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On today's episode, fall is in the air! From where to go to the news you need to know, we have you covered. The Rundown: Fall Outings in Metro Detroit - Devon makes the case for why you should take your family to the Heritage Park Petting Farm in Taylor, and Jer talks about his sneek peek of Elmwood Alight, a sensory light-mapping and art installation inside Detroit's historic Elmwood Cemetery.   Senate Passes the 'Protect College Sports Act' - We discuss what's in the bill, what's maybe good, what's maybe bad. But bottom line, do we trust Washington to actually fix the system? Or will it just make for a whole 'nother set of unintended consequences with major college teams and conferences leaving the NCAA altogether? Data center debate - The Wayne County Commission voted unanimously to override Executive Warren Evans's veto of $125 million in tax breaks for Google's proposed 1-gigawatt data center, "Project Cannoli," in Van Buren Township. We talk about the public pushback against data centers, local municipal moratoriums (including on Devon voted for in Dearborn), and the widening disconnect between elected officials, technology leaders, and the community.  What do you think? Hit us up, [email protected] or 313-789-3211. Thanks for your support on Patreon!

Detroit development, better bus stops, and a major manufacturing push lead today's show. Waka by Baobab Fare is now open in Eastern Market! Ferndale Pride moves to August 7, 2027, as West Nine Mile in Downton Ferndale gets resurfaced. Lee Plaza's first phase is on track for year-end completion, working on 117 affordable apartments to West Grand Boulevard. Arcterra, the 288-unit downtown apartment building at the former Statler site, sells in receivership for $75 million — despite reported 96 percent occupancy. What does it say about Detroit's apartment-development math? Transit update.. DDOT is adding hundreds of shelters and benches through 2027, with elevated boarding platforms also going in along East Jefferson. Ford, JPMorganChase, Michigan Central, Newlab, and the state launch MichiganLIFT to help Michigan manufacturers scale. We discuss why potential customers, and not just grants, matter. Detroit opens up 16 North Corktown parcels near Michigan Central for housing proposals and puts $2.5 million behind small apartment projects citywide. Plus: TechTown events coming in October, Norris has hot takes on Jalen Duren's contract standoff with the Pistons, and DCFC's playoff push. Daily Detroit is powered by members! Support local media at Patreon, and send feedback to [email protected] or 313-789-3211.

Detroit's budget picture continues to improve. But what does that mean for residents, city services, and the big redevelopment projects now under discussion? I sat down with expert Steve Watson of Watson & Yates to talk through the current situation and the financial logic behind why Detroit needs growth. We look into the proposed Renaissance Center redevelopment we talked about on the show last week, including the $548 million in requested public incentives tied to a proposed $2.2 billion investment by GM and Bedrock. We break down where that money would come from, how the Renaissance Zone and Downtown Development Authority structure works, and why a proposed payment-in-lieu-of-taxes (PILOT) agreement matters for the city and Wayne County. We also look at Detroit's updated revenue outlook. The city's estimates rose by about $50 million, driven largely by stronger-than-expected income-tax collections and investment-income projections. But that is not a blank check for new programs in the context of a roughly $1.5 billion general-fund budget. The additional revenue is more likely to help Detroit sustain current services, manage rising costs, and prepare for firefighter and police labor contract negotiations. To wrap up, Steve and I talk about the larger equation. The math behind why growing jobs, wages, businesses, and population matters for Detroit's ability to deliver the things residents want from city government. The city has significant economic potential, but only about one-third of Detroiters currently earn a living wage for their household. That makes inclusive growth as important as growth itself. What do you think? Hit us up, [email protected] or 313-789-3211. Thanks for your support on Patreon!

Big show to wrap up the week. Today we are on location at Jabal Coffee House on Mason Street in West Dearborn to kick off Dearborn Coffee Week! Norris, and Devon join me around the table to taste-test Yemeni lattes, Sanani coffee, and tasty cakes while talking about what to know and where to go in Metro Detroit. Topics: Dearborn Coffee Capital: How coffee shops have officially taken over as Metro Detroit's third space, the rapid rise of Yemeni coffee culture, and why local shops are expanding nationally. A $30 Million High-Rise Repair Bill: Routine facade work on Detroit's historic Water Board Building revealed serious structural issues. We debate the best future for this iconic 23-story tower. Expanding the People Mover: A new mobility study lays out three potential routes to expand the transit loop to Corktown, the Riverfront, and Eastern Market. What do you think? Dearborn x Detroit: Busting online myths about the border, historical context vs. lived reality, and the community block party happening this Sunday. Support our all-local work on Patreon. Got feedback or story tips? Email us at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.

