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The Daily Umbrella Podcasts

The Daily Umbrella Podcasts

by Shane Goodman

Daily News Entertainment News

Sept. 17, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning, Des Moines, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast. Today is Thursday, Sept. 17, 2026. Here are the stories making news across the Des Moines metro and beyond. … A Des Moines woman is trying to save decades of family memories after a devastating flood filled her basement with nearly 4 feet of water. Jamie Briar told KCCI that 46 inches of water flooded her basement early last Wednesday morning. The damage included her utilities, washer, dryer, freezer and HVAC system, along with photographs, memorabilia and other family items. Briar is now working to recover and preserve what she can. … In other Des Moines news, police say an automatic license plate reader helped them locate a vehicle involved in a deadly hit-and-run. Police say the crash happened just before 6:30 a.m. Wednesday and left a woman dead. Investigators initially had little evidence at the scene, but an automatic license plate reader helped identify and locate the vehicle about four hours later. Police charged 57-year-old Michelle Evette Williams with leaving the scene of an accident causing death, a Class D felony, and no insurance, a simple misdemeanor. … Gas prices continue to climb. AAA says regular unleaded is averaging $4.11 a gallon across Iowa, up 5 cents from last week and $1.20 higher than a year ago. The national average Wednesday was $4.36. Diesel is averaging $6.12 a gallon in Iowa, up 41 cents this week. For those looking for the cheapest gas in the metro, the Daily Umbrella reports prices of $3.93 a gallon at Murphy USA in Altoona, Mega Saver in Ankeny and Sam’s Club in Ankeny. … Now, your weather. Today will be mostly cloudy with a high of 77 and a low of 67. There’s a 40% chance of rain. Friday brings storms early and late, with a high of 85 and a low of 74 and a 40% chance of rain. Saturday will bring scattered showers, with a high of 80 and a low of 63 and a 30% chance of rain. And for those keeping an eye on allergies, today’s pollen level is 4.8, in the low-to-medium range. The top allergens are nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … And now, this day in history. On Sept. 17, 1967, The Who appeared on the “Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour.” Drummer Keith Moon had packed explosives into his bass drum for the performance. The resulting blast was much bigger than expected, leaving guitarist Pete Townshend’s hair singed and creating quite a memorable television moment. In 1983, Vanessa Williams became the first Black woman to win the Miss America crown. She was 20 years old at the time. And in 2011, the Occupy Wall Street movement began when hundreds of activists gathered at Zuccotti Park in New York City. The protest focused on income inequality and corporate influence and eventually spread to cities around the world. … Looking ahead to the weekend, there are several events around the metro. The second annual 24-Hour Short Play Fest is Sunday at 7 p.m. at the Sherwood Forest Event Center. Eight Iowa writers and 20 local performers will create and perform 10-minute plays written within a 24-hour period. Also Sunday, Michael Howland presents a Broadway cabaret from noon to 3 p.m. at TJ’s Bagels in Ankeny. And at Drake University, Butler Bass presents “God and Caesar: A Different Path” Sunday at 2 p.m. … And finally, today’s morning chuckle. Where did the cat go after losing its tail? Think you know the answer? Send 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.

