Aug. 12, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podast

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.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.