Gas prices are high, and inflation has continued to climb. How do Trump voters feel about his performance so far?

Many Americans say that gas prices may impact their
midterm election choices. (Photo by GG, Unsplash)

Campaigning for his second term in the White House, President Donald Trump pledged "no new wars" while he worked to "make America affordable again." A year and a half into his presidency, U.S. consumers face high inflation, hefty tariffs on imported food and goods, and bloated gas prices due to the war with Iran.

So how do those voters feel now? Tim Balk, Rachel Richardson and Sam Easter of The New York Times asked some Trump voters how they feel about their vote now and how their opinion of his leadership so far might influence their midterm election choices. Some edited selections of their opinions are shared below.

Adele Wilson, 30, of Ada Township, Mich., population 14,400
When asked about gas prices, Wilson told the Times, "Last time I filled up I was like, ‘Oh, this hurts.’" Wilson, a dental assistant, believes "Trump’s second term has been unsuccessful," the Times reports. "She called the war a 'horrible idea.' She was unsure how she would vote in the midterms, she said, but she had already ruled out voting for JD Vance or Marco Rubio in the 2028 presidential race."

Matt Yerkes, 74, of New Richmond, Ohio, population 2,730
Yerkes, who is retired, told the Times he thinks Americans' current economic strain is "temporary and needed.” Overall, he agrees with the war with Iran. The Times reports, "He said he disliked the president’s personality, but added, 'I agree with essentially everything he does from a policy standpoint.'"

Luke Stanley, 28, of Hermon, Maine, population 6,500
"Stanley, who owns a metal fabrication company, said he did not 'necessarily' support the war, and suggested he would like the president to change his approach," the Times reports. "But he said that business had been good for him overall during the president’s second term." He told the Times that continued high gas prices might sway his choice in the midterm elections.

What's up with tomato prices? The U.S. has collected $4.6 million in tomato tariffs — a 'staggering' 27,879% increase

The price of tomatoes is up 40% over
last year. (Photo by E. Akyurt, Unsplash)

For many Americans, tomatoes are a grocery staple, so heading into a store only to see the price of red sauce or salsa skyrocket serves as a reminder that the country is facing ongoing affordability challenges.

"Prices for those red orbs have soared more than any other food product over the past year to cement a spot as one of the consumer headaches du jour," reports Matt Sedensky of The Associated Press.

In the case of tomatoes, their "prices are up about 40% over a year ago, according to the latest Consumer Price Index," Sedensky explains. In comparison, coffee prices are up 18.5%, beef roasts are up 17.8%, and frozen fish and seafood are up 12%.

The war with Iran and tariffs are the two primary reasons tomatoes are pricier. "The war spiked gas prices and increased shipping costs," Sedensky explains. "Meantime, the U.S. withdrew from a deal allowing duty-free imports of tomatoes from Mexico, which grows most of America’s supply."

While American tomato farmers cheered to see their competition get slapped with a 17% tomato tariff,  Sedensky writes, soaring tomato prices have been another inflation shock for many U.S. consumers and restaurant operators.

Federal data says it best: "U.S. tariffs collected on tomatoes ballooned from just $16,424 in 2024 to nearly $4.6 million," AP reports. "A staggering 27,879% increase."

Some consumers have rushed to plant gardens, but for restaurants that collectively use thousands of tomatoes a day, the cost increase is hard to absorb.

Wayne Humphrey, chief operating officer of Snarf’s Sandwiches, where sliced tomatoes top most sandwiches, told AP, "That single ingredient now costs us more than $1.7 million in additional spend annually. The math is getting harder to ignore.”

Companies and retailers finally cut prices in response to U.S. consumer frustration and lack of cash

U.S. companies are finally taking American consumer frustration over inflation and high prices seriously. "Companies from Clorox to Kraft Heinz are finally realizing that half of American consumers can’t afford what they are selling," report Sarah Nassauer, Heather Haddon and Natasha Khan of The Wall Street Journal. 

Kraft Heinz has lower prices on several popular
grocery items.

For the food industry and retailers, having half of the U.S. population — roughly 180 million Americans — struggle to put food on the table isn't good for business, even when those businesses are making money. The Journal reports, "To appeal to cash-strapped and inflation-weary shoppers, the companies are launching smaller and cheaper products, pitching value packages and, in some cases, reversing price increases."

Companies like Target, Walmart and Coca-Cola are aiming their deals at lower-income Americans who are being squeezed by gas prices, food inflation and wages that aren't keeping up with costs. "Walmart executives said that they had lowered the price tag on 7,200 items and planned to use the company’s tariff refund to fund further price cuts."

Kraft Heinz has reduced prices on several of its staple products, including Oscar Mayer Deli Fresh products and Maxwell House coffee. It plans to "absorb about 80% of its inflation this year," Nassauer adds. The company's CEO, Steve Cahillane, told the Journal, “The consumer can only absorb so much.”

