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Good morning, Central Iowa! Today is Friday, Oct. 16, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast — your five-minute briefing on the news, weather and a few things you probably did not know you needed to know. …

Let's start with the news. A data center company that faced pushback in Ames is now looking at Boone. Lightedge is considering a 10-acre site in Boone Business Park. Residents had an opportunity Thursday to ask questions about the proposal. Company officials have not announced a final decision. …

President Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Iowa twice before Election Day. Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann says Trump plans to visit Oct. 22 and Nov. 1. Details about the events have not yet been released. …

And a University of Iowa conversation is underway about whether fraternities and sororities should be abolished. The university has more than 40 Greek organizations. Concerns about consent, sexual assault and campus culture have gained attention following a high-profile investigation at Cornell University. …

Around the nation and the world, Russia has attacked nine Ukrainian regions, causing power outages for hundreds of thousands of households and injuring at least 15 people, according to officials. …

A tragic shooting in Bend, Oregon, left three children and a teacher dead at an elementary school Thursday. The 16-year-old suspect was later found dead after being shot by a witness at the scene. …

Now, let's talk sports. The Milwaukee Brewers are heading to the World Series for the first time since 1982. Milwaukee completed a National League Championship Series sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers with a 6-4 victory Thursday. Garrett Mitchell's sixth-inning home run helped cap the comeback. In football, the Denver Broncos edged the Seattle Seahawks 17-14 in overtime Thursday night after nearly giving away a double-digit halftime lead. …

Here's your Iowa fuel report. AAA says regular unleaded gasoline is averaging $4.20 per gallon in Iowa, down 10 cents from last week but up $1.44 from a year ago. The national average is $4.33. Iowa diesel averages $6.07 per gallon, up 3 cents from last week. …

Let's check the weather report. Today, Friday, expect clouds and wind, with a high of 51 and a low of 34. There's a 20% chance of rain. Saturday brings sunshine and a high of 58, with a low of 42. Sunday looks sunny and breezy, with a high of 65 and a low of 45. No rain is expected either day. …

Betcha didn't know this. Cow brains have largely disappeared from American menus since concerns about mad cow disease emerged in the 1990s. But one longtime German restaurant in Evansville, Indiana, is still famous for its brain sandwiches. And here in Des Moines, some Mexican taquerias once served sesos tacos — tacos made with brains. …

On this day in history, Oct. 16, 1923, Walt Disney and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, the company that would become the Walt Disney Co. …

And now, our morning chuckle. Today's riddle: What did the hairdresser say when I asked if she ever gave a henna rinse? 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.

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 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.

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Good morning, Des Moines! It is Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast. Here’s what’s happening in Iowa, across the country and around the world. …

Iowa’s U.S. Senate race took center stage Tuesday night as Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek met for their second and final debate. The candidates addressed issues important to Iowans, including rising cancer rates, health care, Social Security and technology. …

Central Iowa veterans recently traveled to Washington, D.C., on an Honor Flight to visit memorials and receive recognition for their military service. Marine veteran George Rowe, who served in Vietnam, said he had watched veterans from other areas make the journey but doubted he would be able to go because he is largely confined to a wheelchair. Having the flight depart from Des Moines made the trip possible. …

One person was hospitalized with suspected serious injuries after a car collided with a train Tuesday afternoon near Bondurant. Polk County sheriff’s deputies responded around 4:05 p.m. to the crash in the 4300 block of Northeast 102nd Avenue. …

Around Iowa, in North Liberty, dozens of residents spoke against keeping the city’s Flock license plate-reading cameras during a City Council meeting Tuesday. The city is reconsidering the cameras, which police say have helped locate missing people and stolen vehicles. …

Around the world, the Vatican says Pope Leo XIV spent a peaceful night in a Rome hospital following surgery to remove the lower lobe of his right lung. Doctors confirmed the pope has lung adenocarcinoma, a common type of lung cancer. …

And in Georgia, the death of a man who was thrown from a Six Flags roller coaster is drawing renewed attention to amusement park ride safety. Although modern rides continue to push the limits of speed and height, officials say deaths on roller coasters remain extremely rare. …

