Happy Labor Day. Everything's about to cost more!

From news to sports, we help you stay connected to the world around you. www.usatoday.com By Rex Huppke , 8 hours ago It's Labor Day weekend, and I hope my fellow Americans enjoy laboring, because we're all going to be doing a lot more of it in order to afford food. And gas. And pretty much everything. The long weekend was ushered in by news that diesel fuel prices hit a record high in the United States on Sept. 4, averaging $5.85 per gallon. That's what people who use diesel to fuel freight trucks and farm equipment call 'a lot.' The new price-tag-at-the-pump record will invariably translate to higher consumer costs, since the folks who grow and ship food and other goods will be spending more on both the growing and the shipping. (The math on this isn't difficult.) A United Parcel Service truck passes a Chevron station advertising diesel prices above $7 a gallon in Vernon, California, on Aug. 26, 2026. By PATRICK T. FALLON, AFP via Getty Images Jaime Brito, executive director of refining and oil products for Dow Jones Energy, told NPR: 'Diesel is the blood of the economy. It's the engine in which you move goods, food, agricultural goods from the farm to the supermarket.' Guess we'd all better get to laboring! Iran is a joke to Trump. Our US casualties aren't laughing. | Opinion On top of rising costs at the grocery store and … well … pretty much all stores, the cost of gas heading into Labor Day weekend remained astronomical. AAA reported Sept. 3: "Labor Day weekend travelers are facing the highest gas prices ever for this time of year. The national average is $4.14, up 4 cents from last week. … The national average has never been above $4 per gallon on Labor Day.' Opinion alerts: Get columns from your favorite columnists + expert analysis on top issues, delivered straight to your device through the USA TODAY app. Don't have the app? Download it for free from your app store. I suppose congratulations are in order? Those congratulations can go directly to President Donald Trump, the man who promised to lower food prices and halt inflation on day one of his presidency, then proceeded to do neither of those things, while also starting a war with Iran that's directly responsible for our record-breaking fuel costs. U.S. President Donald Trump speaks while hosting a dinner in the Rose Garden at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., September 2, 2026. By Evelyn Hockstein, REUTERS Generally speaking, it's hard to blame presidents for what we pay at the pump, as they don't exert great control over oil markets. But in Trump's case, there's a direct line from his reckless and unnecessary decision to go to war with Iran and the world's oil supply getting kneecapped by Iran shutting down the Strait of Hormuz. So raise a beer (if you can afford one) or a burger (which you definitely can't afford) to President Trump and the Republican Party. Where's the beef ... from? Trump's mystery meat plan is a mess. | Opinion An explosion erupts following strikes near Azadi Tower close to Mehrabad International Airport in Tehran on March 7, 2026. The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, sparking swift retaliation by the Islamic republic which responded with missile attacks across the region. The war has dragged in global powers, upended the world's energy and transport sectors, and brought chaos to even usually peaceful areas of the volatile region. By AFP Contributor#AFP, AFP via Getty Images Then give some thought to wages, those little things large corporations that make tons of money throw at us every week or so. According to a New York Times report: 'Wage growth continued to cool in August, with average hourly earnings rising 3.1 percent compared to a year ago. That was the slowest pace since the depths of the pandemic and lower than the inflation rate.' I would cry in my soup if soup wasn't so expensive. When it comes to what we're being paid, the words 'slowest pace since the depths of the pandemic' are not great to hear. In fact, another way to describe inflation outpacing wages during a time of rising consumer prices is: We're working harder while moving closer to broke. It's a heck of a way to spend a holiday weekend meant to celebrate American workers. Our knucklehead president conned a large swath of voters into believing he'd lower prices, started a war that's making all things more expensive and has pampered his business-is-booming billionaire friends while the rest of us mopes watch our wages stagnate. So here we are, waving our fists at gas pumps on a holiday weekend in the waning weeks of summer. Perhaps if we all pool our resources we can afford some hot dogs and chips. Though if I had to bet, most of us will be spending Labor Day too mad to be hungry. Follow USA TODAY columnist Rex Huppke on Bluesky at @rexhuppke.bsky.social and on Facebook at facebook.com/RexIsAJerk . You can read diverse opinions from our USA TODAY columnists and other writers on the Opinion front page, on X, formerly Twitter, @usatodayopinion and in our Opinion newsletter. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Happy Labor Day. Everything's about to cost more! | Opinion partner publisher · 2.0M followers Texas Attorney General and U.S. Senate candidate Ken Paxton is reacting to President Donald Trump's criticism of the way he dresses. Paxton brushed off Trump's wardrobe critique during a Sept. 3 appearance on Fox News, saying Texas is 'a relatively casual place' and pointing to the Lone Star State's summer heat. 'I've got my sports jacket on. I love it. Texas is a relatively casual place in the summer, and it's hot. We adjust. We wear cowboy boots, and we wear a blazer, and we're all good,' Paxton said. Ken Paxton responds to Trump trashing his clothes: I've got my sports jacket on, I love it. Texas is a rather casual place in the summer and it's hot. We adjust. Wear cowboy boots, a blazer, and we're good. pic.twitter.com/9uaVglIOGF — Acyn (@Acyn) September 3, 2026 Trump says Paxton's suit 'doesn't look so great' Trump criticized Paxton's appearance during a Rose Garden dinner at the White House on Sept. 2, while also praising his record as Texas attorney general. 'And I say this, it's so insulting to him, but I might as well say it. You might not like the way he looks, you might not love his look, you might partner publisher · 2.0M followers Those who bought a digital copy of a game through the PlayStation Store may be eligible to receive payments from a class-action lawsuit settlement filed against Sony Interactive Entertainment. The lawsuit, Caccuri, et al. v. Sony Interactive Entertainment , accused Sony of engaging "in anticompetitive conduct designed to monopolize the PlayStation digital game market, thereby causing consumers to pay more than they otherwise would have paid for certain digital games on the PlayStation Store," according to the lawsuit's website. The settlement was preliminarily approved in April, but another hearing will take place on Oct. 15 before it is finalized. If it is, Sony will be ordered to pay $7.85 million to settle the claims. Sony denies violating any laws, but chose to settle to "avoid the further expense and distraction of continued litigation,' according to Reuters . USA TODAY has contacted Sony for comment but has not received a response. Here's what to know. More news: How did a 'Grand Theft Auto' video become Netflix's top movie last week? Who is eligible to get a part of the settlement? Those who purchased a game on the PlayStation Store between April 1, 2019 and Dec. 31, 2023, that was previously available partner publisher · 2.0M followers Maria Bartiromo 's attorney is speaking out about the anchor's abrupt exit from Fox News . Fox News Media press release announced Sept. 3 that Bartiromo, who worked for Fox News for over a decade, cut ties with the network. Bryan Freedman, an attorney for Bartiromo, denied previous reports to USA TODAY, adding he has "receipts and witnesses" to prove it. "She has been, without question, one of the hardest working journalists throughout her award winning career," Freedman wrote in a statement to USA TODAY Friday, Sept. 4. Fox News Media did not provide further information about her immediate exit. The former anchor and staunch President Donald Trump supporter has been absent from her three shows since Aug. 9. Was Maria Bartiromo fired? Attorney pushes back In his statement, Freedman slammed reporting that suggested the media personality was fired from the network. "The irresponsible reports that have been published stating that Maria Bartiromo was fired or is no longer an employee of Fox are absolutely and unequivocally false," he said. "Make no mistake, we have the receipts and witnesses and they will come out whether through the courthouse or otherwise," Freedman continued. "Those reporting her firing or the incredulous facts partner publisher · 2.0M followers Alcohol-related cancer deaths are rising − and it's not just the liver being impacted by alcohol consumption , according to new research. In the study, published Aug. 2 in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas , the authors found alcohol-attributable cancer deaths in the United States doubled from about 11,400 in 1990 to more than 23,100 in 2023. And deaths were not limited to liver cancer. Researchers found there were also growing incidences of colorectal, breast, esophageal, pancreatic and other cancers. 'The most surprising finding was the breadth of alcohol's potential impact across cancer types,' Dr. Chinmay Jani, corresponding study author and chief fellow in hematology and oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, said in a news release . 'Although its relationship with liver cancer is widely recognized, its contribution to cancers such as colorectal, esophageal, breast, pancreatic and prostate cancer is less well understood by the public.' Plus, it doesn't take much to increase risk. The authors pointed to research that shows alcohol has been linked to elevated cancer risk even at intake levels as low as 5-15 grams per day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a "standard drink" in the U.S. as 0.6 ounces, or Savory ground beef, tender macaroni, tomatoes, and simple pantry seasonings come together in the kind of old-fashioned goulash that feels familiar from the very first spoonful. The beef cooks down rich and hearty, the pasta soaks up the tomatoey sauce, and everything simmers together until the whole pot turns thick, saucy, and deeply comforting. A little garlic, onion, and seasoning bring that classic family-dinner flavor, while the soft macaroni keeps every