Welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Friday, Aug. 7. Here's a quick look at the stories people across Iowa are talking about today. …

We'll start with one of the state's most closely watched criminal cases. New court documents have been filed in the Kristin Ramsey case. According to KCCI, Ramsey's defense team says it now has two massive hard drives filled with evidence collected over the past 15 years. But attorneys also claim key evidence is still missing, including a video interview with another potential suspect, recordings of several witness interviews, and a written confession from someone dating back to 2018. A legal expert says those allegations could become an important issue as the case moves forward. …

In other Iowa news, a Johnston man died Thursday after his vehicle left Interstate 35 in Warren County, became airborne, and struck a bridge pillar near the Highway 92 interchange. The Iowa State Patrol is continuing its investigation. …

Iowa farmers are also watching Washington closely. Senate Republicans failed to move a new Farm Bill out of committee after Democrats withheld support and Sen. Mitch McConnell's absence affected the vote. One provision many Iowa producers were hoping for was year-round E15 fuel sales. …

Looking ahead to the weekend, expect a chance of thunderstorms today with a high around 86 degrees. Saturday and Sunday should be warmer and mostly sunny, although a few scattered showers remain possible. …

Now let's talk food. The newest issue of CITYVIEW magazine is asking readers to help crown Greater Des Moines' ultimate Italian dish. Pizza has already had its moment in previous contests, so this year's competition focuses on everything else Italian cuisine has to offer — from pasta and lasagna to chicken parmesan and beyond. Food writer Jim Duncan explores the rich history, contradictions and passion behind Italian cooking in this featured story. …

Health headlines today include an interesting update from the American Heart Association. The organization now says drinking up to five eight-ounce cups of coffee a day appears safe for most adults and may even reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type 2 diabetes. The warning, however, remains the same for energy drinks, which often contain much higher caffeine levels. …

If you're looking for a dining bargain this weekend, there are plenty to choose from. Frosty Trete in Bedford is celebrating its 75th anniversary with 75-cent and $1.75 specials. Several local restaurants are featuring prime rib, barbecue, seafood and brunch deals, while grocery stores have discounts on everything from steaks to lobster tails and fresh produce. See details at www.thedailyumbrella.com. …

Finally, on this day in history: Aug. 7 marks the anniversary of George Washington creating what would eventually become the Purple Heart in 1782. It's also the day the first American satellite photographed Earth in 1959. …

And before we go, here's today's Daily Umbrella riddle: What's a plumber's favorite song? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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. …

Welcome to The Daily Umbrella Podcast for Thursday, Aug. 6. We bring you the stories you need to know to start your day. Let's get started. …

Shane Goodman’s commentary today takes aim at one of America's favorite neighborhood institutions to complain about — homeowners associations. Buying a home is often called the American dream, but as Shane’s column points out, that dream can quickly turn into a lesson in rules, regulations and violation notices. The piece jokes that somewhere between unpacking moving boxes and planting your first flowers, you're handed a binder of HOA rules thick enough to rival the federal tax code. While HOA’s serve an important purpose by protecting property values and maintaining neighborhoods, they also have a reputation for policing everything from grass height to garbage cans left out a few minutes too long. The bigger issue is financial. More than 78 million Americans now live in an HOA, condo association or housing cooperative. HOA foreclosure filings have risen sharply in recent years as associations face rising insurance costs and expensive repairs. The takeaway? Before buying that dream home, read every page of those HOA covenants — yes, even the parts about fences, flagpoles and flowerpots. …

Now to today's headlines. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services has confirmed the state's first case of West Nile virus this year. The patient is an adult from eastern Iowa. Last year, Iowa reported 57 cases, including three deaths. Health officials continue to remind Iowans to protect themselves from mosquito bites during late summer. …

Governor Kim Reynolds is encouraging Iowans to donate blood after the American Red Cross declared a national blood supply crisis. Reynolds donated blood herself Wednesday, saying she wanted to lead by example. The Red Cross says donations have fallen to a four-year summer low. …

