Daily Detroit

On today's Daily Detroit, Devon O'Reilly is back at the table after a family vacation in South Haven, so we start with some "Pure Michigan" talk about why that beach town has become a go‑to spot. Back in Detroit, I share a new Campus Martius retail experiment: a 20‑foot shipping container turned into a niche merch shop with Michigannia‑themed designs, custom Pewabic tile, and all the Camp Martius‑centric gear you could want. We also get into the lunchtime crowds, food trucks in Cadillac Square, and why it really feels like "IRL is back" in the city. Then we open the mailbag for smart note from a listener on exactly why Michigan's cannabis business is under serious stress. We wrap with a grab bag of very Detroit stories: Devon remembers swimming in the Detroit River off Belle Isle, I share the tale of Sheba the elephant buried near the island's giant slide (thanks Historic Detroit dot org!), and we kick around what a new Detroit City FC stadium needs to host beyond soccer. There's also a shout to a summer solstice member event at Henry and Clara Ford's Fairlane Estate, where Jens Jensen literally designed the great meadow to frame the solstice sunset. Follow the show on Apple Podcasts or wherever shows are found. Feedback as always - 313-789-3211 or [email protected] is where you can shoot us a note.

On this episode of Daily Detroit, I sit down with returning guest Dr. Paul Thomas, CEO and founder of Plum Health Direct Primary Care, to talk about The Real Cost of Healthcare for Michigan Families (And How We Might Fix It). We get into why having health insurance so often feels like what. Dr. Thomas calls "financial anxiety wrapped in an insurance card," especially when families are facing huge deductibles before they see any real benefit. We talk about how little of our overall spending goes to primary care in the United States, what that means for people in metro Detroit, and how shifting more investment into frontline care could keep people healthier while lowering long term costs. Dr. Thomas also explains how direct primary care works in real life and how some Michigan employers and a local school district are already saving serious money by changing how they pay for care. We wrap up with the policy picture, from Lansing to the national Medicare for All debate, and preview his upcoming "Ripe for Change" event for employers, brokers, and clinicians who want to rethink healthcare in Michigan. More on the Ripe for Change event here.

On today's Daily Detroit, we start with big news for Detroit City FC fans and the future of Corktown. Jer and Norris recap their visit to the new Detroit City FC welcome center on Vernor and break down fresh details on AlumiFi Field, the club's planned new stadium next to Michigan Central. The opening date has officially slid to the 2028 season, and the guys explain why that's actually a smarter move given the complexity of the build, site cleanup, and surrounding development. They get into the latest renderings, from 14 traditional suites, 10 container suites, and pitch‑side boxes, to supporter sections staying proudly at midfield and design touches that lean into DCFC's identity and Detroit's skyline. Then, it's a look at a shifting nightlife landscape. The closure of UFO Bar's current concept in Corktown, the announced end of Spot Lite on the east side, and the original Fowling Warehouse in Hamtramck all spark a conversation about drinking habits, the economics of bars and clubs, and whether Detroit needs to "rewrite the contract" for going out. That leads into a bigger question: Should Detroit have a 24‑hour party district, and if so, where would it go?  Finally, we get into the CPA Building at Michigan and 14th hitting the market for $2.4 million, and what a smart redevelopment across from Michigan Central could look like. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211. Find us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows. 

