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Good morning to you! 
Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026

Welcome to an extra 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.

“You can add ‘We Didn't Start the Fire,’ but you are sure fanning the flames with this topic, Shane (Greatest rock anthems, Oct. 14, 2026)!” - Brad

Billy Joel certainly didn’t give us an easy one to sing along to, but it’s still a great song. - Shane

“Hi, Shane! I knew all of the old songs you talked about today and have some on my playlist (Greatest rock anthems, Oct. 14, 2026). One of my favorite songs is ‘Don't Stop Believin’’ by Journey. It has also been my phone ringtone for a long time because I love the beginning piano music.” - Donna

That 1981 song has certainly had a resurgence in recent years, thanks in large part to “The Sopranos.” Many people like you love the song. Others have had enough. But, as Tony Soprano reminds us, “Even a broken clock is right twice a day.” - Shane

“Hi, Shane. ‘Imagine’ by John Lennon is certainly an anthem, though I'm not reaching for an air guitar when I (infrequently) hear it these days (Greatest rock anthems, Oct. 14, 2026). It meets most of the other criteria mentioned. ‘Once They Banned Imagine’ by the Drive By Truckers for a much smaller group (not popular), but still a song with attitudes, emotion and a spirit for the times we are living in. Either would make me turn up the radio though.” - Mark

I like those songs, too, and I am glad they inspire you to crank up the volume knob. I prefer my head-banging music to be sans politics, though, as a bit of reprieve to all the political TV ads we are currently bombarded with. - Shane

“Hi, Shane. I enjoy reading the Daily Umbrella each day. Thank you for publishing it. You and crew do fine work. I have a request for one of your commentaries. I don't know how many times I have been to a concert and there are groups of people sitting around me who won't stop talking through the whole show. My question is, why go to a concert and spend $30-$150 for a ticket and then not listen to the performer? I find it annoying, rude and a waste of money. If you want to have a drink and talk, stay home or go to a bar that doesn’t have live music. Maybe you've written about this before, and I just don't remember. But, if not, I think it would be a service to humanity to call these people out.” - Russ

I share your frustration, Russ. Unfortunately, some people truly prefer the sound of their own voice over anything else. - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks 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: Motorcyclist critically injured in crash with vehicle on East University. A motorcyclist was critically injured in a crash with a vehicle Wednesday night on East University Avenue in Des Moines. Des Moines police and fire crews responded just before 8:30 p.m. near East 25th Street and East University Avenue. The motorcyclist was taken to an area hospital. A preliminary investigation indicates the motorcyclist was traveling west on East University Avenue when they collided with a vehicle in traffic. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Iowa DNR investigating two separate manure spills. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is investigating after thousands of gallons of manure were spilled in Davis County, and several hundred gallons were spilled in Crawford County. According to the DNR, at around 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, staff were notified of an overturned semi that was hauling manure outside Lake Wapello State Park on Eagle Boulevard in Davis County. Roughly 6,000 to 6,500 gallons of manure spilled into a ditch near the park’s entrance. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: West Des Moines, Windsor Heights approve e-bike, scooter regulations. West Des Moines and Windsor Heights have joined the growing number of metro communities placing regulations on the use of motorized devices. On Monday, the two communities passed ordinances during their city council meetings that outlined the use of devices with motors on sidewalks, trails and streets — especially concerning e-bikes and scooters. ... READ MORE

 
 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Iran says 7 oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz as fears grow of a return to war. Seven oil tankers caught fire or were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz overnight after being hit by Iran or striking naval mines, Tehran said Thursday, a markedly high number as tensions rise over concerns about a return to all-out war. With days before a close election in Israel in which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could lose power, and before next month’s U.S. midterm election in which war-linked high prices have sparked voter anger, there are concerns that U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran could resume. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Meta ordered to pay New Mexico $25 billion for deceiving users about privacy on Facebook. A judge on Wednesday ordered Meta to pay New Mexico $25 billion after a jury found the company liable for deceiving users about privacy on Facebook, marking the biggest fine ever against the tech giant. Facebook’s conduct was intentional and executives consistently misled users about how the platform worked, state District Court Judge Francis J. Mathew wrote in his ruling. “Facebook promised users that they (the users) controlled their data. This was false,” he said. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: State can override Linn County’s rejection of Alliant power plant. Linn County supervisors unanimously voted against a rezoning request for a proposed Alliant Energy power in Linn County, but state law does not require the agency with final approval authority to follow the county’s decision. The county’s denial does not end the project. Linn County will send its reasons for denying the rezoning to the Iowa Utilities Commission, the state agency with final authority over the application. ... READ MORE

