The Daily Umbrella Podcasts

Shane Goodman
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A five-minute weekday update on the news that is important to central Iowans.

  1. 6h ago

    Nov. 3, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026. Here are a few things happening around central Iowa. ... Iowa voters head to the polls today in some closely watched races that could have national implications. Control of both chambers of Congress is up for grabs, and Iowans are also choosing a new governor. The retirement announcements of Gov. Kim Reynolds and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst have created significant opportunities for candidates hoping to move into those positions. ... In Des Moines, the city has announced plans for a stadium district at the former DICO site. The soccer-related development has been on again and off again, with the city raising concerns about the project's cost just two months ago. Mayor Connie Boesen previously said the city and developers were too far apart financially. Now, it appears the project may be moving forward again. ... Also in Des Moines, the City Council has approved the sale of a vacant lot across from the former City Hall in the East Village. Heart of America, a hospitality and real estate company, will purchase the property at 401 Robert D. Ray Drive for $1 million. The council had been considering two competing proposals for the site, including one for an arts center. ... Around the world, the United States has launched strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a U.S. official. The operation came on the eve of the U.S. midterm elections, and officials have not publicly detailed what comes next. ... Around the nation, federal investigators say parts of a Learjet may have broken off in midair before it crashed in Florida, killing all nine people aboard. The victims included a family with two young children. Investigators say the aircraft went into a steep nosedive before hitting the ground and erupting in flames. ... Rain is in the forecast for central Iowa today, with a high of 67 and a low of 48. There is a 70% chance of rain, so keep that umbrella handy. Wednesday brings drizzle, a high of 53 and a low of 47, with a 30% chance of rain. Thursday looks cloudy, with a high of 57, a low of 42 and no rain expected. ... In sports, the Chicago Bears are celebrating another impressive win. Chicago defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, 34-17, on Monday night. Jeffery Simmons made an immediate impact after the Bears traded for the All-Pro defensive tackle last week. The victory gives Chicago three straight wins and five victories in its past six games. ... In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2, carrying a dog named Laika. She became the first animal to orbit Earth. In 1964, residents of Washington, D.C., voted in a presidential election for the first time since 1800. The 23rd Amendment gave the nation's capital the right to participate in presidential elections. And in 1992, Dianne Feinstein made history by becoming the first woman to represent California in the U.S. Senate. That election year became known as the Year of the Woman, as a record number of women won congressional seats. ... Before we go, here is today's morning chuckle. What's the best way to get to the hospital after breaking your foot? 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 all for this Tuesday morning. Thanks for listening to the Daily Umbrella Podcast. Have a terrific Election Day, be safe out there, and we will catch you next time under The Daily Umbrella.

