Good morning, Des Moines. It is Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast. Let’s get started. …

Des Moines Public Schools has a new superintendent. Matt Smith, the district’s associate superintendent, was unanimously selected Tuesday to become the next full-time superintendent. Smith has twice served as interim superintendent, including nearly a year in the role since Sept. 26, 2025, following the arrest of former Superintendent Ian Roberts. …

Perry police are investigating after an infant was found dead at a Perry daycare center. According to police, Dallas County Emergency Medical Services were called to Acorns and Oaks Child Care shortly before 5 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a woman experiencing vaginal bleeding. She was taken to a metro hospital shortly after 5:30 p.m. Police say the investigation remains  ...