Daily Detroit News Byte

On today's show: The GM Detroit Hamtramck plant has a new electric future. A new poll shows little support for new road funding taxes, a lot of support for expanding protections for LGBT housing and employment, and although many Michiganders want changes made to the health care system, not much support for Medicare for All as the way to do it.  The Michigan State Police Crime Lab in Sterling Heights will be closed and merged with the one in Detroit to help with months-long backlogs. Oakland County saw $575 million in new investment in 2019, with 41% from foreign firms. And, Shianne Nocerini joins us to break down and look behind the scenes on her big burger list that went up yesterday.  If this is the first time meeting our show, we're on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 And although the show will always be free, our members help make it available for everyone else. Become a member on Patreon: http:/

Today's show is a long-form conversation with author Conrad Kickert. He's a retail and planning expert and professor at the University of Cincinnati. His most recent book caught my eye, "Dream City: Creation, Destruction, and Reinvention in Downtown Detroit." Backed up by research and global experience, he busts some myths about downtown Detroit and its history. He adds perspective from his career from world-class cities and working on making urban design and retail planning that actually works. He is very frank about the possibilities for the future. That there are real opportunities. But doing things as we did before isn't a path forward. Here are some highlights: Why Conrad got interested in Detroit and downtown Detroit. Because of shifting market forces that are beyond what's happening locally, you probably won't be able to buy a pepper grinder at a store unless it has an "authentic" "story" behind it. Why? Regular transactions are all moving online, and retail is transitioning to becoming 3D advertiseme

The big beer news in town was that Atwater Brewery sold to a subsidiary of Molson Coors, Tenth and Blake. But why? And what's next? To take a look behind the deal, a talk with Atwater owner Mark Rieth. That conversation is at 7 minutes in. We also round up a few things happening around Michigan and Detroit: Tesla can now sell cars easier in Michigan, and service them through a subsidiary. That's big news. But there may be more to the story. Experts say that a dealer protection law that passed almost unanimously - and with bipartisan support - probably couldn't have withstood a true challenge in court. That would have major impacts as buyers are used to online and streamlined buying experiences, and more than 36,000 people are employed by Michigan's 600 or so franchise dealers. Here's a link to the Attorney General's announcement. Detroit's three casinos have record revenue. The Detroit River at Ralph C. Wilson park is going to get a big cleanup, as it turns out it's an "area of concern." The city of Detroit'

The New Year is a great time to take inventory of what we've done and where we're headed, and I like to talk to Dennis Archer Jr.,the CEO of Ignition Media Group and the president of Archer Corporate Services ahead of the Detroit Policy Conference that's coming up this Wednesday, January 29. We touch on a variety of topics including transit, education, development, the focus going forward on the neighborhoods, and why Archer doesn't like the word "comeback" when it comes to Detroit. Archer is also the chair of the conference, with speakers like Dug Song, who has gotten more visibly involved in policy and such since selling his company, Duo Security, to Cisco. Actor Hill Harper, who owns the Roasting Plant in downtown Detroit and bought a house in the city. The suburbs are in, too. Oakland County Executive David Coulter is speaking. A statewide perspective from Lieutenant-Governor Garlin Gilchrist. I could go on, but here's a link to everything if you want to know more or want to go. If this is the first time

On today's show: Last week on this show we told you how a capitol reporter in Lansing alleged that state Senator Peter Lucido of Shelby Township made a sexist remark to her while she tried to interview him. Now, a fellow state senator of Lucido's says she's filing a workplace sexual harassment complaint against him. State Senator Mallory McMorrow tells Crain's the incident took place in November 2018 after she was first elected to her seat representing the 13th District in Oakland County. Recreational marijuana sales seriously lag behind a neighboring state, Wayne County gets its first recreational dispensary, and the city of Detroit pushes their ban out another couple of months saying they're working on making the licenses more inclusive.  The Ilitch organization is trading some parcels of land that will become parks for an extension of development rights near Little Caesar's Arena. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan says it's a good deal. Greenspace in downtown Ferndale is closing. So where else is good to get a go

