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Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026
Good morning to you! 

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.

“Ian has been reported to former Napster attorneys (Dubbing, Feb. 16, 2026).” - Brian

As he should. - Shane

“I, too, did dubbing, but I used an Awai reel to reel recorder off the radio (Dubbing, Feb. 16, 2026). Many of my recordings began or ended with DJ announcements, predominately with the voices of Dan Ingram and Cousin Brucie. I recently played some of those tapes, and the quality sounds like Thomas Edison reading ‘Mary Had a little Lamb.’ ” - John

And this is why DNR (Dolby Noise Reduction, not to be confused with the Department of Natural Resources or Thomas Dolby, who blinded me with science) got its start. - Shane

“I really appreciated today's column (Focusing is a superpower, Feb. 19, 2026). First, I've read all but the latest Ryan Holiday books. I wish I'd been wise enough at 19 when I was introduced to the Stoics to pay attention then. Second, thanks for sharing van der Velden’s work on the impacts of social media. Good work!” - Roger

I am fully convinced that we all need to have a healthy skepticism of the motives of the Big Tech companies. Unfortunately, we don’t seem to. - Shane

“While reading your column on distractions (Focusing is a superpower, Feb. 19, 2026), I was reminded of my favorite definition of multi-taking: Screwing up several things at once.” - Dave

Ha! How true. Thanks you for sharing that, Dave. - Shane

“It's not even 7:30 and I've already googled ‘erudite’ (Mailbag, Feb. 20, 2026). Thanks to you and Margaret for that!” - Lee

We need more Margarets in this world of ours — and more Lees, too. - Shane

Have a thoughtful Thursday, 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: Grimes sports facility closure leaves families questioning lost payments. The sudden closure of Ignit Sports Facility in Grimes has left dozens of families questioning the fate of their payments and the future of their children's sports activities. Parents describe the situation as a nightmare, fearing their children may never play sports like volleyball again due to the facility's locked doors. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Iowa Senate advances bill requiring citizenship verification for voters. The Iowa Senate passed a bill Wednesday requiring the secretary of state to verify all registered voters of their citizenship status. Senate File 2203 would require the secretary of state to use the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) Program to verify the citizenship status of all newly registered voters once a month and verify the citizenship status of all registered voters once a year. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Viral Iowa hazing video sparks concern. A 2024 hazing incident at the University of Iowa is gaining national attention after police released body camera footage last week. Since then, concerns around hazing have circulated, with several parents on social media commenting they are worried for their kids at college. ... READ MORE

 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: US and Iran are holding a third round of nuclear talks as more American forces deploy to the Mideast. Iran and the United States began indirect talks Thursday in Geneva over Tehran’s nuclear negotiations viewed as a last chance for diplomacy as America has gathered a fleet of aircraft and warships to the Middle East to pressure Tehran into a deal. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: FBI searches Los Angeles school district headquarters and the superintendent’s home. The FBI served search warrants Wednesday at the Los Angeles Unified School District’s headquarters and the home of its leader, a former Superintendent of the Year who was knighted by Spain for his work. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Woodward mayor addresses fire, police chief concerns during town hall. Following the resignation of the Woodward police chief and the arrest of the Woodward fire chief, the mayor addressed several community concerns during a town hall meeting Wednesday night. ... READ MORE

 

Clear Mortgage meteorology

Warming temperatures and melting snow are ahead the next two days. Watch for refreezing at night. There's a chance of light snow in northern Iowa Saturday, and another snow chance Sunday into Monday.

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

 

Nos Books event at xBK. Yasmina Din Madden. "You Know Nothing" Book Launch and Reading, FREE. Thursday, Feb. 26, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Final week for these shows.
• "Winnie the Pooh." Through March 1. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. 
•"Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap." Through March 1. Des Moines Playhouse 
•"Disenchanted!" Through March 1. Tallgrass Theatre Company. 
•"The Outsiders." National Tour. Through March 1. Des Moines Performing Arts 

Beaverdale Books. Local Author Fair. Logan Capesius, Sami DeWall, Alan Feirer, Devo Kimbro, Jason Liegois, J. Susanne Wilson. Saturday, Feb. 28, 1-3 p.m.

 

Global Dance Atlas. Central Iowa Wind Ensemble takes you around the world in rhythm. From the tangos of “Piazzolla” to the fire of “Carmen,” the energy of the “Russian Sailors Dance,” and the spirit of “Shaker Dances” — this is one concert that will have your toes tapping and your heart soaring. Free. Sunday, March 1, 3 p.m.

