Daily Detroit News Byte

On today's show: A proposal has gained steam to allow to-go cocktails and booze from bars in Michigan, as well as has legislative sponsors. Advocate and distiller Robyn Cleveland joins Jer to talk about it, what's next and what you can do if interested. Plus, Sven talks with Lisa Nuszkowski of MoGo about bike share in the region. What's next, how the pandemic has impacted their plans, and how people are still riding the service. Support our work: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

On today's show: Michigan is opening up a little ahead of the holiday weekend. What are the details? Updated unemployment and Coronavirus numbers. The city of Detroit's population has been estimated by the U.S. Census to keep dropping - but the region is flat while the rest of the nation is growing. Meanwhile, we're adding more infrastructure for the same amount of people and act surprised when it costs more per person. Hamtramck's Labor Day Festival is canceled for this year. Author and journalist Karen Dybis joins us to talk about Michigan's drive-in movie theaters and how some of them are opening up regardless.  Thanks to our members who make this show possible: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Well, just as Michigan slowly recovers from what everyone hopes is the worst effects of the global pandemic, devastating floods hit mid-Michigan. We bring you up to speed on that and Sven talks about the intense dam-building spree the country went through. We've got the latest coronavirus numbers from the state and city of Detroit. A new poll from the Detroit Regional Chamber and the Glengariff group looks at partisanship and the pandemic. Governor Whitmer has massive support among Democrats and Independents. But Republican men view the Coronavirus Crisis very differently than other Michiganders. It's the only group that less than half say they are wearing facemasks; and the majority of middle-aged Republicans say the armed protestors in Lansing send the right message. We've got news on MOGO bike sharing in the suburbs We talk about the status of the Woodward Dream Cruise and the a planned wildcat cruise. Plus, details on the moved annual Detroit-Windsor Ford fireworks display.

We bring you up to date on the latest numbers from the state and city of Detroit. We talk about the challenges businesses up north will face opening for memorial day weekend Voting by mail will be a thing this november Poop as a harbinger of a coronavirus second wave Oakland County will offer $30 million in Federal aid to local governments Dan Gilbert wins a federal contract to oversee contact tracing We've got news about some business openings and closings and the annual Theater Bizarre halloween party - and we'll see two livestream music festivals in detroit before the month is up.

On today's show: The northern part of Michigan is beginning to reopen on Friday, while Metro Detroit is still seeing a percentage increase in COVID-positive tests. Are the flu and coronavirus comparable? The data points to a definite no. We'll talk about it. Background: https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/05/the-flu-has-killed-2200-michiganders-since-2000-coronavirus-topped-that-in-a-month.html Bottle deposits aren't happening, and you've got a growing stack in your garage. What to do? Background: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2020/05/18/michigan-bottle-returns-open-closed/5194368002/ Some auto industry updates, including factories reopening; plus Elon Musk can apparently do whatever he wants. And the DIA gift shop has seized the moment with new masks that resonate with us right now: https://diashop.org/face-masks/ That and more on your Daily Detroit. 

In previous episodes, we looked at how the Coronavirus could impact Education in ways beyond social distancing. And then Sven did a deep-dive into live music and venues. Today, restaurants and bars. Eater's Brenna Houck joins me to talk about the latest from a big-picture perspective and what could be ahead for some of our favorite places to grab a bite.  Then, I'll share a few things to know today: On Sunday, for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, the City of Detroit preliminarily reported no new COVID-19 deaths. The city of Detroit has hired a long-time local leader and administrator (and the first African-American state supreme court chief justice) - as Deputy mayor. Ferndale has canceled all their events through Labor Day, and a number of Woodward corridor cities are drafting a letter requesting the Woodward Dream Cruise cancel their 2020 event which is still on for mid-August.

Today's show is a deep-dive into the impact of the Coronavirus on the music industry, musicians, and venues. First, Sven Gustafson sets the table on what's going on. Then two feature conversations: Dan McGowan, the Managing Partner of Crofoot Presents. He owns the Crofoot in downtown Pontiac and does promotions for a number of venues. Then, Steve Nawara, a longtime Detroit musician with credits that include the Detroit Cobras.

