Daily Detroit News Byte

Detroit's downtown housing study is back, and the headline is clear: there's still a lot of runway to grow. Norris and I dig into what so many potential new units really means and how incentives, red tape, and construction costs shape what actually gets built. Then we get into lessons from Ann Arbor's plan to turn a parking lot into a library-and-housing hub, and what real urban density could look like in Michigan and Metro Detroit. After all, Norris hates surface parking lots in cities. Plus, we end on some joy with the Michigan Science Center's adults-only Aurora Space Party this Friday night and a call to bring back a sense of wonder. https://www.mi-sci.org/after-dark-auroras-space-party/ Follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows! Feedback as always (including our new alternate logo) - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.  As always, thanks to our members on Patreon. Join them here.

Eastern Market is best known as a Saturday tradition and Flower Day selfie spot. But it's also one of the beating hearts of Michigan's food system. In this episode, I sit down with Eastern Market Partnership president and CEO Katy Trudeau at TechTown to unpack how this 120-year-old market is adapting for 2026 and beyond. Katy explains how the historic sheds anchor a 24/7 neighborhood where live animal processing, wholesale distribution, breweries, restaurants, and nightlife all coexist — and why keeping the core of the district focused on food is key to its future. You'll hear about Shed 7, a new 40,000-square-foot indoor wholesale facility opening this year, and plans for an indoor, two-story Shed 4 with teaching kitchens and community space. We talk about Detroit's urban farming movement, including a program with a cooperative of Detroit growers to distribute thousands of free produce boxes. Katy also shares how Eastern Market connects rural Michigan farmers and generations‑old family farms to Detroiters, a

On today's Daily Detroit, we dig into a fresh Emerson College poll that shakes up the Michigan U.S. Senate race. If their numbers are right, the Democratic primary is suddenly a two-person contest, with Abdul El‑Sayed and Mallory McMorrow tied at the top and Haley Stevens slipping into third, even as more than a third of voters are still undecided. We talk through the big generational split driving those numbers, and reshaping the Democratic coalition, and why jobs and the economy are still the real deciders for that huge undecided block. We also touch on a few other topics in the poll. Then, we zoom out to a bigger question with deep Detroit roots: should this region become the "Arsenal of Democracy" again? A quiet Pentagon push to involve automakers in weapons production is colliding with the reality that we may be past peak car sales. We talk about what that could mean on the ground here. That means drones and cybersecurity to good-paying munitions jobs in old factory space, plus  the moral, emotion

On today's Daily Detroit, we unpack Detroit's new $3 billion city budget that was just approved and what it actually means for people who live, work, and play in the city. I'm joined by Civic Life reporter Briana Rice from Outlier Media and public finance expert Steve Watson of Watson & Yates to walk through where the money's going, what got reshuffled, and what that means on your block. We get into why the overall budget, approved in April of 2026, actually shrank by about $30 million this year, even as Detroit's population ticks up. Mayor Mary Sheffield and council still managed to pass a balanced plan. It includes $30 million more for DDOT to boost bus driver pay and maintenance, the creation of a new Housing, Homeless and Family Services department, and continued investment in community violence intervention. We also talk about the big questions underneath the line items: Only 14% of rentals are code compliant. Or the fact that nearly one in every three city dollars goes to policem but less than

Today's show comes to you from the Ford Experience Center in Dearborn, as Jer catches up with Devon O'Reilly at the city's first‑ever Dearborn Development Day. They dig into the future of the former Hyatt hotel at Fairlane — now moving forward as a Hilton‑flagged property — with plans for 168 residential units, a mix of restaurants and entertainment, and a revived rotating bar at the top. From there, the conversation zooms out to Dearborn's wider development push: the emerging 'Midtown' Fairlane area, West Warren streetscape changes, and new housing concepts around Lundy, the Eugene and Porath sites, and the Joe Louis Greenway. In the final third, Jer recaps his trip to the groundbreaking of the Gratiot Life Sciences Building on part of the old 'fail jail' site in downtown Detroit, why the two‑story project coming online in 2027 matters for 'eds and meds' jobs, and what BAMF Health and Henry Ford Health are planning there. As always, send feedback to dailydetroit‑at‑gmail‑dot‑com, and be sure you're follo

On today's Daily Detroit, Jer sits down with developer and Greatwater Homes co-founder Matt Temkin to unpack what it really takes to build brand-new single-family houses inside the city limits. After all, there were only 19 permits pulled in 2024 in Detroit. We dig into the brutal math behind new construction: why a typical unit can cost $250,000–$400,000 to build, how the "1% rent rule" prices many Detroiters out of new apartments, and why at $2,500 a month most people start asking whether they should just buy instead. Temkin says Detroit has always been a city of houses, and that new construction needs to respect that history while also meeting modern needs. Jer and Matt talk about designing homes that fit the neighborhood — solid walls, solid oak floors, real fireplaces, and façades that sit comfortably next to 100-year-old houses — without falling into the "matchstick" trap of cheaply built new builds. How trying to cut every corner doesn't actually help anybody.  They also tackle pricing strategy,

