WSJ What’s News The Tyson Plant That Shaped This Nebraska Town Is Closing. What Comes Next?
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Dec 23, 2025 
Agriculture reporter Patrick Thomas shares insights on the closure of Tyson Foods' meatpacking plant in Lexington, Nebraska, a devastating blow to the town’s economy which relied on the facility for decades. He discusses the reasons behind the closure, including high cattle prices and losses in the meatpacking industry. The impact on local jobs, tax revenue, and businesses is profound, sparking locals' efforts to find new employment. Thomas also emphasizes the potential for other towns to face similar challenges as price pressures continue.
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Consumer Spending Fueled Q3 Growth
- Consumer spending drove 4.3% GDP growth in Q3, led by services and high-income households.
- Imports contracting and AI investment also contributed but investment slowed slightly.
Spending Uneven Across Income Groups
- High-income households appear to be carrying most of the spending, especially on services and recreational goods.
- Lower-income households showed weaker durable-goods replacement, signaling uneven strength across incomes.
Family Tied To Plant Faced Sudden Shock
- Carla Barrios recalled moving from El Salvador at 14 because her mother worked at the Tyson plant and later bought a house thanks to plant income.
- She said the announcement of the plant closing on short notice was a shocking blow to families like hers.