‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ 
View as Web Page
Forward Email
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026
Good morning to you! 

We have apparently entered the golden age of geographical rebranding. President Donald Trump recently ordered federal agencies to use “Lake America” instead of Lake Ontario. That followed the earlier makeover of the Gulf of Mexico, which is now the Gulf of America — at least in America.

I am not sure what Ontario or Mexico did to deserve the name changes, but if perfectly good geographical names can be changed because someone in Washington decides they need a little more patriotism, I say Iowa should get in on the action. We have plenty of places that could use an Iowa-centric makeover.

Take Delhi, in Delaware County. It was named after Delhi, New York. Why? The settlers apparently looked at all that Iowa prairie and thought, “You know what this place needs? A little more New York.”

Corydon, in Wayne County, was named after Corydon, Indiana. One story says the name was selected during a poker game. That seems like a perfectly reasonable way to name a town, especially compared to the way some government committees make decisions today. More on that later.

Ontario, Iowa, which is now part of Ames, was named for Ontario, Ohio. Apparently, Iowa once suffered from a serious shortage of O’s.

So, let’s fix this naming problem. Ontario resurfaces and becomes “Iowa Ontario.” Delhi becomes “New York Without the Traffic.” Corydon becomes “Indiana, But Better.” And Waterloo? Waterloo is named for the Belgian battlefield where Napoleon met his famous defeat. I say we bring it home and call it “Iowa Tractor Town.”

Then there is Des Moines. We could rename it “Washington, D.C., Minus the Lobbyists.” Same basic idea: government, traffic and people arguing about things, but Des Moines has fewer monuments, fewer cable news crews and considerably better beef.

The problem, of course, is that names matter. Delhi tells us something about the people who settled there. Corydon reflects a connection to Indiana. Ontario carries a little piece of somewhere else into Iowa. That’s what makes the names of Iowa’s places interesting. They are historical breadcrumbs scattered across the state.

Still, if we are going to start renaming things, Iowa should do it properly. We should create a naming commission. Give it a generous budget. Hire consultants. Hold public hearings. Conduct focus groups. Commission a study. Then, three years and several million dollars later, release a 600-page report recommending that we leave everything exactly as it is. That sounds about right.

We may not need to rename Iowa, but if we do, I suggest we call it “Little America.” Anyone who objects can take it up with the naming commission — or send me a better suggestion.

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: Iowa cities compete for Buc-ee's after Urbandale rejection. As Urbandale's City Council rejected the first step toward allowing Buc-ee's to build in the city, other Iowa communities are stepping forward to express interest in hosting the popular convenience store chain. The proposal would have placed the store near Northwest 100th Street and Northpark Drive. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds posted on Facebook that she is working to find a community willing to approve the project. Several cities have already expressed interest in answering that call. ... READ MORE

FROM WHO-TV: Plane makes emergency landing outside Guthrie Center airport. Authorities are investigating after a plane made an emergency landing outside the Guthrie Center airport. WHO 13 News crews on scene confirmed a small blue and white single-engine plane crashed near Redwood Avenue, outside of the Guthrie Center Regional Airport, on Wednesday. ... READ MORE

FROM WOI: At least 17 taken to hospitals after chemical exposure incident at Newton Correctional Facility. An investigation is underway in Newton after a potential chemical exposure incident at Newton Correctional Facility on Wednesday led the prison to implement emergency protocols, according to the Iowa Department of Corrections. ... READ MORE

 
 

FROM AROUND THE WORLD: Iran fires on its Gulf neighbors, retaliating for US strikes after a wedding was hit. Iran fired on U.S. allies in the Gulf early Wednesday following a night of American bombardment that Iranian state media says included a deadly strike on a wedding party. The latest violence came after a month-long lull in fighting. The six-month war has led to a spike in oil prices, roiled the global economy and posed increasing political problems for U.S. President Donald Trump’s Republican Party ahead of November midterm elections. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE NATION: 2 people killed and suspect is dead in downtown Minneapolis shooting. Gunfire could be heard throughout a downtown Minneapolis apartment building as police responded to an active shooting Wednesday that left three people dead, including the suspect, and five others wounded, authorities said. The five wounded by gunfire included two Minneapolis police officers, while a sixth person, another officer, suffered other injuries, police Sgt. Garrett Parten said at a news conference. ... READ MORE