In Metro Detroit, it's not enough to talk about transit plans. There are tons of ideas out there. It's about action. I sat down with SMART General Manager and CEO Tiffany J. Gunter to dig into what it really takes to run a 2,000‑square‑mile suburban transit system that people can rely on. We get into the essential stuff: on‑time performance, keeping buses maintained and in service, and why Tiffany started by "going back to basics" while also upgrading shelters, adding Wi‑Fi, and insisting on more dignity for riders. We also also talk about the culture shift of running transit in a region dominated by the car, the 30% rise in ridership SMART is seeing, and how free student rides and better communication are building a new generation of riders who don't see the bus as "for someone else." You'll hear how Oakland County's all‑in vote opened the door for SMART's first new routes since the 1990s, why microtransit in places like Pontiac and Dearborn is exploding, and what's at stake as Wayne County voters consider going all‑in this August. Tiffany also explains why she rides the buses herself, why collaboration with DDOT and the Transit app matters, and where autonomous vehicles actually fit — as a last‑mile tool, not a silver bullet like many may think. If you care about where Metro Detroit's economy and talent go next, this one's worth the ride. As always, feedback welcome at dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail at 313-789-3211.  If this is your first time here, be sure to follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Detroit's drink is turning 160, and there's a big Vernors party in Eastern Market to celebrate. Today, Jer heads into one of the largest Vernors collections anywhere with Keith Wunderlich, founder of the Vernors Club, to talk about how a Civil War–era pharmacy experiment became a Detroit icon. We get into the history behind "Detroit's Drink," from the original Woodward bottling plant to the family business days and beyond, and why the Vernors story still resonates with Detroit's legacy of manufacturing and great food. Then, we look ahead to Sunday's street celebration on Riopelle in Eastern Market, where the Vernors Club is marking the 160th anniversary. Expect a Vernors brunch at Marrow in the Market (yes, gnome waffles and Vernors barbecue), special cocktails, a Boston Cooler cream ale from Eastern Market Brewing, Vernors cream ale tastings, and Milk & Froth scooping Vernors ice cream and floats for the first time since the 1980s. It's family-friendly, too, with Henry the Hatter making gnome hats for kids, coloring tables, and even the Vernors gnome and James Vernor V on hand. If you love Detroit, this one's for you. More event details about Sunday: https://easternmarket.org/events/vernors-160th-anniversary-celebration/ Follow the Vernors club: https://vernorsclub.weebly.com/  

Detroit's only PGA Tour stop is ending, a landmark Detroit high school is coming down, and the Detroit River is getting a major cleanup — plus, we ask the question: Would you actually swim in it? In this episode, we break down the coming opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge and why its freeway connections and pedestrian path matter for trade, traffic, and everyday Detroiters.  We get into Rocket Companies ending its Rocket Mortgage Classic sponsorship after 2026, what that means for Detroit Golf Club, tourism, and the city's national image. Then we tackle the demolition of historic Cooley High, the plan for a new state-funded athletic complex, and the bigger fight over whether Detroit is really "full" — or if the city needs more people, more housing, and more creative land use. Finally, they talk EPA and EGLE's $10 million plan to pull toxic sediment from the Detroit River near Harbortown and Belle Isle, and ask listeners: are you Team Yes or No on swimming in the river? Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com, 313-789-3211, or on Instagram, Facebook or Threads. Look for Daily Detroit and Phezzy!

Airbnb is betting on Detroit as a destination — and the numbers back it up. On today's Daily Detroit, I'm at the Grand Hotel talking with Vince Frillici, Airbnb's policy lead for the Great Lakes, about how short-term rentals are reshaping travel in the city and across Michigan. We dig into the data: about 700 Detroiters hosting on any given day and just under 150,000 guests who stayed in Detroit Airbnbs last year, with nearly half of them staying 11–30 nights. That points to Detroit quietly becoming a long-stay city for remote workers and people here on temporary assignments. Vince also lays out how Airbnb is leaning into that demand, from curated Detroit "Experiences" and food tours to bringing independent hotels like Trumbull & Porter and the Siren onto the platform, plus new partnerships for Eastern Market groceries in your fridge and airport curbside pickup. Then we zoom out to Lansing and talk about Michigan's pre‑internet tourism tax laws, why Airbnb is backing bills to modernize them, and what a fairer system could mean for local communities that host all this new visitor activity. Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever podcasts are found!  Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot -com or 313-789-3211. 

Did you know Metrop Detroit now has five innovation districts? MICHauto executive director (and new Southwest Detroit pub co‑owner) Glenn Stevens joined us to talk about why Michigan needs a 'moonshot' for innovation. Plus, we get into why he's personally excited about helping open the Regal Eagle, a soccer bar in the shadow of Michigan Central and the new stadium.  They get into what the next governor's roadmap should look like, how autos, AI, and China are reshaping Michigan's economy, and why places like TechTown, Michigan Central, Black Tech Saturdays, and the Ann Arbor–Detroit innovation corridor matter for founders across the state. More on MICHAuto: https://michauto.org/ Thanks as always to our members on Patreon for supporting us: https://www.patreon.com/c/DailyDetroit  

