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Friday, Jan. 16, 2026
Good morning to you! 

Welcome to the Friday 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. I haven't had a land line phone for years, so I'm no longer aware if there are charges for long distance calls. Like many people, I just have my cell phone. Despite moving several time in the southeast U.S., my oldest daughter and her family retain/request 515 area codes. Likewise, other relatives in Wyoming and Colorado retained their 201 area codes. Back to the point, I don't pay a specific long distance charge with my cell phone. Do you still have land lines (maybe just in your offices), and do you have an individual or a monthly charge for long distance?” - John

I do the same as you at home, but our office has a traditional business phone system, and we do pay long distance charges. - Shane

“Shane, some thoughts on the joy of Christmas being over. (Taking down the tree, Jan. 5, 2026). I won't have to listen to Christmas song lyrics changed for a commercial. I won't have to see the guy and girl in the snow. (He got her a dog/she got him a pickup.) I won't have to watch anybody who is a celebrity have a Christmas special. Now, let's get back to ‘the more you buy, the more you save.’ And drug commercials for all my current and future ailments. And I'm going to need a new shower, gutter, windows, roof and truck that I can buy with 0.9% interest over 72 months. Oh, I'll need a new phone plan, too!” - James

Or, you could turn off the TV. - Shane

“I'll go to the game with you, Shane, as long as it's in my living room (Super Bowl celebrations, Jan. 6, 2026).” - Brad

Hmmm. Will there be buffalo chicken dip? - Shane

“When my oldest grandson graduated from high school in a large class in a very warm arena, being as his last name began with Van, we waited uncomfortably for his name to be called as he sat in the last row (I’ve got a name, Jan. 13, 2026). Realistically, had his last name been Aaron, we'd have been sitting there anyway. I turned to my daughter in front of her husband and said, ‘You couldn't marry a guy with a last name that started in the beginning of the alphabet?’ ” - John

Ansel Adams had it made. - Shane

“Made me think of Johnson (I’ve got a name, Jan. 13, 2026). ‘Ohhhh, you doesn't have to call me Johnson. My name is Raymond J. Johnson Jr. Now, you can call me Ray, or you can call me Jay, or you can call me Johnny, or you can call me Sonny, or you can call me Junie, or you can call me Ray Jay, or you can call me R.J. Or you can call me R.J.J. Or you can call me R.J.J. Jr. But you doesn't have to call me Johnson.’ ” - Ian

Now, that is a classic. - Shane

Have a fantastic Friday, and thanks for reading.

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

Read more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

 
News headlines

FROM KCCI: Iowa dairy farmers could see boost from new whole milk law. Iowa's public schools can serve whole or 2% milk to students for the first time in over a decade. It comes as President Donald Trump signed the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act on Wednesday. It removes Obama-era restrictions requiring any milk served by schools participating in the National School Lunch Program to be low-fat or fat-free. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Longtime federal prosecutor weighs in on Ian Roberts upcoming change of plea. Former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts will return to federal court next week. Roberts was arrested by immigration agents in September following a traffic stop and pursuit in Des Moines. He is now charged with two federal counts, including gun possession as an illegal immigrant and making a false statement for employment. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Former Perry coffee shop manager arrested, accused of embezzling over $18,000. A former Scooter's Coffee manager has been arrested after allegedly embezzling more than $18,000 from the Perry store. The criminal complaint states during a six-month period, 53-year-old Jennifer Jacobson of Rippey worked as a manager at Scooter's Coffee in Perry, located at 414 1st Ave. From June 2025 to November 2025, Jacobson reportedly embezzled approximately $18,400 from the business, which was recorded through cash audits and surveillance cameras. ... READ MORE

 
 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: European troops arrive in Greenland as talks with US highlight ‘disagreement’ over island’s future. Troops from several European countries continued to arrive in Greenland on Thursday in a show of support for Denmark as talks among representatives of Denmark, Greenland and the U.S. highlighted “fundamental disagreement” over the future of the Arctic island. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: Trump threatens to use the Insurrection Act to end protests in Minneapolis. President Donald Trump on Thursday threatened to invoke an 1807 law and deploy troops to quell persistent protests against the federal officers sent to Minneapolis to enforce his administration’s massive immigration crackdown. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Iowa Attorney General rules officers were justified in fatal shooting in Black Hawk County. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office says the officers who shot and killed a man in a pursuit were justified in their actions. The shooting happened on Nov. 16, 2025. Officers with the Grundy County Sheriff’s Department, Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and Iowa State Patrol pursued 47-year-old Benjamin Sink, of Waterloo. ... READ MORE

 

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Snow showers and flurries through this evening, with maybe a half inch of accumulation total. More northeast of Des Moines. A break most of Saturday, then the same situation Sunday into Monday morning with maybe a half inch of accumulation. It will be pretty breezy today, Saturday and probably Monday again as cold air settles in.

