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Crime Pays: Mediahuis Launches Subscription Crime Hub, Crime World

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor February 21, 2026

written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

Mediahuis Ireland has launched Crime World, a subscription-based digital brand focused on crime journalism, replacing the website of its former weekend publication, Sunday World. The modern platform offers exclusive content, including podcasts and investigations, starting at €11.99 a month or €99 annually.

The move marks a significant shift in Mediahuis Ireland’s strategy, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for in-depth crime reporting. Crime World will serve as the primary platform for the work of Nicola Tallant, the group’s award-winning crime reporter and host of the popular Crime World podcast, which has reached over 1 million listeners monthly and 36 million listeners in 2025 alone.

“We have been looking at what our audience really wants from us and what unique journalism we can offer them. In Mediahuis, we call that signature journalism,” explained Cormac Bourke, editor in chief at Mediahuis Ireland. “We had to consider what the signature journalism of the Sunday World is. Its huge success in audio made a clear case for in-depth digital crime journalism.”

The launch of Crime World is part of a broader trend within the publishing industry toward niche subscription models. Several publishers, including USA TODAY and The Daily Mail, have launched dedicated true crime hubs in recent years. USA TODAY’s WITNESS offers investigative true-crime stories for $4.99 per month, whereas The Daily Mail’s Crime Desk provides podcasts, documentaries, and investigations for £3.99 per month or £39.99 per year.

Mediahuis Ireland’s decision to focus on crime follows a trajectory that began with the relaunch of Sunday World as a website and app in 2020, and the subsequent success of Tallant’s podcast. The company has also launched two additional podcasts in 2025: Just Between Us, hosted by Jennifer Zamparelli, focusing on sex and relationships, and Money Talks, accompanying the new Indo Money vertical on the Irish Independent site.

The initial response to Crime World has been positive, with subscriber numbers exceeding expectations. A recent exclusive podcast series on Christy Kinahan, alleged leader of the Kinahan Cartel, has been a significant driver of direct subscriptions. According to Bourke, this early success demonstrates an audience willingness to pay for exclusive audio content.

While the demand for true crime content is high – ranking just below comedy and entertainment in listener popularity in the US, and below sports in the UK – producing high-quality audio and video remains a challenge. A UK-based publisher, speaking anonymously, cautioned that effective audio and visual products require significant investment in resources and talent. “It can’t just be seen as an add-on that the newsroom can just spin up and maintain,” they said.

Despite the production costs, paywalling niche content can yield long-term gains, with evergreen content continuing to attract subscribers for years. The publisher noted that initial launch numbers are strong, and these numbers continue to convert over time.

February 21, 2026 0 comments

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DEI’s Impact on Des Moines and Its Newspaper Coverage: An Analysis

by November 4, 2025

written by

November 4, 2025

Controversy Erupts Over Des Moines School leader’s Background

Table of Contents

• 1. Controversy Erupts Over Des Moines School leader’s Background
• 2. The Allegations Unfold
• 3. Financial concerns and Prior Employment
• 4. A Broader Discussion on Local Journalism
• 5. Key Facts at a Glance
• 6. The Debate Over Terminology
• 7. The Importance of Due Diligence
• 8. Frequently asked Questions
• 9. How does the coverage in the Des Moines register and Cityview reflect the national political debate surrounding DEI initiatives?
• 10. DEI’s Impact on Des moines and Its Newspaper Coverage: An Analysis
• 11. The Rising Importance of DEI initiatives in Des Moines
• 12. newspaper Coverage of DEI in Des moines: A Content Analysis
• 13. Key Themes and Framing in Local media
• 14. Case Study: Principal Financial Group’s DEI Journey
• 15. Challenges and Opportunities for DEI in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa – A growing controversy surrounds the former superintendent of Des Moines Public Schools, centering on allegations of misrepresented qualifications and questions regarding his immigration status. The situation has ignited a debate about vetting processes for key public positions and the prioritization of diversity initiatives.