What do you do with 5.3 million square feet of concrete and glass when the world it was built for no longer exists? Built in the 1970s as a corporate fortress to keep the city out, the Renaissance Center in Detroit stands today as a monument to a mid-century urban planning thesis that has completely collapsed. RenCen office occupancy sits under 10%, construction costs are up 55% over the last decade, and downtown real estate demands an entirely new model. My guests are Jennifer Stallings Dewey, the Senior Counsel, Community Engagement at General Motors; and Jake Chidester, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Bedrock. In this episode, we dive into the multi-billion-dollar proposal by General Motors and Bedrock to demolish two 39-story towers, tear down the concrete podium, and turn an isolated corporate island into a connected, walkable riverfront district. We answer a ton of listener questions, as well.  The process is ongoing for community feedback. Here's a calendar of events at their East Riverfront Community Hub: https://detroit-riverfront.bedrockdetroit.com/events And here is a link to the project survey: https://detroit-riverfront.bedrockdetroit.com/survey What do you think? Let me know, [email protected] or 313-789-3211.  Thanks for your support on Patreon! That's how we're able to fund this independent work.

We brought the mobile studio out to the Detroit Sandwich Party to talk with you about all things between two slices of bread. In this episode, we tackle the big questions. Matt from Detroit shares his grilled cheese mayo trick and explains why a sandwich needs to be a stable delivery system. Terry stops by to show some love for fried bologna and sweet tea.  Lauren breaks down her favorite New York deli creation and why horseradish is cathartic. Zena makes the case for where hot dogs sit on the food spectrum. Finally, Shelby from Corktown drops a hot take on why calzones, Uncrustables, and Pop-Tarts are dumplings.  Thanks to Carlos Parisi for putting together a wonderful event. I think this may be the beginning of a mini-series as we had so many good takes and only so much time.  Make sure to mark your calendars for Detroit Sandwich Week, between Christmas and New Years. Shoutout to our Patreon members for keeping local media strong. You can support the show at patreon.com/dailydetroit. Feedback is always welcome at [email protected]

Hey friends, we're back in the studio talking through a big batch of local news today. First up, Comerica Park has been renamed "Fifth Third Park." Norris and I break down why this rebrand feels so flat, what it says about corporate naming rights, and why Detroiters are probably just going to keep calling it what they want anyway. Plus, there's already a Fifth Third Park in Spartanburg. Then, we jump into the fight over Michigan's bottle bill. Grocery retailers want out of taking back bottles and cans at stores, pointing to sanitation, pests, and labor. We talk through whether standalone redemption centers make sense and why the 10-cent deposit literally isn't worth anywhere near as much as it used to. More info: https://www.freep.com/story/news/environment/2026/09/21/bottles-cans-deposit-return-redemptions-stores-recycling/91812537007/ Next, Wayne County is looking to consolidate its court operations. They're evaluating moving scattered offices across four buildings into one or two central locations. Where should it go? More on Crain's Detroit. Finally, Detroit City FC grabbed a 1-0 win over Pittsburgh over the weekend. Norris puts his Football Furioso jersey on to talk about it quickly. Got takes? Email us at [email protected], and if you want to support local independent media, head to patreon.com/dailydetroit

