Export ban on diesel could help some, hurt others

Plus: Why gamblers should use cash |

US Edition - Today's top story: Trump speculates on diesel fuel export ban as high prices ripple across US economy September 24, 2026 US Edition   Top headlines Cardiologists have new tools to control cholesterol Can AI help with Americans’ unmet legal needs? Teaching college students how to forge friendships Lead story You’ve likely heard about high diesel prices as the U.S. war with Iran continues to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed to oil shipments coming out of the Middle East. Some Republicans in Congress, and President Donald Trump, have said they want to explore banning the export of diesel fuel from the U.S. as a way to try to help. I asked Vidya Mani, a supply-chain researcher at the University of Virginia, to explain all the ways the price of diesel affects almost every other price consumers pay for food, energy, household needs and other products. And I asked her whether a ban on diesel exports would help much. She explains all those economic interconnections, as well as how banning exports might help in some places in the U.S., but would definitely hurt badly elsewhere in the country. Miss us on Sundays? Get a selection of our best and most popular stories (or try our other weekly emails).   Jeff Inglis Environment + Energy Editor   Demand for rail freight shipping is up, as trucking becomes more expensive. Both use diesel fuel, but trains are more efficient at carrying heavy loads long distances. Scott Olson/Getty Images Trump speculates on diesel fuel export ban as high prices ripple across US economy Vidya Mani, University of Virginia; Cornell University There’s not much diesel fuel lying around, and lots of people want to buy what is available, as well as what little is produced each day. It’s all a matter of supply and demand. Health + Medicine Cholesterol control gets personalized – a cardiologist explains how new guidelines tailor treatment to your unique risk profile William Cornwell, University of Colorado Anschutz The 2026 guidelines recommend beginning screening as early as age 9, and incorporates more precise diagnostic tests. Politics + Society AI tools can help Americans meet their civil legal needs Ellen Murphy, Wake Forest University The US legal system often fails to provide counsel for millions of Americans in civil cases. Generic and law-specific AI models can help address this justice gap of unmet legal needs. ICE arrests at Philadelphia International evoke time when airport police helped military catch AWOL Vietnam War soldiers in 1960s Menika Dirkson, Morgan State University A local historian combed through a 1967 collection of police incident reports from Philadelphia’s airport police that included detentions of soldiers and veterans. Education Friendship is built over time, through ordinary moments – I teach lonely college students to notice them Justin Vaughn, Coastal Carolina University Students in this course learn about the biology and sociology of friendship, but also put their studies to the test by going to eat a meal with a peer, and tracking their experience. International Mosque attack highlights evolving extremism landscape that has brought Pakistan-Afghanistan ties to crisis point Saif Tahir, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington; Amira Jadoon, Clemson University Convergence and competition between militant groups has spurred violence. Meanwhile, Pakistan accuses Afghanistan of harboring terrorists. Irish reunification is more complicated than Trump may think Kimberly Cowell-Meyers, American University School of Public Affairs; Carolyn Gallaher, American University School of International Service There are many barriers to reunification, but Irish American lobbying may move the needle a little. Economy + Business Why making Americans bet with cash could protect people from gambling problems Jay L. Zagorsky, Boston University By adding friction and making it possible for people around problem gamblers to see what they’re up to, a cash requirement could protect them from big losses. How Trump’s crypto winnings undermined the industry’s push for looser regulation Lee Reiners, Duke University The crypto industry scored a series of wins in 2025, only to see its top legislative goal fail in 2026. Ethics + Religion The medieval world had its own ‘deepfakes’ – church officials cited a fake imperial decree for centuries Vanessa Corcoran, Georgetown University The forged document was used as leverage to try to expand papal control throughout the Italian peninsula. Trending on site Three Ts will dominate Trump-Xi summit – but expect little movement on trade, less on Taiwan and who knows on tech When presidents ban journalists from the White House, the First Amendment is not the only constitutional right at stake Why Hispanic Americans are losing faith in the American Dream Today's chart Read the article   About The Conversation We're a nonprofit news organization dedicated to bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. We can give away our articles thanks to the generosity of readers like you. Learn more about us Support our work More from The Conversation Like this newsletter? You might be interested in our other emails: The Afternoon Story (A daily Substack) Weekly Highlights Politics Weekly Science Weekly Artificial Intelligence Giving Today This Week in Religion Weekly News Quiz Global Perspectives Global Economy & Business Follow The Conversation You can find us on all your favorite platforms: • YouTube • Bluesky • Facebook • TikTok • LinkedIn • Instagram • Mastodon • Or get occasional texts from us     You’re receiving this newsletter from The Conversation 303 Wyman Street, Suite 300 Waltham, MA 02451