An emerging alignment between the United Auto Workers and former President Trump over electric vehicles threatens to sour the longstanding alliance between the union and the Democratic Party.

Why it matters: The UAW — representing more than 400,000 active workers, a quarter of which are in Metro Detroit — has long been a powerful force in progressive politics, serving as a Midwestern bulwark for Democrats.

• But about one in three UAW members voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020, according to the organization's own polling.
• And while President Biden has touted his aggressive push toward electric cars as part of a major reinvestment in American manufacturing, many auto workers aren't on board.

State of play: The newly elected president of the UAW has struck a fiery tone, saying the administration is "actively funding the race to the bottom with billions in public money."

• UAW President Shawn Fain ripped the president after the Energy Department announced a $9.2 billion loan to Ford to build battery plants in the South.
• "Why is Joe Biden's administration facilitating this corporate greed with taxpayer money?" Fain said in a statement.

The UAW is withholding an endorsement for Biden's 2024 campaign, after backing him in 2020.

• “We want to see national leadership have our back on this before we make any commitments," Fain wrote in a memo to members, first reported by the Detroit News.

The big picture: The UAW's first job, before deciding which political candidates to support, is to protect its members — and most of them are building gas-powered vehicles, which are gradually being phased out in favor of EVs.

• Fain worries EV factories won't employ as many people as traditional assembly plants because EVs are simpler to build, with fewer parts.

The intrigue: Fain's attack last week on Biden's EV incentives came two days before Trump descended on Metro Detroit — the heart of the UAW — and echoed Fain's criticisms, hoping to score points with worried autoworkers.

Reality check: There's no way the UAW will endorse Trump over Biden in 2024.

• "Another Donald Trump presidency would be a disaster," Fain wrote in his letter to members.

What's next: The heightened political rhetoric comes as the UAW prepares to enter difficult labor negotiations with Detroit automakers next month.

• Analysts and industry insiders say a strike is likely.

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It takes Metro Detroiters an average of 6.7 years to save up for a 10% down payment on the typical home, Zillow data shows.

• That accounts for saving 5% of our area's median household income every month, Axios' Sami Sparber and Brianna Crane report.
• The U.S. average is 8.9 years.

Why it matters: Affordability could be a "major driver of cross-country moves" as buyers seek a lifestyle within their means, Zillow economists say.

By the numbers: In our region, the average monthly payment burden for new homeowners who paid 10% down is 28.5% of income, per Zillow.

• That's up from 10% in 2012 and 23% in 2004. We've now surpassed the peak from before the Great Recession hit.

Between the lines: The share of first-time buyers in the U.S. has shrunk to a record low as inventory and affordability issues persist, according to the National Association of Realtors.

• First-timers are also waiting longer to buy; the median first-time buyer age jumped from 33 years to 36 from 2021 to 2022.

Of note: The majority of Americans believe it's the worst time ever to buy a house.

• And many would-be-buyers are saddled with debt, including student loans, car loans and credit card debt.

The intrigue: Nearly 42% of Metro Detroit home sales were made in cash in April, as the share of U.S. cash buyers reached a nine-year high, new Redfin data shows.

🚋 The QLINE's potential is being debated once again as transit officials prepare federal funding proposals for local projects. Expansion of the 3.3-mile Woodward streetcar service is on the table — but its place within a coherent regional transit strategy remains unclear. (BridgeDetroit)

🍕 Michigan’s state budget proposes funding to become the fifth state in the nation to offer free breakfast and lunch to students in K-12 public schools. (WXYZ Detroit)

👋 Hey, Everett here. I was very nervous about leaving my backyard greenhouse experiment to go on vacation (and even more nervous about entrusting my friends to water consistently).

Reality check: Fear not! The tomato plants grew about two feet in the 10 days I was gone. And the peppers, squash, green beans, jalapeños and herbs are also coming along nicely.

• The lesson: Trust your tomatoes, trust your friends, and the sun will do its thing.

📬 How are your summer gardens looking? Want to share any tips? Reply and let me know!