FROM AROUND THE STATE: Kinnick Stadium radio broadcast booth named after Gary Dolphin. The University of Iowa athletics department has announced it will be naming the radio broadcast booth at Kinnick Stadium after Gary Dolphin. Dolphin served as the play-by-play voice for the Hawkeye football and men's basketball teams for 30 years. Bringing fans everything from touchdowns, buzzer beaters, and championship celebrations. ... READ MORE

 
Weather forecast
Thursday, Sept. 3
 
Partly cloudy
High: 94
Low: 76
Rain chance: 20%
Friday, Sept. 4
 

Partly cloudy
High: 93
Low: 73
Rain chance: 20%

Saturday, Sept. 5
 

Partly cloudy
High: 92
Low: 71
Rain chance: 20%

 
Allergy alert
 
Today: 11.5, high range
 
Top allergens:
Nettle
Chenopods
Ragweed
 
 
 
The 2026 results: CITYVIEW's Best of Des Moines®
 
 
Best Local Place to Go for a Comedy Show
1. Funny Bone Comedy Club
2. Hoyt Sherman Place
3. Teehee’s Comedy Club
 
See all of the results
 
 

Mainframe Studios - First Friday Sept. 4, 5-8 p.m.

Suzanna de Baca - Art Open House will take place Thursday, Sept. 3 from 4-6 p.m. at Liz Lidgett Gallery and Design.

Des Moines Symphony - 7 Bridges: The Symphonic Eagles Experience, Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. Free. The Orchestra is joined on stage by 7 Bridges to bring the music of the Eagles to life. Stunningly accurate renditions of timeless classics and fan favorites including “Hotel California,” “Desperado,” “One of These Nights,” “Life In The Fast Lane” and “New Kid in Town.” Take it easy and experience the Eagles like never before. 

Des Moines Symphony Cinematic Magic Free Family Festival & Concert, Sunday, Sept. 6, 4 p.m., Children's Village activities, 5:30 p.m., Concert Experience cinematic magic. Be transported through time on the wings of dragons and through the blizzards of Arendelle. Water Works Park will be transformed with activities for all ages to enjoy, from face painting and a bounce house to cultural crafts and food trucks. Then, the orchestra takes the stage to perform movie favorites, including “Harry Potter,” “Star Wars,” “Frozen,” “Toy Story” and so much more.

Now through Sept. 20. The smash Broadway hit, “Wicked," returns for an extended run as Des Moines Performing Arts presents the national touring production. Listen as Tom McGowan (The Wizard) shares wonderful insights into the magic that continues to perpetuate this majestic musical theatre experience.

The new issue of Iowa History Journal brings another delightful and informative dive into Iowa’s diverse history through its award-winning storytelling. Cover story author, Linda Betsinger McCann, shares glimpses into the powerful force that helped America win WW II – Rosie the Riveter.

AMES TOWN & GOWN 2026-27 SEASON OPENER
PHILADELPHIA BRASS QUINTET, Thursday, Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m., Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall, Estes Music Hall, Iowa State University. “Incredibly effortless... stylistically impeccable...consummate technical ability.” – International Trumpet Guild.

— John Busbee, The Culture Buzz

 

Betcha didn't know...
Wendy’s logo appears to spell “Mom” on the girl's collar. Though the company says it wasn’t meant to be there, many people believe it subtly ties into the homey, comforting vibe that Wendy’s wants to evoke with its food.

Vedius Pollio was the son of a freed slave who became the most notorious of slaveowners. His cruelty included a habit of throwing misbehaving slaves alive into a pool of moray eels that would rip them to pieces in a matter of minutes. He believed that eels tasted best after feeding on human meat. Read more here.

Deals 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). 
 
