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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.

Frame Work: "Friendly Fire" delves into police narratives

The Irwin House exhibition looks at the past, present and future of law enforcement.

Culture

A new photo exhibition at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Irwin House Gallery" data-vars-click-url="https://irwinhousegallery.org/" data-vars-content-id="8b8e15d2-c367-4ee7-b53c-75809ec6a950" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: &quot;Friendly Fire&quot; delves into police narratives" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://irwinhousegallery.org/" target="_blank">Irwin House Gallery</a> examines decades of Detroit policing through the perspective of a former detective who learned difficult truths about the criminal justice system.State of play: &quot;Friendly Fire,&quot; from Detroit native artist <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Khary Mason" data-vars-click-url="https://www.kharymasonstudio.com/" data-vars-content-id="8b8e15d2-c367-4ee7-b53c-75809ec6a950" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: &quot;Friendly Fire&quot; delves into police narratives" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.kharymasonstudio.com/" target="_blank">Khary Mason</a>, reflects his experiences on both sides of the law.

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Feb. 6-8

Dinosaurs, Pistons-Knicks, "Kinky Boots" and more.

Things to Do

🦕 Dinosaur Adventure, a family-friendly exhibit with life-sized dinosaurs, is at Huntington Place downtown 9am-8pm Saturday and 9am-7pm Sunday.<ul><li><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tickets: $43 for children, $32 for adults" data-vars-click-url="https://www.universe.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-detroit-mi-tickets-VBQ2KW" data-vars-content-id="0eca54bd-3338-492c-bf16-c22322662719" data-vars-headline="Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Feb. 6-8" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universe.com/events/dinosaur-adventure-detroit-mi-tickets-VBQ2KW" target="_blank">Tickets: $43 for children, $32 for adults</a>.</li></ul>

100 years of Black History Month: Metro Detroit events to know

Museums, libraries and chefs across the metro are marking the month with special events.

Cultural and public institutions across Metro Detroit have events planned to observe key figures, themes and times in Black American history.Why it matters: 2026 marks the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="100th anniversary" data-vars-click-url="https://asalh.org/black-history-month/about/" data-vars-content-id="49eb9802-ead1-48db-9e98-d630c7f0eb64" data-vars-headline="100 years of Black History Month: Metro Detroit events to know" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://asalh.org/black-history-month/about/" target="_blank">100th anniversary</a> of Black History Month celebration and recognition in the U.S.

Disguises abound in next exhibition at the Shepherd

The east side Detroit church-turned-gallery starts its latest show this month.

Distorted information and communication gaps are the central focus of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Shepherd" data-vars-click-url="https://lscgallery.com/the-shepherd-bio" data-vars-content-id="053c4975-3c38-4524-9873-0f01f09fea1c" data-vars-headline="Disguises abound in next exhibition at the Shepherd" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://lscgallery.com/the-shepherd-bio" target="_blank">the Shepherd</a>&#x27;s latest art exhibition.

Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: Jan. 30-Feb. 1

🎷 Get funky at the Detroit Opera House for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="George Clinton&#x27;s one-night celebration" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitopera.org/symphonic-pfunk-celebrating-the-music-of-parliament-funkadelic/" data-vars-content-id="94efc0e6-95de-4f78-a452-80b52df38267" data-vars-headline="Things to do in Metro Detroit this weekend: Jan. 30-Feb. 1" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitopera.org/symphonic-pfunk-celebrating-the-music-of-parliament-funkadelic/" target="_blank">George Clinton&#x27;s one-night celebration</a> of 50 years of music, culture and funk.<ul><li>8pm Saturday.</li></ul>

Imbolc fest brings Celtic-inspired hope during winter

Events include a Tarot-inspired art installation, experimental music and a seed swap.