Today on your Daily Detroit, we're talking all things autos. After all, it's usually at this time of year when everyone's in town for the North American International Auto Show. Although the big Detroit show is in the summer now, have no fear. We thought we'd fill your tank with some updates on cool car tech from the Consumer Electronics Show, talk about the almost-sure reintroduction of the Hummer, the Mustang Mach E, Jeep, saving money when buying a car,  and of course, electric and self-driving cars. Our conversation style today will be very similar to when we do one of our bar and restaurant roundups, where we bring in someone who has their head in that stuff all the time.  So today, joining us is Eric Trytko. He has years of experience covering and working in the industry, as well as experience as a motorsports announcer. You might know him online as Rumblestrip. Find him on Twitter here. As well as YouTube.  So enjoy! Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spoti

On today's show, Alexandra Schmidt from Bridge Magazine joins us to talk about a new report they released today, "No Substitute: The Public's Agenda To Reduce Michigan's Reliance On Uncertified, Long-Term Substitute Teachers." We run through the data and the responses with Schmidt, including: 50,000 kids are served by long-term, uncertified substitute teachers Enrollment in teaching prep programs in the state is down 70 percent in eight years Average pay is dropping for Michigan teachers This impacts districts across the state, but even more so those that serve people of color as 18 percent of students are minorities but 92 percent of teachers are white Polling shows that Michigan parents are very concerned about all of this. Many people may not know that Michigan does not require any sort of teacher certification for long-term subs. Bridge's polling shows 9 in 10 Michiganders want that to change. So what are some of the solutions? We discuss it all. We also round up some stories you should know around to

On today's show, Michigan and Metro Detroit have been talking about the callout by Michigan Advance reporter Allison Donahue of State Senator Peter Lucido, after this exchange, excerpted from her first-person account: "You should hang around! You could have a lot of fun with these boys, or they could have a lot of fun with you." The teenagers burst into an Old Boys' Network-type of laughter, and I walked away knowing that I had been the punchline of their "locker room" talk. Except it wasn't the locker room; it was the Senate chamber. And this isn't high school. It's my career.  We quickly run through where it stands as of this recording (here's her original, first-person post) and here's Lucido's tweet about it and another story about it. Oh, and a national story too. But more than the basics  lots of people may know, Shianne dives in and shares about her experiences, and she praises Donahue (with apologies to Lizzo) as "100% That Reporter."  And, we touch on the disappointment of a first-run movie theatr

Detroit lays claim to a rich musical legacy going back decades, including Motown Records, a vibrant jazz scene, techno music and more than one generation of booty-shaking garage rock. But it's been a while since it was home to an actual music magazine. That's changing with the debut of Maggot Brain, a new full-color quarterly print magazine launched by Third Man Records. That's the retailer, record press and label founded by Jack White. We speak with the magazine's editor and longtime music writer, Mike McGonigal. You can subscribe here or pick it up at a variety of local stores. ALSO: Turns out no permits were issued for a piece of Detroit riverfront that collapsed into the waterway. More here. And Kermit the Frog is going back on display at the Detroit Institute of Arts after a long hiatus. We have all the green details. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 Although the show will always be free, our me

New research is out that ties economic issues can tie to health issues, specifically when it comes to auto plant closures. On today's show, we speak to Dr. Atheendar Venkataramani from The University Of Pennsylvania. He joins Jer to talk about the study by him and his colleagues in The Journal Of The American Medical Association, there were a stunning 85 percent more deaths related to opioids in communities where automotive factories closed.  Then, two more stories you should know about:  An update on more ooze - this time found in the City Of Detroit.  And another large project in the area is being scaled back due to skyrocketing construction costs.  Don't forget we're in all your favorite podcast apps, including: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 Become a member on Patreon: http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit

Happy Friday! On today's show: The Detroit News has a new report out that says that many City of Detroit homeowners have been overcharged at least $3,700 a year in property taxes since 2010. Find the story here.  Could the Federal Government take over the United Auto Workers? According to U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider, it's a possibility.  Pier One is downsizing, and it looks like its location on Woodward is on the chopping block.  Bottom Line Coffeehouse has set up a GoFundMe appeal to help raise money to reopen the Midtown coffee shop.  Illinois based Cooper's Hawk is opening in Troy this spring. It will be its third location in Michigan. A new Chic-Fil-A opened in Allen Park on Thursday.  People lined up around the restaurant and down the street to get chicken sandwiches and lemonade.  Up in Birmingham Hazel, Ravine's and Downtown will be rolling out a new pop-up later this month. Hazel's Crab Trap will celebrate all things crab from January 21 through February 16.  In Eastern Market News, Mike's Cone

On today's show, we're talking with Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller about that green ooze on I-696 and how it impacts neighbors, as well a questions about if sites in Metro Detroit haven't been properly cleaned up, and, despite the city and county boundaries you see on a map, how we're all, quite literally, connected. If you don't know Miller, before this role, the St. Clair Shores native has had a long history of elected service. The Republican has been Michigan Secretary of State, Macomb County Treasurer, Harrison Township Supervisor and a member of the United States House of Representatives. Also on the show: Updates on other sites owned by Gary Sayers, the owner of the shuttered Electro Plating in Madison Heights. Stories mentioned on Channel 4 here about a Detroit location and on WXYZ here in regard to Sanilac, including one about a mom and a 13-year-old possibly cleaning up the stuff in Detroit. The City of Detroit is expanding its taxpayer assistance program to help keep low-i

Today's episode is about a condition that has stayed in the shadows, and a filmmaker looking to bring it into the light.  Hidradenitis Suppurtiva Foundation - or HS for short - is one of the most severe conditions in dermatology, according to the HS Foundation.  HS is also known in the European areas as Acne Inversa (AI), and is a chronic, non-contagious, painful and quality of life-impacting skin disease that causes boils to form in the folds of the skin, and can cause tunneling wounds. Because of its physical scarring, it's often not talked about and hidden. However, HS is not rare. Somewhere between 1% and 4% of the population have it, with it impacting more African American women than other subgroups.  Many doctors don't know how to deal with it or misdiagnose it. Joining us in the studio is Jasmine Ivanna Espy, a filmmaker from Detroit who has directed a new piece involving her story and others, "My Gold Lining, A Documentary on Hidradenitis Suppurativa." Although the event has solid out, it is being sho

On today's episode, we wrap up 2019 auto sales with Michelle Krebs, executive analyst at Autotrader. The industry finished the year above 17 million cars and trucks for the fifth straight year, the first time it's ever gone that long above that number. We go over results at each of the Detroit automakers, including surprising troubles for some of Ford's popular SUVs and how Ram trucks have leapfrogged the Chevy Silverado in popularity. Then, we talk recycling. The city of Detroit just got grants from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy and the Recycling Partnership, a national nonprofit, to expand curbside recycling and recycling education. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to boost Michigan's abysmally low 15% recycling rate. We discuss. Also we check in with sports correspondent Fletcher Sharpe to discuss a few big storylines with the ailing Pistons, including what Blake Griffin's season-ending injury means and how likely it is that Detroit actually trades Andre Drummond. Thanks for lis

Here's what to know and where to go around Southeast Michigan: An update on the green ooze that spilled onto I-696 just east of I-75 in Madison Heights Target is the target of thieves, with four stores getting hit in total in the region Vinsetta Garage is getting their long-awaited parking lot out back, and neighbors are none too happy. (Go read more here) could there have been a better solution? Maybe in a different region. Bistro 82 in downtown Royal Oak is closing. That part of town has been taking it on the chin as far as closures as of late. Cleanup of a petroleum spill or dump continues at the Red Run Drain. 75-100 gallons of possible gasoline was spilled into the water system on Friday. Novi joins Dearborn, Eastpointe, Ferndale, Oak Park, Roseville and Southfield in being certified "Redevelopment Ready" Little Caesars now offers delivery through their app. Kinda crazy the third largest pizza chain in the country didn't deliver. Better Made has a new flavor of popcorn - Jalapeno cheddar. And, there's a

