Improvement throughout the morning. The snow was worse on the western side of our state. Especially along interstate35. The iowa state patrol says a 15 to 20 car pileup was reported on i35 north of amam. Crews closed down this section of i35 for about an hour. Luckily no reports of injuries stemming from that accident. And while the roads are better today still uu caution if yououre traveling today. Eastern iowa Police Arrest a man, after an odd series of crimes on Christmas Eve. This is tommy duffer of shellsburg. Hes facing charges tied to a spree yesterday that began inside a garage in swisher. A homeowner found him sleeping in the back seat of a truck under a blanket with a bag of chips from the home. According to police duffer then fled after the homeowner threatened to call police but also took a loaded handgun he found in the console of the truck. Duffer allegedly then ran to a nearby home, stole more items including a truck, and then that truck to cedar rapids. Thats where police were able to locate duffer and take him into custody. Where hes being held on a series of charges. The iowa hawkeyes are spending their christmama in california for the rose bowl. The Football Team boarded their flight yesterday from cedar rapids surrounded by their families for the Christmas Eve sendoff. The players obviously excitied as they took pictures of each other and themselves too document the big day. The team will take on stanford in pasadena on new years day. And for the game beware of ticket scams. Thats what police are telling people who plan on buying rose bowl tickets. And theyve already seen some scams in action this week. Kwwls Amanda Gilbert joins us live in the newsroom with more details. Ally i spoke with cedar rapids police. And they say there were two incidents whereepeople used craigslist to get their rose bowl ticket. They met the seller outside a movie theater. Only to find out later that the tickets were fake. These people spent 12hundrdrd dollars onnthese fake tickees and Marion Police say they have yesterday they reported a person driving a white Hyundai Sonata with state of washington license plates seseling fake tickets to the game. Law enforcement asks people to buy rose bowl tickets from more credible sites. They recommend not buying tickets on lessreliable sites like craigslist. They also ay be weary of tickets that are very cheap. Sometimes it may just be too good to be true. Weve got you covered. Live in the newsroom. Amanda gilbert. Kwwl news. S. Thank you ammda. Iowa of course faces off with stanford on new years day at the rose bowl in pasadena. The game a week away now but starting tomorrw our live coveraggbegins from california. You can oin ron steele, mark woodley and the crew to keep you updated on the hawkeyes as they get set for their rose bowl and if youre heading down to the rose bowl, a reminder the battleship iowa will be the event will be held in front of the battleship iowa on thursday, december 31 from noon until 5 in calilirnia. Everrone is encouraged to show their support and wear black and a Lottery Winner in iowa may have to return his 100 thousanddollar prize. Lottery Officials Say he was too young to buy a ticket. But he lied about his age. Hes facing misdemeanor charges for underaged gambling. The Salvation Army red kettle cacapaign just finnhed. The famous red buckets are going back in storage for another year. We know for sure the cedar falls waterloo and dubuque salvation armies did end up getting some gold coins and gold rings. Seven gold Liberty Coins were found in buckets throughout cedar falls and waterloo this past monday. The Salvation Army thanks the community for have that special. Something different um show up. Its the fun part of it. It keeps thehe mystery in the magic. As of yesterday. The waterloo cedar falls Salvation Army raised 476 thousand dollars toward its 730 thousand dollar goal. They will continue to raise funds after the christmas season. Coming up. Easteriowa goes all out for christmas we have a look at some of the bright spots ffr celebration on a famous Christmas Downer is caught in the act. Well be right bacac with your storm track seven forecast. We still have some fog, into the area tonight. Ill let you know what we can expect, coming up youre watchng kwwl. Wevf got you covered, with ally crutcher aa meteorologiit eileeeloan. This is the kwwl news at noon i am captain jansen with the 452 Army Hospital and im currently stationed in germany. I just wanted to wish my friends and family back in dubuque iowa a happy holidays. Network cameras continue to show the fog in some areas. It is still below 2 mileein many araras and will lowly improve. With the weak sun. And clouds tracking in from the west. Temps are still mainly in the 20s this afternoon. We have some clouds tracking thrugh and that will continue throughout the day, but the next system gets close by evening. This will then bring in snow will spread over the dakotas. We wont see much snow, but we could get a tenth or so of rain out of this. It will be mild ttday with highh in the mid 30s to around 40. Light wintry continues tomorrow morning before becoming light rain for the afternoon as highs climb will have winds frommthe east mainlyly1015 mph but could be up to 20 at times. Sunday will be breezy and cooler with through wednesday, although it is still too early to pin down amounts. New