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Iowa tax receipts down — for now

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Iowa tax receipts down — for now


Blame it on the calendar.

April 30 is Iowa’s most important tax due date with particular person revenue taxes, company revenue, gross sales and use, and gasoline taxes all due on that day.

So when April 30 fell on a Saturday and the deadline for paying these taxes was pushed into Could, tax collections had been considerably affected. Tax collections dropped 1.2 p.c in comparison with April 2021. Nevertheless, Jeff Robinson, a senior fiscal legislative analyst, defined the scenario can be reversed in Could.

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Internet tax collections dropped $11.6 million to $978.4 million for the month, a 1.2 p.c lower, Robinson mentioned.

The month-to-month numbers in addition to year-over-year comparisons are affected by an accounting change began in November 2021, Robinson mentioned.

Over the previous 12 months, Iowa internet tax income has elevated $750.3 million, or 7.6 p.c. That comes regardless of what Robinson known as a low degree of financial exercise that occurred throughout the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tax collections had been helped by a current surge in shopper spending due partially to pent-up demand and federal stimulus funds.

Individuals are additionally studying…

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Iowa’s complete internet income for the 12-month interval ending April 30 was almost $10.7 billion. That included a rise of $254.6 million (6 p.c) in particular person revenue taxes. Regardless of the pandemic and a major lower within the variety of employed Iowans, particular person revenue tax internet progress has averaged 3.9 p.c over the previous three years.

Gross sales tax income elevated $322.3 million or 9.7 p.c. Gross tax receipts from the sale of autos, which is deposited to the Highway Use Tax Fund, grew $55.2 million, or 12.6 p.c. Automobile gross sales have greater than recovered from the COVID-19-related droop skilled throughout summer season 2020, Robinson reported.

Robinson attributed the $348 million (10.2 p.c) enhance in gross sales and use tax income deposited to the state basic fund to current spending fueled by pent-up demand, federal stimulus funds and a shift away from the acquisition of providers that aren’t topic to the gross sales tax.

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In accordance with Division of Income month-to-month gasoline gross sales stories, the entire gallons topic to gasoline tax elevated 10.2 p.c over the latest 12-month interval.

Playing income elevated $86.3 million in that point interval, or 29.7 p.c. That follows a major lower in on line casino playing throughout 2020, when Iowa’s 19 state-regulated on line casino/racetrack areas closed from mid-March to June due to the pandemic. In distinction, Robinson mentioned, playing exercise over the latest 12 months has skilled a big enhance when in comparison with a median yr.

Company revenue tax decreased $36.4 million (4.4 p.c) attributable to a drop in gross deposits of $12.4 million and a $24 million enhance in refunds. That was the primary detrimental progress studying for annual company revenue tax since 2017.

Iowa company revenue tax charges had been diminished at first of 2021, and tax returns for tax yr 2021 at present are being filed and processed.

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Iowa

Leistikow: Way-too-early look at Iowa football’s NFL Draft prospects in 2026

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Leistikow: Way-too-early look at Iowa football’s NFL Draft prospects in 2026


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TV announcers often say during Iowa football broadcasts something about the Hawkeyes being known for their offensive-line play. After all, that was the position specialty of longtime Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. So, it’s a familiar narrative.

Yet when it comes to the NFL Draft, Iowa really hasn’t been shuttling a ton of offensive linemen to the next level. Sure, there have been a handful of recent high-profile (and successful) picks – with first-rounders in tackle Tristan Wirfs (No. 13 overall) in 2020 and center Tyler Linderbaum (No. 25) in 2022. But entering the April 24-26 draft, those were the only two Hawkeye offensive linemen picked in the previous six drafts. And the 2025 draft only marginally reflected Iowa’s offensive-line resurgence of 2024, when the Hawkeyes ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten Conference in rushing.

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The 2026 NFL Draft, though, should restore Iowa’s offensive-line prominence.

Yes, Iowa in 2025 did have multiple offensive linemen selected in the draft for the first time since 2015, when tackles Brandon Scherff (first round) and Andrew Donnal (fourth round) heard their names called. But both were taken in the seventh and final round, with Mason Richman (Seattle Seahawks) going No. 234 overall and Connor Colby (San Francisco 49ers) going No. 249 out of 257 picks.

Let’s take a spin through some of Iowa’s potential top prospects for the next year’s draft, which will take place April 23-25, 2026, in Ferentz’s hometown of Pittsburgh.

