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Gas Prices

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Maher Defends Trump’s Controversial 'Take Out' Remarks Amid California Backlash
politics19 hours ago

Maher Defends Trump’s Controversial 'Take Out' Remarks Amid California Backlash

Comedian Bill Maher, 70, defended President Donald Trump’s recent comments suggesting Iran could 'take out' Los Angeles and San Diego. Maher told his audience to 'be fair' to the president, arguing that the remarks were intended to highlight the security benefits of the ongoing conflict with Iran. This defense contrasts sharply with widespread condemnation from California officials, who labeled the comments dangerous and reckless. The controversy stems from Trump’s October 5 rally in Nebraska, where he linked higher gas prices to the necessity of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran from attacking U.S. cities.

politics1 day ago

Polls Show Voters Unmoved by Potential GOP Wins in Iran War or Gas Prices

A new poll indicates that even significant policy victories, such as ending the Iran war or lowering gas prices, are unlikely to shift voter sentiment in the 2026 midterms. Most Americans, including undecided and Democratic voters, remain unconvinced that President Trump can achieve these goals before Election Day, leaving Republicans with few options to reverse their declining prospects.

Two Years In, Data Shows Trump's Price Promises Have Missed Targets
economy2 days ago

Two Years In, Data Shows Trump's Price Promises Have Missed Targets

A CBS News analysis finds that most of President Trump's 2024 campaign promises to lower consumer costs have not materialized. While gas, groceries, and energy bills have risen significantly, mortgage rates remain high, and credit card caps were not enacted. The White House defends the record by citing job growth and tax cuts, but economists attribute rising costs to tariffs and the Iran conflict.

Fuel Prices Stay High as Midterm Looms, Testing Trump's Economic Legacy
economy2 days ago

Fuel Prices Stay High as Midterm Looms, Testing Trump's Economic Legacy

Gas and diesel prices remain elevated ahead of the November 3 midterms, with little sign of relief. The national average for gasoline sits at $4.36 per gallon, while diesel hovers near $6.28. Prediction markets assign an 87% chance that gas stays above $4 on Election Day. These high costs, driven by the ongoing Iran conflict and supply chain disruptions, are a top voter concern, particularly in competitive Senate races in agricultural and heating-heavy states. While the administration has attempted various measures to lower prices, analysts suggest these actions offer only temporary or minimal relief.

US EV Sales Collapse to 6% Share as Policy Shifts Favor Hybrids
automotive2 days ago

US EV Sales Collapse to 6% Share as Policy Shifts Favor Hybrids

US electric vehicle sales have dropped 30.7% year-to-date, accounting for only 6% of new car sales, despite gas prices exceeding $4 per gallon. The decline follows the September 2025 elimination of the $7,500 federal tax credit and the weakening of fuel-efficiency regulations by the Trump administration. While EV adoption has stalled, hybrid vehicle sales have surged 23%, capturing a record 16.3% market share. Automakers are pivoting to hybrids, though some maintain long-term EV commitments. Meanwhile, Polestar is exiting the US market due to tariffs, and autonomous trucking firms have secured waivers for safety equipment rules.

NY Fed Survey Shows US Consumer Financial Outlook Deteriorating Amid Rising Inflation Fears
economy3 days ago

NY Fed Survey Shows US Consumer Financial Outlook Deteriorating Amid Rising Inflation Fears

The New York Federal Reserve’s September 2026 Survey of Consumer Expectations reveals a sharp decline in household financial optimism. While short-term inflation expectations rose to 3.9%, consumers increasingly expect to be in a weaker financial state in the coming year. This pessimism is driven by surging gas prices and affordability pressures, even as labor market expectations improve and spending growth remains resilient.

Paxton Blames Iran War and Fuel Costs for Texas Polling Deficit
politics4 days ago

Paxton Blames Iran War and Fuel Costs for Texas Polling Deficit

Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton privately admitted that the ongoing Iran war and soaring fuel prices are the primary factors hurting his campaign. In leaked audio from a closed-door fundraiser, Paxton stated that affordability is the 'biggest problem' for Republicans, noting that diesel prices exceeding $6 per gallon are driving up food costs. He acknowledged he has no control over these federal decisions, even as President Trump prepares to rally with him in San Antonio. This admission aligns with broader polling showing Democrats ahead in competitive races and a national trend of voters blaming the administration for economic conditions.