 
 
Weather forecast
Thursday, Oct. 22
 
Mostly sunny
High: 78
Low: 53
Rain chance: 0%
Friday, Oct. 23
 

Warm and breezy
High: 77
Low: 58
Rain chance: 0%

Saturday, Oct. 24
 

Breezy, cool off ahead
High: 77
Low: 57
Rain chance: 20%

 
 
Allergy alert
 
Today: 3 low-medium range
 
Top allergens:
Ragweed
 
 

"Coop: the Story of an Amish Conscientious Objector," written by Mary Swander, starring Rip Russell. Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. Des Moines Intentional Eucharistic Community. 3306 University Ave. Des Moines. Free. Donations accepted.
“Riveting. Inventive. Coop is a play in the best sense of the word, an artful mix of both seriousness and fun.” 
— Cheryl Allen, The News, Kalona, Sept. 11, 2025  

Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). "The Addams Family School Edition." Oct. 23-Nov. 1. 

Michael Howland’s Broadway Cabaret – “Sondheim Tricks and Treats” Announcing an amazing cast for Sondheim Tricks andTreats! Don’t miss this wonderful tribute to composer Stephen Sondheim! 12 amazing guest artists. Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m.

Ballet Des Moines. "GHOST STORIES,” Oct. 23-24, 7 p.m.
Hoyt Sherman Place. Featuring the world premiere “Nevermore” inspired by Edgar Allan Poe from BDM Resident Choreographer Tom Mattingly; “Ghost Ballads” by Adriana Pierce; eerie excerpts from “Giselle”; plus a “Thriller” of an appearance.

Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct. 27. 

“A Moment in Time: Portraits of the Meskwaki at the Turn of the 21st Century”
Stewart Gallery at the Grinnell Arts Center, 926 Broad St., Grinnell. Exhibit on display through Nov. 7. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; 10 a.m. to noon Saturday. This collection of historic Meskwaki Nation portraits by Mount Vernon photographer Bob Campagna are on display outside the nation’s museum for the first time since they were taken in 1999. The exhibit, a partnership among the photographer, the Meskwaki Historic Preservation Department and the Grinnell Area Arts Council, will travel to other locations around Iowa in 2026 and 2027.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Place to Get a Massage
1. Nova MedSpa
2. Massages by Andrea
3. East Village Spa
 
 
See all of the results
 
 

Shiny new things
Kura, a conveyor-belt sushi chain out of the culinary wonder town Osaka, will open their first Iowa location today in Jordan Creek Town Center. These guys are internationally loved and best known for their low prices. 

Delta Airlines, already the nation's most popular airline with business travelers, upgraded their premium cabin section with fine wines and wagyu burgers. United Airlines' CEO called for a wealth tax and a 99% tax on inheritances. That would surely coax wealthy older Americans to buy more airline tickets rather than save their money for the government instead of their heirs. 

Shake Shack, Danny Meyer's much-loved burger chain, is finally coming to Iowa, but not Des Moines. Ameristar Casino in Council Bluffs landed a coveted outlet for their relaunch. Their 135,000-square-foot, two-story casino includes 58,000 square feet of gaming space with 1,000 slot machines and 25 live table games, built for an estimated $180-$200 million.

Deals today
• Saffron (8769 Northpark Drive, Johnston) offers Andhra chicken curry with rice and pooris for $10 on Thursdays. 
 
• It's My Jam (7015 N.E. 14th St., Ankeny) has specials today on blueberry and coconut cream pies and potato soup today.
 
• Pelican Post (265 50th, West Des Moines) has meatball sub baskets on special today, $12.
 
• Crouse Cafe (115 East Salem, Indianola) has ham balls on special today.
 
• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University Ave., West Des Moines) offers pasta and meatball dinner specials for $22 Thursdays.
 
• High Life Lounge (200 Second St., Des Moines) has a Thursday special spaghetti and meat balls for $10.99.
 
