This post is part of a series chronicling news coverage of rising prices in the United States. See more here.
Raleigh ABC11 covers economic frustration: “At a certain point you're going to have to break, buckle down, and start putting money away just because of what's going on with the economy”
Cindy Bae: “Many consumers are still grappling with high prices, elevated interest rates, and a cooling job market”
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From a June 1, 2026, video uploaded to the YouTube channel of ABC11
CINDY BAE (REPORTER): Well, despite signs of economic strength, many families are still feeling the impact of high energy costs and inflation. The latest government report shows the U.S. economy remains resilient, but many consumers are still grappling with high prices, elevated interest rates, and a cooling job market.
HAROLD WILLIAMS (WAKE COUNTY RESIDENT): It's bad, everything. Oil prices are getting jacked up.
BAE: In Wake County, the cost of everyday essentials from gas to groceries continues to stretch household budgets.
WILLIAMS: Gas prices jump up to prices where people can't fill their tanks up $10 at a time, and maybe that's every 3 days.
BAE: Economists say households are feeling the effects of higher energy prices following the Iran war. The average household is now spending at least $200 on gas.
Williams says he's looking for ways to save and hopes low income families receive more support.
WILLIAMS: You know, at a certain point you're going to have to break, buckle down, and start putting money away just because of what's going on with the economy.
BAE: Now, economists continue to forecast economic growth with a recession still considered unlikely.