Sept. 18 Daily Umbrella: Homelessness goes up 5%; $2.61 gas; what did the bossy man do when he walked into a bar?

Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025

Good morning to you!

Welcome to another edition of the mailbag where you will find some of the comments, questions and ideas sent recently by readers of this newsletter or our publications. They are edited for space and clarity.

“Good morning, Shane. We were led to believe the old airport had not been updated since foresighted Des Moines leaders saw the potential in the Wright brothers’ airplane and established the current complex (Pay by the pound, Sept. 15, 2025). As this boondoggle approaches completion, I dare say there was no forethought for installation of a weighing station. I imagine the nightmare coming as we integrate the TSA checks and weigh stations. As I currently use a walker, I fear holding up the line as I struggle to tote myself and my belongings to be weighed. My heritage will be vulgarly questioned. This is another case where all shall suffer for the ‘sins’ of a few. The winners will be, of course, the airlines in increased profits and the construction industry that can turn the old airport site into an even more shiny, completely new $750 billion terminal — now with a weighing facility. Driving through Atlanta isn't that bad.” - John

Never fear, John. My pay-by-the-pound concept would take years to ever materialize. - Shane

“Shane, I just read the Daily Umbrella and wanted to say congratulations on the Distinguished Service Award (Significant, lasting contributions, Sept. 16, 2025). While I am not part of your organizations or industry, I am aware of some of the hard work and many contributions you have made in the communities where I am involved. I also feel the award is well deserved. Thank you for all of the ideas, effort and publications you bring to the communities.” - Allan

Thank you for the kind words, Allan. We keep swinging the bat! - Shane

“Congratulations on your award. (Significant, lasting contributions, Sept. 16, 2025). That's a great and well-deserved honor. The late Tom Petty sang: ‘...never slow down, never grow old...’ Keep working hard, but also keep your vision, keep your perspective, and continue to inspire others to the same.” - Brad

Also from Tom Petty, “I'll keep this world from draggin' me down. Gonna stand my ground. And I won't back down.” Seems like good advice. - Shane

“Congratulations on receiving ACP’s Distinguished Service Award (Significant, lasting contributions, Sept. 16, 2025). And you are not old.” - Lyle

Maybe not, but why do I go to bed feeling fine and wake up injured? - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

News headlines

FROM KCCI: Iowa Board of Regents directs universities to investigate employee social media posts following Charlie Kirk murder. The Iowa Board of Regents has directed the state’s three public universities to investigate employees accused of making controversial comments following the death of Charlie Kirk. This decision comes amid calls from several Republican state lawmakers for the immediate termination of those involved. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Homelessness goes up 5% since last summer, 768 total individuals in Polk County. A point-in-time survey was done for a summer count of people experiencing homelessness in Polk County. This was conducted by Homeward, Polk County’s homelessness planning organization. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Gov. Reynolds, Iowa delegation returns from India trade mission. An Iowa delegation recently returned from an eight-day trade and investment mission to India. The trip comes amid President Donald Trump-imposed tariffs on the world's largest country, a retaliatory measure for India's purchase of Russian oil. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Ukraine expects $3.5 billion fund for US weapons to sustain fight against Russia, Zelenskyy says. Ukraine expects there will be around $3.5 billion by next month in a fund to buy weapons from the United States and help sustain its more than three-year fight against Russia’s all-out invasion, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: ABC pulling Jimmy Kimmel indefinitely after Charlie Kirk comments. ABC is taking Jimmy Kimmel's late night show off the air indefinitely amid controversy over his comments about Charlie Kirk's alleged killer Tyler Robinson. “Jimmy Kimmel Live will be preempted indefinitely,” an ABC spokesperson said in a statement to media outlets. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Iowa landowners question timing of Summit pipeline changes. At the Stockdale farm in Iowa Falls, landowner Kathy Stockdale said she wasn’t surprised Summit Carbon Solutions moved to amend its permit to build a carbon capture pipeline through Iowa, but she questioned the timing as a key legal fight nears. ... READ MORE

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Rounds of intermittent showers and storms continue today, lasting into Sunday. Temperatures cool a bit.

For help with pre-approvals or refinancing, get in touch with Originating Branch Manager Carrie Hansen at carrie.mortgage.

Pollen tracker

Tree pollen: None

Grass pollen: None

Ragweed pollen: Moderate

Des Moines Playhouse musical opens
“Bright Star,” the hit Broadway musical, with music by comedian / writer / actor / musician Steve Martin and Edie Brickell of the New Bohemians, opens this Friday, Sept. 19, and runs through Oct. 5. This new Broadway musical tells a sweeping tale of love, loss and hope and is sure to capture the audience’s hearts.

Two impressive Iowa Gold Star Military Museum events
One of America’s best military museums is at Camp Dodge, with a wealth of exceptional displays, dioramas and more. Two noteworthy events are coming up, and both are free admission. goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov
1. Armed Forces 250th Birthday Celebration. Saturday, Sept. 20, 4-7 p.m. Camp Dodge Freedom Center, Building S-70, 7105 N.W. 70th Ave., Johnston. Refreshments, historic vehicles, period military clothing, Iowa Veterans Military Band.
2. The “Liberator” Exhibition. Sept. 22 - Oct. 11. Known as the “Liberator” in World War II Europe, the Harley Davidson WLA military motorcycle was the first vehicle to enter towns liberated from German occupation. Iowa Gold Star Military Museum.

