Hey, Jer here. Let’s just get started.
» Reports say that Jeep maker Stellantis has reached a tentative contract agreement with the United Auto Workers union, following the model set by Ford earlier this week. The agreement, if approved by membership, would end the six-week strike. [Associated Press]
More:
- Early indications are that workers would get a 25% raise spread over the life of the contract as well as cost-of-living (COLA) increases. The contract runs about four years and eight months. [WXYZ]
- The deal would keep an engine plant open in Trenton, Michigan and commit to building a vehicle in an idled Illinois plant. [Bloomberg]
- Today was the 44th day of the stand-up strike, a name inspired by the sit-down strike that started in late 1936. It ended after 44 days.
- Talks with General Motors are ongoing, but with 2 of 3 deals done — the pressure is now on GM.
- The timing couldn’t be better for some, as I know a number of auto suppliers who would need to start laying off more workers if a deal didn’t come together this week or next, depending on their situation.
🗞 What to know
» The University of Michigan Center for Innovation in Detroit is moving forward with a $100 million gift and land donation approval. The project, expected to cost $250 million, will focus on research, education, and entrepreneurship, with a particular emphasis on robotics, technology, and sustainability. The groundbreaking is scheduled to take place by the end of the year. [Urbanize Detroit]
» A new bridge across I-94 is opened (officially) on Friday.. It’s been a long time coming for the Second Avenue bridge, connecting two parts of Wayne State’s campus and the soon-to-be-built Henry Ford Hospital/MSU expansion, it makes a visual statement and supports pedestrians, bikes and cars. [Detroit News]
» The $80 million Cambria Detroit hotel opened. In the former home of WWJ and located next to WDIV’s downtown Detroit studios on Lafayette — it’s “an art deco dream” as described by Robin Runyan on our podcast.
I personally really enjoyed the ballroom in the former auditorium. There are all kinds of interesting details on this one, including an indoor sports complex in the basement and a rooftop bar. [Urbanize Detroit]
» What is the future of Downtown Detroit? Maybe not as just a “central business district,” but as a central connecting district. Downtown Detroit Partnership CEO Eric Larson was on the podcast recently and we talked about everything from an increased focus on residential units, converting old skyscrapers from offices to residential, and making sure there’s affordable options in the core of the region.
» The William P. Faust Public Library in Westland has reopened after a year-long renovation. The $5 million project included a more open floor plan, additional meeting rooms, expanded teen and children's space, and more natural light. The library now has non-literary borrowing options like tool rentals and a telescope. The renovation aims to attract more patrons, including college students. An open house is scheduled for November 4th. [Hometown Life]
» Detroit City FC is in the second round of the USL Championship playoffs after an upset win over Pittsburgh last weekend. Me, Fletcher Sharpe, and Norris Howard did a special episode of the podcast to give you a preview. The match is on the road in Louisville tonight (Saturday) and can be watched on TV20 or ESPN+ at 7:30pm.
🍽 News bites
» A Detroit-based canned drink maker has a new celebrity co-owner: Kate Upton. Already in a number of stores, Vosa Spirits, currently sell an uncarbonated vodka water in four flavors with a 5% ABV and a “High Line” sparkling vodka at 7% ABV in four flavors. The transaction price wasn’t disclosed.
I’ll be honest. I hadn’t heard about them until now, but always up for trying something new.
» Noble Fish is opening a holiday pop-up location in the Somerset Collection. The popular Japanese market and kitchen has been open for more than 30 years in Clawson. The soft opening is Nov. 1st, and the grand opening on the 6th. It’ll be in the south wing off the skywalk. [Instagram]
» Faygo has a new flavor, “Faygo Dreamin - Orange Creme.” Press materials say it’s “a light and lively flavor, Dreamin is sure to evoke nostalgic memories of orange cream frozen treats – no matter the season!” and to “Move over, Pumpkin Spice!” There will be giveaways like shirts, hats, sleep masks and candles.
With these sweet-forward drinks, I tend to make cocktails out of them and use them almost as a syrup. Would love your ideas for mixers and such. We also discussed it on Friday’s show.
» After 15 years, Hilton Road Cafe in Ferndale has closed. They cite rising food costs making the business harder and the declining health of the owners, Steve and Effie Lambros. [HRC]
» The vegetarian Inn Season Cafe is done, and they’re selling the building. Open since 1981, it was a Royal Oak staple. There's an unfinished remodel and re-establishing the business was, reportedly, "difficult to do." The price of the 2,700+ square foot building is listed at $1.1 million. [Crain’s Detroit Business]
With social media being the way it is nowadays (that’s a whole post unto itself), I’m going to put more effort into the newsletter going forward. The goal is to try and highlight local stories that I think are interesting and important, connecting the community together.
If you’d like to support our work, buy me a coffee (or two!)
Always open to notes at dailydetroit - at - gmail - dot - com with your suggestions.
Time to get the Better Mades ready for the Detroit City game tonight. Hopefully we can pull off another upset!
Until next time, thanks for reading… and remember that you are somebody.
-Jer
