U.S. gasoline prices on Monday topped $4 a gallon nationwide, adding pressure to household budgets as oil markets surge in response to the lingering Iran conflict.

Data from GasBuddy showed the national average price for regular gasoline at $4.018 per gallon, with mid-grade at $4.541 and premium at $4.904. AAA data also confirmed the national average moving above the $4 threshold, reinforcing the upward trend in fuel costs.

Prices have risen sharply in recent weeks, with the national average up about $1.06 per gallon, or roughly 36%, when tensions escalated following U.S. and Israeli strikes targeting Iran in late February. 

The increase reflects a broader rally in oil markets, with U.S. crude futures settling at $102.88 a barrel on Monday, up $3.24. Prices also jumped more than $3 in Asian trading after Kuwait said an oil tanker was attacked at a Dubai port, underscoring ongoing supply risks.

OIL HAS SURGED SINCE THE IRAN CONFLICT BEGAN, BUT GAS PRICES MAY NOT BE DONE RISING

Gas prices are displayed at an Arco station on March 30, 2026, in Los Angeles. (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Fuel markets have been particularly sensitive to disruptions tied to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical corridor for global crude shipments, where Iran has effectively restricted traffic, tightening supply expectations.

Further gains at the pump are possible if crude prices continue to rise, analysts say.

The Trump administration has moved to mitigate the impact, issuing a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act that allows foreign-flagged vessels to transport fuel and other goods between U.S. ports. However, industry analysts expect the measure to have only a limited effect on retail gasoline prices.

POWELL WARNS OF NEW ENERGY SUPPLY SHOCK AS GAS PRICES SURGE: ‘NO ONE KNOWS HOW BIG IT WILL BE’

High gas prices are listed at Chevron station in Los Angeles on March 9, 2026. (Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images)

Rising fuel costs are weighing on consumers already facing broader price pressures and have emerged as a political challenge for President Donald Trump and congressional Republicans ahead of the November midterm elections.

An Iranian national flag flies at the Persian Gulf Star Co. gas condensate refinery in Bandar Abbas, Iran. (Ali Mohammadi/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

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Trump has pledged to reduce energy prices and boost domestic oil and gas production, but his second term has so far been marked by market volatility and geopolitical tensions.

Reuters contributed to this report. 

This article was written by

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The company, which manufactures rockets, space exploration technology and Starlink satellites, is currently privately held. But on Wednesday it made a confidential filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) for an initial public offering, which would allow shares to be traded in the stock market.

Luka Doncic is delivering one of the most dominant offensive seasons in NBA history, leading the league in scoring while carrying the Los Angeles Lakers to a strong playoff position, yet the Slovenian superstar faces long odds of capturing the 2026 Kia Most Valuable Player award with just weeks left in the regular season.

As of April 1, 2026, Doncic’s MVP odds sit between +1100 and +2700 across major sportsbooks, placing him third or fourth behind clear frontrunners Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Betting markets and prediction platforms give him roughly a 4-8% implied probability of winning, a sharp contrast to his status as a preseason contender.

Doncic, in his first full season with the Lakers after a mid-career trade, is averaging a league-leading 33.7-33.8 points per game, along with 7.8 rebounds and 8.2-8.3 assists. He is shooting 47.6-47.7% from the field and 36.6-36.8% from three-point range through 63 games. His scoring barrage has included multiple 40- and 50-point outbursts, including a memorable 60-point performance that helped fuel a 13-2 Lakers surge in March.

The Lakers sit third in the Western Conference with a 48-26 record, benefiting from Doncic’s playmaking alongside LeBron James and supporting cast. Coach JJ Redick has publicly stated that a strong finish could bolster Doncic’s case, and the star has climbed the official Kia MVP Ladder in recent weeks, reaching as high as No. 2 before slipping to No. 4 in the latest update behind Wembanyama, Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic.

Despite the gaudy numbers, several factors are working against Doncic in voter eyes. The MVP award has increasingly rewarded team success and two-way impact in recent years. Gilgeous-Alexander leads the Thunder to the best record in the league at around 60-16 or better, while anchoring an elite defense. Wembanyama, at just 22, has elevated the Spurs to a top seed with transformative two-way play, ranking near the top in blocks, rebounds and efficiency.

