Business & Economy
Why Diesel Matters, Even if It’s Not How You Fill Up Your Car
Daniel de Visé, Jennifer Borresen and USA TODAY on October 8, 2026
A California lettuce shipment now burns $4,200 in diesel alone, but consumers may not feel the full increase for six to nine months.
What Is Red-Dyed Diesel, and Will Trump’s Plans to Lower Prices Work?
Keith Laing and USA TODAY on October 7, 2026
The temporary tax break expires Dec. 31, but analysts say a roughly 24-cent cut may do little while diesel costs more than $6 a gallon.
One Year Later, Here’s What Happened after EV Tax Credits Died
Keith Laing and USA TODAY on October 7, 2026
Hybrids captured 16.3% of the U.S. market as the loss of a $7,500 incentive reshaped what drivers and automakers are buying.
Did You Actually Get Paid? Tracking Trump’s Cash Promises to Americans
Melina Khan and USA TODAY on October 7, 2026
More than 20 million Medicare beneficiaries are due $90 checks, but several larger promises never produced a payment—here’s what actually reached Americans and what did not.
Trump Expands Tax-Free Diesel Access. Experts Say It May Do Little to Cut Costs
Bart Jansen and USA TODAY on October 5, 2026
The order applies to dyed fuel through year-end, but analysts say farmers already qualify and lower taxes may do little while supplies stay tight.
See Where Trump’s $90 Checks to 20 Million Seniors Are Going
Joey Garrison and USA TODAY on October 3, 2026
Most eligible recipients will see the money in early October, but seniors whose premiums Medicaid covers or who pay an income-related adjustment amount are excluded.
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
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