Notas del episodio
Good morning, Des Moines, and happy Friday. This is the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Friday, Sept. 25, 2026. Here’s what’s making news around Des Moines and Iowa. …
Des Moines Public Schools is moving forward with a $265 million Reimagine Education plan, but parents are raising questions about the significant changes ahead. The district unveiled the plan during a community update meeting Wednesday night. The proposal would give students more interest-based and specialty programming, including opportunities to explore specific careers. Under the plan, about 30,000 students will eventually attend specialized school buildings within a newly divided district. The proposal is generating both interest and concern from parents as the district prepares for the changes. …
Meanwhile, Iowa’s unusually wet September is creating problems for high school cross country. More than 12 inches of rain has fallen this month, making it the second-wettest September on record. On Thursday, more than half of the scheduled cross country meets were canceled or postponed because of wet conditions or continued rain. …
A judge has denied Kristin Ramsey’s attempt to dismiss the murder trial she faces in the 2011 killing of West Des Moines realtor Ashley Okland. Ramsey’s defense argued prosecutors had left out evidence favorable to her during grand jury proceedings. Prosecutors argued they were not required to present evidence favorable to the defense during those proceedings. …
Around the world, Pope Leo XIV is warning about what he called a “paradise of machines.” During a trip to France, he raised questions about what it means to be human in an age of artificial intelligence, nuclear weapons and other threats to human life. …
Here’s an unusual crime story from central Iowa: Two Chinese nationals have pleaded guilty to racketeering charges after prosecutors said they ran a 17-person operation that stole used cooking oil from restaurants. The group allegedly collected the used oil, sold it and laundered the proceeds. The operation also stole cooking oil in other states. …
Now, a little sports news. The Atlanta Falcons defeated the Green Bay Packers 35-14 as quarterback Michael Penix Jr. returned from an ACL injury. Penix completed 18 of 25 passes for 256 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Chicago Cubs also clinched a playoff berth with a 2-1 victory over the Miami Marlins, sending them to the postseason for a second consecutive season. …
Now, let’s check your weekend weather. Today will bring scattered showers, with a high of 67 and a low of 60. There’s a 60% chance of rain. Saturday looks rainy, with a high of 64 and a low of 58. Sunday will be mostly cloudy, with a high of 68 and a low of 58 and a 20% chance of rain. And the allergy alert is at a low level today. Top allergens include nettle, chenopods and ragweed. …
Today in history: On Sept. 25, 1957, the Little Rock Nine began their first full day of classes at Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, under the protection of the U.S. Army. The nine Black students were entering a previously all-white school after a tense confrontation over court-ordered integration. …
And finally, today’s morning chuckle. Yesterday’s riddle asked, “What’s more unbelievable than a talking dog?” The answer: A spelling bee! Today’s riddle: What do you call a priest who becomes a lawyer? Think you know the answer? Email your guess to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com before noon today for a chance to be featured in the next edition. And be sure to subscribe to our full email version of The Daily Umbrella for free at www.TheDailyUmbrella.com.