years eve looks around or a liitle below noomal. We will have areas of fog today then a light wintry mix tonight into tomorrow before sunday gets breezy and colder. Stormtrack7 Live Weather Network cameras continue to show areas and will slowly improve. We ave mainly ccear skies ovvr the most foggy areas, but that fog will take time to lift with the weak sun. And clouds tracking in from the west. Temps are still mainly inthe 20s this afternoon. We have some throughout theeay, but the next system gets close by evening. This will then bring in a light wintry mix late tonight and tomorrow morning before warming enough for mainly rain. Snow will spread over the dakotas. We wont see much snow, or so of rain out of this. It with lows in the l lw to mid 30s. Tte mix the afternoon as highs climb to 20 at times. Sunday will be bring a chance of snow monday through wednesday, although it is still too early to pin down amounts. Nee years eve l loks around oo a little below normal. Temps are still mainly in the 20s this afternoon. We have some clouds tracking through and that will continue throughout the day, but the next system gets close by warming enough for mainly rain. But we culd get a tenth or so of rain out of this. It will be in the low to mid 30s. The mix into the mid 30s to mid 40s. We will hav winds from the east bring a chance of snow monday around or a litttte below norrl. Around or a little below normal. A mundane task getting gas has become a little more fun at a gasas getting gas hassbecome a little more fun at a gas station in new york. A gas attendant dressed up as olaf the snowman from the movie frozen. Over the Holiday Season, hes also dressed up as santa and an elf. He has fun with the costumes, and hopes theyll brighten peoples day. I started wearing these costumes a few years ago and and its not just around the holidays. While you might not get a all y yar round with a song, dance, or best of all, a friendly smile. From a man brightening up the Holiday Season to someone whos trying to steal it. Apparently the grinch has been busted. Hes around the corner. Around the corner . Freeze. Drop it, turn around. Police in massachusetts posted this holidaythemed parody of the tv show cops. The greenfaced thief was taken to the Police Station and had his mug shot taken. He was found guilty of attempting to steal christmas. This western iowa man is no Christmas Downer. He spent most of Christmas Eve outside a fareway in sioux city singing christmas carols, and greeting anyone who walked by. In addition to volunteering as a donald decided to hand out teddy bears and other stuffed animals to anyone who would take them. He said it was important to him little brighter. It makes you feel so good and wonderful, its a small thing i toy. Donald gave away more than four hundred stuffed animals. Coming up. Tips on how to ensure the safety of the new tech goodies you may have unwrapped this morning. And. One of the busiest shopping days with the best deals of 2015 is still on the way. How you can get a head start. Youre watching kwwl. Weve got you covered in plainfield, arlington, lone tree, and all of eastern iowa restaurants that are open. Applebees will be open, but times and locations will vary, so call ahead before heading out. If you need a caffeine fix, some starbucks locations are also open. Most ihop locations will be open, but hours vary by location. A buffet of new movies will also be offered up on the big screen today. Its opening day for joy, daddys home, point break, and concussion, as folks look for something to do after opening gifts. Check listings near you to find out which films are being offered in your community. Well take a look at movies being released today in our Box Office Preview coming up. Well its the most wonderful. And stressful. Time of the year but staying healthy over the holidays can help experts recommend having a but allow yourself a few sweets a day. And while you may not be able to hit the gym every day. Fit in a brisk walk when you can. But it is ok to relax. So keep a light schedule and dont over commit yourself. Christmas cookies, cakes, and casseroles are delicious. But there are some healthier choices you can make today. You can spice up veggies, like brussels sprouts by dusting them with brown sugar and a pinch of salt. Try baked apples for dessert. The fruit has been shown to reduce the risk of stroke and lower cholesterol. And roasted or raw nuts are a great alternative to dips or Something Else to think about this holiday. Is a flu shot its been a quiet flu season so far. But the cdc expects activity to pick up in the next few weeks. Health Officials Say the flu important to get the vaccine as soon as possible. Almost everyone older than six months. Is advised to get a flu shot. Coming up after the break. Safety tips to ensure your new and heres a live look on downtown iowa city a quiet Christmas Day there and in much of eastern iowa. We hope youre enjoying the holiday and thanks for spending part of it with us. But you may now want to take some time to protect your new devices as many of the holidays hottest gifts could be susceptible to hackers. Tracie potts has some tips for cyber criminals might be fitness trackers made intel securitys list of most hackable gifts. Many wearables use bluetooth to sync with downloaded apps. They can often jump outside of that app and be aware