U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright praised the Ames National Laboratory during a tour, calling it one of the country’s “premier scientific institutions” and a leader in reshoring critical materials. Wright also said he supports less federal funding for wind and solar, and downplayed findings from government reports about climate change.

The tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump last month significantly shortened the timeline for wind and solar energy tax credits. But an executive order and an onslaught of new federal policies pose a greater threat to the two industries that help electrify Iowa.

From 1959-1989 there were no peregrine falcons found in the wild in Iowa. Now, these raptors are seeing success in their natural habitat and urban environments.

Water restrictions for nearly a fifth of the Iowa’s population brought the state’s nitrate challenges to the forefront. Water quality experts say certain practices higher up in the watershed could make a difference if they are scaled up.

Scientists discussed pollution, bacteria and other challenges plaguing central Iowa's rivers at an event in Des Moines Monday. The presenters contributed to a two-year assessment of the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, which includes recommendations at the local, regional and state level.

Nitrates, fecal bacteria, sediment and other pollutants in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers threaten safe drinking water for 20% of the state’s population. That's one of the findings from a sweeping study commissioned by Polk County supervisors.

Nitrate levels remain elevated in the Des Moines and Raccoon rivers, two of the drinking water sources for Central Iowa Water Works' 600,000 customers. The regional utility recently shared how it tests water and removes nitrates at one of its plants to meet federal drinking water standards.

The Des Moines area’s first-ever lawn watering ban helps Central Iowa Water Works keep up with nitrate removal to provide safe drinking water to 600,000 people. Over the next decade, CIWW aims to increase its treatment capacity by 25%.

Nitrate levels are still at dangerous levels in Des Moines’ rivers. To keep the area’s sources for drinking water from exceeding EPA standards, Central Iowa Water Works is continuing its ban on lawn watering, possibly for weeks.

The festival’s new 90 Degree Guarantee is the first of its kind. The policy references climate change, and states that the festival will issue refunds to ticket-holders who request them if temperatures are predicted to reach or exceed 90 degrees.