Affordability top of mind for voters in final sprint to midterms: ‘I have to pick between medicine or groceries’

In Ohio, a long-running strike by Lorain County job and family services workers highlights the issue, as does the push for a $25 hourly wage in Minnesota. Economists note that while the official poverty rate may not reflect the struggles of many Americans, 41.3% of US households faced financial hardship in 2024. In St. Louis, Missouri, Shunda Whitfield faces a choice between medication and groceries, illustrating the personal impact of rising costs.