Paxton Blames Iran War and DC Control for Texas Senate Struggles
politics4 days ago

Paxton Blames Iran War and DC Control for Texas Senate Struggles

Texas Republican Senate nominee Ken Paxton privately blamed the ongoing Iran war and high fuel costs for his campaign’s struggles, while also admitting he has little control over his messaging due to Washington-based influence. Speaking at a closed-door fundraiser in late September, Paxton told donors that affordability issues, specifically diesel prices exceeding $6 per gallon, are the primary obstacles to his victory. He acknowledged that national decisions, including the conflict with Iran, are beyond his control, though he proposed tax cuts and write-offs as remedies. This admission highlights the tension between Paxton’s local campaign and the national Republican strategy, as polls show him trailing Democratic opponent James Talarico in a tight race for the Texas Senate seat.

Trump Blames Ukraine and Democrats for Gas Prices as US-Iran War Continues
economy5 days ago

Trump Blames Ukraine and Democrats for Gas Prices as US-Iran War Continues

President Donald Trump has shifted blame for soaring US fuel prices from the ongoing war with Iran to Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and refinery closures in Democratic-led states. While the average US gas price has risen to $4.36 per gallon, experts and data indicate that the primary driver remains the 97 percent drop in oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict began.

Alaska Voters Reject Trump's Gas Promises Amid $5 Fuel Costs
politics7 days ago

Alaska Voters Reject Trump's Gas Promises Amid $5 Fuel Costs

MS NOW reporter Alex Tabet visited Anchorage to interview three-time Trump voters who expressed deep frustration over high fuel costs. The segment, part of a five-part 'POTUS Promise Check' series, highlighted that gas prices in Alaska average $5.03 per gallon, significantly higher than the national average. Voters criticized the president for failing to deliver on campaign pledges to lower prices, with one describing the promises as 'BS' and another calling the president 'hyperbolic.' This discontent is occurring against a backdrop of record-high diesel prices and a competitive Senate race in Alaska, where Democrat Mary Peltola is challenging incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan.

Europe scrambles for short-term relief as winter energy costs spike
energy-and-climate11 days ago

Europe scrambles for short-term relief as winter energy costs spike

European energy ministers in Dublin acknowledged limited tools to counter soaring winter energy costs, relying on tax cuts and subsidies while hoping the U.S. will not ban diesel exports. Officials emphasized that long-term solutions require accelerating the shift to renewables and electrification, though immediate measures remain constrained by high gas prices and low storage levels.

Brussels Urges Voluntary Demand Cuts to Mitigate Winter Energy Crisis

Brussels Urges Voluntary Demand Cuts to Mitigate Winter Energy Crisis

EU Energy Commissioner Dan Jørgensen has urged member states to implement voluntary measures to reduce gas and electricity demand, citing 'constrained global supply' and high price volatility. With European gas storage at historic lows of 68-70% due to disruptions from the Iran conflict and Asian competition for LNG, the Commission warns that current price pressures could escalate into a supply crisis. Jørgensen emphasized that while there is no immediate risk to security of supply, the situation remains 'challenging,' and he advised against panic buying by suggesting an 80% storage fill target rather than the standard 90%. The Commission highlighted that demand reduction, as seen in 2022, is an effective tool to contain prices, though it stopped short of imposing mandatory cuts.

Trump slashes fuel economy standards, shifting auto policy to market forces
policy-and-regulation14 days ago

Trump slashes fuel economy standards, shifting auto policy to market forces

President Trump approved new federal fuel economy standards on September 26, 2026, lowering the required average for cars and light trucks from 50.4 miles per gallon to 34.5 miles per gallon by model year 2031. This move, to be formally announced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on Monday, removes previous mandates that favored electric vehicles. While the administration claims this will lower vehicle costs, critics note that Congress already repealed penalties for non-compliance, making the new standards largely advisory. The decision occurs amid rising gasoline prices and a global trend toward electric vehicles.

Senate blocks Iran war powers resolution 50-49 as gas prices spike
politics16 days ago

Senate blocks Iran war powers resolution 50-49 as gas prices spike

The Senate rejected a concurrent resolution to force President Trump to end U.S. military strikes on Iran, failing 50-49. Four Republicans joined Democrats in support, while one Democrat opposed. The vote is symbolic, as the administration argues such resolutions lack legal force. Rising gas prices and midterm election concerns are driving growing Republican dissent over the conflict.