Feb. 17, 2024

The University of Iowa research factored in time pressures, interpersonal relationships, environmental concerns, external stressors and rural amenities.

Feb. 15, 2024

Iowa ranked 27th in the country with its 308 gigawatt-hours of solar in 2022.

Feb. 14, 2024

Among new data, ag experts are optimistic about increase in young farmers.

Feb. 11, 2024

LaTasha DeLoach uses her roles across Johnson County to nurture networks and opportunities for people of color, especially Black women.

Feb. 9, 2024

A Brown University analysis sifted through 23,000 lobbying records to track groups’ roles in shaping legislation, their success and their relationships to each other.

Feb. 9, 2024

State ag officials, Iowa DNR propose revisions to Iowa Code, emphasizing soil health.

Feb. 7, 2024

Bills include new insurance requirements, millions in appropriations and radon detection requirements in new homes.

Feb. 7, 2024

A House subcommittee advanced the bill forward in a Tuesday meeting.

Feb. 4, 2024

More than a hundred people attended the Saturday black-tie event, featuring traditional Black cuisine, live jazz music, Black artwork and a range of speakers.

Jan. 31, 2024

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration helped residents map temperatures in the Corridor during one of the hottest days of the summer last year. The results are out.

Jan. 30, 2024

Two broods — one that emerges every 13 years, and the other that emerges every 17 — will emerge at the same time, something that hasn’t happened in 200 years.

Jan. 29, 2024

Across the state, ranchers have reported tight or insufficient feed levels following 2023’s low hay yields and poor hay quality. Many have had to buy more hay to supplement their own stocks, with above-normal hay prices cutting into their bottom lines.

Jan. 26, 2024

Higher rates would exacerbate energy burdens on low-income residents, the Clean Energy Districts of Iowa argues.

Jan. 23, 2024

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

Jan. 24, 2024

Several winter storms have barreled through the Midwest since the start of the year, bringing deep snow and bitter cold. As the snowpack grows and melts, it could help restore parched stream flows — but also carries the risk of flooding downstream.

(Published with the Mississippi River Ag & Water Desk. Republished in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Investigate Midwest and more.)

Jan 19, 204

It was the 22nd driest year and 10th warmest year on record, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

Jan. 16, 2024

Corn yields went up, soybeans yields dipped and hay yields plummeted, according to USDA data. Local disparities aren’t known yet.

Jan. 10, 2024

Based on volunteer observer data, snowfall was likely the highest Cedar Rapids has seen since at least 2009.

Jan. 10, 2024

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.

Dec. 2023

In this three-part Gazette series, I explored 10 years of data to see what progress — if any — Iowa has made toward its nitrogen and phosphorous reduction goals.

Dec. 17, 2023

As extreme weather grows more extreme with climate change, it costs our economies, communities and personal health.

Dec. 4, 2023

William Gutowski, an Iowa State University professor of meteorology, has worked with climate models for decades to study climate change.

Nov. 28, 2023

The climate is changing — but there’s still time to adapt, assessment authors said.

Nov. 20, 2023

It is the first statewide assessment of Iowa streams.

Nov. 17, 2023

Private wells in Minnesota are facing nitrate contamination that must be addressed. Iowa is no stranger to these water quality issues.

Nov. 12, 2023

Over the past few decades, green energy projects have surged in Iowa. And bolstered by federal funding, the future of clean energy looks brighter than ever in the Hawkeye State. But it needs more workers. That’s where registered apprenticeship programs and their “earn while you learn” models come into play.

Nov. 11, 2023

Low-income communities, people of color, children and older people are more likely to be exposed to elevated nitrate levels, unpublished Iowa State University research finds.

Nov. 5, 2023

Viana Qadoura tackles a 1,000 Book Nook project at the Al-Iman Center.

Nov. 1, 2023

A new report finds the federal government is spending billions on crop failures caused by extreme weather — and it’s growing only more expensive.

(A Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk story.)

Oct. 31, 2023

The location marks Linn County’s second resiliency hub, where residents in need can go during times of disaster.

Oct. 26, 2023

Meanwhile, reports of chronic wasting disease continue to ramp up.

Oct. 24, 2023

Predicted rains may help replenish soil moisture before the ground freezes over.

Oct. 20, 2023

Collaboration between Iowa State University and Alliant Energy is the first utility-scale agrivoltaics project in the Midwest

Oct. 16, 2023

Belle Plaine is scraping the bottom of its water reserves and is searching for reprieve and solutions. It’s not the only Iowa town suffering amid the record drought.

Oct. 10, 2023

The 2023 Iowa Climate Statement focuses on benefits of solar and how to make it thrive in the state.

