Daily Detroit

On today's show (more show notes to come): 00:00 - Where we've been, talking Mackinac, Movement, Pride, and Grand Prix 07:03 - Former U of Michigan President Santa Ono Gets Rejected For University of Florida Job 10:20 - New NoMad Hotel In Downtown Detroit (Plus a prediction!) 13:36 - Eastern Market Shed Rebuild Plans 16:23 - A Daily Detroit Pollapalooza talking about approval ratings, the mayor's race, schools - and a feeling of lost culture Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Belle Isle State Park is one of my favorite places, and judging from so many listener comments over the years, one of yours, too.  So when I had the opportunity to talk to Dr. Meagan Elliot, the head of the non-profit Belle Ssle Conservancy that helps support the island, I knew I had to take it. We talk all things about the island. From work on the Scott Fountain to the boathouse to the nature areas to the old zoo to a super interesting plan to add more walkability to the island’s most popular areas — and more. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot com or leave a voicemail 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit 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 go to the Mackinac Policy Conference to talk with members of the Rethink I-375 coalition to understand the nuances of the proposed I-375 redesign project and community concerns as a meeting is coming up this week. Learn about the controversial redesign of the I-75/I-375 interchange and the complex considerations around land use, the number of highway lanes that echoes wide thoroughfares like Telegraph, community impact, and the project's potential to address historical injustices. My guests are Olga Stella and Carl Bentley, both in the context of the their community coalition.  Resources: Rethink I-375 Website: rethinki375.org Rethink I-375 Email: highwaybyanothername@gmail.com MDOT project site: https://www.michigan.gov/mdot/projects-studies/special-construction/i-375-reconnecting-communities-project Thursday night event info for the June community meeting: https://375detroit.org/events/june-2025-community-meeting/ Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

Oakland County's economic growth and inclusive policies take center stage in this Daily Detroit episode that's a conversation with County Executive Dave Coulter. We examine the strategies behind Oakland's robust economy and its commitment to diversity as a driver of progress.  Coulter details the "Oakland 80" initiative, a program focused on increasing educational attainment among adult residents to meet workforce demands. The conversation covers the county's efforts to address transportation challenges through expanded mass transit and its novel approaches to tackling systemic issues such as medical and student debt, aiming to financially empower residents. We get into the diversity of living options in the county, where you can have just about everything you'd want depending on which corner you decide to live in. We also get into Oakland County's innovative affordable housing programs and Coulter's dedication to the revitalization of downtown Pontiac. Oakland County is 1.4 million people and a quarter of Michigan's GDP - and I learned a lot about how Executive Coulter looks at things and why this corner of Michigan is so successful. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/  

On today's episode, Annalise Frank from Axios Detroit joins Jer at the Mackinac Policy Conference to talk about Sister Pie pausing retail operations soon — and the possible sign of a wider impact of challenges with small businesses. Then we preview the Detroit mayoral debate that's going to happen at the Mackinac Policy Conference tomorrrow (Thursday) — what we see voters are looking for, and how candidates may look to stand out. Follow what Annalise does on Axios: https://www.axios.com/local/detroit Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

From the porch of the Grand Hotel at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Jer Staes and Devon O'Reilly talk about a new poll released today by the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Glengariff Group about Michigan's races for Governor and U.S. Senate. And yes, we take a victory lap on a prediction.  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/ Support our independent work: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit  

Jer and Devon are back with a packed episode of Daily Detroit. Where we'ver been: Let's kick things off with a glowing review of a special Club sandwich at Rocco's Italian Deli; plus talk about Detroit's hot new Aperol Spritz bar. Then we get into the impact of Mercedes-Benz relocating corporate jobs and the broader shift in Michigan's auto industry. Finally, we shine a light on the basically abandoned AT&T building in downtown Detroit and brainstorm ways to transform it (and that entire strip of Cass) into what could be a great urban residential neighborhood. 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/  

Today, Norris and Jer open up the Daily Detroit mailbag and answer your listener questions. The status (as we know it) of Fisher Body 21 Frustrations with there not being enough resources spent on the Middle Class in the city (and some ways supporting affordable housing actually helps the middle class) Should we post more news to Instagram? It's been hot lately. And yes, it really does seem like there are far more pheasants from last year. We appreciate the thicc bois and discuss our favorites feathered friend.  Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day! Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/ Support our work financially: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit  

Today I share an editorial I wrote about abundance, change, and how Detroit needs a bigger, bolder vision. Plus, three stories to know around town.  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/  

Hey Detroit! We are back in our TechTown studio for your Daily Detroit, and on this Thursday, May 15th, 2025, the city is absolutely buzzing with news – from delicious new spots, to political shifts, to the city growing population for a second year in a row.  On today’s show: Corktown Coffee & Bagel in Core City First up, Devon brought in a treat from the brand new Haraz Coffee in Corktown, which just had its soft opening. Located at 1501 Church Street (right off Michigan & Trumbull in a new parking deck), this Yemeni coffee shop is already impressing. Not to be outdone on the new-eats front, I shared my excitement about Bev's Bagels, the latest venture from James Beard-nominated Max Sussman. Tucked into a space on Grand River (south of Warren), Bev's offers an old-school diner counter feel but with amazing bagels.  Detroit's Growing Population & Development News The big headline? Detroit's population has grown for the second consecutive year, according to new U.S. Census estimates. This is the first time since 1957 the city has seen two straight years of growth, adding 7,000 residents and becoming the 26th largest city proper in America. Mayor Duggan credits reduced crime, more jobs, and new housing.  While positive news, there’s much more work to do. We discuss the big pluses and what’s ahead.  Speaking of development, the groundbreaking for Lee Plaza on West Grand Boulevard (in the Northwest Goldberg neighborhood) is a monumental step. This 100-year-old, long-vacant iconic eyesore is being transformed into 117 units of affordable senior housing, with rents capped at 30% of income. It's a complex project with 7-8 layers of financing, but it's a "jewel" being added outside of downtown. Political Tremors: 2026 Governor's Race Polls New polling for the 2026 Governor's race is turning heads. A Target Insyght poll shows Mayor Mike Duggan, running as an independent, with 48% overall support among Detroit voters (up 9 points since February). He's even leading 51-28 among Black voters in the city.  Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson has slipped to 32%, and Republican Congressman John James is at just 3% with Detroit voters.  Although it’s early, we get into it because it shows the former Mayor has more juice than some expected. Though it’s kind of in line with what we predicted. What Do You Think? What are your favorite new spots in the city? Are you feeling the growth? And what's your take on these early political polls? Let us know!  Email us at dailydetroit@gmail.com or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211. Thanks for tuning in, and remember — you are somebody.  Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/