On today's show: 1:02 An update on where we stand on the Coronavirus statewide 6:05 The City of Detroit is greatly expanding testing, finding out some trends and will offer testing to barber shops, salons and dentists when they open 11:05 A protest is planned in the Capitol - again - and this time there would be arrests if people brandish weapons 14:05 The Coronavirus is decimating Michigan's budget, and one of the worst-hit areas could be our schools. Ron French from Bridge Magazine joins us to talk about the possibility of up to a 25% cut which would mean teacher layoffs, increased class sizes, and even possible district closures. Here's his piece: https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/gop-leader-25-percent-cuts-michigan-schools-coronavirus 24:25 We update you on some reopenings like Supino and Avalon 26:30 A pair of Detroit non-profits are giving away 10,000 facemasks Thanks for listening to your Daily Detroit! We're people-powered media. Join us as a member at http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit 

Welcome to your Wednesday Hump Day edition of your Daily Detroit. Today we're tackling: Metro Times is out with a shocking story about violent threats made against Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on several private Facebook groups. It comes as an armed rally is once again being planned for the state Capitol building in Lansing on Thursday. Some vacant Art Van furniture stores will be reborn as Loves Furniture, with about 1,000 people hired to staff them. The Archdiocese of Detroit has set dates for reopening parishes, along with strict social distancing guidelines. The New York Times editorial board dings states like Michigan that have relaxed Freedom of Information Act requirements during the coronavirus crisis. Eastern Market is redesigning how its annual Flower Day will work. And we hear from Cyndi Ross, restoration manager for the nonprofit Friends of the Rouge, about how the group is encouraging people to help the Rouge River this year by doing things at home. Later in the show, your Daily Detroit team shares th

One of the things the Coronavirus pandemic has meant is that people have had to innovate and adapt to a quickly changing world. With the aim of keeping people employed, one of those founders and companies doing that is Better Life Bags, based in the enclave of Hamtramck. The custom bag company has grown over the years using social media and has put people to work in their local community, all the while adding to Detroit's fabric of fashion businesses and nonprofits. I also talk with founder Rebecca Smith about doing business at a pace that's manageable when you have a family, which is part of the focus of her upcoming book, "A Better Life: Slowing Down to Get Ahead." Then I'll update you on a couple things you should know about around town. Including: Your power bill is going up Former State Senator Morris Hood has died of COVID-19 And baseball could be coming back July 4th.

What can the past teach us about what we're dealing with today? Our conversation today is with Tim Kiska from the Detroit History Podcast.  They recently put out a great special episode talking about the 1918 Spanish Flu epidemic and how it hit Detroit. History may not repeat itself, but it does rhyme. So it's uncanny how many echoes there are today that are from a century ago. We dive into that and more with Tim. Have a listen in the player at the bottom of your screen and check out the Detroit History Podcast here. If you want to support us, consider becoming a member.

On today's show, there is more Coronavirus news to update you on, plus other stories: Detroit is getting a better hold on the virus thanks to testing. But, the disease is spreading west, MLive has a great interactive map to show how counties near Grand Rapids are seeing an uptick in cases. Link: https://www.mlive.com/public-interest/2020/05/eight-weeks-after-michigans-first-coronavirus-cases-an-animated-map-tracks-its-spread-through-the-state.html Mayor Mike Duggan says that Detroit's three casinos will likely not be able to fully re-open until there is a vaccine. The TCF Center's field hospital will be put on pause once the single patient that is there is discharged. The hospital will not be taken down, just in case of future waves. The temporary hospital at the Novi Suburban Showplace will remain open. Warren Mayor Jim Fouts said that police will begin to enforce social distancing and mask compliance. The controversial conservative Royal Oak City Commissioner Kim Gibbs is in the news again, this time for a

