This Video Game was Made in — and Inspired by — Detroit
Meet Aerial_Knight, behind "We Never Yield"
Meet Aerial_Knight, behind "We Never Yield"
Welcome to the Friday edition of your Daily Detroit, sharing what to know and where to go in Southeast Michigan. Have a watch: Today: We talk about a visit to the Shankar Distillery, making the Varchas brand, a new spot blending Indian and American whiskey traditions. Learn about their unique offerings, including a Reserve 102 bourbon whiskey and the cultural significance behind their eagle branding. Jer and Devon discuss his favorite twist on the classic Old Fashioned cocktail, featuring me...
Crime and safety, blight and vacancy, housing affordability are the top 3 issues, say Detroiters
As long as we’ve done this show, growing Michigan, and getting it into gear to be competitive against the rest of the country has been a topic. Honestly, it sometimes feels like I'm screaming down into the void as someone who is usually pushing for things to be better. Because as much as we love our city, region and state, there's much to be proud of… There is work to do. There has been for years. After all, Michigan is second to last in the nation for attracting people from other states. Mix...
"If you want to watch, to listen, to read something that has value to you, be prepared to pay for it." - Matt Friedman
(now, let's think even bigger)
Special guest Sam Robinson, reporter for Axios Detroit, joined Norris and Jer at the Daily Detroit studio and we talked about what's going on around town with politics and a little development. The rundown: 02:22 - What do some of these future local and state campaigns look like? For Michigan Governor and for Detroit Mayor? 10:29 - Norris gets into why he thinks Gretchen Whitmer's gubernatorial campaign was successful. 13:03 - Why don't more Black Detroiters vote progressively? 16:47 - Gene...
There's a bunch of new spots opening in Detroit ahead of the NFL Draft, and one of the latest - and capturing the most buzz - is Adelina on Woodward Avenue. Across from the massive Hudson's site tower and a block from Campus Martius Park, it's location is second to none. But also adding to the mix is celebrity chef Fabio Viviani, who you might know from Top Chef or his many other restaurants. In a special conversation in the restaurant, Jer sat down with Fabio and Chefs Marco Dalla Fontana and...
Can sustainable, short food chains work in Metro Detroit, Michigan and America? Many know Marrow as one of Detroit's best restaurants in the city's West Village neighborhood; but owner Ping Ho and Chef Sarah Welch have big plans ahead. They include a sustainable meat market in Eastern Market (as well as a Birmingham location) - and helping build out supply chains and practices that focus on local and quality. In an interesting conversation the the Daily Detroit studio at Techtown, the pair sit...
Black Tech Saturdays is making quite the splash in bridging digital divides and being a platform to lift up Detroit in technology. Plus, it’s a total vibe. Far different (in a good way) than what you’re used to for “tech events.” Joining me on the show is Alex and Johnnie Turnage, co-founders – as well as Ethan Lloyd, Social Media Manager for the city of Detroit and he runs the city of Detroit’s social media accounts that have been growing quickly and engaging residents. It’s cheesy to...
Four Daily Detroit contributors around one table? The dream is realized at the new studio in TechTown. Norris Howard, Shianne Nocerini, Devon O’Reilly and Jer talk three of today’s stories that impact Metro Detroit. 00:51 – There’s a hotel proposed for the top of the Michigan Central project in Corktown on the old train station. Is that the best use? Will it be a great way to show off the city? 06:32 – We wax nostalgic about Olga’s, who abruptly closed their Westland location after more...
Although a lot of attention is paid to buses and transit in the city of Detroit, the reality is the vast majority of people in Metro Detroit do not live within the city limits. Although some do, many of their trips to get around don’t involve the city at all. They’re served by SMART – The Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation – and any conversation about transit and linking southeast Michigan together involves their work. In this conversation with Tiffany Gunter, Depu...