    Nov. 3, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

  2. 1d ago

    Nov. 2, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Good morning, and welcome to The Daily Umbrella Podcast, your five-minute briefing of news, weather and a little bit of fun to start your Monday, Nov. 2, 2026. Let’s get right to it ... Three of the five seats on the Polk County Board of Supervisors are up for grabs in Tuesday’s election. It is a significant change for county leadership, as longtime supervisors Angela Connolly and Tom Hockensmith have retired, and John Forbes defeated incumbent Matt McCoy in the June primary. The winners will replace more than 50 years of combined experience on the board. ... Two people have been arrested following a string of burglaries and thefts involving businesses in Adair and Guthrie counties. According to the Stuart Police Department, the incidents occurred between Oct. 27 and 30. Investigators say the suspects burglarized a business and a home and stole property from outside two other businesses. ... The Local 5 Weather Team has issued a Weather Impact Alert for Monday and Tuesday because of strong winds and thunderstorms. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph Monday, potentially making travel difficult for high-profile vehicles, including semitrailers, campers and farm equipment. ... Today’s forecast calls for thunderstorms, with a high of 67 and a low of 60. The chance of rain is 80%. Tuesday brings morning rain showers, a high of 68 and a low of 49, with a 60% chance of rain. By Wednesday, skies should be cloudy, with a high of 59, a low of 48 and no chance of rain. ... Looking beyond Iowa, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says trade talks with the United States are making progress. Carney said he had a constructive conversation Sunday with President Donald Trump about a potential trade deal. Negotiators are expected to continue working toward an agreement in the coming weeks. ... In national political news, Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens has endorsed Republican Mike Rogers in the state’s U.S. Senate race. Stevens was Abdul El-Sayed’s opponent in the Democratic primary, and her endorsement has surprised party officials just days before the midterm elections. The race could help determine the balance of power in Congress ... And in Fort Dodge, firefighters say an older grinder caused a garage fire Saturday on the city’s south side. The fire started when the grinder ignited nearby materials inside a detached garage. ... In business news, Wendy’s has received a $1.4 billion buyout offer from an investor group and Trian as the restaurant chain deals with declining sales and $2.4 billion in net debt. The company’s stock has lost 70% of its value over the past two years. ... In sports, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will undergo surgery on his injured right thumb and be placed on injured reserve, according to coach Jesse Minter. In college football, Georgia has climbed to No. 2 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll after a 27-8 victory over rival Florida. And the NFL’s last undefeated team is no longer undefeated. The Detroit Lions rallied late Sunday to beat the Minnesota Vikings, 19-15, ending Minnesota’s six-game winning streak to open the season. ... Now, let’s finish with our morning chuckle. What did my friend say when I told her a sodium joke? 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 all for The Daily Umbrella this morning. Thanks for listening, have a great Monday, and we will catch you next time under The Daily Umbrella.

    Nov. 2, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

  3. 4d ago

    Oct. 30, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Good morning, everyone! It is Friday, Oct. 30, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast, bringing you the news, weather and a few things to make you smile as you start your day. We have a little bit of everything today, including record-breaking early voting, Halloween candy and a question about when a joke officially becomes a dad joke. Let’s get started. ... Early voting is breaking records in Polk and Dallas counties with thousands of Iowans casting ballots ahead of Election Day. In Polk County, voters have been lining up daily at the election office since early voting began two weeks ago. Some have waited as long as an hour to cast their ballots. If you have not voted yet, remember that Election Day is coming up Tuesday, Nov. 3. ... In other local news, Valley West Mall is getting a final walk-through in the spotlight. The mall opened in 1975 and spent decades as a popular gathering place for shoppers, families and friends. Today, its once-busy corridors are much quieter, with empty storefronts and memories of shopping trips past. For many central Iowans, it is the end of an era. ... Wells Fargo also has announced layoffs at its Jordan Creek campus. The company will eliminate 86 positions at the end of the year, effective Dec. 26. According to Iowa's Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filings, this is the company's largest round of layoffs since at least October 2021. ... Turning to sports, former Iowa Hawkeyes tight end George Kittle will return to Kinnick Stadium as an honorary captain Saturday when Iowa takes on No. 25 Wisconsin. Kickoff is at 11 a.m., and the game will air on FOX. Kittle was part of the memorable 2015 Iowa team that went undefeated in the Big Ten regular season and earned a trip to the Rose Bowl. ... Now, let’s talk Halloween, because nothing says holiday spirit quite like judging your neighbors by the candy they hand out. According to DoorDash, Iowa's favorite Halloween treat is Laffy Taffy. ... Here is your weekend weather forecast. Today, expect showers, with a high of 60 and a low of 52. There is a 70% chance of rain, so keep that in mind if you are heading out for Halloween activities. Saturday brings more showers, a high of 66 and a low of 52, with a 60% chance of rain. Sunday looks drier but cloudy, with a high of 68 and a low of 56. The rain chance drops to zero percent. For allergy sufferers, today's report is relatively good news. The allergy level is in the low range, with ragweed listed as the top allergen. ... Before we go, here is a little history for Oct. 30. In 1938, Orson Welles' radio broadcast of "The War of the Worlds" famously dramatized a Martian invasion of Earth. The realistic presentation became one of the most talked-about broadcasts in radio history. And in 1991, the so-called Perfect Storm intensified in the North Atlantic, producing enormous waves and contributing to the loss of the fishing boat Andrea Gail and its six crew members. The disaster later inspired a bestselling book and a Hollywood movie. ... Finally, today's morning chuckle comes with a question. Yesterday's riddle asked why chicken coops have only two doors. The answer? If they had four, they would be a sedan! … Today's question is: When does a joke become a dad joke? 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.

