What to know and where to go in Metro Detroit! We talk about a ton of things - from trying Vecino and an Archery cafe, to visiting an old favorite in Kouzina.

Plus we get into some news - how the University of Michigan is expanding in Detroit and why it's important to connect Ann Arbor and Detroit.

Your listener feedback on I-75 cap plans.

 And of course, address the cone-troversy between American and Lafayette and shout out the neighborhood coneys we love.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942 Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

In this episode of Daily Detroit, I talk with Dan Horn, Vice President of Mobility for Franco Integrated Communications, about the impact of conferences and events in Detroit and Metro Detroit. 

We explore the importance of these gatherings beyond just trade shows, highlighting their crucial role in economic development, connecting businesses, and advancing key industries like mobility.

We get into the variety of conferences held in the region, from the Detroit Auto Show to industry-specific events, and how they serve as a platform for collaboration, sharing expertise, and building partnerships.

We talk about the economic boost these conferences provide to the region through hotel bookings, dining, and other local spending, while simultaneously attracting investment and talent.

It is stressed how these events encourage in-person interactions to strengthen relationships and create opportunities that cannot be achieved through virtual communication alone.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

More on Franco: https://franco.com/

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

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Today, we discuss two major news stories affecting Michigan, but have national ties.

The first is a sudden federal government funding freeze, the second is the announcement that US Senator Gary Peters will not be seeking reelection.

The federal funding freeze has caused confusion and chaos at government and non-profit organizations and may impact school lunches, veteran's services, affordable housing, and other services.

Second, Senator Gary Peters's surprise decision to not seek re-election has prompted some potential contenders to announce their interest in his vacant seat, including Pete Buttigieg. To the disappointment of some of her supporters, current Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer says she is not in the running.

Full transcript to come on our website, dailydetroit.com

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

The people behind the popular Noble Fish sushi restaurant and White Wolf Japanese patisserie,will be opening two new Asian food halls in Metro Detroit called "Noble Village."

The first, a 12,000-square-foot location, will be in Clawson at the site of the existing Noble Fish and White Wolf locations. This hall will incorporate the existing brands, expand seating and offerings, and include a ramen counter and a cocktail bar.

The Clawson food hall is expected to open in phases beginning in March and include an adjacent grocery section and a larger grab-and-go selection.

The second project, a massive 34,000-square-foot food hall in Novi, will be at the current location of One World Market, a Japanese grocery store owned by the same group.

This location will be significantly larger and include more food concepts including a cocktail bar, an Asian fried chicken concept, a sandwich concept, an Izakaya restaurant, an expansive second floor theater space, and an expanded marketplace including an Asian spirits section. It is projected to open within a couple of years.

Doran Brooks, director of business development for Noble Village Group, joined us on the show to talk about not only the two major upcoming expansions, but his story and things he's learned over the years as a restauranteur.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

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What are Detroit's movers and shakers thinking and talking about?

 We went to the 2025 Detroit Policy Conference on Thursday and have some highlights and thoughts.

• It'd cost $500 million per RenCen tower to convert them to residential, says GM and Bedrock. We discuss the details we learned yesterday on the Renaissance Center partial demolition and park plan.
• We need to connect Ann Arbor and Detroit better in multiple ways in order to compete nationally. What could that look like?
• Speaking of connections, everything needs to get connected better, along with our top research schools like the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and Michigan State.

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Perceptions of Downtown Detroit among residents and the wider region are up, according to a new survey.

What are the areas that have made progress, and where is there still work to do? Eric Larson, CEO of the Downtown Detroit Partnership and Gina Cavaliere, Chief Community Impact Officer and Director, BIZ 

Here's a link to the survey results: https://downtowndetroit.org/news-insights/downtown-detroit-partnership-reveals-results-of-biennial-perception-survey-to-key-stakeholders

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Today's episode is in the three parts.

First, a 21-story smaller tower of the RenCen complex is up for auction and the starting bid is under $3m. Should we buy it? Should we turn parking lots into dog parks? (Only half kidding)

Second, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson says she's running for Governor. We discuss the overall environment right now.

And finally, we have (for real) a new thing coming on Tuesday to help serve you better. We discuss. Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Today’s episode gets into the need to increase Detroit’s transit funding, and what advocates at Transportation Riders United (TRU) say is the path toward a better transit system in the city. Our guest is Joel Batterman of TRU.

Key Takeaways:

• Discussing the DDOT Reimagined Plan: The city of Detroit released a plan in 2024 that would double the amount of bus service in the city, but it seems there isn't the funding for it.

• Frequent Transit: Advocates say that transit is considered “frequent” when a bus comes every 15 minutes, and that this is not always the case in Detroit’s current system.

• Impacts of Inadequate Transit: Hear how a lack of reliable public transportation effects residents and limits economic mobility

• The Role of Funding: Discuss how Detroit invests less in transit compared to other similar metro regions, and hear more about a campaign to double the city’s investment.

• What TRU says is needed: They'd like to see $150 million added to the current Detroit Department of Transportation budget.

Links:

• Transportation Riders United: detroittransit.org

Follow our work:

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On today's all-local podcast:

• An update on the proposal to cover  I-75 in downtown Detroit with parks, including funding and what's next
• New Center's potential sparks optimisim with a listener
• Another listener says that the Mayor's Race Open, but asks if anyone will match Mike Duggan's Influence?
• And a third listeners asks Devon about Dearborn’s development potential, and he shares his predictions 

Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day. You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter.

Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/

Show notes:

[01:01] Vesper Wine Bar

• Norris describes his recent visit to Vesper wine bar in Core City located in a former bank.

[02:33] Checker Bar Fire

• Jer talks about the fire at the Checker Bar

[06:04] New Mayoral Candidate: Saunteel Jenkins

• Norris introduces Shantell Jenkins as a new entrant to the mayor's race. Jer notes she was formerly city council president, and focus on neighborhood safety and community policing

[10:05] Governor Whitmer at the Detroit Auto Show

• Jer mentions Whitmer’s speech at the Detroit Auto Show where she rolled out an economic agenda, and signaled strong interest in bipartisan cooperation

• One in five jobs in Michigan are tied to auto industry and those jobs pay on average $70k, more than the state median

• Norris speculates about how Chinese companies may find a way into the market

• Norris and Jer discuss the importance of price for consumers

We talk about the immaculate vibes that the city is feeling on this playoff run for the Detroit Lions. Then get into previewing the playoff game Saturday against the Washington Commanders. Daily Detroit shares what to know and where to go in Detroit every day.

You can listen to their podcast and read their newsletter. Find us on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/daily-detroit/id1220563942

Or sign up for our newsletter: https://www.dailydetroit.com/newsletter/