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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.

Wayne State professor's new book digs into race and space in Detroit

The book explores race, borders and power in the city's recovery.

Culture

A new book about race, place and Detroit&#x27;s revitalization examines how narratives about the city&#x27;s recovery from bankruptcy may benefit outsiders while marginalizing residents.Why it matters: In &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit Never Left: Black Space, White Borders, Latino Crossings" data-vars-click-url="https://nyupress.org/9781479826827/detroit-never-left/" data-vars-content-id="39ea950a-fba5-4bf4-846f-81263468fa18" data-vars-headline="Wayne State professor&#x27;s new book digs into race and space in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://nyupress.org/9781479826827/detroit-never-left/" target="_blank">Detroit Never Left: Black Space, White Borders, Latino Crossings</a>,&quot; author <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Nicole Trujillo-Pagán" data-vars-click-url="https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/bb3729" data-vars-content-id="39ea950a-fba5-4bf4-846f-81263468fa18" data-vars-headline="Wayne State professor&#x27;s new book digs into race and space in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://clasprofiles.wayne.edu/profile/bb3729" target="_blank">Nicole Trujillo-Pagán</a> aims to challenge the city&#x27;s corporate-driven story.

Scoop: Romulus pushes back as federal document confirms ICE facility plan

The city is exhausting all of its options to oppose the facility.

A newly uncovered federal document confirms the U.S. government&#x27;s intent to use a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Romulus warehouse as an ICE detention facility" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/proposed-ice-detention-facility-romulus-michigan" data-vars-content-id="11ce4249-ffed-4368-8292-ef8c8d09a5e1" data-vars-headline="Scoop: Romulus pushes back as federal document confirms ICE facility plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/proposed-ice-detention-facility-romulus-michigan" target="_self">Romulus warehouse as an ICE detention facility</a> — even as the city&#x27;s mayor said he still doesn&#x27;t know who owns the property or how many people could be held there.Why it matters: The disclosure marks the first official federal acknowledgment tied directly to the site near DTW. It sets up a potential clash over local zoning authority and federal power, Romulus Mayor Robert McCraight told Axios Detroit in an exclusive interview Thursday.

Wayne State names Richard Bierschbach president

The Board of Governors elevated the interim leader after months of searching.

Wayne State promoted interim president Richard Bierschbach to be the university&#x27;s 14th president Tuesday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Detroit News reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2026/02/24/wayne-state-university-surprise-choice-interim-president-richard-bierschbach/88832244007/" data-vars-content-id="db7aa51a-5932-4f0e-bcd0-afdf98a431f2" data-vars-headline="Wayne State names Richard Bierschbach president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2026/02/24/wayne-state-university-surprise-choice-interim-president-richard-bierschbach/88832244007/" target="_blank">the Detroit News reported</a>.Why it matters: The state&#x27;s third-biggest university, located in the heart of Detroit, has been searching for a new leader since former president Kimberly Andrews Espy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="resigned in September" data-vars-click-url="https://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/article_635485f6-c01c-4adc-a989-5655021a457d.html" data-vars-content-id="db7aa51a-5932-4f0e-bcd0-afdf98a431f2" data-vars-headline="Wayne State names Richard Bierschbach president" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.thesouthend.wayne.edu/article_635485f6-c01c-4adc-a989-5655021a457d.html" target="_blank">resigned in September</a>.

Michigan edges toward school phone restrictions

A House bill would limit students' smartphone use in class.

Michigan is closer to passing statewide restrictions on cellphones in schools after lawmakers <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rejected the idea last summer" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/michigan-school-phone-ban-rejected-schools" data-vars-content-id="8518a7fb-224d-4202-b710-50ea11c9ff63" data-vars-headline="Michigan edges toward school phone restrictions" 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/michigan-school-phone-ban-rejected-schools" target="_self">rejected the idea last summer</a>.Driving the news: The Michigan House last week passed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="HB 4141" data-vars-click-url="https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4141" data-vars-content-id="8518a7fb-224d-4202-b710-50ea11c9ff63" data-vars-headline="Michigan edges toward school phone restrictions" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.legislature.mi.gov/Bills/Bill?ObjectName=2025-HB-4141" target="_blank">HB 4141</a>, which would prohibit K-12 public school students from using smartphones during instruction time.