    Oct. 30, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

  4. 5d ago

    Oct. 29, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Good morning! It is Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast. We bring you the news, weather and a few other things to help get your day started. Grab that coffee, and let’s get to it ... Microsoft is making a major investment in the Des Moines metro area. The company has purchased more than 600 acres of farmland in Woodward for $95 million, fueling speculation that a data center could be coming to the area. The purchase has generated a mix of hope and concern among residents as communities continue to weigh the potential economic benefits of data centers against questions about their impact. The developer that sold the property to Microsoft reportedly purchased the land for nearly $31 million the same day it sold it to the tech giant ... Mitchellville Mayor Tony Jensen has resigned. His departure came Wednesday, nearly three months after the City Council voted unanimously to remove him. The council could not carry out that action because the decision rested with the Polk County attorney. Questions had been raised about whether Jensen met the city's residency requirements ... Iowa is dealing with another case of bird flu. Gov. Kim Reynolds has issued a disaster proclamation for Sac County after highly pathogenic avian influenza was detected in a commercial turkey flock. The virus can spread among wild birds without obvious signs of illness, but it can be devastating to domestic poultry. This is Iowa's eighth confirmed case of the disease in 2026. The previous reported case was in Boone County in September ... Around the nation, New York is moving to regulate artificial intelligence companion chatbots that interact with children. Gov. Kathy Hochul signed legislation Wednesday that prohibits a dozen categories of unsafe chatbot features involving users younger than age 18. It is part of a growing effort by states to address concerns about children's safety as artificial intelligence becomes more common ... Now, let's check the weather. Central Iowa can expect mostly sunny skies today, with a high of 67 and a low of 50 degrees. There is a 20% chance of rain. Friday brings clouds and showers, with a high of 63 and a 60% chance of rain. Saturday looks similar, with clouds and showers, a high of 66 and another 60% chance of rain. For allergy sufferers, today's allergy alert is a 3, in the low-medium range, with ragweed listed as the top allergen. ... Here's a little Iowa nice news. The John Deere Foundation has announced an $18.5 million farm-to-plate strategy at the Food Bank of Iowa in Des Moines, with more than $13 million directed toward Iowa. That investment could make a meaningful difference for people facing food insecurity across the state ... Gas prices around the metro are worth watching. Sam's Club in Ankeny is reporting gas at $3.82 a gallon, while many other stations around the metro are at about $3.93 ... On this day in history, Oct. 29, 1929, Wall Street suffered the crash known as Black Tuesday. The massive sell-off helped usher in the Great Depression. Nearly seven decades later, on Oct. 29, 1998, John Glenn returned to space aboard the space shuttle Discovery at age 77, becoming the oldest person to travel into space at that time ... And finally, today's morning chuckle comes in the form of a riddle: Why do chicken coops only have two doors? 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.

