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.

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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/

What should you be looking for when you go to the 2025 Detroit Auto Show? 

The 2025 Detroit Auto Show represents a shift towards more interactive, consumer-focused automotive experiences, blending nostalgia, innovation, and practical transportation solutions.

Key Highlights:

• Show Transformation (01:27) - Shifted from North American International Auto Show to a regional consumer-focused event - Reduced emphasis on splashy media reveals - More space for experiential brand interactions

Automotive Brand Insights:

• Ford (05:28) - Maverick Lobo with 3D printing customization options - Jared Goff appearance generated significant buzz - Diverse vehicle pricing range

• Cadillac (00:07:23) - Escalade IQ electric vehicle - Optique EV with sophisticated interior design - Emphasis on tactile buttons and luxurious materials 

• Stellantis (11:54) - Price reductions between $3,000-$9,000 - Jeep Wagoneer S electric SUV - New Charger EV with innovative design Interesting Wildcards:

• Volkswagen ID Buzz (17:02) - Named Utility Vehicle of the Year - Nostalgic design - Potential for family and road trip use

• INEOS Grenadier (18:53) - Inspired by classic Land Rover Defender - Robust off-road capabilities - Premium pricing around $80,000

Additional Notes:

• Show runs through January 20th
• Adult tickets: $20 - Includes vintage movie cars and concept vehicles
• EV education section by DTE and IBEW 58

Guest: Eric Trytko (Instagram: @RumbleStrip) and Raoul Duke Media https://raouldukemedia.com/

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/

Chris Williams joins us to talk about the most underused words that should come back in 2025, then Jer shares three stories to know around Detroit. 

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/

We're back with our annual predictions episode! First we run down what we said last year and checked if we got it - then, we get into high, medium, and low confidence predictions for Detroit, Metro Detroit, and Southeast Michigan.

Feedback as always - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com

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/

Hosts Jer and Norris dive into a wide-ranging conversation about local developments, urban infrastructure, and community dynamics in Southeast Michigan.

The podcast tackles everything from federal funding for Detroit's basement flooding issues to solar neighborhood initiatives and the potential of renewable energy projects.

With their characteristic blend of humor, critical analysis, and local insight, they explore how Detroit is adapting and innovating in 2025.

Key Topics with Timestamps:

• Ranch Debate (02:33) - 40% of listeners dip everything in ranch! Norris ssays ranch is an overused condiment

• Federal Funding for Detroit (06:08) - $347 million awarded to combat basement flooding - Targets repairs of aging alley sewers - Plans to prevent basement backups in 10,000 homes

• Solar Neighborhood Expansion (08:23) - Two new neighborhoods added: Houston Whittier and Greenfield Park - 100% resident buy-in - Aims to power 127 city municipal buildings

• LIV Golf Tournament Announcement (13:45) - Season-ending team championship at Cardinal at St. John's resort in Plymouth Township - Taking place in August 

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/

Between Comerica Park, Ford Field, Little Caesars Arena, The Big House (Michigan Stadium) and Keyworth, what are the best stadiums in Southeast Michigan?

We discuss and rank them in a gaming-style S tier list. Of course, we'd love to hear your thoughts - dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com.

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/

In this episode of Your Daily Detroit, we share local updates from our TechTown studio.

The podcast covers several key Detroit stories:

Ford's electric Mustang Mach-E achieved a historic milestone, outselling its gas-powered counterpart for the first time with 51,000 units versus 44,000 traditional Mustangs in 2024.

The restaurant scene is evolving as Grey Ghost's owners plan to expand to Ferndale, opening their first fast-casual location on Woodward Avenue this summer.

Brew Detroit announced the closure of its Corktown taproom and kitchen, though they'll continue beer production and distribution operations.

A major infrastructure project is launching in Wayne County, with $21.5 million allocated for replacing two aging bridges.

In transit news, the Detroit People Mover will remain free throughout 2025, while Detroit-Windsor tunnel fees are increasing to $8.25 for credit/debit users.

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/