Impact of Fuel Price Hikes | NCAA President on March Madness Betting Dangers - CBS Mornings on the Go Recap

Podcast: CBS Mornings on the Go

Published: 2026-03-18

Duration: 37 min

Guests: Charlie Baker, Kelly O'Grady

Summary

This episode covers the surge in fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions and explores the NCAA's concerns about the rise of sports gambling and prediction markets during March Madness.

What Happened

The episode opens with a discussion on the impact of rising fuel prices, particularly diesel, due to the conflict with Iran. Diesel has surpassed $5 per gallon for only the second time in history, causing concern for inflation as it affects the cost of goods transported by trucks and trains. Kelly O'Grady explains the geopolitical factors influencing these price hikes, especially the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passageway.

The conversation shifts to the NCAA tournament and the associated boom in sports gambling. NCAA President Charlie Baker expresses concerns about the integrity risks posed by prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket, which allow users to bet on a range of outcomes from sports events to pop culture.

Jolene Kent reports on the legal battles surrounding these prediction markets, highlighting the case in Arizona against Kalshi. She provides insights into how these platforms operate differently from traditional gambling, allowing younger users to participate and potentially exploit regulatory loopholes.

The episode also touches on the financial burden of college tuition, with Jill Schlesinger offering advice on securing better financial aid packages. She emphasizes the importance of negotiating for more aid and exploring savings plans like the Section 529 plan to minimize tax burdens.

Anthony Mason profiles the British band The Last Dinner Party, sharing their rapid rise in the music scene. The band members discuss their beginnings, creative process, and the visual identity that sets them apart in the industry.

Finally, the episode covers the chaotic situation at airports due to TSA staffing shortages, which have led to long wait times and potential temporary closures at smaller airports. Chris Van Cleave provides a detailed account of the challenges faced by TSA officers and the implications for travelers.

Key Insights

• Diesel prices have surged past $5 per gallon for only the second time in history, largely due to geopolitical tensions with Iran and the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil transit route.
• Prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are raising integrity concerns for the NCAA due to their ability to facilitate betting on a wide range of outcomes, including sports events, which may exploit regulatory loopholes.
• Section 529 plans offer a tax-advantaged way to save for college expenses, with the potential to significantly reduce the financial burden of tuition through strategic savings and negotiations for better financial aid packages.
• TSA staffing shortages are causing significant delays and potential temporary closures at smaller airports, impacting travelers with long wait times and operational challenges.