    Oct. 29, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

  5. 6d ago

    Oct. 28, 2026, Daily Umbrella Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Good morning, and welcome to The Daily Umbrella Podcast for Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. Thank you for joining us for a look at what is happening around Des Moines, across Iowa and beyond. Let’s get started! ... First, harvest season may be bringing more than combines and dust to Iowa fields. It may also be making allergy symptoms worse. Dr. Ravinder Agarwal, an allergy specialist at the Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center in West Des Moines, says this is the time of year when people often become more symptomatic. With most pollen gone for the season, mold is the primary outdoor allergy concern. Dust mites and animal allergens can also trigger symptoms. ... In education news, Des Moines Public Schools has reached a record number of students enrolled in Advanced Placement courses. The district reported 3,993 students taking AP classes as of Oct. 1. That is an all-time high. The district also highlighted the success of students who took AP courses in the spring of 2026. It is an encouraging sign of growing interest in college-level coursework among local students. ... In Grimes, the City Council is taking a proactive approach to potential data center development. On Tuesday, the council approved a series of steps developers must complete before submitting a data center application. The resolution is different from the moratoriums adopted by some other central Iowa communities. Mayor David Gisch says Grimes has not received any data center applications yet, but city officials want to be prepared if a proposal comes forward. The goal is to establish a process with an emphasis on transparency before any applications arrive. ... Around the world, votes in Israel are being counted following a national election, but early indications point to no clear winner. That could mean weeks of negotiations among political parties to form a governing coalition and select a new prime minister. Benjamin Netanyahu remains interim caretaker prime minister in the meantime. ... And in Waterloo, legendary girls basketball coach Dr. Anthony Pappas has died at age 72 following a battle with brain cancer. Pappas spent 50 years coaching, including 47 years with Waterloo West. He led his teams to 11 state tournament appearances, including three trips to the championship game. He was inducted into the Iowa Girls Coaches Association's State Basketball Hall of Fame in 2005. ... Now, let's talk weather. Today, Wednesday, will be breezier, with a chance of rain. The high will reach 76 degrees, with a low of 46 and a 40% chance of rain. Thursday looks partly cloudy, with a high of 71 and a low of 53. There is a 20% chance of rain. Friday brings another chance of showers, with a high of 67, a low of 54 and a 60% chance of rain. For allergy sufferers, today's allergy alert is a 3, in the low-medium range. Ragweed is listed as the top allergen. ... On this date in history, Oct. 28, 1886, the Statue of Liberty was dedicated in New York Harbor. The gift from the people of France symbolized friendship between the two nations. In 1919, Congress overrode President Woodrow Wilson's veto of the Volstead Act, setting the stage for enforcement of Prohibition. And in 1998, President Bill Clinton signed the Digital Millennium Copyright Act into law, addressing copyright protections in the internet age. ... We will finish with today's morning chuckle. Here is your riddle: I tell dad jokes, but I have no kids. What am I? 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.

    Oct. 28, 2026, Daily Umbrella Podcast

  6. Oct 27

    Oct. 27, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Good morning, central Iowa! It is Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. This is your Daily Umbrella Podcast. Let’s get started. … We begin with a serious crash involving a Des Moines teenager. Police say a 13-year-old boy is in critical condition after his modified electric mini-bike collided with an SUV Sunday evening in the 3000 block of Southeast 19th Street. The crash happened shortly after 7 p.m. First responders found the teenager critically injured. Authorities say he was reportedly not wearing a helmet and that the SUV driver was allegedly under the influence. … Des Moines police are explaining staffing limitations following Saturday night's shooting on Court Avenue. Police say only two officers were assigned to patrol the entertainment district when the shooting occurred shortly before midnight. Officers reported seeing a fight near Fourth Street and Court Avenue. As they approached, they heard gunfire. A 20-year-old man was shot in the leg and taken to a hospital. … In Cedar Rapids, firefighters are sharing details about their response to Saturday's explosion and fire at the downtown Quaker Oats facility. Fire Chief Brent Smith credited extensive training and community partnerships with helping crews respond quickly. Employees were able to return to work, according to fire officials. … Around the world, Russia and Ukraine have begun observing a localized ceasefire in a devastated southern Ukrainian city ahead of a planned humanitarian mission brokered by first lady Melania Trump. However, Russian missile attacks continued elsewhere in Ukraine. … Around the nation, the Trump administration is asking Washington state to set aside ballots from more than 400 voters it alleges registered to vote without U.S. citizenship. The request follows a similar demand involving California. … In sports, the Milwaukee Brewers are one win away from their first World Series championship. Milwaukee routed the Tampa Bay Rays, 10-1, in Game 3 on Monday night. The Brewers scored a World Series-record eight runs with two outs in the fifth inning and now lead the series three games to none. In the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys snapped a two-game losing streak with a 38-21 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. … Let's look at the forecast for central Iowa. Today, expect mostly cloudy skies, with a high of 70 and a low tonight of 57. There is a 20% chance of rain. Wednesday, clouds should clear throughout the day. Look for a high of 74, a low of 60 and a 20% chance of rain. Thursday will be partly cloudy, with a high of 72, a low of 54 and a 30% chance of rain. … On this date in 1904, New York City's subway opened, with Mayor George McClellan taking the controls for its inaugural run. In 1962, the United States and the Soviet Union stepped back from the brink of nuclear war as the Cuban Missile Crisis began to come to an end. And in 1994, the U.S. Justice Department announced that the nation's state and federal prison population had surpassed 1 million for the first time. … Yesterday's morning chuckle asked: How do you identify a bald eagle? The answer: All his feathers are combed over to one side! Today's question: What do you call a dog that does magic tricks? 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.

