In today's episode, Devon O'Reilly and I dive into some exciting developments across Metro Detroit, starting with my firsthand look at Unc's Detroit-style pizza in downtown Detroit. We also talk about our recent visit to Fair Lane Estate for a media preview, where the team is making huge progress restoring Henry Ford's powerhouse, garage, and new welcome center ahead of its full opening. Plus, we discuss reports that Henry Ford Health is considering redevelopment options for Cadillac Place — the historic former GM World Headquarters in New Center, currently occupied by the State of Michigan. Finally, with the Detroit Lions kicking off their preseason, Devon shares his thoughts on the upcoming season and what to expect from the Honolulu Blue this year. Don't forget to join us this Saturday morning for our Summer Studio Open House at TechTown for free coffee, donuts, and great conversation! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator

On today's show, Norris Howard and I are talking about the massive debate over data centers sweeping Southeast Michigan. From moratoriums to legal battles to recall efforts, local communities are raising real questions about energy, water, and land use. We also talk through the University of Michigan selecting an Ypsilanti Township site for a $1.25 billion supercomputer project with Los Alamos National Lab, the response from longtime Rep. Debbie Dingell, and why the city of Detroit's power grid makes hyperscale data centers a tough sell without huge infrastructure investment. Plus, we address the large amont of listener feedback we received after our recent primary election coverage. We hear you, and we discuss how we're bringing on more guest voices ahead of November to make sure the full range of local viewpoints is represented — as the state of Michigan as a whole voted one way, but Metro Detroit clearly voted another. Finally, we toast a Detroit journalism legend: WDET News Director Jerome Vaughn, who is retiring after many years of guiding local public radio. Norris shares what Jerome's mentorship meant for his own career. REMINDER: Our Summer Studio Open House is this Saturday, August 15, from 10a to 1p at TechTown! Come by for free coffee, free donuts, and great conversation with the Daily Detroit crew. Please RSVP on Eventbrite if you can so we have a headcount. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/studio-summer-open-house-and-detroit-community-coffee-tickets-1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator Feedback or thoughts? Drop us a line at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.

Today on Daily Detroit, photographer and urbanism enthusiast Ryan Southen joins me to share what it's actually like to walk the newly opened Gordie Howe International Bridge. We admire the architecture, the breathtaking views of the river and skyline, and what the experience is like going from the American side to the Canadian side — and the huge difference between the two. Plus, Ryan shares a few practical tips on parking near and navigating the span if you're planning to check it out yourself. Thanks to our members on Patreon for supporting the show! Join our new $3.13 tier to support work in the 313. Don't forget our Saturday Summer Studio open house! 10a-1p, free coffee, free donuts, free conversation. Please RSVP so we know how much food to get. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator  

Greektown has been a staple of downtown Detroit for generations. I have so many great memories as a kid, and it's one of the most "city-feeling" areas of Detroit, and has a litany of great restaurants, bars, and more. Now, a major transformation has made Monroe Street more flexible, pedestrian-friendly, and vibrant for the future. Norris Howard and I sat down with Lori Singleton, landscape architect and design director at SmithGroup, to break down the vision behind the new Greektown streetscape. We dive into: The Shift to Pedestrian-First Design and why sacrificing some on-street parking allowed for expanded outdoor dining, curbless walkways, and flexible plaza spaces. How clever systems and underground engineering keep street trees healthy without destroying sidewalks or drowning roots. And how incremental public space improvements — from the Dequindre Cut, to Beacon Park, to Capitol Park, to Grand Circus Park — are reshaping how people experience downtown Detroit. There are more images in our newsletter going out tonight. Sign up here: https://www.dailydetroit.com/ Remember that our Summer Studio Open House is SATURDAY MORNING! It's free, but please RSVP on Eventbrite so we know how much coffee and donuts to get. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator Make sure to follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows. Thanks to our members on Patreon! We have our new $3.13 tier to keep local media alive in the 313.

