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Good morning, Central Iowa! It is Thursday, Oct. 15, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast — your quick look at the news, weather and happenings to start your day. …

Early voting for Iowa’s November midterm elections is underway. Voters lined up at election offices across the state Wednesday, including the Polk County Election Office on Euclid Avenue in Des Moines. Some voters said they wanted to cast their ballots early because they would be out of town on Election Day, while others said they were looking for change. …

In Earlham, city leaders are preparing to take out a $500,000 loan because the city has yet to receive property tax revenue from Madison County more than a quarter of the way into its fiscal year. The town of about 1,200 people says it needs the money to cover basic operating expenses. The loan could add interest costs for taxpayers. …

A former West Des Moines youth gymnastics coach has been sentenced to 90 years in federal prison for secretly recording young female students undressing and using the bathroom at a Mississippi gym. Sean Gardner, 39, pleaded guilty to three federal charges involving the production of child pornography. A judge handed down the maximum possible sentence. …

Around the state, Winnebago Industries plans to lay off 51 workers at its Forest City facility on Nov. 9, according to a notice filed with Iowa Workforce Development. …

And there is some news for Social Security recipients. The Social Security Administration projects a 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment for 2027. That would mean an average increase of about $75 per month for recipients. …

Now, let’s check the weather. Rain and clouds are in the forecast for Central Iowa today, with a 90% chance of rain and a high of 60 degrees. Tonight’s low will be around 44. Friday brings clearing skies and a high of 54, with a low of 37. Saturday looks mostly sunny, with a high of 59 and a low of 45. The allergy report is in the low range today, with ragweed, sagebrush and chenopods listed as the top allergens. …

At the gas pump, the lowest price listed in the metro is $3.96 per gallon at Murphy USA in Altoona. Mega Saver in Ankeny lists gas at $3.98, while QuikTrip on East Euclid Avenue and Kwik Star on Hubbell Avenue in Des Moines are both listed at $3.99. …

In sports, the Milwaukee Brewers have taken a commanding 3-0 lead over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series. Jake Bauers delivered a major home run in Game 3, putting the defending champions on the brink of elimination. In the NFL, Tom Brady’s latest power rankings put the San Francisco 49ers at No. 1 after their Week 5 victory over Seattle. …

On this day in history, Oct. 15, 1973, Dolly Parton released her hit single “Jolene.” In 1991, the U.S. Senate confirmed Clarence Thomas to the Supreme Court by a vote of 52-48. And in 1965, antiwar demonstrations took place in about 40 U.S. cities. …

And now, today’s morning chuckle. Yesterday’s bathtub riddle asked what steals from you when you’re in the tub. Answers included a robber ducky, a grime ring and soap making a clean getaway. … Today’s question: What did Alfred reply when Batman asked him to fill the bathtub? 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’s your Daily Umbrella Podcast for Thursday, Oct. 15. Thanks for starting your day with us.