In lighter news, Iowa's craft beer scene had plenty to celebrate. Seven Iowa breweries combined to win 18 medals at the 2026 U.S. Open Beer Championship. Central Iowa winners included Flix Brewhouse, Confluence Brewing Company and Exile Brewing Company, while breweries from Cedar Rapids, Decorah, Council Bluffs and Sioux City also brought home medals. Cheers to that. …

Looking ahead to the weather, expect early morning fog followed by sunshine today with a high around 81 degrees. Friday brings a chance of afternoon thunderstorms with temperatures climbing into the mid-80s, and Saturday looks mostly sunny with highs near 87. …

If you're looking for something to do, the Des Moines Historical Society is hosting a historical tour and happy hour tonight at Hoyt Sherman Place. Mainframe Studios celebrates First Friday tomorrow evening, and several theater productions and gallery exhibits are happening throughout the metro this week. …

Sports fans may appreciate a bit of nostalgia today. The Kansas City Chiefs announced their stadium will once again simply be called Arrowhead Stadium, dropping the field branding from its official name. …

And finally, today's morning chuckle. Yesterday's riddle asked: What is the noblest musical instrument? The answer: The upright piano! … Today's riddle is: What was the pilgrim's favorite type of music? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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.

Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Wednesday, Aug. 5. We bring you the top local headlines, a few stories from around Iowa and beyond, plus today's weather and a look at what's happening around town. Let's get started. …

Our top story this morning comes from downtown Des Moines, where a traffic stop turned into a police chase and ended with what authorities are calling one of the city's largest cocaine seizures of the year. Police say 43-year-old Quawi Gates now faces multiple felony charges after officers recovered a large quantity of drugs following the pursuit. It's another significant narcotics case for Des Moines police in 2026. …

In heartbreaking news, a 15-month-old girl from Coon Rapids who was accidentally struck by a vehicle driven by her mother has died after several days in the hospital. Police say Mia Mauricio's family chose to donate her organs, offering hope to others during an unimaginable tragedy. …

Meanwhile, for the fifth consecutive school year, every student in the Des Moines Public Schools district will receive free breakfast and lunch regardless of household income through the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision. …

Elsewhere around Iowa, Coralville police have identified human remains discovered last month as Grant Leonard, who disappeared nearly three years ago. Identification was confirmed through dental records, bringing long-awaited answers to the missing person's case. …

Around the world, a record-setting heat wave continues across Japan and the Korean Peninsula, with extreme temperatures affecting both people and wildlife. Officials are urging residents to take extra precautions as dangerous heat persists. …

Now, let's check the local weather. Today brings scattered thunderstorms with a high near 73 degrees and an 80 percent chance of rain. Sunshine returns Thursday with a high of 83, followed by partly cloudy skies and temperatures climbing into the mid-80s on Friday. If you've been waiting for better outdoor weather, it's just around the corner. Allergy sufferers catch a break today. Pollen levels are expected to remain in the low range, although nettle, sagebrush and grasses remain the primary allergens. …

In business news, the processed food industry is facing growing challenges. According to the Wall Street Journal, major food manufacturers are cutting prices and rethinking products as more consumers seek fresher foods with cleaner ingredient labels. The newsletter notes that demand is also shifting because of the popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications and changing shopping habits. …

If you're looking for lunch or dinner deals today, Wednesday continues to be one of the best bargain days of the week around central Iowa. Burger specials, ribs, tacos, Italian beef, lasagna, fried chicken, sushi discounts and even free pie are all on today's menu at restaurants across the metro. See details at www.thedailyumbrella.com.

A featured story in the current issue of Urbandale Living magazine takes readers inside a backyard playhouse that's been creating memories for 75 years. Built by a father and grandfather for a little girl in the 1950s, the tiny structure still stands today as a reminder that sometimes the simplest places become the most treasured. ….

