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Good morning to you! 
Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026
If you have ever moved anything that needed to be tied down, you have heard these words. You have probably said them yourself, too.
 
“That’s not going anywhere.”
 
It is the official motto of people who own pickup trucks, trailers and reels of rope.
 
You know the process. You load the bed of a truck or trailer with all the stuff you are convinced you need, even though most of it probably should have been thrown out three moves ago. You wedge everything together, wrap it in rope or twine or, if you are serious about your cargo, ratchet straps. You cinch everything tight, give it a reassuring pat and announce, “That’s not going anywhere.”
 
Then you hit the highway. Suddenly, after a glance in the rearview mirror, that confidence seems severely misplaced. Here is my personal evidence.
 
Case No. 1. When moving one of our daughters to college, I packed my pickup truck tightly with a variety of her “essential” items, including a mattress and box spring. Everything appeared secure. I had done my job. The load was going nowhere. Then, shortly after getting onto Interstate 80, I made that glance in the rearview mirror just in time to see the box spring performing cartwheels down the shoulder and into the ditch. I can’t recall exactly what I said at that moment, but I’m fairly certain it wasn’t, “That’s not going anywhere.”
 
Case No 2. I was transporting one of those tall, standing propane heaters to and from storage, and it toppled off the back of my truck. Twice. By the time I was finished moving it, the heater looked like a post-race demolition derby car. Fortunately, it still worked.
 
I would have to take off my socks to count how many times Jolene and I have moved. We hired professional movers a few times, but most moves involved the two of us and whatever family members or friends we could persuade to help sort, pack, load and unload. Eventually, and in anticipation of moving three adult daughters, I invested in an enclosed trailer. This turned out to be one of my better decisions, as nothing was going to fly out of that thing. Things got a bit scrambled inside from time to time, but there were no highway cartwheels or demolition derbies.
 
My moving experiences changed how I view roadside ditches. I used to drive past discarded chairs, dressers and mattresses and assume someone had deliberately dumped them. Some people undoubtedly do. But, now, I see those items differently. I imagine a driver confidently patting a load, tightening a strap and announcing those famous words before heading down the road. Then comes the first bump. The first curve. The first glance in the rearview mirror. I cringe thinking about it.
 
So, the next time you see a mattress in an Iowa ditch, don’t be too quick to judge. It may not be litter. It may be evidence of misplaced confidence, inadequate ratchet straps and a driver who learned an important lesson the hard way. And, somewhere, that driver will likely still say the same thing when prepping the next load. “That’s not going anywhere.”
 
Let’s hope he checks the rearview mirror.
 
Have a terrific Tuesday, and thank you for reading.
Shane Goodman

President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com 

Read more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

 

FROM KCCI: Gov. Reynolds announces first gentleman diagnosed with cancer. Gov. Reynolds says her husband, first gentleman Kevin Reynolds, has been diagnosed with a recurrence of cancer after a three-year remission and is recovering from surgery to remove a brain tumor. "Our family is like many others who experience the highs and lows of navigating a cancer diagnosis over time. We have been incredibly blessed with an excellent medical team since Kevin was first diagnosed in September 2023, and we are grateful that they remain at our side as we begin this next phase of treatment. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Could Iowa be in for an extra-snowy winter season? This year’s “Super El Niño” has made weather headlines across the country, and it could lead to a warm but snowy winter for central Iowa. First, let’s talk about what El Niño is. El Niño, connected to the Southern Oscillation, refers to a weakening of the trade winds in the equatorial Pacific. In a typical year, the trade winds push warm waters in the eastern Pacific to the west. However, in an El Niño year, the trade winds weaken. This causes warm water to gather in the eastern Pacific off the coast of South America. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Des Moines pushes back discussions on expected future budget shortfall. The city of Des Moines is delaying discussions on how to address a projected budget shortfall for fiscal year 2029. Originally, the plan was to start talking about what cuts and changes to make in fiscal years 2028 and 2029 at the same time. City officials changed course because they want to see what happens at the statehouse next spring. ... READ MORE

