July 24, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Welcome to the Daily Umbrella Podcast for Friday, July 24. We bring you the biggest stories, a few lighter moments, and everything you need to know to head into the weekend. Let’s get started. …Today's top local story focuses on an animal that is becoming a more common neighbor across Iowa: coyotes. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says coyote sightings are increasing throughout the state, prompting some cities, including Johnston, to revisit local ordinances and educate residents on how to respond. Areas like Gray's Lake in Des Moines provide ideal habitat, but wildlife experts say there is no need to panic. In most cases, coyotes are far more afraid of people than people are of them. The advice remains simple: never feed them, keep pets supervised, and make plenty of noise if you encounter one. …Also making headlines, a former Bondurant elementary school principal is now facing a state ethics case after authorities say she was intoxicated while at school earlier this year. Public records indicate there is enough evidence for the case to move forward. …Meanwhile, downtown Des Moines continues its housing boom. Financing has been approved to convert another historic office building into apartments, adding more than 200 housing units as demand for downtown living continues to grow. …Around the nation, questions continue after a fatal police shooting in Madison, Wisconsin. One major issue drawing attention is that the city's police officers were not wearing body cameras because the department does not require them. …And internationally, devastating wildfires in Spain and France have forced more than 70,000 people to evacuate their homes as firefighters battle rapidly spreading blazes. …Now, let’s talk about the weekend weather. Friday brings morning showers with a high near 75 degrees. Then summer comes roaring back. Saturday climbs to around 90 degrees with sunshine, and Sunday gets even hotter, reaching the mid-90s. If you have outdoor plans, stay hydrated and remember that Iowa humidity never misses an opportunity to remind you who is in charge. …Today's featured story from Adel Living magazine celebrates something many of us remember fondly: backyard adventures. From custom-built treehouses to imaginative play spaces, families are creating outdoor escapes where children can unplug, explore and build memories. One featured homeowner spent the pandemic constructing a treehouse after being inspired by a television show. The result became a gathering place not only for kids but for family and friends as well. Sometimes the best vacation destination is only a few steps out the back door. …If you are looking for something fun this weekend, there are plenty of dining specials and live music happening across central Iowa. Whether you are craving prime rib, barbecue, brunch or just a good excuse to avoid cooking, you have options. And if live entertainment is on your list, several local venues will feature performances throughout the weekend. Now for today's bit of trivia. Did you know that when sliced bread was first advertised in 1928, the slogan was not "the best thing since sliced bread"? Instead, the bakery proudly called it "the best thing since bread was wrapped." Apparently, someone in marketing eventually realized sliced bread deserved even more credit. …And before we wrap up, here is today's riddle. What dessert is the best dancer? Think you know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected] before noon today for a chance to be featured in Monday’s edition. And be sure to subscribe to our full email version of The Daily Umbrella for free at www.TheDailyUmbrella.com.