Des Moines

Former Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts has pleaded guilty to falsely claiming he was a citizen on employment forms and possessing firearms without legal status.

The prestigious James Beard Awards, which recognize culinary excellence in the U.S., released its list of 2026 semifinalists. It includes a bakery in Iowa City, a cocktail bar in Des Moines and chefs at two Des Moines restaurants.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced changes to vaccine recommendations for children and infants — raising questions and concerns for parents and pediatricians alike. We talk with pediatrician Dr. Amy Shriver about what’s changed in the childhood immunization schedule, as well as the overturning of policy on the hepatitis B vaccine for infants. Health policy expert Jen Kates of KFF joins to explain what the changes mean for insurance coverage, how states are responding and why vaccines remain available for families. Later, husband-and-wife musicians Annie and Dave Ducharme-Jones join to discuss their latest album, 'Lumina.'

Iowa roller derby leagues are carrying on a sport rooted in community and inclusion.

We meet Henry Menniga, a remarkable young resident of Des Moines who was awarded the National Association of Secretaries of State Medallion Award for his work promoting voter education and community service. Henry and his mom, Molly, talk about the start of his civic interests, a mock election when he was 4. Then, we talk with University of Iowa law scholar Josephine Gittler about why she drafted legislation that is now law, requiring Iowa high schoolers to pass the U.S. citizenship test. And, Iowa State University's Karen Kedrowski and Kelly Shaw discuss the new Center for Cyclone Civics. The center aims to increase civic education and engagement at the university level. (This episode was originally produced Aug. 4, 2025.)

UnityPoint nurses in Des Moines voted this week on whether to unionize. But the final result is delayed due to contested ballots.

Immigration advocates say an Afghan man was detained, questioned and released by ICE in Des Moines on Tuesday. Afghan community leaders and advocates report many families are feeling fearful and anxious in the wake of the Trump administration's sweeping immigration restrictions.

A conversation with author Kevin Wilson about his novel Run for the Hills, recorded at the Des Moines Public Library. Wilson and Charity Nebbe talk about reading out loud, Wilson's writing process and why his book sales spike in December.

A report commissioned by the Des Moines Public School Board found that the search firm it used to hire former Superintendent Ian Roberts in 2023 committed several errors in the process. The report avoided placing blame on school board.

The announcement of the venue's closure by the end of the year marks another blow for Des Moines' local music scene.