Aug. 24, 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 Monday, Aug. 24, 2026. Here are the top stories you need to know. …The search has resumed for a boater who went overboard Saturday evening in the Des Moines River. Around 6:45 p.m. Saturday, Polk County Sheriff’s Office deputies and personnel from multiple fire departments responded to reports that a boater had gone overboard and had not resurfaced. The incident happened in an area of the river northwest of Highland Park. First responders suspended the search Saturday night, but crews returned Sunday as the effort continued. …Meanwhile, Flock cameras are facing growing opposition in central Iowa. Protesters gathered Thursday evening outside the Kwik Star between Altoona and Bondurant to challenge the use of Flock cameras. The protesters cited privacy concerns and alleged violations of Fourth Amendment rights. Flock cameras are automatic license plate readers that capture photographs and video of vehicles. Supporters say the technology can help law enforcement identify vehicles connected to crimes, while opponents have raised concerns about surveillance and the collection of information on drivers who may not have done anything wrong. The central Iowa protest reflects a broader debate over how communities should balance public safety with privacy as law enforcement agencies adopt increasingly sophisticated technology. …Now, a little business news from around central Iowa. Casey’s has purchased the family-owned Pak-a-Sak chain in Texas.Here in central Iowa, several new restaurants are opening. Lux-Modern Asian Gastro has opened just off Interstate 80 on Grand Prairie Parkway in Waukee. The restaurant features higher-end Asian dining, including craft cocktails and wood-grilled steaks. Red Anchor Sushi & Seafood Buffet has opened on Adventureland Drive in Altoona. And Hoang Khao, featuring Lao and Thai cuisine, has opened on Oralabor Road in Ankeny. Yemnella, described as Iowa’s first Yemeni coffee shop, is also coming soon to Jordan Creek Parkway. And after 14 years, Papa Kerns Cafe has permanently closed and will not reopen following the fair. …Here’s a bit of history for Aug. 24. On this date in 79 A.D., Mount Vesuvius erupted in southern Italy, devastating Pompeii and Herculaneum. In 1814, British troops entered Washington, D.C., and burned the White House during the War of 1812. And 20 years ago today, in 2006, Pluto was officially demoted from planet status when the International Astronomical Union classified it as a dwarf planet. That decision still generates more emotional debate than you might expect from an object nearly 3 billion miles away. …And finally, today’s riddle. Yesterday’s question was: “H20 is water, but what is H204?” The answer? SWIMMING. Or DRINKING. Or. WASHING. Irving Stone, Anne Lentz, Gail Tomlinson, Donna Willems all had good answers. Here’s today’s riddle: Who carries out operations in water? 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. …