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Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Friday, Aug. 14, 2026. Here are the stories you need to know to start your day. …

The American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa has filed a federal lawsuit against the state on behalf of The Satanic Temple after the group was denied permission to hold an event in the Iowa Capitol rotunda. According to the ACLU of Iowa, The Satanic Temple applied in 2024 to hold a holiday display in the rotunda but was denied. Previous displays had been allowed but were vandalized. The lawsuit raises questions about free speech, religious expression and how public spaces are made available to different groups. …

Story County officials are considering whether to renew a contract for Flock Safety cameras in Ames. The cameras have generated controversy over who has access to the information they collect. Last October, police departments that were not authorized to access the data were able to do so. The supervisors have expressed concerns about access to the information. And Flock Safety is responding to growing criticism across the country. The surveillance technology company announced changes to its license plate reader platform Thursday in an effort to address privacy concerns and documented abuses of its system by some members of law enforcement. …

If you are headed to the Iowa State Fair tonight, there is a change to the Grandstand lineup. John Waite will perform at 8 p.m., replacing Rod Stewart, who canceled his Friday night performance. Waite is the singer-songwriter behind hits including “Missing You” and “When I See You Smile.” The concert is free, and no Grandstand ticket is required. …

A man is facing an animal abuse charge after Iowa City police say he dragged a dog from an electric scooter. The incident happened Aug. 5 near Broadway Street and Sandusky Drive. According to a criminal complaint, an officer saw a man riding an electric scooter with something dragging behind him. The officer realized it was a small dog and stopped the man. The complaint says the dog’s body was “flopping around like a ragdoll.” …

Food Dude Jim Duncan takes a look at an Iowa icon in his latest CITYVIEW feature: the Big Steer restaurant in Altoona. Duncan writes about Des Moines’ history of being hard on its icons, from public art to old buildings to giant cows. The Big Steer’s roadside cow has been standing along Adventureland Drive since 1984. Unlike Anderson Erickson’s giant cows, Annie and Eric, the Altoona cow has never been given a name. But the Big Steer has earned plenty of recognition as the home of “Iowa’s finest prime rib” and as one of the few surviving veterans of Iowa’s wind-grieved supper club era. …

In sports, Kyle Schwarber had quite a night in Iowa. The Philadelphia Phillies slugger hit two home runs into an Iowa cornfield Thursday night as Philadelphia defeated the Minnesota Twins. Schwarber, who grew up in Middletown, Ohio, played college baseball at Indiana and spent his first six major league seasons with the Chicago Cubs. …

On this date in history, Aug. 14, 1935, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law. In 1985, Michael Jackson purchased the publishing rights to the vast majority of the Beatles’ catalog for $47 million. And in 2003, one of the largest blackouts in North American history hit the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. Fifty million people were affected. …

And finally, today’s morning chuckle. Yesterday’s riddle asked: What is a frog’s favorite type of music? The answer? Hip hop! Today’s question is: Why did the meteorologists name their bowling team Lightning? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] before noon today for a chance to be featured in the next edition.

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Good morning, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Thursday, Aug. 13. Here are the stories and things you need to know to get your day started. …

First, we have some weather to talk about. The Local 5 Weather Team has issued a Weather Impact Alert for today because of the potential for strong to severe thunderstorms this morning. Those storms are expected to move through central Iowa during the morning hours, creating a potentially disruptive start to the Iowa State Fair. Today’s forecast calls for morning thunderstorms, a high near 85 degrees, a low of 70 and an 80% chance of rain. Friday also brings a chance of morning thunderstorms, with a high of 86 and a 40% chance of rain. The good news? Saturday is looking mostly sunny, with a high near 89 and only a 20% chance of rain. So, if you are heading to the State Fair today, keep an eye on the weather, be prepared for storms and remember that fried food tastes just as good after the rain stops. …

Speaking of the Iowa State Fair, Des Moines police are putting extra emphasis on safety as more than a million people are expected to visit the fairgrounds over the next 10 days. Police say they are addressing potential risks and raising awareness about everything from large crowds to illegal drug activity. As Sgt. Paul Parizek of the Des Moines Police Department put it, you would be naive to think drug dealers are not looking at the fair as a place where they could sell a lot of drugs. So, enjoy the food, the rides, the animals, the concerts and everything else the fair has to offer — but keep your eyes open and your belongings close. …

Now, let’s talk about something that affects nearly all of us: gasoline prices. According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gasoline in Iowa is $3.79 per gallon. That is unchanged from last week, but it is up 91 cents from a year ago. The national average Wednesday was $4.04 per gallon, down 4 cents from the previous week. For those looking for a bargain around the metro, GasBuddy lists regular gasoline at $3.38 per gallon at Mega Saver in Urbandale. Mega Saver in Ankeny was at $3.41, while Murphy USA in Altoona was at $3.46. …

