New federal data show inflation is cooling off in a big way. The relief comes on the heels of a Minnesota policy report detailing how rural areas experienced the situation when consumer prices were peaking. The Consumer Price Index rose 3% in June, the smallest 12-month increase since early 2021. .
Undocumented immigrants in Massachusetts are now able to apply for a driver s license regardless of their immigration status. The Work and Family Mobility Act went into effect July 1, removing the requirement that residents provide proof of lawful presence in the U.S. Franklin Soults - the senior communications strategist with the 32BJ local of the Service Employees International Union, speaking for the Driving Families Forward coalition - said other states with similar laws have seen reductions in both uninsured drivers and hit-and-run incidents. .
Despite an approved fare increase, a campaign continues to look for other ways to fund public transit in Portland. In front of crowd of loud protesters in May, the TriMet board voted to approve a 30 cent increase to 2.5 hour fares. Ellie Gluhosky, campaign organizer with OPAL Environmental Justice Oregon, said fare increases are an unreliable source of revenue. .
Tax rebates can boost economic growth, and the rebates available in New Mexico this summer are designed to reverse discriminatory exclusions of immigrant essential workers. During this year s legislative session, lawmakers used a massive budget windfall from the lucrative oil and gas industry to approve some $667 million in tax rebates. Immigrants make up a disproportionate number of the state s oil and gas workers. .
Gov. Kim Reynolds has called the Iowa Legislature back to Des Moines for a special session tomorrow to focus solely on abortion policy. The Iowa Supreme Court recently ruled not to declare abortion illegal as early as six weeks of pregnancy. .