Busy episode today on your Daily Detroit. Here's your rundown of nine stories we talk about today with timestamps: 0:55 - The new New High Société restaurant in Dearborn 05:08 - Revisiting Republica in Berkley 06:18 - Is there a law of diminishing returns on a burger? 08:04 - Wright & Co in downtown Detroit is part of a big trend of restaurants switching to private event venues 12:11 - Atwater is back under local ownership  15:49 - The popular Midway in Downtown Detroit might return 19:29 - University Boards in Michigan Stay Elected, despite Matt Hall and Gretchen Whitmer agreeing 21:29 - Road funding from marijuana money runs short, this could be a big issue 23:52 - Do Michiganders actually want better roads? Do we want to pay for them or deal with the construction? Or would we really rather have potholes? Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211.

Three stories we talk about today on your Daily Detroit, finished as finalist in Hour Detroit's Best of Detroit (thank you!) Detroit's beloved Dutch Girl Donuts is back in the headlines, and we start today's episode with the sweet news: a free donut sneak peek of their new East Grand Boulevard location this Friday morning. We talk through what the second shop means for the growing Milwaukee Junction / New Center corridor that's picking up steam. Federal prosecutors allege a former Detroit People Mover procurement director and a contractor steered more than $300,000 to a company for work that was never done, using a string of phony invoices. We dig into what that kind of money could have meant for real projects, why oversight failures keep eroding public trust, and why Detroiters are rightfully tired of people stealing from the city. And lastly, a response to a listener question about Governor Gretchen Whitmer's support for the massive Stargate AI data center in Saline Township.  Instead of another hot take, we lay out a "steel-man" case for why state leaders might say yes: jobs, tax base, Michigan's long-term economic challenges, and the reality that AI isn't going away.  We also get into the other side and wrestle with the environmental concerns, local democracy blowback, township vs. city power, and what it means for a small community that loudly said "no" and was overruled anyway. Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211. Make sure to follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows.

Detroit sits under two major migratory flyways, making it one of the best places in North America to see birds on the move. Gretchen Abrams from the Detroit Bird Alliance joins us to preview the first Pheasant Flock Party coming up this weekend, talk spark birds (the birds that first get you into birding), and share how vacant lots turned meadows are helping wildlife across the city. Detroit Bird Alliance: https://www.detroitbirdalliance.org Pheasant Flock Party event listing (Eventbrite): https://www.eventbrite.com/e/pheasant-flock-party-tickets-1987392430258 As always, feedback is welcome - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211.  Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows. 

Daily Detroit is on the porch at the Mackinac Policy Conference, and Jer and Devon have a wide‑ranging conversation about Michigan's political future and Detroit's urgency problem. From Governor Gretchen Whitmer's emphatic "no" on a presidential run to the very real possibility she ends up as the top choice for vice president, they unpack what her popularity says about the broader electoral landscape and 2024's lessons for Democrats in a swing state. (That said, after we recorded, she hedged her bets later in the day). On the island, the 2026 governor's race was present (but not in a debate), and we talk about it. Then, they zoom in on one of the most revealing moments of the week: A years‑long legislative delay on the RenCen brownfield deal, even with a billion‑dollar offer on the table and no profit motive. What does it say about how Michigan makes decisions, and we talk about why "maybe" is often worse than "no." The conversation closes with a look at the dysfunction of elected university boards in Michigan in the wake of the resignation of the MSU president, the talent pipeline, and the physical glow‑up on Mackinac Island — from the Grand Hotel to Lake View and Mission Point — as Michigan lives up to its billing as a top national destination.

Today we talk about how Michigan slipped from a top‑tier state into the bottom 10 on key measures like education, income and population — and why acknowledging the crisis is the first step to fixing it.  Today's conversation is with Detroit Regional Chamber president and CEO Sandy Baruah gets into this year's urgent theme at the Mackinac Policy Conference: "The house is on fire." Sandy explains why he thinks more common ground between business and policymakers, and between Democrats and Republicans, is the only way to reverse those long‑term trends. We get into how constant partisan whiplash on policy, from electric vehicles to economic development, makes it nearly impossible for Michigan's signature industries to plan long term.  They close on what success at Mackinac would look like over the next one to five years — from educating a whole new wave of elected officials to locking in 70‑percent solutions instead of all‑or‑nothing showdowns. And, despite the alarms, Sandy lays out why Michigan's quality of life, workforce, and higher‑ed system still give the state a real chance to win. Feedback as always, dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. Follow Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, or wherever you get shows. 

