USA Update

DRIVERS could soon be hit with a wave of new costs, including a $340 annual charge, under a wide-ranging proposal targeting everything from gas pumps to electric vehicles.

The plan also tacks on new taxes for car sales and hikes fees for licenses and renewals.

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Drivers could soon face a new $340 annual fee (stock)[/caption]

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The proposal also hikes license renewal costs (stock)[/caption]

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One of the most controversial parts is a mandatory road usage charge for electric vehicle owners (stock)[/caption]

Even gas prices are set to climb under the measure, which lawmakers rolled out Monday.

The changes are part of a 100-plus-page bill being debated in Oregon’s Legislature.

It’s part of Oregon’s House Bill 2025, also known as the Transportation Reinvestment Package.

One of the most controversial parts is a mandatory road usage charge for electric vehicle owners.

Starting July 1, 2026, EV drivers would have to pay per mile driven or opt for a $340 flat fee, The Bulletin reported.

The per-mile charge would be pegged at 5% of the state’s gas tax.

According to Bike Portland, the gas tax itself would rise from 40 cents to 50 cents per gallon in 2026 and 2027.

In 2028, another 5 cents would be added, and by 2029 it would be tied to inflation.

New cars would be hit with a 2% “transfer tax” on the retail price.

Used cars wouldn’t escape, a 1% tax would apply to those sales.

The registration fee for a new car would more than double, from $43 to $113.

Getting a new driver’s license plate would cost $33, up from $12.

Taking a driver’s skills test at the DMV would spike from $45 to $111.

Renewing a driver’s license would jump from $48 to $74.

Eight-year ID cards would increase from $44 to $66.

The bill would also raise the state payroll tax for public transit from 0.1% to 0.3% by 2030.

A new $20-per-vehicle permit fee would be charged to corporate delivery fleets.

Oregon dropped earlier plans to raise the $15 bicycle tax, which will now stay the same.

Lawmakers say the cash, which is expected to generate $125 million a year, is going toward overdue projects.

For example, officials say it would fund the state’s “Anchor Project Account” — covering major efforts like the I-5 Rose Quarter and the Abernethy Bridge.

The bill also sets aside money for bike lanes, safer school routes, and fixing “orphan highways.”

Another $125 million would go to the state’s “Great Streets” program for safer road designs.

There’s also $25 million per year marked for Safe Routes to Schools — and $5 million annually for wildlife-vehicle collision prevention.

The initial version of the bill changed within hours of its release and is still being debated.

A WOMAN has bought her first home at the age of 26 with a modest salary and no savings to speak of.

With the property costing over six figures, it’s left questions about how it was possible to budget such a transaction.

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A woman bought her first home at 26 with no savings (stock image)[/caption]

SWNS

The three-bedroom residence (pictured) was initially listed at $95,000[/caption]

The first-time home buyer, Madison Hill, 30, told SWNS recently that four years prior, she didn’t have any “help from the bank of mom and dad and no savings” while looking for a place in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In July 2021, the three-bedroom house Hill decided on was $95,000, and she decided to go ahead with finalizing her offer at $105,000.

“It was listed for $95k, but as investors were buying for cash, I offered $10k over the asking price, and it worked,” she said.

That summer, Hill was working as a graphic designer in a position that only paid $45,000 a year, she had no cash in savings accounts, and there was no financial cushion from her parents.

“I was making $45k a year, I barely had any savings for a home and didn’t have to empty my account to buy the house,” Hill explained.

For perspective, the average hourly wage in Tulsa at the time was about $24.44, or around a $50,020 salary, per data from the Bureau of Labor statistics.

So, Hill was making under the average and bought a six-figure property, something that might make a financial advisor wince.

To get in the right position for the buy, Hill used her education to assist her in the buying process.

LOANS TO THE RESCUE

She knew that, given her salary, she was eligible for a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan.

“FHA loans are typically reserved for people with low to medium incomes, and they let you buy a home with a down payment of only 3.5%,” Hill said.

“I worked with a lender who was setting up the mortgage lending for me.”

Hill added that “the money goes from the person who is setting up the loan to whoever is selling the house to you.”

After getting approved, it meant she could put the 3.5% down payment on the property, contributing about $3,500 herself.

Then, she applied for a down payment assistance program that helps eligible homebuyers cover those amounts.

That was also approved, which took away the $3,500 out of pocket she would’ve had to pay.

Basically, the loans covered all of those initial costs.

“I did a master’s in city planning, and that is where I learned about programs like these,” she said.

Hill noted that she’ll only have to repay the loan from the down payment assistance program if she moves out or refinances the Tulsa house, but she currently only pays about $900 monthly for mortgage, insurance, property tax, and other costs.

Still, there was around $6,500 in closing costs to consider.

The $6,500 covers lawyers and surveyors final checks and ensures the transfer of property ownership and a securing of the mortgage is legal and financially sound.