CALL FOR ARTISTS. Save the date for the 16th Annual Art on the Prairie Festival 2026: Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 14-15., in Perry. The Artist Application for this juried show is now OPEN with deadline of April 1. 

Ballet Des Moines – Nothing Holds Still
Includes three world premiere ballets at Hoyt Sherman Place. Feb. 27 and 28 performance will include both sought-after and brand new choreographers, live music from the Belin Quartet, costumes by BDM Wardrobe Director Sarah Dornink, and an art installation by BDM Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine. The triple bill includes:
• Behind. Between. Beyond. Choreography by DaYoung Jung with an original score by Midwest composer Philip Daniel.
• bound. Choreography by BDM Choreographic Institute winner and company dancer Cameron Miller.
• Spilled Shadows. Choreography by BDM Artistic Director Eric Trope. Music by Fanny Mendelssohn played live by the Belin Quartet. Set design by BDM Artist-in-Residence Olivia Valentine, with support from the Greater Des Moines Public Art Foundation.
 
Two Poetry Learning Opportunities from a brilliant, seasoned poet
Kelsey Bigelow has become one of Iowa’s shining poetry stars. Experienced beyond belief, a tireless practitioner of her craft, and a relentless advocate for helping others embrace the beauty and importance of poetry, Kelsey has created two opportunities for poets yearning to improve their own abilities. “Poetry as a Coping Tool” is a 4-week workshop, and “Anatomy of a Working Manuscript” is a one-day intensive workshop.
 
— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz
 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Italian Food
1. Cosi Cucina
2. Tumea & Sons Restaurant
3. Baratta’s
 
See all of the results
 

Bet you didn't know...
• The first grain-eating cows were in 18th century Appalachia. Before WWII, one in 20 steaks came from grain-eaters. Now nearly all do.

• Topo Chico Hard Seltzer Margarita is made without either tequila or Topo Chico spring water.

• In 2024, the global street food market was valued at $249.6 billion and is projected to have a compound annual growth rate of 8.5% until 2033, as per Future Data Stats’ Global Report.

Deals today
• B&B Grocery, Meat and Deli (2001 S.E. Sixth St., 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).
 
• Quarter pound cheeseburgers and chicken sandwiches are $3.39 each on Thursdays at Kwik Star.
 
• Striking Sparrow (1930 S.E. Sixth St., Des Moines) has a Thursday special breaded pork tenderloin with fries and soda for $12.
 
• Bennigan's (4800 Merle Hay Road, Urbandale) has a $10.99 burger, fries and a pint deal on Thursdays.
 
• Taco pizzas are the Thursday special at Walker's Place (475 N.E. Broadway Ave., Des Moines).
 
• Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni) is offering lasagna specials today.
 
• Ham balls today's special at Crouse Cafe (115 E. Salem, Indianola).
 
•  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.
 
• Guesthouse Tavern and Oyster (9500 University, West Des Moine) offers spaghetti dinners with 8-ounce meatballs and salad for $22 on Wednesdays.
 
• Chelsea's Courtyard (100 MLK, Des Moines) has buck burgers Thursdays. $1!
 
• 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. 
 
•  Hot beef sandwiches 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.
 
• Whatcha 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.
 
• 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 two-topping pizza.
 
• Kids eat free at Scornovacca’s (1930 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines) 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.
 
• 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.

• Price Chopper stores have sales through Monday on mandarins at $3.99/3-pound bag, strawberries at $2.99/pint, and green or red peppers at 77 cents.

• Aldi stores haves sales through Tuesday on grapefruit at $3.89/5-pound bag, corned beef brisket point cuts at $3.49/pound, and strawberries $1.99/pound.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running a sale through Tuesday on baby back ribs at $2.99/pound, jumbo (16-20) shrimp at $6.99/pound and asparagus at $2.99/pound.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
Featured in the current issue of Indianola Living magazine.
 

Meet B. J. Weepie
The pursuit of positive impact

By Rachel Harrington

About half of the eighth graders at Indianola Middle School make their way into B. J. Weepie’s class each school day to learn Social Studies. Weepie is in his second year teaching the subject and his fourth year teaching at Indianola Middle School. Before coming to Indianola, he taught at Cedar Rapids. He began looking for another position, and several college friends sang the praises of Indianola schools."

