Des Moines, Iowa – KCCI announced today that reporter Abigail Kurten has been promoted to weekend anchor of the station’s flagship morning program, KCCI 8 News This Morning. The move was praised by News Director Natalie Cabieses, who said Kurten’s dedication to the people behind the stories has earned the trust of both viewers and colleagues.
Kurten’s rise through the newsroom
Kurten joined KCCI’s newsroom in September 2025 after spending two years as a multimedia journalist in Cedar Rapids. Since then, she has covered a range of stories that affect everyday Iowans, from the arrest of former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts to an exclusive interview with the parents of Staff Sgt. Nate Howard.
She also reported extensively on Iowa’s push to pass hands‑free driving legislation and the state’s effort to make animal torture a felony on a first offense. Those beats demonstrate her commitment to public safety, accountability and the values that matter to families across the state.
Local roots and education
Kurten grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and moved to Iowa in 2019 to attend the University of Iowa. While earning a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications, she anchored, reported and served as a digital liaison for the university’s student‑run newscast, DITV. After graduation, she spent two years covering stories throughout eastern Iowa before joining KCCI.
“Iowa has been home since I came here for college, and I’m grateful for the chance to start the weekend with viewers across the state,” Kurten said. “I look forward to bringing them the stories that matter to their communities.”
What viewers can expect
As weekend anchor, Kurten will guide viewers through the week’s top headlines, weather updates and community features that affect families, churches and small businesses. Her background in investigative reporting and human‑interest storytelling is expected to bring a fresh, compassionate perspective to the morning broadcast.
Outside of work, Kurten enjoys video games, writing, gardening and binge‑watching television. Viewers can follow her on Instagram and Facebook, or send story ideas to [email protected].
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
