DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced Friday the first influenza-related deaths confirmed as occurring during the 2022-23 influenza season: both elderly people (81 years and over) from northern Iowa with underlying conditions. The most recent HHS flu report shows the virus at a moderately high level of activity in the state. Iowa hospitals are reporting high patient admission rates.

OSCEOLA, IA (IRN) – The Iowa State Patrol is investigating what sent a car the wrong way down Interstate 35 near Osceola, causing a deadly crash. Crash reports show 82-year-old Larry Ross, of Osceola, was driving the wrong way when his car collided with a semitrailer Thursday evening. Ross was killed and the truck driver hospitalized.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) – Abby Finkenauer has been named as the Department of State’s Special Envoy for Global Youth Issues. Special Envoy Finkenauer began her career in public service when she was elected – at age 25 – to the Iowa House of Representatives and later became one of the first women elected to represent Iowa in Congress.

WEST DES MOINES, A (IRN) – Every donation counts when it comes to the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, but some coins count for a little more. Among the assorted pennies, nickels and dimes dropped into the kettle at Scheel’s at Jordan Creek was a 1983 Canadian Queen Elizabeth II gold coin. The coin has a $50 face value – but its rarity make it worth up to $1,800 right now.