Sept. 16, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

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 underway. … Heavy rain continues to create problems across central Iowa. Some residents are waking up to flooded basements, and hardware stores are seeing increased demand for shop vacs, squeegees and other cleanup supplies. At Cappel’s Ace Hardware in West Des Moines, some shelves were emptied Tuesday as residents searched for equipment. … Around the world, a building collapse in Gaza City killed 19 people early Wednesday and injured 25, according to the report in today’s Daily Umbrella. Rescuers were searching through the rubble for additional people who may have been trapped. … In Los Angeles, a news helicopter covering a collision between an SUV and a bus crashed Tuesday and burst into flames. At least three people were killed, including one person on the ground, according to officials and NBC. … Here in Iowa, a Dubuque County forum drew a packed crowd Tuesday as residents questioned local candidates about the potential impact of large data center developments. … In sports, Pete Alonso hit his 300th career home run Tuesday at Citi Field, but the celebration belonged to the Baltimore Orioles. Coby Mayo hit an inside-the-park homer in the 11th inning as Baltimore beat the New York Mets, 7-5. … And now, your weather. Expect showers today with a high near 70 and a low around 64. There is a 40% chance of rain. Thursday brings a slight chance of showers with a high near 79, while Friday will be partly cloudy with a high around 84. Rain chances remain at 40% both days. The allergy alert is in the medium-high range at 7.9. Today’s top allergens are nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … On this date in history, Sept. 16, 1620, the Mayflower departed Plymouth, England, carrying 102 passengers bound for the Americas. Stormy weather and navigational errors eventually pushed the ship off course, and the passengers reached Massachusetts in November. In 1893, more than 100,000 people raced into Oklahoma’s Cherokee Strip to claim land in what became the largest land run in U.S. history. And in 1940, Congress passed the Burke-Wadsworth Act, establishing the first peacetime draft in U.S. history. … Finally, today’s morning chuckle: Why did the cowboy adopt a wiener dog? Think you know the answer? Send 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. … That’s your Daily Umbrella Podcast for Wednesday, Sept. 16. Have a watchful Wednesday.

Sept. 15, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning. It is Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, and here is your Daily Umbrella Podcast. Let’s get started. ... Steady and heavy rainfall is keeping Des Moines plumbing crews busy. Homeowners are reporting flooded foundations, backed-up drains and failed sump pumps. Plumbing experts say severe weather can create a number of problems for homeowners. … The Des Moines City Council has approved $11.5 million in budget cuts to help address a $12 million shortfall projected for fiscal 2028. The council voted 6-1 Monday night. More than 40 positions are being cut, along with funding reductions for the fire and police departments. … Two drivers suffered life-threatening injuries in a head-on crash Monday on State Highway 92, about four miles east of Winterset. The Madison County Sheriff's Office says the crash happened around 11:30 a.m. near Bevington. … Around the world, a Saudi oil pipeline struck by drones is expected to remain mostly out of service for weeks while repairs are made. The damage further restricts Saudi oil exports. … In national news, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected former President Donald Trump's effort to restrict mail ballots ahead of the midterm elections. The ruling allows states to continue sending mail ballots under their existing processes. … In Iowa, two people were hospitalized after a 42-foot catamaran-style racing boat crashed Saturday night on East Okoboji Lake. The Iowa DNR says the boat struck a dock, launched over a boat hoist, came ashore and crossed 255th Avenue before stopping. … The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Denver Broncos Monday night. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes made his return following nine months of injury rehabilitation. Running back Kenneth Walker III made his Kansas City debut. Elsewhere in the NFL, the Buffalo Bills and Baltimore Ravens are getting early attention as potential Super Bowl contenders after strong Week 1 performances. In UFC news, heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall announced he is vacating his title as he continues dealing with eye problems stemming from a double eye poke suffered last October. … Today in history: On Sept. 15, 1963, a bomb exploded during Sunday morning services at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama. Four young girls were killed: Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson and Carol Denise McNair. On this date in 1971, Greenpeace was born when a group of activists sailed from Vancouver aboard a repurposed fishing boat named Greenpeace. Their mission was to stop a U.S. nuclear weapons test beneath Alaska's Amchitka Island. … Today's birthdays include actor and filmmaker Oliver Stone, former NFL quarterback Dan Marino, actor Tommy Lee Jones and Prince Harry. … Now, your weather and allergy report. Today will bring rain, with a high of 71 and a low of 51 and an 80% chance of rain. Wednesday brings thunderstorms, with a high of 72, a low of 65 and an 80% chance of rain. Thursday calls for scattered rain, with a high of 79, a low of 67 and a 60% chance of rain. The allergy alert is in the low-medium range at 3.1. Top allergens include nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … And finally, today's morning chuckle: How do you cook an alligator? Think you know the answer? Send 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. … Have a terrific Tuesday, and thank you for reading.

