😁 Happy Friday! So… how are those New Year’s resolutions holding up? Still going strong? Hanging on by a thread? Or quietly being ignored like that gym membership we swore we’d use? Either way, you’re not alone — January is just here to keep us humble.

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The German grocer is doubling down on its American ambitions, aiming for 3,200 stores by 2028.

Claire Yubin Oh

America’s fastest-growing grocery chain is hoping for another record-setting year. On Monday, Aldi announced plans to open more than 180 new stores across 31 states this year, which would push its store count in its biggest overseas market to nearly 2,800 locations by the end of the year.

The German grocer’s remarkable American expansion stands out in recent years next to other discount grocers, where competition has been fierce for some time. Data from JLL Research reveals that Aldi has been the fastest-growing grocer from 2022 to 2024, and archives of each company’s website — our best estimate for up-to-date store counts — suggests that this trend continued last year, with Aldi appearing to add 167 stores from January 1 to December 31, 2025, ahead of Publix, which added ~40 locations over a similar time frame.

Aldi’s been working hard to open as many stores as possible, but it’s also found success just buying its way to its goals with a string of acquisitions, most notably acquiring 400 stores under Winn-Dixie and Harvey’s Supermarket from Southeastern Grocers in 2024. It has since converted nearly 90 of these locations into Aldi stores and plans to continue doing so, as it strides toward 3,200 stores by 2028.

In an increasingly K-shaped economy, Aldi’s value offering has resonated with consumers of all brackets. In September it revealed its largest-ever packaging rebranding of its private-label products, and millions of passionate customers have taken to Reddit and Facebook to brag about their red 50% discount stickers... or add another to the “Aldi Aisle of Shame.” Those fans will soon be able to indulge their Aldi desires in a giant 25,000-square-foot store near New York’s Times Square.

But the truth is, Aldi needs its American bet to work. Its home business is in a tight competition with another German discount grocer, Lidl, one with such a similar business model to Aldi’s own that one urban myth once claimed their founders were brothers. Though that’s untrue, their ongoing rivalry has long shaped Aldi into its current form, especially in the US — as the company has accelerated its expansion since Lidl’s own entry into the country.

New Hope recently honored its community partners, donors, and staff at its 2025 Annual Appreciation and Recognition Dinner last month. More than 75 guests attended the event, hosted on Dec. 2 at the Carrollton and led by CEO Jennifer Quigley, in celebration of all the people who make New Hope’s mission to “enrich the quality of life for individuals with disabilities " possible.” Game One received the New Hope Appreciation Award for donating new clothing to all five New Hope Bargain Shoppes and supporting employees served by the organization. The New Hope Foundation also recognized 33 donors who reached new giving milestones. The evening concluded with the inaugural Frank H. Hermsen Service Excellence Award, established in honor of the former executive director. The award was presented to direct support professionals, Tina Allen and Rachel Wieland, for exceptional dedication and leadership. New Hope hosts the appreciation dinner each year to recognize and thank the many people and organizations who strengthen New Hope’s operations.

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January is the perfect time to reset, rebalance, and support your body after the indulgence of the holidays. If you’re doing Dry January or simply craving a fresh start, focusing on liver health can make a powerful difference—and it’s one of the most overlooked wellness rituals.

That’s why I’ve made Pique’s Liver Detox Protocol part of my January reset. Inspired by over 3,000 years of Traditional Chinese Medicine, this gentle daily ritual supports your body’s natural detoxification processes without harsh cleanses or deprivation.

The protocol includes two simple moments a day: Electric Turmeric in the morning and La Ginger in the evening. In the morning, Electric Turmeric feels warming, grounding, and nourishing—like a calm reset before the day begins. At night, La Ginger is bold and soothing, supporting digestion and overnight renewal.

Within weeks, I noticed steadier energy, less bloating, clearer skin, and an overall lighter feeling. It didn’t feel like a detox—it felt like alignment. Two small rituals, big results.

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🐮 Following the success of last year’s Rocky Mountain oyster fry, the Breda American Legion is back at it again this weekend. Legion Member Bob Fasbender says they’ll be serving up the distinctive dish from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Legion Hall on Breda’s Main Street. The consumption of bull testicles can be traced back to at least ancient Greek times, but the practice likely dates back even earlier. It reemerged in the United States as cattlemen and ranchers established themselves during the westward expansion of the 1800s. Fasbender knows Rocky Mountain oysters might not be for everyone, so they have alternative options for the more squeamish diners. Again, that number is 712-830-0501. The Legion will also have a cash bar available during the event. Each meal also includes fries in addition to the pork tenderloin nuggets and Rocky Mountain oyster main dish. Fasbender says admission is just a freewill donation to the Breda American Legion, which will help cover routine operating expenses. Legion members will also have 2026 calendars available for $40 for their always-popular gun raffle. The drawings will be held on Feb. 21 during the annual wild game feed and game night.

