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.

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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