of Everything Else that might be on that device smart phones and tablets are also susceptible. Oftentimes cyber criminals can impersonate a bluetooth device or connection to gain access to all the information you might have be sure to turn off bluetooth when youre not using it avoid connecting to unsecured wifi networks. And protect your home network. Drones and camera enabled devices are another make sure that you maintain all of the materials that came with that product, they are going to it can be easy to overlook the kids toys when it comes to Cyber Security. But many modern toys are made with hightech features. Any kids toys that are indeed connected to the internet are vulnerable to Cyber Security threats and hacks ts not just childs play. Parents should be sure to change the default password and manage settings to restrict what it broadcasts to the internet. Unwrapping your gadget gifts. While keeping your data covered up. Tracie potts, nbc news. Experts also say its a good dea to make sure your Security Software is up to date on all of your computers and mobile devices. Food test kitchen. Howard has a tasty idea on what to do with the leftovers of your christmas ham. Thats up next. Mine, no matteinspiring us to come up with new recipes to share with you. It means a lot to us and we truly appreciate it. And today, while youre spending time with family a few pictures and share them with us on facebook and instagram. If your family is anything like mine, no matter how much you eat theres always plenty of leftovers. And if ham s included in those leftovers. Before everyone combine some canned Cheddar Cheese soup, a bit of milk, some sour cream, onion powder and some black pepper. Once its mixed, we toss in some cut up ham and a ckage of froze broccoli cruststis golden ann the fillinn can use up those leftovers and your family. A christmas youre watching kwwl, weseason that youll wanttto see. And. Get those shopping carts ready one of the busiest shopping days of the year is still just a day away. And. We take a look back at the memorable viral moments that had you sharing and retweeting in 2015. Welcome back to the news at noon. And a Merry Christmas to yyu and lets go back to storm track seven meteorologist eileennloan w for your first forecast in we still have fog in the area to a mile or less. Although, the fog has kept our temps from movingn. We are in the mid 20s to around 30 with winds tuuing to the east and will keep the light winds and at best. We have a wintry mix headink our way for tonight. Ill have ore on that coming up in a ew minutes. Clouds are trackingin from the winds turning to the east and southeast at 5 to 1 1 mph. We heading our way ffr tonight. Ill have more on that coming up in a few minutes. Pope francis gave a christmas address in front of a crowd of thousands at the vatican this morning. Theeope spoke about solving world conflicts during his message. Speaking from the central balcony of saint peters basilica, the popes message focused on coming together to solve the worlds conflicts. This is pope fraacis third meanwhile. President obama was joined by the first lady for his weekly address today. They talked about the values of the season and asked people to give from the famous to the infamous. The hilarious to the heartwrenching. And the adorable to the infuriating seriously,what color is at dress . This year was chockfull of viral moments. Jeremy roth takes his delorean cause the players gonna play ay play play play and the haters gonna hate hate hate hate haae baby im just gonna shake skahe shake shake shook it off this year. Dancing his way onto ellen and into the presence superstar backstage at her tour stop in kansas city and they had this epic danceoff. October 21st 2015. The future arriid in 2015. At least in back to the world paused to geek out over the day the 1989 movie named the future a world of flying cars, hoverboards and holograms. The whole thinn culminated with the actors showing up on prime time in what else . The delorean. Great scott dash camera captured a transasia flight as bridge. Ceo Martin Shkreli made headlines when he raised the price of a lifesaving aids medication. Hundred fifty dollars per pill overnight. The daily beast declared shkreli the mosthated man in america, surpassing even the dentist who killed cecil the lion was illlgally hunted in july. Sparking an face charges, he did face abject humiliation inspired ridiculous halloween costumes. A Patti Labelle fans ode to the singers frozen dessert pies sent sales through the roof when his musical review went viral and captured the attention of the hosting him for thanksgiving dinner. From channeled the essence of aretha during a summer dance recital. Ooh your kisses, sweeter than honey. But guess what . So is my money. The sassy 6yearold tapped her way to total tage dominance. Take care, tcb. Is it blue and black. Or threatenee to tear familiis part. For the record its im jeremy roth reporting. Well,the shopping season for the holidays may be over but one of the biggest days of the year for buying is still to come. And its tomorrow an American Express survey suggests december 26th shoppng activity will actually surpass black friday and cybeemonday this year. 66percent of people plan to do some shopping tomorrow. Thats compared to 45 percent on black friday and 41 percent on cyber monday. Shoppers say thhre