bite satisfying without making the dish complicated. It is practical, budget-friendly, and exactly the kind of meal that feels like something Mama could stretch to feed everybody at the table and still have enough left for tomorrow. partner publisher · 2.0M followers As the Trump administration continues to offer conflicting messages about vaccines, top medical groups are stepping in to ease confusion with a set of independent recommendations. The guidelines were released via a partnership between leading medical groups, including the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Some of these, like the ACOG and AAP, had already released their own recommendations about specific vaccines in the past year after the Trump administration limited COVID vaccine recommendations in 2025 and issued a memo in January 2026 removing universal recommendations for childhood vaccines that protect against flu and a handful of other diseases, including meningococcal disease, COVID-19 and hepatitis A and B. A federal judge blocked some of these changes in March, specifically those concerning COVID-19 and Hep B immunizations, a decision the Department of Health and Human Services vowed to appeal. Earlier this month, President Donald Trump signed an executive order "calling for more vaccine flexibility and research" and fewer childhood vaccinations, repeating unsupported claims about vaccines without evidence. Research done by the University of Minnesota's Vaccine Integrity Project, an independent group of vaccine partner publisher · 2.0M followers Every time you send a paper check in the mail, consumer advocates say, you're putting your bank account at risk. Check fraud is rising, even as the number of checks in circulation is declining. In 2025, federal data shows , Americans lost more money to check fraud than to debit card or gift card scams. Consumers are writing fewer checks these days, but the amounts are larger, and thieves know it. 'Criminals know that when they see a check in the mail, it's less likely to be a $10 check and more likely to be a $10,000 check,' said Scott Anchin , senior vice president of strategic initiatives and policy at the Independent Community Bankers of America. Paper checks used to be everywhere. By 2024, however, they represented just 3% of all payments in the United States, according to the Federal Reserve . Consumers used to write checks to pay bills, buy groceries and re-up at the gym. Today, people often write checks for larger one-time transactions, such as paying a contractor or a tax bill. Larger checks mean higher stakes for fraud Larger checks mean higher stakes for thieves. Check fraud has been around for ages, but modern tech partner publisher · 2.0M followers Three attacks involving an animal that "displayed unusually aggressive behavior toward people," which can be associated with rabies , have been reported in New Hampshire, according to authorities. However, officials have yet to determine exactly what type of animal is ambushing the unsuspecting humans. From Aug. 30 -31 , police received three reports of animal attacks in the same area of Lebanon, about 122 miles northwest of Boston, according to news releases from the Lebanon Police Department. The attacks seem to be unprovoked, and police believe the same animal is responsible. Video shows the moment one person was attacked by the unknown animal. The wild animal is shown running from what appears to be a wooded area as the victim walks around a moving truck. The animal then goes after the person's legs in an unprovoked attack. It attacks the victim multiple times. The victim is seen flinging the animal away from them after it attacks their legs again, and then the animal returns to the wooded area. See video of the animal attack Animal species still unknown The animal responsible for the attacks has not been identified, but witnesses say they believe the animal is either a gray fox partner publisher · 2.0M followers A Pittsburgh attorney accused of concealing evidence related to an alleged cocaine trafficking ring among fraternity brothers at Pennsylvania State University will be tried in county court. Paul Robinson appeared in court along with former Penn State students, where preliminary hearings took place ahead of a Centre County judge ruling that Robinson and five former students would have their cases tried in county court. Those hearings came after an investigation into alleged drug trafficking primarily at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternity houses at Penn State during 2023 and 2024. In August, 14 people were charged in connection to the operation, with attorney Paul Robinson being the only non-student to face charges. During a Sept. 2 hearing, a former student and fraternity brother of Thomas Robinson, Paul Robinson's son and one of the alleged leaders of the drug trafficking operation who was previously charged with drug dealing in December 2024, testified that the elder Robinson had helped him move and conceal a safe suspected of containing cocaine. Here's what to know. Former student says Pittsburgh attorney helped retrieve, hide safe in drug trafficking ring Ryan Matson, a former Penn State student and member of Delta Upsilon, said during a ender cabbage, tomatoes, vegetables, and savory broth come together in a bowl that feels