The Daily J

The Chinese spy balloon that was shot down over the U.S. this past weekend has dominated the headlines. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark goes back almost 80 years, remembering when the Japanese used balloons to bomb Metro Detroit during World War II. (PHOTO: U.S. Military)

On January 21 aspiring rappers Armani Kelly, Dante Wicker and their friend Montoya Givens disappeared, after their gig in Detroit was cancelled. Nearly two weeks later their bodies were discovered in a vacant apartment building in Highland Park. On this Daily J, WWJ's Brian Fisher explores what happened to them, and what lengths one mother went to, to find her son. (Credit: Detroit Police Departme...

Ford Field is replacing its slit-film turf, which has been cause for much controversy this season in the NFL, to a new monofilament turf. The aim behind this upgrade is to protect players from turf-related injuries. In this Daily J, WWJ's Brian Fisher explores whether or not artificial turf can ever fully replicate grass, and whether it's practical for fields of any level of play to make the switc...

Over the years, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has expanded its definition of rock music. With the 2023 nominations out, on a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark not only tries to figure out if a wider definition is a good thing, but also profiles a couple of local nominations. (PHOTO: Ed Balint/USA Today)

For almost 20 years, it has been against the law for school districts in Michigan to start the year before Labor Day. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark asks the experts if it should stay that way or if change needs to happen. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

As the country protests the killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of a specialized unit within the Memphis Police Department, people in Michigan might see similarities to Detroit back in the 70s. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark highlights the violence between the DPD STRESS Unit and Detroiters. (PHOTO: David Van Wie)

Snowy owls are native to the Arctic but for many, Michigan is their warm weather winter destination. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark learns what's unique about the bird and why airplanes are such a problem. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

Michigan has passed a bill to disperse $25 million to add 195 Resource Officers to select schools. On this Daily J, WWJ's Brian Fisher explores the impact and role these officers play in student safety and education, but is it enough? (Credit: Getty)

Thousands of local kids woke up to the best news: a snow day! But why? Was there enough snow to keep children and teachers at home? On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark learns about what goes into calling off school for a day. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

Michigan highways need help and the gas tax doesn't pack the punch it used to. Are toll roads the answer? There has been conversation for generations about how to improve Michigan's roadways. And while many things have been tried, toll roads have not. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark examines if toll roads could be just what we need.  (PHOTO: Getty Images)

Detroit is one of the most predominantly Black cities in America. It's also known as 'Hockeytown'. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark learns what it's like being Black and working in hockey, and what is being done to make the game more inclusive. (PHOTO: Bruce Bennett / Getty Images)

15 years ago, before the term "viral video" was commonplace, Detroit artist T-Baby spun a global hit called "It's So Cold in the D". On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark and Annie Scaramuzzino talk to the artist about how the song changed her life. (PHOTO Credit: T-Baby)

The DIA's Van Gogh exhibit features some of his most famous works, like "Starry Night." But it's "The Novel Reader" that has the DIA facing a lawsuit. On this Daily J, WWJ's Brian Fisher explores why a Brazilian man claims he is the piece's rightful owner, and how the world of stolen art works. (Credit: Kathy Kieliszewski / USA TODAY NETWORK)

For almost 40 years, The Heat And Warmth Fund has been helping Michiganders keep their heat on during the winter months. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark shows you how you can be part of a $200 MILLION difference. (PHOTO: WWJ)

Seven people were arrested in Macomb County Tuesday, accused of trying to steal brand new Dodge Ram trucks off of the assembly lot. In a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark wonders why this keeps happening, and looks at what is and isn't being done to stop it. (PHOTO: Scott Olson/Getty)

Editor's Note: Today's episode originally ran in September ----- During the time of the Underground Railroad, Detroit was given the codename Midnight. While the Underground Railroad is long gone, on a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark explores the lasting mark abolitionists left on the City of Detroit. (PHOTO: Kimberly P. Mitchell/USA TODAY NETWORK)

Now that the Democrats control the legislature in Lansing, they have begun to move on their 2023 agenda. One of the highlights? Tax breaks. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark looks at from where that relief might come, and who could benefit. (PHOTO: Robert Killips/Lansing State Journal/USA TODAY NETWORK)

Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as SAD and Seasonal Depression, tends to become a popular topic in the colder months, in Michigan and elsewhere. But it is much more serious than just 'winter blues'. On this Daily J, WWJ's Brian Fisher explores the causes of SAD, and why it may not be as simple as one may think.  (Photo credit: Getty)

Earlier this month, a man nicknamed the "Michigan Monster" was arrested and charged with over 20 counts of human trafficking. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark heads to the front lines to see what the fight against trafficking looks like. (PHOTO: Genesee County Sheriff)

Police are reporting a sharp rise in thefts of Kia and Hyundai vehicles, specifically those made between 2010 and 2021. Why? On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark learns that it's a combination of outdated technology and social media. (PHOTO: Getty Images)

When it comes to a vacation or an escape, there are few places more popular for Michiganders than the state's relatively ambiguous 'Up North' region. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark attempts to define 'Up North.' (PHOTO: Getty Images) 

Sleep is vital to everyday health. But data shows that over 100 million Americans aren't getting enough nightly rest. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark looks at what's preventing a good night's sleep and what can be done to overcome restless nights. (PHOTO: Getty Images) 

The Mega Millions jackpot is just shy of $940 million. That much money is life changing, but experts say the first thing you should do with your money is...nothing. On this Daily J, WWJ's Brian Fisher looks into how the lottery system works, and how you can make sure you don't lose it all after you win it all.  (Credit: Justin Sullivan/Getty)

Since it was founded in 1957, Oakland University in Rochester has been growing and then some. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark explores the life of the school's founder, Matilda Wilson, and the impact the university has had on the region.  (PHOTO: Oakland University)

Instead of getting a possible playoff preview, those who tuned in to Monday Night Football saw one of the scariest things to ever happen on a field. Damar Hamlin, 24, collapsed and needed life saving measures. On a new Daily J, WWJ's Zach Clark digs into just how rare Hamlin's condition is. (PHOTO: Kareem Elgazzar/USA Today Sports)