looking or possholiday sales to buy items for themselves and even some discounts to get a head start on next years holiday shopping. And if y got a gift card that you dont want. There are ways to exchange it for one youd prefer. Many target stores are now offering an Exchange Program where you can turn in a Third Party Gift Card for a value. You cananalso use websiies like rdpool and cardcash. The National Retail federation says Gift Card Spending is expected to reach 25point9 billion dollars this year. Theres n place like home for the holidays for a solider from florida. A woman thought she was picking up her motherinlaw from the airport to surprise her husband. But in the end, shes the one who was surprised when her son came down the hallway. The mother thought her son was staying in iraq and returning home in midjanuary. The family says they have everything they want for christmas. Theres nothing else. Theres nothing else i want in this world. I ggt everything i need right here. It was a feeling that i didnt think i would have ever experienced, but its true when they say that distance makes the heart grow fonder, especially with family. The son just finished a nine month tour in iraq and returned stateside to his command post in maryyand two days ago. Another very special reunion four months in the making just but it couldnthave been possible without the help of a sixyearold girl, mall ststff, anan even santa c caus. Katie johnson has the story today. Santa is letting ava top with matching red lipstick, avas ready for her picture with mr. Claus. But this trip to see should get surprises like this honestly. Thas Lance Corporal peter allen. Hehes in the the 20yearold is wise beyond his years and very get married to her, and i chose to obviously get married to her. So today, after months apart, he in california, she in florida,a,the two reunited. If you had anything you wanted for christmas, what would you want . My husband come home. Hes in california. Oh wow. While taking pictures with santa, kellie had no clue put it together because it was such a shock i didnt expect t at all. A Christmas Wish granted with photos to prove it, everyone feeling extra jolly, even the man in the big red suit. This has made my christmas. It really has. The couple got married in september and didnt plan to see each other until the end of january, so this was a huge surprise to her. Kelle plans to momoe to california next february so she can live where peter is stationed. Coming up. A new hotel is all the rage after going to the dogs. And stormtrack seven be back with your storm track seven day forecast when we return. Weather information. Will have areas of fog today Live Weather Network cameras slowly imprre. We have mainly afternoon. We have some clouds tracking through and that will continue throughout the day, but the next system gets close by evening. This will then bring in a light wintry mix late tonight and tomorrow morning before warming enough for mainly rain. Snow will spread over the dakotas. We wont see much snow, but we could get a tenth or so if rain out of this. It wintry mix tracks in tonight before becoming light rain for the afternoon as highs climm into the mid 30s to mid 40s. We will have winds from the east mainly 1015 mph but could be up to 20 times. Sundayill be breezy and cooler with temperaturessikely falling at times and the next system will bring a chance of snow monday is still too early to pin down amounts. New years eve looks around or a lttle below normal. We will have areas of fog today then a light wintry mix tonight into tomorrow before sunday gets breezy and colder. Stormtrrck7 Live Weather Network cameras continue to show the fog in some areas. It is still below 7 miles in many areas and will slowly improve. We have mainly clear skies over the most foggy areas, but that fog will take time to lift with the weak sun. And clouds tracking in from the west. Temps are still maily in the 20s this afternoon. E have some clouds tracking through and that will continue throughout the day, but the next system gets close by evening. This will then bring in a light wintry mix laae tonight and tomorrow morning before warming enough for mainly rain. Snow will spread over the dakotas. We wont see much snow, or so of rain out of this. Ii with lows in the low to mid 30s. The mix the afternoon as highs climb to 20 at times. Sunday will be bring a chance of snow monday though wednesday, although it is still too early toopin down ounts. New yees eve looks around or a little below normal. Will have winds from the east mainly 1015 mph but could be up 20 at times. Sunday will be times and the next system will bring a chance of snow monday through wedneday, although it is still too early to pin down the afternoon as highs climb into the mid 30s to mid 40s. We mainly 1015 mph but could be temperaturrs likely falling at times and the next system will bring a chance of snow monday through wednesday, although it around or a little below normal. A paradise resort for our fourlegged frienn opens in a town in souththfrica. Friends opens in a town in south africa. This dog hotel and daycare enter opopned its doors e erlier this month. Amenities include a dog bar, complete with a social hour. There are suites set up for dogs of all kinds whether it is enjoying the jurassic bark lounge ororthe dogland ttmp suitit or enjoying a personal