IOWA – Active solar weather has continued in 2024, with many Iowans taking in the aurora borealis multiple times this month, including late last night. Several observers have found seeing the northern lights much easier with the use of longer exposure videos and images on smart phones. There were multiple instances of the northern lights visible in Iowa back in May as well. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has found solar activity to be high this year, which has also disrupted some radio and GPS services intermittently.

CEDAR RAPIDS – A Cedar Rapids woman has been arrested for allegedly abandoning two children this summer. KCRG-TV reports Heather Ann Perez Miranda is accused two children younger than 10 years old at the corner of a street on June 30th. One of the children found has been determined as not being able to care for themselves due to medical issues. Police say video shows the mother dropping off the two children near Interstate 380 in Cedar Rapids. Perez Miranda faces two counts of neglect and child endangerment.

IOWA – Drought has once again expanded in Iowa as an unusually warm and dry October continues. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor Report shows now more than half of Iowa is once again in drought, seven percent of which is considered severe. While no major precipitation is on the horizon, many corners of the state are expected to see their first frost by early next week, according to the National Weather Service.