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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.

Michigan athletes shine as the Winter Olympics begin

15 athletes from Michigan are competing as the Winter Olympics kick off in Milan.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="here" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/team-usa-2026-winter-olympics-milano-cortina" data-vars-content-id="10cf3137-23e1-44f5-b86a-a4aa3b2e4031" data-vars-headline="Michigan athletes shine as the Winter Olympics begin" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/27/team-usa-2026-winter-olympics-milano-cortina" target="_self">here</a> with Friday&#x27;s opening ceremony at Milan&#x27;s San Siro Stadium.Why it matters: Fifteen athletes from Michigan, most of whom hail from Metro Detroit, will compete against thousands from around the world for sports&#x27; top honor — Olympic gold.

Pistons explore trade to add scoring punch

Detroit is weighing a major move to add shooting help before Thursday's NBA trade deadline.

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Pistons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/pistons-nba-title-contenders-2026" data-vars-content-id="6dc6c7bd-83f7-4ef2-ad2e-32e65cb6ed73" data-vars-headline="Pistons explore trade to add scoring punch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2026/01/09/pistons-nba-title-contenders-2026" target="_self">The Pistons</a> are reportedly considering a trade to elevate their offensive firepower before the playoffs, but the clock is ticking.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NBA trade deadline" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nba.com/news/2025-26-nba-trade-tracker" data-vars-content-id="6dc6c7bd-83f7-4ef2-ad2e-32e65cb6ed73" data-vars-headline="Pistons explore trade to add scoring punch" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nba.com/news/2025-26-nba-trade-tracker" target="_blank">NBA trade deadline</a> is 3pm Thursday.

I spent $1,800 on streaming last year — here's why

A streaming audit showed I was burning cash to watch sports and shows I barely used.

Money

💸 Joe here, with a confession: I let my <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="streaming subscriptions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/24/sports-streaming-espn-fox-one" data-vars-content-id="42b92403-b830-4bab-a5c3-23080c59d3bd" data-vars-headline="I spent $1,800 on streaming last year — here&#x27;s why" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/08/24/sports-streaming-espn-fox-one" target="_self">streaming subscriptions</a> spiral out of control last year.Why it matters: I really paid the price.

Tigers cut ties with FanDuel Sports Network

MLB teams are rethinking local broadcasts after dropping FanDuel SN.

The Tigers and eight other MLB teams televised by the FanDuel Sports Network have terminated their contracts with the broadcast provider, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="The Athletic reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6955733/2026/01/08/mlb-fanduel-sports-network-teams-cancel-contracts/" data-vars-content-id="b6b244d0-766c-4438-9dfc-0cd3f4f613e1" data-vars-headline="Tigers cut ties with FanDuel Sports Network" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6955733/2026/01/08/mlb-fanduel-sports-network-teams-cancel-contracts/" target="_blank">The Athletic reports</a>.Why it matters: A new broadcasting deal could change the way Tigers fans watch games.

Pistons keep winning — and turning heads

Detroit sits atop the East after big wins over the Knicks and Bulls.

The once-lowly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pistons" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/22/detroit-pistons-season-opener-2025-playoff-push" data-vars-content-id="45381482-6300-4653-ab59-812ffad6d1a2" data-vars-headline="Pistons keep winning — and turning heads" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/10/22/detroit-pistons-season-opener-2025-playoff-push" target="_self">Pistons</a> are generating buzz as a dark horse championship contender.The big picture: At 28-9, Detroit sits atop the Central Division and the entire Eastern Conference.

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.

Sherrone Moore fired, still in custody amid investigation

The former U of M coach was fired after a university probe into a staff relationship.