Target's lower toy prices have increased
sales. (Target photo)

Even car companies have gotten the memo. "Jeep maker Stellantis, which also makes Ram trucks and Chrysler minivans, is planning seven new cars 'under the $40,000 range,'" Nassauer writes. It's also planning for two new car models that will retail for under $30,000.

Several companies that voluntarily slashed prices are seeing sales volumes increase. Target’s successful toy department price cuts are an example. In a recent meeting, the company told investors that "it is experiencing 'tremendous growth' in its toy department, where it has introduced offerings priced at $20 or less," the Journal reports.

Survey: Seniors, rural residents and renters face the 'devasting impact' of inflation

Rising gas and grocery costs hit lower-income Americans 
harder. (Photo by rc.xyz NFT gallery, Unsplash)

Even before the Iran war, seniors and rural families were struggling to afford basics such as groceries, gas and rent. With the Strait of Hormuz closure, more Americans are under financial strain, but the higher costs hit lower-income people and families harder.

Data released by the U.S. Census Bureau's American Community Survey shows "certain groups of Americans are falling behind financially, with seniors, renters and people living outside metropolitan areas facing particular hardships," reports Stephanie Liebergen of Scripps News. The survey gathers demographic, social and economic data on Americans over five-year time spans.

Between 2020 and 2024, the "poverty rate for seniors rose in more than 800 counties when compared to the five years before, according to the survey," Liebergen writes. "Inflation wiped out almost all income gains for older Americans during this period."

Rural Americans' finances also lost ground because of lower or stagnant wages. Liebergen explains, "The median household income in large metro areas is 30% higher compared to households in rural communities, according to the new data." Renters, who tend to fall into lower income brackets, also got pinched. 

Eric Pachman, a data expert who analyzed the survey's results, told Scripps, "What the story really is, and what's really hitting me very hard right now, is the devastating impact of inflation on people at lower income brackets."

The survey does not include details on the 2025 tariff wars and the 2026 Iran war. Those two impacts have driven inflation higher, leaving more Americans spending a higher percentage of their incomes on gas and groceries.

Consumer prices across the U.S. rose at the "fastest rate since May 2023 last month, as sharp increases in energy costs caused by the war in the Middle East," reports Lydia DePillis of The Wall Street Journal. "Average gasoline prices are above $4.50 per gallon, while diesel prices have nearly doubled. . . .Grocery costs rose 2.9% since last April."

Report: Food and agriculture sector will contribute $10.4 trillion to U.S. economy in 2026

The U.S. food and agriculture industries will produce $10.4 trillion for the economy in 2026, backing 48.7 million jobs, reports Feed & Grain staff.

Despite rising inflation and global trade pressures, the sector makes up almost 20% of the national economy, increasing profits by $894 billion each year, according to data from the Feeding the Economy report.

Food manufacturing is the largest manufacturing sector in the country, from two million farms and ranches to 200,000 food manufacturing, processing and storage facilities. It also includes more than one million restaurants and foodservice establishments, and 200,000 retail food stores.

The economic impact of the food and agriculture sector in each state. (Interactive map via Feeding the Economy, Click here to choose your state.)

Some of the highlights from the report show the food and agriculture sector generating:

• More than $177.3 billion worth of exports
• More than $3 trillion in workers' wages
• 6.5% growth in direct employment over the last decade
• 4% yearly rise in wages and 13% rise over the last decade, surpassing inflation
• $1.35 trillion in tax revenue for federal, state and local governments, increasing 7% each year

Many rural communities rely on food and agriculture revenue as the backbone of their local economy, with wages reinvested to support local housing, healthcare, education, small businesses and infrastructure, reports Feeding the Economy. “From farm to factory and truck to table, food and agriculture's impact sustains jobs, powers commerce, and strengthens communities across America."

JBS beef meatpackers in Colorado plan strike over pay and company charges for protective equipment

JBS is the number one beef producer in the U.S.
(JBS photo)

American consumers are paying at or near record prices for beef, while nearly 3,800 workers at a JBS beef meatpacking plant in Greeley, Colorado, say little of the extra cash Americans are shelling out is going into their wallets, and they're planning to go on strike next week, reports Tom Polansek of Reuters.

The planned strike ‌"pits a workforce made up largely of immigrants against the world's largest meat company, and it has already driven ranchers to deliver cattle to alternate facilities," Polansek explains. "Meatpackers, including JBS, benefit from climbing prices but also must pay ​record costs to buy cattle to slaughter."

Despite livestock costs, JBS is still posting significant profits. Polansek notes, "JBS in November reported third-quarter profit of $581 million, ⁠down from $693 million a year earlier.

Kim Cordova, president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union that represents workers in Greeley, told Reuters, "While customers are paying more than they ever have, none ​of that is trickling down to the frontline worker that's actually doing all the heavy work."

