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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>.

Ford, Carhartt back Detroit tool-lending site

Ford and Carhartt are supporting a new tool lender for schools, nonprofits and others.

National nonprofit ToolBank USA plans to open a site in Detroit where it&#x27;ll lend tools to local organizations in need of support.Why it matters: When it opens, within the next couple of months, Detroit ToolBank aims to remove barriers to community development work by providing low-cost resources for construction and other projects.

Cosm bringing immersive sports dome downtown

Cosm Detroit will also offer movie experiences in a downtown LED dome.

Cosm Detroit — a live sports and entertainment venue that gives visitors a &quot;front-row seat&quot; to faraway games — is among the city&#x27;s most-anticipated developments set to open this year.Why it matters: With its &quot;shared reality&quot; technology, Cosm promises to bring a cutting edge viewing experience downtown to enhance the city&#x27;s vibrant sports scene.

HUD secretary meets with Detroit mayor-elect, tours downtown

Scott Turner said local leaders are key to reviving the riverfront during his Detroit visit.

HUD Secretary Scott Turner toured <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Hudson&#x27;s Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/26/hudsons-detroit-development-update" data-vars-content-id="3055842d-26cc-4487-b449-d476dbe72d59" data-vars-headline="HUD secretary meets with Detroit mayor-elect, tours downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/26/hudsons-detroit-development-update" target="_self">Hudson&#x27;s Detroit</a> and met with Mayor-elect Mary Sheffield during a Thursday visit to the city.Why it matters: HUD plays an important role in Detroit through its community development grant programs, housing policies and other services for low- and moderate-income households.

Detroit unveils plan for Packard Plant revival

The $50M proposal includes housing, manufacturing jobs and electronic music history.

A new vision has been revealed for housing, jobs and recreation at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Packard Plant" data-vars-click-url="https://www.historicdetroit.org/buildings/packard-plant" data-vars-content-id="5cf5c48e-e559-4ac3-af64-cb2409b5c62e" data-vars-headline="Detroit unveils plan for Packard Plant revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.historicdetroit.org/buildings/packard-plant" target="_blank">Packard Plant</a>, one of Detroit&#x27;s most notorious relics.Why it matters: The Packard Plant has long been a source of embarrassment for the city and a target for outsiders to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="marvel at its abandonment" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/photos-detroit-packard-auto-plant-cars/" data-vars-content-id="5cf5c48e-e559-4ac3-af64-cb2409b5c62e" data-vars-headline="Detroit unveils plan for Packard Plant revival" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thenation.com/article/archive/photos-detroit-packard-auto-plant-cars/" target="_blank">marvel at its abandonment</a>.

Belle Isle zoo torn down for trails and habitat

$1.6M from federal funds is transforming the former zoo into trails and new parking.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Belle Isle&#x27;s" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/21/belle-isle-park-walkable-plan" data-vars-content-id="59b0bbbc-d667-497e-b084-af957a8b8ce9" data-vars-headline="Belle Isle zoo torn down for trails and habitat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/21/belle-isle-park-walkable-plan" target="_self">Belle Isle&#x27;s</a> historic former zoo is being torn down to make way for more trails and parking on the island park.Why it matters: The zoo&#x27;s demolition is among several recent Belle Isle improvement projects made possible with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money.

OpenAI data center planned near Ann Arbor

The project will use a closed-loop water system.

ChatGPT creator OpenAI and partners are developing a huge <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data center" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/openai-data-centers-stargate" data-vars-content-id="175c6fc7-b822-444c-a29d-844966705dcd" data-vars-headline="OpenAI data center planned near Ann Arbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/07/23/openai-data-centers-stargate" target="_self">data center</a> complex in Washtenaw County&#x27;s Saline Township.Why it matters: Data centers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="power the AI boom" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/midwest-data-center-growth-energy-usage" data-vars-content-id="175c6fc7-b822-444c-a29d-844966705dcd" data-vars-headline="OpenAI data center planned near Ann Arbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/04/16/midwest-data-center-growth-energy-usage" target="_self">power the AI boom</a> reshaping the Midwest, straining energy systems and consuming millions of gallons of water while offering unclear benefits for local communities.

Detroit's new riverfront park draws crowds and praise

Ralph Wilson Park features trails, basketball courts and grilling stations on the west riverfront.

The city&#x27;s grand <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new riverfront park" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/03/ralph-wilson-park-detroit-riverfront" data-vars-content-id="dd62849f-8bc2-4cae-af29-1aa6901f2f86" data-vars-headline="Detroit&#x27;s new riverfront park draws crowds and praise" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/03/ralph-wilson-park-detroit-riverfront" target="_self">new riverfront park</a> is less than a week old and Detroiters are already taking advantage of its amenities.Driving the news: The 22-acre, $80 million Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park opened last weekend after years of hype, planning and construction.

DCFC stadium deal leaves parking concerns

Residents say Corktown's parking and traffic plans fall short in the new stadium deal.

After months of discussions, Detroit City FC has agreed to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$2.27 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/17/dcfc-stadium-community-benefits" data-vars-content-id="01b92f8f-aeca-4d3f-8983-101fe76eb34a" data-vars-headline="DCFC stadium deal leaves parking concerns" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/17/dcfc-stadium-community-benefits" target="_self">$2.27 million</a> community benefits package for its new 15,000-seat soccer stadium on Michigan Avenue expected to open in 2027.Why it matters: Thursday&#x27;s deal between DCFC and a panel of neighborhood leaders addresses wages, affordable housing and other concerns, but fails to satisfy long-term questions about Corktown&#x27;s parking options.

Mayor Duggan weighs in on final priorities

Detroit's leader spoke of developments he wants approved before his term is up.

Politics

Mayor Mike Duggan has several developments he wants to get across the finish line in his final months on the job.State of play: Duggan, now a candidate for governor, will leave his city post as of January.

Development 🏗️

Property owners launch Rivertown improvement zone

Ford, Carhartt back Detroit tool-lending site

Cosm bringing immersive sports dome downtown

HUD secretary meets with Detroit mayor-elect, tours downtown

Detroit unveils plan for Packard Plant revival