July 22, 2026, The Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast
Good morning, and welcome to The Daily Umbrella, your daily five-minute briefing on what's happening in central Iowa and beyond. Today is Wednesday, July 22. We've got news about flooded roads, smoky skies, concerns about drinking water, and, of course, today's morning chuckle. Let's get started. … If you drove around the Des Moines metro Monday night, you probably discovered that some streets looked more like boat ramps. Des Moines police say nearly one-quarter of all 911 calls during the evening storm were weather-related. Officers responded to almost two dozen stranded vehicles after drivers tried to make it through flooded streets — and didn't make it. The reminder today is a simple one: Turn around, don't drown. Even a few inches of moving water can disable a vehicle or sweep it off the road. … Speaking of the environment, today begins with another beautiful blue sky... at least, that's the forecast. But the lingering conversation continues to be about air quality. Smoke from northern wildfires has drifted into Iowa again, prompting Polk County officials to encourage residents to check the Air Quality Index before spending extended time outdoors. … In today's publisher's column, Shane Goodman reflects on the irony that while he has spent years worrying about water quality, lately it's been the air that's causing concern. He notes that wildfires themselves aren't new. Forests have always burned. But hotter temperatures, decades of fuel buildup in forests, and human-caused ignitions have combined to create more frequent and more intense fires. The takeaway? Whether the smoke starts hundreds of miles away or right next door, we all breathe the same air. … And while we're talking about environmental concerns... Today's "Woebegone Wednesday" commentary by Jim Duncan takes aim at Iowa's drinking water. The piece points to new reports showing nitrate drinking water violations doubled during 2025 and argues that Iowa's water quality problem deserves to be treated as a statewide crisis. The commentary even suggests Des Moines risks earning an unfortunate nickname: "the new Flint." Whether you agree with that comparison or not, there's little doubt that clean drinking water remains one of Iowa's biggest public policy discussions. … Let's check your forecast. Today will be about as nice as July gets. Expect sunshine, a high around 78 degrees, low humidity, and a low tonight near 59. Thursday brings more pleasant weather with highs near 79 before shower chances increase Friday morning. … Looking for lunch — or maybe dinner? Wednesday means plenty of local food specials. Gilroy's has all-you-can-eat fried chicken. Kelly's Little Nipper features burgers with a side for ten bucks. Exile Brewing has a burger basket, fries and a beer special. And if convenience-store fried chicken is your guilty pleasure, Kwik Star's eight-piece chicken deal continues to earn surprisingly rave reviews. … One local feature worth checking out in the latest issue of CITYVIEW magazine profiles The Soggy Frog, the new rooftop bar overlooking Saylorville Marina. With multiple patios and waterfront views, it aims to bring a little Florida tiki-bar atmosphere to central Iowa. … Finally... yesterday's riddle asked: Which car does a vegetarian from Germany drive? Some favorite answers included a Volks-vegan... or a Mercedes-Beans. Today's riddle is: Which vegetarian dish is made from a few spuds of similar shape and color? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com before noon today for a chance to be featured. And be sure to subscribe to our full email version of The Daily Umbrella for free at www.TheDailyUmbrella.com.