Sept. 14, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning. It’s Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, and this is the Daily Umbrella Podcast from Big Green Umbrella Media. Here’s what you need to know as you start your day. … Heavy rain is back in the forecast for Iowa. The first round of rain is winding down, but another round is moving in Monday morning. Forecasters are calling for heavy rain accumulation as the week progresses, along with cooler temperatures. There is also a small chance of severe weather Monday evening. Parts of Iowa are included in the Weather Prediction Center’s excessive rainfall outlook for at least the next five days. The Daily Umbrella forecast calls for morning thunderstorms today, with a high of 80 and a low of 64. There is an 80% chance of rain. Tuesday brings scattered showers, a high of 72, a low of 58 and a 40% chance of rain. Wednesday looks wet again, with thunderstorms, a high of 70, a low of 63 and a 70% chance of rain. And if the rain is not enough to get your attention, the allergy alert is at a medium level today. The top allergens are nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … Boone County is putting the brakes on new data centers. The Boone County Board of Supervisors adopted a moratorium Wednesday, Sept. 9, on the establishment, construction or permitting of new data centers in the county. The moratorium can last up to one year. County leaders say the time will allow them to conduct research and develop ordinances dealing with data centers. Boone County is the latest Iowa community to take this step as communities consider the impact of the rapidly expanding data center industry. … In business news, there are some changes around central Iowa. Pho Dee Licious opened over the weekend at 2414 University Ave. in Dogtown. It is a new Vietnamese restaurant from the same family that operated the former Chinese Cafe at that location. LongRange has agreed to acquire Pizza Hut’s operations outside mainland China for about $1.5 billion. Yum China Holdings will purchase the mainland China operations separately for $1.2 billion. Diageo, the company behind brands including Guinness, Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Don Julio and Bailey’s, reported an average of 27,938 full-time-equivalent employees in fiscal 2026. That is down from 29,860 a year earlier. And two central Iowa development stories have changed course. Dutch Bros abandoned plans for a downtown Des Moines coffee drive-through, while Buc-ee’s is redeveloping its plan for a store in Urbandale. Both projects were rejected by city councils. … In sports, a scary moment for the Minnesota Vikings. Quarterback Kyler Murray suffered a concussion during the Vikings’ 39-22 victory over the Green Bay Packers. Murray was placed in the NFL’s concussion protocol after the hit. In college football, Oklahoma State defeated Oregon 39-31 after Oregon coach Dan Lanning made a controversial decision to go for it on fourth-and-8 from his own 33-yard line with less than seven minutes remaining. And Team USA won its fifth consecutive FIBA Women’s World Cup, rallying from a 14-point deficit to beat France 97-79 for the gold medal. Breanna Stewart led all scorers with 22 points. … Before we go, here’s today’s morning chuckle: What do you call a herd of sheep falling down a hill? Think you know the answer? Send 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.

