Top 5 US news stories
March 31 2026
Gas Prices Cross $4 a Gallon for First Time Since 2022
Wall Street Closes Its Worst Quarter in Nearly Four Years
Washington State Enacts Tax on Income Over $1 Million
Heart Association Dietary Guidance Clashes With Trump Administration Rules
Trump Unveils Presidential Library Design as Florida Renames Airport in His Honor
Gas Prices Cross $4 a Gallon for First Time Since 2022
Average regular gasoline in the United States hit $4 a gallon on Tuesday, a level not seen since August 2022, as the Middle East war continues to drive fuel costs higher. The average price of regular gas has surged 35 percent since the end of February, according to AAA data. Just a month ago, the national average sat below $3 a gallon. Analysts say the rapid climb could force American drivers to pull back on discretionary spending and travel. Patrick De Haan of GasBuddy said gas prices shape everyday decisions about driving and leisure activities, and some of those choices are now at risk.
NYT
Wall Street Closes Its Worst Quarter in Nearly Four Years
U.S. stocks are set to finish the first quarter of 2026 with their steepest losses since mid-2022. The Nasdaq composite fell into correction territory on March 26, dropping 10 percent from its recent high, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average followed a day later. The slide marks a sharp reversal from December, when accelerating economic growth, expected Federal Reserve rate cuts and fading trade tensions had investors anticipating broad-based gains. Many had bet the rally would expand beyond Big Tech and AI-linked names into the wider market. Instead, the quarter ends with both major indexes deep in the red.
WSJ
Washington State Enacts Tax on Income Over $1 Million
Gov. Bob Ferguson signed legislation Monday making Washington the latest Democratic state to impose a tax targeting top earners. The 9.9 percent levy, which takes effect in 2028, applies only to income above $1 million and will fund child care, free school meals, working-family tax credits and small-business tax breaks. Washington had no state income tax until now. Republicans warned the measure could drive wealthy residents to lower-tax states and discourage the entrepreneurship that built the state's economy. The move echoes similar proposals under consideration in New York City and other blue states, where lawmakers argue new revenue is needed to offset federal cuts to health and nutrition programs.
WSJ
Heart Association Dietary Guidance Clashes With Trump Administration Rules
New nutrition recommendations from the American Heart Association advise Americans to favor plant-based protein over meat, choose low-fat or fat-free dairy and cook with olive, soybean and canola oils instead of beef tallow and butter. The guidance, released Tuesday, diverges from dietary guidelines the Trump administration introduced earlier this year. The disagreement extends a broader rift between mainstream medical groups and the federal government over health advice, including clashes over vaccine recommendations and Tylenol use during pregnancy. The AHA, which counts more than 30,000 scientific and medical professionals among its volunteers and supporters, publishes updated dietary guidance roughly every five years. Its latest recommendations are largely consistent with its 2021 guidelines and pre-2026 federal standards.
WSJ
Trump Unveils Presidential Library Design as Florida Renames Airport in His Honor
President Trump released mock-up images Monday of a glass tower in downtown Miami that will serve as his presidential library. The design features a red, white and blue spire, golden escalators, a gold statue of the president with his fist raised and displays of aircraft including an Air Force One jet. Plans also include a large auditorium and a rooftop garden for events. Separately, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis signed legislation Monday renaming Palm Beach International Airport as President Donald J. Trump International Airport, effective July 1 pending FAA approval. The airport serves as Trump's primary gateway to his nearby Mar-a-Lago estate.
WSJ / NYT
March 31 1985: WrestleMania Debuts at Madison Square Garden
The first-ever WrestleMania takes place at Madison Square Garden, featuring a nine-match card headlined by Mr. T and Hulk Hogan defeating Rowdy Roddy Piper and “Mr. Wonderful” Paul Orndorff. The star-studded event also includes Muhammad Ali serving as a referee and Liberace appearing as the timekeeper.
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