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Democrats scrutinize Moroun's Trump access

House Democrats are seeking records on Matthew Moroun's contacts with Trump officials about the Gordie Howe bridge.

News

Congressional Democrats are investigating whether <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Matthew Moroun" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/22/riverside-park-moroun-approved-detroit-citycouncil" data-vars-content-id="ece61150-f952-4200-a8d8-72ae403a7dde" data-vars-headline="Democrats scrutinize Moroun&#x27;s Trump access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2023/02/22/riverside-park-moroun-approved-detroit-citycouncil" target="_self">Matthew Moroun</a> used his access to President Trump to protect his company&#x27;s toll revenues — and whether the Trump administration acted on Moroun&#x27;s lobbying.Why it matters: Trump&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="recent threat" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" data-vars-content-id="ece61150-f952-4200-a8d8-72ae403a7dde" data-vars-headline="Democrats scrutinize Moroun&#x27;s Trump access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/10/trump-threat-gordie-howe-bridge-michigan-economy" target="_self">recent threat</a> to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge&#x27;s opening drew condemnation from leaders in Michigan and Canada and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="predictions of dire economic consequences" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/business-watch/report-michigan-canada-bridge-delay-could-cost-up-to-7m-per-week/" data-vars-content-id="ece61150-f952-4200-a8d8-72ae403a7dde" data-vars-headline="Democrats scrutinize Moroun&#x27;s Trump access" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/business-watch/report-michigan-canada-bridge-delay-could-cost-up-to-7m-per-week/" target="_blank">predictions of dire economic consequences</a>.

Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds

Importers may need to sue to recover billions collected under the rejected trade law.

Now that the U.S. Supreme Court declared a large swath of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-supreme-court-illegal" target="_self">President Trump&#x27;s tariffs illegal</a>, the question is whether businesses — or everyday Americans — will <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="get refunds" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/20/trump-tariffs-states-refunds" target="_self">get refunds</a>.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Trade Partnership Worldwide" data-vars-click-url="https://tradepartnership.com/" data-vars-content-id="16ce12e7-9ee2-47c6-85cd-47f671a163e0" data-vars-headline="Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://tradepartnership.com/" target="_blank">Trade Partnership Worldwide</a> estimates $126 billion is at stake.

At 43, Verlander returns to Tigers as baseball's Tom Brady

Verlander spent his first 13 seasons in Detroit and returns to a competitive roster.

Sports

Justin Verlander has long hoped to be the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tom Brady of baseball" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26314010/justin-verlander-wants-tom-brady-baseball" data-vars-content-id="d7cf12d0-a7af-4860-bff4-377b26047cd3" data-vars-headline="At 43, Verlander returns to Tigers as baseball&#x27;s Tom Brady" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/26314010/justin-verlander-wants-tom-brady-baseball" target="_blank">Tom Brady of baseball</a> and pitch at a high-caliber level well into his 40s.Why it matters: His return to Comerica Park gives the Detroit Tigers legend a chance to keep that dream going.

First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren

Axios Detroit is visiting coffee shops around the region to find our faves.

Food and Drink

👋 Annalise here! Joe and I will be trying out coffee shops across the region to see which have the best flavors, ambiance and conditions for remote work.First up, my visit to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Dovetail" data-vars-click-url="https://www.instagram.com/thedovetaildetroit/" data-vars-content-id="0e693b86-ae1b-461a-8bf0-0d371e0963ca" data-vars-headline="First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.instagram.com/thedovetaildetroit/" target="_blank">The Dovetail</a>, a very chill, very odd cafe in Warren.

Property owners launch Rivertown improvement zone

The new zone will fund cleaning, landscaping and security in the neighborhood.

Business

A revitalization strategy is growing in Detroit in which property owners band together to pay voluntary, tax-like fees to upgrade their corridors.Why it matters: The creation of a third Business Improvement Zone (BIZ) in Detroit is an example of property owners and businesses buying into the future of their communities — in a city where landowner negligence is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="all too common" data-vars-click-url="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0UcYXWCPR8" data-vars-content-id="39a92960-3509-4aa4-a721-48a394582f4c" data-vars-headline="Property owners launch Rivertown improvement zone" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m0UcYXWCPR8" target="_blank">all too common</a>.