Cordova said JBS fails to adhere to labor laws and has "not negotiated fairly on a new contract over the past eight months," Polansek reports. She told Reuters that workers want a wage that helps them keep up with inflation, and they "want the company to ​stop charging them for replacing protective equipment they wear to do their jobs safely."

For now, JBS has denied Cordova's claims and is standing by its contract offer. JBS told Polansek, "It is strong, fair, and consistent with the historic national contract reached in 2025."

Meanwhile, cattle feeders are moving where they plan to sell their livestock. One feeder told Polansek, "We've ​got way more kill space than finished cattle ready ​to slaughter."

Bulk-beef purchases require an investment, but they can help family grocery budgets, cattle farmers and butchers

Graphic by Adam Dixon, Offrange

Whether it's juicy burgers, a tender tri-tip roast, or the rich flavor of grilled steaks, many Americans love their beef. But affording red meat -- even ground beef -- has become trickier for many household budgets. For some families, purchasing a whole or part of an entire cow could be the answer to beef dinners that don't empty the grocery wallet, reports Emma Glassman-Hughes for Offrange. 

Today's meat industry has accustomed most U.S. consumers to choosing beef cuts from grocery store shelves lined with plastic-covered trays, offering a variety of cuts at a wide range of prices. "But with increasing social, political, and economic instability, some [experts] are predicting more Americans will attempt to insulate their pantries. . . by buying their meat in bulk directly from farmers," Glassman-Hughes explains. 

Bulk beef purchases cost more upfront, and consumers pay one price per pound for all cuts. However, the initial cost of half a cow (also known as a side of beef) can be $1,300, which can be cost-prohibitive, even though the price per pound ranges from $6.50 to $7.00, which is a significant savings for family grocery budgets. To offset the costs, some families opt to go in together when purchasing a side of beef and then divide the spoils. Sharing a side of beef purchase also helps consumers reduce the freezer storage space needed. 

A direct-sale bulk meat purchase also helps cattle producers and local economies. Michele Thorne, who heads up the nonprofit, the Good Meat Project, which focuses on helping Americans afford more ethically produced meat, told Offrange, “I enjoy supporting a local farm, because I know that my money is staying in the community, in the state."

While some cattle farmers handle the butchering for their customers, in more remote locations, cow-purchasing customers have to arrange their own butcher, which sometimes requires planning months in advance. Glassman-Hughes explains. "This country’s butchering industry has been shrinking for the last half-century, stretching the remaining butchers to their limits."

Even with the initial planning for upfront costs, freezer space and a butcher, the "experience of buying meat directly from a farmer instead of shrink-wrapped at the grocery store would seem to outweigh the negatives for many," Glassman Hughes adds. "Thorne believes that, if nothing else, buying directly from farmers and butchers goes a long way toward strengthening the overall community fabric."

Find step-by-step "buying half a cow" tips and instructions here. 

Tyson Foods plans to shutter one of the country's biggest beef processing plants in rural Lexington, Nebraska

The Lexington plant could process 5,000 head of cattle
per day. (Tyson photo)

Even with national beef prices at historic highs, Tyson Foods was still losing millions from its massive processing plant in rural Lexington, Nebraska. To stem its losses, Tyson announced  plans to close the facility "at a time when a cattle shortage in the U.S. squeezes meatpacking companies," reports Patrick Thomas of The Wall Street Journal. 

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, "blasted the decision," reports Cindy Gonzalez of the Nebraska Examiner. Fischer told reporters, “As the single largest employer in Lexington, Tyson’s announcement will have a devastating impact on a truly wonderful community, the region and our state." The plant employs nearly 3,000 people, and the small town has roughly 10,300 people.

While Tyson is the biggest of the four meatpacking companies that process 85% of beef in the U.S., it will be the first "to close a major plant during the current cattle supply crunch," Thomas explains. "Meatpackers have been losing hundreds of millions of dollars processing beef because of the lowest amount of cattle on U.S. pastures since the 1950s."

The announcement comes after months of pressure from the Trump administration to lower beef prices for consumers. Thomas writes, "President Trump said earlier this month that the Justice Department was investigating the meatpacking companies for conspiring to drive up prices."

Tyson also announced it is "moving its Amarillo, Texas, beef plant that can slaughter about 6,000 cattle a day to a single shift, down from two shifts a day," Thomas adds. The Nebraska plant could slaughter nearly 5,000 cattle per day. Tyson's plant closure and Texas shift change could further tighten U.S. beef supplies and push grocery store beef prices higher.

Time to talk turkey: The cost of this year's Thanksgiving dinner has decreased

When Americans sit down to their Thanksgiving dinners next week, the dinner's price tag will be a bit lower, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 40th annual Thanksgiving dinner survey. The report shows that the average cost this year to feed 10 people a classic dinner will be $55.08, down from $58.08 in 2024. The average price of a 16-pound turkey this year is $21.50, down 16% from 2024.

