Welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Tuesday, Aug. 4. We bring you the stories you need to know to start your day across Iowa and beyond. Here is what is making news this morning. …

A nationwide blood shortage is having a real impact close to home. According to KCCI, a critical blood transfusion for 4-year-old Liv Freund of Waukee nearly had to be delayed because of a lack of available blood. Liv has been battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is about 10 months into a two-and-a-half-year treatment plan at Blank Children's Hospital. Health officials continue encouraging eligible donors to give blood, saying every donation can make a life-saving difference for patients like Liv. …

An Urbandale man is facing charges after an assault that left another man in critical condition. Police responded late Sunday night to the 650 ...