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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.

Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab

The group now offers zero-interest loans to support local housing developers.

Real Estate

A local organization known for assisting small Black-owned businesses is venturing into a new arena: home rehab.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Black Leaders Detroit" data-vars-click-url="https://www.blackleadersdetroit.org/" data-vars-content-id="7afe523f-14a2-4031-9664-e92b50864e27" data-vars-headline="Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.blackleadersdetroit.org/" target="_blank">Black Leaders Detroit</a> (BLD) has provided grants and zero-interest loans worth more than $6 million to entrepreneurs since 2020.

It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit

Homes are getting more expensive and down payment assistance demand is high.

It took the typical Metro Detroit household nearly eight years to save for a median home down payment as of 2025, according to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Realtor.com analysis" data-vars-click-url="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" data-vars-content-id="607e8508-f65b-4472-ab4b-705ff6445908" data-vars-headline="It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.realtor.com/research/downpayment-savings-december-2025/" target="_blank">Realtor.com analysis</a>.Why it matters: Coming up with a down payment is one of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="biggest barriers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/homebuyers-are-struggling-to-make-bigger-down-payments.html" data-vars-content-id="607e8508-f65b-4472-ab4b-705ff6445908" data-vars-headline="It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/04/homebuyers-are-struggling-to-make-bigger-down-payments.html" target="_blank">biggest barriers</a> to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/stocks-retirement-gen-z" data-vars-content-id="607e8508-f65b-4472-ab4b-705ff6445908" data-vars-headline="It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/29/stocks-retirement-gen-z" target="_self">homeownership</a>.

Tech CEO plans revival for Detroit's largest home

Calvin Gee bought the 68-room Bishop Mansion and wants to restore it.

The largest home in Detroit, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Bishop Mansion" data-vars-click-url="https://historicdetroit.org/buildings/bishop-mansion" data-vars-content-id="d06790f4-7aa3-41b9-8e8f-9890df522dbb" data-vars-headline="Tech CEO plans revival for Detroit&#x27;s largest home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://historicdetroit.org/buildings/bishop-mansion" target="_blank">Bishop Mansion</a>, has found a buyer: angel investor and AI exec Calvin Gee.Why it matters: It&#x27;s not just Gee moving in — the 35-year-old from West Bloomfield also plans to move his AI and robotics company <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Engage" data-vars-click-url="https://engagework.com/" data-vars-content-id="d06790f4-7aa3-41b9-8e8f-9890df522dbb" data-vars-headline="Tech CEO plans revival for Detroit&#x27;s largest home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://engagework.com/" target="_blank">Engage</a> from Austin to Detroit, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Free Press reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2026/01/20/detroits-largest-private-residence-sells-for-a-fraction-of-its-price/88265917007/" data-vars-content-id="d06790f4-7aa3-41b9-8e8f-9890df522dbb" data-vars-headline="Tech CEO plans revival for Detroit&#x27;s largest home" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2026/01/20/detroits-largest-private-residence-sells-for-a-fraction-of-its-price/88265917007/" target="_blank">Free Press reported</a>.

Homebuyers may get more leverage this year

Here's what 2026 might look like for Metro Detroit's housing market.

Metro Detroit&#x27;s housing market may regain a bit more of an even balance between buyers and sellers this year.Why it matters: Expect a 2026 housing market that&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="still unaffordable for many buyers" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_saltlakecity&amp;stream=top" data-vars-content-id="fd953071-be34-4c5b-8a1f-be53caa825e9" data-vars-headline="Homebuyers may get more leverage this year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/01/mortgage-rates-home-prices-predictions-2026?utm_source=newsletter&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_saltlakecity&amp;stream=top" target="_self">still unaffordable for many buyers</a>, but also with some momentum toward better inventory and mortgage rates.

I want a lawn that doesn't make me cringe

After four years in Ferndale, I'm finally ready to tackle my neglected yard.

Things to Do

I bought my house in Ferndale almost four years ago, but I still feel like a new homeowner when it comes to yard care.Why it matters: I want to be proud of my lawn, but it&#x27;s been a patchy, weed-pocked mess under my stewardship.

Detroit mansion becomes Michigan's top Zillow listing

The $7M Fisher estate in Palmer Woods tops Zillow's most-viewed homes list in Michigan.

A historic mansion in the Palmer Woods neighborhood with a $7 million price tag was Michigan&#x27;s most popular Zillow listing this year.Why it matters: The property set a record in 2022 for Detroit&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="most expensive home ever sold" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2022/03/10/stellantis-exec-purchases-historic-fisher-mansion/6989601001/" data-vars-content-id="082beb7a-9f85-4bb6-84c6-0cff49986d7d" data-vars-headline="Detroit mansion becomes Michigan&#x27;s top Zillow listing" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/detroit/2022/03/10/stellantis-exec-purchases-historic-fisher-mansion/6989601001/" target="_blank">most expensive home ever sold</a> when a former Stellantis executive, Mark Stewart, bought it for $4.9 million.