Looking to the weather forecast, today will be cloudy, with a high of 66 degrees and a low of 56. There is a 20% chance of rain. Thursday brings clouds and rain, with an 80% chance of precipitation, a high of 62 and a low of 42. Friday looks mostly sunny, with a high of 56 and a low of 36. The allergy alert for today is 3, in the low-to-medium range. The top allergens are ragweed, sagebrush and chenopods. …

In baseball, Tampa Bay evened its American League Championship Series against Cleveland with a 3-1 victory Tuesday night. Starter Freddy Peralta delivered a powerful performance, averaging a career-high 96.9 mph on his fastball and reaching 99.4 mph. In football, the Dallas Cowboys’ defense continues to struggle. After allowing an NFL-worst 30 points per game in 2025, the team entered this season hoping for improvement, but opponents are again finding opportunities. And in hockey, Brady Tkachuk recorded a hat trick while his brother Matthew Tkachuk collected five assists as Florida dominated Columbus. …

On Oct. 14, 1892, Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” was published as a collection of stories that had previously appeared in magazines. In 1964, civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. won the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial prejudice in America. At age 35, he was the youngest recipient at that time. …

Here's today’s morning chuckle: What steals from you when you are in your 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.

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Good morning, Des Moines! This is The Daily Umbrella Podcast for Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026. Grab your coffee, and let us get you caught up on what is happening around Iowa and beyond. …

Microsoft has purchased more than 600 acres in Woodward for a planned data center. Company representatives and Woodward’s mayor shared details at a residents-only meeting Monday night at Woodward-Granger High School. More than 200 residents attended to hear about the project and express their opinions. The land was purchased from an independent seller and is already zoned for industrial use, which includes data centers. …

Iowa State women’s basketball coach Bill Fennelly will retire after the 2026-27 season. Fennelly has led the Cyclones for 32 years. His teams have made 24 NCAA Tournament appearances and 26 postseason appearances overall. He has a 656-335 record at Iowa State and 822 career victories, making him the winningest coach in Iowa State Athletics history. …

Des Moines Public Schools and a former middle school principal have settled a discrimination and retaliation lawsuit for $24,000. Fairouz Bishara-Rantisi Martinez, who led Hoyt Middle School from 2022 to 2024, filed the lawsuit in December 2025. …

Around the state, in Dubuque, more than 600 people have signed a petition asking school officials to pause decisions about school closures. The district says it needs to cut about $14.8 million over the next four years. A decision is expected in November. …

Around the nation, Six Flags temporarily closed nine roller coasters across six amusement parks after a fatal incident involving a coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia. One person died, and several others were injured. …

Overseas, drone strikes hit two ships in the Black Sea off Bulgaria. One cargo ship sank, five sailors were rescued, and a search continued for 11 others. …

Today will be partly cloudy, with a high of 74 degrees and a low of 58. There is a 40% chance of rain. Wednesday will be mostly cloudy, with a high of 67 and a low of 56. The rain chance is 20%. Thursday brings showers, a high of 62, a low of 46 and a 60% chance of rain. For allergy sufferers, today’s alert is a 4, in the low-medium range. Top allergens are ragweed, sagebrush and chenopods. …

Jim Duncan’s Tuesday Touts feature a tasty find at MinGaLaBar in Urbandale. The zakaw htamin costs $16.95 and is served on a banana leaf atop a bamboo tray. The meal includes chicken, crispy beef, pork belly, eggplant, rainbow salad, fried tohu, rice and soup. Tohu resembles tofu but is made with chickpea and split-pea flour instead of soybeans. Jim calls it a Wonder Bargain. …

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen earned his first overtime victory Monday night as Buffalo defeated the Los Angeles Rams, 37-34. Allen had been 0-7 in overtime games. In baseball, the Milwaukee Brewers took a 2-0 lead over the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series after winning Game 2, 7-4. The Cleveland Guardians also opened the American League Championship Series with a victory over the Tampa Bay Rays. …

On Oct. 13, 2010, the last of 33 Chilean miners trapped underground for more than two months was rescued. Five years ago today, actor William Shatner, best known as Captain Kirk in “Star Trek,” traveled to space aboard a Blue Origin spacecraft at age 90, becoming the oldest living person to do so at the time. …

Here is today’s morning chuckle: Why was the politician out of breath? 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.

