BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KERO) — Inflation continues to rise across the U.S., and now, with the ongoing government shutdown, that financial pressure is being felt even more deeply by Bakersfield families and local economists.

According to the latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, prices across the economy — including groceries, housing, gas, furniture, and electricity — have increased about 3% over the past year. That means a grocery trip that cost $100 in September 2024 now costs around $103 in September 2025.

For many families, even a small rise in prices can make a big difference.

Struggling to Keep Up

Jose Maldonado, a Bakersfield resident and father of four, was diagnosed with kidney failure last year and is now on dialysis. Since going on disability, he says it’s been in

See Full Page