Yesterday’s Morning Chuckle had two possible answers. Why are frogs so happy? Because they eat whatever bugs them! Or, as another answer suggested: Because they live in swamp heaven! Today’s Morning Chuckle asks: What is a frog’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. …

Looking for events happening around central Iowa? “Finding Nemo Jr.” is being presented by the Penguin Project at the Des Moines Playhouse today through Sunday. Ankeny Community Theatre is presenting “August: Osage County” through Sunday. The Community Jazz Center Big Band will present “Goodstock 2” on Sunday at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church in Dallas Center. Admission is free, and groovy attire is encouraged. And artists have until Aug. 17 to submit work for “By the Blade: Defining Collage” at the Polk County Heritage Gallery. …

Here is a quick look back at this date in history. On Aug. 13, 1952, Willie Mae “Big Mama” Thornton recorded “Hound Dog” for the first time. Elvis Presley would record his version four years later, and that version would become a No. 1 hit. And on Aug. 13, 1961, East German soldiers began constructing barriers that divided East Berlin from the democratic western section of the city.

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Good morning, Iowa, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella podcast for Wednesday, Aug. 12. Today, we’re talking about surveillance cameras that are becoming targets, a big change to this week’s Iowa State Fair lineup, a heartbreaking puppy rescue, some wild weather across the Midwest, and the question that has been keeping frog lovers awake at night. But first, let’s start with something you probably heard before you saw it. …

If you grew up in Iowa, you probably remember the sound of cicadas. That loud, relentless buzzing was simply part of summer. Publisher Shane Goodman shares in his column how he used to assume every Iowa summer came with cicadas. He said it turns out there is more to the story, noting how when cicadas emerge, they begin what might be described as the cicada version of speed dating. The males make the noise — a loud noise — to attract females. Shane says if humans used the same strategy, dating apps would be much simpler. We would just stand in our backyards and scream at maximum volumes until somebody found us attractive. …

Surveillance cameras owned by Flock Safety are being vandalized across the country. The cameras are designed to capture information from vehicles, and their increasing presence has generated both support and controversy. Supporters say these systems can help law enforcement investigate crimes and identify vehicles connected to criminal activity. Critics have raised concerns about privacy and the amount of information that can be collected and retained. And now, in communities across the country, some of the cameras themselves have become targets. …

If you were planning to see Rod Stewart at the Iowa State Fair this Friday, you’ll need to make other plans. Fair officials announced Tuesday that Stewart will not perform Friday night because of medical issues. The 81-year-old music legend had been scheduled to perform Aug. 14 at the Iowa State Fair Grandstand. Officials say they are now working to find a replacement act. …

A severely emaciated puppy found in an overgrown Polk County ditch is now receiving care at the Animal Rescue League of Iowa. The puppy, named Blossom, arrived at the shelter Saturday weighing just 9.7 pounds. She was severely dehydrated, soaked in urine and unable to lift her head without assistance. An ARL veterinarian described it as one of the worst cases of emaciation she had ever seen. Blossom is now getting medical attention and care. …

Elsewhere this morning, all suspects believed to be connected to an armed robbery at a Kwik Star in Oskaloosa are now in custody following a search involving multiple law enforcement agencies. …

And on this date in history, Aug. 12, 1941, President Franklin Roosevelt and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill met aboard a ship in Newfoundland and worked on what became the Atlantic Charter. And in 1990, fossil hunter Susan Hendrickson discovered three enormous bones sticking out of a cliff in South Dakota. They belonged to what became the largest Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton ever discovered. …

Yesterday’s riddle was: Why did the frog read Sherlock Holmes? The answer? Because he liked a good croak and dagger story! And today’s question: Why are frogs so happy? Think you know the answer? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] before noon today. And be sure to subscribe to our email version of The Daily Umbrella for free at www.TheDailyUmbrella.com.

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Good morning, and welcome to The Daily Umbrella Podcast for Tuesday, Aug. 11. Here’s what’s happening around the metro, across Iowa and beyond — plus a little history, some sports and, of course, a frog who apparently has developed an interest in detective fiction. Let’s get started. …

If you have ever driven through Texas, you probably know Buc-ee’s. It’s the enormous convenience store and gas station chain known for its giant stores, massive selection of snacks, clean restrooms and, perhaps most importantly, beaver-themed merchandise. Now, Buc-ee’s is proposing its first Iowa location — and it wants to put it in Urbandale. According to KCCI, the proposed location would be near the I-80/I-35 interchange at 100th Street and Northpark Drive. And this would not be some little roadside gas station. The proposed store would be a whopping 74,000 square feet on a 20-acre site that is currently a bean field. The property is owned by former Des Moines Mayor Frank Cownie, who is selling the land to Buc-ee’s. Before the project can move forward, Urbandale would need to change its comprehensive plan. So, Iowa, get ready. If everything falls into place, you may soon be able to buy a brisket sandwich, fill up your tank and purchase a six-foot beaver statue without leaving the metro. …