First-round talent: Gennings Dunker

Dunker (6-5, 316) plays a premium NFL position, offensive tackle, and has supreme strength and mobility that will translate well to the next level. Given the success that Wirfs had going from right tackle to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a rookie in 2020, some team will find comfort in adding a plug-and-play starter in Dunker, who never even thought of entering the 2025 draft – instead wanting to play a fifth year for offensive-line coach George Barnett.

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The decision could pay off with first-round millions, as Dunker will be viewed as one of the top tackles in the country in 2025. If Iowa plays well and he stays healthy, Dunker will be mentioned as an Outland Trophy candidate. According to Pro Football Focus, Dunker was the highest-graded tackle in the Big Ten Conference and No. 5 nationally in his 588 snaps in 2024. He is mauler and finisher in the run game.

Dunker may need to slide to guard in the NFL, but we’ll see. Nonetheless he has a chance to become the seventh offensive lineman under Ferentz to be taken in the first round, joining Robert Gallery (2004), Bryan Bulaga (2010), Riley Reiff (2012), Scherff, Wirfs and Linderbaum.

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Video: Logan Jones on decision to return to Iowa for 2025 season

Logan Jones discusses a variety of topics on December 20, 2024.

Another can’t-miss lineman: Logan Jones

Jones (6-3, 293) also surprised many by returning for a sixth-year season rather than entering the 2025 draft. His return was also motivated by playing another year for the well-liked Barnett (and Ferentz), and it’ll also be accompanied by Rimington Trophy hype as the nation’s top center.

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Jones will be a fourth-year starter for the Hawkeyes and wears the same number (65) as Linderbaum did, flashing similar athleticism and strength as the former Rimington winner from Solon. Jones in 2024 received the fourth-highest grade of all FBS centers from Pro Football Focus. While center isn’t a premium NFL position, the second and third rounds are often sweet spots for top players at that position to be drafted.

Iowa has not had two offensive linemen selected in the first three rounds since Eric Steinbach and Bruce Nelson (both second-rounders) in 2003. Dunker and Jones could break that 23-year drought.

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Video: QB Mark Gronowski details his decision to transfer to Iowa

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski meets with the media on April 10, 2025.

Keep an eye on the quarterback: Mark Gronowski

Gronowski (6-3, 230) put off the NFL for one more year to transfer from South Dakota State to Iowa as a sixth-year senior. How he comes through offseason (throwing) shoulder surgery and performs regularly against power-conference competition will ultimately determine his 2026 draft stock.

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But before his shoulder injury, he was viewed as a draftable prospect in the 2025 quarterback class. Gronowski’s accuracy against Big Ten defenses will be a big factor in his professional outlook. No question, he’s viewed as a winner (49-6 as a starter) with the ability to scramble for first downs.

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Video: Max Llewellyn preparing for bigger role on Iowa defensive line

Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn meets with the media on April 3, 2025.

Who will be Iowa’s highest-drafted defender?

There are at least four obvious candidates and a wild-card fifth. Let’s look at each of them quickly.

Defensive end Max Llewellyn (6-5, 258): Edge rushers are a premium position in the NFL, and Llewellyn ranked No. 18 nationally in that category, according to PFF, among FBS players in 2024. Llewellyn’s strength is on the pass rush (getting 288 snaps in a backup role last year) but needs to improve his run defense as a first-time starter in 2025.

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Defensive tackle Aaron Graves (6-4, 300): The fourth-year senior has supreme physical traits and has racked up decent stats despite a system at Iowa that minimizes sheer numbers for interior defensive linemen. Graves showed durability last season, too, logging 612 defensive snaps and was graded as the No. 79 overall interior defender by PFF.

Safety Xavier Nwankpa (6-2, 215): Loaded with promise, the former five-star recruit needs to deliver with a big senior season to take the next step to the NFL. With his physical traits, Nwankpa could increase his stock considerably by flashing the ball-hawking skills that made him such a prized prospect out of Southeast Polk High School. Nwankpa hasn’t had an interception since the 2023 season opener.

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Video: Iowa DB Koen Entringer talks development ahead of 2025 season

Iowa defensive back Koen Entringer meets with the media on April 3, 2025.

Defensive back Koen Entringer (6-0, 207): A fourth-year junior in 2025, Entringer probably has the most athleticism in the entire Iowa secondary and has a chance to explode this season with a starting role – either at strong safety or cash for defensive coordinator Phil Parker. Entringer could become a fast riser with a 2026 draft decision to make.