Over the last few years, the star of the meal -- usually a turkey -- has dropped in price, while the cost of sides such as fresh vegetables and sweet potatoes has increased. "A veggie tray is up more than 61% and sweet potatoes are up 37%," reports AFBF. "Natural disasters contributed to these higher costs. North Carolina, which produces more than half of the nation’s sweet potatoes, experienced hurricane damage that reduced yields and tightened supplies ahead of the holiday."

As families and friends sit down to bountiful holiday meals, giving thanks for the hard work and ingenuity of U.S. farmers might be in order. AFBF reports, "Crop prices have fallen again while fuel, fertilizer, labor and machinery costs continue to climb, leaving many operations below breakeven . . . effective support remains essential to keeping America’s food supply stable, affordable and secure."

Quick hits: The American baked potato; rural deputies get EMS training; 6 states ban lab-grown meat sales; building homes in small town Vermont

American-grown potatoes are still affordable and 
delicious. (Idaho Potato Commission photo)

In a time when going to the grocery store can be both expensive and discouraging, it's good for Americans to reignite their love for the humble, versatile and still affordable baked potato. "The baked potato has always been big and great," writes Eric Kim of The New York Times. "These days, a long Idaho tuber, split down the middle like a hot dog bun to reveal fluffy white starch, a pat of butter nestled into the left side, is still big and — more important — great, with its perfect creamy-crunchy-fresh combo of sour cream, chives, cheese and bacon." Find recipes here. 

A rural sheriff in Montana is working to help the region's emergency responders by using "some of his department’s budget to restart a first responder medical training and certification program for deputies to be able to supplement emergency medical providers and help provide care when they are first to the scene of an incident," reports Blair Miller of the Helena Independent Record. Often, when accidents occur in rural Montana, law enforcement arrives well before medical emergency teams. In his announcement, Sheriff Tom Grim said he believes that if deputies could provide medical assistance to victims before an ambulance arrives, their additional training could save lives. 

Six states have passed laws banning cultivated meat.
(Graphic by Adam Dixon, Offrange)

Where's the meat? According to several states, only animals are meat. "Livestock powerhouse Nebraska became the sixth state to preemptively ban the sale of cultivated meat," reports Jaclyn De Candio for Offrange. Nebraska joined the "beef with cultivated meat" by joining states that already ban the sale of lab-grown meat, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Montana and Indiana. "Florida was the first to pass such a law, and in several cases, companies like UPSIDE Foods already filed lawsuits challenging these restrictions on constitutional and commerce grounds. . . . While laboratory meat products are indeed made from real cattle cells, they give pause to many."

Power grids across the country need upgrades, and areas of the Midwest will get them. "The Department of Energy closed a $1.6 billion loan guarantee for transmission upgrades in the middle of the country — a move that comes as the Trump administration slashes funding for other grid improvements, including a separate transmission megaproject in the Midwest," reports Alexander C. Kaufman of Canary Media. The financing will enable a subsidiary of American Electric Power to "overhaul around 5,000 miles of power lines across Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Oklahoma, and West Virginia."

A bucket of Kentucky Fried Chicken may be a game-day crowd-pleaser, but the chain has been struggling against competitors that offer on-the-go chicken. "Consumers eat 26% of their fast-food orders in their cars," reports Heather Haddon of The Wall Street Journal. To recapture its market share, the company is revamping its menu to compete with newcomers like Chick-fil-A and Canes. "KFC this month brought back its Original Honey BBQ sandwich, introduced in the late 1990s, at a discounted $3.99 price. The announcement swiped at Chick-fil-A while championing its own sandwich: 'bigger than Chick-fil-A’s AND available on Sundays.'"

Jonah Richard’s first development project was once home to a post office. It now consists of eight apartments and a coffee shop. (Photo by David Littlefield, Vermont Public Media)

Despite the daunting challenges of building affordable housing in New England, a homegrown Vermonter found a way to get it done. "Not so long ago, Jonah Richard spent his days working for a white-collar consulting firm in New York City. Now, he fills his time bopping between construction sites in the corner of Vermont where he grew up," reports Carly Berlin of vtdigger. "His philosophy of trying to squeeze more housing into any possible nook and cranny in a building, and in a town – guides all of the projects that Richard takes on through his small construction company and development business. . . . State officials want to clone Jonah Richard."

American consumers are worried about their energy bills, the job market and the increased cost of groceries

Americans deploy different strategies to counter grocery
costs. (Adobe Stock photo)

Between spiking energy bills and a dreary jobs market, a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs documents the deep stress many Americans feel about their bills and future financial prospects, reports Olivier Knox of U.S. News and World Report. Along with those worries, American consumers continue to look for ways to counter the ever-increasing cost of groceries.