One of Detroit's most well-known and well-loved local businesses is Avalon International Breads. So for episode 500 of the podcast is my conversation with owner and co-founder Jackie Victor. The bread in their ovens, like the business, is slowly beginning to rise again. But what shape will the future take? And how might they get there in these uncertain times?  And when might we see chocolate chip sea salt cookies again? We're on Apple Podcasts and wherever fine podcasts are found: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Daily Detroit is made possible by our members: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

On today's show, a bunch of Coronavirus quick updates, plus: Beaumont Wayne is reopening The Sterling Heights PD wants Segways Leila in downtown Detroit gets a nod from GQ as one of the best restaurants in the U.S. And, Brian Allnutt from Planet Detroit gives us an update on what's happening with Belle Isle and flooding. More: https://planetdetroit.substack.com/p/flooding-on-belle-isle-has-resumed Like what we're doing? Consider becoming a member. http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

You may have heard that our food system is in dire straits, with shortages of chicken, beef and pork looming because several meat processing plants have temporarily shuttered due to the coronavirus. And that President Trump has gotten involved. On today's show, we break down what that's all about, and we speak with James Rigato, the chef and owner of celebrated restaurant Mabel Gray. Rigato recently took to Instagram to discuss the issue, and on today's show, he offers his expert perspective, along with some great tips for everybody stuck at home on how to continue to find meat and cook with it. After all, there's a lot more to eat than just hamburgers and chicken breasts. Also, May the Fourth be with you. Thanks for listening to Daily Detroit. If you like what you're hearing, tell a friend about us, leave us a review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, or support us by becoming a Patreon member.

On today's show: Armed gunmen protest in the statehouse in Lansing. Sven Gustafson talks about it. Governor Whitmer has extended her order closing a number of places of public accommodation until May 28. This includes places like theaters, bars and casinos - and limits restaurants to carry out and delivery. Alibaba executive and owner of the Brooklyn Nets, Joe Tsai, is donating a lot of PPE to Detroit. And Randy Walker joins me to talk about our favorite places for takeout around town that we've tried. If you've got recommendations, get in touch! We'd love to know about what's in your neck of the woods. Support the show: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

On today's show, some coronavirus-related automotive news for you. Ford posted a hefty, $2 billion loss for the first quarter, blaming it on the coronavirus and related production shutdowns. It also said the second quarter will be far worse, when it expects to post a $5 billion pre-tax loss. Lincoln also made a surprise announcement that it's canceling plans to develop its first electric vehicle with EV startup Rivian because of the "current environment," with production shut down and cash leaking like a sieve at the parent company. Also today: The construction industry is expected to be cleared to go back to work on May 7 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has unveiled a proposed G.I. Bill for those classified as "essential workers" during the coronavirus shutdown The state is launching a new $130 million fund to make child care more affordable to essential workers Nearly 40 mid-Michigan residents have been infected with coronavirus traced to an outbreak at a massive poultry farm Thanks for listening to Daily Detroit.

Today on your Daily Detroit, a three-parter. We interview Fletcher Sharpe for a rundown about Detroit City FC's spring season being canceled and the status of the women's team, which is supposed to launch its inaugural season this spring. Then, Cristina Sheppard-Decius of the East and West Dearborn Downtown Development Authorities joins us to discuss a new small-business and sole-proprietor grant program being offered in the city. The window to apply for them opened Monday and closes at noon Friday. More information is here. We also update you on the latest in coronavirus news, including the latest numbers from the state and what's happening on the ground in hard-hit Detroit. Also: Oakland County has formed a new task force focused on helping businesses stabilize and recover from the COVID-19 shutdown Recipients of the Federal Family Education Loan Program student loans that were insured by the Michigan Guaranty Agency are getting a reprieve on missed payments until Sept. 30 The Suburban Collection is matchi

What's a bar to do when you launched a couple of years ago, you feel like you've got a handle on running the place — but then the world turns upside down? Innovate and hold on for the ride, if you can. To talk about how to do that, our guest on Daily Detroit is Kevin Peterson from Castalia Cocktails. That's a basement bar in a historic building that shares space with a fragrance shop - Sfumato - in Midtown Detroit. A link to Castalia: http://www.castaliacocktails.com We're member-supported media: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit