NEWS AND OPINION:
Drivers can expect to pay less at the pump as the final holiday of summer arrives. GasBuddy.com has released its annual Labor Day travel forecast, and things appear to be improving.
“The average price of gas will continue its recent downward trend, falling to $3.27 per gallon on Labor Day, the lowest Labor Day price since 2021,” GasBuddy said in its report released Thursday.
Last year, the average price per gallon was $3.77. This year’s lower price could save U.S. drivers $750 million over the Friday-through-Monday travel period, according to the report.
“Since peaking at $3.69 per gallon in mid-April, prices at the pump have eased, with lower demand helping to bring the price of gas down. Some states are seeing significantly lower Labor Day prices this year compared to last year. For instance, average gas prices on the West Coast stand over 65 cents lower than a year ago, with Oregon’s average down 90 cents per gallon, while Washington is down 87 cents and Alaska 84 cents,” the report said.
“All 50 states will see lower gas prices this Labor Day weekend than a year ago,” it added.
Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said it had been “a great summer for motorists to hit the road with gas prices generally lower than last year. But heading into Labor Day, the year-on-year gap has grown substantially thanks to few refinery outages or heatwaves impacting refineries this month. Hurricane season has also been quiet so far.”
“With no threats to major gasoline and diesel producing refineries, it’s looking more and more likely that we may avoid a late summer price spike,” he said.
“While many Americans may wish summer could last forever, the good news is we’re seeing perhaps the best opportunity in years for the national average to fall below $3 per gallon. As we get closer to Thanksgiving, we should see tens of thousands of stations ultimately fall back below that level, all thanks to falling seasonal demand and cheaper winter gasoline, which is right around the corner,” Mr. De Haan noted.
Meanwhile, what state has the highest-priced gas? California, where a gallon of regular gasoline averages $4.59 as of Thursday.
ONE FOR THE TRUCKERS
J.D. Vance had a clear message of support for those who drive the proverbial big rigs.
“If you think groceries are bad, wait until Kamala Harris makes every American trucker drive an electric truck. If you think car prices are bad, wait until Kamala Harris makes everybody buy a Chinese-made electric vehicle,” the Republican vice presidential nominee told an enthusiastic crowd at a campaign stop in Erie, Pennsylvania.
“If you think housing prices are bad, wait until Kamala Harris makes it impossible for our truckers to get construction materials to the building site. Kamala Harris’s policies are a disaster, ladies and gentlemen. Not just for truckers, but for everybody who relies on them — which is everybody,” he said.
A REAGAN REMINDER
A noteworthy movie opens Friday: “Reagan,” which chronicles the life of the 40th U.S. president with respect and maybe a little wonder.
“Dennis Quaid brings to life a story that transcends the boundaries of a traditional biopic, offering a profound exploration of the enduring impact of the power of one man who overcame the odds, sustained by the love of a woman who supported him in his journey,” an advance statement from the producers said.
Visit the film and find local theaters at Reagan.movie.
IVY-COVERED HALLS
California would become the first state in the nation to employ undocumented college students without legal work permits, pending a signature from Gov. Gavin Newsom. The landmark Assembly Bill 2586 passed in a final 41-7 vote Monday, The Sacramento Bee reported.
“The governor, who has not stated a position on the bill, has until the end of September to sign or veto it. Newsom’s record on undocumented-centered legislation fluctuates. While the state has extended Medi-Cal to all age groups of the community under his administration, he has also vetoed bills to provide cash assistance to undocumented seniors and extend unemployment benefits. He repeatedly postponed the expansion of the food assistance benefits,” the report said.
“If signed, AB 2586 would direct the University of California, California State University and California Community Colleges systems to employ students who, due to their legal status, often struggle to secure paid on-campus jobs, internships and research opportunities. These institutions would have to begin hiring students by January 2025,” the report added.
WEEKEND REAL ESTATE
For sale: Little Beaver Island, a scenic 1-acre island on Lake Winnipesaukee, often considered one of New Hampshire’s grandest lakes. The island features a main cottage built in 1900 with four bedrooms and one bath; 1,309 square feet. The house has an open porch and a screened porch as well for “lakeside dining.” Property includes extra “honeymoon cottage,” wood walkways, plus boathouse and two docks. Shingle exterior, natural wood interiors, stone fireplace, beamed ceilings. Property is sold completely furnished; priced at $2.9 million through nicolewatkins.com. Enter the phrase “1 Little Beaver Island” in the search function.
POLL DU JOUR
• 37% of U.S. adults think the Republican Party has “clearer plans” to save America’s problems. 89% of Republicans, 32% of independents and 2% of Democrats agree.
• 46% of Whites, 26% of Hispanics and 11% of Blacks also agree. 41% of men and 34% of women also agree.
• 37% overall think the Democratic Party has clearer plans to solve America’s problems. 1% of Republicans, 25% of independents and 86% of Democrats agree.
• 34% of Whites, 34% of Hispanics and 53% of Blacks also agree. 36% of men and 37% of women also agree.
• 26% are not sure about the issue. 10% of Republicans, 43% of independents and 12% of Democrats agree.
• 20% of Whites, 40% of Hispanics and 35% of Blacks also agree. 23% of men and 29% of women also agree.
SOURCE: A Yahoo News/YouGov survey of 1,788 U.S. adults conducted online Aug. 22-26.
• Follow Jennifer Harper on X @HarperBulletin, on Facebook @HarperUniverse.
• Jennifer Harper can be reached at jharper@washingtontimes.com.