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

 
 
The 2025 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Daycare
 
1. Generation Next Child Development Center and Preschool
 
2. Cadence Academy Preschool
 
3. Mundo Pequeño Childcare
 
See all of the results
 

Only 10% of Americans eat the recommended amount of seafood. Daily Umbrella resolved to tease you to join the 10% with fabulous local seafood dishes. This week's choice is Prime & Providence's lobster ravioli.

Weekend deals 
• Hy-Vees offer $5 fish and chips Fridays, $14 ribs Saturdays and eight-piece chicken buckets for $10 on Sundays.

• Machine Shed (11151 Hickman, Urbandale) offers smoked prime rib on Saturday only. Whatcha Smokin? (Luther) offers smoked Dino beef ribs on Saturday only. 

• Lasagna is today's special at Crouse Cafe (115 E. Salem, Indianola). Sundays, pan fried chicken is on special.

• Saturday is wine sampling day at Graziano Brothers.

• ShortE's BBQ (8805 Chambery Blvd., Johnston) offers  "kids eat free" deals on Friday and Saturday. They have a Friday special pulled pork sandwich, fries and fountain drink for $12.

• Amruth (9974 Swanson Blvd., Clive) has 20 dishes on their new Saturday and Sunday buffet, noon to 4 p.m. Of course, there will be dosas.

• Waterfront stores' Saturday special includes cocktail shrimp or raw oysters on the half shell for half price until 4 p.m.

• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University, West Des Moines) offers Surf & Turf specials Fridays and $33 prime rib dinners Saturdays.


• Gilroy's (1238 Eighth St., West Des Moines) does Saturday and Sunday brunch buffets for $24.99 for adults. Kids 6 and younger eat free.

• Rube's steakhouses offer a prime sirloin special on Sundays only, $29.

• Beaver Tap (4050 Urbandale Ave., Des Moines) offers $9 Philly cheesesteaks or hot honey chicken plus $8 biscuit and gravy breakfasts on Fridays.

• Smoking Goat Pub (3015 Merle Hay Road, Des Moines) offers walleye or steak dinner specials tonight and karaoke after 9 p.m. They have a 10 for $10 wings deal on Sundays. 

•  Jethro's Sunday special is burger baskets with fries for $9.95. Fridays they have open-faced turkey sandwiches with mashed potatoes and gravy for $12. 

• G Mig's has Friday prime rib dinners with baked potatoes and asparagus for $32 or salmon orzo pasta with spinach, artichokes, roasted peppers and capers with a red wine reduction drizzle for $28. Saturday's special is chicken breast in red pepper cream sauce with chipotle mashed potatoes for $18.50.

• Heavenly Asian (225 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has an all-day Friday sale on orange chicken served with soup, crab Rangoon, egg roll and rice, $14, available for dine-in and phone carry-out.

• Destination Grille (2491 E. First St., Grimes) has a $40 prime rib dinner special Friday and Saturday. 

• Court Avenue Brewing Company (309 Court Ave., Des Moines) hosts Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffets for $23.99.

• Aldi stores haves sales through Tuesday on mandarins at $2.69/3-pound bag, mangos at 75 cents and short ribs at $7.29/pound.

• Fareways have specials through Saturday on pork ribeyes at $1.25/5-ounce steak, mandarins at $3.99/3-pound bag and  80/20 burger at $5.99/pound.

• Whole Foods (4100 University Ave., West Des Moines) offers $1 oysters on Fridays with good selection and free shucking. 

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running a sale through Sunday on top sirloin at $7.29/pound and snow crab clusters at 10.99/pound and through Tuesday on bone-in ribeyes at $14.99/pound. 

• Price Chopper stores have sales through Monday on cherries at $2.99/pound, chicken wings at $2.50/pound and frozen pollock or swai filets at $3.49/pound.

