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1. Close to two in five U.S. adults who pay electricity bills are ‘very’ concerned about the cost of those bills.
As economic uncertainty continues to put stress on Americans, fresh CivicScience data find nearly two in five of U.S. adults with electricity bills are ‘very’ concerned about increases in their electricity bills, led by homeowners.
This concern is sure to have implications in many sectors, especially amid tariff pressures, but CivicScience examined how it may shape winter holiday shopping this year. Among those at least ‘somewhat’ concerned about the cost of their electric bills, 20% have already started their holiday shopping, and another 37% plan to finish before Thanksgiving — notably higher than the 18% and 28%, respectively, reported by those unconcerned. Those concerned are also far more likely to turn to big box retailers for their holiday gift purchases this year compared to those unconcerned.
Take Our Poll: Do you actively try to decrease your electricity bill by using less light?
2. Celebrity endorsements are becoming increasingly influential in shaping consumer purchasing, particularly among brands like Walmart and Taco Bell.
Recent headlines, like the Sydney Sweeney and American Eagle controversy, show how celebrity tie-ins can quickly dominate public conversation. While still a minority driver of U.S. consumer purchasing, celebrity influence is growing: In 2025, one-in-five U.S. adults say celebrity endorsements impact their purchases ‘a lot’ or ‘somewhat,’ up from 15% in 2024.
A close examination of CivicScience’s extensive database, which studies consumer sentiment across thousands of brands from retail to fast food, shows that Walmart (69.6), Taco Bell (63.7), and KFC (61.8) lead among those most influenced by celebrities. On the lower end, H&M (42.1), Urban Outfitters (39.0), and Moe’s Southwest Grill (36.4) see the smallest share of celebrity-driven customers.
Weigh In: Are you more likely to purchase a product if it’s been endorsed by a celebrity?
3. Consumer trust of government statistics varies widely, with public health data showing the highest levels of distrust.
In an era of political division and market-driven media, trust in information is increasingly under strain. As access grows, so does the challenge of knowing what — and whom — to believe. CivicScience data show public health data draws the highest share of distrust, including 21% with ‘complete’ distrust, while employment and unemployment rates earn the most ‘complete’ trust (16%).
Additionally, 61% say they at least ‘somewhat’ trust Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) numbers, with business owners especially likely to do so. Still, over half believe political agendas often shape how government data is presented. Trust, unlike other public goods, doesn’t vanish — it shifts. When it erodes in one place, it flows somewhere else, for better or worse.
