Daily Detroit News Byte

The Paycheck Protection Program, providing forgivable, federally backed loans to businesses to keep people employed - opened for applications today with a new round of funding - $310 billion. That's on top of $350 billion issued two weeks ago. And that first round? Well, it had some issues, to say the least. Some rather large companies got loans, and many small businesses just were shut out. Many of the hardest-hit states got some of the least aid. So with this in the news (and so many businesses in deep trouble during this pandemic) I wanted to take a look behind the scenes up in Washington, D.C. What happened? What have we learned? And, as this is one of multiple rounds of economic back-stopping, what's next? To do that, this episode of your Daily Detroit is my conversation with Congresswoman Haley Stephens. The Democrat represents Michigan's 11th district, so think suburban cities like Troy, Auburn Hills, Rochester, Milford, Northville, Livonia, and Canton. Like the show? Tell a friend! Love the show? Cons

While we're all under a stay at home order, it can be a real challenge to deal with work life, home life, kids and all of that.  So we got some tips to help you handle it from Karen Liska. She works at Detroit Labs and is a coach at HoneySpace in Ferndale who helps people get things done.  You can follow her on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/KarenEvansTM And LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenevans/ Our show is people-powered. Join us as a member at http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

On today's show: Coronavirus Crisis confirmed numbers update There are new state unemployment numbers The Detroit Public Schools are getting more than 50,000 tablets for distance learning. Detroit summer programming will be closed, but parks will remain open. Republicans in the state legislature are working to strip the Governor's emergency powers, wanting to open the economy faster. An industry group says that restaurants have lost $1.2B in sales and a quarter-million jobs. A report says that Detroit's city council president is in hot water over campaign contributions. (Read on the Intercept: https://theintercept.com/2020/04/21/brenda-jones-detroit-city-council-tlaib/) GM is calling back some white-collar workers. The UAW doesn't want it to happen so fast. Henry Ford Health System is adding to the pile of healthcare-related layoffs. And a magazine popular with the Farmer's market crowd has changed hands. Thanks to our members for supporting us: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Some think Coronavirus and COVID-19 is a "Detroit" or "Southeast Michigan" problem. But with a lack of access to health care, an older population, and risk factors like tobacco use and poverty, rural and outstate Michigan could get devastated by COVID-19.  To talk about it is Citizens Research Council of Michigan Research Associate Tim Michling. He had an eye-opening piece that might put things in a bit more perspective. You can read it here: https://crcmich.org/all-of-michigan-still-at-risk-from-covid-19 Also, we touch some top stories around the Coronavirus crisis. The state continues to see new cases, but is starting to see more people get released from hospitals than come in. What is the plan to reopen the economy? Governor Gretchen Whitmer says it'll be the reverse of what they're doing in Georgia, and more details will come by the end of the week. The state of Michigan is going to be doing 10-day layoffs in various departments. We share what we know so far.  Wayne County has at least a $152 million sho

There are so many stories coming out of Detroit around the Coranvirus pandemic. And those stories at HuffPost are being written by local voices. To discuss what they found and what's happening on the ground, HuffPost Senior National Correspondent Jonathan Cohn talks about the work the reporting team did. Here's background reading material to dive in even more: What It's Like To Have Cancer In The Middle Of A Pandemic  The Last 16 Days Of Robert Beaupre's Life  Hospice Workers Adapt To Provide End-Of-Life Care Amid Coronavirus Pandemic  We also check in on some stories around town after the conversations. Beaumont is doing mass layoffs. GM's Maven car service is shutting down. The UAW endorsed Joe Biden for president. And local parks are limiting visitors. Thanks to our members who make this show possible: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit Bed music in this episode is "Beauty Flow" by Kevin MacLeod. Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/5025-beauty-flow

On today's show, some top-line updates from the State of Michigan and the City of Detroit, plus, we break down a big poll released by the Detroit Regional Chamber about the statewide economic impact of the Coronavirus crisis.  Among other highlights, it shows 29% of Michiganders aren't working, and that those adults 39 and younger are getting hit very hard economically and are having more trouble filing for unemployment.  There are also large gaps in unemployment in the state, with areas like Traverse City getting hit the worst.  For background reading you can go here.

A bonus weekend episode that's around the virtual bonfire. We talk about our favorite cocktails we're drinking and share stories of how our listeners say they're coping with the Coronavirus crisis. 