Today's episode is from the vault in April. The automobile is synonymous with Detroit. It is, after all, the Motor City. But what if there was a different way forward than a vehicle for every man, woman and even sometimes, child? What if instead of a half hour at the gym then a half hour in your car, you could bike or walk and get to where you're going? Or, like here in Michigan, get around without paying the highest car insurance in the nation? It seems like crazy talk, I know. But it's a growing movement in car-dominated America, and here in Metro Detroit. Both the city and some suburbs are making improvements aimed at making more walkable and bikeable neighborhoods. Our guest today is Doug Gordon. He's a co-host of The War On Cars podcast and a long time advocate of safe streets — think bike and pedestrian safety. I'd add that Gordon pushes for city life that actually experiences the city you live in instead of whizzing past it at 70 miles an hour. Thanks for listening! The Daily Detroit podcast is everywh

On today's episode, we hit the vault to re-tell a story originally aired in May.  We're taking a look at a company that's making high-end leather goods right here in the city of Detroit, putting Detroiters and veterans to work. We're talking about Pingree Detroit, based just about a block away from the well-known Shinola. Pingree is a worker-owned company formed as an L3C — a special type of company that puts both the bottom line and the social mission of the company first. And when there are profits, 77 cents of every dollar is shared with the workers. Pingree just made their 100th pair of Mayor sneakers. Why Mayor? Because the company is named after shoemaker and former Detroit mayor and Michigan governor Hazen S. Pingree. Considered Detroit's best mayor, he has a fascinating back story. But back to the present day. The company is based out of an old Albert Kahn bank building, and that's where we met Pingree Detroit founder Jarret Schlaff. Pingree founder Jarret Schlaff and our Sven Gustafson toured the fac

Happy New Year! On today's show: Yes, it looks like we're getting a Robocop statue in 2020. Here's more: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/imaginationstation/detroit-needs-a-statue-of-robocop/posts/2721312 Dilla's Delights is raising money to move and keep open: https://www.gofundme.com/f/preserving-the-donut-shop And, we visit one of your most listened to episodes, our mini documentary about the change and transformation of Capitol Park in Downtown Detroit. Like what we're doing and feeling generous? Become a member! Just a few bucks a month really makes a difference. http://www.patreon.com/dailydetroit Or tell a friend about the show. On Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942?mt=2 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9?si=U6qjJ6_mQG2yY43pH5EUMQ

On today's show, we re-release a conversation from July with Sarosh Irani. He's a transit advocate and Wayne State student who came up with a plan that got national attention by shifting existing bus stops to serve more people. And then we dive into more transit topics such as what is important to do to improve Detroit transit. But before that, recent events are the reason we decided to share this particular conversation - our most listened to on Spotify. A state rep is talking about how buses are "mean," bus stops are "smelly" and how ridesharing services like Uber or Lyft could replace transit in the suburbs.  But really, ridesharing can really add up as a regular commuting solution. And let's be honest - having thousands of people relying on companies that don't make money and pay more than they would if they owned a car doesn't seem like a smart idea. Shianne calls out how out of touch these ideas are, and illustrates just how much it would be to cross the region via Uber. Spoiler alert: It's not sustaina

Cynthia Canty has a long and storied career, and we were honored to have her as a guest in mid-July. Well, her retirement is now actually a thing, so figured it'd be a great time to re-share this conversation. It's also audio editor Shianne's favorite episode. Cynthia Canty is a veteran broadcaster who hosted the news, policy and culture program Stateside on Michigan Radio, a NPR affiliate that broadcasts in the Detroit area at 91.7 on the FM dial. She's been on air a variety of places in Detroit. She spent years as part of Jim Harper's legendary morning show, going with him across the FM dial. Canty also was on television at WKBD-TV. On today's show, me and Sven talk with Canty all about her career, how radio has changed over the years — and her thoughts on why so many people have so little trust in the news media. Hope you enjoy the conversation as much as we did. If you like the show, don't forget to follow the Daily Detroit podcast free in your podcast app of choice. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.appl