Daily Umbrella May 7: DART to explain bus route changes; $3.55 gas; two legs but can’t walk?

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Thursday, May 7, 2026

Good morning to you!

We are fortunate to live in a time when many inventions have improved our lives in mostly positive ways, from transportation breakthroughs like the train, automobile and airplane to communication leaps such as the telegraph, telephone and, yes, even texting. But not every bright idea ages gracefully. Some inventions looked promising, sounded impressive and then promptly face-planted. Here are a few standouts:

Sony Betamax was a videocassette format introduced by Sony in 1975. It had better picture quality than VHS, which is kind of like winning “best-tasting broccoli” in a pizza contest. Unfortunately, shorter recording times and limited licensing helped VHS win the war.

New Coke was Coca-Cola’s 1985 attempt to “fix” a drink that millions already loved. The result? One of the fastest corporate reversals in history. It turns out changing America’s favorite soda was like repainting the Mona Lisa and hoping no one notices. Even so, I kind of liked it.

Apple Newton was a 1993 personal digital assistant that promised futuristic handwriting recognition. I wanted one, even though it occasionally interpreted notes as abstract poetry. It was ahead of its time, mostly because it wasn’t quite ready for its time.

Harley-Davidson Cologne tried to bottle the essence of rugged motorcycles and freedom. Unfortunately, most people weren’t asking for “open road” in spray form. It is still one of the few products that made bikers collectively ask, “Why?”

Hydrogen blimps were elegant, efficient airships… filled with extremely flammable gas. This is one of those ideas that sounds fine until you remember chemistry exists. After a few fiery disasters, helium took the safer, less explosive job.

Google Glass was a futuristic headset that let users see notifications in real time. It also made them look like they were auditioning for a low-budget sci-fi reboot. Privacy concerns and social awkwardness sealed its fate.

Segway PT promised to revolutionize personal transportation. Instead, it became the thing mall cops used while slowly chasing someone who was jogging faster than they were.

In the end, these inventions remind us that innovation is messy. For every breakthrough, there are a few ideas that miss the mark, but at least they make the history books a lot more entertaining.

Which failed inventions did I miss? Send me a note and let me know.

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: DART hosts open houses to explain bus route changes. The Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority, or DART, is preparing riders for an overhaul of its bus routes in the coming months. An overhaul to routes starts June 14. Services will transition from 27 routes to 10. The routes will stretch longer, and buses will arrive more frequently. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Central Iowans turn to reverse osmosis systems as nitrate concerns continue. Central Iowa Water Works officials said earlier this week that a lawn watering ban could again become necessary this summer due to high nitrate levels in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers. The utility has been operating its nitrate filtration facility since January and hopes to eventually double the plant’s capacity. However, officials said the expansion could still be about three years away. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: Gov. Kim Reynolds signs 8 bills into law Wednesday. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a slew of bills into law Wednesday a few days after the legislative session officially ended. Among them is Senate File 2880, which allows state lawmakers, judicial officers, the attorney general, deputy attorneys general or assistant attorneys general to carry a firearm anywhere in the state, including on school grounds, if they are eligible to receive a professional permit. Anyone who threatens a lawmaker, judicial officer or any of their immediate family members will now face a class C felony, whereas previously the penalty was a misdemeanor. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Dozens of passengers left hantavirus-stricken cruise ship after 1st fatality. Dozens of passengers left a cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak on April 24 without contact tracing, nearly two weeks after the first passenger died on board, the ship operator and Dutch officials said Thursday. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: More than a media mogul, Ted Turner leaves behind a conservation legacy. Ted Turner loved the land, and lots of it: As one of the largest private landowners in the United States, he fueled conservation work across some 3,125 square miles (8,094 square kilometers) of ranchland in several states, aiming to leave it in better shape for future generations. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Two seriously injured in train vs. vehicle crash near Central City. Two people were seriously injured after a train hit a vehicle near Central City Wednesday afternoon. The crash occurred in the 5000 block of Red School Road, just north of Central City, at 2:08 p.m. According to authorities, a car heading northbound on Red School Road collided with a Canadian National train, causing the vehicle to flip into the west ditch. ... READ MORE

Thursday, May 7

Partly cloudy

High: 68

Low: 46

Rain chance: 20%

Friday, May 8

Partly cloudy
High: 72
Low: 48
Rain chance: 20%

Saturday, May 9

Partly cloudy
High: 78
Low: 49
Rain chance: 30%

The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®

Best Local Motorcycle Shop
1. Big Barn Harley-Davidson
2. Mean Machine Cycles
3. Stroom Powersports

See all of the results

The SPARK Lab at Living History Farms is now officially open. This space is designed to "spark" creativity, innovation and interest in the invention process among children and families. The lab offers a variety of activities for kids 6-12 and their families, allowing them to create, collaborate and experiment with STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and creative art. The SPARK Lab is sponsored by the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History. Photo by Paul Houston

Theatre Midwest at The Viking Theatre at Grand View University. “Apples in Winter.” May 14-16, 7:30 p.m.