DMPL Fall Author Series
David Ellis, “The Best Lies” at Central Library, 1000 Grand, Des Moines, on Sept. 17 from 7-8 p.m. David Ellis is a judge and an Edgar-award-winning author of 10 novels of crime fiction, as well as eight bestselling books co-authored with James Patterson.

Music Walk in Downtown Ames, Thursday, Sept. 18.
Each year, this event features a diverse group of local artists who are excited to showcase their talents.

University Museums at Iowa State University in Ames offers free events and educational programs open to all who wish to attend.
The events for the fall 2025 semester are relevant to exhibitions at the BrunnierArt Museum, ChristianPetersen Art Museum, FarmHouse Museum, AndersonSculpture Garden, and/or the Arton Campus Collection.

“The schedule of events for the fall 2025 semester truly continues our 50th anniversary celebration, paying homage to the role University Museums has played in conservation and preservation throughout our history. It celebrates our past, honors our present and looks to our next 50 years — continuously offering programs that are free and accessible to all." -Allison Sheridan, curator and communications manager, University Museums

Church of Cash – Johnny Cash Tribute Band
For all fans of the Man in Black, one of the most honored tribute bands will be at Prairie Meadows Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. If you’re going to capture the mystique and resonance of Johnny Cash onstage, you better have the raw prowess as well as the reverberating voice. Jay Ernest, the driving force propelling Minneapolis-based Church of Cash, has both in spades. With his bandmates, Ernest brings the iconic Man in Black to life every time he takes the concert platform. Tickets

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

The 2025 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®

Best Local Indoor Sporting Event

1. Iowa Wild

2. Des Moines Buccaneers

3. Drake Bulldogs Basketball

See all of the results

Definitions of junk food
“Preprepared or packaged food that has little nutritional value.” Oxford English Dictionary
“Food that is not good for you because it contains high amounts of sugars or fat.” Merriam-Webster Dictionary
“Food that tastes like something it is not.” Mark Schatker “The Dorito Effect”

The Junk Food Empire's latest desperate move. Coca Cola partnered with Dolly Parton to create a new soft drink “40th Pop Fizz.” Some call it “a cross between Cheerwine and cream soda,” while others describe it as a "carbonated cherry Icee" or even "cotton candy mix as a soda."

Thursday deals

• Mullets Norwalk offers two two-topping pizzas for $20 on Thursdays 4 p.m. to close.

• Buzzard Billy's (615 Third St., Des Moines) has $2 off appetizers on Thursdays.

• Hy-Vee Market Grilles are running a breakfast special Monday through Friday, order one and get second half priced.

• Whatch Smokin? (Highway 17, Luther) has a pork belly burnt ends special on Thursdays.

• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) offers $10 country fried breakfasts and $9 tenderloins or shrimp/fish tacos on Thursdays.

• Ruth's Chris (Ashworth Road at Jordan Creek Parkway) has a Thursday special with their decadent RBAR burgers and fries going for $16.

• Steaks: Sirloin steak dinners are featured specials today at Johnny's Italian Steakhouses (before 4 p.m.), Sully's Irish Pub (860 First St., West Des Moines); Front Row (9956 Swanson Blvd., Clive); Winn’s Pizza and Steakhouse (122 W. Ashland Ave., Indianola), and Hy-Vee Market Grilles. The Station on Ingersoll (3120 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines) has a ribeye special on Thursdays. Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St. West Des Moines) offers ribeyes and sirloins only on Thursdays after 5 p.m.

• Thursday nights, Moroccan couscous — lemon chicken, beef keftas, five vegetables, harissa — are $17 at Purveyor (505 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines).

• Sprockets (2314 University Ave., Des Moines) offers a breaded pork tenderloin special on Thursdays for $9.99

• Kids eat free at Scornovacca’s (1930 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines) on Thursdays

• Mariscos El Pirata (6050 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines) offers $2 off all sushi on Thursdays.

• ShortE's BBQ (8505 Chambery Blvd., Johnston) has $1 smoked wings Thursdays.

• Jethro's Thursday special is a pound of boneless "wings" for $8.

• Bevy’s Tavern (1300 50th St., West Des Moines) has a special of beef stew and cornbread Thursdays for $13.

• Amruth Indian Grill (9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive) offers an all-you-can-eat dosa (gram/rice flour crepes) buffet on Thursdays, 5:30-9 p.m. $18.95.

• Destination Grille (2491 E. First St., Grimes) has a "Comfort Thursday" special chicken fried De Burgo, a gluten free spin on DSM's classic. $16

• The Dam Pub (2710 Beaver Ave., Des Moines) has a throwback Thursday special goulash with garlic toast.

• The Continental (407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines) has $7 loaded fries on Thursdays.

• Haiku (1350 31st St., Des Moines) offers free tom yum soup and edamames with lunch entrees today.