 
 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Alberta rejects a move toward independence from Canada in a victory for Carney. Voters in Canada’s oil-rich Alberta province overwhelmingly backed remaining in Canada, with early referendum results Tuesday delivering a boost to Prime Minister Mark Carney’s push for national unity amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade war and annexation threats. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: US airman who died after rappel fall at a college football game in Texas is identified. The U.S. airman who died after a rapid fall while rappelling from the rafters of a stadium before a college football game in Texas was a 15-year service member from Georgia, according to the Air Force. U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Ian Patterson died after being taken to a hospital following Saturday’s fall at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Nellis Air Force Base said in a statement. He had been rappelling toward the ground when spectators watched him plunge to the field prior to Navy’s game against University of Texas at San Antonio. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Waterloo Police seeking public’s help on homicide investigation. Detectives with the Waterloo Police Department are asking for civilian surveillance video for a homicide investigation. Detectives are looking for security camera video from residents or businesses in central Waterloo between 9:50 p.m. and midnight on Saturday. Police are searching for “any suspicious activity or people.” Evidence can be sent to evidence@waterloopolice.com, or by calling 319-291-4340, option 3. The request comes after a shooting where a woman died over the weekend. ... READ MORE

 
 
Weather forecast
Tuesday, Oct. 20
 
Mostly sunny
High: 70
Low: 49
Rain chance: 0%
Wednesday, Oct. 21
 

Mostly sunny
High: 72
Low: 51
Rain chance: 0%

Thursday, Oct. 22
 

Mostly sunny
High: 73
Low: 53
Rain chance: 0%

 
 
Allergy alert
 
Today: 3 low-medium range
 
Top allergens:
Ragweed
 
 
 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Maternity Care or Birthing Center
1. Broadlawns Medical Center
2. UnityPoint Iowa Methodist Medical Center
3. MercyOne Des Moines Maternity & Infants’ Care
 
 
See all of the results
 
 
Tuesday Touts
 

Jay Wang's Wasabi restaurants are particularly appreciated for their meticulous design. The glass lamps in this photo (from Wasabi West Des Moines) were designed by Jay and sent to a glass blower in Seattle for completion. They resemble upside down cherry blossoms in springtime Kyoto. The mosaic was also designed by Jay. Even the saki service was personally designed in bamboo. 

When Trang Pham opened her Facebook page for November appearances, Eggroll Ladies received more than 100 requests from 55 different cities and towns in Iowa in the first 24 hours. That Facebook page has exploded from a couple hundred to more than 16,000 followers since Memorial Day, when captain Trang returned from a year's deployment in Iraq. Her social media site is a candid, personal diary that people can not read enough of.  

Oak Park and Science Center of Iowa will partner on a five-course dinner inspired by the moon, planets and stars. Science Center staff will guide diners through the cosmos, dish by dish. $175, Oct. 23.

Today's deals
• Hy-Vees offer pork tenderloin sandwiches for $4.99 Tuesdays.
 
• It's My Jam (7015 N.E. 14th St., Ankeny) has pecan and custard pies today.
 
• Price Choppers now run weekly specials Tuesday through Tuesday, meaning Tuesday is double ad day. 
 
• Crouse Cafe (115 E. Salem Ave., Indianola) features beef and noodles  specials today.
 
• High Life Lounge (200 S.W. Second St., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special tenderloin, tots and tang pie for $12.99.
 
• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) has $6 quarts of prepared soup on Mondays. rotisserie chickens on Tuesdays. 
 
• The Empire's (223 Fourth St., Des Moines) Tuesday special is chicken fried steak with mashed potatoes for $10.
 
• Flamingo Lounge (3089 North Ave., Norwalk) has half-priced flatbreads on Tuesdays.
 
• Tuesday is $5 chats day at Desi Bites (3820 100th St., Urbandale).
 
• Rotel fiesta pasta is today's special at Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni). 
 
• Talk Shop Lounge (3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles) has a deal Mondays on fried beef tacos, $3.
 
• The False Nine Social Club (206 Fifth St., Valley Junction) offers half-priced appetizers on Tuesdays.
 
• Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar (150 S. Jordan Creek Parkway, West Des Moines) celebrates Tomahawk Tuesday with a choice of 35-ounce prime tomahawk or 34-ounce prime porterhouse, two salads, two sides and two desserts. $162.
 
• Waveland Cafe (4708 University Ave., Des Moines) offers rodeo burger specials today.
 
• B&B Grocery, Meat and Deli (2001 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special Killer's grinder with fries and soda $11.95.
 
• Striking Sparrow (1930 S.E. Sixth St.) has a $12 double smash with fries and soda every Tuesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
• All pizzas are half priced at Maggie's Rumble Room (1432 Second Ave., Des Moines) 5-9 p.m. on Tuesdays.
 
• It's steak night at Grand Junction (1970 Grand Ave., West Des Moines). Steak, salad and potato $13.99. 
 
• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University, West Des Moines) offers fried chicken dinner special on Tuesdays, $17-23, plus half-priced whiskey pours.

 
• Mullet’s Norwalk offers a free kids meal per adult meal on Tuesdays 4 p.m. to close.
 
• Mickey's Irish Pub (50 S.E. Laurel St., Waukee) has a special $10 half-pound burger with a side all day Tuesday. 
 
• Kelly's Little Nipper (1701 E. Grand Ave., Des Moines) offers a "Tendy's Tuesday" pork tenderloin basket with a drink for $11.50.
 
• The Station on Ingersoll (3124 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special pork tenderloin with a side for $10.
 
• Eastside Eddie's (3517 E. 26th St., Des Moines) has a Tuesday special cheeseburger with fries, tots or salad and a drink for $10.
 
• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) offers $7 breakfasts and $8 burgers Tuesdays.
 
• Pelican Post (265 50th St., West Des Moines) offers a special smashburger with cheese, fries and a draft beer for $12 on Tuesdays.
 
• Johnny's Italian Steakhouses have a beef stroganoff special on Tuesdays, $14 including beverage.
 
• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) hosts 222 BBQ today from 5-9 p.m.
 
• Baklava is half priced Tuesdays at Istanbul Cafe and Bakery (3281 100th, Urbandale). 
 
• Red Robin stores are featuring a $10 cheeseburger with an "endless side" on Tuesdays.
 
• Jethro's Tuesday special is 2 pounds of bone-in smoked wings for the price of one. 
 
• Kids meals are half price till 2 p.m. today at Machine Shed (11151 Hickman Road, Urbandale).  
 
• Taco Tuesday brings serious discounts to La Familia (1610 Sixth Ave., Des Moines), Tropicana (2743 86th St., Urbandale), Rancho Escondido (1106 Army Post Road), all Taco John's, all Abelardo's, Pancho Villa's (Madrid), all Fernando’s, Baja Cocina (1938 S.E. Sixth, Des Moines), Malo (900 Mulberry St., Des Moines), Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines), Club 2000 (422 Indianola Road, Des Moines), The Continental (407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines), Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines), Paula's (Elm Street at Sixth, Valley Junction) and both Faustino's. 

 
• Most Hy-Vees offer $6 two entrees Chinese deli meals on Tuesdays. 
 

 
• Today is beef and noodles day at Maxie's Supper Club (1311 Grand Ave., West Des Moines).

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
 
Exclusively in Ankeny Living magazine at www.iowalivingmagazines.com.
 

A pint with a purpose
Local blood donors roll up their sleeves to help save lives.

By Ashley Rullestad

A single blood donation takes only a short amount of time, but its impact can last much longer. Across generations, families and individuals continue to donate blood because they know their contribution could help someone they may never meet. It could even save a life. For some local donors, that simple act has become a lasting commitment to helping others.

Family donors
Abby Thiele started donating blood in high school after growing up with a parent who was a regular donor. Every time she donates, she posts a picture and status on her Facebook profile encouraging her friends to consider donating.

“From my posts, I’ve gotten a couple of friends to donate in their local area, a friend to sign up and donate with me, and a friend to come along and watch my donation to get more comfortable with the idea of donating before signing up,” she said. ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$599,900
679 S.E. 15th St.
Grimes, IA 50111
 
Proposed construction offering approximately 2,200 square feet, an extra-deep garage, covered patio and a backyard setting overlooking a gorgeous pond. The thoughtfully designed two-story floor plan combines an open-concept kitchen, dining and living area with large windows designed to capture the view and fill the home with natural light. ...
 