And finally, today's riddle: What is the noblest musical instrument? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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.

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 6500 block of Madison Avenue, where they found the victim suffering serious injuries. The investigation is ongoing. …

And in western Iowa, a man has been charged with first-degree murder after a woman was found dead in a Lake View residence in Sac County. Authorities say deputies responded to a 911 call Sunday morning reporting a shooting. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation is assisting with that case. …

In Washington state, authorities have arrested a man suspected of intentionally setting one of the wildfires burning around Spokane. He is facing a first-degree arson charge, and investigators continue working to determine the full scope of the damage. …

Internationally, officials report that an Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has claimed more than 1,700 lives, making it one of the fastest-growing outbreaks of the disease. …

If you appreciate truly local media, Shane Goodman highlights one organization worth celebrating today. Community radio station KFMG, 98.9 FM in Des Moines, continues expanding its lineup with familiar local voices, including veteran broadcaster Maxwell Schaeffer, longtime arts advocate Lee Ann Bakros, jazz musician Tommy Doggett and community leader Dr. Negus Rudison-Imhotep. Goodman points out that while corporate radio often sounds the same no matter where you travel, KFMG sounds like Des Moines — and that local ownership is becoming increasingly rare. …

Expect scattered showers today with a high of 86 degrees and about a 60 percent chance of rain. Showers and thunderstorms become even more likely on Wednesday, with temperatures cooling into the upper 70s. Sunshine returns Thursday with a high near 83.

Restaurant Week kicks off Aug. 7 and runs through Aug. 16, giving diners plenty of opportunities to explore local restaurants. And if your tomato plants are finally producing more tomatoes than you know what to do with, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is offering a hands-on salsa workshop tomorrow. See details at www.thedailyumbrella.com. …

On this day in 1914, President Woodrow Wilson formally proclaimed the United States neutral as World War I began in Europe. In 1944, Anne Frank and her family were discovered by the Gestapo after more than two years in hiding in Amsterdam. And in 2012, Oscar Pistorius became the first amputee runner to compete in the Olympic Games. …

We will leave you with today's Daily Umbrella riddle: Why did the man hold a shoe to his ear? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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. …

Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Monday, Aug. 3. We bring you the top stories, local headlines, weather, business updates and, of course, today's morning chuckle. Thanks for spending a few minutes with us as we help you start your day. Let's get to the news. …

First, today's editorial takes aim at a growing trend in college athletics: corporate logos on college jerseys. Ohio State and Notre Dame have joined the list of schools selling jersey sponsorships, with reported deals worth as much as $17 million and $20 million annually. The NCAA now allows schools to place up to two commercial logos on uniforms beginning this season. The concern? Tradition may be losing ground to advertising dollars. The column argues that college sports have always been about school pride, memories and loyalty — not promoting banks or financial institutions. While athletic departments are searching for new revenue streams in the age of name, image and likeness payments, the question remains: once tradition is sold, can it ever really be bought back? …

Now to today's top local headlines. Five people were injured in two separate crashes in Des Moines over the weekend. In one incident, police say a 19-year-old driver allegedly ran a red light at a high rate of speed, colliding with another vehicle at Martin Luther King Jr. Parkway and Ingersoll Avenue. A bicyclist was among those injured. …

In northwest Iowa, one person is dead and five others were injured after two boats collided Sunday afternoon on West Lake Okoboji near Pillsbury Point. Three victims suffered serious injuries while two others received minor injuries. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating the crash. …

A West Des Moines man has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after being convicted in connection with multiple crimes, including an armed robbery in a Walgreens parking lot in 2025. Prosecutors said the victim was threatened at gunpoint and robbed of several hundred dollars. …

Turning to weather... Expect partly cloudy skies today with a high near 86 degrees and only a slight chance of rain. Tuesday cools down to a high of 78 before a much wetter Wednesday, when rain chances jump to 80 percent and temperatures settle into the low 70s. …

