July 30, 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 Thursday, July 30. We bring you the stories you need to know to start your day across central Iowa and beyond. Here is what is making news today. …A tragic story tops today's news. A Grimes teenager drowned Tuesday morning while on a church trip to South Dakota. Authorities say deputies responded to Hippie Hole, a popular but difficult-to-access swimming and cliff-jumping area in the Black Hills, after reports of a possible drowning. The Pennington County Sheriff's Office is continuing to investigate the incident. …In Winterset, one person died Wednesday evening after being electrocuted while working on a home. According to the Madison County Sheriff's Office, the victim was performing construction work when the accident occurred. Officials continue to investigate. …In Iowa politics, a Polk County judge has upheld a decision to keep Libertarian candidates Nicholas Gluba and Jules Cutler off the November ballot. Although the ticket submitted more than 8,000 petition signatures, legal questions surrounding the nomination process led to the ruling. …Iowa may soon become known for more than corn and soybeans. Researchers at Iowa State University are helping growers expand production of honeyberries — a tart fruit that looks like a cross between a blueberry and a grape. While still considered a niche crop, experts believe honeyberries could become much more common in Iowa over the coming years. …Around the nation, legal challenges continue over the transfer of transgender inmates into segregated prison housing, while internationally, tensions remain high following another exchange of missile strikes between the United States and Iran. …Looking ahead to today's forecast... Expect partly cloudy skies with a high near 88 degrees. There is about a 40 percent chance of afternoon showers. Friday looks wetter, with scattered showers likely and a high around 78. Saturday brings a return to partly cloudy skies with highs in the low 80s. …If you are looking for something to do this weekend... Jazz legends Spyro Gyra celebrate their 50th anniversary with a performance Sunday night at Hoyt Sherman Place. "Rent: School Edition" continues through Sunday, presented by Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. And tomorrow, CITYVIEW's Summer Stir heads to the East Village, where participants can sample 10 drinks for $25 while strolling through the neighborhood. See details on each of these and more at www.thedailyumbrella.com. …A quick look at gas prices... The statewide average for regular unleaded is now $3.75 per gallon. If you are looking for the best bargain around the metro, Mega Saver in Altoona is reporting gas for $3.38 per gallon, with stations in Bondurant close behind at $3.47. …On this day in 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicare into law, enrolling former President Harry Truman as the program's very first beneficiary. In 1974, Richard Nixon released the White House tapes that became central to the Watergate investigation. And in 1999, the low-budget horror film “The Blair Witch Project” debuted in theaters and became a cultural phenomenon. …And before we go, today's Daily Umbrella riddle asks: What kind of music is played inside the vehicle? 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.