Transit in Metro Detroit is at an inflection point. We talk with Transportation Riders United executive director Megan Owens about the new Wayne County‑wide transit millage, what an extra eight bucks a month could unlock, and how our region invests less in buses than almost any big metro in America. The vote is crucial for the future of transit as it would finally opt-in all communites in Wayne County to transit, similar to how most places nationall work. If it fails, we could lose what service we do have.  They dig into Lansing's latest budget "switcheroo," how Oakland County's all‑in vote reshaped service, and TRU's upcoming Round‑the‑Mitten tour to prove you really can ride public transit from Detroit to Marquette.

On today's Daily Detroit, we start the week with a conversation with State Senator — and Democratic U.S. Senate hopeful — Mallory McMorrow. It's the third in our series of Democratic Senate candidate interviews, and we're focused squarely on what federal power could actually mean for Detroit, Metro Detroit, and Michigan. McMorrow talks about why she first Googled "how to run for office" after the 2016 election, and why she frames governing as a design challenge to build policy that improves people's lives. She talked about an approach to ieconomic development that feels less like "Lucy and the football" and more like real, ground‑up regional growth — including transit as economic development, and keeping young people from leaving the state. From there, the conversation moves to the auto industry and EVs, competition from China, and why she wants incentives that grow talent and clusters of jobs instead of focusing on chasing megaprojects. We also touch on affordability: gas prices, housing, childcare, and McMorrow's push to scale ideas like universal pre‑K, free school meals, more housing production, paid leave, and cracking down on scammy online ads. You'll also hear her vision on healthcare access, expanding Michigan's red flag law approach to the federal level, and supporting Detroit‑grown community violence intervention. And because this is Daily Detroit, they close with some city love — from classic Michigan license plates helping fix roads to her favorite spots around town.  We'll be at the Mackinac Policy Conference all week, so be sure to check your podcast feeds and inboxes for updates.  Constructive feedback as always: 313-789-3211 or dailydetroit -at- gmail -dot- com. And make sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get shows. 

Former Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has abruptly ended his independent run for governor, blowing up Michigan's 2026 race less than six months before voters head to the polls. In this emergency episode of Daily Detroit, Jer, Devon and Norris break down why Duggan says "the numbers just aren't there," how national headwinds shifted after Trump's second-term agenda, and why independents are stampeding away from the GOP this cycle. We get into what Duggan's exit means for Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson's path to the governor's office, the clown car situation on the Republican side, and how this all reshapes the map heading into the Mackinac Policy Conference. We also kick around some speculation on Duggan's next move — including strong rumors about the presidency of the University of Michigan — and why his "fixer" skill set might be headed from city hall to collegiate head.  As always, be sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to shows.

The Pistons' playoff run ends in heartbreak. A teen takeover shooting in downtown Detroit forces hard conversations about blame and perspective — as well as holding multiple thngs to be true at the same time. Plus, the Business of Food Summit reveals how Metro Detroit's food scene really works. And we ask the question - what counts as metro Detroit? When it comes to dining out, in reality, it's a really big map. Feedback on the podcast as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211. And follow the show on Apple Podcasts to wherever you get shows!

In this episode, Jer and Norris sit down with Ian John Solomon, better known as Ian Outside, an outdoor reporter, artist, and one of the Midwest's most powerful voices for environmental storytelling. Ian has become a champion for Black outdoor recreation in Detroit and MIchigan through his work, involved in everything from policy to organization to journalism — on top of a great social media presence.  We get into the 300+ parks in the city, the fact that Detroit is a maritime city, and so, so, so much more.  Ian John Solomon is an interdisciplinary artist-journalist and organizer. He holds a B.A. in broadcast journalism from the Walter Cronkite School with a minor in political science. After a stint as a congressional reporter in D.C., Ian returned to Detroit to combine his journalism background with his passion for the outdoors. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Amplify Outside - Founder of this Detroit-based organization dedicated to amplifying Black outdoor recreation, increasing representation, access, and infrastructure for Black Michiganders seeking outdoor experiences. The organization recently launched as a podcast on the Authentically Detroit Podcast Network in April 2026. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Detroit Parks Coalition - Communications & Engagement Manager, where he works to highlight the city's 300+ parks and green spaces.  p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> PBS Great Lakes Now - Emmy Award-winning host of the "Ian Outside" segment. He has received two Emmy nominations and one Emmy Award, plus a First Place award from the Society of Professional Journalists. p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Planet Detroit - He has a series of reports you can find on their website. If you love this conversation, be sure to follow Daily Detroit wherever you get shows - on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, YouTube, or anywhere else.  Also, we're supported by our members on Patreon. 