Music
JB Williams plays Kelly's Little Nipper at 7 Friday... El Toreado Mexican Bar & Grill on EP True has live music from The Juan and Only on Friday from 6 p.m... The Memphis Flash: The Acoustic Roots Of Elvis Presley plays Ingersoll Dinner Theater at 5:30 p.m. Friday and a noon show there Saturday… Jordan Beem plays Cabaret Sports Bar & Grille, Ankeny, at 8 p.m. Friday... Willie Shay plays Simon’s at 7 p.m. Friday... CarsonParker / Mathuin Smith Duo plays Louie’s Wine Dive at 5 p.m. Sunday... Black Diamond Loons play Mickey's Irish Pub, Waukee, at 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
Featured in the current issue of CITYVIEW
 

FEATURE STORY
Winter Arts & Entertainment Guide

By Cyote Williams

Each winter, the desire to shut the doors, close the blinds and stay hunkered down while the wind, snow and cold weather creep in grows stronger. We would say we don’t blame you, but we do.

When winter comes, instead of staying under the blanket with a warm cup of cocoa, we get to work finding many of the best places, events and performances happening in the colder months. After all, award-winning artists are showcasing their creations consistently throughout the season. Broadway shows are showing at the Des Moines Performing Arts Center. World-class athletes are putting their skills on display on the ice and on the hardwood. Musical performances are bringing wonderful sounds to the strong variety of musical venues the city has to offer. If that wasn’t enough for you, we have a catch-all events section full of reasons to get out of the house and into the city. ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$2,200,000
5710 Chestnut Lane
West Des Moines, IA 50266
 
One of the most iconic homes in the private gated Glen Oaks golf community. This contemporary two-story home, built by prominent builder Steve Dallenbach, has 6,691 square feet finished, 4 bedrooms, 5 baths, and a private 16’x41’ heated in-ground pool installed in 2014 and an oversized heated 3+car 1,152 square foot garage with built in cabinets and a back garage door with access to the back yard. …
  
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
6136 S.E. 14TH ST., DES MOINES
SALE DATE: 2025-08-14
SALE PRICE: $1,100,000
SELLER: PARADISE CAC LLC
BUYER: ROGUE EQUITIES LLC
ACRES: 0.631
SQUARE FEET: 3,384
 
More transactions
 
Sports headlines
FROM ESPN: Many college players among dozens charged in point-shaving plot. A college basketball point-shaving scheme involving more than 39 players on 17 NCAA Division I teams resulted in dozens of games in the previous two seasons being fixed by a gambling ring that included a former NBA player, according to a federal indictment unsealed Thursday in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. ... READ MORE
 
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Sam Darnold lands on Seahawks injury report ahead of playoff clash vs. 49ers. The Seahawks were the class of the NFC this regular season, thanks in large part to quarterback Sam Darnold’s second straight Pro Bowl-caliber campaign — but they may have to cope with a limited quarterback in the NFC divisional round Saturday. Darnold is questionable for Seattle’s playoff game against the division rival 49ers with an oblique injury, the Seahawks announced Thursday afternoon. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Josh Lowe traded from Rays to Angels in 3-team deal with Reds involving Gavin Lux, Brock Burke. The Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds and Los Angeles Angels completed a three-team trade Thursday, as reported by ESPN's Jeff Passan. Outfielder Josh Lowe went from the Rays to the Angels, infielder Gavin Lux and minor-league pitcher Chris Clark are going to Tampa Bay, and left-handed reliever Brock Burke is going from the Angels to the Reds in the deal. ... READ MORE
 

1919: Prohibition is ratified by the states. The 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, prohibiting the “manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes,” is ratified by the requisite number of states on Jan. 16, 1919. … READ MORE

1945: Hitler descends into his bunker. Adolf Hitler takes to his underground bunker, where he remains for 105 days until he died by suicide. … READ MORE

1991: The Persian Gulf War begins. At midnight in Iraq, the United Nations deadline for the Iraqi withdrawal from Kuwait expires, and the Pentagon prepares to commence offensive operations to forcibly eject Iraq from its five-month occupation of its oil-rich neighbor. … READ MORE

www.history.com

 

 
Birthdays and notables
 

Happy birthday, Diamond Danny Juffer!

These celebrities were born on this date: A.J. Foyt, David Chokachi, Debbie Allen, Joe Flacco, John Carpenter, Jonathan Mangum, Josie Davis, Kate Moss, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Nick Valensi, Renee Felice Smith, Richard T. Jones, Ronnie Milsap, Sade

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

 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: Why did the woman wake up with a puzzled look on her face? SHE FELL ASLEEP ON HER CROSSWORD PUZZLE! - Gail Tomlinson, Rex Post. Or, She was trying to put the pieces together. - Brent Hoover. Other answers: Irving Stone.

Today's riddle: Why do dragons often sleep during the day?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or CITYVIEW magazine, contact:

Aaron Burns
Advertising Sales Manager
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 330
Mobile: 712-310-3860
aaron@dmcityview.com

 

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