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Good morning, Des Moines! It is Monday, Oct. 12, 2026. Thank you for starting your day with The Daily Umbrella, your five-minute briefing of news, weather, sports and a little fun to help you get your week rolling. Let’s get right to it. …

We are experiencing summer in October, apparently, and Mother Nature does not seem particularly interested in checking the calendar. Des Moines hit 88 degrees Sunday, setting a new record high for the date. The previous record was 86 degrees, set in 2024. That record had also been reached in 1960 and 1962. …

Authorities in Worth County have issued a precautionary alert following a hazardous-materials spill north of Manly. The Worth County Sheriff's Office says a commercial vehicle transporting sulfuric acid experienced a chemical release onto the roadway near Highway 65 and 380th Street on Thursday, Oct. 8. Motorists should be alert to the potential exposure risk in the area. …

There is good news for residents of Carlisle, who have dealt with water problems since last Wednesday. The city lifted its boil advisory at 10 a.m. Saturday after water testing confirmed the supply was safe to use. …

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia continues to strike Ukrainian energy facilities despite President Donald Trump's statement Sunday that the two countries had agreed to an energy ceasefire. The war has now stretched into its fifth year. …

Several Republican-led states have adopted new voting rules this year, some reflecting proposals from Trump. His efforts to enact a national proof-of-citizenship law and voter ID requirement did not take effect in time for the 2026 midterm elections. …

In sports, the Green Bay Packers made a statement Sunday, defeating the Chicago Bears 31-7 at Lambeau Field. The victory came after Bears receiver Luther Burden III said last week that Chicago wanted to beat Green Bay badly enough to make the Packers quit. Green Bay had a different ending in mind. In college football, No. 7 Indiana rallied to beat Nebraska 20-17 in a game marked by gusty winds and offensive struggles. Georgia is the new No. 1 team in the AP Top 25 after beating Alabama 20-17. …

And now, to the weather. Another hot day is in the forecast for central Iowa. Today, expect a high of 88 degrees and a low of 63, with no chance of rain. Tuesday will be mostly sunny, with a high of 74 and a low of 56. There is a 30% chance of rain. Wednesday turns cloudy and cooler, with a high of 67, a low of 57 and a 20% chance of rain. The allergy alert today is 5 on the medium-range scale. The leading allergens are ragweed, sagebrush and chenopods. …

Here is a look at this day in history. On Oct. 12, 1492, Christopher Columbus reached an island in the Bahamas during his expedition across the Atlantic. Believing he had reached East Asia, his expedition claimed the land for Spain. In 1964, the Soviet Union launched Voskhod 1, the first spacecraft to carry a crew of three into orbit. And in 2007, former Vice President Al Gore and the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change received the Nobel Peace Prize for their efforts to raise awareness of human-caused climate change. …

Are you ready for the morning chuckle? Last Friday, we asked why a milking stool has only three legs. The answer? Because the cow has the udder! Today's riddle is this: What is a firefly's favorite dance? 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.

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Good morning, Des Moines! It is Friday, Oct. 9. 2026, and this is your Daily Umbrella Podcast, your five-minute briefing on what is happening around central Iowa and beyond. …

We begin in Ottumwa, where an invocation at Tuesday’s City Council meeting is drawing controversy. Former council member Matthew Dalbey delivered a prayer that ended with the words “hail Satan.” According to The Ottumwa Courier, local pastor Rick Bick took the microphone, despite public comment normally being reserved for the end of meetings, and called the invocation a curse on the city. …

Meanwhile, some major retailers are heading to Altoona. The developer behind The Shoppes at Prairie Crossing announced the first group of stores coming to the area. They include Barnes & Noble, HomeGoods, PetSmart, Marshalls, Sierra, Burlington and Boot Barn. More retailers are expected to be announced in 2027. …