Des Moines Playhouse – Adventure Clubhouse with "Chicken Little" May 15 (three shows).

Des Moines Performing Arts - Temple Theatre. "Choir! Choir! Choir! Presents: We Will Choir You." May 15 (two shows).

Broadway Cabaret. Music Theatre Reunions. Saturday, May 16, 5-8 p.m.

Ballet Des Moines. "Cinderella." May 16-17.

Comedy Xperiment at Tallgrass Theatre Company. Comedy Improv. May 15-16.

Author events:
Beaverdale Books. Meet the authors: Jess Lourey, Erica Ruth Newbauer, Shannon Baker. Thursday, May 7, noon.

Beaverdale Books. Christina Edgar Olds. "Everything Will Be Okay." Friday, May 8, 6:30 p.m.

Beaverdale Books at Franklin Event Center, Room 148. Book Launch. Suzanna C. de Baca. "You Were Never Lost: Poems from the Tallgrass Prairie." Wednesday, May 13, 6 p.m.

AViD Author Series at Central Library. Shannon Chakraborty. "The Tapestry of Fate, The Adventures of Amina Akl-Sirafi." Thursday, May 14, 7 p.m.

Beaverdale Books. Barry Markovsky. "Everyday Extraordinary: A Scientist Ponders a Lifetime of Magical, Bizaare, and Paranormal Experiences." Friday, May 15, 6:30 p.m.

Bet you didn't know...
Japanese sweet potatoes are fueling a snack craze in Thailand and other southeast Asian countries. Roasted Japanese sweet potatoes go for $5 each on Thai city streets, far more than other snacks. Thai companies are trying to grow their own but Japan enforces strict laws against smuggled Japanese sweet potatoe seeds. Japanese sweet potatoes differ from American and other sweet potatoes in their dryer texture, which allows them to be roasted, baked or grilled without turning soggy. They are also sweeter and purple skinned with lighter colored orange flesh. (NHK World) In Central Iowa, they can be found on special menus at Catering by Cyd and raw from Lee's Greens in Nevada.

Indian wig companies are paying $300/kilo for human hair. Indian black hair is the most valuable and is called “black diamond.” About 300 companies vie for hair, sending saleswomen to rural villages and setting up collection studios at Hindu temples that shave hair from devotees whose prayers have been answered. (NHK World)

Deals today
• Cowboy (1234 E. Euclid Ave., Des Moines) has ribs on special today, $2.99/per rib.

• The False Nine Social Club (206 Fifth St., Valley Junction) has jacket potatoes on sale Thursdays for $10.

• The Waveland (4708 University Ave., Des Moines) has creamed chicken on biscuits 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).

• 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 shrimp basket specials today.

• Salisbury steak dinners are 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.

• 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.

• Buffalo Wild Wings offers two orders for the price of one Thursdays on orders of six, 10 and 15 boneless wings.

• Aldi stores have sales through Tuesday on mandarins at $2.99/3-pound bag, boneless chicken thighs at $2.49/pound, and raspberries at $1.99/box.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running a sale through Sunday on huge 8/12 shrimp at $21.99/2-pound bag and boneless ribeye tenderloins at $10.99/pound and through Tuesday on heirloom tomatoes at $2.99/pound.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

Featured in the current issue of Altoona Living magazine.

CELEBRATING HERITAGE
Residents reflect on the traditions that connect them to home.

By Sean Dengler

The smell of fresh tortillas, the rhythm of folkloric dance and the stories passed down through generations all carry something deeper than tradition — they carry identity. For three local residents, Mexican heritage isn’t just remembered; it’s honored and shared.

Heritage of dance
For Jennifer Juarez, her heritage is central to her identity.

“Being Mexican has always been a big part of who I am,” Jennifer says. “As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized how important it is to stay connected to those roots. It helps me feel closer to my family, my ancestors and where they come from.”

Food, traditions and celebrations all play a role.
“Our family traditions make me feel connected to my ancestors,” she says. “Cooking recipes passed down through generations connects me to the places my family comes from, and celebrations bring us together as a community.” ...

