Latin King owner wants to “shine up the crown jewel” again
Latin King — a Des Moines east side institution — is getting the return of a local owner who vows to bring the restaurant back to its roots. The big picture: "I can't replace Bob Tursi, but I'm probably the only one in this town that can get close," says Matthew McCartney, a new operating partner and owner at Latin...
William Bell TubaChristmas concert raises holiday spirits Sunday
Sunday’s TubaChristmas concert at the First United Methodist Church paid annual homage to the life of Perry’s world-famous tubist, William Bell, as a festively dressed audience of about 35 tapped their toes to the collection of Christmas carols. The 45-minute performance by tubas, euphoniums and trombones was...
City Council discusses modifying regulations on parks and recreation
The Ames City Council conducted a second reading of Municipal Code 19, Parks and Recreation and Municipal Code 4 at the Dec. 16 meeting. The first reading of modifications to Municipal Code 4 and 19 occurred at the Dec. 9 meeting. The proposed code modifications to Municipal Code 19, as...
Hoesing talks potential property tax reform impact on schools
(Council Bluffs) -- KMAland school officials are among those bracing for potential property tax reform in the upcoming Iowa Legislative Session. Lewis Central School Superintendent Brent Hoesing gave an update to the Lewis Central School Board at its latest meeting on possible proposals coming down from lawmakers in...
Iowa aligns SUN Bucks with Healthy SNAP for better child nutrition
DES MOINES, Iowa — Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa Health and Human Services announced Iowa's participation in the federal SUN Bucks program starting in 2026. The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved Iowa's waiver to align the program with the state's new Healthy SNAP guidelines. Iowa will be among the few states...
Tri-State’s dream of a white Christmas remains elusive this year
IOWA, MISSOURI & ILLINOIS — Christmas Day is on Thursday. Every year, the tune "White Christmas" gets played on the radio from after Halloween through Christmas Day. The reality is that a white Christmas is more of a dream than it is a reality. Historically, the Tri-State area has...
Norwalk Schools Approve New Pre-Employment Screening Vendor
Norwalk Community Schools has approved a new pre-employment screening vendor; a change district leaders say strengthens background checks for prospective employees and aligns with evolving state expectations. Norwalk schools superintendent Shawn Holloway tells KNIA News the updated screening process expands beyond...
Iowans with food allergies need to be vigilant at holiday parties
DES MOINES — The upcoming holiday gatherings could be hazardous, even life-threatening, for kids who have serious food allergies and food restrictions. Dr. Samantha Knox, a pediatric allergist at Emplify Health by Gundersen, says before you enter what could be a danger zone, contact the party’s host and be up-front...
Secretary Naig Announces 108 Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Projects to Expand Access to E15, Biodiesel...
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig announced on December 18, 2025 that the Iowa Renewable Fuels Infrastructure Program (RFIP) Board approved 108 projects during their quarterly meeting on Dec. 17 to support new and expanded biofuel infrastructure projects across the state. The approved projects are in 46...
Iowa’s governor hears from groups pushing for property tax cuts
DES MOINES — Governor Kim Reynolds says she and members of the Iowa House and Senate are “laser focused”: on taking action on property taxes during the 2026 legislative session. “Total cost of government — that’s what we’ve really focused on and the impact it has on...