We're breaking down what's happening around Metro Detroit. From local lunch spots to rooftop reservation changes to a Midtown coffee shop closure, skyrocketing gas prices, and a debate on the future of our local sports franchises. Here's today's rundown: 01:33 — Where we've been: Uncs for Lunch. Devon checks out Uncs for lunch and breaks down the space, menu, and midday vibe. 05:19 — Pine Hall now requires reservations. What you need to know before trying to grab a drink or a table downtown this weekend. 11:03 — Red Hook Midtown is closing. The Woodward Avenue shop shutters September 26, ending a three-year run. What should go there next? 15:10 — In a thought experiment, would you sell the Tigers or Red Wings? With both franchises facing big questions, we debate whether it's time for new ownership for one of these historic teams so there's the ability for ownership to focus to make one thrive. 19:04 — Gas and diesel prices skyrocket. Prices across Michigan are creeping up toward $5 for gas and even higher for diesel. What's driving the surge, what it means for consumers, and what is the breaking point for Michiganders?  23:16 — The RenCen conversation. We have an interview planned next week, we'd love your constructive questions on the plans. Got thoughts on today's episode or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected] or leave us a voicemail at 313-789-3021. Thanks for your support on Patreon!

The Michelin Guide is bringing its Great Lakes ceremony to Detroit next April, and people have a lot of questions. What does a Michelin presence actually mean for our local food scene? How do diners, chefs, and journalists navigate the hype? To break it down, Detroit News restaurant critic Melody Baetens stopped by the TechTown studio. We talk about what those stars actually represent, what inspectors look for, and why the national spotlight is shifting toward the Great Lakes. Plus, Melody recently put together a list of 25 new and returning restaurants expected to open across Metro Detroit. We talk about some of the big highlights — from long-awaited returns like Cass Cafe and Highgrade Deli to fresh concepts like Agnes in West Village, Aurora Italiana, Slutty Vegan, Mike's Red Tacos, and Spiedo on West Canfield. Check out Melody's full list on The Detroit News: 25 Restaurants Expected to Open Soon in Metro Detroit Support the show: https://patreon.com/DailyDetroit

Norris and I sit down with Edmund Gray, CEO of Kissmet Music Group, for a conversation that I found completely fascinating in the context of today's fast-changing world.  Edmund is the creator behind Zhaion, an AI-hybrid R&B project grounded right here in Detroit, complete with a promotion online, free-to-play 8-bit game based on driving The Lodge. Rather than hiding the tech behind a curtain, Edmund is being entirely upfront about using generative tools to bring his music and world-building to life. We get into the ethics of the music business, the reality of creative tools, and why transparency matters as AI becomes, whether we like it or not, a part of our lives.  This is exactly the kind of smart, nuanced local discussion I love having on the show, and I think you're going to get a lot out of it. Check out Zhaion's new album No Clearance dropping this Friday. https://zhaion.com/ What do you think? Hit us up, [email protected] or 313-789-3211. Thanks for your support on Patreon!

A proposed Wayne and Oakland county millage could reshape access and provide ongoing sustainability to two of Metro Detroit's cornerstone historic institutions.  Jer Staes and Norris Howard are joined by Elana Rugh, president and CEO of the Detroit Historical Society, and Neil Barclay, president and CEO of the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History. The proposal would support free admission for county residents, transportation help for students and seniors, teacher curriculum resources, and funding for smaller public historical museums across the two counties. We talk about why the museums say they need a long-term funding model, what visitors can expect this fall, and why preserving Detroit's past — while collecting the history being made today — matters. The measure is listed on the back of the ballot as the Southeast Michigan Historical Museums Authority proposal. You'll find a full transcript on our website. More info: https://www.yestoourstory.com/ Feedback as always, [email protected] or 313-789-3211.

On today's show, Norris Howard and I dig into SMART's new Route 500, which restores service to Hamtramck for the first time in more than a decade. It's a new bus connection between downtown Detroit, the DMC, Hamtramck, the North End, and the Bel Air Center.  It matters for a city like Hamtramck where about one in five households does not have a vehicle, and it also gives fans another way to get to Keyworth Stadium and people visiting the city a way to get to Hamtramck without am Uber. Then, photographer Ryan Southen and I head to the Detroit Institute of Arts for a preview of Georgia O'Keeffe: Architecture, a first-of-its-kind exhibition that looks beyond the flowers and into the buildings, cityscapes, barns, and New Mexico spaces that shaped her work. We also talk with Ben Colman, the DIA's curator of American art, about why bringing this exhibition to Detroit matters and how O'Keeffe's New York paintings connect with the skyscraper boom that shaped Detroit in the same era. Finally, we check in on Detroit City FC as Le Rouge heads into the final stretch of the regular season, chasing a top-four finish and a chance to host a playoff match at Keyworth. Saturday's matchup against Pittsburgh is a big one, and DCFC will wear special green Capuchin Soup Kitchen charity kits. Feedback as always [email protected] or 313-789-3211. Cover photo by Ryan Southen. What do you think on any of these topics? Hit us up, [email protected] or 313-789-3211. Thanks for your support on Patreon!