Sept. 11, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning, central Iowa. It’s Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast. Let’s get started. … Today marks 25 years since the Sept. 11 attacks. Across the country, Americans are remembering the nearly 3,000 people who died and the enormous changes that followed the attacks. Memorial ceremonies, moments of silence, flag displays, vigils and readings of victims’ names are taking place today. … Iowa farmers are heading toward harvest with another major expense hanging over them: diesel fuel. KCCI reports that diesel prices are at record highs, with the national average approaching $6 a gallon. Mark Mueller, a farmer and president of the Iowa Corn Growers Association, says he hopes these prices are not the new normal. Mueller says he has a 5,000-gallon diesel tank that is empty. At more than $5 a gallon, filling it would cost about $25,000 — nearly twice what he paid last year. … In Des Moines, 10 residents have been sentenced to federal prison for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The sentences follow guilty pleas in a case involving a conspiracy from 2025. … A 72-year-old woman was hospitalized Thursday night after her SUV crashed into an apartment on Des Moines’ east side. A dog inside the apartment was also injured. … The Iowa Republican Party is keeping Iowa’s First in the Nation status for presidential nominations through 2028. Iowa GOP Chairman Jeff Kaufmann says the state will remain first in the Republican nomination process following a Republican National Committee Rules Committee meeting in Dallas. … Now, some good news for local travelers on two wheels. The Lighted Bridge on the Raccoon River Valley Trail at Adel has reopened. The bridge had been damaged by fire and reopened in August. … And congratulations are in order for some of Iowa’s restaurant professionals. The Iowa Restaurant Association has announced its 2026 awards. Simon Goheen of Simon’s in Des Moines is Restaurateur of the Year. Chef Cory Barrett of Barrett’s Quality Eats in Coralville is Chef of the Year. Gwen Page of Whatcha Smokin? BBQ + Brew in Luther is Rural Operator of the Year. See all the winners at www.thedailyumbrella.com. … Now let’s check the weather. Friday will be mostly sunny with a high of 84 and a low of 67. There’s a 30% chance of rain. Saturday will be partly cloudy with a high of 81 and a low of 62, with a 20% chance of rain. Sunday brings scattered showers, a high of 78 and a low of 63. The chance of rain is 30%. And if your nose is telling you that something is blooming — or dying — you’re not imagining it. Today’s allergy alert is 10.5, which is in the high range. The top allergens are nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … Before we go, let’s finish with today’s morning chuckle. What kind of bug can tell time? Think you know the answer? Send 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. … And finally, a quick look back at this date in history. On Sept. 11, 1812, Russians dedicated Fort Ross, their first stronghold on the California coast. In 1851, the Christiana Riot took place in Pennsylvania when a group of Black residents and white abolitionists confronted a Maryland posse seeking to capture four fugitive enslaved people. And, of course, Sept. 11, 2001, changed American history forever.

Sept. 10, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. Here is your news, weather, sports and more. Let’s get started. … Central Iowa is beginning to dry out after Tuesday’s heavy rainfall caused flooding across the area. Some parts of Central Iowa received roughly 6 to 8 inches of rain in 24 hours. Restoration companies have been working around the clock to help homeowners whose basements filled with water. For some residents, the flooding was obvious Tuesday night. Others woke up Wednesday to discover inches of water in their basements. And while homeowners are cleaning up, Central Iowa is also looking ahead to a major investment in its drinking water system. … Central Iowa Water Works has big plans — $1.2 billion worth of them. The projects include a new West Plant, expansions at the Saylorville and Grimes plants, and an expansion of the nitrate removal facility. Officials say the work is needed as the region’s population continues to grow and demand for water increases. … In Des Moines, two men are in custody following a police chase connected to a stolen vehicle that authorities say was involved in Tuesday’s shooting near Roosevelt High School and Hubbell Elementary School. Police say detectives received a license plate reader alert Wednesday afternoon for the suspect vehicle. … Nationally, President Donald Trump is making a controversial proposal ahead of the midterm elections. He has pledged to give every American adult $5,000 if Republicans retain control of the House and Senate. The proposal could cost more than $1 trillion, would require congressional approval and comes as the nation faces a nearly $1.8 trillion annual budget deficit. … In Iowa, the family of a man killed by a Waterloo police officer in 2021 has reached a $3 million settlement in a wrongful-death lawsuit. … Now, let’s talk weather. Today will be mostly sunny, with a high of 79 and a low of 61. There is just a 10% chance of rain. Friday will be partly cloudy, warmer, with a high of 84 and a low of 67. The rain chance rises to 30%. Saturday will be mostly cloudy, with a high of 82, a low of 63 and a 20% chance of rain. The allergy report is not quite as pleasant. Today’s pollen level is 10.5, which is in the high range. The top allergens are nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … Now, your sports update. The defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks opened the season 1-0, but quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury against the New England Patriots and is scheduled for an MRI. Seattle won the game 13-10, with Drew Lock leading a second-half comeback. … At the gas pump, prices continue to climb. Regular unleaded in Iowa is averaging $4.06 a gallon, up 17 cents from last week and $1.22 higher than a year ago. If you are looking for the cheapest gas in the metro, the report lists Sinclair in West Des Moines at $3.59 a gallon. Flying J and Murphy USA in Altoona are at $3.64, as is QuikTrip on Hubbell Avenue in Des Moines. … And finally, here is a little history for Sept. 10. In 1897, a 25-year-old London taxi driver named George Smith became the first person arrested for drunk driving after crashing his cab into a building. In 1977, the guillotine was used for the last time when Hamida Djandoubi was executed in France. And in 2008, scientists powered up the Large Hadron Collider for the first time at CERN in Geneva. … And we will leave you with today’s morning riddle: Where do birds stay when they travel? Think you know the answer? Send 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.