Oct. 5, 2023

This is the first year with exceptional drought recorded in Eastern Iowa.

Sept. 26, 2023

A committee compared emissions between 2010 and 2019 to track progress.

Sept. 24, 2023

Crop yields likely to take a hit, although impacts vary field to field.

Sept. 20, 2023

Next few months of rainfall will determine how well trees can recover.

Sept. 15, 2023

Irrigation is slowly but surely gaining ground in Iowa. It comes with some drawbacks to consider.

Sept. 13, 2023

New Coe College research reveals ornate box turtles have personalities, which can help us better manage their populations.

Sept. 10, 2023

In a changing climate, when extreme heat spells may come more frequently, no air conditioning could be problematic.

Sept. 5, 2023

The funding is part of $300 million from a USDA program intended to support underserved producers and landowners.

Sept. 1, 2023

The Gazette spoke with a National Weather Service meteorologist about recent hot spells and the potential for more.

Aug. 31, 2023

Almost 84 percent of the county is experiencing extreme drought — the second-highest drought intensity.

Aug. 24, 2023

Some resources are available for cooling assistance in Iowa, but they aren’t widely known.

Aug. 4, 2023

His business, Natural Talent Music, organizes diverse entertainment acts for venues and events in Iowa City and Cedar Rapids.

July 29, 2023

They say they need more help to protect against heat-related illnesses.

July 16, 2023

On the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act, The Gazette is delving into some of Iowa’s own at-risk species with a seven-part series

June 25, 2023

Advocates: More work needed to close gender gap in education and resources.

June 12, 2023

Irvine Prairie, dedicated in memory of David Irvine, is being developed and managed by the Tallgrass Prairie Center.

June 11, 2023

Nearly one-third of the network of gates, levees and pumps is complete.

June 11, 2023

Cedar Rapids, part of three watershed management authorities, gives tens of thousands of dollars annually toward flood mitigation efforts.

May 21, 2023

Federal agriculture funding is a vital resource, but immigrant producers face language and cultural obstacles to benefiting from it.

(Translated into Spanish. Republished in several outlets, including the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Wisconsin Watch and Investigate Midwest. )

May 19, 2023

And this probably won’t be the last we see of the smoke this summer.

May 7, 2023

Sikowis Nobiss was born and raised in Canada, but now she’s heading support for Indigenous communities in Iowa and beyond.

May 1, 2023

Barge traffic stalled, establishments submerged, operations delayed — but businesses still forge ahead.

April 27, 2023

Upstream snowmelt is making the Mississippi River flood; crests expected to reach top-three historic records in some towns.

April 16, 2023

Experts see ‘a mixed bag’ in Iowa, probably with more derechos.

April 9, 2023

Number of interested customers has increased between 10 percent and 100 percent, depending on the company.

April 4, 2023

The area is one of 18 communities chosen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for its urban heat island mapping campaign.

March 31, 2023

ISU researcher helped analyze a well-preserved skull found in southwest Iowa — the first evidence of the iconic ice age predator in the state.

March 24, 2023

Report highlights low program acceptance rates across the country, although Iowa officials say state is in better shape.

March 19, 2023

The Gazette researched where Iowans get their water, how it is or isn’t treated, and threats to the vital resource.

March 4, 2023

The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium’s new $1.3 million Rivers to the Sea exhibit opened Friday.

March 3, 2023

A UI associate professor and Iowa City small farm owner explain the topic and its place in Iowa.

March 3, 2023

‘Dewatering’ project will use 30 wells to dry out a portion of the lake before levee work begins.

Feb. 24, 2023

The water is drawn from deep aquifers, is rich in nutrients and has perplexed Marion residents for years.

(Republished in La Crosse Tribune, KIMT and The Des Moines Register.)

Feb. 16, 2023

Iowa DNR heading program after being allocated $18.9 million more through Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

Feb. 9, 2023

There is no long-term, stable financial support for such entities, creating unmet demand for local conservation practices.

Feb. 1, 2023

Such projects are possible, but face high costs and uphill political battles.

(A multimedia collaboration with the AP Climate Desk. Republished by dozens of outlets, including the Washington Post and the Minnesota Post.)

Jan. 29, 2023

Learn how Iowa is combating PFAS chemicals — and how you can help keep your water safer.

Jan. 20, 2023

Although many of the details are still under wraps, some experts say the company’s announcement is a step in the right direction for making wind energy more green.

Jan. 12, 2023

Iowa’s top-producing egg industry still recovering, sending rippling impacts to consumers.

(Republished by Investigate Midwest and Wisconsin Watch.)

Jan. 7, 2022

Last year was the 25th driest year on record, according to an Iowa DNR report released Thursday. But this year is off to a good start.