Voters also weigh narrative and precedent. Doncic has finished in the top five in MVP voting multiple times but has never won. Critics point to defensive limitations and high usage rates that sometimes lead to late-game fatigue. Some analysts argue the bar for heliocentric guards keeps rising, making it harder for pure scorers to claim the award without elite team wins or defensive contributions.

Advanced metrics paint a mixed picture. Doncic leads in scoring and ranks high in assist percentage, with strong efficiency considering his workload. However, models that factor in team record, defensive rating and games played give the edge to Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama. Basketball-Reference’s MVP tracker currently ranks Doncic third with roughly 5% projected vote share, well behind the leaders.

The race remains fluid entering April. The Lakers have been one of the hottest teams in the league, winning nine of 10 or better in recent stretches, which has helped Doncic’s case. A continued strong finish combined with any slippage from the top two contenders could narrow the gap. Yet with only a handful of games remaining, dramatic shifts are unlikely unless injuries or extraordinary performances intervene.

Doncic’s supporters highlight the historic nature of his output. Averaging over 33 points while playing heavy minutes in a loaded Western Conference is rare. His playmaking vision remains elite, and he has shown improved conditioning and leadership in Los Angeles. Lakers fans and some media voices argue that if the team secures home-court advantage or climbs higher, Doncic deserves serious consideration.

Historically, the MVP often goes to the player whose team achieves the best record while posting superstar numbers. Gilgeous-Alexander’s efficiency, leadership of a title contender and defensive versatility make him the betting favorite at -350 to -550. Wembanyama’s two-way dominance and youth narrative have propelled him to +210 to +550 in recent weeks, with some ladders placing him at No. 1.

Jokic, the reigning two-time MVP, remains in the mix with triple-double prowess but has seen his odds lengthen to +4000 or longer as Denver’s record lags behind the top teams. Other names such as Jaylen Brown appear as longshots.

For Doncic to win, several scenarios would likely need to align: the Lakers finishing with one of the top two or three records in the West, continued 30-plus point explosions, and perhaps a narrative shift emphasizing his individual brilliance amid a star-studded roster. Even then, overcoming the current gap in betting markets and voter sentiment would be an uphill battle.

The 27-year-old remains in his prime and has expressed focus on team success over individual awards. In recent interviews, he has downplayed MVP talk while emphasizing playoff preparation. His ability to elevate teammates has been evident in Los Angeles, where the supporting cast has thrived alongside his playmaking.

As the regular season winds down, every remaining game carries added weight. The Thunder, Spurs and Lakers are all battling for seeding and momentum. A late surge by any contender could reshape the final MVP Ladder before ballots are cast.

Ultimately, while Luka Doncic is producing video-game numbers and carrying the Lakers into contention, the combination of team records and two-way excellence from Gilgeous-Alexander and Wembanyama makes a 2026 MVP victory unlikely. He sits as a compelling dark horse with odds reflecting a small but real chance — perhaps 5% or less in most models.

Doncic has already cemented his place among the league’s elite. Whether he claims the Maurice Podoloff Trophy this season or adds to his growing legacy in future years, his 2025-26 campaign stands as one of the most impressive individual offensive seasons in recent memory. For now, the award appears headed elsewhere, but in the unpredictable world of NBA awards, the final weeks could still hold surprises.

Travelers heading through San Francisco International Airport on Thursday faced relatively smooth security lines, with TSA wait times averaging around 10 to 18 minutes across checkpoints — a stark contrast to hours-long delays plaguing many U.S. airports amid ongoing federal staffing issues.

As of early Thursday morning, live estimates showed standard security waits at SFO hovering near 11 minutes, with TSA PreCheck lanes often clearing in under 5 minutes. Peak afternoon hours could push waits toward 20-23 minutes, according to blended real-time data from airport trackers and traveler reports. The shortest waits overnight dipped as low as 4-6 minutes, while the longest recent spikes reached about 23 minutes in the late afternoon.

SFO officials reported “normal wait times” on their website, crediting the airport’s unique status as the largest participant in the Transportation Security Administration’s Screening Partnership Program. Under the SPP, private contractors handle screening instead of federal TSA employees, shielding SFO from the widespread no-show rates and funding disruptions affecting government-run checkpoints nationwide.

