Episode notes
Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026. Let’s get started. …
Summer may officially be over, but some things from the season never seem to disappear — especially pool noodles. Shane Goodman shares a few creative uses for those colorful foam tubes, from organizing fishing poles and protecting vehicle doors to creating homemade wrist rests and even garage floor squeegees. So don’t toss those noodles aside yet, as they may have more life left in them. …
President Donald Trump announced plans Monday for what is expected to become the nation’s largest steel plant, a $15 billion project in southeast Iowa. The facility, to be built by Mesabi Metallics and the Essar Group, is expected to create about 6,000 construction jobs and 1,750 permanent positions, with steel production beginning in 2030. …
Authorities in Marshall County have charged two people with livestock neglect following the rescue of hundreds of animals from an Iowa farm. …
Good news for Iowa State basketball fans: Tamin Lipsey has officially rejoined the Cyclones after receiving an injunction granting another year of eligibility. …
Around Iowa, authorities in Linn County are warning residents about a scam targeting families of recently arrested individuals. Callers falsely claim money is needed to secure a loved one’s release from jail. Officials remind residents that law enforcement agencies do not request payments over the phone. …
Today’s food note comes from Jim Duncan, who highlights Iowa’s growing whole-hog barbecue culture. A recent event at West End Salvage in Webster City featured a wood-smoked hog prepared by Mary Ann’s Specialty Meats, proving that sometimes great barbecue is worth gathering around. …
In sports news, the New York Giants acquired Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy in a trade Monday, sending Minnesota a 2027 fifth-round draft pick in exchange for the 2024 first-round selection. The Chicago Bears defeated the Philadelphia Eagles 27-7 Monday night with Case Keenum stepping in at quarterback and delivering a strong performance. Keenum was playing because Caleb Williams is dealing with a hamstring injury and Tyson Bagent recently cleared concussion protocol. And in Major League Baseball, Yankees star Aaron Judge hopes to return for the upcoming wild-card round, but his status remains uncertain. Judge has been sidelined since Sept. 16 with a right calf strain after previously missing three months with a rib stress fracture. …
Now for the weather. Today will be mostly cloudy with a high of 76 degrees and a low tonight of 55. There is a 40% chance of rain. Wednesday looks wetter, with rain likely and a high of 73. Thursday calls for scattered showers and a high near 66. The allergy report shows a medium level today, with ragweed continuing as the primary allergen. …
Today in history: On this date in 1918, Allied forces broke through the Hindenburg Line during World War I. In 1982, the first victims of the cyanide-laced Tylenol poisonings died, leading to major changes in product safety packaging. And in 1988, Stacy Allison became the first American woman to reach the summit of Mount Everest. …
We leave you with today’s riddle: Why do sweaters tend to hang out together? Think you know the answer? Email 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 your Daily Umbrella Podcast for Sept. 29. Have a terrific Tuesday, and thank you for listening.