In West Des Moines, the new owner of Valley West Mall has told the remaining 17 tenants to leave within 30 days. That includes the Des Moines Children’s Museum. The museum’s general operations manager said the notice came as a surprise. …

Around the world, Hurricane Simon is heading toward Mexico’s Pacific coast, and forecasters expect it to strengthen. Early Friday, the storm had maximum sustained winds of 90 mph, and hurricane warnings were issued for parts of the central and southwestern coast. …

And in a surprising development from the Pentagon, officials say the planned firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan will be livestreamed. It would be the first U.S. military execution in more than 65 years. …

Now, for some noodle news. Barilla has purchased Goodles, a macaroni-and-cheese brand that launched in 2021 and now accounts for 7.8% of U.S. shelf-stable mac-and-cheese sales. The purchase price was not disclosed, but the company was valued at $86 million a year ago. Goodles has been taking market share from Kraft by promoting enhanced protein and fiber. And here is the local connection: The product will continue to be made in California rather than moving production to Barilla’s U.S. plant in Ames. …

In baseball, Cleveland’s Guardians stayed alive in the American League Division Series, beating the Chicago White Sox in Game 4 to force the series back to Cleveland. In the NFL, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was reportedly upset after a stadium worker called the team’s loss to Tampa Bay embarrassing. The Buccaneers entered the game winless and left with a 24-16 victory. And in basketball, LeBron James made his preseason debut with Philadelphia’s new-look 76ers lineup, offering an early glimpse of how the star-studded group might work together. …

On this day in 1936, Hoover Dam began transmitting electricity to Los Angeles across 266 miles of transmission lines. In 1975, Soviet physicist and human rights advocate Andrei Sakharov won the Nobel Peace Prize. And in 1992, a meteorite crashed into an orange Chevrolet Malibu in Peekskill, New York. …

Today will be partly cloudy, with a high of 82 degrees and a low of 65. There is a 30% chance of rain. Saturday looks sunny and breezy, with a high of 84 and a low of 62. Sunday will bring another warm day, with a high of 80 and no rain expected either day. …

Yesterday’s morning chuckle asked: Why do we tell actors to break a leg? The answer: Because every play needs a cast! And now for today’s chuckle: Why does a milking stool have only three legs? 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.

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Good morning, Des Moines, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026. We offer your morning news, weather and a few things worth knowing before you head out the door. …

Republican U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and Democratic Iowa state Rep. Josh Turek squared off Wednesday night in their first debate in the race to replace U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, who is not seeking reelection. The candidates traded attacks over immigration, their records on bipartisanship, health care and the war with Iran. It is the first head-to-head debate in what is expected to be a closely watched Senate race. …

In Carlisle, city leaders say they have identified what they believe caused the city’s water system to drain. After nearly a week without usable water, the city planned to move from a “Do Not Use” order to a boil advisory Thursday morning. The boil advisory will remain in place until water samples confirm the system is safe. Schools are also expected to reopen Thursday. …

And there is a troubling intersection getting attention in Polk County. N.E. 56th Street and N.E. 94th Avenue, north of Bondurant, has recorded five crashes in the past five months, including two fatalities. The most recent victim was 73-year-old Linda Fristoe, who was killed last week. …

Around the world, protests continue in France. Police fired tear gas at a high school in Paris after students erected barricades as part of nationwide protests. Dozens of demonstrations are planned Thursday. …

Now, your weather. Today will be partly cloudy with a high of 73 and a low of 55. There is a 30% chance of rain. Friday will be partly cloudy and warm, with a high of 81 and a low of 64, with another 30% chance of rain. Saturday looks even better — sunshine and a high of 81, with no rain in the forecast. The allergy alert today is a 5, in the low-to-medium range. The top allergens are ragweed, sagebrush and chenopods. …

At the gas pump, the cheapest fuel reported in the metro is $3.79 a gallon at Hy-Vee Fast & Fresh in Ankeny. Sam’s Club in Ankeny is at $3.86, and Mega Saver in Des Moines is $3.88. …

