Environmental News

Another leak of chlorinated water into McLoud Run has killed hundreds of fish, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources announced Thursday — the same day it released an order saying the city of Cedar Rapids will pay $22,000 for a fish kill there last year also caused by chlorinated water.

Proponents said the legislation would make housing more affordable, but critics argued it would drive long-term costs higher for taxpayers

Several winter storms have barreled through the Midwest since the start of the year, bringing deep snow and bitter cold. It comes on the heels of several years of drought that has left parts of the Mississippi River basin with rainfall deficits of a foot-plus. As the snowpack grows and melts, it could help restore parched stream flows — but also carries the risk of flooding downstream.

Many of those who think their cars won't charge are new to EVs and don't know how to “precondition” their batteries, said Bruce Westlake, who has two Teslas.

Searching for deer antlers is a popular activity and can yield some real gems.

A new report released Tuesday from the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association found that although water quality has generally improved in the upper river in past decades, new threats, such as road salt and lead, are emerging.

Wild Side column: Looking back on a 2023 that had some good along with a lack of rain.

A pilot project, started in winter 2022, aims to learn more about gray foxes’ range, habitat use and the causes of their decline in Iowa.