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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.

Fish fries kick off across metro Detroit

Local churches and halls start Friday fish fries for Lent this week.

Fish fry season is back! Ash Wednesday marked the start of Lent, when many Catholics abstain from eating meat on Fridays.The big picture: Most fish fries start this week and continue each Friday through either March 27 or Good Friday on April 3.

Dirty soda finally bubbles up in Metro Detroit

Utah's dirty soda trend is gaining traction in with shops and pop-ups.

Social media has exploded in the last couple of years with a drink trend long favored by the Latter-day Saint community: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dirty soda" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2022/11/23/dirty-soda-swig-nicole-tanner-private-equity" data-vars-content-id="18703504-9246-4f1d-94c8-eb9bff3923af" data-vars-headline="Dirty soda finally bubbles up in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/pro/retail-deals/2022/11/23/dirty-soda-swig-nicole-tanner-private-equity" target="_self">dirty soda</a>.State of play: Michigan has been slow to absorb the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="dirty soda movement" data-vars-click-url="https://www.eater.com/23041658/dirty-soda-trend-tiktok-coffee-mate-creamer" data-vars-content-id="18703504-9246-4f1d-94c8-eb9bff3923af" data-vars-headline="Dirty soda finally bubbles up in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.eater.com/23041658/dirty-soda-trend-tiktok-coffee-mate-creamer" target="_blank">dirty soda movement</a>, with few options available until recently.

Where to get Dubai chocolate coffee drinks

We found one cafe selling them in Detroit — but you can also DIY the flavor combo.

Starbucks <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kicked off 2026" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/05/starbucks-menu-2026-dubai-chocolate-protein" data-vars-content-id="b209577e-9541-4b13-b42b-3ee847721fa4" data-vars-headline="Where to get Dubai chocolate coffee drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/05/starbucks-menu-2026-dubai-chocolate-protein" target="_self">kicked off 2026</a> by adding viral Dubai chocolate-inspired beverages to its menu — but the coffee giant isn&#x27;t the only option.Catch up quick: Dubai chocolate is a delectable flavor combo with pistachio, chocolate and crunchy <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="kataifi" data-vars-click-url="https://www.dimitrasdishes.com/viral-dubai-chocolate-bar/" data-vars-content-id="b209577e-9541-4b13-b42b-3ee847721fa4" data-vars-headline="Where to get Dubai chocolate coffee drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.dimitrasdishes.com/viral-dubai-chocolate-bar/" target="_blank">kataifi</a>, or shredded pastry dough, that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="rose to prominence" data-vars-click-url="https://www.tiktok.com/@averycyrus/video/7364504272228093227?lang=en" data-vars-content-id="b209577e-9541-4b13-b42b-3ee847721fa4" data-vars-headline="Where to get Dubai chocolate coffee drinks" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.tiktok.com/@averycyrus/video/7364504272228093227?lang=en" target="_blank">rose to prominence</a> in 2024.

Hidden shawarma gem inside One Woodward downtown

M&M Food Corner serves flavor-packed shawarma inside a tower off of Jefferson.

Annalise here with a downtown lunch option that&#x27;s been around a long time, but may not be on your radar.Dig in: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="M&amp;M Food Corner" data-vars-click-url="https://www.yelp.com/biz/m-and-m-food-corner-detroit" data-vars-content-id="5d3aee88-8b93-4fb7-9840-dbc5090c9761" data-vars-headline="Hidden shawarma gem inside One Woodward downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/m-and-m-food-corner-detroit" target="_blank">M&amp;M Food Corner</a> serves up delectable shawarma, salads and smoothies from a counter hidden inside <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="One Woodward" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bedrockdetroit.com/property/one-woodward/" data-vars-content-id="5d3aee88-8b93-4fb7-9840-dbc5090c9761" data-vars-headline="Hidden shawarma gem inside One Woodward downtown" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bedrockdetroit.com/property/one-woodward/" target="_blank">One Woodward</a>, a tower overlooking the Detroit River.<ul><li>It&#x27;s been operating for around 20 years.</li></ul>The vibe: I&#x27;ve been twice and there&#x27;s always a line outside the small lunch stall.<ul><li>Its counter is stuffed with pastries and salads, while shelves on either side are stacked with snacks and drinks like a mini bodega.</li></ul>What to try: The flavor-packed chicken shawarma ($8) is the go-to, with a $6 salad if you&#x27;re really hungry.<ul><li>I also tried a cup of the chicken lemon rice soup ($4), which was good but not an instant classic like the shawarma.</li><li>Pro tip: Stock up on napkins.</li></ul>Stop by: M&amp;M&#x27;s hours are 11am-3pm Monday-Thursday, in a corner on the ground floor.<ul><li>Guests who don&#x27;t work in the building must go through the front entrance along Jefferson Avenue.</li></ul>

Spanish-inspired Antidote opening on Jefferson

The owner aims to bridge Jefferson Chalmers and Grosse Pointe Park with the universal language of food.

