Daily Detroit News Byte

Plymouth-based Rivian has a neat new trick to make it turn like a tank Allee Willis has died Not one, but two donut incidents in Detroit - and Detroit Police has a suspect Royal Oak delays the sale of recreational marijuana in their city Mt. Clemens wants to add an art space And Woodpile BBQ is finally going to open in Madison Heights

We sit by the fire with the dog and talk all things Detroit - the year in review, the year ahead, some of our favorite stories and of course, well wishes and thanks for quite the year. 

If you're looking for a bar that mixes Detroit iconography with midcentury modern (along with a dash of west coast garnish) you've found it in Hammer & Nail. Located in the old Carpenter's Union building on Woodward across from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Hammer & Nail's drink menu runs the gamut from the crafty to the accessible, venerable, inexpensive beer. So the other day we (Randy Walker, Sven Gustafson and Devon O'Reilly) talked to the General Manager, Rick Paulger, about what the history of the place is, what their thoughts were bringing this concept to Detroit, and how they're doing so far. Also, the fact that they use real cherries in their drinks. Most cherries you get at bars are actually manufactured and not technically food. We also tasted a few drinks, courtesy of Hammer & Nail, to get a feel for the menu. We rarely approach a new place with the idea of it is "good" or "bad" (unless they truly deserve it), but more along the lines of "if you like X, you'll like Y." If you like wh

On your Daily Detroit for Friday, December 20, 2019: 46 people have been arrested in Warren as part of a major sting operation. The U.S. Steel plant on Zug Island is laying off more than 1,500 people. The Second Avenue bridge over I-94 in Midtown Detroit is crumbling, and closing earlier than expected. Sports betting and online gambling will be legal in Michigan. You might be able to get in the action in time for March Madness. And there's a Michigan company, Refraction AI, piloting autonomous deliveries of your lunch – Sven Gustafson has that conversation with Matthew Johnson-Roberson. If you like what you've heard, we do this every weekday on Daily Detroit. Subscribe free in Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9

Episode 400! W00t! On today's show we do a big roundup of the things happening around town. Some highlights: There's a new Trump Administration program that aims to fight violent crime in the city, called Operation Relentless Pursuit. However, in a city like Detroit, it can bring up memories of STRESS, a terrible time in the city's early 70s. Here's the announcement in Attorney General William Barr's own words. Here's background on STRESS from the Crimetown podcast. Ooops, they demo'd again. Here's a piece about a Detroit demo contractor taking down the wrong house again. More on the Freep who broke this story. The deadline is nigh to get a property tax exemption in the city of Detroit based on poverty. Here's a link: https://detroitmi.gov/government/boards/property-assessment-board-review/homeowners-property-tax-assistance-program-hptap Wheelhouse Detroit in Hamtramck is closing. Their riverfront location will remain open.  Can a foodie destination exist in Novi? Here's a link to a story about an Asian-

You know, we spend a lot of time in the city. but more and more - mostly by popular demand - we're venturing into the suburbs. It's a running gag among my friends that once I cross 8 Mile or west of Wyoming or Telegraph, that I start to turn to dust and blow away into thin air. But this simply isn't the case.  Today, the show ventures to the west downtown of Dearborn. The Longboard by Jolly Pumpkin is on Michigan Avenue is a new entrant to the Metro Detroit cuisine game, and they have an interesting spin on the Jolly Pumpkin favorites as well as new dishes and drinks to befit a very Hawaiian theme. If you visit our website, you'll find pictures to go along with the audio with impressions of the night. And here's a link to the Jolly Pumpkin Longboard site. https://www.longboardjp.com/ If you like the Daily Detroit podcast, we talk cover what to know and where to go every day. Be sure to subscribe: If you like what you've heard, we do this every weekday on Daily Detroit. Subscribe free in Apple Podcasts: https:

Today we're discussing the news that Ford will invest $1.45 billion into plants in Wayne and Dearborn to build the new 2020 Bronco and the Ranger small pickup truck. Both are resuscitations of beloved automotive brands that went away for the past couple of decades. Then, Jer tells us about his visit to the new Rocket Fiber broadcast studio at the Detroit Pistons' new training facility in the New Center Techtown. And staying with sportsball, we check in with our sports correspondent, Fletcher Sharpe, to talk about the Pistons' wild swing from beating the Rockets in Houston over the weekend to losing in humiliating fashion to the lowly Washington Wizards at home. Speaking of lowly, we also talk about the rumor that Amazon CEO and World's Richest Man Jeff Bezos wants to buy our belove Detroit Lions. Well, the Fords are trying to tamp down that rumor by saying they have no plans to sell to anybody, yet they just announced that GM Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia will be back in 2020. Lastly, we go over some