On today's Daily Detroit, a fast-moving, food-and-development-heavy episode rooted in what's changing on the ground in metro Detroit.  Jer is joined by Devon O'Reilly and Norris Howard for a full-table conversation that spans ballparks, the best places to eat, and big bets on Dearborn's future. The crew starts with Opening Day, as Norris recounts one of the most beautiful Tigers home openers he's ever seen — complete with a cautionary tale about trying to outdo his dad.  Devon then takes us to Midtown for a deep dive on Mad Nice as a rare, reliable "power lunch" spot, breaking down its cocktail program, menu, and why its scale, aesthetics, and backing have given it real staying power past the three-year mark. From there, the conversation shifts to huge news for the region: Detroit and the Great Lakes are now eligible for Michelin stars. Jer, Devon, and Norris build their own shortlist of contenders — from Freya and Seldon Standard to London Chop House, Ladder 4, Grey Ghost, Saffron De Twah, and more — wh

On today's Daily Detroit, I'm joined by the Prince of Brightmoor himself, Norris Howard, for a conversation about what kind of city and community we actually want to build. We start with the University of Michigan men's basketball national championship, how a starting five of transfers signals a new era in college hoops, and why I'm choosing some hope for the Detroit Pistons. From there, we dive into the recent "teen takeover" downtown and what really happened versus the panic you might have seen on social media. Norris talks about growing up in the city, why big groups of kids have always gathered somewhere when the weather turns nice, and how race, class, and whose property we value shape which crowds we call a "problem." We also kick around what it would mean to actually welcome young people downtown with spaces and programming designed for them. Then we pivot to a new Rocket Mortgage survey on the "neighborhood paradox" — most of us say community matters, but only a fraction really know our neighbor

Today I'm at the table at TechTown with Life Remodeled president and CEO Diallo Smith, along with Norris Howard.  We get into how this Detroit‑based nonprofit is transforming vacant school buildings into "opportunity hubs" that connect entire families to education, jobs, and essential services in their own neighborhoods. Diallo walks us through the rebirth of Durfee Intermediate as the Durfee Innovation Society on the West Side, now home to more than 30 nonprofits and social impact partners, and shares how neighbors themselves shaped which programs moved in. We also talk about Life Remodeled's next big project on the East Side at the former Dominican / Winan Academy campus, including a 700‑seat theater and a planned 26,000‑square‑foot tech education addition with room for everything from esports to advanced training. Along the way, we get into why the future of the Detroit region is fundamentally tied to the future of Detroit's neighborhoods, what thousands of volunteers accomplish in the Six Day Project

Detroit is finally seeing population growth and net positive migration — and a new coalition called Move Detroit wants to keep that momentum going.  Our guest is Hilary Doe, president and CEO of MoveDetroit, to unpack a new incentive fund paid for by a number of partners, the Make Detroit Home program, and a neighborhood ambassador effort designed to keep and attract residents, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Details include: Up to $500,000 total in benefits distributed to 313 current and future Detroit residents. Select participants can receive $15,000 to use for a business investment or work project, a down payment, home renovation, or other housing subsidy (including rent support). Other selected applicants are eligible for $1,000 in relocation or quality‑of‑life support, which can cover moving costs, security deposits, or things like gym memberships, kayaking lessons, or meal delivery from local restaurants. We dig into why population growth matters for tax base and small businesses, how this wor

Jer and Devon start with the smoky scare at Wayne State's historic Maccabees building, sharing on-the-ground details, Detroit trivia, and memories of brunches past. Then they dig into Devon's annoyance at the Xfinity vs. WXYZ/Channel 7 standoff, what these carriage disputes say about legacy media, and how more people are getting pushed toward cord-cutting and algorithms for local news. And finally, they celebrate the Pistons clinching the Central Division, lament the Red Wings' latest collapse, and look ahead to what's shaping up to be a beautiful Tigers Opening Day in downtown Detroit.

Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield delivered her first State of the City at Mumford High School, and we're unpacking what it really means for everyday Detroiters.  Host Jer Staes is joined by Norris Howard and Outlier Media civic life reporter Briana Rice to dig into homeownership and repair, wages and affordable housing, transit, retail corridors, youth programs, safety initiatives, and more.  They also talk about what was left out of the speech — and how much of the city's future will depend on local dollars and neighborhood-level follow-through. Follow Briana's work here: https://outliermedia.org/author/briana-rice/ Full unofficial livestream: https://www.youtube.com/live/VQMsqsyXMeY?si=mlHUIDdmcBF8EX9r&t=7846 Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  

We LOVE going out. We love a great time at a great restaurant - and it doesn't have to be fancy to be great. But in recent years, we've seen some doozies and instead of calling out specific places, this is our combination love letter and grievance list for hospitality in Metro Detroit. Me and engineer of alcohol and audio Randy dig into the real reasons diners don't come back to restaurants, bars, and shops, from missing addresses on social to chaotic hours and confusing menus. We share practical, low-cost fixes businesses can make right now, including clearer parking info, better web and map listings, sane gratuity policies, and dialing in music and TVs for actual conversation instead of noise. Whether you run a spot in Detroit or the suburbs, or you're just tired of stunt dishes and bad vibes, this conversation is full of specific examples and ideas to make going out feel worth it again. Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get podcasts.  Thanks to our members on Patreon for keeping us goin

