Iowa

As farmers reflect on the 2025 growing season, one disease stands out: southern rust. It's a fungus that grows on corn. The fungus spread not only into northern Missouri but also Iowa and even Minnesota. The disease is not new, but it's unusual for it to spread this far north, because it cannot survive harsh winters.

As job creation slowed through most of 2025, Midwestern college graduates — and those approaching graduation — describe a competitive, unusual job market that makes them question their self-worth.