When asked about utility bills, 36% of poll respondents said their "electricity bills are a 'major' source of stress, and a bit more than one half – 54% – said the same about grocery costs, a little more than a year ahead of the November 2026 midterm," Knox writes.

Roughly 47% of polled adults said they were "'not very' or 'not at all confident' they could find a good job if they wanted to," Knox reports. This response marks a big increase from 37% the last time the question was asked in October 2023.

Polled responses were somewhat surprising given the U.S. economy's low unemployment numbers and healthy stock market gains. Knox adds, "But there are worrying signs, including a weakening labor market."

While many Americans express concern about the overall cost of living, most continue to battle ongoing grocery price increases, reports Christopher Kuo of The Wall Street Journal. According to the Labor Department data, since August 2024, the price of "coffee increased 20.9%, ground beef was up 12.8%, and bananas rose 6.6%. Dairy, fruits, vegetables and cereals have all become pricier."

In an effort to help stretch their food budgets, some consumers are "cutting back on purchases, stockpiling certain foods or exploring more-affordable stores," Kuo adds. Other shoppers have become choosier about what lands in their cart, while others scour sale-only items.

U.S. food costs are rising due to higher commodity prices for items like beef, along with market adjustments to tariffs. Kuo explains, "Some of these costs have been absorbed by food companies; others are being passed on to consumers."

Quick hits: Radioactive shrimp; soybean farmers seek deal; tractor pulls; veggie-flation; 515-mile lightning strike

Radioactive shrimp were recalled as a precautionary
measure. (ABC video graphic)

Earlier this week, the FDA issued an urgent recall for Indonesian shrimp sold at Walmart that may contain radioactive materials. "Certain Great Value raw frozen shrimp products sold at Walmart are being recalled due to possible contamination with Cesium-137, a radioactive isotope," reports Erin Keller of the Independent. FDA shrimp recall details are here.

With their fall harvests almost ready, American soybean farmers sent the Trump administration a letter asking for a trade deal with China. "China, the world's largest soybean buyer, is turning to Brazilian cargoes amid trade tensions with the U.S. and ongoing negotiations," reports Leah Douglas of Reuters. "The country has not pre-purchased soybeans from the upcoming U.S. harvest, an unusual delay that has worried traders and farmers. . . . China bought 54% of U.S. soybean exports in the 2023-2024 marketing year, worth $13.2 billion."

Langford's tractor pull has increased in popularity since
beginning in 1946. (Photo by Zach Jaworski, NPR)

Annual tractor and truck pulls have grown into major events for some rural communities. Little Langford, New York, hosts its tractor pull for two days every August. "Spectators gather on wooden bleachers flanking a long dirt runway, forming an arena that seats 4,000 people — more than the surrounding area's total population," reports Zach Jaworski of NPR. Richard Love, one of the officials at this year's Langford pull, told Jaworski, "It's non-stop action and it's just kind of a big party here." Jaworski adds, "This event in Langford has been held annually since 1946."

After U.S. Department of Labor agents zeroed in on the Marino family farm in New Jersey and uncovered a paperwork violation, they shackled the family's business with administrative red tape, fines and a ruling from a DOL court. Finally, after years of litigation, "a panel of independent federal judges unanimously ruled DOL’s actions in violation of the Constitution. . . and the Marinos were vindicated," reports Chris Bennett of Farm Journal. But the DOL's damage remains -- the Marino family farm that operated for 125 years is gone. Joe Marino told Bennett, "I never thought honesty and facts wouldn’t matter in America, but that’s what happened."

Chart by Axios, from Bureau of Labor data

As U.S. consumers watch the prices for essentials continue to fluctuate, produce costs could become the next budget worry. "Wholesale prices for fresh veggies soared by a record amount last month, foreshadowing a possible spike at the grocery store soon," reports Ben Berkowitz of Axios. "The Producer Price Index for July rose at the fastest clip in three years, far more than economists expected. . . . Per Bureau of Labor Statistics data, it's also the largest monthly increase ever recorded in a summer month (June-August), in figures that go back to 1947." 

A visualization of the megaflash that extended 515 miles, roughly the distance from Dallas to Kansas City, Mo. (Photo by Michael Peterson, GTRI via The Wall Street Journal)

The raw energy released in an average lightning bolt could power a small town for an entire day. With that in mind, consider the energy released during a recently detected lightning flash that zipped along the Great Plains in 2017. It was a "record-setting strike that lasted more than seven seconds and stretched 515 miles, from eastern Texas almost to Kansas City, Mo.," reports Eric Niiler of The Wall Street Journal. "The massive size of the megaflash, which touched ground in five states in 2017, was revealed by a new analysis of satellite imagery from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. . . . The average lightning strike is between 2 and 10 miles long."

Quick hits: 'New' Superman is super-rural; VA restructuring; chocolate bar price bump; public pool safety; how much land does each state farm?