What does it take to run a bar and restaurant? When Owen Burke and his business partner Tony Piraino first ran a bar called Pulse in 2005, the building they were leasing got demolished by the city for future progress. So they changed concepts, got a hold of a historic building in Greektown, and opened Firebird Tavern in 2013. A decade in one concept is quite the accomplishment in their industry. And recently, they expanded with a second location in Troy, Michigan. In this honest con...
The first wireless electric charging road in the United States – where, with the right equipment, you can drive on it and charge while moving – has opened in Detroit’s Corktown. Using technology by Electreon and deployed at Michigan Central, it seems only appropriate for this first quarter mile to be here. Me and Norris Howard discuss the technology, the implications, the possibilities, the challenges and more in this single-topic episode of your Daily Detroit. We’re not sure if this w...
Our deep-dive conversation is with Brian Mulloy. He’s doing small-scale development in the city of Detroit through his Ballet Real Estate, but with a focus on building restoration and urban spaces. His transformation of a building at Bagley and Trumbull (and subsequent development of a property few thought could be built on it behind it) not only has caught attention for its looks but the amount of hassle he had to go through to get it done. So how can Detroit support smaller devel...
An icon of Detroit's decline has been renovated into a stunning centerpiece
It's been a busy week up at the 2024 Mackinac Policy Conference, put on by the Detroit Regional Chamber. But what are some of the things happening that could impact you? State Representative Mike McFall of the 8th District stopped by and talked about what's moving through Landing and made the proposed budget. We'll dive into the latest policy discussions and legislative efforts impacting Metro Detroit and beyond. In this episode, we cover: Redistricting Changes: Representative McFall di...
From the Porch of the Grand Hotel at the Mackinac Policy Conference, Jer and Devon talk about the latest happenings around Metro Detroit. There's a mix of heavy and hopeful news on this one. In this episode, we cover: Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Scandal: Fresh developments reveal that up to $40 million may have been embezzled from the nonprofit fund. The FBI is investigating, and the potential fallout could impact local black developers and businesses. Dan Gilbert’s Philanthropic Vision: A...
How does Michigan and metro Detroit turn the corner on being the place people want to choose to build their lives? On your Daily Detroit, we explore this pressing question with Khalilah Burt Gaston, the founding executive director of the Song Foundation. From the Mackinac Policy Conference at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, the conversation dives deep into the holistic approaches and collaborative efforts necessary to revitalize the region. Some of the topics we cover: The Song Foundation...
"If you want to watch, to listen, to read something that has value to you, be prepared to pay for it." - Matt Friedman
Mr. Friday, Devon O'Reilly, is in and we talk about a bunch of local to Metro Detroit things. Devon had dinner at The Little Club, his first eastside yacht club experience as a west sider. We had a chance to try the Ford Mustang Mach-E for a week, and have a number of thoughts on the electric car that doesn't give off electric car vibes. After touring the new housing construction on Fischer by Greatwater Homes, some thoughts on how this project was able to come together so well, sell homes qu...
Interesting show of Metro Detroit stories today. In the fun category, recently a listener asked why Norris Howard isn't the Baron of Brightmoor, because of the alliteration. He explains why he's the Prince. There was so much demand for Michigan Central's big concert that it sold out - and so have all the tickets for the tour since we recorded this episode and posted. So I won't include that link. Then we get into the race for U.S. House, where Adam Hollier didn't get enough valid signatures to...
A few years ago, Milwaukee and Brush streets was a quiet corner tucked just south of West Grand Boulevard. Now, between Kiesling, Milwaukee Caffe, and a host projects since then, it’s becoming one of Detroit’s interesting intersections - of fun, work, and residential. With projects like Chroma Detroit, Freya, Oak and Reel and more nearby, it's becoming a bonafide attraction. Today we’re talking with the crew behind Kiesling - an approachable cocktail bar in the city’s Milwaukee Junction...