Lace up your New Balances and go on a run with Sven Gustafson as he talks about the ways the Coronavirus may change us as a society - and the ways it already has. Then Jer will run down some top-line things you should know around town. Here's Sven's original essay that was adapted for audio: https://8woodblog.com/for-better-or-worse-the-coronavirus-will-change-us/ Here's our Patreon if you want to support the project: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Whether it's conspiracy theories like those around 5g, or the willful refusal to believe objective facts when it comes to the pandemic, today we talk about confirmation bias and how folks try to assemble meaning to things. This happens often when there is none. After all, sometimes, we just don't know stuff. But for some, that's not O.K. to admit. And when these online conspiracies are turned to action, it can put other people and property in danger. think folks ignoring social distancing guidelines, which has led to outbreaks of COVID-19. or in England, where cellphone towers are being set on fire. Our guest today is technologist, YouTuber, and entrepreneur Tom Lawrence. His popular channel, based in Southgate, Michigan helps people demystify their tech issues. Here's Tom's channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TheTecknowledge And here's Tom's company: https://www.lawrencesystems.com/ Like our show? Tell a friend. Love our show and can spare a few bucks? Support us to keep the show free for everyone else. ht

Today we've got an all-headlines edition of your Daily Detroit. We run down the latest numbers on confirmed coronavirus cases and deaths from the state, and we discuss the "Operation Gridlock" protest organized by the Michigan Conservative Coalition today in Lansing. The group urged participants to protest what they see as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer's overly restrictive stay-at-home order from their vehicles, but hundreds spilled out onto the Capitol grounds anyway, many not wearing masks and ignoring recommendations to maintain 6 feet of distance from other people.  Also on today's show: Both California and New York, the hardest-hit state, are donating ventilators to Michigan. Wayne County is launching a drive-through COVID-19 testing program in Southgate. You can make an appointment, whether or not you have symptoms, here. Ford is partnering with Wayne State University, its affiliated physician organization and Dearborn-based ACCESS to launch a mobile coronavirus testing program. The budgetary hole the pandemic

Perhaps you've heard that, because people are driving so much less and accident claims have plummeted during the coronavirus lockdown, your benevolent automobile insurance carrier is planning to give you a big wet kiss in the form of a refund. Well, our guest today not only gives us the lowdown on why this might be happening, but he suggests that in reality, it'll more likely be a credit rather than a check for cash. Steven Gursten is the managing partner at Michigan Auto Law. He tells us that the amounts insurers are promising to refund pales in comparison with the decrease in actual driving and, likely, accident claims. Meaning they're seeing a windfall at this time when claims are way down and they're enjoying a reprieve from court cases stemming from accident claims. Also today: Oakland County will begin offering drive-through COVID-19 tests at the county complex at 1200 N. Telegraph Road. You don't need a prescription, but you do need to schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-848-5533. And, it's the 60

Today's show is in three parts. 1) Coronavirus updates. The latest numbers, with some hopeful signs the curve may be starting to flatten. A quarter of Michigan's workforce has filed for unemployment, and $350 million distributed. There are bodies piling up at DMC Sinai-Grace, according to photos and eyewitness accounts. 2) Should we allow restaurants to sell to-go spirits during the pandemic? Robyn Cleveland thinks so and his online petition is gaining steam. Link to that here.  3) Ford and 3M have teamed up to make respirators as well as there are other collaborators involving one of the world's biggest automakers based right here. Sven Gustafson has the details. Like the show? Support us on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

On today's podcast, we have an in-depth conversation with Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist II around Michigan and the Coronavirus. We talk about a wide variety of topics with the Lt. Governor: Lt. Governor Gilchrist is leading a new task force to examine the causes and find ways to lower the higher rate of African Americans dying due to COVID-19. How the state is mobilizing on things like unemployment benefits. Where Michigan is at in flattening the curve. What are the thoughts around the budget for things like roads after the initial crisis. A possible policy to help bars and restaurants. And much more. Remember we do this every day with special bonus episodes during the Coronavirus crisis. Tell a friend to listen: http://www.dailydetroit.com/podcast/ If you love the show, and you can swing it, think about becoming a member. Independent media requires independent funding, and it keeps it free for everyone else. http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit  

Well, so much for a possible reprieve in the coronavirus spread in Michigan. The state on Friday reported 205 deaths in the last 24 hours, an increase of 43%. There were 1,279 new confirmed cases of COVID-19. Meanwhile, good news for the Uber drivers, freelancers and other independent contractors of the world: You'll be able to file for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance starting Monday at michigan.gov/UIA. That brings an extra $600 a week on top of the maximum $362 in state unemployment benefits. Meanwhile, Mayor Mike Duggan says the city is working with the Wayne State School of Medicine to increase drive-through testing at the State Fairgrounds site to more than 1,000 per day. The city is also offering hazard pay to first responders, public employees and others whose jobs put them at risk of infection. Also on today's show: We talk about the "war zone" conditions being reported out of Sinai-Grace hospital in Detroit, according to The Detroit News Speaking of the Detroit Medical Center, which operates Sinai-