Detroit has posted population gains for the third consecutive year, adding more than 5,000 residents and leading the entire state in growth. Two city residents and a former resident discuss the Census Bureau data showing Detroit now has nearly 650,000 people.  The conversation explores what's driving the comeback — from intentional investments in housing and small businesses to the city's unique culture and identity that makes people want to stay. They also discuss retention strategies, the importance of building diverse housing stock, and predictions for Detroit's future growth, including the possibility of climate migration bringing even more new residents to the Great Lakes region. As always, feedback - [email protected] or 313-789-3211. Make sure to follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.

A black bear near Flat Rock, a massive water main break in northern Oakland County, and one of Detroit's most talked‑about restaurants changing course all add up to a busy epsiode. We start with Norris History Month updates and a few fun picks, from Deluxx Fluxx and SPKRBOX to a Mother's Day dinner at Bar Pigalle in Brush Park. Then we dig into reports of a possible black bear sighting in southern Wayne County, what the DNR says to do if you see it, and why "you cannot knock out a bear" no matter what social media tries to tell you. There's a days‑long water outage and boil advisories after a 42‑inch main ruptured in Oakland County, what it says about aging infrastructure across Metro Detroit — and why sprawl is making the bill for repairs so steep for a region that hasn't actually grown in population since the 1970s. And finally, news that Marrow is consolidating into its Eastern Market location and leaving West Village and Birmingham, what that means for the restaurant scene, and the business reason why some "regional play" concepts end up gravitating to greater downtown. If you're dealing with the outage, seeing the development shifts up close, or just have thoughts on where this region grows next, let's hear from you! Leave a voicemail at 313‑789‑3211 or send a note, [email protected].

Ferndale Pride executive director Julia Music joins us to preview this year's mile-long joyous celebration on West Nine Mile – from a new creamsicle Pride beer to drag, street waffles, stages, and a sensory-friendly zone.  Find out where all the fun and connections are for this free festival on 5/30/26. And be sure to say hey at our Pride arch and get a special edition sticker! More: https://ferndalepride.com/

Lifelong Detroiter Jerrylyn Cope Howard joins us to share what it's really been like to grow up, raise a family, and stay rooted in the city for decades. From Hudson's and Kresge's ice cream waffle sandwiches to the 1967 uprising, STRESS and the Big Four, legendary nightclubs, Gantos at Northland Mall, and today's rooftop bars, she traces how Detroit has changed — and why she still loves it. We get stories about Brightmoor, parenting a kid with a big vocabulary (our own Norris Howard), and what it means to move beyond Motown nostalgia and look to the future... while still holding on to the good memories. This is the beginning of an occasional series on Detroiters, focusing on those not always lifted up in the media.  Feedback as always — dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211.

Jer and Devon are back at the table, kicking things off with Devon's recent trip to Pittsburgh and what Detroit can learn from its dense, walkable core, lively riverfront, and reuse of historic buildings. Then they swing back home as Jer heads up to the rooftop at The Godfrey to check in on the views, vibes, and espresso martini trees lighting up the night crowd. Devon pushes back on the idea that Dearborn is losing people, arguing the city is quietly adding residents, building housing, and skewing younger than most of Michigan — and he previews the upcoming Dearborn Night of Innovation and Bet on Dearborn business expo. Finally, the pair break down plans for a new 600-room convention hotel connected to Huntington Place, why downtown still needs more rooms, and how the project fits into the post-office, hotel-vs-residential debate in Detroit's core. As always - feedback dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or 313-789-3211.

