Welcome to your Daily Detroit evening edition, it's Jer.
Just as I was leaving the podcast studio, in my podcast app popped up a conversation on the Chuck ToddCast between Chuck Todd and Detroit Mayor (and independent candidate for Michigan governor) Mike Duggan.
Here's a link if you want to listen to it yourself, but it's interesting to see Duggan raise his national visibility and talk about a "doom loop" that the country is in every two years, with many voters tired of two parties that can't get along or get much done.
A small — but key — section:
"They can't even have a basic conversation. and if you look at the major issues in this state, I'll take you through them. When Jennifer Granholm became governor in 2003, Michigan was 28th in the country in fourth grade reading levels. Ten years later, under Republican Governor Snyder, we weren't 28th, we were 38th. Today we're 43rd. It isn't one party or another. This constant bickering between the parties has stopped us from addressing our issues. And you know, right now, Michigan leads America in people under the age of 30 moving out. Our young people don't see their future here. Our biggest export is now not our cars, but, our young people. And so as I looked at this and I said everything that Gretchen Whitmer proposes, every Republican is against automatically. It's impossible to get significant legislation done."
Duggan in the interview said he has already secured the support of heavy hitters like Bill Ford Jr. and Dan Gilbert. He also thinks some unions will join him who were disillusioned by Democrats — he says not by policy, but because their membership didn't feel welcome.
I have no crystal ball, but I know to never count Mike Duggan out on anything.
🏨 One of the first airport hotels in the country is getting closer to being ready after renovation. The Dearborn Inn across from The Henry Ford is set to reopen in early 2025, and we have a couple of interior renderings.
You might be wondering why I said "airport hotel" when, well, Detroit Metro Airport is quite a bit away in Romulus?
That's because the current Ford test track in Dearborn was an airport. There are a number of places around town from the Aviation Subdivision in Detroit to a random strip mall in Eastpointe that used to be airports back in the day.
Over the years, the hotel has welcomed guests like Walt Disney, Bette Davis, President Ronald Reagan, Eleanor Roosevelt, and more.
The hotel opened in 1931 and will re-launch as part of Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection.
A spokesperson tells me that "The renovation balanced saving and preserving the past while infusing new charm to provide a luxurious guest experience and deliver a best-in-class hotel rooted in Ford’s legacy of innovation."
Now that you’ve made your list and are checking it twice, you’ll find something nice for everyone at City Bird. Unique, thoughtful, and local - they have it all. Check them out in person at 460 West Canfield, Between Cass and Second Avenues in Detroit or online at CityBirdDetroit.com
Daily Detroit thanks City Bird for their support. Sponsors have no say in our editorial content.
💵 Wayne County's tax auction system appears to have a major loophole: Property speculators can use family members to buy back their own foreclosed properties, wiping away tax debt and resetting legal challenges. [Outlier Media]
This is part of a larger series, "The Speculators of Detroit." I talked with reporter Aaron Mondry about the larger work on a recent edition of our podcast. [Apple Podcasts]
🏳️🌈 53 Supportive housing units for senior members of the LGBTQ+ community opened this week near downtown Ferndale. The Raymond E. Shepherd House on East Nine Mile is a $22 million, four story development and is fully accessible. [LinkedIn]
🥙 The Oakland County outpost of Detroit 75 Kitchen is moving from Oakland Mall's parking lot to a permanent spot. That will open a half mile away off of Stephenson and 14 Mile in Madison Heights on January 6. [Instagram]
✋ Who doesn't love Michigan and Detroit brands that have stood the test of time? I had a great conversation on our podcast with authors Gail Offen and Jon Milan about their book, "Classic Michigan Food and Drinks: The Stories Behind the Brands." I'm a bit of local connoisseur, but I definitely learned things reading this book and talking to this energetic pair.
You can catch Daily Detroit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or on YouTube below.
And if you want to get the book, go here.
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Thanks for reading, remember that you are somebody... and (hopefully) we'll talk tomorrow.
-Jer
p.s. - This newsletter was written to "On Up" by Big Sean.
