A closer look: Three candidates are competing in the Nov. 3 election for Louisiana Public Service Commission District 1, with utility costs, grid reliability and campaign funding at the forefront. Republican state Rep. Stephanie Hilferty touts her consumer protection record but faces scrutiny over more than $137,000 in utility-related contributions, while Democrat Connie Norris and independent Chris Justin emphasize opposition to corporate influence. Norris cites her fight against water rate increases, while Justin advocates regulatory reforms and greater competition to lower costs. The Center Square has the full story.
Air travel declines: U.S. air travel is on track for its first annual decline since 2020 as rising fares, driven partly by jet fuel costs more than double year-ago levels, push ticket prices higher. Major airlines are prioritizing higher fares and premium-cabin revenue over filling every seat as passenger volumes weaken and carriers cut their 2026 profit forecasts. Reduced flight capacity could keep fares elevated, while strong demand for business-class seats continues to support airline pricing power. CNBC has the full story.
300,000 barrels incoming: A tanker carrying about 300,000 barrels of Russian diesel has intermittently listed New York as its destination, potentially signaling the first direct shipment from Russia’s Primorsk port to the U.S. since 2022, though the final discharge port remains unconfirmed. The shipment follows President Donald Trump’s agreement to temporarily suspend sanctions on Russian diesel exports and increase supplies to global markets to help ease soaring fuel prices. U.S. diesel prices averaged $6.32 per gallon Friday, up from $3.63 a year earlier, as conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine strain supplies. The Wall Street Journal has the full story.
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