Today on Daily Detroit, we're back into our series of candidate discussions as Dr. Abdul El‑Sayed, Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate from Michigan joins me. We get into why he's getting back into the political arena, his case for Medicare for All (and his case to people who worry they'll lose their current benefits), and what he thinks a U.S. Senator can really do on healthcare with a Republican in the White House. We also talk about Michigan's sputtering economic numbers, how to keep and grow good‑paying jobs here at home, and his ideas for reining in Wall Street short‑termism, banning stock buybacks, and using targeted tariffs to bring high‑growth manufacturing back to the state. Then we focus on Detroit: Federal support for Detroit's big lifts around affordable housing, transportation, and water infrastructure — from a national housing bill and renter protections to real investment in light rail and fixing our pipes. And because this is Daily Detroit, we wrap with some fun: Abdul's go‑to coffee shops, pizza spots, bagels, and his favorite places in town. As always, we're not making endorsements in this race, but we are making space for locally focused conversations that matter. My idea with these conversations for our hyper-local audience is hit on some of the topics national outlets may not. I've already talked to one candidate in this race; and the third is scheduled.  If you've got thoughts, keep it respectful and hit the inbox at [email protected] or leave a voicemail at 313‑789‑3211. And if you value episodes like this — consider supporting our work at patreon.com/dailydetroit. We basically can't run ads on political content nowadays. So your support matters more than ever. 

Detroit is having a week full of newness — and we've got all of it. PWHL Detroit is officially happening: the city's new Professional Women's Hockey League franchise will play at Little Caesar's Arena starting in the 2026–2027 season, in black, silver, and a hint of Red Wings red. The PWHL Awards and entry draft are coming to Detroit on June 16th and 17th, and roster building kicks off May 28th. Norris Howard weighs in on the collapse of Spirit Airlines — plus, the case for trains over short-haul flights. Downtown development: The historic 1908 Ford Building on Griswold — a Daniel Burnham Chicago-style gem — is headed to auction at just 14% occupancy, raising questions about what it takes to bring Detroit's financial district back to life. [Crain's Detroit] Jer and Norris dream big: 100,000 people in 7.2 square miles, a Trader Joe's in the State Savings Bank, and density done right. Bedrock's Belle — a 1926 Beaux Arts building on Broadway — is now accepting pre-lease tours on its 42 newly finished units. And coming soon to Southwest Detroit at 2545 Bagley: Tigris, a hi-fi listening bar with a custom Bing Audio sound system, vinyl DJ sets, Middle Eastern-inspired cocktails, and a daytime café to boot. Finally, Jer is moderating a panel at the free Business of Food Summit on May 18th at the Marrow in the Market — all about what it takes to make Michigan a true culinary destination, and what Michelin recognition could mean for the state.

Filmmaker Hannah Fahoome of Now Listen Here Young Lady LLC joins Jer Staes and Norris Howard to talk about Arab Film Fest After Dark — an interactive afterparty she's been building around the Arab Film Festival for over three years. The Arab Film Festival runs Tuesday, May 5th through Sunday, May 10th at the Arab American National Museum in East Dearborn. It's been going for over 20 years and features films from across the Arab world and Arab America. On Saturday, May 9th, Hannah is also hosting a screenwriting workshop at 10 a.m. in the museum library — open to anyone who has a story and wants to learn how to put it on screen. That evening, Arab Film Fest After Dark brings together DJs, interactive lighting demos, and screenwriting games. Buy a ticket to any single festival screening and the afterparty is free. Find Hannah on Instagram Arab Film Festival tickets and passes: aanmfilmfest.eventive.org

Gas is suddenly a lot more expensive in Michigan — and Spirit Airlines just shut down for good. Jer talks with GasBuddy head of petroleum analysis Patrick De Haan about Great Lakes refinery outages, record diesel and jet fuel prices, how a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is pushing costs higher, and why that fuel shock helped finish off Metro Detroit–founded Spirit Airlines. After, Jer digs into some details about Spirit's demise and we're looking for your Spirit experiences.  Feedback as always — dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com or leave a voicemail, 313-789-3211.