On today's episode of Daily Detroit, we're taking a look at the new and interesting things happening in Detroit's dining and drinks scene. There's been so much going on it's hard to keep up, so join Devon, Sven and Randy to talk about what's hot and what's not around town. That way, you know what to check out and where to spend your hard-earned dollars. Some of the places we talk about include: Bucharest, Bobcat Bonnies, Balkan House, The Highlands and Hearth 71, Leila, Longboard, a variety of cozy bars, Abicks, JoeBar, The Miracle at the Oakland, Whiskey Parlor, Ghost Bar, Folk, and more. Also, thanks to this week's show sponsor, The Sleigh Ball. That's a winter dance party this Saturday featuring Raven from RuPaul's Drag Race. Use code DAILYDETROIT25 for 25% off regular or VIP tickets. Go here: https://www.universe.com/events/sleigh-ball-2019-tickets-HWD5JK If you like the Daily Detroit podcast, we talk cover what to know and where to go every day. Be sure to subscribe: If you like what you've heard, we do

There's a new taproom and brewery in Detroit's Islandview Neighborhood - Brewery FaisAn. The space - with tables made of reclaimed wood from the Packard Plant, a big roll-up door, and a wide selection of house-made beers - looks to be a place to have a lot of fun in the coming years.  So on today's show, Sven heads down to 1087 Beaufait Street in Detroit to talk to co-founder Rachel Szlaga about what they're doing and, of course, to try a few beers. Cheers! Here's a link to their website: https://www.breweryfaisan.com/ If you like what you've heard, we do this every weekday on Daily Detroit. Subscribe free in Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9  

On today's show: The Conners Creek Power Plant (what's left of it) is coming down Friday. Detroit City FC joins a pro league! Bobcat Bonnie's is opening a new outpost for their local empire, at Partridge Creek mall Then we get into your weekend plans! We have a pop-up podcasting happy hour on Friday (tomorrow!) from 4-7p at Hammer and Nail. Here's the Facebook event. https://www.facebook.com/events/450555065871093/ Also - The Detroit Party Marching Band is celebrating 10 years at Detroit Sanctuary. 8p- on. Saturday: I talk about Corktown Aglow - http://www.corktownaglow.com and of course, the Motor City Soul Club December Soul Stomp https://www.facebook.com/events/2395989757320182/ Then Sven and Jer get into an interesting conversation about recreational medical marijuana and the early results and impact.  Thanks for listening and hope to see you at Hammer and Nail! If you're new to the show, don't forget to subscribe. On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 On Spot

From our state's major teacher shortage to large numbers of long-term substitutes, to students not making it to school (let alone the political challenges in Lansing). Michigan's education system is in real trouble. Students are falling farther and farther behind, and this issue is one of the most important to talk about as it's literally the future of our region and state. We do a deep with Ron French from Bridge Magazine as to why. The main pieces we talk about, if you're following along, are here: Why do Detroit kids miss so much school? Hint: Don't just blame the schools: https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/why-do-detroit-kids-miss-so-much-school-hint-dont-just-blame-schools After 3 years of substitute teachers, this Michigan girl may flunk 3rd grade: https://www.bridgemi.com/talent-education/after-3-years-substitute-teachers-michigan-girl-may-flunk-3rd-grade Also, Bridge Magazine is a non-partisan, non-profit outlet that covers issues across the state. We're glad to be able to highlight their wor

Jer here. I have a lot of personal connection to the east side of Detroit. My grandmother lived just blocks from where this new pop-up bookstore, 27th Letter Books, just opened. They're the winners of the Hatch Detroit contest, and before their permanent space has been found they've set up shop in a neat old retail storefront on Van Dyke. What follows in today's episode as a conversation with the owners, Drew and Erin Pineda. We talk about their journey to get set up in Detroit, books and more.  On Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9  

On today's show:  - "Sweeping" changes are coming to Detroit's Animal Care and Control, including more people and money - Detroit's darling watch and luxury goods maker, Shinola, is doing layoffs and outsourcing. Will we have to undergo a true culture shift to be able to make things in America again? More on Fox 2: https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/shinola-lays-off-employees-plans-to-outsource-some-operations Our previous Shinola story: http://www.dailydetroit.com/2019/07/18/shinola-is-laying-people-off-is-there-trouble-brewing-at-detroits-darling-brand/ And our tour of Pingree: http://www.dailydetroit.com/2019/05/11/meet-pingree-detroit-a-maker-of-leather-goods-that-isnt-shinola/ - Tiger Great Lou Whitaker has been denied the Hall of Fame, again. - New tenants announced in the District Detroit, specifically the Boston Consulting Group - Beyond Juice to open in the GM Rencen, and soon Midtown and New Center. - Madison Heights city council election was super close after a recount. More on Oakland County Time

