Episode notes
Good morning, Des Moines! It is Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast to start your day. Here is what is happening around central Iowa and beyond. …
Two central Iowa communities faced water problems Wednesday evening as crews worked to locate and repair water main breaks. In Carlisle, officials asked residents and businesses around 5 p.m. to stop using water immediately after a major water main break began draining the city’s water system. Crews were still trying to locate the break Wednesday evening. Once repairs are complete, the city will be under a boil-water advisory until further notice. Woodward also was dealing with water problems Wednesday. Residents should watch for updates from local officials about repairs and any water-use restrictions. …
Meanwhile, rising rivers could affect roads in Dallas, Polk and Warren counties beginning today. Additional rain Wednesday night added to waterways already responding to recent rainfall. The Raccoon, Middle and North rivers are among those most susceptible to flooding. …
In other news, one person died and three others were injured in a three-vehicle crash at Northeast 56th Street and Northeast 94th Avenue in Polk County. The sheriff’s office reported the fatality Wednesday evening. The person’s identity was being withheld pending notification of family. …
Around Iowa, The U.S. Department of Justice has determined that the Cedar Rapids Community School District is complying with its 2022 settlement agreement involving seclusion and restraint practices affecting students with disabilities. In a Sept. 2 letter, the department said it was ending its monitoring of the district, and the agreement would terminate. The investigation began in 2020. …
Now, to sports. In Major League Baseball, the New York Yankees eliminated the Boston Red Sox with a 9-2 victory Wednesday, advancing to face the Tampa Bay Rays in the American League Division Series. The Chicago White Sox also advanced after sweeping the Houston Astros in their wild-card matchup. It is Chicago’s first postseason series victory since winning the World Series in 2005. In the WNBA playoffs, Arike Ogunbowale scored a postseason-record 45 points to lead the Dallas Wings to a 108-100 overtime victory over the Golden State Valkyries. The win forces a deciding Game 3 in their opening-round series. …
Grab the umbrella before heading out today. Rain is expected mostly during the morning with a 70% chance of precipitation. The high will reach 67 degrees, with a low of 50. Friday brings sunshine, a high of 66 and a low of 48, with no chance of rain in the forecast. Saturday looks mostly sunny, with a high of 68, a low of 52 and no expected precipitation. The allergy report is relatively quiet, with a low pollen level of 1. …
Yesterday’s Morning Chuckle asked what the new Al Pacino movie about a man who wins the World Knitting Championships would be called. The answer? “Scarf … Ace.” Today's riddle: What do you call a knitting snake? 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.