🙏 Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) encourages adults to not only take care of their own mental health, but to also be on the lookout for their children’s mental well being too. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, around 40 percent of U.S high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in the past year, with MRHC reporting anxiety as the most common health challenges seen among youth. MRHC Mental Health Therapist Tiffany Johnson, T-LMHC says “That anxiety often presents in different ways depending on the child’s age and can lead to serious concerns if not addressed early.” Warning signs to keep an eye on include behavioral changes including aggression in younger children, while teens may withdraw more from parents and peers and a decline in academic performance. Common stressors that affect youth include expectations for athletics and academic performance, bullying and cyberbullying, as social media affects the development of the brain, self-image and how youth see the world. MRHC Mental Health staff encourage parents to create safe, and consistent opportunities for conversations with their child, validating feelings and to listen without judgement, as well as supporting daily routines that include adequate sleep, a structured schedule, physical activity and healthy screen time boundaries. If additional resources are needed, parents should seek professional support as early intervention can make a significant difference. Counseling sessions at MRHC typically last around an hour, and incorporates play therapy techniques for younger children and will adjust as the child gets older. For more information on youth mental health services, visit MRHC’s website or call 712-655-8100 to schedule an appointment.

💸 The 100 People Who Care Sac County donated to the Eilert Auen Post #133 in Lake View to assist in funding the renovation project. The check was presented to Legion Member Joe Riedell on Sunday at the group’s first meeting for the 2026 year at the Early United Methodist Church. The funding is planned to replace windows, and to renovate the entryway. The renovations also include new lighting and updates to make the building more energy efficient. For the past ten years, the 100 People Who Care Sac County have donated over $150,000 to local non-profits and charities in the Sac County region that assist county residents in a variety of ways. PHOTO

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Sarah Colonna is a standup comedian, actor and NYT Bestselling Author!

She most recently starred as “Angie” in Netflix’s hit show “Insatiable and recurred as “Lori” in seasons 9 & 10 of “Shameless.” MORE INFO

At the start of each week the Carroll Broadcasting Sports Network Crew catches up with area high school coaches to recap their previous weeks events and preview the match ups that are happening for the week ahead. Listen here and subscribe.

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William Morris Des Moines Register

Former Des Moines School Superintendent Ian Roberts will be taking a plea deal in his federal criminal case, new court filings show.

Roberts, who was hired to lead the district in 2023, submitted his resignation Sept. 30, days after he was arrested while allegedly trying to flee from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. Federal officials have since said Roberts, a native of Guyana, was not a U.S. citizen and lacked legal authorization to work in the United States. Those were among multiple other apparent mistruths and exaggerations about his background and qualifications.

In addition to a pending order of deportation, Roberts also was indicted Oct. 16 on two counts for possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and making a false statement for employment. Prosecutors alleged that Roberts illegally had four guns, including a loaded handgun left in his district-owned vehicle after he fled from ICE, and that he falsely attested he was a United States citizen when filling out his I-9 employment authorization to work in Des Moines.

Roberts had denied wrongdoing, and defense attorney Alfredo Parrish had suggested he planned to file pretrial motions challenging the validity of the underlying immigration orders. A court-ordered deadline for such motions expired Jan. 12, however, and on Thursday, Jan. 15, the court entered an order setting a change of plea hearing on Jan. 22. His trial is currently scheduled to begin March 2.

Previous court filings had showed the parties were discussing a possible deal, but it's not clear from the order what the terms of that deal are or what charges Robert intends to plead to. The Des Moines Register has reached out to Parrish for comment.

Whatever its terms, the plea will cap a stunning fall from grace for Roberts, previously a highly respected educator. His arrest and subsequent charges have led to investigations and recriminations, including a lawsuit by the district against the search firm that allegedly failed to vet Roberts' credentials and a re-audit of the district by Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand.

William Morris covers courts for the Des Moines Register. He can be contacted at [email protected] or 715-573-8166.

More State Headlines:

✅WATCH WORTHY: A list of the 25 most popular tv shows right now.

✅CHEAT SHEET: Tips for surviving the short, cold days of winter.

✅ IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY: Here’s 31 things to do in January to set the tone for a great 2026.

✅ RESET SEASON: The real Pros recommend doing these things in January.

✅ 26 THINGS IN 2026: 26 pop culture events to look forward to this year!

✅ FRIDAY: Live music with Kenni Falls at The Courtyard Wedding & Event Center.

✅SATURDAY: Wicked for Good at Lake City Capri Theatre!

✅SUNDAY: For those newly engaged — Bridal Fair at the Manning Hausbarn Heritage Park!

Mini Crossword: For those of you that wake up each morning wanting a challenge - how fast can you complete this crossword. Ready, set, go.

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