One of college football&#x27;s premier jobs is open after U of M fired head football coach Sherrone Moore this week, as the program navigates a still-developing law enforcement situation ahead of the sport&#x27;s season-ending <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="playoff tournament" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/college-football/playoff-bracket" data-vars-content-id="530f510a-a891-4a75-83dc-e0cf3f25ef5d" data-vars-headline="Sherrone Moore fired, still in custody amid investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/playoff-bracket" target="_blank">playoff tournament</a>.The big picture: Coaching candidates emerged Thursday for the Wolverines, including Alabama&#x27;s Kalen DeBoer and Jedd Fisch of Washington, as Moore remained in jail.The latest: Prosecutors say the case is still under investigation and haven&#x27;t said whether charges will be filed. Moore was taken into custody Wednesday and is expected to be arraigned Friday, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="per ESPN" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47277170/fired-michigan-coach-sherrone-moore-custody-no-decision-charges" data-vars-content-id="530f510a-a891-4a75-83dc-e0cf3f25ef5d" data-vars-headline="Sherrone Moore fired, still in custody amid investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47277170/fired-michigan-coach-sherrone-moore-custody-no-decision-charges" target="_blank">per ESPN</a>.<ul><li>Authorities have released limited information and haven&#x27;t said what prompted the investigation.</li><li>Moore was initially detained by Saline police on Wednesday and turned over to Pittsfield Township authorities, ESPN reported.</li></ul>State of play: Biff Poggi, who coached the Wolverines <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="during Moore&#x27;s two-game suspension" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/10/biff-poggi-michigan-football-coach-sherrone-moore/87707896007/" data-vars-content-id="530f510a-a891-4a75-83dc-e0cf3f25ef5d" data-vars-headline="Sherrone Moore fired, still in custody amid investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/10/biff-poggi-michigan-football-coach-sherrone-moore/87707896007/" target="_blank">during Moore&#x27;s two-game suspension</a> this season, was named the interim head coach.<ul><li>The No. 18 Wolverines (9-3) will play No. 13 Texas (9-3) in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on Dec. 31 in Orlando, Fla.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: The university said in a statement earlier this week that Moore was fired with cause after an internal investigation found &quot;credible evidence&quot; that he had an inappropriate relationship with a staff member, calling it a clear violation of policy.Flashback: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Moore was hired" data-vars-click-url="https://mgoblue.com/news/2024/1/26/sherrone-moore-named-michigans-head-football-coach" data-vars-content-id="530f510a-a891-4a75-83dc-e0cf3f25ef5d" data-vars-headline="Sherrone Moore fired, still in custody amid investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://mgoblue.com/news/2024/1/26/sherrone-moore-named-michigans-head-football-coach" target="_blank">Moore was hired</a> as U of M&#x27;s 21st football coach in January 2024 after Jim Harbaugh led the Wolverines to a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="national championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/09/michigan-washington-national-championship-college-football" data-vars-content-id="530f510a-a891-4a75-83dc-e0cf3f25ef5d" data-vars-headline="Sherrone Moore fired, still in custody amid investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2024/01/09/michigan-washington-national-championship-college-football" target="_self">national championship</a> and left the school to coach the NFL&#x27;s Los Angeles Chargers.What&#x27;s next: In addition to Fisch and DeBoer, candidates for U of M&#x27;s next football coach include Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Indiana&#x27;s Curt Cignetti, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Free Press reports" data-vars-click-url="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/11/michigan-football-coaching-candidates/87707664007/" data-vars-content-id="530f510a-a891-4a75-83dc-e0cf3f25ef5d" data-vars-headline="Sherrone Moore fired, still in custody amid investigation" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.freep.com/story/sports/college/university-michigan/wolverines/2025/12/11/michigan-football-coaching-candidates/87707664007/" target="_blank">the Free Press reports</a>.

Kronk boxing gym reopens with legacy in Detroit

The storied gym opens in an old rec center where Joe Louis trained.

Detroit&#x27;s famed Kronk Gym reopened this month in a location that&#x27;s just as historic — an old rec center where Joe Louis trained.Why it matters: A new owner has brought back the iconic boxing institution that trained champions like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Thomas &quot;Hitman&quot; Hearns" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/03/26/city-streets-thomas-hitman-hearns" data-vars-content-id="790d0994-4385-40b1-8270-698c41b33caf" data-vars-headline="Kronk boxing gym reopens with legacy in Detroit" 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/city-streets-thomas-hitman-hearns" target="_self">Thomas &quot;Hitman&quot; Hearns</a>.

Lions face must-win game vs. Cowboys

A loss drops Detroit's playoff chances to 19%. Kickoff is 8:15pm at Ford Field.

Thursday&#x27;s showdown against the Dallas Cowboys is crucial to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the Lions&#x27;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/21/dan-campbell-play-calling-eagles-loss-lions" data-vars-content-id="b2c17c1a-6a18-48bd-b13d-49b96595fe2e" data-vars-headline="Lions face must-win game vs. Cowboys" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/21/dan-campbell-play-calling-eagles-loss-lions" target="_self">the Lions&#x27;</a> suddenly fraught playoff hopes.The big picture: Detroit&#x27;s Super Bowl aspirations have crumbled this season under the weight of injuries, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="coaching shakeups" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/13/campbell-play-calling-lions-fans-react" data-vars-content-id="b2c17c1a-6a18-48bd-b13d-49b96595fe2e" data-vars-headline="Lions face must-win game vs. Cowboys" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/detroit/2025/11/13/campbell-play-calling-lions-fans-react" target="_self">coaching shakeups</a>, maddening losses and the ascension of divisional rivals.

Sports 🏅

Michigan hockey stars lift U.S. to gold

At 43, Verlander returns to Tigers as baseball's Tom Brady

Four ejected after Pistons-Hornets skirmish

Michigan athletes shine as the Winter Olympics begin

Pistons explore trade to add scoring punch