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Linebacker Karson Sharar (6-2, 232): Including Sharar’s name on this list because of how highly his teammates and coaches have spoken of his raw ability. Now, the oft-injured fifth-year senior finally gets a chance to start after waiting his turn behind Nick Jackson for two years at weak-side linebacker. Breakout year loading?

Iowa always has a tight end, it seems

Iowa’s recent tight-end pipeline has gone from T.J. Hockenson to Noah Fant to Sam LaPorta to Erick All Jr. to Luke Lachey … to now Addison Ostrenga (6-4, 251).

Ostrenga has the physicality and athleticism to play in the NFL, but his stats have been muted in Iowa’s passing-challenged offense over the past several years. How he connects with Gronowski in each of their final years will determine whether he’s a draftable NFL prospect. Given Iowa’s pedigree at tight end, he’ll get a strong look.

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Beau Stephens bullish about Iowa’s offensive line in 2025

The fifth-year senior should slot in as the Hawkeyes’ starting left guard again. He also talks about up-and-coming guard Kade Pieper.

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Two more offensive linemen worth mentioning

It’s hard to say now how recently signed Division II transfer Bryce George (6-5, 314) will translate to the NFL until we see him going against Big Ten competition (like Penn State and Oregon) for nine regular-season games. George is expected to slot into a starting tackle spot (probably on the left side) for Iowa in 2025.

Additionally, it is on the table that left guard Beau Stephens (6-6, 322) sees a breakthrough as a fifth-year senior with a lot of experience.

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How can terrific Iowa placekicker Drew Stevens get better yet?

Now going into his senior year, Stevens talks about the preparing coming off a year of great success.

Another Iowa specialist on the watch list

Tory Taylor was plucked as an elite punter in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Could senior placekicker Drew Stevens (6-0, 205) follow suit? Stevens has a rocket leg with extreme accuracy, connecting on 20 of 23 field goals a year ago with his only misses coming from 50-plus yards.

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Given the ability of NFL kickers like Brandon Aubrey to change games by consistently hitting from 60-plus, Stevens does have a chance to show he’s a difference-making kicker who deserves to be drafted. Three kickers were taken in the 2024 draft (all in the sixth round).

Hawkeyes columnist Chad Leistikow has served for 30 years with The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Sports Network. Chad is the 2023 INA Iowa Sports Columnist of the Year and NSMA Co-Sportswriter of the Year in Iowa. Join Chad’s text-message group (free for subscribers) at HawkCentral.com/HawkeyesTexts. Follow @ChadLeistikow on X.



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Colts pick Iowa State OT Jalen Travis in NFL draft fourth round: Highlights, stats

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Colts pick Iowa State OT Jalen Travis in NFL draft fourth round: Highlights, stats


The Indianapolis Colts picked Jalen Travis with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

Here is what you should know about Travis.

Jalen Travis draft grade

Nate Atkins of the IndyStar gave the pick a B.

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“The Colts entered Day 3 with needs at a couple starter spots at weak-side linebacker and right guard. It appears, at least initially, that they went in another direction in the fourth round after trading back 10 spots with the Rams to acquire an additional sixth-round pick.”

Does Jalen Travis fit Colts’ needs?

While the Colts needed a guard, they opted to draft a tackle instead. Jalen Travis will add to Indianapolis’ offensive line depth after allowing center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries to depart in free agency. It could free up Matt Goncalves to move to right guard.

Watch the NFL draft on Fubo

Jalen Travis college

Jalen Travis attended Iowa State and Princeton.

Jalen Travis highlights

Jalen Travis stats

Jalen Travis spent four seasons at Princeton before transferring to Iowa State. He played in 12 games for ISU (11 starts). He was part of an offensive line that helped the Cyclones rush for 27 touchdowns (tied for fourth-most in program history).

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Jalen Travis height

Jalen Travis is 6-8.

Jalen Travis weight

Jalen Travis weighs 339 pounds.

Jalen Travis combine results

At the NFL combine, Jalen Travis was ranked the 19th-best offensive tackle in the production category. Travis ranked third at his position in the athleticism category and was 14th overall in total score for tackles.

John Travis high school

Jalen Travis went to DeLaSalle High School in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Obituary for Kenneth L. Kalb at Peosta

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Obituary for Kenneth L. Kalb at Peosta


Kenneth L. Kalb, 80, of Peosta, Iowa, passed away peacefully, on Thursday, April 24, 2025, at Stonehill Care Center in Dubuque, Iowa. Visitation for Ken will be held from 2 to 6 p.m., on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Peosta, Iowa, where a prayer service



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