Jan. 5, 2023

Other legislators plan to file bills on water quality and the environment.

Jan. 1, 2023

To learn more about what could be expected, The Gazette spoke with the policy manager for the Center For Rural Affairs.

Dec. 29, 2022

Findings could impact federal recommendations for monarch conservation and aid efforts in making agricultural landscapes more biodiverse.

Dec. 23, 2022

Organic waste tops the list, following by building materials, paper, consumer products and plastic.

Dec. 23, 2022

With an impending landfill closure date, the Solid Waste Agency is narrowing down its search for options.

Dec. 23, 2022

C.R. has reduced its application rates by 30% in four years.

Dec. 4, 2022

Iowa DNR says it isn’t, but water quality experts skeptical.

Dec. 2, 2022

In east-central Iowa, crops south of I-80 fared worse than those north of interstate.

Nov. 27, 2022

The facility’s retirement is scheduled for the end of 2022.

(Republished in The Quad-City Times, The Sioux City Journal, KTTC and more.)

Nov. 25, 2022

Less than 10 percent of Iowa’s private wells were tested in 2020.

Nov. 9, 2022

GOP unseats state attorney general and treasurer, but auditor race still up in the air.

Nov. 8, 2022

The utility hasn’t decided if it will move forward with the project. Meanwhile, Johnson County has amended its ordinances for utility-scale solar.

Nov. 6, 2022

This marks the first time the DNR has proposed to withdraw such a plan.

Nov. 6, 2022

The DNR is trying to withdraw the water quality improvement plan.

Nov. 4, 2022

‘When a lot of people drive across the landscape, they just see corn.’

Nov. 3, 2022

But Iowa utilities say they are in compliance with EPA rule.

Oct. 21, 2022

The Gazette toured the West Dubuque Solar Garden with Alliant Energy staffers to learn more about solar energy and solar farms.

Oct. 17, 2022

Five experts discussed the widespread impacts of extreme weather during an hourlong panel at Iowa Ideas 2022.

Oct. 12, 2022

More than 30,300 clean energy jobs were recorded in Iowa by the end of 2021 — a 5 percent increase from the year before.

Oct. 10, 2022

With rivers pushed to the brink, some municipalities are shifting away from mitigation to make room for the water.

(Collaboration with the Ag & Water Desk. Republished in The Star Tribune, The Post and Courier and more. Adapted for NPR.)

Oct. 5, 2022

2022 Iowa Climate Statement focused on trees and how they help reduce flooding, heat and erosion.

Oct. 2, 2022

The Gazette and Investigate Midwest analyzed 20 years of beach monitoring data from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

(Republished in Investigate Midwest.)

Sep. 30, 2022

The Gazette toured Alliant’s English Farms Wind Farm to learn more about wind energy.

Sep. 14, 2022

A $17,000 grant will fund 30 cultural community gardens in Linn County.

Sep. 9, 2022

Solar is key to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but rural residents and towns are pushing back against what they see as industrialization.

(Collaboration with the Ag & Water Desk. Republished in the Indianapolis Star, Wisconsin Watch, The Lens New Orleans, Energy News Network and more.)

Sept. 2, 2022

Species was introduced in U.S. in 1970s and has since spread to rivers across Iowa.

Aug. 23, 2022

No state or federal assistance programs in place to help private landowners remove insect-infested trees.

(Republished in Quad City-Times, Sioux City Journal, KMTV, Times Republican, and more.)

Aug. 21, 2022

Incentives for going green at home, on the road and in fields.

Aug. 15, 2022

Three are statewide projects, some of which may go toward the Middle Cedar Watershed.

Aug. 10, 2022

Top donors include the Hall-Perrine Foundation, Alliant Energy, Collins Aerospace and ITC Midwest

Aug. 7, 2022

Organizations are using more grassroots efforts to plant trees, and many residents taking the initiative since the Aug. 10, 2020, derecho.

August 2, 2022

Eighteen transmission projects planned, including five in Iowa.

July 29, 2022

Several plants in Iowa are transitioning from coal to natural gas to produce electricity. Here’s why

July 26, 2022

The spotted lanternfly could threaten grape, orchard, nursery and logging industries.

July 22, 2022

Iowa’s energy cross-crosses across an enormous power grid before it turns on your lights.

July 22, 2022

But Iowa’s role within an expansive power grid helps protect it from rolling outages and blackouts.

July 6, 2022

“Not all derechos are created equal,” said Rich Kinney, a warning coordination meteorologist for the National Weather Service’s Quad Cities bureau.

June 30, 2022

Iowa’s nine coal-fired power plants produced about 24 percent of the energy in the state in 2020.