We break down fresh polling data from the Detroit Regional Chamber and Glengariff on Michigan's August 2026 primaries. With 36% of Democratic voters still undecided in the Senate race, this election is anyone's game. Plus, we get into the Republican and Democratic primary landscapes, examining Donald Trump's 85.9% favorability among GOP voters, Jocelyn Benson's commanding 58-point lead in the Democratic gubernatorial primary, and the tight three-way Senate race between Abdul El-Sayed, Haley Stevens, and Mallory McMorrow with a huge universe of undecided voters. The conversation also explores Gretchen Whitmer's potential role in the 2028 presidential race, as she's got immense popularity in the state and is the leading candidate here for president — or be the person that chooses who would win on the Democratic side.  Topics covered: p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Detroit Regional Chamber/Glengariff Group poll methodology (500 respondents per party, ±4.4% margin of error) p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Republican primary: John James vs. Perry Johnson for governor p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Democratic Senate primary breakdown by region and demographics p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Youth voter impact on both parties p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Presidential preference polling for 2028 p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> The disconnect between progressive policies and progressive candidates p]:pt-0 [&>p]:mb-2 [&>p]:my-0"> Why showing up matters

Ferndale is bucking the trend. While most of Detroit's inner-ring suburbs are losing people, Ferndale has grown 1.3% since 2020 — outpacing every municipality that touches Detroit's city limits.  We dig into new population data highlighted by the Detroit Free Press and ask what makes Ferndale different: walkable neighborhoods, a real downtown at Woodward and Nine Mile, a strong LGBTQ community, and a place where people say they feel safe because neighbors have their back.  Here's a link to the piece we discussed: https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2026/04/28/ferndale-is-growing-while-detroits-other-inner-ring-suburbs-shrink/89644896007/ We contrast Ferndale's urbanist-friendly density and sense of belonging with the population losses in places like Warren, Redford, Dearborn Heights, and River Rouge, and talk about how Gen Z, dual-income-no-kids households, and the Woodward corridor are reshaping where Metro Detroiters choose to live. 

On today's episode: A state representative is planning on personally delivering a letter to President Trump asking for him to free Kwame Kilpatrick. Shianne argues there are plenty more wronged people to free first than the former mayor. The city of Detroit's financial health has improved, according to the Moody's rating service.  Macomb County lawmakers are looking to opt out of the Detroit Institute of Arts Millage that is up for renewal early next month. Opinion: It's more of the shortsighted thinking that got Metro Detroit in this place. (Read more on the Freep) Polonia Restaurant in Hamtramck is up for sale for a cool $450,000. And so is Craftwork in West Village, they are asking $300,000 for the space.  Matt and Mo's Italian Beef has kicked off a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for a brick and mortar location in Hazel Park.  Royal Oak Commissioners have approved plans for City Ramen to use a liquor license that was transferred from a Mod Pizza location in Rochester Hills. There will soon be a new sculpture in Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth thanks to the Detroit Institute of Arts.

It's Monday, Dec. 17 in the mystical land known as Detroit. Here's what you get when you listen to your beloved Daily Detroit podcast today: Lincoln has made good on its pledge to reintroduce suicide doors on the Continental luxury sedan. The 80th Anniversary Coach Door Edition is an homage to the first Continental introduced in 1939 and to the center-opening doors that graced the car during the 1960s. Just 80 examples will be made for 2019. Elsewhere, unpredictable winter weather continues to defy MDOT's ability to predict when I-696 construction will wrap in Macomb County. The QLine is offering free rides for the holiday shopping season, and Detroit's historic Grande Ballroom, home to many a legendary show from the MC5, The Stooges, The Who and others, lands on the National Register of Historic Places. We cover two bits of business news: High-end clothier The Broadway will close down for good after 43 years in business in downtown Detroit so its owner can retire. Over in Corktown, Cork and Gabel will open this week, bringing a mix of locally sourced Irish, German and Italian fare to the neighborhood. More info is at Eater Detroit. Lastly, Daily Detroit correspondent Shianne Nocerini joins us to talk about Drag Queen Storytime, which has managed to attract controversy from the usual quarters. And a little P.S. - there's a show at Otus Supply on Wednesday night you might want to check out if you're into rock and roll. More here: https://www.facebook.com/events/215150699406826/  

Our stories today: An autonomous shuttle is coming to downtown Detroit A historic Detroit mansion is getting a facelift, but there's a mystery as to why. Detroit is ranked as the number one city in America for pizza fans. Detroit's own ISP is the nation's second-fastest. Amazon is searching for a spot for a second headquarters. Could it be Detroit? New housing developments in Ferndale. Hosted by Jer, Randy Walker from IT in the D, and Daily Detroit Happy Podcast host and writer Sven Gustafson. Thanks to Podcast Detroit for their support! http://www.podcastdetroit.com