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
6920 S.W. NINTH ST., DES MOINES
DATE: 2026-05-12
SALE PRICE: $732,500
SELLER: STIDHAM FAMILY TRUST
BUYER: A&O LLC
ACRES: 0.546
SQUARE FEET: 8,064
 
More transactions
 
 
Sports headlines
FROM ESPN: Rays clinch ALCS with Game 6 win, to face Brewers in World Series. Junior Caminero, the Tampa Bay Rays' 23-year-old superstar third baseman, ordinarily projects unmistakable confidence with an unadulterated swagger, but he wasn't quite himself before his team's 7-3 win in Game 6 of the American League Championship Series on Monday night. With the Rays one victory away from the World Series, he wasn't producing to his lofty expectations against the Cleveland Guardians and was noticeably dejected. ... READ MORE
 
FROM CBS SPORTS: San Francisco almost blows 23-3 lead, but holds off Washington rally. It took two late stands, but the San Francisco 49ers moved to 6-0, holding on for a 23-17 win over the Washington Commanders. The result is overshadowed by Mike Evans leaving early after his Achilles tendinitis flared up again, but it's a win nonetheless. San Francisco led 20-3 at halftime and, save for Evans walking off slowly in clear pain, was on its way to a worry-free win. But looks can be deceiving. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Angel Reese lifts Dream to first WNBA Finals win vs. Valkyries with historic breakout performance in Game 2. The sight, while more familiar this past month, is still an odd one. Angel Reese pulling up from the perimeter, her shot smoother by the game, an arc that drains through the net rather than short of it. The Atlanta Dream have yet to lose when the third-year forward hits a 3-pointer, so when she took advantage of the space Kiah Stokes rarely allowed her, it served as the dagger, even if four minutes remained in the game. ... READ MORE
 

1803: U.S. Senate ratifies the Louisiana Purchase. On Oct. 20, 1803, the U.S. Senate approves a treaty with France providing for the purchase of the territory of Louisiana, which would double the size of the United States. … READ MORE

1962: “Monster Mash” hits No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. On Oct. 20, 1962, the quirky and spooky song “Monster Mash” hits No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, just in time for Halloween. The self-described “graveyard smash” becomes a literal smash hit, spending the last two weeks of October at the top of the charts—and remaining a beloved Halloween classic decades later. … READ MORE

1973: Sydney Opera House opens. After 15 years of construction, the Sydney Opera House is dedicated by Queen Elizabeth II on Oct. 20, 1973. The $80 million structure, designed by Danish architect Jørn Utzon and funded by the profits of the Opera House Lotteries, was built on Bennelong Point, in Sydney, Australia.  … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Birthdays and notables
 
These celebrities were born on this date: Viggo Mortensen, Snoop Dogg, William Zabka, John Krasinski, Jennifer Freeman, Jim “Soni” Sonefeld, Jon Natchezaaa
 
Historical birthdays
Jomo Kenyatta (1891/1893): An anti-colonial activist and politician who led Kenya as its first Prime Minister and subsequently its first President.
 
1882: Béla Ferenc Dezső Blaskó, better known by his stage name Béla Lugosi was a Hungarian–American actor. He is best remembered for portraying Count Dracula in the horror film classic Dracula, Ygor in both Son of Frankenstein and Ghost of Frankenstein and his roles in many other horror films from 1931 through 1956.
 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What musical instrument is found in the bathroom?  Tuba toothpaste. - Wendy Den Adel, Gail Tomlinson. Or, A tub-a. - Joan Ski. Or, A horn — because it "toots"! - Carolyn Rogers.

Today's riddle: Why can't I keep my pet dolphin in the bathtub?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com BY NOON to be sure your answer gets included!

 

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella, CITYVIEW, SENIORVIEW, HOMEVIEW, Explore DM or Relish DM, contact:

Mary Fowler
Account Executive
515-953-4822 x311
c: 641-485-0555
mary@dmcityview.com

 

 

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