Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. Here are the stories you need to know to start your day. …

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa has filed a federal lawsuit against the state on behalf of The Satanic Temple after the group was denied permission to hold an event in the Iowa Capitol rotunda. According to the ACLU of Iowa, The Satanic Temple applied in 2024 to hold a holiday display in the rotunda but was denied. Previous displays had been allowed but were vandalized. The lawsuit raises questions about free speech, religious expression and how public spaces are made available to different groups. …

Story County officials are considering whether to renew a contract for Flock Safety cameras in Ames. The cameras have generated controversy over who has access to the information they col ...