EARLY WITHDRAW

To pay for this, Hill made a controversial decision, drawing the amount from her 401(k) retirement account.

Financial advisors typically tell account holders to refrain from withdrawing early, which would be before the age of 59.5, out of a 401(k) as much as possible.

Doing so could result in a 10% early withdrawal tax penalty if an exception doesn’t apply.

Some exceptions include financial hardship, which does include costs related to buying a primary home, so Hill would be exempt from that penalty.

“The purchase of your primary residence is an allowable reason for early withdrawal from your 401(k),” Hill emphasized.

Considering her situation, it was a smart move to secure the property and likely not a significant enough amount to cause a drastic decline in her future retirement fund savings.

There’s also a new “like you own it” program that helps renters save for their own homes with one crucial requirement.

Some Americans are also looking at tiny homes, and Amazon sells an option for $11,700 that’s “perfect” for families.

THE best friend and roommate of the suspected Minnesota assassin revealed the final chilling text he received from the alleged killer.

Suspected gunman Vance Boelter is believed to have killed Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband at their home while disguised as a police officer, according to cops.

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Vance Luther Boelter, 57, has been named by police as a suspect in connection with the Minnesota political killings[/caption]

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Best friend of the suspected shooter, David Carlson, revealed his roommate’s final text messages[/caption]

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The shooter was seen wearing a latex mask and police uniform[/caption]

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The killer, who is still on the loose, also seriously injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife at their residence in Champlin just hours before, early on Saturday morning.

The alleged shooter’s friend, David Carlson, has now detailed his childhood pal’s final goodbye message, according to KARE.

Reading his text messages with Boelter, Carlson said: “David and Ron, I love you guys.

“I made some choices, and you guys don’t know anything about this, but I’m going to be gone for a while.

“May be dead shortly, so I just want to let you know I love you guys both and I wish it hadn’t gone this way.”

Footage showed the suspected political assassin‘s friend read the eerie messages in front of his home in North Minneapolis.

He continued to read the texts: “I don’t want to say anything more and implicate you in any way because you guys don’t know anything about this.

“But I love you guys and I’m sorry for all the trouble this has caused.”

Fearing his friend may have done something to harm himself, Carlson immediately called the cops.

The 59-year-old, who met Boelter, 57, all the way back in fourth grade, was shocked at the prospect that his friend could have carried out the ruthless killings.

“He wasn’t a hateful person,” Carlson said.

He added: “But he needed help.”

The haunting texts were revealed after the accused killer’s wife was detained following a dramatic traffic stop – before cops said they found weapons and passports in her car.

Jenny Boetler was stopped by police while driving with several relatives near Onamia, Minnesota, on Saturday at around 10am, according to KTSP.

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Hoffman and Yvette have both undergone surgery and are said to be in a stable condition[/caption]

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Boelter was last seen wearing a light-colored cowboy hat in the Twin Cities area on Saturday morning[/caption]

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The wife of the suspected political assassin Jenny Boetler was stopped by police and questioned[/caption]

In the car she also had cash and ammunition, local cops said, adding that the wife was also held for questioning but not arrested.

It is currently unclear whether the Boetlers lived together – since Vance is understood to have lived at a residence in Camden, Minnesota.

The couple are understood to have joint-ran Praetorian Guard Security Services, a Minnesota-based security company.

Their website says: “Here to set up security options and provide security services right to your doorstep and property to keep what you own safe and secure.”

The site also says that Boelter had experience working with “security situations” across Eastern Europe, Africa, North America and the Middle East.

Online biographies also showed he was the CEO of Red Lion Group – which is based in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Additionally, he is said to have worked with Minnesota Africans United – a local organization working with African immigrants in the state.

2022 footage showed Boelter speaking about Red Lion Group’s ventures in the DRC, claiming to have business ventures there in fishing, farming, media, security, and motorcycle-taxis.

Last month, his online profiles said he was open to work.

Boelter’s longtime pal Carlson seemingly confirmed his search for work, and added that his friend was experiencing financial trouble, according to CNN.

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Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz called the shootings ‘an act of targeted political violence’[/caption]

Minnesota Department of Public Safety

Cops believe Boelter is attempting to flee the area and are asking the public for any information[/caption]

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No Kings protest fliers were found in the suspect’s vehicle[/caption]

Carlson said: “He was looking around, but maybe things didn’t work out and he just gave up and decided to go out in a blaze of glory.

“I have no idea what he was thinking.”

Boelter was twice appointed to Minnesota government by different Democratic governors.

In 2016, then Governor Mark Dayton appointed Boelter to the Workforce Development Council.

Later in 2019, current Governor Tim Walz enlisted him to serve a four-year stint on the Workforce Development Board, according to documents.

Despite his work under Walz, roommate and friend Carlson revealed that Boelter had voted for Donald Trump at the last election.

The security services worker also last registered to vote in 2022 as a Republican, according to the New York Post.

Carlson added that he wasn’t aware of what Boelter’s political leanings on state politics were, however.

