(WWJ) – As the year draws to a close, WWJ is taking a look back at the stories that grabbed our listeners’ attention.
In 2023 — the second year of the Daily J podcast — hosts Zach Clark and Brian Fisher worked hard to tell captivating stories that Metro Detroiters care about.
From a few nostalgic trips down memory lane to crime and politics, these were the top 10 most-listened to Daily J episodes of the year:
#1 - After 15 years of "It's So Cold in the D", it's time to give T-Baby the credit she deserves
A decade and a half ago, before the term “viral video” was commonplace, Detroit artist T-Baby spun what would become a global hit called "It's So Cold in the D". With the help of WWJ’s Annie Scaramuzzino, Clark caught up with the artist to hear how her song and music video changed her life. READ MORE
#2 - Using the power of anonymity and cash rewards -- How Crime Stoppers of Michigan helps to solve the area’s most heinous crimes
Police agencies all across Metro Detroit and beyond rely on Crime Stoppers of Michigan to get tips from the public to solve crimes — by using the power of anonymity and cash rewards. This episode digs into how the program really works to help families of heinous crimes find closure.
#3 - Nesting right here in Metro Detroit, the once endangered peregrine falcon captivates thousands
Nature is fascinating, especially when it comes to animals. On this episode, Fisher explores why so many of us are fascinated by how a nesting box atop the GM Tech Center in Warren played a role in bringing back the peregrine falcon back from near extinction. READ MORE
#4 - Millions of insects — including the dreaded mosquito — return to Michigan every spring. And there is nothing you can do about it
Springtime means warmer weather and flowers blooming. But it also means the insects return to Michigan, by the millions. This past spring, Clark learned from experts that mosquitoes and similar insects we may despise are actually a necessary evil.
#5 - With Trump and Biden in the Presidential race, some voters are asking: How old is too old to be President?
The 2024 presidential election really began heating up this year, appearing to be a “rematch” between Joe Biden and Donald Trump. While the U.S. Constitution has a minimum age requirement to be president, there’s no limit on how old they can be. On this episode, Clark wonders how old is too old to be president.
#6 - Coyotes have become a common sight in Metro Detroit — But is that actually a bad thing?
Coyotes have been becoming a common sight in cities and suburbs, including here in Metro Detroit. On this episode, Fisher took a look at why coyotes are invading the “concrete jungle” and whether or not their presence is a threat.
#7 - As wrong-way driving deaths pile up on Michigan freeways, here is what experts say is to blame
Metro Detroit has seen a rash of wrong-way crashes in 2023. A string of three such crashes in the span of a week in late May prompted Clark to wonder what’s causing this deadly spike and what’s being done to curb it. READ MORE
#8 - Detroit's Tamera Williams has landed on the U.S. Marshals 15 Most Wanted — How do fugitives just vanish?
In 2018, the girlfriend of a Downriver man found murdered and dismembered along I-75 in Ohio vanished after being named a person of interest. This fall she landed on the U.S. Marshals’ “15 Most Wanted” list. On this episode Fisher explores how fugitives manage to disappear off the grid.
#9 - After 30 years, the "Gibraltar Man" is getting an upgrade — but how did he become one of Metro Detroit’s most recognizable faces?
Metro Detroiters love some good, local nostalgia. That includes the iconic “Gibraltar Man” outside the Gibraltar Trade Center along I-94 in Macomb County. While Gibraltar has been closed for years, Scaramuzzino and Clark learned the new owners are giving the sign new life. READ MORE
#10 - Lakeside in Sterling Heights IS still open. At least for now. What does the short and long-term future hold for the massive mall?
The days of shopping centers like Lakeside Mall in Sterling Heights dominating our culture have faded. It’s become a shell of its former self. But on this episode Clark and WWJ’s Marisa Jenkins took a look at the plans for rejuvenation for the massive property.