A much more somber story comes from BCLUW High School. Josh Tack, the school’s principal, died in a UTV crash over the weekend in Dubuque County. The BCLUW school district shared news of Tack’s death Monday. BCLUW serves the communities of Beaman, Conrad, Liscomb, Union, Whitten and Marshalltown. A school principal is often one of those people who becomes a familiar face far beyond the school building — to students, parents, teachers and the broader community. The loss of a school leader can be felt throughout an entire district. Our thoughts are with Tack’s family, friends, colleagues and the students and communities he served. …

Nearly 200 supportive housing units are coming to the Des Moines metro. Greater Des Moines Supportive Housing announced that West Des Moines and Urbandale have approved renovations to two extended-stay hotels. The properties will be converted into fully furnished studio apartments. The project represents the completion of a five-year effort to bring new permanent supportive housing units to the metro. Nearly 200 people will eventually have access to housing designed to provide not only a place to live but additional support. …

Internationally, search-and-rescue crews are working in western Colombia following a powerful earthquake. At least 111 people were reported killed, with many others trapped beneath damaged or destroyed buildings. …

On Aug. 11, 1934, the first federal prisoners arrived at Alcatraz Island. The high-security prison would go on to become one of the most famous — and infamous — prisons in American history. And in 1984, President Ronald Reagan made his infamous microphone joke about bombing Russia while testing a microphone before a radio address. The joke was never broadcast as part of the address, but it certainly became part of presidential history. …

We’ll close with today’s morning chuckle. Yesterday’s question was: Why are frogs good at baseball? One answer: Because they are good at catching or hitting fly balls! Another answer: Because their games are always ribbiting! And today’s question is: Why did the frog read Sherlock Holmes?

Think you know the answer? 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.

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Good morning, Iowa! It’s Monday, Aug. 10, and this is The Daily Umbrella, where we give you the news, weather, sports and a few things you probably didn’t know you needed to know before your day gets rolling. Let’s get started. …

Folks, it is officially Iowa State Fair week. The fair kicks off this Thursday and runs through Aug. 23. More than a million people typically attend the 11-day event, and the attendance record was set in 2024, when more than 1.18 million people walked through the gates. That is a lot of people. Especially when you consider that all of them are trying to get to the same place at the same time — usually while carrying something deep-fried and on a stick. …

Let’s get to the news. A 45-year-old Bayard man has been arrested following a Saturday night altercation outside a Fort Dodge convenience store that left an 18-year-old man injured. Fort Dodge police and Webster County sheriff’s deputies responded to the Star Convenience Store on Fifth Avenue South shortly before 11 p.m. Saturday after receiving a report of an altercation between two men. …

Also making news around Iowa, a Dubuque man was killed early Saturday morning in a crash on Highway 20 in Delaware County. The Iowa State Patrol says a Toyota Prius and Honda CR-V were parked on the eastbound shoulder around 2 a.m. when a Chevrolet Equinox struck both vehicles and the driver of the CR-V. …

In Des Moines, one person was hospitalized following a shooting on the city’s south side. Police said the shooting appeared to be isolated to the people involved, and investigators had not located a suspect at the time of the report. …

Meanwhile, if you run a small business and have a pile of old computers, phones, monitors or other electronics sitting in a closet, CITYVIEW magazine has an important reminder: Don’t trash your tech. Old electronics should not simply be thrown into the garbage. They can contain materials that don’t belong in landfills, and, perhaps even more importantly, those old devices may contain sensitive business information. Your old computer may be worthless to you, but your data might still be valuable to somebody else. …

Today will be hot and humid, with a high near 89 and a 30% chance of rain. Tuesday looks similar, with a high of 89 and a slight chance of storms. Wednesday should be mostly sunny, with a high around 87. So, basically, it’s August in Iowa. Hot enough to make you sweat while standing still, with just enough possibility of rain to make you wonder whether you should carry an umbrella. …

Now let’s check in on sports. Teddy Bridgewater is stepping away from the Detroit Lions again. The veteran quarterback has been placed on the reserve/retired list. Bridgewater previously retired after the 2023 season, only to return to the Lions the following season. …

And Caitlin Clark had another big game for the Indiana Fever. Clark scored 26 points and had 11 assists in Indiana’s 90-86 victory over the Chicago Sky. Her backcourt teammate Kelsey Mitchell scored 27, marking the eighth game this season in which the two players have each scored at least 25 points. …

And finally, we have today’s morning chuckle. Friday’s question was: What’s a plumber’s favorite song? We received several answers, including “Singing in the Drain,” “Splish Splash,” and even “Danny Boy,” because, of course, “the pipes, the pipes are calling.” But that brings us to today’s question: Why are frogs good at baseball? 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.

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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. …

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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.

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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.

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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. …

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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. …