“Travelers at SFO continue to move efficiently through security,” airport spokesman Doug Yakel noted in recent statements. Over the past 30 days, average peak waits have stayed under 10 minutes even as passenger volumes remain robust, he added.

This efficiency stands in sharp relief against the national picture. A partial government shutdown has triggered record TSA delays, with some major hubs reporting lines exceeding four hours. TSA officials have cited officer call-out rates as high as 40-50% at certain airports, compounded by resignations and higher-than-expected spring travel demand. SFO’s private model has largely insulated it from these headaches, allowing consistent operations even during peak spring break surges that strained other facilities.

Current Conditions at SFO Checkpoints

SFO operates six main security checkpoints serving its terminals and boarding areas:

• International Terminal: Boarding Area A and G checkpoints typically open early and handle global flights.
• Terminal 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Domestic): Checkpoints A, B, B-Mezzanine, D, F1 and others operate on staggered schedules, with most running from around 3:15 a.m. until late evening or early morning.

As of Thursday, most checkpoints remained open with no major closures reported beyond routine maintenance, such as occasional downtime at Boarding Area F3. TSA PreCheck is widely available, and expedited lanes like CLEAR are operational to further speed up the process for enrolled travelers.

Hourly breakdowns from aggregator sites like TakeOffTimer and AirlineAirport.com indicate:

• Overnight/early morning (midnight to 6 a.m.): Often 5-15 minutes.
• Morning rush (7-10 a.m.): 12-19 minutes.
• Midday (11 a.m.-2 p.m.): 7-12 minutes.
• Afternoon peak (3-6 p.m.): Up to 23 minutes, the daily high in recent patterns.
• Evening: Trending back down toward 10 minutes.

These figures represent blended estimates from passenger reports, historical data and live feeds. Actual times can fluctuate based on flight banks, weather or sudden passenger surges. SFO handled millions of passengers in recent months while maintaining short queues, thanks to dedicated private screening staff not impacted by federal payroll or staffing crises.

Tips for Beating the Lines at SFO Today

Airport authorities and travel experts recommend arriving at SFO at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours for international departures. While waits are currently manageable, proactive steps can shave off precious minutes:

1. Enroll in TSA PreCheck or CLEAR: PreCheck members frequently clear in 5 minutes or less. CLEAR biometric lanes provide an additional shortcut at SFO.
2. Download the MyTSA App: The official Transportation Security Administration mobile app lets users check real-time crowd-sourced wait times, review prohibited items and get personalized alerts. Historical data helps predict busy periods.
3. Pack Smart: Follow the 3-1-1 liquids rule and remove laptops, liquids and large electronics early to speed screening.
4. Monitor SFO’s Official Site: The flysfo.com alerts page posts updates on TSA lines and any temporary changes.
5. Check Flight Status Early: Use airline apps or the airport site to track gate assignments and potential delays.

Travelers on social media and forums like Reddit’s r/AskSF and r/bayarea have echoed the positive experience. Recent posts note quick passes through PreCheck, with some flyers reporting under 10 minutes total even during busier windows. “SFO’s private TSA setup has been a lifesaver,” one frequent traveler commented.

Broader Context: Why SFO Stands Out

The contrast with other airports highlights the value of SFO’s operational model. While federal TSA facilities grapple with the effects of the shutdown — including delayed pay and reduced staffing — SFO’s contractors maintain full operations funded independently. This has prevented the kind of chaos seen elsewhere, where passengers have missed flights due to multi-hour security bottlenecks.

Spring travel demand remains high, with many families heading out for break or business travelers resuming routines. SFO, one of the busiest gateways on the West Coast serving major carriers like United Airlines, has seen steady volumes without the extreme backups reported at hubs in the East or Midwest.

Airport officials continue to urge caution. “Even with normal waits, factors like high passenger volume or equipment issues can cause temporary spikes,” a recent advisory noted. Passengers with disabilities or those needing extra assistance should factor in additional time and contact their airline in advance.

What to Expect Later Today and This Week

Forecasts for the next 12 hours show waits staying mostly in the single digits to low teens during midday, with a possible uptick in the late afternoon. Overnight into Friday should remain light. Weekend patterns often see heavier crowds, so checking apps closer to travel time is wise.