The Allegations Unfold

Recent reports have brought to light inconsistencies in the professional background of the former school leader. Claims surfaced indicating that he inflated his educational achievements, listing degrees from institutions he neither graduated from nor attended.Together, concerns were raised about his legal status within the United States, identifying him as an individual without proper documentation.

According to reports, the individual was apprehended by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) last month. Prior to his arrest, he allegedly fled in a vehicle owned by the school district while in possession of an illegal handgun. In 2022, he attributed a prior weapons charge to racial discrimination and authored a dissertation focused on culturally responsive teaching methods.

Financial concerns and Prior Employment

The former superintendent’s tenure in Des Moines was not without further scrutiny.it was reported that he attempted to direct a $116,000 contract towards a consulting firm with which he had prior professional ties. Critics suggest this behavior raises ethical concerns and questions about potential conflicts of interest.

Prior to arriving in Des Moines, the individual held a position in a Pennsylvania school district, where he was reportedly implicated in discriminatory hiring practices, resulting in $403,000 in settlements. His annual salary in the previous role was $183,000, a figure dwarfed by his $270,000 compensation in Des Moines.

A Broader Discussion on Local Journalism

The unfolding situation has also spurred discussion about the role and state of local journalism. Some observers have noted the difficulty in obtaining complete and accurate facts from local news sources, with a reliance on national outlets such as The Federalist for complete coverage.

There’s a broader trend of media consolidation and staff reductions impacting local newsrooms. This can lead to less investigative reporting and a decline in accountability for public officials. In 2019, a reporter with the Des Moines Register was terminated after past social media posts surfaced, illustrating the issues that can affect local news organizations.

Key Facts at a Glance

Fact	Details
Former Superintendent’s Position	Des Moines Public Schools
Alleged Misrepresentation	Inflated educational credentials
Legal Status	Reportedly undocumented
ICE Apprehension	Last month
Prior Employment Settlement	$403,000 paid by a Pennsylvania school district

Did You Know? According to the Department of Homeland Security, the number of non-citizen arrests for major crimes has shown fluctuations in recent years, but remains a complex issue with varying interpretations.

Pro Tip: Always verify the credentials of individuals in positions of public trust. Publicly available records and background checks are essential tools for accountability.

The Debate Over Terminology

The use of specific language to describe the individual’s immigration status has also become a point of contention. while some prefer the term “undocumented,” others advocate for the use of “illegal alien,” which was the legally recognized term until 1986. this linguistic debate highlights a broader struggle over framing and narrative control.

Critics argue that attempts to sanitize language can obscure significant facts and hinder open discussion about immigration policy. they also suggest that prioritizing identity-based considerations over qualifications can lead to questionable hiring decisions.

What role should immigration status play in the hiring of public officials? Is it fair to prioritize diversity initiatives over ensuring the most qualified candidate is selected?

The Importance of Due Diligence

This case underscores the critical importance of thorough vetting processes for individuals seeking positions of authority, particularly within public institutions. Robust background checks, credential verification, and careful consideration of potential conflicts of interest are essential safeguards against malfeasance and mismanagement.

Furthermore, the situation highlights the need for a free and independent press capable of holding public officials accountable.Local journalism plays a vital role in informing citizens and ensuring clarity in government. Supporting local news outlets is paramount to protecting democratic principles.

Frequently asked Questions

• What is the current status of the former superintendent? He was taken into custody by ICE last month.
• What allegations have been made regarding his qualifications? He is accused of misrepresenting his educational background.
• Was there any financial impropriety alleged during his tenure? There were reports of an attempted steer of a contract towards a firm with which he was associated.
• What is the role of local journalism in this case? Local news outlets were perceived as not fully covering the story, leading to reliance on national sources.
• Why is the term ‘illegal alien’ controversial? The terminology surrounding immigration status is frequently enough debated, with differing viewpoints on the most appropriate language.
• Are diversity initiatives possibly problematic? critics argue prioritizing diversity over merit can lead to unqualified candidates.
• What were the outcomes of the previous employment? A Pennsylvania School District paid $403,000 in settlements.

Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below!

How does the coverage in the Des Moines register and Cityview reflect the national political debate surrounding DEI initiatives?

DEI’s Impact on Des moines and Its Newspaper Coverage: An Analysis

The Rising Importance of DEI initiatives in Des Moines

Des Moines, Iowa, like many American cities, is experiencing a growing emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.This isn’t merely a trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how organizations – from corporations to non-profits – approach talent management, community engagement, and overall buisness strategy. The core of DEI, as highlighted by resources like Zhihu [https://www.zhihu.com/question/595541929], centers on building just and excellent organizational cultures, with a particular focus on equitable opportunities for all, including women.

This push for workplace diversity and inclusive leadership is impacting Des Moines across several sectors. We’re seeing increased focus on:

* Recruitment strategies: Companies are actively seeking candidates from underrepresented groups.

* Employee resource groups (ERGs): These groups provide support and advocacy for diverse employees.

* Supplier diversity programs: Businesses are prioritizing partnerships with diverse-owned suppliers.

* Training and development: Programs designed to address unconscious bias and promote cultural competency.

newspaper Coverage of DEI in Des moines: A Content Analysis

Analyzing coverage in Des Moines’ primary newspapers – The Des Moines Register and Cityview – reveals a fluctuating, yet generally increasing, attention to DEI topics. A review of articles published over the past three years (2022-2024) shows the following trends:

* Initial focus (2022): Coverage largely centered around corporate announcements of DEI programs and initiatives. articles frequently enough highlighted companies’ commitments to diversity hiring and inclusion training.

* Increased Scrutiny (2023): As the national conversation around DEI intensified, coverage in Des Moines became more critical. Articles began to explore the effectiveness of DEI programs, questioning whether thay where leading to tangible results or simply serving as “performative activism.” There was increased reporting on equity gaps in areas like housing, education, and healthcare.

* Focus on Local Impact (2024): Recent coverage has shifted towards the local impact of DEI efforts. This includes reporting on:

* The experiences of diverse communities in Des Moines.

* The role of local government in promoting social equity.

* The challenges faced by minority-owned businesses.

* The impact of DEI on the city’s talent pipeline.

Key Themes and Framing in Local media

Several key themes consistently emerge in newspaper coverage of DEI in Des Moines:

* Economic Benefits: Articles frequently emphasize the economic advantages of a diverse workforce, citing studies that link diversity and inclusion to increased innovation, productivity, and profitability.

* Talent Attraction & Retention: Des moines is competing with other cities for skilled workers.DEI is presented as a crucial factor in attracting and retaining top talent, particularly among younger generations who prioritize inclusive workplaces.

* Social Justice: Coverage often connects DEI to broader issues of social justice and racial equity, highlighting the ancient and systemic barriers faced by marginalized communities.

* Political Polarization: The national political debate surrounding DEI has inevitably spilled over into local coverage. Articles sometimes reflect differing viewpoints on the role of DEI in addressing societal inequalities.

Case Study: Principal Financial Group’s DEI Journey

Principal Financial Group, a major Des Moines employer, provides a compelling case study. Their publicly stated DEI goals, regularly reported on by local media, include increasing representation of underrepresented groups at all levels of the institution. The Des Moines Register has published several articles detailing Principal’s progress (or lack thereof) towards these goals, as well as their initiatives to promote inclusive benefits and employee wellbeing. This ongoing coverage demonstrates the level of public interest and accountability surrounding corporate DEI efforts in Des Moines.

Challenges and Opportunities for DEI in Des Moines

Despite the growing momentum, several challenges remain:

* data Clarity: A lack of consistent and publicly available data on diversity metrics makes it arduous to assess the true impact of DEI initiatives.

* Resistance to Change: Some individuals and organizations may resist DEI efforts, viewing them as needless or even discriminatory.

* Intersectionality: Coverage often focuses on single dimensions of diversity (e.g., race or gender) without adequately addressing the complexities of intersectionality – the