Sept. 9, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning. It is Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, and this is The Daily Umbrella Podcast. Here is what is happening around central Iowa. … First, Tuesday evening’s storms caused plenty of problems across the Des Moines metro. Des Moines police responded to more than 65 reports involving downed trees, power lines and flooded roadways as storms moved through the area. The department’s Communications Center received more than 225 calls between 5:45 and 7:45 p.m. Those calls included reports of crimes, crashes and storm-related problems. Officers responded to more than 65 calls involving downed wires, trees and flooded streets. … Ankeny voters approved a 1% local option sales tax increase in Tuesday’s special election. The Polk County Elections Office reported that 64% of voters supported the measure, increasing the city’s sales tax rate from 6% to 7%. City officials estimate the tax could generate about $12 million in annual revenue. The tax applies to purchases made in Ankeny, although some items will not be affected, including groceries, cars, rent, gas and prescription medication. … In Des Moines, police are investigating a gunfire incident near Roosevelt High School and Hubbell Elementary School. Police said the incident occurred off campus Tuesday afternoon. No injuries were reported, but multiple shell casings were recovered from Chamberlain Avenue. … Around Iowa, there is sad news from the University of Iowa. Derek Phillips, a student and member of the Hawkeye Marching Band, died Tuesday after collapsing during Saturday’s Iowa football game at Kinnick Stadium. The band said Phillips was the mellophone section leader. His family said he was taken off life support after suffering what the Gazette reported was heat stroke during the game. … Now, let’s check the weather. Today will bring gradual clearing, with a high of 81 and a low of 61. There is a 20% chance of rain. Thursday looks mostly sunny, with a high of 81, a low of 60 and no chance of rain in the forecast. Friday will be warmer, with a high of 84 and a low of 67. Storms are possible late in the day, with a 40% chance of rain. And if you are sneezing, the allergy outlook is not exactly good news. Today’s allergy alert is rated 10, or high range. The top allergens are nettle, sagebrush and ragweed. … In sports, Ben Shelton pulled off a stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open. Shelton won a five-set marathon that ended at 3:33 a.m. Eastern time Wednesday. The match lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes and ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. And Aaron Judge returned to the New York Yankees lineup Tuesday after missing about three months with a stress fracture in his rib. The Yankees beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3. … Finally, a little history. On this date in 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the name “United States of America,” replacing the commonly used “United Colonies.” In 1942, a Japanese floatplane dropped incendiary bombs on an Oregon forest, marking the first air attack on the U.S. mainland during World War II. And in 1967, Air Force Sgt. Duane D. Hackney received the Air Force Cross for rescuing an Air Force pilot in Vietnam. He was the first living Air Force enlisted man to receive the award. … And now, today’s riddle: What’s the easiest building to lift? Think you know the answer? Send 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. … That is The Daily Umbrella for Wednesday, Sept. 9. Have a great day, stay weather-aware and watch out for that ragweed.