Cass Tech's century-old harp program hits a high note

The school says it has the longest-running harp program at any public school in the U.S.

<figure><img alt="Students pictured playing harp" height="450" id="b0af8c60-9206-407a-81d2-2c4d50e50015" src="https://images.axios.com/srZarn-qoUjQy0qu6HDl-3lcz9g=/2025/12/12/1765563179723.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>Ninth grade students (from right) Jillian Jones and James Johnson play harp. Video: Annalise Frank/Axios</figcaption></figure>Students quietly plucking harp strings in a Cass Technical High School classroom are following in the footsteps of a century&#x27;s worth of peers.Why it matters: Storied Cass Tech is commemorating this fall the 100th anniversary of its harp program, which it says is the longest-running at any public school in the U.S.

College degree still drives higher pay in Detroit

Adults with degrees earn far more than peers without college education.

College remains a gateway to higher pay in Metro Detroit and beyond, an analysis of federal data shows.Why it matters: The earnings data stands in stark contrast with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new national polling" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" data-vars-content-id="c05b2ac8-0a01-4eee-954d-43b9da182f03" data-vars-headline="College degree still drives higher pay in Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/09/14/college-jobs-gallup-ai" target="_self">new national polling</a> that shows Americans are much less likely to think higher education is &quot;very important.&quot;

Wayne State board eyes leadership shake-up

Faculty and board members are questioning president Espy's leadership.

Wayne State&#x27;s board and some of the university&#x27;s faculty are planning to oust university president Kimberly Andrews Espy, the Detroit News <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2025/09/11/wayne-state-board-governors-to-oust-president-kimberly-andrews-espy-by-resignation-or-firing/86054758007/" data-vars-content-id="79d3e5f5-33b9-460f-a11e-ae76435cef1a" data-vars-headline="Wayne State board eyes leadership shake-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/detroit-city/2025/09/11/wayne-state-board-governors-to-oust-president-kimberly-andrews-espy-by-resignation-or-firing/86054758007/" target="_blank">reports</a>.The big picture: Anonymous sources outlined the board&#x27;s displeasure with Espy&#x27;s leadership, including a lack of communication when a medical school dean was <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="placed on paid leave" data-vars-click-url="https://arabamericannews.com/2025/08/23/wayne-state-medical-school-dean-dr-wael-sakr-placed-on-paid-administrative-leave-reasons-unclear/" data-vars-content-id="79d3e5f5-33b9-460f-a11e-ae76435cef1a" data-vars-headline="Wayne State board eyes leadership shake-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://arabamericannews.com/2025/08/23/wayne-state-medical-school-dean-dr-wael-sakr-placed-on-paid-administrative-leave-reasons-unclear/" target="_blank">placed on paid leave</a> in August and a belief that Espy should be more involved in Wayne State&#x27;s community, per the News.

New year, big shifts for Detroit schools

Schools reopen Monday amid policy changes, budget gaps and attendance incentives.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Detroit public schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/08/20/michigan-school-phone-ban-rejected-schools" data-vars-content-id="dc518ab0-d973-4640-a06d-be33d431d73e" data-vars-headline="New year, big shifts for Detroit schools" 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/michigan-school-phone-ban-rejected-schools" target="_self">Detroit public schools</a> begin the 2025-26 academic year Monday.Whether your kids are in school or you haven&#x27;t followed school news in years, here&#x27;s what to know.

Lawmakers reject Michigan school phone ban

Detroit schools ban phones in class, but lawmakers have said no to a statewide policy.