• Maxie's (1311 Grand Ave., West Des Moines) new Thursday special for $20.95 is half a fried chicken with potato, side of spaghetti and a salad. Lunch and dinner.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW

ART NEWS
Des Moines’ time has come

By Jim Duncan

September is a self-contradiction. It is our ninth month, yet named as if the seventh. It marks the end of summer and the beginning of the end of all things perennial. It is the time of year that makes us most conscious of time.

Time measures, organizes and judges everything else. That is why the world’s most famous clocks tower above the places they watch over. The Makkah Royal Clocktower in Mecca is the tallest structure in Saudi Arabia and the tallest clock in the world. Each of its four faces is 35 times larger than Big Ben. It beckons pilgrims from as far as 19 miles away and even further five times a day when 21,000 additional lights flash to mark prayer calling. ...

Featured home for sale

Post listings here for $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.

$440,000

204 Cambridge Drive
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Step into this stunning ranch townhouse that combines timeless craftsmanship with modern comfort. With 4 spacious bedrooms and 3 full bathrooms, this home offers both functionality and style. The open living area is a true showstopper with soaring 15-foot ceilings, rich woodwork, and gleaming cherry floors that create a warm and inviting atmosphere. ...

See the listing here.

See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

511 29TH ST., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2025-05-08
SALE PRICE: $1,965,000
SELLER: BRYN MAWR ASSOCIATES LP
BUYER: BRYN MAWR LLC
ACRES: 0.430
SQUARE FEET: 15,456

More transactions

Featured in the current
issue of Norwalk Living magazine

The LINK Crew connects students and community
Students lead fundraising and service projects.

By T.K. West

About 12 years ago, Melissa Stoulil and Lynda Downs attended a training called “Capturing Kids Hearts” that taught leadership skills to teachers as well as students. In addition to implementing the program, the two educators decided to return for another course on creating a program where students take on leadership roles within their school and community. With the help of these courses, the Norwalk Middle School LINK crew was born. The name of the group is based on the concept of linking the school and community together. ...

Sports headlines

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Tush Push on life support amid latest criticism of Eagles' infamous play. The Eagles' infamous tush push has once again become a topic of discussion after the team got away with a handful of false starts on the play during their win over the Chiefs on Sunday. From former Steelers coach Bill Cowher to podcast star — and Philly legend — Jason Kelce, everyone seems to once again have a pointed opinion on the matter. ... READ MORE

FROM ESPN: D.C. Council signs off on Commanders' RFK Stadium Project. The Commanders' return to Washington is finally official as the District of Columbia Council voted in favor of the measure once more -- an expected outcome given its vote more than a month ago. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Chicago Cubs clinch playoff berth with win over Pirates for first postseason run since 2020. The Chicago Cubs are heading back to the playoffs. For the first time since 2020, the Cubs clinched a postseason berth with their 8-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday. The Cubs put up four runs in the opening inning at PNC Park, thanks in part to home runs from Ian Happ and Moises Ballesteros, and they added three more in the sixth to power them to the four-run win. ... READ MORE

Weekly fuel report

The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 3 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $2.97 across Iowa according to AAA. The national average on Wednesday was $3.20, up 1 cent from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.51. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.34 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 20 cents lower than the national average of $3.71.

Natural gas prices were up 7 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.11 MMbtu.

Cheapest gas in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com

Murphy USA, Casey's stores and Hy-Vee in Indianola - $2.61

1634: Anne Hutchinson arrives in America. Anne Hutchinson, an Englishwoman who would become an outspoken religious thinker in the American colonies, arrives at the Massachusetts Bay Colony with her family. ... READ MORE

1793: George Washington lays the Capitol cornerstone. On Sept. 18, 1793, George Washington lays the cornerstone to the United States Capitol building, the home of the legislative branch of American government. The building would take nearly a century to complete, as architects came and went, the British set fire to it and it was called into use during the Civil War. Today, the Capitol building, with its famous cast-iron dome and important collection of American art, is part of the Capitol Complex, which includes six Congressional office buildings and three Library of Congress buildings, all developed in the 19th and 20th centuries. ... READ MORE

1973: Jimmy Carter files report on UFO sighting. Future President Jimmy Carter files a report with the International UFO Bureau on Sept. 18, 1973, claiming he had seen an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) in October 1969. ... READ MORE

www.history.com

Birthdays and notables

Happy birthday, Steve Price!

These celebrities were born on this date: Aidan Gallagher, Jackson Robert Scott, Jada Pinkett Smith, Isabel LaRosa, Nina Lu, James Marsden, Christian Pulisic, Jason Sudeikis, Ronaldo, Luke Mullen, Lukas Forchhammer, Towanda Braxton, Jinkx Monsoon, Aisha Tyler

SUBMIT: Send your local birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What do cows read the most? CATTLE-LOGS! Rex Post. Or, The Moooos paper! - Gail Tomlinson. Or, Mooo-vie reviews! - Diane Mergens.

Today's riddle: What did the bossy man do when he walked into a bar?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or West Des Moines/Jordan Creek, Waukee or Norwalk Living magazines, contact:

Martha Munro
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 314
Mobile: 515-321-5246
martha@iowalivingmagazines.com

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