Aug. 31, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Good morning, Iowa. It is Monday, Aug. 31, and this is the Daily Umbrella Podcast. Here is what is making news this morning. …Iowa is facing a shortage of high school sports officials as the 2026 football season gets underway. The Iowa High School Athletic Association says about 1,000 referees are registered for the upcoming season. That is about 350 fewer than last year. The association does not assign officials to games, so it cannot say exactly how the shortage will affect individual schools and schedules. Officials with the association remain optimistic that all games will be covered, although some adjustments could be necessary. For anyone who has ever sat through a high school football game and complained about a referee's call, this might be a good time to remember that somebody actually has to volunteer to wear the stripes. And apparently, there are fewer people lining up for the job. …In business and hospitality news, 40 Iowa women are being recognized as leaders to watch in the hospitality industry. The Iowa Restaurant Association has announced its 2026 class of 40 Women to Watch in Hospitality. Half of this year's honorees work in central Iowa. The honorees will be recognized Oct. 19 during the Iowa Hospitality Showcase and Celebrating Excellence Awards at Prairie Meadows in Altoona. …Des Moines Public Schools says a burst eight-inch fire sprinkler pipe caused flooding at its Central Nutrition Center over the weekend. The district notified families Sunday evening.Around Iowa, Cedar Rapids man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing more than 700 fentanyl pills with the intent to distribute them. …And around the country, Google Maps has begun displaying the name "Lake America" for Lake Ontario for users in the United States following President Donald Trump's order changing the lake's name. …In sports, Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs has been placed on the commissioner's exempt list following misdemeanor charges stemming from an alleged incident in May. And Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy survived the team's final roster cuts, despite speculation that he could be on the bubble. …Now, let's talk weather. It is going to be another hot one across central Iowa. The National Weather Service has a heat advisory in effect from this afternoon through Wednesday evening in parts of the area. Expect humid conditions today with partial sunshine and a high around 92 degrees. There is a chance for a few thunderstorms this afternoon, and some storms could produce heavy rain and strong wind gusts. Tuesday will remain hot, with temperatures climbing into the mid-90s and another chance of thunderstorms. Wednesday stays hot as well, with highs in the mid-90s. So, if you are heading outside, remember the basics: drink plenty of water, take breaks from the heat and do not underestimate the combination of high temperatures and humidity. The Daily Umbrella's allergy report lists nettle, chenopods and ragweed among today's top allergens. …And before we go, today's morning chuckle comes in the form of a riddle. The answer to yesterday's question — what keeps a dock floating above water? Pier pressure! Today's question: Why does water never laugh at jokes? 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.