Sept. 8, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning, and welcome to The Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast for Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2026. Let’s get started. … In Pleasant Hill, a pickup driver crashed through a tree and into a house Monday morning. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the driver was traveling on N.E. 64th Street when the vehicle went off the road, struck a tree and pushed it through the home’s front doors. The preliminary investigation indicates the driver lost control. … In Des Moines, thousands turned out Monday for the annual Labor Day Parade despite rainy weather. The parade included union members and local labor groups representing educators, bus drivers, carpenters and steelworkers. Organizers also emphasized an all-American-made vehicle lineup. … Be careful with the heat today. Tuesday is a Weather Impact Alert Day, with temperatures expected to reach the mid-90s. Heat indexes could climb as high as 102 degrees around and south of Interstate 80. … Around the state, a man was killed Monday morning in a skid-loader accident in Clio, in Wayne County near the Missouri border. The sheriff’s office said the accident happened on Main Street, although few additional details were immediately available. … Around the nation, an Associated Press review found that most states encourage or require schools to teach about the Sept. 11 attacks, but exactly what students learn varies widely. Educators are preparing to explain the events to a generation that was not alive when they happened, while also considering how to present the subject in an age-appropriate way. … And internationally, Canada is escalating its trade dispute with the United States by imposing tariffs on about $20 billion worth of U.S. goods in response to the latest U.S. tariffs on Canadian products. … Now, a quick look at sports. The New England Patriots and cornerback Christian Gonzalez have agreed to a four-year, $135 million contract, including $102 million guaranteed. That makes Gonzalez the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history, surpassing the deal recently given to Devon Witherspoon. In college football, Lane Kiffin has begun his LSU tenure, while the new season continues to generate plenty of storylines. And Shohei Ohtani returned to the Los Angeles Dodgers lineup after missing four games. The Dodgers defeated Cincinnati 6-3. … Finally, your weather forecast. Today: Partly cloudy, with a high of 93 and a low of 71. There is a 40% chance of rain. Wednesday: Partly cloudy, cooler, with a high of 84 and a low of 61, and a 20% chance of rain. Thursday: Partly cloudy, with a high of 81 and a low of 63. No rain is expected. The allergy index today is 11.2, which is considered high. The top allergens are nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … And we will leave you with today’s morning chuckle. Yesterday’s question was: What do you call a rude cow? The answers included “beef jerky” and, appropriately enough, “bossy.” … Today’s riddle: Why is that picture in jail? Think you know the answer? Send 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.

Sept. 7, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning. It is Monday, Sept. 7, Labor Day, and this is the Daily Umbrella Podcast. Here is your news for today. … A water main break has damaged Eighth Street in Des Moines’ Highland Park neighborhood. The break, between Euclid and Clinton avenues, left broken pavement, exposed bricks and a large hole in the street. The road is closed while crews make repairs. … Two Marshalltown men face attempted murder and other felony charges following a shooting Saturday morning. Police responded to a possible drive-by shooting at a residence in the 300 block of North 14th Avenue around 6 a.m. No one was injured. Police arrested 20-year-old Tyree Rudolph and 21-year-old Jeremiah McMullen on Sunday. … Valley West Mall has a new buyer and potentially a new owner. The Des Moines-area mall has declined in recent years, and its previous owners defaulted on the mortgage in 2022. … In agriculture news, Iowa leaders are mourning the death of Ray Gaesser, a longtime farmer and agricultural advocate who died in a farming accident. Gaesser was a former president of the Iowa Soybean Association and chaired the Iowa Conservative Energy Forum. He also was involved with Solutions from the Land and the North American Climate Smart Agriculture Alliance. … Nationally, an Amazon cargo plane crashed at Miami International Airport Sunday after overrunning the runway. The plane struck vehicles and caught fire, killing at least five people and injuring five others. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash. … In business news, Casey’s is getting into the chicken-wing game in a big way. The Ankeny-based company plans to offer wings at all of its more than 3,000 stores within two years. Customers will be able to choose from Buffalo, barbecue, sweet chili, garlic parmesan and mango habanero sauces, along with Casey’s buttermilk ranch. … Now, your weather. Today will be partly cloudy with a high of 87 and a low of 71. There is no rain in the forecast. Tuesday will be partly cloudy with a hot high of 94 and a low of 71, with a 30% chance of rain. Wednesday brings partly cloudy skies, a high of 85, a low of 63 and a 20% chance of rain. The allergy alert is high at 10.3. The top allergens are nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … In sports, Notre Dame opened the season with a 41-13 victory over Wisconsin at Lambeau Field. The Irish pulled away in the second half behind quarterback CJ Carr. And college football’s opening weekend produced plenty of drama, including LSU beating Clemson and Michigan losing to Western Michigan on a Hail Mary. A Nebraska-Missouri volleyball match at Wrigley Field was also postponed because of extreme heat and humidity. … Now, a little history. On this date in 1813, the nickname “Uncle Sam” was linked to Samuel Wilson, a meat packer from Troy, New York, who supplied beef barrels stamped “U.S.” to the Army during the War of 1812. In 1911, artist and poet Guillaume Apollinaire was arrested on suspicion of stealing the Mona Lisa. And in 1996, rapper Tupac Shakur was shot in Las Vegas after a boxing match. He died several days later. And finally, today’s morning chuckle. The question is: What do you call a rude cow? Think you know the answer? Send 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. … That is the Daily Umbrella for Monday, Sept. 7. Have a great Labor Day, and thanks for starting your morning with us.