• The Empire's (223 Fourth St., Des Moines) Thursday special is baked spaghetti for $10.
 
• Thursday is $10 kebabs and wings day at Desi Bites (3828 100th St., Urbandale). 
  
• Cowboy (1234 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines) has ribs on special today, $2.99/per rib.
 
• The Waveland (4708 University Ave., Des Moines) has nachos on special today.
 
• B&B (S.E. Sixth and Hartford, Des Moines) has a Thursday special Killer's double hot Polish with fries and a soda for $12.95.
 
• Thursdays are triple decker Reuben day at Graziano Brothers (1601 S. Union St., Des Moines).
   
• Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni) is offering cowboy casserole specials today.
 
•  AJ's (Prairie Meadows) has an early bird menu on Wednesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m. Half pound burgers with frites, $15; pasta and chicken dinners, $20-22; seafood and steak dinners, $27-30. Prime rib dinners for $30 all night.

• Istanbul Grill Cafe & Bakery (3281 100th St., Urbandale) has a Thursday special of $11.99 for a döner wrap with fries as well as $5 off döner plate which comes with Turkish salad and your choice of rice or bulgur. 
 
•  Turkey club melt on garlic focaccia with fries for $12.99 are a Thursday special at Club 2000. 
 
• Maxie's (1311 Grand Ave., West Des Moines) Thursday special for $20.95 is half a fried chicken with potato, side of spaghetti, and a salad. Lunch and dinner.
 
• 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.
  
• 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.

• Steak Nights: 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 $12 ribeye sandwich special on Thursdays. Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines) offers ribeyes and sirloins only on Thursdays after 5 p.m.
 
•  Mullets has a Thursday pizza special - buy one large specialty pizza and get a free 14 inch 2 topping pizza
 
• The Continental (407 E. Fifth St., Des Moines) has $7 loaded fries on Thursdays.
 
• Buffalo Wild Wings offers two orders for the price of one Thursdays on orders of six, 10 and 15 boneless wings.
 
• Price Choppers have sales through Tuesday on chicken legs at $$1.49/pound, raspberries at $2.50/basket and russet potatoes at $2.99/10-pound bag.

• Aldi stores have sales through Tuesday on raspberries at $1.49,6-ounce basket, St. Louis ribs at $2.49/pound and caramel apples at $2.99/three-pack.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running sales through Tuesday on red grapes at $.99/pound, sweet onions at $.99/pound and Bartlett pears at $.99/pound.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

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

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

By Joe Baumgarten

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.

Mulder shares her story as a long-time donor.

Taera Mulder has been rolling up her sleeve for nearly two decades. She would like you to join her. Mulder didn’t set out to become a long-time blood donor. She was in high school in George, Iowa, when a blood drive came to her small hometown. It was a chance to get out of class and help somebody. Then she learned she was O negative, the universal donor type, and it became something more.

O negative donors are among the most needed, and Mulder kept giving through college. She paused while she was pregnant and nursing, then started again when she returned to Des Moines to study to be a physician’s assistant. After graduation, she moved away for a while and gave in other states before settling back in the area in 2020. Through LifeServe alone, she has given five gallons. Add the donations from her years in other states, and the total is higher.

Mulder is a physician’s assistant in nephrology, caring for dialysis patients whose kidney disease can leave their hemoglobin dangerously low. Every so often, she must order blood for a patient. ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$299,000
215 E. Ninth St.
Madrid, IA 50156
 
The best way to describe this property? Opportunity. Three apartments and a connected upper-level studio make this property anything but ordinary. Whether you're looking for rental income, a place to call home, or a little of both, there are plenty of ways to make it work. You'll understand why once you step inside. ...
 