Superman (David Corenswet) and his dog Krypto in ‘Superman’ (Warner Bros, IMDb image via the Yonder).

Before Superman was super-anything, he was an orphan raised by farmers in Smallville, Kansas. The newest Superman is an old-fashioned, sincere and sometimes corny-sounding hero-in-the-making, who struggles to stay true to his ideals "in a world beset by 24/7 media noise, rationalized indifference, and organized meanness," writes Adam B. Giorgi for The Daily Yonder. "The boon of super strength and super speed doesn’t necessarily make it any easier to keep being good in the face of hardship, to do the right thing when the chips are down, or to be kind even when it’s not expected or rewarded."

After shedding roughly 30,000 jobs earlier this year and announcing it plans to curtail further layoffs, the Department of Veterans Affairs is still restructuring. "Senior leaders are telling employees that major changes are still coming," reports Eric Katz of Government Executive. "The VA is looking to empower medical center directors. Several employees, based on meetings and internal conversations, speculated that headquarters and possibly regional staff could be a casualty of that change."

'Inflation isn't finished with your chocolate bar.'

Chocolate maker Hershey may sell delightful sweets, but its latest announcement is a summer bummer. "Hershey is raising prices on its candy in response to continued high cocoa costs," reports Owen Tucker-Smith and Jesse Newman of The Wall Street Journal. While exact price hikes will vary, U.S. consumers can expect a roughly 20% increase on Hershey treats. "Three-quarters of Hershey’s confection portfolio should continue to cost $4 or less. . . .Demand for Hershey’s products has stayed strong. Shares of Hershey are up more than 7% this year."

With its varied seasons and climates, U.S. farmers and gardeners grow thousands of different crops each year. The amount of land dedicated to principal crops depends on the state. Discovering which states and regions farm the most land is best described in the map shared below.

Over half of Iowa is dedicated to farming. Click on map to enlarge.

The future of farming may involve less physical labor and more technology. "Imagine a farm where fleets of autonomous tractors, drones and harvesters are guided by AI that tweaks operations minute by minute based on soil and weather data," reports William Boston of The Wall Street Journal. "Farmers could swap long hours in the cab for monitoring dashboards and making high-level decisions. . . . Despite the promise of digital tools and autonomous machines, cost is a big barrier." 

Taking care while enjoying public pools can help reduce the chance of illness or skin rashes.
(Photo by Maria Korneeva, Moment, Getty Images via The Conversation CC)

Does chlorine kill all infectious "things" that end up swimming in the public pool? No. "Summer news headlines and social media posts often spotlight the 'ick-factor' of communal swimming spaces. These concerns do have some merit," writes Lisa Cuchara for The Conversation. "The good news is that chlorine, which is widely used in pools, is effective at killing many pathogens. The not-so-good news is that chlorine does not work instantly, and it doesn’t kill everything. . . .Read Cuchara's 10 tips for healthier public pool swimming here.

Quick hits: Racing cars with a 'twist;' egg prices slide; lower tariff for 'happy nut;' bird flu cases slow; PFAS trial

The Gary Wilson Jr. 2009 Toyota Yaris heads down the track. (Photo by Sam Wolfe, NPR)

Camden, S.C., may only have 7,800 people, but it hosts a raucous event where residents and visitors are treated to cars with bad rap sheets and crazy detailing. "The race cars roll into downtown like an old-fashioned circus . . . . A Honda Civic has a lawnmower, squirrels and flamingoes on its roof," reports Bill Chappell of NPR. "They're all here for the local installment of 24 Hours of Lemons, an endurance car race with a major twist: The cars can't cost more than $500. The series bills itself as 'racing for real people.' The 24 Hours of Lemons races started more than 15 years ago in California. There are now 23 races each year, from coast to coast."

Good news! Sort of. "The average price for a dozen Grade A eggs declined to $5.12 last month after reaching a record $6.23 in March," reports Dee-Ann Durbin of The Associated Press. "It was the first month-to-month drop in egg prices since October 2024. Overall, the average price of eggs of all sizes fell 12.7%, the steepest monthly decline since March 1984. . . . Still, retail egg prices remain near historic highs."

California farmers grow millions of pounds of
pistachios a year. (Adobe Stock photo)

U.S. farmers aren't the only ones grateful for a break from extreme U.S.-China tariffs -- Chinese pistachio lovers are also rejoicing. "Chinese consumers crave pistachios for their taste and health benefits, referring to them in a way that translates to 'happy nuts,'" reports Jim Carlton of The Wall Street Journal. "Since 2017, the value of U.S. pistachios shipped into China has shot up 20-fold from $42 million to $842 million last year, accounting for almost a third of the $3 billion crop."