Sept. 4, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Good morning, central Iowa. It is Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. Here is your Daily Umbrella Podcast morning update. Let’s get started. … If you drive through the Southwest Mixmaster in West Des Moines, get ready for some changes. Closures and intermittent lane reductions are beginning as preparation gets underway for a $146 million renovation of the interchange. The three-year project will add two flyover bridges to the Southwest Mixmaster, similar to the ones at the East Mix and near Ames. The project also will add a lane to Interstate 235 between 50th Street and Valley West Drive, along with ramp improvements. … Around the state, Lincoln Savings Bank is planning to merge with Kansas-based Equity Bank. The deal is valued at about $124 million and is expected to close by the end of the year. Lincoln’s 16 locations in the Cedar Valley and Des Moines metro areas are expected to become Equity Bank locations in spring 2027. The good news for customers: Equity says there are no planned branch closings or consolidations. … And now for some Iowa Nice. Choose Iowa says its Local Food for Schools Program is providing $200,000 to help Iowa schools buy food grown and raised in the state. The program was made permanent through the 2026 Iowa Farm Act, creating new markets for Iowa farmers and food businesses. Iowa also is expanding its free nitrogen soil sampling program for farmers, including those in central Iowa and the Des Moines area. … And here is some good news for local track and field fans. Waukee Northwest High School coach Ben Duea has been named the 2026 National High School Girls Track and Field Coach of the Year. He is the first coach from Iowa to receive the honor. Duea just completed his fifth year at Northwest, where he coaches girls track and teaches special education. This fall, he will coach girls basketball. … Now, let’s check the weather. Saturday will be partly cloudy, with a high of 94 and a low of 74. There is a 20% chance of rain. Sunday looks similar: partly cloudy, a high of 93, a low of 73 and a 20% chance of rain. Monday stays partly cloudy, with a high of 90, a low of 71 and a 20% rain chance. And if your nose has already figured out that fall is coming, the allergy alert is in the high range today, with a pollen level of 11.7. The top allergens are nettle, chenopods and ragweed. … Today in history: On Sept. 4, 1951, President Harry Truman delivered a speech in San Francisco that became the first television program broadcast from coast to coast. And on this date in 1957, Arkansas National Guard troops blocked nine Black students from entering Little Rock Central High School. The event became a major test of the federal government's commitment to school desegregation. … And finally, today’s morning chuckle. Yesterday’s riddle asked how you know if an ant is a boy or a girl. One answer: Toss it in the water. If it sinks, it’s a girl. If it floats, it’s a buoy-ant! Today’s question: What classical ballet did the pig pen perform? Think you know the answer? Send 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. … That’s your Daily Umbrella Podcast morning update for Friday, Sept. 4. Have a great Friday — and a great weekend.

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