No major runway or operational disruptions were flagged for Thursday beyond routine maintenance. However, travelers should stay alert for any last-minute alerts via the airport’s website or flight apps.

For the latest real-time updates:

• Visit flysfo.com for official notices.
• Use sites like tsawaittimes.com, takeofftimer.com or onairparking.com for live estimates.
• Report your own wait time through the MyTSA app to help fellow travelers.

SFO’s reputation for efficient security has held strong even as national air travel faces challenges. With waits today averaging well below typical busy-airport benchmarks, most passengers can expect a straightforward experience — provided they arrive prepared and monitor conditions.

As always, double-check with your airline for any flight-specific updates. Safe travels from the Bay Area’s gateway.

A 100-year-old World War II veteran who witnessed the iconic Iwo Jima flag-raising said he thought the war was “going to be over” as cheers erupted across the battlefield — a moment honored decades later at Disneyland in an emotional ceremony.

Charles Cram, a Navy medic attached to the 5th Marine Division, was recognized Tuesday during Disneyland’s daily Flag Retreat ceremony on Main Street, U.S.A., where guests gathered and applauded as he was presented with a flag flown over the park.

“I didn’t know what I was witnessing at that moment,” Cram told FOX Business. “But I was in the middle of history.”

Cram said he could see the American flag rising “500 to 700 feet up” over Mount Suribachi — a moment that would become one of the most recognizable images in American history.

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World War II veteran Charles Cram, 100, poses in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., during a visit honoring his service. (Courtesy of Disney Experiences / Unknown)

The ceremony unfolded before a crowd of park visitors, with Cram’s family — including relatives who traveled from across the country — standing nearby as he was honored for his service.

“When we told Daddy he was coming to Disneyland, he thought he was just going on rides,” a family member said. “He had no idea any of this was really happening.”

Cram, who turned 100 on March 15, was also treated as a special guest at the park, attending a VIP viewing of a parade and meeting Donald Duck, a character that helped boost morale among U.S. troops during World War II.

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World War II veteran Charles Cram, 100, receives a folded American flag during Disneyland’s Flag Retreat ceremony in Anaheim, Calif., as family and park guests look on. (Courtesy of Disney Experiences / Unknown)

During the ceremony, he received a framed American flag that had been flown over Disneyland.

“This is a flag that was flown over Disneyland Park,” a presenter said during the tribute. “Thank you for everything that you’ve done.”

The ceremony is part of a long-standing tradition at Disneyland, where daily flag ceremonies have been held since the park opened in 1955 to honor U.S. service members and veterans.

A Los Angeles native, Cram served as a Pharmacist’s Mate Second Class in the U.S. Navy and was attached to the 5th Marine Division during World War II. He was among those who fought at Iwo Jima, one of the most pivotal battles of the Pacific campaign.

World War II veteran Charles Cram, 100, is recognized during Disneyland’s Flag Retreat ceremony on Main Street, U.S.A., in Anaheim, Calif., as attendees applaud. (Courtesy of Disney Experiences / Unknown)

Reflecting on that day, Cram said the experience shaped how he views life.

“It made me realize how precious and fragile life is,” he said to FOX Business. “And happy to still be alive.”

He said being honored at 100 years old is a reminder of how fortunate he has been.

“It reminds me how lucky I am to be alive,” Cram said.

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When asked what message he would share with younger Americans, Cram pointed to service as a lasting source of pride.

“It’s a privilege to be able to serve your country,” he said. “It’s an honor you’ll never forget.”

Discount retailer with more than 300 stores and 3,000 staff seeks to slash rents and property costs while vowing not to shut shops or cut jobs

Poundstretcher has unveiled proposals to ask landlords to reduce rents across its portfolio of stores as it seeks to safeguard its long-term viability, but says it has no intention of closing outlets or shedding jobs.

The discount retailer, which has over 300 stores and 3,000 staff across the UK, confirmed the restructuring will centre on its property portfolio, with the aim of cutting rents and other shop-related costs.

It stated the proposals would “secure the long-term future of the business” and help ensure the store estate “remains sustainable over the long term”.

However, the firm emphasised there were “no planned store closures or proposed redundancies as part of the proposal”.

