Economic Status

The holidays are often framed as a season of joy, generosity and togetherness. But for many families, they also bring financial stress — from buying gifts and hosting meals, to booking travel and navigating expectations, especially with kids in the mix. Chief consumer finance analyst Matt Schulz breaks down the latest data on holiday spending, debt and travel. Then, journalist Annaliese Griffin shares how her family has embraced secondhand gifts, experiences over things and open conversations about money. Lastly, developmental psychologist Maryam Abdullah discusses how kids experience gift-giving and what actually matters most for their well-being during the holidays.

With growing concerns of a recession comes uncertainty about how both producers and consumers will be impacted in Iowa. An economist and others tell us what the future may hold for Iowans.

Dormitory life and all the complexities of navigating money in college are on display in her latest book Come and Get It.

Public transportation in Iowa urban areas is important for commuters, but faces funding challenges.

Residents and staff say they were saddened by the news that the Warming Shelter in Sioux City was planning to cease operations. They wonder what will happen next.

Author Kiley Reid relives dormitory life in her latest book Come and Get It.

Iowan's book explores the factors driving up housing costs across the country.

The new majority-Latino city council in West Liberty has heard its first demands from the community. The new makeup of the council brought hope to a community left out of federal relief funds.

The federal government allocated millions of dollars for residents in Iowa who were having a hard time paying their rent during the pandemic. In one county, that assistance has completely run out.

Sioux City is beginning to see some positive economic impacts from four recent renovation and construction projects around the downtown area.