After bouncing around this town for a couple of decades, I can tell you that if you cover Detroit and ignore the faith community, well, you're not covering Detroit. Regardless of the denomination or belief system, they are ties that bind much of our city and region. So today's show is a conversation with pastor Jonathan Merritt of Straight Gate International Church. Located on Grand River just west of Livernois, the non-denominational gospel ministry has been switching gears to deal with the coronavirus. And the good news? Their mostly African-American congregation has been hit with far less tragedy due to the coronavirus than the rest of the surrounding community. So what are they doing? And how are they keeping connected to their members as one of the largest churches in the area? Also, Merritt is involved in the Narrow Way Cafe on Livernois. They are, for a second year in a row, dealing with outside forces that have thrown a wrench in their plans. Link to Straight Gate: http://straightgate.net/ Daily Detro

On today's show, we bring you a slew of short updates on the coronavirus situation in and around Detroit. The state on Wednesday reported 1,376 new confirmed cases and 114 deaths, bringing the overall total to 20,346 confirmed cases and 959 deaths. That might not seem like much to celebrate, but it's the smallest jump in new daily cases since March 31. In Detroit, the epicenter of the outbreak in Michigan, Mayor Mike Duggan says testing at the former State Fairgrounds site is way ahead of projections. Meanwhile, we cover lots of other coronavirus developments around the region: The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi is being converted into a 1,000-patient field hospital, the second in the region The coronavirus is expected to blow a huge hole in the city of Detroit's budget, partly because the casinos are closed Thousands of employees of Detroit-area health systems are likely infected with COVID-19 Electric vehicle startup Rivian will delay the start of production to 2021, from later this year, as coronav

If you're listening to this podcast, you're listening to local media. And the Coronavirus pandemic has brought to the front something that you may not realize. Most Americans — according to a 2019 Gallup poll — not only think that their local news outlets are an important part of American democracy, but they also think they're financially healthy. And that's completely wrong. Cuts are happening across the industry. Not just at newspaper outlets, but radio... and even TV is feeling the hit. This was happening even before this pandemic, and now, it's increasing significantly. The dark irony of this is that coverage around the coronavirus is being consumed and is needed more than ever by the public. To me, whether it's city hall, the county seat, or the state capitol — it's not a stretch to say that democracy itself is in danger without a vibrant press. Here in metro Detroit, the problem is multifaceted. Not only do we have the pressures of the changing market and the pandemic, the largest advertiser in our comm

On today's show for Monday, April 6, 2020: Detroit Tiger legend Al Kaline has passed away, at the age of 85. The cause of death was not confirmed at the time of recording. Michigan's confirmed Coronavirus cases continue to rise. Statewide there are now 17,221 cases and 727 deaths. In other Coronavirus news, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said in a news conference today that almost as many people are filing in one day for unemployment as those who did during the worst week of the Great Recession. The fine for violating the Governor's Stay Home, Stay Safe order has been doubled to $1,000. The change happened late last week. Henry Ford Health Systems will be performing an 8 week clinical trial of the drug Hydroxychloroquine to see if it is effective on the Coronavirus. 3,000 first responders and healthcare workers will be the volunteers. The 1,000 bed field hospital at the TCF Center should be ready to start accepting patients this Thursday. There will be two floors- one of 600 beds for seriously ill patients and one

Today we have a special narrative edition of the show for you. We take you out of your coronavirus confines to Minsk, the capital of Belarus in far eastern Europe. It's where I recently traveled to talk about Daily Detroit and podcasting at the Press Club Belarus, an organization promoting an independent, free press in the former Soviet republic. Belarus has also been in the international news lately as the only country in Europe that is continuing to play professional soccer and letting fans crowd into stadiums. That's because of its authoritarian president, Alexander Lukashenko, who has dismissed the coronavirus as being more dangerous to the small country's economy than to the health of its people. Our show today touches on Belarusian history and politics — I was there during Parliamentary election day — and we discuss the country's burgeoning IT sector and local culture. We hear from: Pavel Sverdlov, editor-in-chief of EuroRadio.fm Serge Sakharan, editor-in-chief of City Dog Anatoli Babenia, a member of

On today's show: The latest news locally around the Coronavirus, including when we might see an apex to cases, schools closed for the year, dismal unemployment numbers and people doing some good. Plus, if you've been online and followed national news, you know about the phrase, "That Woman From Michigan." It was said by President Donald Trump about Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer.  Well, it's become an extremely popular shirt. And it originated right out of metro Detroit. Artist, Amanda Burden of Top Knot and Twine joins us later to talk about how it came together.