Writer and director Larry J. Sanders joins the show to discuss his upcoming documentary, Shockwave, which explores the legacy of the three-time champion Detroit Shock. We dig into why one of the WNBA's most dominant early dynasties seemed to abruptly vanish from the city — and why their story deserves way more credit in league history. Plus, with a new WNBA franchise set to arrive in Detroit in 2029, we break down what it takes to honor the past while building the future of local sports. You can check out the teaser here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEXSRJ44hDo More information: https://bio.site/shockwavefilm Our Summer Studio Open House is Saturday, August 15! Come join us for free coffee, donuts and conversation: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1995592904096?aff=oddtdtcreator  

In this special post-election edition of Daily Detroit, we break down the high-stakes results from Tuesday's primary elections across Michigan. In this episode: How Abdul El-Sayed pulled off a razor-thin victory over Haley Stevens despite massive outside spending, driven by strong overperformances in places like Kent and Ingham Counties. The failure of heavy television spending and why multi-million dollar ad blitzes failed to deliver wins for Stevens and Perry Johnson over on the Republican side. Wayne County voters overwhelmingly approved a regional transit expansion, powered by strong turnout from voters under 30. Downballot, Donovan McKinney defeated Shri Thanedar in the 13th Congressional District to restore Black representation in Detroit, plus updates on victories for Justin Onwenu, Joanna Whaley, and others. Why the polling was hot garbage. Plus, we get into listener questions on general election strategy, messaging, and unifying moderate and progressive voters against Mike Rogers. Support the Show: Keep Daily Detroit fearless, independent, and free! Join our brand new $3.13 Patreon Tier today! https://patreon.com/DailyDetroit  

On today's episode, I talked to Norris Howard about why he moved back to Detroit. We wanted to take a minute and talk honestly about why he did it — and what we both would tell anyone else thinking about doing the same. Norris was nominated by his fellow residents and named a Move Detroit ambassador, and so we figured this was a good time to share a bit of the backstory. That said, his opinions are his own and don't necessarily represent everyone else or the organization itself. This episode is part personal reflection, part practical advice. We get into the reasons people come back to Detroit, what to know before you move here, and how to think about neighborhoods, culture, and building a life in the city. If you're considering a move to Detroit, or just curious about what it takes to make it work here, I think you'll get something out of this one.  More on Move Detroit: https://www.movedetroit.com/ Follow us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

In this episode, I sit down with parent Brandi "BrandiTheeMillennialManager" McGill and sociologist Dr. Aya Waller‑Bey — along with my regular co-host Norris Howard — to talk about what started when one parent trying to get a soccer program at Denby that has snowballed into a saga that has started a lot of conversations around the Detroit Public Schools Community District. We dig into class, charter flight, black flight to the suburbs, exam schools versus neighborhood schools, and much more. It's one of the most important conversations to be had in the city of Detroit, as it's going to be very difficult to make Detroit's comeback stick without open conversations about the schools. The Detroit Public Schools Community District has undoubtedly made progress. For instance, a recent Chalkbeat Detroit report says DPSCD's high school graduation rate of 83% is now almost on par with the state average, and the highest since 2008. But a number of parents feel frustrated with what they see: a lack of equity of programs, facilities, and outcomes across the district's schools. That there feels to be a wide gap between the district's elite schools that you test into, and those in the neighborhoods for everyone else. Complicating all of this? Less than half of Detroit's children go to the Detroit Public Schools Community District. According to a Detroit PEER report in 2025, a group out of Wayne State University, only about 78,000 of the 106,000 public school students who live in Detroit (about 73%) go to school in the city. Of those, about 48,000 attend school in the Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) and about 30,000 attend a Detroit charter school. The remaining 29,000 students or so (that's about 27%) go to school outside of the city, attending either a traditional public school in the suburbs through inter-district choice or a charter school located in the suburbs. There's a lot of talk about Detroit's comeback, but in order to make it stick, schools are crucial. This real conversation also includes Norris sharing his own experience with Detroit schools as a graduate, and what he's seen as an adult. We also get into the upcoming DPSCD school board election and candidates, upcoming meetings, and how showing up in person can change the direction of the district. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211.  Make sure to follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts.

I've been watching Michigan politics for a long time, and this Abdul El-Sayed vs. Haley Stevens primary feels like the front line of a bigger national reckoning. With Norris Howard and Devon O'Reilly, we unpack the pissed-off electorate, Whitmer's data-center problem, and how PAC money and billionaire money are backfiring with voters.  Many think that Michigan is a purple state, full of moderate ideas; and we talk about how voters are more angry than anything else. We talk about Trump's underwater numbers, Mike Rogers' vulnerability, and why running against the Democratic establishment might be the only way Democrats win in November. If you're trying to read the Petoskey stones on where American politics goes next, Michigan is a good place to start. Follow the show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942  

Norris and Jer sit down with Detroit News restaurant critic Melody Baetens to talk about the city's post‑COVID dining boom, why consistency is key to winning, and what's driving all the new global flavors around town.  Then they dig into the Greater Detroit Music Census, how local venues are struggling to keep live shows on the calendar, and what it would take for Detroit to lean into being a music city for working musicians and locales. Read Melody's work here: https://www.detroitnews.com/staff/2647007001/melody-baetens/