New Eastern Market EV charger taps old grid

A Detroit pilot tests 400-kW EV charging without costly grid upgrades.

A startup participating in Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sustainable Cities Challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/30/eastern-market-clean-freight-pilot" data-vars-content-id="cfc895f7-7a09-468f-ab6e-ab3c819a1e27" data-vars-headline="New Eastern Market EV charger taps old grid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/30/eastern-market-clean-freight-pilot" target="_self">Sustainable Cities Challenge</a> is testing if fast electric vehicle charging can work in older urban grids without costly upgrades.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ElectricFish" data-vars-click-url="https://electricfish.co/" data-vars-content-id="cfc895f7-7a09-468f-ab6e-ab3c819a1e27" data-vars-headline="New Eastern Market EV charger taps old grid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://electricfish.co/" target="_blank">ElectricFish</a> says its approach allows fast charging to be deployed using existing connections, avoiding <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="utility upgrades that can slow electrification" data-vars-click-url="https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2025/10/technology-primer-the-impact-of-electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-on-residential-grid-systems" data-vars-content-id="cfc895f7-7a09-468f-ab6e-ab3c819a1e27" data-vars-headline="New Eastern Market EV charger taps old grid" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/2025/10/technology-primer-the-impact-of-electric-vehicle-charging-infrastructure-on-residential-grid-systems" target="_blank">utility upgrades that can slow electrification</a> by adding permitting time and cost.

Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab

The group now offers zero-interest loans to support local housing developers.

Real Estate

A local organization known for assisting small Black-owned businesses is venturing into a new arena: home rehab.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Leaders Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blackleadersdetroit.org/" data-vars-content-id="7afe523f-14a2-4031-9664-e92b50864e27" data-vars-headline="Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blackleadersdetroit.org/" target="_blank">Black Leaders Detroit</a> (BLD) has provided grants and zero-interest loans worth more than $6 million to entrepreneurs since 2020.

Amazon Fresh pulls plug on planned Metro Detroit stores

Sites in several suburbs are now looking for new tenants.

Several Amazon Fresh stores planned in Metro Detroit won&#x27;t open after all, with the retail giant having <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="abandoned the venture" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/amazon-fresh-stores-closing-whole-foods-expansion" data-vars-content-id="24a464b8-6d54-4bc1-b38e-4c3fa62d9771" data-vars-headline="Amazon Fresh pulls plug on planned Metro Detroit stores" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/amazon-fresh-stores-closing-whole-foods-expansion" target="_self">abandoned the venture</a> last month.Why it matters: That leaves sites in Troy, Roseville and other suburbs in limbo while a local broker looks for replacement tenants.

Electric trike takes on deliveries at Eastern Market

A Detroit startup is testing whether a "semi-trike" can replace trucks for small deliveries.

A Detroit company&#x27;s mashup of an electric bike and a semitruck is making deliveries in and around <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eastern Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/30/eastern-market-robot-food-waste-orange-sparkle-ball" data-vars-content-id="215781de-5756-4211-aff2-a96db9a36c0d" data-vars-headline="Electric trike takes on deliveries at Eastern Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/30/eastern-market-robot-food-waste-orange-sparkle-ball" target="_self">Eastern Market</a>.Why it matters: Civilized Cycles&#x27; &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="semi-trike" data-vars-click-url="https://commercial.civilizedcycles.com/" data-vars-content-id="215781de-5756-4211-aff2-a96db9a36c0d" data-vars-headline="Electric trike takes on deliveries at Eastern Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://commercial.civilizedcycles.com/" target="_blank">semi-trike</a>&quot; can haul up to 800 pounds of cargo at about 15 miles an hour in campus-like settings with tight spaces and frequent stops.

Swiss startup tests ammonia-based power in Detroit

The company is testing ammonia-based hydrogen power where batteries fall short.

