August 4, 2025 07:27:10 AM
August 4, 2025 07:27:10 AM
The majority of US adults have at least some emphasis on the cost of food, and as prices continue to rise, new polls have been discovered, and concerns about the impact of President Donald Trump’s tariffs have spread.
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President Donald Trump makes a Washington gesture on Friday, August 1, 2025, as he departs from the Southern Lawn of the White House on his way to the joint base in Andrews, Maryland. (AP photo/Jaclyn Martin)
About half of our adults say the cost of food causes “major” stress
According to a new poll from the Apsociated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, about half of all Americans say the cost of food is the “major” stress source in life now, while 33% say it is a “minor” stress source. Only 14% say it’s not a cause of stress, highlighting the widespread anxiety that most Americans continue to feel about the cost of everyday essentials.
According to polls, 64% of the lowest-income Americans (people with annual household incomes under $30,000 a year) say the cost of food is the “major” stressor. This is compared to about four people in 10 people with household incomes of more than $100,000.
Other financial stressors, such as housing costs and bank account amounts, are also widely felt, but are heavier on younger Americans who are less likely to save a significant amount of savings or have their own wealth than older people.
The survey says about four out of ten Americans under the age of 45 used what is known as the “buy now, pay later” service. read more.
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Housing is another source of concern for our adults. With savings, income and healthcare costs. According to polls, about half of our adults say housing is a “major” source of stress, but about four in ten people say what they’re paying, how much they save, and the cost of healthcare.
China defends oil trade between Russia and Iran in US trade talks
US and Chinese officials may be able to reach trade contracts and resolve many of their differences to avoid tariffs, but they remain far away on one issue. The US demands that China cease oil purchases from Iran and Russia.
After two days of trade negotiations in Stockholm, China’s Foreign Ministry posted on Wednesday to X, “Command and pressure will not achieve anything,” responding to the US threat of 100% tariffs.
When both Beijing and Washington announce optimism and goodwill about reaching a deal to maintain the commercial ties between the two world’s largest economies, the response highlights China’s trust when playing hardball in dealing with the Trump administration, especially when trade is linked to energy and foreign policy. On Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent called for “stricken” negotiators in China, but said China’s turbulence has not stalled talks.
As Moscow funds extremist groups in Ukraine, Tehran and the Middle East, the US wants to cut the funds available to the military as it seeks to limit oil sales by Russia and Iran, the main sources of revenue in both countries. read more.
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South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham is pushing for sanctions and tariffs on Russia and its financial aid, and has introduced a bill that allows the president to impose 500% tariffs not only on Russia but also on countries that “willfully” purchase oil, natural gas and petrochemicals from oil, natural gas and Petroan products. Republicans say they are ready to move under the sanctions law if Trump asks them to do so, but the bill is pending for now.
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Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says he will try to step down Democrats on Monday if they don’t return.