fresh, hearty, and far more comforting than 'diet food' usually gets credit for. As it simmers, the cabbage softens without turning mushy, the vegetables release their sweetness, and the broth picks up enough flavor to make every spoonful feel substantial. It is warm, colorful, and packed with texture, making it a practical choice when you want a lighter meal that still tastes like real food instead of a compromise. partner publisher · 2.0M followers It was 8:30 p.m. on a Tuesday night and 22-year-old Fraser Bohm had just accidentally killed four sorority sisters. Bohm was speeding in his BMW on Dead Man's Curve, a notorious stretch of Southern California's Pacific Coast Highway. Prosecutors say Bohm was driving 104 mph in a 45 mph zone when he lost control and slammed into parked cars, which then barreled into the sorority sisters as they stood on a sidewalk on Oct. 17, 2023. The crash killed Niamh Rolston, Peyton Stewart, Asha Weir and Deslyn Williams, all seniors at Pepperdine University in Malibu and members of the Alpha Phi sorority. "I feel awful," Bohm told investigating officers, according to a transcript obtained by USA TODAY. "Trust me, I'm so (expletive) up." Bohm did not set out to kill the young women that terrible night, but he's being tried on four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of vehicular manslaughter. His trial begins Dec. 1. Prosecutors argue Bohm understood that driving so fast could have deadly consequences and did it anyway, showing "a reckless disregard for life." Bohm's attorneys say a road rage driver clipped him just before the accident and point to his lack of criminal record partner publisher · 2.0M followers Labor Day weekend is officially here, and Amazon is packed with deals on everything from camping essentials and travel gear to home upgrades that can make everyday life a little easier. While major sale events often flood shoppers with thousands of discounts, not every deal is actually worth it. That's why I've rounded up the Amazon Labor Day deals that stand out for their usefulness, strong customer reviews and everyday value. Whether you're getting ready for fall adventures , organizing your home , upgrading your shower , or grabbing travel essentials before your next trip, these are the deals worth adding to your cart before the holiday savings disappear. Want to skip to the good stuff? Here are my top 5 favorite deals I would buy today: Best holiday gift idea on sale: Portable CD Player for Home, less than $30 Backyard upgrade on sale: Retractable Garden Hose Reel, less than $90 Rare fall camping deal: GCI Outdoor Kickback Rocker, less than $60 Best tech essential on sale: Portable Charger with Built-In Cables and Wall Plug, less than $27 Best robot vacuum deal: Ecovacs Deebot X12S OmniCyclone, $300 off I searched Amazon's Labor Day sale to find what's actually worth partner publisher · 2.0M followers Pizza is one of those rare foods that seems to work for almost any occasion. Whether it's a wood-fired pie at a favorite restaurant, a quick slice grabbed for an on-the-go lunch, a delivery box opened in front of the big game or an easy dinner when nobody feels like cooking, we eat a remarkable amount of it. With more than 61,000 pizzerias across the U.S., Americans eat an estimated 350 slices of pizza every second, or about 23 pounds per person each year. But is all that pizza good or bad for us? And when a few slices inevitably end up in the refrigerator, what's the best way to reheat them? Here's what to know. Is pizza good for you? Pizza can provide a surprising number of important nutrients, though its nutritional value varies considerably depending on how it's made and what it's topped with. Tomato-based pizza sauce is a staple on most pizzas, for instance, and contains lycopene, "an antioxidant that's been linked to reduced inflammation and heart health benefits," says Alex Larson, a registered dietitian, endurance athlete nutritionist and founder of Alex Larson Nutrition . Tomato sauce also provides potassium, which helps support healthy blood pressure and partner publisher · 2.0M followers FCA US is recalling more than 239,000 Ram vehicles due to a rearview camera error. The recall was issued for approximately 239,131 Ram vehicles because a radio software error may cause the rearview camera image to not display, according to a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) recall report. A faulty rearview camera display increases the risk of crash. FCA US estimates 100% of the outlined vehicles are impacted by the issue. Stellantis, parent company of FCA US, told USA TODAY that during a company investigation, some vehicles displayed a blue screen instead of the rearview camera image when the vehicle was shifted into reverse. If the rearview camera image doesn't appear, drivers should remain aware of their surroundings and use rearview and side mirrors. As of Sept. 4, Stellanits was unaware of any accidents or injuries related to the recall. Here's what to know about the Ram recall. What Ram vehicle model is being recalled? The recall affects the following model, according to the NHTSA report: 2025-2026 Ram 1500 vehicles What to do if your Ram is recalled Dealerships will update the affected radio software for free, according to the NHTSA report. Vehicle owners with questions may contact Chrysler