In food news, several new restaurants are opening around the metro. Kentzio Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Lounge has opened on Southwest Ninth Street in Des Moines. Doner Street is now serving customers in the Jordan Creek food court. Mullets has expanded with a new Waukee location, and Breakfast Club has moved into a larger downtown space while also opening a second location in Waukee. Meanwhile, China Place in Dogtown has closed after 25 years as the owners retire, with a new restaurant planned for the location. …

On this day in history... In 1492, Christopher Columbus departed Spain on his famous voyage across the Atlantic. In 1958, the nuclear submarine Nautilus completed the first undersea voyage beneath the North Pole. And in 1996, "Macarena" reached number one on the U.S. pop charts, beginning one of the biggest dance crazes of the decade. …

Before we go, it's time for today's morning chuckle. The answer to Friday's riddle was: What kind of music do aliens like? "Nep-tunes!" Or, "Outta this world genre!" And today's new riddle asks: What type of music are balloons scared of? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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. …

Welcome to the Daily Umbrella podcast for Friday, July 31. We bring you the top stories, weather and a few fun extras to help you start your day. Let's begin with today's top headlines. …

Iowa State University's highly anticipated CyTown development has hit another delay. University officials say the mixed-use project will now be completed during the first quarter of 2028 instead of late 2027. The good news? Construction is finally about to get underway. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for Sept. 2, giving Cyclone fans and Ames residents something tangible to look forward to after years of planning. Once complete, CyTown is expected to become a major entertainment and retail destination next to Jack Trice Stadium. …

In Urbandale, police have identified the man whose body was recovered from Halice Lake last week. Emergency crews responded after reports of an unresponsive person in the water and recovered the body of an adult male. Authorities have released his identity while the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death continues. …

In southeast Des Moines, a string of power outages is raising concerns about emergency preparedness. Several neighborhoods have experienced four outages in just two weeks, including one caused by a traffic crash. With hot summer temperatures continuing, MidAmerican Energy is reminding residents to have flashlights, charged phones and emergency supplies ready in case future outages occur. …

Around Iowa, a heartbreaking story out of Coon Rapids. A 15-month-old girl remains in critical condition after she was accidentally struck by a vehicle driven by her mother. Family members began CPR before emergency responders arrived, and the child was airlifted to an Omaha hospital. The family is asking for prayers during this difficult time. …

Nationally, Colin Gray, the father who provided the firearm used in the deadly Georgia high school shooting, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison. The sentencing comes just days after his son received a sentence of life without parole. …

And internationally, thousands of earthquake survivors in southwestern Japan continue coping with dangerous heat, water shortages and damaged infrastructure following the powerful quake that has claimed at least 34 lives. …

Turning to your weekend forecast. There is a good chance of scattered showers today with a high near 78 degrees and a 70% chance of rain. Clearing skies arrive Saturday with sunshine returning and a high of 81. Sunday looks beautiful — sunny skies and a high around 85 degrees. If you have outdoor plans this weekend, Saturday afternoon and Sunday appear to be your best bets. ...

If you are looking for something to do this weekend, there are plenty of dining specials around central Iowa. Friday means fish and chips at many Hy-Vee stores, half-priced kids meals at Exile Brewing, and Friday ramen at Wilson Orchard. Live music is also plentiful, with performances scheduled throughout the metro all weekend long. See details at www.thedailyumbrella.com. …

And before we wrap up, let's visit today's morning chuckle. Yesterday's riddle asked, "What kind of music is played inside the vehicle?" Some favorite answers included "Car-tunes," "Road Songs," "Car-aoke," and even "The Rolling Stone." Today's new riddle is: What kind of music do aliens like? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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. …

Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Thursday, July 30. We bring you the stories you need to know to start your day across central Iowa and beyond. Here is what is making news today. …

