Business & Economy
Americans Feel More and More Glum, Data Shows. Economists Are over It
Medora Lee and USA TODAY on October 3, 2026
A 0.6% inflation-adjusted spending gain in August—the strongest since March 2025—contrasts with fading confidence and leaves economists rethinking old signals
Trump Fuel Economy Rollback Faces Lawsuit as Gas Prices Top $4
Keith Laing and USA TODAY on October 2, 2026
The proposed standard could cut the 2031 fleet average from more than 50 mpg to just under 35 mpg, while officials say cars could cost less.
Europe to Release Diesel Stocks After Trump Threatens Export Ban
Miles J. Herszenhorn and USA TODAY on October 2, 2026
The G-7 plan calls for 100 million barrels over four months, with a substantial diesel release front-loaded in the first 20 days.
September Jobs Report Shows Slowdown in Hiring, Unemployment Ticks Up
Rachel Barber and USA TODAY on October 2, 2026
Just 29,000 jobs were added in September, while annual wage growth reached 3% and earlier payroll gains were revised down.
Across the US, Local Revolts Grow as AI Data Center Boom Expands
Trevor Hughes, Chris Kenning and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026
A new survey finds half of Americans worry AI facilities could raise home energy costs, as opposition stalled 120 projects worth $198 billion.
Trump’s MPG Rules May Cost Drivers More on Gas Than They Save on Cars
Keith Laing and USA TODAY on October 1, 2026
The administration says buyers could save about $1,300 upfront, while its own analysis projects $1,624 more in lifetime fuel costs.
Senators Split Over Bill Addressing Data Center Power Costs
Zachary Schermele and USA TODAY on September 30, 2026
The House passed the measure 417-3, but the Senate stalled it as lawmakers debated who should pay for power-hungry AI facilities.
Fewer Older Americans Are Working. Here’s One Likely Reason
Daniel de Visé and USA TODAY on September 30, 2026
The labor force participation rate for people 55 and older fell to 36.9% in July, but economists cite more than stock-market gains.
Trump to Send $500 ACA Refund Checks to Nearly 1 Million Americans
Joey Garrison and USA TODAY on September 30, 2026
More than 950,000 people across 30 states are slated for checks, but residents of 20 other states are excluded because their states run their own marketplaces.
Trump’s Canada Import Ban Kicks Off Sept. 29 at Midnight
Fernando Cervantes Jr. and USA TODAY on September 29, 2026
The restrictions cover spirits, whey and motorcycles, but a container-size provision may keep one familiar Canadian whiskey on U.S. shelves.
Here Are America’s Top 10 Boomtowns
Daniel de Visé and USA TODAY on September 29, 2026
Austin tops the ranking, but its housing market shows the downside of rapid growth: falling rents and homeowners struggling to sell.
U.S., China Agree to Tariff Reductions on $60 Billion Worth of Trade
Rachel Barber and USA TODAY on September 28, 2026
Tariff cuts cover 77 Chinese imports, from toys to car seats, but shoppers may not see lower prices as supply-chain costs remain high.
Here’s How High-Income Americans Keep Spending in a Shaky Economy
Daniel de Visé and USA TODAY on September 26, 2026
The top 10% now drive 45.5% of consumer spending, while withdrawals from investments are rising across every age and income group.
Paying Their Fair Share: EV Drivers Could See New Fees in Proposed Bill
Keith Laing and USA TODAY on September 25, 2026
The proposal would charge EV owners $130 a year at registration while lawmakers search for a replacement for shrinking gas-tax revenue
Trump Says He Supports a Ban on U.S. Diesel Exports to Ease Prices
Joey Garrison and USA TODAY on September 22, 2026
Diesel above $6.50 a gallon is driving up farm, heating and grocery costs, but experts doubt an export ban would bring quick relief to consumers.
Large Wendy’s Franchisee Files for Bankruptcy, Cites Record Beef Prices
Saleen Martin and USA TODAY on September 22, 2026
A 314-location operator owes nearly $25 million, but the bankruptcy could affect jobs, gift cards and restaurant operations across 15 states
What a Fed Rate Hike Means for Credit Card Debt, Car Loans and Savers
Rachel Barber and USA TODAY on September 18, 2026
A quarter-point increase could raise card costs within two billing cycles, while savers may see better yields and borrowers can negotiate lower rates
Pump Shock: Texas Diesel Reaches Highest Price Ever at $5.96 a Gallon
Maria Cortes Gonzalez and USA TODAY NETWORK on September 17, 2026
Diesel hit $5.96 in Texas as fuel costs added an estimated $826 to the average household’s spending since the conflict began
Trump Says Rising Gas Prices Are a ‘Small Price to Pay’ for Iran War
Fernando Cervantes Jr. and USA TODAY on September 17, 2026
Drivers are paying $4.43 a gallon nationwide, up $1.20 from last year, while the president predicts prices will soon reverse course
What Trump Said vs. What Happened. Can the U.S. Afford 2 More Years of Trumponomics?
Kendall Blythe on September 17, 2026
Tariffs and taxes made the headlines, but there’s a lot more to it.
1 - 20 of 318