Detroit students are headed back to school Monday with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rules banning cell phones" data-vars-click-url="https://go.boarddocs.com/mi/detroit/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=CEAQ5E63C058" data-vars-content-id="bee67f52-56a7-41bd-a302-9594e5c7fbcd" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers reject Michigan school phone ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://go.boarddocs.com/mi/detroit/Board.nsf/goto?open&amp;id=CEAQ5E63C058" target="_blank">rules banning cell phones</a> during class in place, but that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="not the case" data-vars-click-url="https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/school-cell-phone-bans-are-spreading-michigan-next/" data-vars-content-id="bee67f52-56a7-41bd-a302-9594e5c7fbcd" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers reject Michigan school phone ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://bridgemi.com/talent-education/school-cell-phone-bans-are-spreading-michigan-next/" target="_blank">not the case</a> in all Michigan districts.Why it matters: Cell phones are an obvious distraction for students and teachers, with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="growing momentum" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/06/school-phone-bans-dc-map-bipartisan" data-vars-content-id="bee67f52-56a7-41bd-a302-9594e5c7fbcd" data-vars-headline="Lawmakers reject Michigan school phone ban" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/06/school-phone-bans-dc-map-bipartisan" target="_self">growing momentum</a> for keeping them out of the classroom.

New initiative looks to expand youth arts access

A new partnership aims to expand children's access to the arts.

Detroit kids are poised to have better access to arts education through a collaborative effort with federal funding and buy-in from Henry Ford Health.Why it matters: Visual arts, storytelling, music and other forms unlock artistic potential in children beyond those pursuing art as a career.

Michigan student loan debt averages $37,000 per borrower

Trump hasn't said how he would handle the mounting debt in his next White House term.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="President-elect Trump" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" data-vars-content-id="e619dc45-73c7-4bee-84f1-0415206a76f7" data-vars-headline="Michigan student loan debt averages $37,000 per borrower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/politics-policy/donald-trump" target="_self">President-elect Trump</a> could do away with his predecessor&#x27;s yearslong efforts to erase <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student debt" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/18/student-loan-deadline-repayment" data-vars-content-id="e619dc45-73c7-4bee-84f1-0415206a76f7" data-vars-headline="Michigan student loan debt averages $37,000 per borrower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/09/18/student-loan-deadline-repayment" target="_self">student debt</a>.The big picture: Trump has repeatedly bashed the Biden administration&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student loan forgiveness" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/03/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-latest" data-vars-content-id="e619dc45-73c7-4bee-84f1-0415206a76f7" data-vars-headline="Michigan student loan debt averages $37,000 per borrower" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/10/03/student-loan-forgiveness-biden-latest" target="_self">student loan forgiveness</a> plans but has not said how he would handle the mounting debt in his next White House term.

Dogs at Metro Detroit schools detect guns and support kids

Zebra K9 trains labs to detect weapons and illegal substances at schools.

