Inflation

Several states are fighting to limit abortion access. But limited access will increase already high costs of traveling to seek abortions for many in the Mountain West.

Idaho Senator Mike Crapo says the Biden administration is responsible for rising costs in the U.S.

President Biden called on Congress to enact a three-month federal gas tax holiday to help Americans facing soaring gas prices. So what could this mean for Idahoans?

Federal reports show Memorial Day gas prices are the highest they’ve been in a decade, adjusting for inflation. Still, AAA has found that half of people won’t cancel summer vacations no matter what gas prices do. But about three quarters said they would make some general changes once gas prices hit $5 a gallon.

Gas prices have been on the rise nationwide, the result of several factors, including the effects of the pandemic, supply chain issues and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Prices in the Mountain West are soaring. The Labor Department reported this week a year-to-year inflation rate of 8.5%, the highest rise in consumer prices since 1981. Broken down by region, the Mountain West stands out with a 10.4% spike.

The affordable housing crisis is usually understood as a problem in the Mountain West’s cities and resort towns. But it’s also happening in rural areas with booming economies.

Inflation is the highest the nation’s seen since the 80s. It’s worst in the Mountain West. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, consumer prices increased 8.6% in our region, the highest nationally.