Today we're talking about three stories around town with Fletcher Sharpe. First up, news that the old Belle Isle Zoo (technically, the Children's Zoo for a time) will be razed and turned into natural habitat. Both of us remember going to that place when it was a thing, we share our memories and a movie that was shot there. Second, the Belle Isle slide is returning this summer, says the Michigan DNR. Is riding the Giant Slide at Belle Isle your real "I'm a Detroiter" baptism? (We're of course jo...
The news broke just after we recorded yesterday's show that Detroit City FC intends to build a 14,000 seat stadium in Corktown, near Michigan and 20th streets. Fletcher Sharpe, Norris Howard and I discuss what we know, what we don't, and then the pair get into a conversation speculating about the future of soccer in Detroit - and bring up the uncomfortable topic for some, MLS in Detroit. On Monday we'll know more hard details. But for now, enjoy the speculation and would love to know what you...
Due to news, our schedule gets flipped around. Devon O'Reilly joins in on a Thursday to talk about a couple of stories around town and a couple of places we've been. Where we've been: Devon went to check out the Detroit Vinyl Society, a new spot in Detroit's Paradise Valley and has some thoughts. Jer went to Cafe Noir in Detroit's North End. News stories: The city of Detroit gained 1,852 people last year, according to the latest Census estimate. that's the first time since the 1950s that th...
Fletcher Sharpe is in and we're talking about some of the interesting sports - and sweet - stories around town. 01:16 - Dutch Girl Donuts are back Baby! 04:38 - Detroit Piston's disappointing draft lottery spot 12:02 - Michigan Panthers clinch a playoff spot 14:25 - Phoenix Rising, DCFC draw Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211 Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonapple Or Spotify: https://lnk.to/dailydetroitonspotify Thanks to o...
Norris Howard is in for an episode full of stories that didn't exist less than 24 hours ago. 00:38 - The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO is put on leave over allegations of financial mismanagement, including a call for criminal charges. We discuss, as the Riverfront has been one of those organizations that has kept going through lots of hardships in the city. Crain's Detroit - https://www.crainsdetroit.com/nonprofits-philanthropy/detroit-riverfront-conservancy-puts-cfo-leave-amid-probe Det...
Hey all - Jer here. My friend and Friday co-host Devon O'Reilly brought this up at the end of last week, that it seems like the pace is truly picking up on new things and things happening around town. Maybe it was the NFL Draft. Maybe it's just the passing of time from the pandemic. But it "feels" around town a lot more like it did in 2018-2019. Let's hop into it. As always, my analysis is in italics and if you're new here, sign up for future notes for free. 📰 What to know >> 💰 Lions QB J...
For 14 years, Ferndale Pride has been bringing people across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum (and their allies) to West Nine Mile Road. The 2024 edition of Ferndale Pride on Saturday, June 1 will bring together thousands of people in what is one of the major centers of life for the community - with entertainment, dancing, vendors, special events and more. Julia Music is key to organizing all of this, and joins us in studio to preview the events before and during Pride, as well as share some history abou...
Detroit has picked up the pace - and it seems like the city is starting to get back to that "buzz" of new things on a regular basis. Devon O'Reilly is in and we talk about a bunch of new restaurants, developments and things around Detroit: 00:47 - Where Devon's been: Previewing Vollmers in the old Park Bar space. It's a bar, and aims to be great at being a bar with some food. 06:46 - The Spanish-inspired Leña is opening in Brush Park, Devon has already been inside. 10:08 - Jer shares that at...
Hey all, Jer here. The rain is here outside the Daily Detroit studio, so I thought I'd take a minute to write a note and catch you up on some stories around town — as well as a conversation that people seemed to like. The Renaissance Center has been a focus of a lot of speculation now that General Motors is moving down the street to Hudson's Detroit on Woodward, taking two floors of the office tower. Dan Gilbert's Bedrock and the automaker are going to work for the next year to figure out wha...
Plus... a bouncing balcony at the Fox and why we're so tired after being up half the night