Sept. 9, 2026, Des Moines Daily Umbrella Podcast

Hey! I'd love to hear your thoughts, send me a voice note.Good morning. It is Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2026, and this is The Daily Umbrella Podcast. Here is what is happening around central Iowa. …First, Tuesday evening’s storms caused plenty of problems across the Des Moines metro. Des Moines police responded to more than 65 reports involving downed trees, power lines and flooded roadways as storms moved through the area. The department’s Communications Center received more than 225 calls between 5:45 and 7:45 p.m. Those calls included reports of crimes, crashes and storm-related problems. Officers responded to more than 65 calls involving downed wires, trees and flooded streets. …Ankeny voters approved a 1% local option sales tax increase in Tuesday’s special election. The Polk County Elections Office reported that 64% of voters supported the measure, increasing the city’s sales tax rate from 6% to 7%. City officials estimate the tax could generate about $12 million in annual revenue. The tax applies to purchases made in Ankeny, although some items will not be affected, including groceries, cars, rent, gas and prescription medication. …In Des Moines, police are investigating a gunfire incident near Roosevelt High School and Hubbell Elementary School. Police said the incident occurred off campus Tuesday afternoon. No injuries were reported, but multiple shell casings were recovered from Chamberlain Avenue. …Around Iowa, there is sad news from the University of Iowa. Derek Phillips, a student and member of the Hawkeye Marching Band, died Tuesday after collapsing during Saturday’s Iowa football game at Kinnick Stadium. The band said Phillips was the mellophone section leader. His family said he was taken off life support after suffering what the Gazette reported was heat stroke during the game. …Now, let’s check the weather. Today will bring gradual clearing, with a high of 81 and a low of 61. There is a 20% chance of rain. Thursday looks mostly sunny, with a high of 81, a low of 60 and no chance of rain in the forecast. Friday will be warmer, with a high of 84 and a low of 67. Storms are possible late in the day, with a 40% chance of rain. And if you are sneezing, the allergy outlook is not exactly good news. Today’s allergy alert is rated 10, or high range. The top allergens are nettle, sagebrush and ragweed. …In sports, Ben Shelton pulled off a stunning victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the U.S. Open. Shelton won a five-set marathon that ended at 3:33 a.m. Eastern time Wednesday. The match lasted 4 hours, 28 minutes and ended Alcaraz’s 18-match Grand Slam winning streak. And Aaron Judge returned to the New York Yankees lineup Tuesday after missing about three months with a stress fracture in his rib. The Yankees beat the Colorado Rockies 5-3. …Finally, a little history. On this date in 1776, the Continental Congress formally adopted the name “United States of America,” replacing the commonly used “United Colonies.” In 1942, a Japanese floatplane dropped incendiary bombs on an Oregon forest, marking the first air attack on the U.S. mainland during World War II. And in 1967, Air Force Sgt. Duane D. Hackney received the Air Force Cross for rescuing an Air Force pilot in Vietnam. He was the first living Air Force enlisted man to receive the award. …And now, today’s riddle: What’s the easiest building to lift? 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. …That is The Daily Umbrella for Wednesday, Sept. 9. Have a great day, stay weather-aware and watch out for that ragweed.