A tragic story tops today's news. A Grimes teenager drowned Tuesday morning while on a church trip to South Dakota. Authorities say deputies responded to Hippie Hole, a popular but difficult-to-access swimming and cliff-jumping area in the Black Hills, after reports of a possible drowning. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the incident. …

In Winterset, one person died Wednesday evening after being electrocuted while working on a home. According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, the victim was performing construction work when the accident occurred. Officials continue to investigate. …

In Iowa politics, a Polk County judge has upheld a decision to keep Libertarian candidates Nicholas Gluba and Jules Cutler off the November ballot. Although the ticket submitted more than 8,000 petition signatures, legal questions surrounding the nomination process led to the ruling. …

Iowa may soon become known for more than corn and soybeans. Researchers at Iowa State University are helping growers expand production of honeyberries — a tart fruit that looks like a cross between a blueberry and a grape. While still considered a niche crop, experts believe honeyberries could become much more common in Iowa over the coming years. …

Around the nation, legal challenges continue over the transfer of transgender inmates into segregated prison housing, while internationally, tensions remain high following another exchange of missile strikes between the United States and Iran. …

Looking ahead to today's forecast... Expect partly cloudy skies with a high near 88 degrees. There is about a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers. Friday looks wetter, with scattered showers likely and a high around 78. Saturday brings a return to partly cloudy skies with highs in the low 80s. …

If you are looking for something to do this weekend... Jazz legends Spyro Gyra celebrate their 50th anniversary with a performance Sunday night at Hoyt Sherman Place. "Rent: School Edition" continues through Sunday, presented by Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. And tomorrow, CITYVIEW's Summer Stir heads to the East Village, where participants can sample 10 drinks for $25 while strolling through the neighborhood. See details on each of these and more at www.thedailyumbrella.com. …

A quick look at gas prices... The statewide average for regular unleaded is now $3.75 per gallon. If you are looking for the best bargain around the metro, Mega Saver in Altoona is reporting gas for $3.38 per gallon, with stations in Bondurant close behind at $3.47. …

On this day in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law, enrolling former President Harry Truman as the program's very first beneficiary. In 1974, Richard Nixon released the White House tapes that became central to the Watergate investigation. And in 1999, the low-budget horror film “The Blair Witch Project” debuted in theaters and became a cultural phenomenon. …

And before we go, today's Daily Umbrella riddle asks: What kind of music is played inside the vehicle? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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.

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella podcast for Wednesday, July 29. We bring you a quick roundup of today's top headlines, weather, and a few lighter moments to help get your day started. Let's dive in. …

Our top story today comes from central Iowa, where the U.S. Marshals Service wrapped up a major four-day operation called Operation Heatwave. Working alongside state, local and federal law enforcement agencies, officers arrested 61 wanted fugitives and cleared 97 felony arrest warrants. Officials say the effort targeted dangerous offenders throughout the region and highlights the ongoing cooperation between agencies to improve public safety. …

In Des Moines, city leaders continue wrestling with budget challenges. Proposed cuts to the Des Moines Fire Department could result in longer emergency response times. Firefighters say reductions in staffing and services come as the city faces a projected budget deficit tied to recent changes in Iowa's property tax laws. Those discussions are expected to continue in the coming months. …

Also making news, the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden is preparing for a major facelift. Construction has begun on a temporary public entrance that will allow renovations to the lobby and the construction of a brand-new permanent entrance. Visitors should still be able to enjoy the gardens while the improvements move forward over the next several months. …

Around the nation, crews in northeastern Wisconsin continue cleaning up after a powerful tornado carved a destructive path through several communities. Officials say the storm remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, damaging homes, overturning vehicles and knocking out power. Fortunately, many believe the timing of the storm helped prevent even greater loss of life. …

And here in Iowa, firefighters spent hours battling a blaze at the Agri Star meat processing plant in Postville after smoke was reported early Tuesday morning. Multiple departments responded, and investigators are working to determine what caused the fire. …