The group added: “Over the past year, as with many businesses in the retail sector, Poundstretcher has experienced challenging trading conditions driven by a difficult macroeconomic environment.

“Despite a clear strategy and significant work to reduce central costs and refresh the product offering, wider pressures facing the high street have continued to impact sales and profitability.”

Poundstretcher was acquired by US investment firm Fortress, which also owns Majestic Wine, in 2024 for an undisclosed sum.

Prior to this transaction, Poundstretcher had already undergone a significant restructuring exercise involving rent reductions sanctioned by landlords as part of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) deal agreed in 2020. The ownership and management team stated they have implemented several measures to strengthen profitability following the acquisition, including operational modifications, a revamp of the product portfolio, investment in pricing and enhanced supplier partnerships.

Andy Atkinson, chief executive of Leicestershire-based Poundstretcher, said: “This plan we’ve set out today will reduce our cost base and enable us to invest in our stores, our people and the overall customer experience.

“This restructuring plan will help to secure the long-term future of the business by strengthening existing locations and enabling sustainable growth.”

Consumer goods giant has been bidding to move away from its food and drink brands

Unilever has completed a $45bn merger of its food brands with US spice and seasoning giant McCormick, creating a $60bn food and drinks conglomerate in which the London-based firm retains a majority stake.

Unilever and its shareholders will hold 65 per cent of the new entity, with the company receiving $15.7bn (£11.6bn) in cash and the equivalent of $29.1bn (£21.9bn) in McCormick shares.

The deal represents the culmination of a long-planned drive from Unilever to divest itself of its food brands, as incoming chief executive Fernando Fernandez bids to transform his consumer giant into a “sharper and faster” company. The Magnum Ice Cream Company was spun out of Unilever last year.

Prior to the latest merger being confirmed, analysts had suggested that an outright sale would be unlikely, given that the financial scale of Unilever’s food division far exceeds that of McCormick.

London-based Unilever had been edging towards an agreement with McCormick since confirming talks earlier this month, stating that its food brands constitute a “highly attractive” business with a “strong financial profile”, as reported by City AM.

Unilever food brands include mayonnaise producer Hellmann’s, Marmite and Bovril.

Fernandez said: “For Unilever, this transaction is another decisive step in sharpening our portfolio and accelerating our strategy towards high-growth categories.”

The new chief executive intends to deliver €800m in savings over three years and cut 7,500 jobs – among them 200 managerial roles – as he takes direct aim at “mediocrity” within the business. Activist investor Nelson Peltz has been pushing for Unilever to streamline its portfolio since acquiring a stake in 2022. Peltz, the founder of Trian Partners, has held a non-executive position on the FTSE 100 company’s board since building out his stake four years ago.

Brendan Foley, McCormick’s chief executive officer, said: “This combination will create a diversified flavor leader with a robust growth profile that remains differentiated by its focus on flavoring calories while others compete for them.”

Russ Mold, AJ Bell investment director, said: “Having slimmed down, Unilever will want to show it is fighting fit for the future and it will get its next opportunity to do so with next month’s first-quarter update.”

Unilever food operations in the UK include its plant in Burton-on-Trent, which is home to brands such as Marmite and Bovril and also makes Hellmann’s and Colman’s products. Unilever also has a Pot Noodle factory in Crumlin, South Wales.

Earlier on Tuesday it emerged that Unilever had implemented an immediate recruitment freeze as it braced itself against costs arising from the Iran war.

The company, which had already scaled back recruitment as part of a wide-ranging cost-reduction programme, informed staff that the hiring ban would affect “all levels” of recruitment and was introduced in response to the “significant challenges” posed by the crisis in the Middle East.

Considerable transit disruption across the Middle East is driving up shipping costs, while the production of plastic packaging is also becoming increasingly expensive. Fabian Garcia, the head of Unilever’s personal care division, wrote in a memo first reported by Reuters: “Macro economic and geopolitical realities, especially in the Middle East conflict […] bring some significant challenges for the coming few months.

“With this in mind, the Unilever Leadership Executive team has agreed a global recruitment freeze at all levels. This will be effective immediately and last for a minimum of three months.”

The consumer goods giant stated it had taken the measures in response to an “uncertain” external environment, adding that it would revise its strategy “as necessary”.