’s surge in office‑to‑residential conversions, from the RenCen and Penobscot to the Guardian, Fisher, and beyond, and imagine a dream list of buildings that should be filled with new Detroiters instead of empty floors. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com. Make sure you're following us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to shows!
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Building Thriving‑Class Neighborhoods with Life Remodeled
04/07/2026
Building Thriving‑Class Neighborhoods with Life Remodeled
Today I’m at the table at TechTown with Life Remodeled president and CEO Diallo Smith, along with Norris Howard. We get into how this Detroit‑based nonprofit is transforming vacant school buildings into “opportunity hubs” that connect entire families to education, jobs, and essential services in their own neighborhoods. Diallo walks us through the rebirth of Durfee Intermediate as the Durfee Innovation Society on the West Side, now home to more than 30 nonprofits and social impact partners, and shares how neighbors themselves shaped which programs moved in. We also talk about Life Remodeled’s next big project on the East Side at the former Dominican / Winan Academy campus, including a 700‑seat theater and a planned 26,000‑square‑foot tech education addition with room for everything from esports to advanced training. Along the way, we get into why the future of the Detroit region is fundamentally tied to the future of Detroit’s neighborhoods, what thousands of volunteers accomplish in the Six Day Project each year, and why investing in arts, culture, and opportunity on our blocks is really about rebuilding the heart of this region. More: Don't forget to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows. We also have a full transcript up on our Daily Detroit website.
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How Detroit Plans to Add (and Keep) More People
04/02/2026
How Detroit Plans to Add (and Keep) More People
Detroit is finally seeing population growth and net positive migration — and a new coalition called wants to keep that momentum going. Our guest is Hilary Doe, president and CEO of MoveDetroit, to unpack a new incentive fund paid for by a number of partners, the Make Detroit Home program, and a neighborhood ambassador effort designed to keep and attract residents, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Details include: Up to $500,000 total in benefits distributed to 313 current and future Detroit residents. Select participants can receive $15,000 to use for a business investment or work project, a down payment, home renovation, or other housing subsidy (including rent support). Other selected applicants are eligible for $1,000 in relocation or quality‑of‑life support, which can cover moving costs, security deposits, or things like gym memberships, kayaking lessons, or meal delivery from local restaurants. We dig into why population growth matters for tax base and small businesses, how this work is funded, and why Hilary believes Detroit can become one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest if the strategy stays driven by Detroiters themselves. Learn more: Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows!
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Detroit TV Drama, Maccabees Fire, and Big Week in Sports
04/02/2026
Detroit TV Drama, Maccabees Fire, and Big Week in Sports
Jer and Devon start with the smoky scare at Wayne State’s historic Maccabees building, sharing on-the-ground details, Detroit trivia, and memories of brunches past. Then they dig into Devon’s annoyance at the Xfinity vs. WXYZ/Channel 7 standoff, what these carriage disputes say about legacy media, and how more people are getting pushed toward cord-cutting and algorithms for local news. And finally, they celebrate the Pistons clinching the Central Division, lament the Red Wings’ latest collapse, and look ahead to what’s shaping up to be a beautiful Tigers Opening Day in downtown Detroit.
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From Old Houses to New Hopes: Detroit State of the City Roundtable
04/01/2026
From Old Houses to New Hopes: Detroit State of the City Roundtable
Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield delivered her first State of the City at Mumford High School, and we're unpacking what it really means for everyday Detroiters. Host Jer Staes is joined by Norris Howard and to dig into homeownership and repair, wages and affordable housing, transit, retail corridors, youth programs, safety initiatives, and more. They also talk about what was left out of the speech — and how much of the city’s future will depend on local dollars and neighborhood-level follow-through. Follow Briana's work here: Full unofficial livestream: Follow us on Apple Podcasts:
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Dear Restaurants: Here's Why We Don't Come Back
03/31/2026
Dear Restaurants: Here's Why We Don't Come Back
We LOVE going out. We love a great time at a great restaurant - and it doesn't have to be fancy to be great. But in recent years, we've seen some doozies and instead of calling out specific places, this is our combination love letter and grievance list for hospitality in Metro Detroit. Me and engineer of alcohol and audio Randy dig into the real reasons diners don’t come back to restaurants, bars, and shops, from missing addresses on social to chaotic hours and confusing menus. We share practical, low-cost fixes businesses can make right now, including clearer parking info, better web and map listings, sane gratuity policies, and dialing in music and TVs for actual conversation instead of noise. Whether you run a spot in Detroit or the suburbs, or you’re just tired of stunt dishes and bad vibes, this conversation is full of specific examples and ideas to make going out feel worth it again. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts. Thanks to our members on Patreon for keeping us going!
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Lion Cubs, Lost Pints, and a Billionaire Belle Isle Boondoggle
03/30/2026
Lion Cubs, Lost Pints, and a Billionaire Belle Isle Boondoggle
Welcome back from the weekend! Norris and Jer dig into: The names of three new lion cubs at the Detroit Zoo We unpack the quiet closure of Midtown’s Jolly Pumpkin, what it meant to the neighborhood, and what to expect from the . There's a viral $50 billion “Freedom City” plan to turn Belle Isle into an exclusive enclave. But in their view, it's hype, not hopeful. And we close with the suddenly controversial parking rules facing Stellantis workers who don’t drive company brands — but this is the way it's been at factories and facilities for many years. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Make sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.