Here is a little history for Oct. 8. In 1871, the Great Chicago Fire began. The two-day blaze killed between 200 and 300 people, destroyed more than 17,000 buildings and left about 100,000 people homeless. In 1945, Raytheon filed the first patent for what would become the microwave oven. And in 1956, the first enclosed shopping mall in the United States opened in a Minneapolis suburb. Southdale Mall was designed to give shoppers a warm, comfortable place to shop during those brutally cold Minnesota winters. …

Now, a quick look at sports. The New York Yankees are out of the postseason after the Tampa Bay Rays completed a three-game sweep with a 4-3 victory Wednesday night. The game included a controversial moment in the sixth inning. Yankees shortstop Anthony Volpe appeared to hit a game-tying two-run homer, but replay showed a fan had reached over the wall and interfered with the ball. The home run was overturned and changed to an RBI double. The Yankees could not complete the comeback and were eliminated from the American League Division Series. In the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings signed veteran wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. to their practice squad. The Vikings are 4-0 and are adding Beckham as they deal with injuries, including to star receiver Justin Jefferson. …

Now for today’s mystery from the morning chuckle. Why do we tell actors to “break a leg”? 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.

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Good morning, Des Moines, and welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Wednesday, Oct. 7, 2026. …

We begin with Iowa politics, where Tuesday night’s first televised debate between Republican Zach Lahn and Democrat Rob Sand was anything but polite. The two candidates traded personal attacks over their records, backgrounds and qualifications with just four weeks remaining in the governor’s race. Lahn, a businessman seeking public office for the first time, repeatedly criticized Sand’s record as state auditor and portrayed him as a career politician. Sand defended his record and challenged Lahn over his ties to Kansas, questioning whether the Republican spends enough time in Iowa to lead the state. …

Closer to home, Polk County leaders are exploring the possibility of creating a new downtown entertainment district around the Iowa Events Center. The Board of Supervisors approved a plan Tuesday to analyze the area around the Casey’s Center, EMC Expo Center and Community Choice Convention Center. …

Authorities say a West Des Moines man faces four counts of attempted murder following Monday’s shooting on northbound Interstate 35 near the Bevington exit. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation says shots were reported around 3:30 p.m. …

Around the state, officials have identified two people who died Saturday in a boating accident on the Mississippi River near Dubuque. The victims were 62-year-old Wayne Ameskamp of Dyersville and 61-year-old Michael Donahue of Bellevue. Three people were ejected after the boat struck an object. …

Today marks the third anniversary of the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel. Israelis are commemorating the attack, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken. The war that followed has devastated much of Gaza. …

Now, let’s talk steak. Steak de Burgo is back in the news, and Jim Duncan reminds us that the story behind this Des Moines classic is considerably more interesting than simply putting garlic, butter and steak on a plate. The dish originated in Des Moines’ Francis Avenue neighborhood, a diverse immigrant community near Broadlawns Hospital and the city’s coal mines. Johnny Compiano and Vic Talerico are credited with creating the first Des Moines steak de Burgo. The name has a connection to the Spanish Civil War, and the story involves Italian and Spanish immigrants, political irony and a recipe that traveled across cultures. …

On this date in history, 1913 brought the debut of the moving assembly line at Henry Ford’s Highland Park factory. The innovation dramatically reduced the time required to build a Model T and helped make automobiles affordable to ordinary consumers. In 1985, Lynette Woodard became the first female player for the Harlem Globetrotters. And on Oct. 7, 2001, the United States and its allies began military operations in Afghanistan following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The conflict would become the longest war in U.S. history. …

Now, the weather. Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 78 and a low of 53. There is no chance of rain. Thursday will be mostly sunny with a high of 72 and a 20% chance of rain. Friday will be partly cloudy with a high of 74 and a 20% chance of rain. The allergy alert today is a 4, in the low range. The top allergens are ragweed, sagebrush and chenopods. …

And finally, today’s morning chuckle: Why was the man standing on one leg at the ATM? 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.