<figure><img alt="A labrador retriever sniffs by lockers and finds one, then sits obediently." height="450" id="c76f23a4-d049-4ba2-8ea1-f25a5323dce2" src="https://images.axios.com/WdsqxqA4YbnzYpBNVJBqvxZkhoI=/filters:no_upscale()/2024/10/23/1729700132943.gif" width="800"/><figcaption>A Zebra K9 dog sits obediently to show it has detected something in a locker. Video: Courtesy of Zebra K9</figcaption></figure>Binx and Intel, two widely loved members of the Van Dyke Public Schools community in Warren, greet students daily with a smile and a sniff.The big picture: The labrador retrievers are two of 16 highly trained dogs from Zebra K9, a Waterford-based business specializing in the growing canine detection market.<ul><li>These dogs are trained to detect firearms, explosives, narcotics and vapes in schools with their handlers, offering a crucial layer of safety for students and staff.</li><li>Using dogs for gun detection and as a visible deterrent in schools is <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="becoming more popular" data-vars-click-url="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/26/police-gun-detecting-dogs-schools" data-vars-content-id="214c51b4-4010-452e-b123-72b277bd3c90" data-vars-headline="Dogs at Metro Detroit schools detect guns and support kids" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/article/2024/aug/26/police-gun-detecting-dogs-schools" target="_blank">becoming more popular</a> in the United States. after <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="record numbers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/14/school-shootings-record-high-year" data-vars-content-id="214c51b4-4010-452e-b123-72b277bd3c90" data-vars-headline="Dogs at Metro Detroit schools detect guns and support kids" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2023/09/14/school-shootings-record-high-year" target="_self">record numbers</a> of school shootings in recent years.</li></ul>State of play: Van Dyke is one of eight school districts working with Zebra K9. The dogs on the campuses serve two functions: They search for prohibited items and provide therapeutic support to students and staff.How it works: On a typical day, dogs and their handlers start with a sweep of the grounds, Zebra CEO Greg Guidice tells Axios.<ul><li>They mill about, sniffing, as students enter and between classes, and then they sweep lockers, the gym and other areas while students learn. They also attend after-school events.</li><li>&quot;It&#x27;s a visual proactive deterrent that&#x27;s there every day,&quot; Guidice says.</li></ul>Yes, but: At first, Zebra underestimated the emotional benefit its dogs could have on students, Guidice says.<ul><li>Now, dogs are asked to console struggling students or escort them across the school.</li></ul><figure><img alt="Students are shown in two pictures petting the dogs." height="1080" id="de91f838-9e16-45d9-9441-1a16d6a086a7" src="https://images.axios.com/Me4FhW-6NhcAdzEESDB4hJMXthY=/2024/10/23/1729700507038.png" width="1920"/><figcaption>Intel with handler Tony Stokes and a student at Lincoln Middle School (left); students at Carlson Elementary School hang out with Binx. Photos: Courtesy of Zebra K9 and Van Dyke Public Schools</figcaption></figure>In some districts, one or two dogs are assigned daily to the high school. In others, they travel throughout the district.<ul><li>Zebra K9 works with Van Dyke, as well as Avondale School District in Auburn Hills, Lakeview Public Schools in St. Clair Shores, St. Ignace Area Schools, Mt. Morris Consolidated Schools, Huron Valley Schools in Highland, Rudyard Area Schools and Williamston Community Schools.</li><li>The company does not disclose statistics on firearm or explosive discovery for privacy and security reasons, the company said in a statement.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;It&#x27;s become a necessary concept,&quot; Van Dyke Superintendent Piper Bognar tells Axios.<ul><li>The district pays for Binx and Intel&#x27;s daily presence through a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="state mental health" data-vars-click-url="https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/Memos/2024/08/Student-Mental-Health-and-Safety-Funding-for-Fiscal-Year-2025.pdf?rev=d5758cdce5ef41d7ad56ad01f074aa71" data-vars-content-id="214c51b4-4010-452e-b123-72b277bd3c90" data-vars-headline="Dogs at Metro Detroit schools detect guns and support kids" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/Memos/2024/08/Student-Mental-Health-and-Safety-Funding-for-Fiscal-Year-2025.pdf?rev=d5758cdce5ef41d7ad56ad01f074aa71" target="_blank">state mental health</a> and safety grant.</li><li>&quot;You can just tell how accepted and loved they are,&quot; Bognar adds.</li></ul>Between the lines: Zebra purchases labrador retrievers 10-15 months old, raised with a drive to hunt and search. They started with about five dogs when the company launched in 2023.<ul><li>Zebra trains dogs at its 4,400-square-foot Waterford facility, Guidice says. It has labs and German Shepherds, but only labs at schools.</li></ul>By the numbers: The dogs did more than 27,000 sweeps in the Van Dyke district last school year, 165 student escorts and nearly 1,400 social support sessions, according to Bognar.The bottom line: &quot;You think about (gun violence) constantly,&quot; Bognar says. &quot;My two main jobs are safety and education, and I almost always say safety first because I want parents to know they can send their child to school, and we&#x27;ve done everything within our control to make the environment safe.&quot;

Education 📚

Wayne State names Richard Bierschbach president

Michigan edges toward school phone restrictions

Cass Tech's century-old harp program hits a high note

College degree still drives higher pay in Detroit

Wayne State board eyes leadership shake-up