An ancient Celtic tradition inspired a growing festival that manifests hope for spring during the doldrums of winter.Why it matters: Six venues and more than 70 artists are participating in this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Imbolc festival" data-vars-click-url="https://imbolc.site/" data-vars-content-id="514a7d4b-05d4-4071-b564-5bd3061b3072" data-vars-headline="Imbolc fest brings Celtic-inspired hope during winter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://imbolc.site/" target="_blank">Imbolc festival</a> in Detroit and Hamtramck starting Thursday.

Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit sets spring reopening

The museum-gallery returns April 25 after a renovation.

The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit will reopen April 25 after a closure for renovation.The big picture: MOCAD <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shut its doors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/mocad-renovation-2025-2026-contemporary-art-museum" data-vars-content-id="c6d0fa3a-1a7d-4212-bdac-8769c466f70d" data-vars-headline="Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit sets spring reopening" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/mocad-renovation-2025-2026-contemporary-art-museum" target="_self">shut its doors</a> in August to make infrastructure improvements and redesign its facade with a new window art display along Woodward Avenue in Midtown.

Formerly incarcerated artists can apply for paid residency

Artists in Michigan with past incarceration can apply through Feb. 15.

Formerly incarcerated artists can apply for a paid artists&#x27; residency through the Detroit Justice Center.Why it matters: The nonprofit legal services provider focuses on inclusivity and justice system transformation.<ul><li>That includes reflecting Detroit&#x27;s &quot;long history of art and activism,&quot; the center says in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="explaining the residency" data-vars-click-url="https://detroitjustice.org/narrative-shifting-and-imagination/" data-vars-content-id="bc46071b-2147-4f96-9292-893414cbd73b" data-vars-headline="Formerly incarcerated artists can apply for paid residency" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://detroitjustice.org/narrative-shifting-and-imagination/" target="_blank">explaining the residency</a>. It has hosted residencies since 2020.</li></ul>

Frame Work: Detroit figurative painter reimagines rest

Andre Barker's solo show opens this month in a Ferndale gallery.

Figurative painter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Andre Barker" data-vars-click-url="https://www.andrebarker.com/" data-vars-content-id="df1bf31b-0dfc-4075-85e8-085ed3e145ab" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: Detroit figurative painter reimagines rest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.andrebarker.com/" target="_blank">Andre Barker</a> Jr.&#x27;s new exhibition explores rest and stillness as forms of power and resistance for Black people.The big picture: Barker&#x27;s &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Rest Is" data-vars-click-url="https://www.mcontemporaryart.com/exhibitions-2026/rest-is" data-vars-content-id="df1bf31b-0dfc-4075-85e8-085ed3e145ab" data-vars-headline="Frame Work: Detroit figurative painter reimagines rest" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.mcontemporaryart.com/exhibitions-2026/rest-is" target="_blank">Rest Is</a>&quot; solo show runs Jan. 16-Feb. 14 at the M Contemporary Art gallery in Ferndale.

Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit's top 2025 workout

Yoga and strength training are also top exercise types.

Metro Detroit&#x27;s top workout this year was Pilates, according to ClassPass data shared with Axios.The big picture: We&#x27;re not bucking the national trend on this one. Across the country, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pilates was the top" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/08/pilates-classpass-functional-fitness-popular" data-vars-content-id="a486a006-f55b-43da-8fa6-b75dc5fd518d" data-vars-headline="Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit&#x27;s top 2025 workout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/03/08/pilates-classpass-functional-fitness-popular" target="_self">Pilates was the top</a> fitness format — just like last year and the year prior — increasing 66% year over year, per workout reservation app <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ClassPass" data-vars-click-url="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" data-vars-content-id="a486a006-f55b-43da-8fa6-b75dc5fd518d" data-vars-headline="Pilates reigned as Metro Detroit&#x27;s top 2025 workout" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://classpass.com/blog/2025-classpass-look-back-report/" target="_blank">ClassPass</a>.

Culture

Jalen Rose to debut new TV series

Frame Work: "Friendly Fire" delves into police narratives

Things to do this weekend in Metro Detroit: Feb. 6-8

100 years of Black History Month: Metro Detroit events to know

Disguises abound in next exhibition at the Shepherd