Good morning, central Iowa. It’s Friday, Aug. 21, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast. Here are some of the stories, oddities and weekend happenings making news today. …

Let’s start with politics. The Cook Political Report has shifted Iowa’s U.S. Senate race from leaning Republican to a toss-up. The change reflects a tightening contest between Republican Ashley Hinson and Democrat Josh Turek. According to the report, some private polling now shows Turek ahead, although the results are within the margin of error. The Cook Political Report also says Iowa’s governor’s race is leaning Democratic. Democrat Rob Sand, Iowa’s state auditor and the only Democrat currently holding statewide office, is running against Republican Zach Lane, a Belle Plaine farmer and entrepreneur. …

A Friday hearing in the Kristin Ramsey case — involving ...