It seemed like it’d be a good fit for me, and it has been,” he says. ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$597,500
802 N.E. Lake View Drive
Ankeny, IA 50021
 
Prime location and top condition two-story, 5 bedrooms, 4.5 baths with more than 4,000 square feet of finish. Backs to lake and greenbelt trail. Geothermal. ...
  
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
601 S.W. ORALABOR ROAD, ANKENY
SALE DATE: 2025-09-04
SALE PRICE: $1,600,000
SELLER: SNYDER DEVELOPMENT LLC
BUYER: CASEY'S MARKETING COMPANY
ACRES: 1.879
 
More transactions
 
Sports headlines

FROM ESPN: Cincinnati sues Sorsby over $1M exit fee after Texas Tech transfer. Cincinnati sued former quarterback Brendan Sorsby in federal court Wednesday, alleging he breached his NIL contract with the Bearcats when he refused to pay a $1 million exit fee after he transferred to Texas Tech. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, seeks $1 million in liquidated damages, which the school said Sorsby was contractually obligated to pay within 30 days of transferring. ... READ MORE

 
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Oregon-Oregon State is the latest rivalry game to fall off schedule due to conference realignment. After Oregon left the Pac-12 for the Big Ten in Aug. 2024, the annual series with in-state rival Oregon State, who remained in the Pac-12, was immediately put on the chopping block. The two teams patched together a short-term scheduling agreement—a home-and-home in 2024 and this past season, ‘25—but were unable to come to terms on a long-term arrangement. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Max Scherzer reportedly reaches deal to return to Blue Jays for 19th MLB season after World Series run. Max Scherzer isn’t going anywhere. Scherzer struck a deal to return to the Toronto Blue Jays late Wednesday night, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. The one-year, $3 million deal includes up to $10 million in incentives, via SportsNet's Shi Davidi. There was reportedly strong mutual interest in a new contract for quite some time. ... READ MORE
 

1919: Grand Canyon is designated a national park. On this day in 1919, President Woodrow Wilson officially designated the Grand Canyon as a national park. The geological wonder would go on to become one of America's most popular tourist attractions. … READ MORE

1993: World Trade Center is bombed. At 12:18 p.m., a terrorist bomb explodes in a parking garage of the World Trade Center in New York City, leaving a massive, multi-story crater and causing the collapse of several steel-reinforced concrete floors in the vicinity of the blast. … READ MORE

2012: Florida teen Trayvon Martin is shot and killed. On Feb. 26, 2012, Trayvon Martin, an African American teen walking home from a trip to a convenience store, is fatally shot by George Zimmerman, a neighborhood watch volunteer patrolling the townhouse community of the Retreat at Twin Lakes in Sanford, Florida. Zimmerman later claimed to have shot the unarmed 17-year-old out of self-defense during a physical altercation … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Weekly fuel report
 

The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 14 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $2.59 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are down 38 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $2.98, up 6 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 13 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.53. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.45 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 22 cents lower than the national average of $3.75.

Natural gas prices were down 4 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.92 MMbtu.

Propane prices averaged $1.61 per gallon in Iowa.

Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.04 per gallon.

Lowest fuel prices in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com
Costco in Ankeny (4000 N.E. Spectrum Drive) - $2.09
Casey's in Ankeny (302 S. Ankeny Blvd.) - $2.27
Indianola FAST STOP Express in Indianola (2616 W. Second Ave.) - $2.43

 
Birthdays and notables
 

Happy birthday to Jewel Johnson, Steve Matthews, Ron Sorenson and Harold Cross!

These celebrities were born on this date:  Corinne Bailey Rae, Erykah Badu, Greg Germann, Greg Rikaart, Jonathan Cain, Taylor Dooley, Jamal Musiala, Michael Bolton, Mariah Linney, Nate Ruess, DeRay Davis, Teresa Palmer

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

 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What's the difference between a nail and a bad boxer? ONE GETS KNOCKED IN, THE OTHER GETS KNOCKED OUT! - Gail Tomlinson, Brian Kreps. Or, No difference, they both get hit on the head! - Irving Stone, Bill Snyder. Or, After a few blows to the head, a nail is in place. But a bad boxer's head keeps getting hammered! - Carolyn Rogers.

Scott Holmgren offers this answer to "What is the difference between a cold and a boxer?" -  A person with a cold starts warm and then gets a cold. A boxer starts out warm then is knocked out cold.

Today's riddle: Why don't boxers use combs?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Johnston Living magazine, contact:

Andrea Hodapp
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 322
Mobile: 515-883-0523
andrea@iowalivingmagazines.com

 

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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