massage. The owner says demand couldnt be coming up. Highlights from the brightest christmas celebratatons in eastern iowa. Thats next. And when you see news or if you have pictures or video to share. You can do that by going to our page on facebook. You u n also likk our page to stay up to date on breaking news thousands of people are taking part in a holiday tradition. Kwwls brad hanson has more. Dozens of rs line up eeery year for dubuques reflections in the park. Nats look at that snowman, hes throwing a candy cane everett. Its a Christmas Eve they all cherish. matt droessler, keiler wisconsin its ery special love it. And its just special because its chrstmas. garrett drofssler, keiler wisconsin i think of sweetness, like happiness,s,bursting all over my heart. everett droessler, keiler wisconsin its that i think the lights are really cool. Thats just the best part. Gamut herefrom a waving dinosaur, to santa and his leg lamp from the christmas the proceeds from reflections in chriritian bretheranncan celebratt christmas. Fern Reinstein volunteer enjoy y oing it, and wwcome back every year to help our frjends. Its just paying it foward. Refelctions in the park runs through sunday january third. So plenty of time to still make it out to dubuque. You can buy tickets in advance at hillcrest or dubuque bank and trust or you can buy them at theres also a Winter Wonderland in independence. As the owner of this house even has santa come for a visit every holiday seeon. Almost 200 kids came out to see the this year. They gave him letters. Took pictures with him. And got some treats. A retired independence firefighter and his family put together the display every year. Well across the world hundreds of people went to the beach to enjoy the summer sun and the surf. Many people wore santa hats instead of sun hats to the beach for christmas. Others also posed for photos in front of a Christmas Tree and an inflatable reindeer. Volunteer life uards patroll auutralias beaches every day of the year. Making for a safe and fun christmas on the beach. Coming up. Christmas is a big day for new action in movie theaters your Box Office Preview is up next after this quick break. Youre watching kwwl weve got you covered. And heres a live look at the famous Christmas Tree and ice rockefellethe year for mie fans and this year is no different, with studios releasing films to mamae you laugh, cry, ororcall for an oscar nomination raphael seth has our Box Office Preview. Kurt russell keeps his enemies closer in the hateful eigh. This Quentin Tarantino western has russells Bounty Hunter taking Jennifer Jason leigh to be hanged. But a cabin full of rated r. Jennifer lawrence spreads a little sunshine in j. Silver linings playmates Bradley Cooper and Robert Deniro are also onboard. Lawrence plays the reallife inventor of the miracle mop. Who leaves behind a lot of messes during her rampage to the top. Joy is rated pg13. Second nana in daddys home. Hes a mildmannered stepdad trying to outcool deadbeat biological father mark wahlberg. In a contest he was born to lose. Daddys home is rated pg13. Luke bracey rides the crime wave in point break. This remake of the 1991 actionthriller casts the australian as the athleteturned agent. Whos on the trail of some bad dudes using xgames methods to commit crimes. Point break is rated g13. Will smith has his heaea amined in concncsion. He plays an african doctor who discovers brain trauma in american football. But he soon learns that the best offense is a good defense as the n fl resists his calls for change. Concuusion is rated pg13. Thats the Box Office Preview, raphael seth, nbc news. Coming up. Pumpkin pie fans more on the tasty treat is up next. And heres a live look at the famous Christmas Tree and ice rink in Rockefeller Center in new york city. Lots of festive activity there. We hope youre enjoying your christmas celebrations well be right back. Youre watching kwwl, ve got you my moms name is irene, and she has alzheimers. Adult daycare costs so much, i have to take my mom to work with me. Eventually shell require aroundtheclock care. I worry ababt what the next step is. My mom deserves the best care she can get. So i met hillary clinton. I coultell that she was moved by my story. Because she teared up. Being able to pay y r daycare. To know that my mom is safe while i work so that i can continue to support us. Hillary clinton has proposed real tngs that could help us. Also a special day for a sweet fall treat. Today is National Pumpkin pie day. Both christmas and thanksgiving are holidays most associated with the popular dessert. The pumpkin has long een a symbol of the harvest. Originally a pumpkin pie was made by stuffing the pumpkin with apples, spices and sugar then hopefully youre celebebating th onon today still some patchy fog this mild christmas and then a wintry mix for tonight and tomorrow morning with light rain saturday afternoon. Temperatures will be steady or falling with the breezy conditions sunday and a chance of snow returns for monday through wednesday as highs return to more normal levels for the end of te year. Levels for the end of the year. That wilil do it for us here at noon. Our next newscast is tonight at five. Have aagreat day. Victor you know, i still dont understand why daniel had to take parker to chicago. Maggie so ne could be with his mother on christmas. Justin oh