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Trying Medusa + Tuhama's; MI Senate Primary Poll Talk; Data Center Questions
03/26/2026
Trying Medusa + Tuhama's; MI Senate Primary Poll Talk; Data Center Questions
Jer and Devon talk the issues of the day: 01:55 - Trying Medusa in Detroit (Where we've been) - also see Engineer Randy's first look review: 05:55 - Trying Tuhama's in Dearborn (Where we've been) 11:44 - Metro Detroit's economic concerns; and AI Data Centers need to make their case to local communities 27:44 - Michigan Democratic Senate Primary Poll Talk (it's a tight race)
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Apathocracy, New Detroit Zoo Stuff, Jack in the Box coming + More
03/25/2026
Apathocracy, New Detroit Zoo Stuff, Jack in the Box coming + More
Hey friends! Your Daily Detroit is here with Jer and Norris, talking all things Metro Detroit. The Rundown: 04:55 - ICE Facility Fight is hot in Romulus 12:30 - Jack in the Box coming to Metro Detroit, with Westland first 15:51 - The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is getting new adventure trails 19:52 - Old Comerica Building sold: Speculation on what's next? Plus a little history 25:55 - GM will have more semi-autonomous vehicles on Michigan's streets 30:23 - Apathocracy - the idea that more people need to be plugged in and care (and the down mood on jobs in a Gallup poll) If you don't already, make sure to follow Daily Detroit in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.
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Dan Austin on Detroit’s Past, the Austin Fund, and Fighting for the Future
03/23/2026
Dan Austin on Detroit’s Past, the Austin Fund, and Fighting for the Future
Today I sit down with HistoricDetroit.org founder Dan Austin for a candid conversation about Detroit’s lost landmarks, from the Statler and Madison-Lennox hotels to the Lafayette Building and beyond. We talk about how preservation battles have shifted over the last 20 years, why the Austin Past and Future Fund aims to both safeguard Detroit’s stories and support Detroit students, and what it means to plant seeds for a future you may never see. Dan also opens up about his terminal colon cancer diagnosis, the urgent need for earlier screenings, and how listeners can help by supporting the fund and taking care of their own health. Support the fund:
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Inside Detroit’s High School for Future Pilots
03/19/2026
Inside Detroit’s High School for Future Pilots
On today’s Daily Detroit, we’re talking about what it really looks like when a public school system bets big on kids — and on the skies. We're joined at the table by Principal Michelle Davis of Davis Aerospace Technical High School and Kerrie Mitchell Campbell‑Mabins, president and CEO of the DPSCD Foundation. Davis Aerospace is the only aviation‑themed high school on this side of the state, and their students aren’t just reading about planes — they’re earning FAA drone certifications, logging at least 40 flight hours, and in some cases getting a pilot’s license before a driver’s license. The school owns three Cessnas, is moving back into a newly reimagined Detroit City Airport terminal, and pairs that rigor with hot chocolate bars, a “Zen den,” low chronic absenteeism, and a 100% graduation rate. We also get into how the DPSCD Foundation is scaling support across 105 schools and 49,000 students, from transforming Cooley High into an athletic complex to a coming high school redesign that builds real career and college pathways. If you care about Detroit’s future, these are the kids — and the adults — to watch.
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Detroit’s Energy Is Rising (With Some Wild Trivia, Too)
03/18/2026
Detroit’s Energy Is Rising (With Some Wild Trivia, Too)
On today’s Daily Detroit, we’re coming to you from the speakeasy at the Lager House in Corktown, recorded on St. Patrick's Day and fresh off a jam-packed 313 Day. Jer is joined by the Prince of Brightmoor himself, Norris Howard, and engineer of audio and alcohol, Randy Walker, to unpack a very Detroit kind of day: part policy, part party, all love for the city. We start with the reopening of the Belle Isle Casino and what more than $7 million in investment means for the island, neighborhood parks, and why the state partnership has quietly reshaped how Detroit maintains its public spaces. From there, we talk 313 Day specials (yes, Vernors at McDonald’s), Boston Coolers, and surviving the wind without losing power. We talk about the Detroit Impact Conference with the Ross School of Business, where keeping more University of Michigan grads in-state is the goal — and how local businesses are tapping MBA talent to fill real gaps. We close out sharing some fun facts from our 313-themed trivia night at Tocororo in Eastern Market, with legendary team names like “Ken Cockrel Jr. Jr.” and a deep dive into the Aviation Subdivision, corned beef egg rolls, and the very real legacy of Detroit’s Chinatown via food. Plus, we look ahead to a future Detroit City FC stadium in Corktown, why cities are supposed to be busy, and what it means to truly choose Detroit. There's a ton more content in our live stream, where we were joined by Devon O'Reilly: Of course, follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.
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