• Mariana's (1305 University Ave., Des Moines) offers pastor tacos for $2 Thursdays.
 
• Talk Shop Lounge (3357 St. Charles Road, St. Charles) has two deals Thursday: jambalaya dinner for $15, lasagna for $10.
 
• 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 BLTs 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.
 
• Taco pizzas are the Thursday special at Walker's Place (475 N.E. Broadway Ave., Des Moines).
 
• Sale Barn Cafe (Lamoni) is offering brisket 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.
 
• Chelsie's Courtyard Diner (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. 
 
•  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.
 
• 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 Scorno’s Pizza & Pasta (1930 S.E. 14th St., Des Moines) on Thursdays with every $15 order.
 
• 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.

• Price Choppers have sales through Monday on pork baby backs at $2.99/pound, beef ribs at $8.99/pound and frozen catfish nuggets at $1.99/pound.

• Aldi stores have sales through Tuesday on peaches at $1.39/pound, chicken wings at $1.99/pound in 40-ounce party packs, and St. Louis ribs at $2.49/pound.

• Fresh Thyme (2800 University Ave., West Des Moines) is running sales through Tuesday on snow crab clusters at $10.99/pound, chicken wings at $1.99/pound and through Sunday on king crab clusters at $34.99/pound.

— Jim Duncan, jd91446@aol.com

 
 
Featured in the current issue of Waukee Living magazine.
 

CAPTURING THE MOMENT
Local photographers find beauty in everyday life and unexpected places.

By Jackie Wilson

For some, photography is a way to preserve memories. Others find it a creative outlet or even an adventure into the unknown. For local photographers, it is all of that and more. From capturing everyday moments to embracing the beauty of nature and the cosmos, each has found a unique perspective through the lens.

Photos document travels
When Donna Maasen and her husband, Dave, finished raising their three kids, it was time for the pair to begin traveling. One big part of their travels is documenting their trips with pictures Donna has taken over the years.

She has printed and framed numerous photos. With digital photos, she can look at a rotating library of thousands of photos on her device. She has given photos away and often frames special spots, which are displayed on the walls throughout their home in Waukee. ...

 
Read more
 
Featured home for sale
 
Post listings here for only $50. Contact jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com for details.
 
$305,000
4316 41st St.
Des Moines, IA 50310
  
Tucked away on a quiet, low-traffic street on Des Moines’ desirable northwest side near Beaverdale, this spacious 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the perfect blend of comfort, character, and functionality. Beautiful hardwood floors add warmth and charm throughout several rooms, while two large living areas provide flexible space for entertaining, relaxing, or creating a home office or playroom setup. ...
  
See the listing here.
 
See more homes for sale
 
SOLD: Featured commercial real estate transaction
 
1115 W. FIRST ST., ANKENY
DATE: 2026-03-26
SALE PRICE: $5,800,000
SELLER: RJ PARTNERS LLC
BUYER: CALIA 9 LLC
ACRES: 2.612
SQUARE FEET: 59,946
 
More transactions
 
 
Sports headlines
FROM ESPN: NBA announces punishments for Clippers after Kawhi inquiry. The NBA on Wednesday announced severe punishments for the LA Clippers — including the loss of five future first-round draft picks, a fine of $30 million and a yearlong suspension of owner Steve Ballmer — for violating salary cap circumvention rules in a case involving star Kawhi Leonard. ... READ MORE
 
FROM SPORTS ILLUSTRATED: Why Jared Goff ‘doesn’t fail’ and keeps getting better. Jared Goff knows you haven’t changed your mind. He knows it was made up as his half-decade run as the Rams’ quarterback circled the drain. Back then, in late 2020 and early 2021, Sean McVay was frustrated as his team kept hitting a glass ceiling. There was friction. Then, Goff was dealt. Or dumped, as most people saw it, into Los Angeles’s blockbuster trade to get Matthew Stafford, with Detroit taking on Goff’s monster contract as part of the deal that landed the Lions two first-round picks and a third. ... READ MORE
 