Spanish-inspired dinner and brunch restaurant <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Antidote Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://theantidotedetroit.com/" data-vars-content-id="f82cb7c0-2d0d-4117-974a-b866e03b421d" data-vars-headline="Spanish-inspired Antidote opening on Jefferson" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://theantidotedetroit.com/" target="_blank">Antidote Detroit</a> opens Monday.Why it matters: Antidote landed in a noteworthy spot — Jefferson Avenue on the border between Detroit&#x27;s Jefferson Chalmers neighborhood and Grosse Pointe Park.

Rethinking our relationships with sugar

A lifelong dessert fiend has committed to reducing their sugar intake in 2026 and is far from alone.

👋 Annalise here. In my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2025 series" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/18/dearborn-desserts-waffle-to-end-all-waffles" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/02/18/dearborn-desserts-waffle-to-end-all-waffles" target="_self">2025 series</a> trying Dearborn&#x27;s most mouthwatering desserts, I fell hard for the Dubai chocolate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="strawberry cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/14/dearborn-desserts-a-cup-the-internet-loves" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/14/dearborn-desserts-a-cup-the-internet-loves" target="_self">strawberry cup</a>, the sweet-savory <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cheese dome" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/28/dearborn-desserts-the-iconic-cheese-dome" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/05/28/dearborn-desserts-the-iconic-cheese-dome" target="_self">cheese dome</a> and traditional <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="baklava" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/03/dearborn-desserts-ramadan-begins" data-vars-content-id="fb09b446-45d5-49e6-a0eb-81fde49344bf" data-vars-headline="Rethinking our relationships with sugar" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/03/dearborn-desserts-ramadan-begins" target="_self">baklava</a>.Yes, but: All those midday treats are now merely long-ago love affairs to play through my mind on repeat during the dark, lonely hours, like an elderly bachelor reflecting on his Casanova youth.

7 standout Detroit restaurant openings in 2025

The city saw a pizza shop, vegan diner and zero-proof bar open.

Detroit&#x27;s evolving dining scene saw some significant additions this year and reached new heights — though we lost some longtime operators, too.Why it matters: As economic uncertainty, tariffs and labor cost challenges drive difficulties in the ever-precarious restaurant industry, local businesses are still innovating and learning how to succeed.

Bev's Bagels is growing in Detroit and Ann Arbor

The bagel spot is adding space in Core City and a location in downtown Ann Arbor.

Bev&#x27;s Bagels is doubling <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="its footprint in Core City" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/12/bevs-bagels-detroit-grand-river-opening" data-vars-content-id="e20dd315-6188-46d6-9d61-ba459a9de09d" data-vars-headline="Bev&#x27;s Bagels is growing in Detroit and Ann Arbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/12/bevs-bagels-detroit-grand-river-opening" target="_self">its footprint in Core City</a> and opening a second location in Ann Arbor next year, the bagel diner announced Tuesday.Why it matters: Bev&#x27;s expansion comes after its Detroit opening attracted a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="crowd last spring" data-vars-click-url="https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/33143/gallery_bev_s_bagels_in_detroit_s_core_city_neighborhood_opens_customers_pour_in" data-vars-content-id="e20dd315-6188-46d6-9d61-ba459a9de09d" data-vars-headline="Bev&#x27;s Bagels is growing in Detroit and Ann Arbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.deadlinedetroit.com/articles/33143/gallery_bev_s_bagels_in_detroit_s_core_city_neighborhood_opens_customers_pour_in" target="_blank">crowd last spring</a> in one of the city&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="emerging neighborhoods" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2024/09/27/in-detroits-core-city-neighborhood-signs-of-a-revival-take-root/75348691007/" data-vars-content-id="e20dd315-6188-46d6-9d61-ba459a9de09d" data-vars-headline="Bev&#x27;s Bagels is growing in Detroit and Ann Arbor" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitnews.com/story/business/2024/09/27/in-detroits-core-city-neighborhood-signs-of-a-revival-take-root/75348691007/" target="_blank">emerging neighborhoods</a>.

Redevelopment includes Detroit location for Balkan House

The döner kebab eatery is coming as part of a new multirestaurant site from the creators of Detroit Shipping Co.

Business

Döner kebab eatery Balkan House is planning to come to Detroit as part of a new multirestaurant site from the creators of Detroit Shipping Co.Driving the news: Developer Detroit Rising will renovate a vacant 1947 building for about $2 million at 3700 Third Ave. — about four blocks from its Cass Corridor food hall that features multiple restaurant purveyors, events, art and retail.

Food and Drink 🍽

First sip: Good old strangeness at The Dovetail in Warren

Fish fries kick off across metro Detroit

Dirty soda finally bubbles up in Metro Detroit

Where to get Dubai chocolate coffee drinks

Rooftop bar coming to Hudson's downtown