Aug. 18, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Good morning, and welcome to The Daily Umbrella Podcast for Tuesday, Aug. 18. Here are the stories making news around Des Moines and beyond. …Indianola is the latest Iowa community to suspend its use of Flock Safety automated license plate reader cameras. According to WHO-TV, the Indianola Police Department has eight Flock Safety cameras. The department says the city is joining several Iowa communities — as well as police departments around the country — that have suspended their automated license plate reader programs. Flock cameras are designed to capture license plate information and other vehicle details that can be used by law enforcement. The decision in Indianola comes as communities continue to debate how these systems should be used and what safeguards should be in place. …Iowa health officials are reporting a dozen confirmed cases of measles in southern Iowa. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced the cases Monday as part of an outbreak in the region. Iowa HHS says state and local public health agencies are working with affected families and community leaders to identify illnesses, share information and make sure people have access to vaccinations. Measles is highly contagious, so health officials are urging people to pay attention to information from public health agencies as the investigation continues. …A Des Moines man accused of shooting a Muscatine police officer during a traffic stop has been arrested. According to KCCI, Mark Lee Jackson was arrested Monday in Muscatine after three days on the run. Police say Jackson allegedly shot the officer during a traffic stop Friday. The Muscatine police chief says the officer has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home. …Immigration enforcement is also making headlines. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is proposing to subsidize liability insurance for state and local police officers who are trained and deputized to enforce federal immigration laws. The proposal is intended to help protect officers from potential financial consequences if they are accused of misconduct while making immigration arrests. The plan was outlined in a document published Friday. …A ship was struck by a projectile early Tuesday while sailing out of the Strait of Hormuz, according to the British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. An Iranian official also said the strategic shipping route would not reopen until the United States meets Iran's conditions. The Strait of Hormuz is a major route for global energy shipments, making developments there important far beyond the Middle East. …Now, let's check the forecast for central Iowa. Today will bring scattered thunderstorms, with a high around 81 degrees and a 70% chance of rain. Tonight's low will be around 66. Wednesday looks considerably quieter, with partly cloudy skies, a high of 81 and a 20% chance of rain. Thursday will be partly cloudy with some clouds, a high near 80 and another 20% chance of rain. …We will leave you with today's groaner from the Daily Umbrella. The question was: What is it called when big, hairy spiders rain down out of the sky? The answer? A tarantula downpour! And today's riddle: What happened when the musical act left the outdoor stage because of a thunderstorm? 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's The Des Moines Daily Umbrella for Tuesday, Aug. 18. Thanks for listening, and have a great day.