🌱 Patch AM: What new records reveal about Des Moines’ ex-superintendent’s hiring

Hey hey Des Moines! Your one-stop source for local news is here. Continue reading for all the updates. ☕️️

In today's newsletter:

• What new records reveal about Des Moines’ ex-superintendent’s hiring
• How new rest-stop upgrades change road trips for disabled Iowans
• Which NFL star secretly tied the knot in Des Moines?

Also on today's calendar: Woofmas Wrapped and 4 more events.

Today's riddle: What did the windowsill say to the glass? 🤔 (Answer below!)

Weather forecast:

• Monday: Breezy in the morning, with a high of 50 and low of 35 degrees.
• Tuesday: Partly sunny, temps: high: 47, low: 33.
• Wednesday: Sun and areas of low clouds, with a high of 49 and low of 40 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

• Public records raise new questions in ex- superintendent Ian Roberts' hiring (weareiowa.com) — Des Moines residents are learning more about how former school superintendent Ian Roberts was hired, as newly released emails show résumé discrepancies and edits to his official bio before his selection. Public records indicate questions about his doctoral credentials, and Des Moines Public Schools is now suing the consulting firm that helped vet him while Roberts remains in federal custody awaiting trial.
   

• Adult changing tables make travel doable for families with disabilities (kcci.com) — Families traveling to and from Des Moines with disabled adults are seeing more dignity and comfort at Iowa rest areas, thanks to new height-adjustable adult changing tables. With 23 rest stops already equipped and all new ones planned to include them, caregivers now have a cleaner, safer option during long drives for medical appointments or vacations.
   

• Nikki Garcia Subtly Shuts Down Cooper DeJean Romance Rumors (eonline.com) — Des Moines gets a brief celebrity shoutout as 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy and wife Jenna Brandt are noted to have married in the city in March 2024. The story mainly follows WWE star Nikki Garcia addressing rumors she’s dating Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, insisting she hasn’t been romantically involved with anyone recently. It then surveys the relationships of several other high-profile NFL players.
   

📸 Around Des Moines

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🗓 Upcoming Events in Des Moines

Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!

★ Featured events ★

Saturday December 27

• Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring 'The Nutcracker” & More
  World Food Prize Hall of Laureates, 100 Locust St, Des Moines
  4:30 pm

Want to see your event featured? Click here!

Other local events

Tuesday December 23

• Woofmas Wrapped
  Paws & Pints , 6218 Willowmere Dr , Des Moines
  5:00 pm

Friday December 26

• Candlelight: Vivaldi's Four Seasons
  Scottish Rite Consistory , 519 Park St , Des Moines
  6:30 pm
• Candlelight: Tribute to Adele
  Scottish Rite Consistory 519 Park Street Des Moines, Iowa 50309
  8:45 pm

Saturday December 27

• Candlelight: Christmas Carols on Strings
  World Food Prize Hall of Laureates , 100 Locust St , Des Moines
  6:30 pm

Sunday December 28

• Snow Dogs Meetup
  Paws & Pints , 6218 Willowmere Dr , Des Moines
  4:00 pm

Wednesday December 31

• New Year's Eve Party
  Smash Park Des Moines 6625 Coachlight Dr West Des Moines, IA 50266
  11:00 am

📣 Des Moines Shout Outs!

Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!

🗓 Events Nearby

Tuesday December 23

• Johnston Public Library closing early for Christmas holiday
  Johnston Public Library - Johnston IA 50131
  5:00 pm
• Saydel Boys Varsity Basketball @ Carlisle
  Carlisle High School · Carlisle , IA , Carlisle
  6:00 pm

Friday December 26

• Festival of Trees + Lights
  Edencrest at The Tuscany , 1600 8th St SE , Altoona
  9:00 am

Saturday December 27

• Winter Wonderland Holiday Pop-Up
  Wilson's Orchard & Farm (Des Moines) , 3201 15th Ave , Cumming
  10:00 am

Monday December 29

• Forever Fit
  Norwalk Easter Public Library , 1051 North Ave , Norwalk
  10:00 am

Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost dog!
  Nala was LOST on December 20, 2025 in Des Moines, IA 50317 near E 23rd and Guthrie Ave Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to… (Nextdoor Downtown Des Moines)
• Please share & repost to help reunite this lost cat!
  Maci was LOST on August 25, 2025 in Des Moines, IA 50313 near 2nd avenue Sharing for a neighbor. For the latest information or to contact the owner,… (Nextdoor Union Park North)

• City of Des Moines Iowa posted a job opening for Seasonal Recreation Specialist - Summer Camp in Des Moines. Apply here.
• Des Moines Public Schools posted a job opening for HS Gender Sexuality Alliance (GSA) Sponsor in Des Moines. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Des Moines here.

🗞 Nearby News

Altoona

• Des Moines man charged with sexual exploitation of a minor (kcci.com)
• Front-Running Express Kid Pulls $71 Surprise In Springboard Mile (paulickreport.com)

West Des Moines

Ok Des Moines! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I feel your pane.
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Send it to us!

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