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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.

City Chatter: New roles and a confidential memo

The latest in Detroit government happenings.

Politics

Welcome back to our <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new regular feature" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/02/04/city-chatter-column-sheffield-public-survey" data-vars-content-id="b5bc2c61-36f1-48e5-985d-0c969e19b5c4" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: New roles and a confidential memo" 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/city-chatter-column-sheffield-public-survey" target="_self">new regular feature</a> on city government and politics.✅ Mayor Mary Sheffield is continuing to fill out her leadership roster by hiring Winnie Liao as COO. Liao previously led an effort to overhaul customer services and improve wait times for the Michigan Secretary of State.

Trump's threat to block Gordie Howe bridge divides Michigan leaders

Some warn a delay could hamper progress on trade, jobs and border security.

Economy

President Trump&#x27;s sudden threat on Monday to block the Gordie Howe International Bridge from opening early this year could have dire consequences for Michigan&#x27;s economy, critics say.Why it matters: For years, Michigan and Detroit have been <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="counting on" data-vars-click-url="https://www.detroitchamber.com/statement-detroit-regional-chamber-on-the-gordie-howe-international-bridge/" data-vars-content-id="1fe8f109-fc3c-4662-8735-dddc162841d3" data-vars-headline="Trump&#x27;s threat to block Gordie Howe bridge divides Michigan leaders" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.detroitchamber.com/statement-detroit-regional-chamber-on-the-gordie-howe-international-bridge/" target="_blank">counting on</a> the bridge&#x27;s opening to usher in a new era of international commerce, border security and tourism.

City Chatter: New faces and titles in Detroit government

Axios Detroit's new regular roundup of what's what and who's who in city government.

We&#x27;re debuting a new regular feature, City Chatter, that will navigate the ins and outs, who&#x27;s who and latest workings of Detroit government — from new Mayor Mary Sheffield to City Council.<ul><li>This will look similar to last year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="local election roundup, Trail Mix" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/17/trail-mix-sheffield-kinloch-mayor-debate-endorsement" data-vars-content-id="4c1d94a0-ab06-40b3-8efc-d0af36c8bbb5" data-vars-headline="City Chatter: New faces and titles in Detroit government" 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/trail-mix-sheffield-kinloch-mayor-debate-endorsement" target="_self">local election roundup, Trail Mix</a>.</li></ul>

Republican field grows in Michigan governor race

Perry Johnson joins a primary packed with high-profile GOP contenders.

Businessman Perry Johnson joined the crowded <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Michigan governor&#x27;s race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/detroit-mayor-duggan-michigan-governor" data-vars-content-id="57224a82-9715-4354-b48f-c72f74ad3dda" data-vars-headline="Republican field grows in Michigan governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/detroit-mayor-duggan-michigan-governor" target="_self">Michigan governor&#x27;s race</a> Monday, bringing with him a sizable war chest and a promise to eliminate the state income tax.Why it matters: Johnson faces a steep path to victory, but his candidacy adds an entrepreneurial focus to one of the country&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most closely watched governor&#x27;s races" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/03/27/sizing-up-whitmers-2026-replacement" data-vars-content-id="57224a82-9715-4354-b48f-c72f74ad3dda" data-vars-headline="Republican field grows in Michigan governor race" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/03/27/sizing-up-whitmers-2026-replacement" target="_self">most closely watched governor&#x27;s races</a>.

U of M expert to lead Detroit's new anti-poverty initiative

Luke Shaefer will oversee health, homelessness and human services in a new city role.

Mayor Mary Sheffield tapped a U of M expert to spearhead her sweeping policy agenda on the systemic issue of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="poverty" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/24/mayor-candidates-poverty-wages-platform-plans" data-vars-content-id="ae645865-2701-49f1-983e-dbe613f35ab3" data-vars-headline="U of M expert to lead Detroit&#x27;s new anti-poverty initiative" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/09/24/mayor-candidates-poverty-wages-platform-plans" target="_self">poverty</a>.Why it matters: Her announcement of Luke Shaefer becoming the city&#x27;s first chief executive of health, human services and poverty solutions is part of a larger organizational overhaul to improve how the city handles supportive social services and homelessness.

Sheffield: Measure Detroit's success by "well-being of all"

The new mayor was publicly sworn in and pledged to tackle poverty and uplift every community in Detroit.

As Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mary Sheffield" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" data-vars-content-id="585a0d40-9f08-49a5-b728-07f38c45208a" data-vars-headline="Sheffield: Measure Detroit&#x27;s success by &quot;well-being of all&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/mary-sheffield-detroit-mayor-election-2025" target="_self">Mary Sheffield</a> was sworn in Friday morning, she committed to spearheading a new chapter of Detroit that takes aim at poverty and builds a &quot;beloved community&quot; anchored in dignity and justice.Why it matters: The free public <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="investiture ceremony" data-vars-click-url="http://facebook.com/watch/live/?share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F1DJSgJzxT6%2F&amp;ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=894435803150309&amp;rdid=pAfp0zTppVC9t6Dd" data-vars-content-id="585a0d40-9f08-49a5-b728-07f38c45208a" data-vars-headline="Sheffield: Measure Detroit&#x27;s success by &quot;well-being of all&quot;" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="http://facebook.com/watch/live/?share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2Fv%2F1DJSgJzxT6%2F&amp;ref=watch_permalink&amp;v=894435803150309&amp;rdid=pAfp0zTppVC9t6Dd" target="_blank">investiture ceremony</a> at the Detroit Opera House celebrated the history of Detroit electing its first female mayor and gave Sheffield another platform to outline the themes that will guide her tenure.

Duggan's campaign stirs up Michigan's election season

The former Detroit mayor's entry adds new energy — and uncertainty — to Michigan's 2026 races.

Former Detroit Mayor <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mike Duggan" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/detroit-mayor-duggan-michigan-governor" data-vars-content-id="8eb2d236-14c8-4bdf-b405-3d233fc2a388" data-vars-headline="Duggan&#x27;s campaign stirs up Michigan&#x27;s election season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/10/23/detroit-mayor-duggan-michigan-governor" target="_self">Mike Duggan</a> is shaking up the 2026 governor&#x27;s race with an independent campaign that&#x27;s already <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drawing attacks" data-vars-click-url="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/01/05/duggan-says-democratic-attacks-signal-concern-over-his-independent-bid-for-michigan-governor/" data-vars-content-id="8eb2d236-14c8-4bdf-b405-3d233fc2a388" data-vars-headline="Duggan&#x27;s campaign stirs up Michigan&#x27;s election season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://michiganadvance.com/2026/01/05/duggan-says-democratic-attacks-signal-concern-over-his-independent-bid-for-michigan-governor/" target="_blank">drawing attacks</a> from both Democrats and Republicans.Why it matters: Duggan&#x27;s unique campaign — he <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="left the Democratic Party" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/12/04/detroit-mayor-mike-duggan-governor-independent" data-vars-content-id="8eb2d236-14c8-4bdf-b405-3d233fc2a388" data-vars-headline="Duggan&#x27;s campaign stirs up Michigan&#x27;s election season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2024/12/04/detroit-mayor-mike-duggan-governor-independent" target="_self">left the Democratic Party</a> after President Trump&#x27;s 2024 win — adds a buzzy dynamic to the governor&#x27;s race that&#x27;s already putting his three-term mayorship <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in the national spotlight" data-vars-click-url="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/12/30/americas-most-successful-mayor-stands-down" data-vars-content-id="8eb2d236-14c8-4bdf-b405-3d233fc2a388" data-vars-headline="Duggan&#x27;s campaign stirs up Michigan&#x27;s election season" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.economist.com/united-states/2025/12/30/americas-most-successful-mayor-stands-down" target="_blank">in the national spotlight</a>.

New leaders take helm of Detroit City Council

James Tate and Coleman Young II were elected in a split 5–4 vote.

Detroit City Council has new leadership for the next four years after a close vote Monday.State of play: The majority of council members, starting new terms this week with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="two fresh faces from November&#x27;s election" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/detroit-city-council-election-results-2025" data-vars-content-id="84fa5650-1108-4e29-a705-17ab7f1da8a2" data-vars-headline="New leaders take helm of Detroit City Council" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/05/detroit-city-council-election-results-2025" target="_self">two fresh faces from November&#x27;s election</a>, chose James Tate as their new president.

Politics 🇺🇸

Michigan businesses face uncertainty on tariff refunds

Democrats scrutinize Moroun's Trump access

City Chatter: New roles and a confidential memo

Trump's threat to block Gordie Howe bridge divides Michigan leaders

City Chatter: New faces and titles in Detroit government