He also shared that Boetler was also strongly anti-abortion – but not in a way that could have motivated him to kill.

“It wasn’t the thing that defined him,” Carlson said.

“I mean, it wasn’t his total existence. He would talk about other things.”

Boelter lived at Carlson’s home in North Minneapolis just a few days a week, according to the roommate.

He explained how Boelter was not at the residence at the time officers executed a search warrant on Saturday.

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Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark are survived by their two children[/caption]

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Senator John Hoffman Minnesota and his wife were shot multiple times[/caption]

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Vance Boelter, A former appointee of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is being sought in connection with the shootings[/caption]

Cops were called to Senator Hoffman’s home at 2:08am on Saturday and responded to Rep. Hortman’s home at 3:35am — where they exchanged gunfire with the suspect.

The shooter was seen on home security footage released by the FBI outside one of the victim’s homes, wearing a fake police uniform and an eerie latex mask.

As cops launched an extensive manhunt for the killer who is still at large, they named 57-year-old Vance Luther Boelter as a suspect in the shootings.

He should be considered armed and dangerous and the public should not approach him, the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has warned.

A $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest and conviction has been announced by the FBI.

A motive has not been released by cops, but the shootings come as millions take to the streets as part of the anti-Trump No Kings movement.

They came during and in the lead up to the President’s huge military parade in Washington DC.

Minnesota State Patrol Col. Christina Bogojevic said: “We don’t have any direct links, however there were some fliers that said ‘No Kings’ within the suspect’s vehicle.

“And as we know, the events planned throughout the state of Minnesota is a No Kings event.”

Boelter was last seen in the Twin Cities area wearing a light-colored cowboy hat, a dark long-sleeved shirt and light pants.

He is described as 220lbs and 6 foot 1 and cops believe he is trying to flee the area and may be carrying a dark bag.

The public should call 911 or sent tips to bca.tips@state.mn.us or call 877-996-6222.

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LOVE Island beauty Helena Ford has wasted no time making her mark on the new series.

Just days into the show she snuck to the Hideaway with Harry Cooksley despite him being partnered with Shakira Khan.

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Munveer Jabbal

Munveer Jabbal, pictured with girlfriend Maddie, said he used to know Maddie and described her as ‘cheeky’[/caption]

The early visit to the snug room certainly proved air hostess, 29, certainly isn’t scared of going for what she wants.

And a Love Island 2024 hunk has tipped her to go far in the series, claiming she ticks all the boxes that producers look for.

Speaking exclusively to The Sun, Munveer Jabbal said: “I actually know one of the girls in there, Helena Ford, from years back. So it’ll be good to see how she gets on.

“It’s been a few years since I’ve seen Helena, so I don’t know what she’s like now, but I think she suits it.

“She’ll do all right. They obviously look for certain type of people that are quite outgoing, a little bit cheeky. And I think Helena fits that description, so I think she’ll be more than okay.”

The show’s boss, Mike Spencer, was certainly impressed by Helena after meeting her on a flight a few years ago.

He called her “really, really fun”.

Meanwhile, Munveer, who found himself in a friend couple with Patsy Field last year, is in a very happy place a year after his villa experience.

He went public with stunning girlfriend Maddie seven months after being dumped rom the show.

Now, the 31-year-old Surrey lad has spoken about their relationship for the first time in an exclusive interview with The Sun.

“I did go on a few dates post Love Island,” said Munveer. “I quickly realised that these aren’t the type of girls that I want to be with long term. I eventually met my current girlfriend.

“I found a lot of good qualities. We shared the same values and morals and that kind of stuff. Comes from good stock, good family. It just felt right.

“Even though I wasn’t expecting to jump into something, that connection felt genuine when I compare it to the other initial dates that I went on.”

Like many modern day love stories, Munveer and Maddie got to know each other through Instagram.

She sent him a request and Munveer wasted no time sliding into her DMs.

Sparks quickly flew but both parties approached the hard launch with caution.

It wasn’t until December that the private pair went Instagram official, and the joint posts since have been few and far between.

Slowing things down went against Munveer’s natural instincts.

He admits: “To be honest with you, I fall in love so quickly.

“I’ve always been like that. When I’m set on someone, I’m like 100 miles per hour. I think that’s my kryptonite, my downfall.”

Unlike many villa romances, Munveer and Maddie aren’t rushing to move in together even though they already spend plenty of time with one another.

“We definitely talk about those things,” says Munveer.

“It’s probably a bit too soon. There’s been where she comes and doesn’t leave for two or three weeks. The flat is literally upside down, which is always fun.

“But I think long-term, you look at your potential partner and you want those things. To be able to live together, buy a house together, all the rest of it. I wouldn’t go into something lightly without knowing these things.”

Shutterstock Editorial

Harry and Helena snuck off to the Hideaway after just three days on the show[/caption]

Munveer Jabbal

The couple went official in December and are still smitten[/caption]