Featured home for sale

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

$1,189,900
1485 S. 81st St.
West Des Moines, IA 50266

Set on a stunning .34-acre walkout lot with gorgeous, elevated views, this Riverside plan by Brenner Built offers nearly 4,000 sq ft of beautifully finished living space. Inside, 10' ceilings and an 11' tray ceiling above the oversized kitchen island create an open, upscale feel. The sun-filled great room features expansive windows that showcase the scenic surroundings. ...

See the listing here.

See more homes for sale

SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction

1985 N.W. 94TH ST., CLIVE
SALE DATE: 2025-11-25
SALE PRICE: $3,734,379
SELLER: MARK ANDERSON PROPERTIES LC
BUYER: 94TH PROPERTY LLC
ACRES: 2.872
SQUARE FEET: 35,000

More transactions

FROM ESPN: Spurs bounce back, beat Timberwolves by 38 to even series. As the locker room cleared after the Spurs' stunning loss to the Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals Monday, Victor Wembanyama approached De'Aaron Fox at his locker. They whispered briefly, and both left grinning. Surely, they couldn't have envisioned shellacking the Timberwolves 133-95 two nights later in Game 2 to even the series at 1 heading to Minnesota. ... READ MORE

FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Nick Nurse, 76ers don’t have any excuses for going cold in fourth quarter vs. Knicks. The 76ers shot themselves out of Game 2 Wednesday night, and it may cost them their series against the Knicks. Philadelphia led 90-89 heading into the fourth quarter of what had been a back-and-forth affair that wound up featuring 25 lead changes. The Sixers were 12 minutes from tying the series at 1-1 and instead walked out of Madison Square Garden down 2-0 after going ice cold late. ... READ MORE

FROM YAHOO SPORTS: Rachel Entrekin makes ultramarathon history, wins Cocodona 250 as first woman to top field of men and women. Rachel Entrekin crossed the finish line as the top women’s finisher at the past two Cocodona 250 races. This time on Wednesday, Entrekin beat the entire field — consisting of men and women — to win the grueling ultramarathon in record time. In doing so, she made history as the first woman to win the race outright. ... READ MORE

1824: Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 debuts. On May 7, 1824, Ludwig van Beethoven’s ninth and final symphony debuts at Vienna’s Theater am Kärntnertor. Having lost his hearing years earlier, the celebrated composer nonetheless “conducts” the first performance of his Ninth Symphony, now widely considered to be one of the greatest pieces of music ever written. … READ MORE

1945: Germany surrenders unconditionally to the Allies at Reims. On May 7, 1945, the German High Command, in the person of General Alfred Jodl, signs the unconditional surrender of all German forces, East and West, at Reims, in northeastern France. … READ MORE

1984: Vietnam veterans exposed to Agent Orange win $180 million settlement. On May 7, 1984, seven chemical companies, including Dow and Monsanto, agree to pay $180 million to thousands of Vietnam veterans exposed to the chemical herbicide Agent Orange during the war. Lawyers for the two sides announced the surprise out-of-court settlement on the day jury selection was to begin in the case. … READ MORE

www.history.com

Weekly fuel report
The price of regular unleaded gasoline rose 39 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $4.23 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are up $1.30 from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $4.54, up 31 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 46 cents this week with a statewide average of $5.40. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.31 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 27 cents lower than the national average of $5.67.

The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $3.22 for U87-E10, $3.67 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $4.25 for ULSD#2, $4.40 for ULSD#1, and $2.58 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Natural gas prices were up 7 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.72 MMbtu.

Cheapest fuel prices in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com
Casey's in Grimes (1650 N.E. Beaverbrooke Blvd.) - $3.55
Casey's in Winterset (527 W. Summit St.) - $3.64
Sam's Club in Ankeny (4625 S.E. Delaware Ave.) - $3.89

Birthdays and notables

Happy birthday, Bob Bisenius!

These celebrities were born on this date: Elijah Nelson, Tommy Fury, Devin Sola, Matt Helders, Alex Smith, Russell Dickerson, Cody Gakpo, Robbie Jarvis

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

The answer to the last riddle: What is the easiest way to burn 1,000 calories? Leave the pizza in the oven too long! (Or cook other items too long by some means) - Bill Snyder

Today's riddle: What has two legs but can’t walk?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

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

Angela Ossian
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 307
Mobile: 515-979-5585
angela@iowalivingmagazines.com

This email was sent to: email@example.com

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Johnston, Iowa 50131

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