Aug. 27, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Good morning, Des Moines. Today is Thursday, Aug. 27, 2026, and this is The Daily Umbrella Podcast. Here is what you need to know this morning. …First, the big local story: Des Moines is walking away from plans for a downtown soccer stadium. The city announced Wednesday that it has ended seven years of negotiations with the Krause Group over a proposed stadium at the former DICO site in downtown Des Moines. The project was expected to cost about $90 million. After seven years of talks, the deal is officially off the field. The decision ends a long-running effort to bring a professional soccer stadium to downtown. The city has not been shy about the fact that it faces some significant financial challenges, either. …Des Moines City Manager Scott Sanders has proposed $11.5 million in budget cuts and revenue changes as the city confronts an estimated $17 million shortfall in fiscal years 2028 and 2029. So, while soccer fans may be disappointed, city officials have some pretty big numbers to juggle. …And speaking of numbers, let’s talk about gasoline. The statewide average for regular unleaded in Iowa is now $4.03 a gallon, according to Triple A. That is down 10 cents from last week, although it is still $1.15 more than a year ago. The national average Wednesday was $4.10 a gallon. Diesel is another story. The Iowa average jumped 16 cents this week to $5.41 a gallon. If you are looking for the cheapest gas in the metro area, the Daily Umbrella reports a price of $3.79 a gallon at Casey’s in Mitchellville. …Looking ahead to the weekend, there is plenty to do. The World Food and Music Festival takes over downtown Des Moines Friday through Sunday. The free festival features food vendors and musical acts and has been recognized as one of the top cultural festivals in America. Ballet Des Moines also is offering a preview of its upcoming season at Water Works Park and the Lauridsen Amphitheater. Food and activities begin at 5 p.m., with the performance at 6:30. And Saturday brings Ingersoll LIVE, a neighborhood block party on the 2800 block of Ingersoll Avenue from 3 to 10 p.m. There will be two stages of live music, food, drinks, vendors and performances from local dance groups. …Now, let’s check the weather. For Des Moines today, expect mostly sunny skies with temperatures climbing into the low 80s. The National Weather Service says the next couple of days should stay relatively comfortable, with shower and thunderstorm chances returning Friday night into Saturday. And if your nose has already told you that fall is approaching, it is not imagining things. Today’s allergy alert is in the high range. ...A few more things to know this morning: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds has ordered flags to be flown at half-staff through sunset Sept. 1 to honor Dolly Parton, following a presidential proclamation recognizing her contributions as an entertainer, philanthropist and advocate. Around the world, rescue teams are searching for hundreds of people missing after catastrophic flooding along the Nepal-Tibet border. More than 270 people have been reported dead. And in the sports world, the NFL is eliminating the Pro Bowl Games beginning this season. The league will still name 88 Pro Bowl players, but the competitive all-star game itself is going away. …And we will close with today's morning chuckle: Why should you never drink toilet 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.