Dairy trade between the United States and the United Kingdom has historically been skewed in the UK's favor; however, the new negotiation framework announced by the Trump administration "marks a crucial turning point as the U.S. seeks a level playing field with global dairy exporters," reports Karen Bohnert of Dairy Herd Management. "According to Gregg Doud, president of the National Milk Producers Federation, achieving a robust trade agreement with the UK is a vital step in correcting the current imbalances in the dairy trade."

Chickens, farmers and farm workers enjoy a reprieve from bird flu infections. (MedPage Today photo)

While not entirely explainable, "detections of H5N1 avian influenza have slowed in both animals and humans, but continued surveillance is warranted, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention researchers said," reports Kristina Fiore of MedPage Today. "Someone questioned whether there was seasonality to H5N1. . . .Todd Davis, PhD, chief of the virology at the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, said any seasonality noted in other countries 'primarily corresponds to migratory bird patterns.'"

The first PFAS, or "forever chemicals," personal injury trial will focus on plaintiffs who allege they developed kidney cancer from firefighting foam. "The trial, set for Oct. 20, could include up to three individuals who claim their exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) caused their cancer," reports Pat Rizzuto of Bloomberg Law. "In [an] effort to manage the nearly 10,000 personal injury cases that are part of the Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation MDL 2873, Judge Richard M. Gergel, with the U.S. District Court for the District of S.C., established three batches of cases involving different illnesses."

Quick hits: Medical flights increase; inflation navigation; rethinking grass-fed meat; NASA astronauts splash home

When every minute matters, a medical helicopter
can be a rural patient's best option. (WSAZ photo)

As more rural hospitals close, medical helicopter services are more likely to be called for emergency medical treatment. "Over the past decade, demand for air ambulance services has grown more than 50%. One factor experts say is a rising number of rural hospitals shutting their doors," reports Blair Miller of WSAZ in West Virginia. "As rural hospitals close and demand for medical flights grows, the healthcare industry faces another hurdle, a shortage of medical pilots."

Since late January, measles infections have spread from Texas to New Mexico to Oklahoma. As of late March, 321 people have contracted the disease, including a child who died from the infection. Even though most infections occur in unvaccinated people, it's still prudent to understand how the disease spreads and who may need a measles, MMR, vaccination, or vaccination booster, reports The Conversation. "In a Q&A, Daniel Pastula, a neurologist and medical epidemiologist, explained how and when you should take action." MedPage Today also offers measles vaccination guidance.

Some Americans skip the expensive
snacks. (Adobe Stock photo)

Amid increasing food costs and health care worries, many U.S. consumers are dropping some of their expensive habits, leaving convenience store sales feeling the pinch. "Convenience-store sales fell 4.3% by volume in the year ended Feb. 23, as consumers cut back on snacks and cigarettes due to rising prices and health concerns," report Jesse Newman and Laura Cooper of The Wall Street Journal. "The change in behavior is hurting U.S. sales of Doritos, Twinkies, Heath bars and Newports. . . . Lottery ticket sales remain strong."

At the time Isaac Newton pondered the idea that "what is up, must come down," he was observing an apple fall from a tree branch. Had he been watching U.S. food costs, he might have come to a completely different conclusion. "The USDA states that food costs have climbed over the past few years and will continue to do so in 2025," reports CaLea Johnson of Mental Floss. "More specifically, food-at-home prices (grocery store or supermarket food purchases) are expected to increase by 1.3%." To see which states people spend the most on groceries, click here.

After years of touting grass-fed burgers as healthier for the planet, some ranchers and conservationists may want to rethink their sales pitch. "A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences challenges found that cattle raised only on pastures do not have a smaller carbon footprint than feedlot cattle, which are quickly fattened on corn and other grains," reports Anna Phillips of The Washington Post. "This held even when the researchers took into account that healthy pastureland can help capture more carbon by pulling it out of the air and storing it in roots and other plant tissues."

NASA astronauts return home to Earth after an extended stay in outer space. (NASA photo)

Steven Speilberg's alien darling, E.T., was famously stranded on Earth and couldn't stop begging to phone home. NASA astronauts had a similar, but opposite problem. They were stuck in space wanting to get back home to Earth. "Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore set off to spend eight days at the space station. The trip lasted nine months," report Kenneth Chang and Thomas Fuller of The New York Times. SpaceX and the Coast Guard members met the astronauts as they "splashed down in calm, azure waters off the coast of the Florida Panhandle. . . . A pod of curious dolphins also greeted the astronauts."

Mexican produce suppliers and U.S. grocers tap dance around tariffs to keep aisles stocked and prices steady

Trade with Mexico keeps fresh produce on American
grocery store shelves. (Adobe Stock photo)

Supermarket produce aisles are suffering from a bad case of tariff whiplash, leaving suppliers juggling orders to avoid levies and grocers searching for ways to hold costs down. "Companies that import and distribute tomatoes, broccoli and other fruits and vegetables are canceling orders and sometimes replacing them within days," reports Patrick Thomas of The Wall Street Journal. "Supermarkets and retailers are monitoring consumers’ tolerance for higher prices. . . and considering bigger changes in their supply chains."

