Midwest Newsroom

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.

A new Washington University study found that St. Louis' guaranteed basic income pilot program helped hundreds of families. But a lawsuit paused payments, and later crises deepened the financial strain many participants already faced.

Seed corn companies are using more laborers with H-2A visas, according to data from Iowa Workforce Development and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Local contractors say they have teens, who rely on the summer jobs, waiting to do the work.

Supply is expected to surpass traditional grain storage capacity in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. Some elevators, including historic Ely's in Nebraska, are adding temporary storage.

The ICE 287(g) program is expanding in the Midwest, and immigration advocates say there's not enough oversight. This month, the Department of Homeland Security announced new financial incentives that could boost local involvement even further.