Local gas costs have shown a decline over the last year, mirroring national trends.

By the numbers: Detroit drivers spent an average of $3.36 for every gallon of gas in February, according to GasBuddy data. That's steady from January and down 5% year over year.

• Nationally, gas cost about $3.40/gallon in February — down 6% year over year, but up 2% from January.

Yes, but: Lower prices may disincentivize drivers from switching to more efficient cars, going electric, or embracing public transit — all of which can have big environmental benefits.

Why it matters: More than three-quarters of American commuters drive to and from work, meaning they're particularly sensitive to the ebbs and flows of prices at the pump — especially as other basic goods also get more expensive.

Between the lines: Crude oil prices have fallen over the past year, leading to cheaper automotive gas.

• A barrel of West Texas Intermediate crude — a common industry benchmark — cost about $76 in late February, down from about $122 in June 2022.
• Oil prices spiked last year amid uncertainty over Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the economic sanctions against the major oil producer that followed.
• While the fighting drags on, oil markets have largely stabilized, CNN reports.

Copper House is a "bud and breakfast" — but the Bagley neighborhood rental is much more than just a cannabis-friendly place to lay your head.

Driving the news: The queer, Black-owned business in a 1930s home belongs to married owners Jess and Cara Jackson.

• They also host educational and community cannabis events around anything from starting out in the industry to sexuality, infused cooking and wellness.

Flashback: Copper House opened in 2019 as an accessible pathway into the high-barrier, costly-to-enter cannabis industry using an existing asset — a house, Jess tells Axios. The hospitality business also found it could meet an unmet need for space in a niche market, the queer community.

• The couple went from offering an air mattress to a full basement studio that sleeps up to eight.

What's next: The business's main mission going forward is on the logistics side: building out standard operating procedures and getting its policies and booking system in order, Jess says. She's looking to show profitability and avenues for scaling into a bigger bed-and-breakfast venue.

• The future could also potentially include applying for a recreational cannabis consumption lounge license.
• Though they don't currently have a consumption license, Copper House can offer cannabis through sponsored partnerships with retail and delivery companies, plus operating out of a private residence, Jess says.

What they're saying: "The dream would be (moving to) an old mansion, maybe Aretha Franklin's old home, that has some historical relevance in the community," she says.

State lawmakers passed a $1.3 billion budget supplemental Tuesday night that includes an eventual repeal of the state’s retirement tax and increased tax credits for working families.

• The bill didn’t get enough support from Republicans to include the proposed $180 checks, though. (MLive)

🔊 Mo Pop, the decade-old summer music festival, is not returning this year because of "unexpected challenges" related to its move to Hart Plaza. (Detroit News)

🏒 Red Wings captain and Michigan native Dylan Larkin signed an eight-year, $69.6 million contract extension, avoiding the possibility of unrestricted free agency. (Free Press)

Extra food assistance benefits put into place during the pandemic ended this week, further strapping low-income families already hit with inflation.

Why it matters: About 1.3 million Michiganders receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.

• That includes about 423,000 in Wayne County.
• The decrease facing Michigan households on SNAP varies, but a single person making $700/month in net income could see their monthly benefit drop from $281 to $71, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Catch up quick: Since 2020 and through February 2023, pandemic emergency allotments increased in SNAP households by at least an extra $95 a month.

• They'll now go back to receiving one pre-pandemic payment determined by income and household size.

Threat level: The switch could strain already strapped local food banks amid inflation.

Go deeper: The state's resource guide with information about food banks and other assistance programs.

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Sweet-shooting Detroit Mercy guard Antoine Davis is primed to break one of the most revered records in sports tonight against Youngstown State.

Driving the news: Davis is 26 points away from breaking "Pistol" Pete Maravich's NCAA career scoring record.

• The senior dropped 38 points Tuesday in a 81-68 win over Purdue-Fort Wayne and is leading the nation in scoring with 28.4 points per game.

Flashback: Maravich — a basketball wizard whose flashy play was well ahead of his time — has held the record since 1970.

• He scored 3,667 points in just three seasons at Louisiana State University. Davis is in his fifth season at UDM.

What's next: Top-seeded Youngstown State (23-8) hosts UDM (14-18) tonight at 8pm in the Horizon League championship quarterfinal. A loss would be the last game of Davis' college career.

• ESPN+ is airing the game.

Highlights of Davis' 38-point performance

Hamissi Mamba, co-owner of the acclaimed New Center restaurant Baobab Fare, won the Food Network competition "Chopped" Tuesday night.

• He split his $10,000 in winnings between organizations Freedom House Detroit and Burundi Kids, according to a news release.
• Mamba and his wife, Nadia Nijimbere, came to the United States seeking asylum 10 years ago.