Iowans are worried about food prices. But they're especially worried that the policies of the Trump administration (like his tariffs on foreign goods) will cause prices to rise further.
Federal Medicaid cuts threaten Iowa's already struggling rural hospitals. Nearly half operate at a loss, and proposed $4 billion in funding reductions for Iowa could force more closures in communities that can't afford to lose their healthcare lifelines.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers and Avery Staker dig into why rural health providers are taking these so seriously.
Toss some bags about a "research victory” leaving US research in the hole... why a successful vocation program is getting the axe... and why egging's decline may be our country's greatest recession indicator.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
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*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - Cold Open - Egging Houses and Economic Anxiety - Discussion about childhood pranks becoming too expensive in current economy
04:00 - Show Introduction - Zachary Oren Smith with Amy Rivers and Avery Staker
05:00 - Rural Hospital Crisis - Federal Medicaid cuts threatening small-town hospitals, focusing on "Big Beautiful Bill" reconciliation package
06:00 - Medicaid Cut Details - Work requirements, cost-sharing increases, and federal matching rate reductions for expansion states like Iowa
07:30 - Washington County Hospital CEO Letter - Warning about rural hospital survival crisis and community impact
08:30 - Cost Shifting vs Cost Savings - How Medicaid cuts shift expenses to emergency rooms and social services
09:30 - Personal Impact Story - Tony and Lori Luckin family facing loss of Medicaid waiver for ventilator-dependent care in Sergeant Bluff
12:30 - Iowa's Waiver System Problems - Lack of appeal process compared to neighboring states like Nebraska and Missouri
13:30 - Hospital Funding Mechanics - How hospital taxes create federal match funds that get redistributed back
14:30 - Medicaid Recipients Are Rural - Why these cuts disproportionately harm rural communities and hospitals
The Trump administration announces a $10 million fund for an East Palestine health study while simultaneously cutting billions from scientific research. The contradiction reveals how selective science funding serves political purposes rather than public health priorities.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, and Avery Staker dig into the one-off funding opportunity and the context that surrounds it.
Toss some bags about the “Big Beautiful Bill’s” big, ugly impacts… why a successful vocation program is getting the axe... and why egging's decline may be our country's greatest recession indicator.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
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*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - East Palestine Health Study - Trump administration announces $10 million study 2.5 years after toxic train derailment
00:30 - East Palestine Disaster Details - February 3rd, 2023 Norfolk Southern derailment with hazardous chemicals
01:00 - Health Impact Comparison - Residents experiencing symptoms similar to 9/11 first responders
01:30 - Research Funding Contradiction - $10 million specific study while cutting NIH by 37% and canceling $750 million in grants
03:30 - Scale of NIH Cuts - 1,400 research grants worth $750 million terminated versus single $10 million study
05:30 - Political Theater vs Genuine Health Priority - Trump administration's selective approach to public health funding
The Trump administration paused funding for Job Corps centers nationwide, including Iowa's top-rated Ottumwa facility. The cuts eliminate 125 jobs in one of Iowa's poorest counties while stranding vulnerable young people mid-program.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amy Rivers, and Avery Staker dig into how a major shift on high ripples out into a small town.
Toss some bags about the “Big Beautiful Bill’s” big, ugly impacts… a "research victory” leaving US research in the hole... and why egging's decline may be our country's greatest recession indicator.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
- Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cornhole-champions-podcast/id1779497714
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*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - Job Corps Shutdown - Trump administration eliminates Iowa's flagship Ottumwa facility serving vulnerable youth
01:00 - Ottumwa's Outstanding Performance - 125 jobs, 240 students, 94% job placement rate in one of Iowa's poorest counties
02:30 - Economic Impact Analysis - 125 jobs lost, students becoming homeless, community economic contribution
04:00 - Personal Military Family Experience - Army brat perspective on social safety net benefits
05:30 - Ajai Long's Transformation Story - From couch-hopping and depression to stability through Job Corps
07:30 - Generational Investment Concept - Current spending prevents future costs and breaks poverty cycles
10:30 - Federal Land Questions - What happens to donated campus property after closure
11:30 - Close
13:11 - Post-Credits Banter
Yes, FEMA actually uses Waffle Houses to gauge the severity of hurricane damage.
Find out more from Iowa's Waffle House Index expert Zachary Oren Smith on the newest episode of Cornhole Champions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv0eS3j4RZs&t=16s
It's a long road to get elected, and it's not a bad thing if it takes a few tries.
Listen to the newest episode of Cornhole Champions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qv0eS3j4RZs&t=46s
Gov. Reynolds is getting a lot of heat from her own party. Find out why on the latest episode of Cornhole Champions here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r__tByhQwWA&t=3s
The cultural legacy of Iowa diners is unmatched.
Check out the latest episode of Cornhole Champions, a podcast that is sometimes about Iowa politics.
Here’s a quick look at the week’s top news affecting Iowa workers and the workplace:
Governor Kim Reynolds vetoed a Republican bill restricting pipeline eminent domain, triggering angry responses from GOP lawmakers who are now threatening to kill her remaining legislative agenda. On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amy Rivers, and Avery Staker talk through the infighting and how it could show up in future legislative sessions.
Also on this episode… Bohannan to take another swing at unseating Miller-Meeks… Which hands are up in Iowa’s race for governor… Iowa AG Bird going after law enforcement in Winneshiek…
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
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... and everywhere you listen to podcasts
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - Show Intro - Kim Reynolds' Carbon Pipeline Veto Sparks GOP Civil War
02:30 - Anti-Pipeline Mass Protests - Public Outcry at Iowa Legislature
04:21 - Political Calculation - Republicans Feel Safe to Attack Reynolds
05:30 - Veto Override Challenges - Senate Numbers Don't Add Up
09:00 - Ethanol Deal Follow-up - Legislative Sessions Ahead
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