HOA dues eat into homeownership costs in Michigan

The median monthly HOA or condo fee in Michigan was $125 last year.

Nearly 1 in 5 Michigan homeowners paid condo or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeowners association" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/15/homeowners-association-fees-hoa-dues" data-vars-content-id="583d8555-2604-4833-a009-1f7da2a4d174" data-vars-headline="HOA dues eat into homeownership costs in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/02/15/homeowners-association-fees-hoa-dues" target="_self">homeowners association</a> fees last year, and their median monthly bill was $125, new Census Bureau <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="data" data-vars-click-url="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/09/condo-hoa-fees.html" data-vars-content-id="583d8555-2604-4833-a009-1f7da2a4d174" data-vars-headline="HOA dues eat into homeownership costs in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.census.gov/library/stories/2025/09/condo-hoa-fees.html" target="_blank">data</a> shows.Why it matters: Expensive condo or HOA dues add to the already high cost of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="homeownership" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/01/real-estate-home-prices-nyc-florida" data-vars-content-id="583d8555-2604-4833-a009-1f7da2a4d174" data-vars-headline="HOA dues eat into homeownership costs in Michigan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/01/real-estate-home-prices-nyc-florida" target="_self">homeownership</a>.

New Detroit policy helps Native American groups buy land

A local Indigenous collective inspired a new 50% discount.

Native Americans are now eligible for a 50% discount on properties sold through Detroit Land Bank Authority auctions.The big picture: The new policy is similar to other Land Bank auction discounts, such as those for Detroit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="public school" data-vars-click-url="https://buildingdetroit.org/news/post/n-a12345" data-vars-content-id="711ca658-42ce-4bf1-8fcf-1ebb9941dbeb" data-vars-headline="New Detroit policy helps Native American groups buy land" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://buildingdetroit.org/news/post/n-a12345" target="_blank">public school</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="skilled trade" data-vars-click-url="https://dlba-production-bucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/DLBA+Policies/POLICIES+-+STEP+Union+Member+Discount+(Final+May+2019).pdf" data-vars-content-id="711ca658-42ce-4bf1-8fcf-1ebb9941dbeb" data-vars-headline="New Detroit policy helps Native American groups buy land" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://dlba-production-bucket.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/DLBA+Policies/POLICIES+-+STEP+Union+Member+Discount+(Final+May+2019).pdf" target="_blank">skilled trade</a> workers.

$31M in Eastern Market properties listed in rare deal

Firm Real Estate lists 21 buildings, lots and spaces in sought-after Detroit district.

More than 20 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eastern Market" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/03/eastern-market-expansion-shed-4" data-vars-content-id="a437128f-3106-4304-8de0-9478deb86612" data-vars-headline="$31M in Eastern Market properties listed in rare deal" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/06/03/eastern-market-expansion-shed-4" target="_self">Eastern Market</a> properties went on the market Thursday for a combined $30.9 million.Why it matters: Firm Real Estate&#x27;s unloading of its Eastern Market portfolio represents a rare development opportunity in one of Detroit&#x27;s most popular areas.

Photographer behind "Midwest Modern" account to share UP stories

Josh Lipnik's upcoming talks will dive deep on the Upper Peninsula.

The photographer and writer behind a viral social media account cataloguing intriguing architecture around Michigan and the Midwest is giving local talks this fall about his experience.Why it matters: Metro Detroit native Josh Lipnik, who operates the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Midwest Modern" data-vars-click-url="https://x.com/JoshLipnik" data-vars-content-id="cd020d56-2308-41ce-ae56-66594ef45885" data-vars-headline="Photographer behind &quot;Midwest Modern&quot; account to share UP stories" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://x.com/JoshLipnik" target="_blank">Midwest Modern</a> account, chronicles architecture, design and adaptive reuse across the region.

Homeowners are staying put longer

Detroit homeowners are staying put longer

A line chart showing average homeowner tenure in the Detroit metro area compared to the U.S. overall. Tenure is the time between the most recent and previous sale dates of a home. Nationally, average tenure has risen from 3.7 years in Q1 2005 to 8.6 years in Q4 2025. In Detroit, average tenure has risen from 2.6 years to 7.9 years over the same period.

Real Estate 🏠

Detroit homeowners are staying put longer

Black Leaders Detroit expands into home rehab

It takes 8 years to save for a down payment in Metro Detroit

Tech CEO plans revival for Detroit's largest home

Homebuyers may get more leverage this year