The Trump administration's see-saw approach to tariffs is "becoming a day-to-day factor for businesses that rely on cross-border commerce," Thomas writes. "American consumers expect to see fresh produce in stores year-round, and for avocados, broccoli, peppers and mangos, that means buying from Mexico and South American countries."

Despite the scale of Mexican produce sales to the United States -- worth roughly $20 billion annually -- suppliers operate with razor-thin profits, which leaves "little room for sellers to absorb higher costs without passing them along to customers," Thomas explains. "That leaves retailers and suppliers to determine whether consumers can stomach still-higher prices after inflation fatigue has eroded sales at supermarkets and restaurants over the past year."

To hold prices steady, grocers are reworking their supply chains. "Grocery giant Kroger said it is attempting to shift its purchasing of produce and other products to avoid the Trump administration’s tariffs, and ward off further price increases in its stores," Thomas reports. California grocer, Dynasty Farms is "considering moving its broccoli production to the U.S., where the company operates farms from California’s Salinas Valley to Scottsdale, Ariz."

'Purchase nothing' is one way some Americans are fighting back inflation and paying off debts

No-buy challenges can help
reduce debt. (Adobe Stock graphic)

Faced with relentless inflation, some Americans have pledged to purchase nothing and plow what they might have spent into paying off debts. "The 'no buy 2025' trend encourages people to purchase as little new stuff as possible," reports Ann-Marie Alcántara of The Wall Street Journal. "Some people make lists of specific items they won’t purchase, while others vow not to buy any non-essentials."

While no buy isn't entirely new, this year it has gained momentum beyond social media popularity. "An idea like no-buy has trended before on TikTok," Alcántara explains. "Google searches for 'no buy challenge' are up 40% year-over-year, while 'no spend challenge' searches have hit an all-time high."

Families discovered that consciously reducing luxury items quickly stacked up funds to pay off debt. Rachel Holdsworth, a part-time nurse and stay-at-home mom, "wanted to pay off her family’s $10,000 credit-card debt," Alcántara writes. "Holdsworth is cutting out hair treatments and manicures. . . . They’ve paid down $2,000 of their debt through no-buy and Holdsworth’s side hustles."

Part of no buy's appeal is that it allows consumers to feel in charge of their money while pushing back against higher prices. Analyst and part-time grocery store worker, Donavan Harnage, told Alcántara, "If I can’t control what the stores do, I can control how I spend my money." Harnage plans to nix trips to Target and give less-used online streaming services the ax.

Other consumers opt to reduce purchases by using the products they have. "People also are adhering to 'project pan,' a similar trend to no-buy that spurs people to finish all their skincare, makeup or body-care products before buying replacements," Alcántara explains. "Some are even combining no-buy with project pan."

U.S. consumers get smacked with another round of food inflation. Egg prices spike and other costs follow suit.

U.S. consumers endure another round of
food inflation. (Photo by 青 晨, Unsplash)

It's déjà vu for American food costs. The price of eggs and other grocery items are increasing while American consumers face another soul-crushing round of food inflation. U.S. grocery costs "increased 1.8% from a year earlier in December, rising at the fastest pace in more than a year," report Patrick Thomas and Jesse Newman of The Wall Street Journal. "The cost of food overall was 0.3% higher in December, after increasing 0.4% in November."

Why this is happening -- again? "There isn’t one factor. Bird flu is killing chickens, cutting egg supplies and sending wholesale prices to a record," Thomas and Newman explain. "Extreme heat and dry weather in the world’s coffee-growing regions have sent the cost of brews surging. Chocolate and cereal makers have raised prices for their products, too."

It's a problem. "Consumers are still acclimating to a stretch of bruising inflation following the Covid-19 pandemic," the Journal reports. "Grocery prices in December were roughly 28% higher than they were five years ago."

While on the campaign trail, President Donald Trump promised to put a lid on grocery prices -- a promise that could prove difficult to deliver. "Some of the problems underlying food costs, such as disease and bad weather, don’t have quick policy fixes," Thomas and Newman add.

Even as egg prices climb, some egg producers are making hefty profits. "The index for eggs was up 37% from a year ago, and the average retail price of a dozen large eggs increased nearly 14% to $4.15 in December," the Journal reports. "Price increases have helped increase the profits of egg companies, including Cal-Maine, the largest U.S. egg producer, whose stock has doubled over the past year."

The price of meat has also increased but experts predict meat prices will level out. On balance, cocoa and sugar prices have surged. Thomas and Newman write, "A candy company recently said it would raise its prices by 10%." When asked about food inflation, Mark Skogen, CEO of Wisconsin-based Festival Foods, told the Journal, "It just doesn’t end."