So what exactly is the state of our Detroit region as we head in 2020? It's important to look at, as regardless of what angry people on the internet might think, our region is economically and culturally connected. Most metro Detroiters live in one county or city and work in another. We all use the same infrastructure to commute, to visit family, to shop. And I know from personal experience that in the eyes of the world, we compete on one Detroit team, even though proponents of our long-standing internal divisions might try to tell you otherwise. The fact is, we're in this together. So the Detroit Regional Chamber does an annual state of the region report. Here's a link. http://www.detroitchamber.com/sor/ This year, we poured through the documents and pulled out what we think were important highlights along with our thoughts. We realized quickly that if our region were a dashboard on a car, we have some key warning lights blinking that we need to pay attention to — as well as some positives. And don't forget

On today's show: At some point over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, a portion of the riverbank near Fort Wayne collapsed into the Detroit River.  That riverbank is believed to contain material left over from the Manhattan Project. If you remember, that was the National effort to create the Atomic Bomb during World War 2. And, suffice it to say, that's not good.  Dave Battagello from the Windsor Star-who broke the story (you can read it here) joins us to talk about it. Also, give him a follow on Twitter.  Plus: New developments in the cast of the slain Detroit Police Officer Rasheen McClain.  Layoffs are coming to workers at the Detroit/Hamtramck GM Plant as it retools for new, electric products.  One more Kid Rock thing.  The Boulevard, the largest residential project in New Center in years has finally opened its doors.  The Wilcox Mill in Plymouth and the Newburgh Mill in Livonia just took a big step toward being redeveloped.  This weekend is the Detroit Urban Craft Fair at the Masonic Temple! It's always

Detroit-based pizza purveyor Buddy's is on the way to opening their second Detroit location and first downtown. So Sven and Jer stopped in to check it out, try some pizzas and chat with their new-ish CEO, Burton Heiss. Plus: The end of the licensing agreement between Kid Rock's Made in Detroit restaurant and Little Caesars Arena has made national news. We give you a rundown on what happened, and then some thoughts. Also, here's a map of the 2019 Noel Night festivities. And here's the Noel Night website. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 Everywhere else: http://www.dailydetroit.com/podcast

Now that we're in December, we're in the holiday season. And one of my favorite events in Detroit is Noel Night. Now in its 47th year, it has swung the doors of Midtown open to crowds and revelry, cheer and merriment. And this year, it promises to be better than ever. Today is a preview of that event that's coming Saturday, December 7, 2019 with Annmarie Borucki from Midtown Inc. who organizes the extravaganza. Have a listen to the podcast in the player below: Also, here's a map of the 2019 Noel Night festivities.  Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9 Everywhere else: http://www.dailydetroit.com/podcast

Welcome back to the week! On today's podcast: The UAW and Fiat Chrysler have a tentative deal, meaning 7,900 more jobs and an additional $4.5 billion in investment. The Palace of Auburn Hills is being demolished. Trenton Mayor Kyle Stack has died. Beaumont Hospital has brought back their Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams. Register here to join. The first day of recreational marijuana sales has come and gone, here are the numbers. Downtown Hamtramck has free parking for the holidays, we talk about a few of our favorite stops. Montgomery, Alabama honors Rosa Parks with a statue downtown. Why don't we have one? She moved here in 1957, after all. And Starr Allen-Pettway from Bethany Christian Services joins us to talk about the critical need for more foster homes, especially in Detroit. There are just two that are registered, and keeping kids near things they know is important. New to the podcast? Don't miss another episode. We're wherever fine podcasts are found: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/

Happy Thanksgiving Weekend! What's the big thing that happens around town this weekend? Sports! So first Jer talks about the Lions 24-20 loss to the Bears and wonders if getting rid of Jim Caldwell was such a good idea, and if the curse of Bobby Lane is still in effect. Then, Sven Gustafson and Fletcher Sharpe talk Pistons and reminisce about the Malice at the Palace. It was Fletcher's first NBA game.  Our show is every weekday on Apple Podcasts: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit-news-byte/id1220563942?mt=2 And Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Yhv8nSylVWxlZilRhi4X9

Greetings, comrades! I'm back from my week-long visit to Minsk, Belarus, halfway around the globe and a world away, as a guest of the good people at Press Club Belarus and the U.S. Embassy Minsk. It's good to be back and rolling with the podcast. We're planning to release an entire episode devoted exclusively to my visit to the former Soviet republic and what I learned about one of Detroit's seven sister cities, sometime in the coming weeks. But on today's show, we discuss my visit to Minsk and what it was like there. We also spend some time diving into a few big stories that broke here while I was in the same time zone as Moscow, eight hours ahead: The renewed push for a new Regional Transit Authority plan that would cover the city of Detroit and Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties, but not Macomb. It's an approach we've long advocated. Tesla's polarizing new Cybertruck, unveiled last week in Los Angeles. Will this electrified geometry-on-wheels find anything beyond a niche market of tech enthusiasts? And