    Oct. 27, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

  7. Oct 26

    Oct. 26, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Good morning, Des Moines, and welcome to The Daily Umbrella Podcast for Monday, Oct. 26, 2026. Let's get started. …

    Oct. 26, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

  8. Oct 23

    Oct. 23, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

    Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode! Good morning, central Iowa! It is Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, and this is The Daily Umbrella Podcast. Grab your coffee, get comfortable and let us get you caught up. … Two suspects are in custody after an alleged illegal firearm sale went bad near the Walmart in Altoona on Thursday. According to the Altoona Police Department, officers were dispatched shortly after 2 p.m. to the Interstate 80 westbound ramp at Hubbell Avenue following a report of shots fired between two vehicles. Witnesses reportedly told police that one vehicle fled the scene. The incident led to a pursuit. … President Donald Trump visited Sioux City to rally support for Republican candidates Ashley Hinson and Zach Lane ahead of the November midterm elections. Trump also addressed issues important to Iowa's agricultural community. During the rally, he announced plans to boost diesel production and reiterated his intention to pass legislation allowing year-round sales of E15 ethanol. The visit puts agriculture and energy policy back in the spotlight as Iowa voters head toward the midterm elections. … An Iowa father from Grimes is appealing his 55-year prison sentence in the death of his 2-month-old daughter. Dylan James Brown was sentenced Oct. 9 for crimes connected to the baby's beating death last summer. He must serve at least 35 years before becoming eligible to appear before the parole board. His appeal is headed to the Iowa Supreme Court. … And in Decatur County, a Des Moines man died after crashing a nearly 100-year-old car. The Iowa State Patrol says 74-year-old Robert Stuart Fogle was driving a 1928 Ford Model A west on Popcorn Road near 10th Street on Wednesday afternoon when he lost control. The car entered a ditch and struck a concrete culvert. Fogle died at the scene. … And now, the weather forecast. It looks like a beautiful late-October day across central Iowa. Expect some clouds moving in, with a high of 77 degrees and a low of 57. The chance of rain today is zero percent, so you can leave the umbrella by the door. Saturday stays warm and breezy, with a high of 76 and a low of 56. Sunday brings a slight cooling trend, with a high of 74, a low of 53 and a 20% chance of rain. Seasonal allergy sufferers, take note. Today's allergy level is 3, in the low-to-medium range, with ragweed identified as the top allergen. … On this date in 1850, the first National Women's Rights Convention began in Worcester, Massachusetts, bringing together advocates for women's rights. In 1958, Russian author Boris Pasternak was awarded the Nobel Prize in literature for his novel “Doctor Zhivago.” The book was banned in the Soviet Union, and the government forced him to renounce the honor. And in 1993, Toronto Blue Jays slugger Joe Carter hit a dramatic ninth-inning home run to win the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. It remains one of baseball's most memorable championship moments. … In sports, the Chicago Bears pulled out a 30-24 victory over the New England Patriots on Thursday night. Kicker Cairo Santos redeemed himself after a missed field goal by connecting on a career-long 58-yarder to seal the win. In NBA action, the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Houston Rockets, 96-84, in their home opener. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 17 points, ending his NBA-record streak of 141 consecutive games with at least 20 points. … Before we go, here is today's morning chuckle: What happened when the phone was dropped in the bath? 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.

    Oct. 23, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast
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About

A five-minute weekday update on the news that is important to central Iowans.

Information

  • Creator
    Shane Goodman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    81
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Big Green Umbrella Media 2026
  • Show Website
    The Daily Umbrella Podcasts