Ahead of the weekend, Devon and I break down my visit to Cosm Detroit, the new high-tech venue in downtown that's gotten a ton of buzz. The tech and immersive dome are very impressive, but dynamic pricing means ticket costs can jump in a hurry depending on what you're seeing. We debate - is dynamic pricing the way to go?  Plus, we also dive into some great local news with Cass Cafe returning to Midtown, sample a Banana Bread Old Fashioned, and unpack MDOT's new pilot program testing a per-mile road charge. Timestamps: 01:31 - What We're Drinking: Banana Bread Old Fashioned 05:33 - Cosm Detroit: Super Cool, But Might Be Costly  17:49 - Cass Cafe in Detroit returning 19:51 - Charge for roads per mile driven instead of the gas tax? Cover photo by Ryan Southen. What do you think on any of these topics? Hit us up, [email protected] or 313-789-3211. Sorry for the late posting this week. We still don't have internet at home on the east side and are digging out of the power outage. Regular schedule next week. Thanks for your support on Patreon!

After severe storms and a tornado swept through Detroit over the Labor Day weekend, leaving many across the region without electricity for days (including yours truly for a second holiday weekend this year, totaling nearly two weeks without power), Norris Howard and I break down the Detroit City Council's unanimous vote to explore alternatives to DTE Energy. We discuss the council's decision, look at the broader implications of utility monopolies in Metro Detroit, and share our personal experiences dealing with frequent power grid failures across the area. Link to report discussed via the Detroit News. Key Topics & Timestamps 00:45 – Gratitude: Shoutouts to everyone who came out to see us at the Detroit Sandwich Party at Eastern Market, plus a special thanks to new Patreon members! 02:00 – Weekend Highlights: Norris recaps his experience at the Detroit Jazz Fest, highlighting a performance by the Low End Quintet at Dee Dee's / The Valade. 03:45 – News: Detroit City Council vs. DTE: Details on Councilwoman Gabriela Santiago-Romero's unamiously passed measure directing the legal department to research ways to diversify the city's energy sources and reduce dependence on DTE Energy. 05:30 – Monopolies & Utility Accountability: A discussion on rate hikes, service reliability, grid hardening, and a lack of competition. 09:15 – Public Power Alternatives: Looking at how nearby communities like Ann Arbor and Wyandotte's relationship to public utilities and what that might mean for Metro Detroit. Listen & Connect Follow the Show: Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , or wherever you get your favorite podcasts. Support the Show: Join us on Patreon to help keep independent local coverage going at patreon.com/dailydetroit. Feedback & Listener Stories: Send me an email at [email protected] or leave a voicemail on our line at 313-789-3211.

Before we get started, apologies as this episode is about a day behind. My neighborhood was the one in Detroit that was hit by an EF2 tornado, bringing 115 mph winds, downed trees, and damage. Apologies, and we'll talk more about what happened next week. Main show: As it's Labor Day weekend, we thought we'd bring the fun. Devon O'Reilly joins me as we review Ray's Hometown Bar, the retro-inspired, wood-paneled new spot taking over the former Mr. Dips space in Parker's Alley.  Plus, Devon takes us on a tour of his child-free getaway up north, sharing why he prefers the Little Traverse Bay area — including Petoskey and Bay Harbor — over Traverse City, along with a standout meal at Spring & Porter. Then, we debate the definitive boundaries of where "up north" actually begins in Michigan. Finally, Jer did a bit of a staycation with a rare day off at Greenfield Village, getting into what makes its newest additions like the Stand 44 eatery, the Jackson House, and the reconstructed 1860s Detroit Central Market... must-visit add ons to an old favorite.  Support the work on Patreon: https://patreon.com/DailyDetroit Feedback as always - 313-789-3211 or email us, [email protected]