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
1915 S.E. 41ST ST., GRIMES
DATE: 2026-05-13
SALE PRICE: $1,350,000
SELLER: LCG PROPERTIES LLC
BUYER: GRIMES THREE LLC
ACRES: 1.003
SQUARE FEET: 10,500
 
More transactions
 
 
Sports headlines
FROM ESPN: Angel Reese keeps Dream rolling with Game 3 win over Valkyries in WNBA Finals. Angel Reese continued to bark at anyone in her vicinity -- the opponent, her teammates, even the officials -- during Wednesday night's Game 3 of the WNBA Finals. At one point, she even took a moment to celebrate with six-time All-Star Alyssa Thomas, who was sitting courtside. Reese explained her mentality in simple terms after leading the Dream to a 97-71 win over the Golden State Valkyries that put Atlanta two wins away from its first WNBA championship. ... READ MORE
 
FROM CBS SPORTS: Big Ten midseason grades: UCLA aces first half, while Penn State has failed every test. Halfway through the 2026 college football season, the Big Ten has produced its share of surprises. UCLA and Northwestern are vying for spots in Indianapolis while Oregon and Penn State are just trying to get their seasons back on track. Let's talk about those Bruins. They've aced every single test they've faced in Year 1 under Bob Chesney. A road trip to Eugene? Win. Hosting Wisconsin with backup Ty Dieffenbach starting in place of the injured Nico Iamaleava? Win. The defense has taken immense strides, setting UCLA up to do real damage down the stretch. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Anthony Edwards' historic performance ruins Giannis Antetokounmpo's Miami debut as Timberwolves blow out Heat. The Giannis Antetokounmpo era with the Miami Heat has begun with a loss. In his first game with his new team after being traded from the Bucks in the offseason, Antetokounmpo and the Heat opened the season with a 131-106 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Miami's problem in the loss wasn't its new forward. He finished with a team-high 35 points, six rebounds and an assist. ... READ MORE
 
Weekly fuel report
 

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 7 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $4.13 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are up $1.45 from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $4.26, down 7 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 10 cents this week with a statewide average of $6.17. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.41 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 15 cents lower than the national average of $6.32.

The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $3.07 for U87-E10, $3.59 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $5.11 for ULSD#2, $5.42 for ULSD#1, and $2.58 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Natural gas prices were down 36 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.83 MMbtu.

Propane prices averaged $1.71 per gallon in Iowa. Last year the price averaged $1.52 per gallon for propane.

Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $5.79 per gallon. The price for heating oil last year averaged $2.96 per gallon.

Cheapest gas in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com
Kwik Star in Des Moines (4105 Hubbell Ave) - $3.79
QuikTrips in Des Moines (2428 Hubbell Ave., 3700 Hubbell Ave. and 1424 E. Euclid Ave.) - $3.79

 

1962: JFK’s address on Cuban Missile Crisis shocks the nation. In a televised speech of extraordinary gravity, President John F. Kennedy announces on Oct. 22, 1962 that U.S. spy planes have discovered Soviet missile bases in Cuba. These missile sites—under construction but nearing completion—housed medium-range missiles capable of striking a number of major cities in the United States, including Washington, D.C.  … READ MORE

1965: President Lyndon Johnson signs the Highway Beautification Act. On Oct. 22, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Highway Beautification Act, which attempts to limit billboards and other forms of outdoor advertising, as well as junkyards and other unsightly roadside messes, along America’s interstate highways. … READ MORE

1965: 173rd Airborne trooper dives onto live grenade, saving comrades. In action on this day near Phu Cuong, about 35 miles northwest of Saigon, PFC Milton Lee Olive III of Company B, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry, throws himself on an enemy grenade and saves four soldiers, including his platoon leader, 1st Lt. James Sanford. … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Birthdays and notables
 
Happy birthday, David Jordan!
 
These celebrities were born on this date: Jeff Goldblum, Bob Odenkirk, Shaggy, Christopher Lloyd, Spike Jonze, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Brian Boitano, Catherine Deneuve, Bobby Seale, Bill Condon, Carmen Ejogo, Corey Hawkins, Kyle Gallner, Saffron Burrows, Carlos Mencia, Ichiro Suzuki, Jonathan Lipnicki, Sofia Vassilieva
 
Historical birthdays
1734: Daniel Boone was an American pioneer and frontiersman whose adventures made him one of the first folk heroes of the United States. He became famous for his exploration and settlement of Kentucky, which was then beyond the western borders of the Thirteen Colonies.
 
1811: Franz Liszt. The virtuosic Hungarian composer, conductor, and teacher who was widely considered one of the greatest pianists of all time and a pillar of the Romantic Movement.
 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: Who hides in the bathroom at parties? Party poopers! - Wendy DenAdel, Gail Tomlinson. Or, The timid cat! - Irving Stone.

Today's riddle: Why did the burglar steal a bath?

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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