Economy

Iowa will have to dip further into its reserves to cover a larger budget gap than expected as federal tax changes add to the impact of state tax cuts. Republican leaders say they have saved enough money to pay the state's bills, while Democrats say the majority party is mismanaging the state's finances.

Iowa farmers are seeing a drop in their income. Economists say one of the last indicators of a failing farm economy is land prices. A recent land auction gives a view into whether people on the ground level are worried.

Political and environmental factors are challenging Iowa’s farmers as harvest season starts.

The Iowa Department of Education reports a significant increase in the number of students participating in work-based learning. Last year, 20% more high school seniors took part in career-training experiences, like internships and apprenticeships.

Experts talk about changes for old and new student loan borrowers. Then, an interview with the new director of the Harkin Institute for Public Policy & Citizen Engagement.

Large-scale deportation can leave lasting impacts. At the same time, a workforce without legal status is left vulnerable to unsafe work environments.

A documentary tells how suspicious attempts to claim the 2019 Iowa Hot Lotto Jackpot led to the uncovering of the largest lottery rigging scheme in the United States.

How does current economic uncertainty, stemming from federal budget cuts, tariffs, AI and more, affect the labor market?

In recent decades, Iowa has seen growing numbers of young and educated people leaving the state, with far fewer coming in. As the gap grows, it becomes a pattern known as “brain drain,” which can lead to a loss of skilled workers and strain on public services. In response, a new taskforce in eastern Iowa is trying to plug the area’s brain drain.

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.