Welcome back from the weekend! Norris and Jer dig into: The names of three new lion cubs at the Detroit Zoo We unpack the quiet closure of Midtown's Jolly Pumpkin, what it meant to the neighborhood, and what to expect from the new concept coming in. There's a viral $50 billion "Freedom City" plan to turn Belle Isle into an exclusive enclave. But in their view, it's hype, not hopeful. And we close with the suddenly controversial parking rules facing Stellantis workers who don't drive company brands — but this is the way it's been at factories and facilities for many years.  Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Make sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows. 

Jer and Devon talk the issues of the day: 01:55 - Trying Medusa in Detroit (Where we've been) - also see Engineer Randy's first look review: https://www.dailydetroit.com/midtowns-dining-scene-keeps-leveling-up-inside-the-new-medusa-cucina-siciliana/ 05:55 - Trying Tuhama's in Dearborn (Where we've been) 11:44 - Metro Detroit's economic concerns; and AI Data Centers need to make their case to local communities 27:44 - Michigan Democratic Senate Primary Poll Talk (it's a tight race)

Hey friends! Your Daily Detroit is here with Jer and Norris, talking all things Metro Detroit. The Rundown: 04:55 - ICE Facility Fight is hot in Romulus 12:30 - Jack in the Box coming to Metro Detroit, with Westland first 15:51 - The Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak is getting new adventure trails 19:52 - Old Comerica Building sold: Speculation on what's next? Plus a little history 25:55 - GM will have more semi-autonomous vehicles on Michigan's streets 30:23 - Apathocracy - the idea that more people need to be plugged in and care (and the down mood on jobs in a Gallup poll) If you don't already, make sure to follow Daily Detroit in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows. 

Today I sit down with HistoricDetroit.org founder Dan Austin for a candid conversation about Detroit's lost landmarks, from the Statler and Madison-Lennox hotels to the Lafayette Building and beyond. We talk about how preservation battles have shifted over the last 20 years, why the Austin Past and Future Fund aims to both safeguard Detroit's stories and support Detroit students, and what it means to plant seeds for a future you may never see. Dan also opens up about his terminal colon cancer diagnosis, the urgent need for earlier screenings, and how listeners can help by supporting the fund and taking care of their own health. Support the fund: https://austinpastfuturefund.org/

On today's Daily Detroit, we're talking about what it really looks like when a public school system bets big on kids — and on the skies.  We're joined at the table by Principal Michelle Davis of Davis Aerospace Technical High School and Kerrie Mitchell Campbell‑Mabins, president and CEO of the DPSCD Foundation.​ Davis Aerospace is the only aviation‑themed high school on this side of the state, and their students aren't just reading about planes — they're earning FAA drone certifications, logging at least 40 flight hours, and in some cases getting a pilot's license before a driver's license. The school owns three Cessnas, is moving back into a newly reimagined Detroit City Airport terminal, and pairs that rigor with hot chocolate bars, a "Zen den," low chronic absenteeism, and a 100% graduation rate.​ We also get into how the DPSCD Foundation is scaling support across 105 schools and 49,000 students, from transforming Cooley High into an athletic complex to a coming high school redesign that builds real c

On today's Daily Detroit, we're coming to you from the speakeasy at the Lager House in Corktown, recorded on St. Patrick's Day and fresh off a jam-packed 313 Day. Jer is joined by the Prince of Brightmoor himself, Norris Howard, and engineer of audio and alcohol, Randy Walker, to unpack a very Detroit kind of day: part policy, part party, all love for the city.​ We start with the reopening of the Belle Isle Casino and what more than $7 million in investment means for the island, neighborhood parks, and why the state partnership has quietly reshaped how Detroit maintains its public spaces. From there, we talk 313 Day specials (yes, Vernors at McDonald's), Boston Coolers, and surviving the wind without losing power.​ We talk about the Detroit Impact Conference with the Ross School of Business, where keeping more University of Michigan grads in-state is the goal — and how local businesses are tapping MBA talent to fill real gaps.​ We close out sharing some fun facts from our 313-themed trivia night at Tocor

Detroit's recently elected mayor, Mary Sheffield, says the city is done making people wait on the city a month or more for basic home repairs and new construction permits.  In this episode, I take you inside the new four‑point "housing playbook" to speed up renovations and build more single‑family homes across Detroit. You'll hear how same‑day permits are supposed to work, why the city is betting on pre‑approved home design templates, and what that could mean for the hundreds of thousands of homes Detroit has lost over the decades. If you're interested in the city as a contractor, developer, official, or most importantly, resident or someone who'd like to live here some day... you'll want to tune in.   Feedback as always: dailydetroit@gmail.com Support the work: https://www.patreon.com/DailyDetroit