A Swiss startup has found an ideal environment in Detroit to test ammonia as a cleaner energy source where batteries or diesel generators may fall short.Why it matters: The company, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Neology" data-vars-click-url="https://www.neology.ch/" data-vars-content-id="3bbf48dc-a66f-4904-a84c-b1ac4f259b4a" data-vars-headline="Swiss startup tests ammonia-based power in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.neology.ch/" target="_blank">Neology</a>, is one of four local finalists in the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sustainable Cities Challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://www.toyotamobilityfoundation.org/en/press-room/pressrelease05292024" data-vars-content-id="3bbf48dc-a66f-4904-a84c-b1ac4f259b4a" data-vars-headline="Swiss startup tests ammonia-based power in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.toyotamobilityfoundation.org/en/press-room/pressrelease05292024" target="_blank">Sustainable Cities Challenge</a>, an international mobility competition for which Detroit was selected as a host city.

Cleaner deliveries rolling through Eastern Market

Four teams are testing electric and ammonia-based tech to cut freight emissions.

The vibrant scene at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eastern Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/03/eastern-market-expansion-shed-4" data-vars-content-id="29bf2332-1cfb-45bd-ae02-505c7738d93c" data-vars-headline="Cleaner deliveries rolling through Eastern Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/03/eastern-market-expansion-shed-4" target="_self">Eastern Market</a> is familiar to many Detroiters. But behind the bustle are forklifts, pallets and delivery trucks that transport food daily.Why it matters: The market&#x27;s food distribution system has been at the center of a three-year global competition in cleaner urban logistics.

Robot hauls food waste at Eastern Market

A self-driving robot is helping Detroit vendors save money and cut emissions.

An autonomous robot has been picking up buckets of food waste at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eastern Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/19/new-momentum-for-mosaic-eastern-market-development" data-vars-content-id="2b5ec7f6-29bb-4a56-bc1e-8c37b36f3af5" data-vars-headline="Robot hauls food waste at Eastern Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/04/19/new-momentum-for-mosaic-eastern-market-development" target="_self">Eastern Market</a> as part of an international competition — all without a truck, idling engine or driver.Why it matters: The robot is part of a Detroit-based innovation company&#x27;s contributions to the Toyota Mobility Foundation&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sustainable Cities Challenge" data-vars-click-url="https://sustainablecitieschallenge.org/" data-vars-content-id="2b5ec7f6-29bb-4a56-bc1e-8c37b36f3af5" data-vars-headline="Robot hauls food waste at Eastern Market" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://sustainablecitieschallenge.org/" target="_blank">Sustainable Cities Challenge</a>.

Detroit Free Press owner to acquire Detroit News

USA Today Co. will acquire the News, putting Detroit's two daily newspapers under the same ownership.

The media company that owns the Detroit Free Press, USA Today Co., plans to acquire our region&#x27;s other major daily newspaper, the Detroit News.Why it matters: The two will continue operating, but the acquisition still represents a consequential shake-up in one of the few remaining metros with two daily newspapers.

How a bread factory shaped one industrialist's automation mission

Daniel Pereira came to Detroit to scale Conduit, a startup simplifying robotics for U.S. factories.

Daniel Pereira&#x27;s journey to Detroit as a young industrialist started at his family&#x27;s Las Vegas bread factory.Why it matters: During the pandemic, Pereira, 26, saw firsthand the obstacles that smaller manufacturers face when deploying robotics.

Homeowners are staying put longer

Detroit homeowners are staying put longer

A line chart showing average homeowner tenure in the Detroit metro area compared to the U.S. overall. Tenure is the time between the most recent and previous sale dates of a home. Nationally, average tenure has risen from 3.7 years in Q1 2005 to 8.6 years in Q4 2025. In Detroit, average tenure has risen from 2.6 years to 7.9 years over the same period.

Average homeowner tenure in Detroit

Latest news on Wall Street, Corporate America and financial regulation.

Business 🏦

Detroit homeowners are staying put longer

Property owners launch Rivertown improvement zone

New Eastern Market EV charger taps old grid

Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab

Amazon Fresh pulls plug on planned Metro Detroit stores