Aug. 5, 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 Wednesday, Aug. 5. We bring you the top local headlines, a few stories from around Iowa and beyond, plus today's weather and a look at what's happening around town. Let's get started. …Our top story this morning comes from downtown Des Moines, where a traffic stop turned into a police chase and ended with what authorities are calling one of the city's largest cocaine seizures of the year. Police say 43-year-old Quawi Gates now faces multiple felony charges after officers recovered a large quantity of drugs following the pursuit. It's another significant narcotics case for Des Moines police in 2026. …In heartbreaking news, a 15-month-old girl from Coon Rapids who was accidentally struck by a vehicle driven by her mother has died after several days in the hospital. Police say Mia Mauricio's family chose to donate her organs, offering hope to others during an unimaginable tragedy. …Meanwhile, for the fifth consecutive school year, every student in the Des Moines Public Schools district will receive free breakfast and lunch regardless of household income through the USDA's Community Eligibility Provision. …Elsewhere around Iowa, Coralville police have identified human remains discovered last month as Grant Leonard, who disappeared nearly three years ago. Identification was confirmed through dental records, bringing long-awaited answers to the missing person's case. …Around the world, a record-setting heat wave continues across Japan and the Korean Peninsula, with extreme temperatures affecting both people and wildlife. Officials are urging residents to take extra precautions as dangerous heat persists. …Now, let's check the local weather. Today brings scattered thunderstorms with a high near 73 degrees and an 80 percent chance of rain. Sunshine returns Thursday with a high of 83, followed by partly cloudy skies and temperatures climbing into the mid-80s on Friday. If you've been waiting for better outdoor weather, it's just around the corner. Allergy sufferers catch a break today. Pollen levels are expected to remain in the low range, although nettle, sagebrush and grasses remain the primary allergens. …In business news, the processed food industry is facing growing challenges. According to the Wall Street Journal, major food manufacturers are cutting prices and rethinking products as more consumers seek fresher foods with cleaner ingredient labels. The newsletter notes that demand is also shifting because of the popularity of GLP-1 weight-loss medications and changing shopping habits. …If you're looking for lunch or dinner deals today, Wednesday continues to be one of the best bargain days of the week around central Iowa. Burger specials, ribs, tacos, Italian beef, lasagna, fried chicken, sushi discounts and even free pie are all on today's menu at restaurants across the metro. See details at www.thedailyumbrella.com. A featured story in the current issue of Urbandale Living magazine takes readers inside a backyard playhouse that's been creating memories for 75 years. Built by a father and grandfather for a little girl in the 1950s, the tiny structure still stands today as a reminder that sometimes the simplest places become the most treasured. ….And finally, today's riddle: What is the noblest musical instrument? 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.