Weather

The Color the Wind Kite Festival in Clear Lake takes place on the lake's frozen surface, which has thinned near the shore due to unseasonably warm weather. The unsafe ice conditions have caused the event organizers to cancel this year’s festival.

In Early, Iowa, residents check their Facebook to see if their water is safe to drink. On this News Buzz edition of River to River, Sentient Media's Nina Elkadi shares her investigation into nitrate pollution in small towns' tap water. But first, Robin Opsahl of Iowa Capital Dispatch gives us a statehouse update. Also, Iowa Capital Dispatch's Cami Koons talks about a controversial piece of legislation that could change how Iowa's impaired waters list is managed. Iowa’s State Climatologist Justin Glisan explains this year’s snow drought and its consequences. Finally, we groove into the weekend with Studio One's CeCe Mitchell with new tracks from Buck Meek and Dogpark.

Iowa has seen below-normal snowfall since December, creating what weather experts call a "snow drought." The dry conditions have disrupted winter recreation and raised concerns about the ecosystem at a wildlife preserve in northwest Iowa.

Oak wilt is a serious disease and the best way to protect your trees is by pruning them only in the dormant season. No one is telling you to go outside on one of the coldest days of the year to prune your oaks, but this is a great time to look out the window, make a plan, study the long-term forecast and put it on your calendar. On this Horticulture Day, Iowa Department of Natural Resources district forester Mark Vitosh joins to share everything you need to know about pruning and dispel myths around exploding trees. Then, Aaron Steil joins to help answer your gardening questions.

The federal government issued a regional emergency declaration that waives regulations for truckers carrying residential heating fuel in 10 states, including Iowa. Truck drivers carrying propane, natural gas or heating oil are allowed to exceed the federal limits on driving hours until Jan. 15 due to pipeline disruptions.

Snowstorms and cold temperatures dampened sales for many Christmas tree farms across the state. While the work is year-round, their retail season is typically condensed to a two or three week window in late November and early December.

A study from Iowa State University highlights areas deemed legal deserts, where the number of attorneys do not match the population's needs. Also, a new app warns users if their indoor temperatures reach unsafe levels.

After state funding cuts, a network of 60 sensors tracking pollution across Iowa will go dark next summer without new funding. Also, how a hurricane that struck an island nation led to mass hysteria over werewolves.

State Climatologist Justin Glisan shares how he and other state climatologists are helping cover National Weather Service functions amid the government shutdown. Also, a report released from Iowa's DOGE Task Force that may reshape the government.

Health insurance expert Pete Damiano shares what is at stake for healthcare as it is wrapped up in a Congressional impasse. Also, IPR's Isabella Luu gives the latest on the Ian Roberts case.