🌱 Rising Flu Cases In Iowa + Curbing Youth Gun Violence

Happy Wednesday, Des Moines! Let's get you all caught up on what's happening locally to start today off on an informed note.

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First, today's weather:

Cloudy and increasingly windy. High: 55 Low: 23.

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Here are the top stories in Des Moines today:

1. Local health experts are concerned about the rising rates of COVID-19 and flu cases in Iowa. University of Iowa Health Care reported just one flu case a couple of weeks ago, compared to 150 flu cases in the state this past week. Health officials say the potential "twin-demic" showcases why it's so important to be vaccinated against both COVID-19 and the flu this holiday season. (KCCI Des Moines)
2. While efforts are being made to curb growing gun violence injuries in Des Moines, the city's youth say more needs to be done. Injuries from gun violence have spiked in the city over the last year, and a growing number of victims and shooters are teenagers. Police Chief Dana Wingert said police are using "proactive, community-based policing" to get firearms off the street, track down suspects and try to interrupt violent crimes before they happen. However, students and families say many young people in Des Moines "lack both hope and opportunity," and without intervention, they will continue to rely on guns to keep them safe. (Free: Yahoo! News; Subscription: desmoinesregister.com)
3. On Tuesday morning, the family and friends of 150 Iowa National Guard soldiers gathered at the Des Moines International Airport's Endeavor Air Hangar to welcome them home, just in time for Thanksgiving. (WHO 13)
4. JRW Realty has closed on the transaction of a $10 million 52,227-square-foot property currently occupied by Hobby Lobby in West Des Moines. (RE Journals)

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Alrighty, you're all good for today. I'll see you soon! If you're feeling these newsletters, consider bringing some more friends and neighbors on board. You can send them this link to subscribe.

— Katarina Betterton

About me: Katarina loves to read and write. Her hobbies include cooking her grandmother's recipes, learning new languages, and crafting. She and her husband live with their mutt, Ledger, and Shiba Inu, Mikasa, who are both way too cute for their own good.