FROM YAHOO SPORTS: US Open: Aryna Sabalenka flies past Polina Iatcenko in 54 minutes to reach third round as dominant start continues. Aryna Sabalenka isn't having any issues whatsoever in New York. Sabalenka, after significant issues at earlier Grand Slams this year, rolled into the third round of the US Open with ease Wednesday. She cruised to a dominant 6-1, 6-1 win over Polina Iatcenko at Arthur Ashe Stadium. She needed only 54 minutes to do so. ... READ MORE
 
 
Weekly fuel report
 

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 14 cents from last week's price and is currently averaging $3.89 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are up $1.05 from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $4.12, up 2 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa rose 3 cents this week with a statewide average of $5.44. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.51 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 24 cents lower than the national average of $5.68.

The current Des Moines Terminal/Rack Prices are $2.83 for U87-E10, $3.37 for Unleaded 87 (clear), $4.47 for ULSD#2, $4.69 for ULSD#1, and $2.44 per gallon for E-70 prices.

Natural gas prices were up 5 cents at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $2.96 MMbtu.

Cheapest fuel in the metro. www.gasbuddy.com
Sinclair in West Des Moines (136 First St.) - $3.39
Numerous Casey’s and Maveriks in Des Moines and Ankeny - $3.65

 

1783: Treaty of Paris signed. The American Revolution officially comes to an end when representatives of the United States, Great Britain, Spain and France sign the Treaty of Paris on Sept. 3, 1783. The signing signified America’s status as a free nation, as Britain formally recognized the independence of its 13 former American colonies, and the boundaries of the new republic were agreed upon: Florida north to the Great Lakes and the Atlantic coast west to the Mississippi River. … READ MORE

1777: The Stars and Stripes flies in battle for the first time. The American flag is said to have flown in battle for the first time, during a Revolutionary War skirmish at Cooch’s Bridge, Delaware. Patriot General William Maxwell ordered the stars and stripes banner raised as a detachment of his infantry and cavalry met an advance guard of British and Hessian troops. The rebels were defeated and forced to retreat to General George Washington’s main force near Brandywine Creek in Pennsylvania. … READ MORE

1928: Penicillin discovered by Sir Alexander Fleming. Sir Alexander Fleming was a young bacteriologist when an accidental discovery led to one of the great developments of modern medicine on Sept. 3, 1928. Having left a plate of staphylococcus bacteria uncovered, Fleming noticed that a mold that had fallen on the culture had killed many of the bacteria. He identified the mold as penicillium notatum, similar to the kind found on bread. … READ MORE

www.history.com

 
Birthdays and notables
 
These celebrities were born on yesterdays date (I accidentally ran Sept. 3 birthdays yesterday):  Keanu Reeves, Mark Harmon, Salma Hayek, Katt Williams, Terry Bradshaw, Lennox Lewis, Eric Dickerson, Zedd, K-Ci
 
Historical birthdays
1803: Prudence Crandall was an American schoolteacher and activist. She ran the Canterbury Female Boarding School in Canterbury, Connecticut, which became the first known school for African American girls in the United States led by a white woman.
 
1824: Joseph Anton Bruckner was an Austrian composer and organist best known for his symphonies and sacred music, which includes Masses, Te Deum and motets.
 
Morning chuckle

The answer to the last riddle: What did the bottled water tell the spy? THE NAME'S BOND. HYDROGEN BOND. - Gail Tomlinson. Or, In his best Russian accent: ”The moose and squirrel must die.” - Bill Snyder. Or,  ‘I won’t spill any secrets.’ - Joan ‘Ski’ Sieczkowski

Today's riddle: How do you know if an ant is a boy or a girl?

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

 

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Grimes/Dallas Center, North Polk or Adel Living magazines, contact:

Dan Juffer
Senior Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 303
Mobile: 515-371-2290
dan.juffer@dmcityview.com

 

This email was sent to: email@example.com

Big Green Umbrella Media, Inc.
8101 Birchwood Ct Suite D
Johnston, Iowa 50131

Edit Profile

Unsubscribe

Report as Spam

Logo