Turning to sports, Caitlin Clark delivered another spectacular performance Tuesday night, scoring 32 points as the Indiana Fever defeated Seattle 105-95. The Fever have now scored more than 100 points in four consecutive games, setting a new WNBA record. College athletics also continues evolving. Ohio State and Notre Dame both announced major corporate jersey sponsorship deals, making them the latest schools to place company logos on athletic uniforms beginning this season. …

Looking outside, today's forecast calls for mostly sunny skies with a high near 90 degrees and no chance of rain. Thursday brings increasing clouds with a slight chance of showers, while Friday looks considerably wetter, with rain chances climbing to 70 percent and temperatures cooling into the lower 80s. Allergy sufferers should note that today's pollen level is in the medium range, with grasses, nettle and cattail leading the list. …

And before we wrap up, today's Daily Umbrella riddle asks: What musical instrument would you use to catch a fish?Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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. …

Thanks for listening to the Daily Umbrella podcast. Be sure to check back tomorrow for another quick roundup of the news, weather and happenings from around central Iowa. Have a wonderful Wednesday, and we'll see you next time.

Welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Tuesday, July 28. We bring you a quick look at today's top stories, events and a few lighter moments to help start your day. Let's get started. …

One of the biggest stories affecting central Iowa comes from Central Iowa Water Works. After an impressive 193 consecutive days of operation, the region's nitrate removal facility has officially been shut down. The good news? Nitrate levels have dropped enough that voluntary water conservation measures have also been lifted. That means residents can get back to normal water use, and after months of concern, it is certainly a welcome sign that conditions have improved. …

In crime news, prosecutors are pushing back against an effort by Kristin Ramsey to have her first-degree murder charge dismissed in the 2011 killing of Ashley Okland. Ramsey was arrested earlier this year after a Dallas County grand jury indictment, and the legal battle is expected to continue. …

Meanwhile, the heat continues creating challenges across Iowa. In Ames, one restaurant was actually forced to close temporarily because its air conditioning system simply could not keep up with the recent stretch of high temperatures. It is another reminder that this summer's heat is not just uncomfortable — it is impacting local businesses as well. …

Looking around the state, Cedar Rapids leaders continue explaining the financial incentives behind several billion-dollar data center projects. City officials say tax incentives helped attract the developments while creating long-term economic benefits for residents. …

Turning to sports, veteran safety Jamal Adams is headed to Minnesota after agreeing to join the Vikings as training camp begins. And in baseball, the Chicago Cubs designated starting pitcher Jameson Taillon for assignment following a difficult season. …

If you are looking for something fun to do this week, the National Balloon Classic returns to Indianola beginning July 31 and runs through Aug. 8. More than 115 colorful hot air balloons are expected to participate, along with live entertainment, food vendors, family activities and the always-popular evening balloon glows. It remains one of Iowa's signature summer events and is well worth the trip. …

The weather looks fairly cooperative, too. Today calls for partly cloudy skies with a high around 88 degrees. Wednesday warms up to about 90 with sunshine, and Thursday brings the possibility of afternoon thunderstorms with highs in the low 90s. …

If you are planning lunch or dinner out today, there are plenty of Tuesday specials around the metro listed at www.thedailyumbrella.com. From Taco Tuesday deals to half-priced appetizers, burgers, wings and even Tomahawk Tuesday for steak lovers, today may be one of the best bargain days of the week to eat out. …

Before we wrap up, today's bit of history. On this day in 1868, the 14th Amendment officially became part of the United States Constitution, guaranteeing citizenship to all people born or naturalized in the United States. …

And finally, today's Daily Umbrella riddle: Why did the ants dance on the jam jar lid? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] 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 today's edition of the Daily Umbrella Podcast. Have a terrific Tuesday, stay cool, and thank you for listening.

Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Monday, July 27. We bring you a quick look at today's top stories, community updates and a few fun extras to start your week. Let's get right to it. …