DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – State officials are reporting the season’s first child death due to the flu. The Iowa Department of Public Health says influenza activity has not been as high as last season but there are signs it is increasing.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – Authorities are investigating a homicide after a man was found dead early Saturday in a Des Moines parking lot. KCCI-TV reports circumstances surrounding his death weren’t immediately clear.

DAVENPORT, IA (IRN) – The Davenport Community School District has announced teacher and staff cuts for the upcoming school year, following budget cuts approved by the school board. The Quad-City Times reports that the cuts include 75 teachers. The cuts follow the board’s budget-reduction plan approved Nov. 29 after a loss of more than 2,000 students over the last 10 years and the loss of more than $13 million in state funding.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (IRN) – Congresswoman Abby Finkenauer is taking a leadership role in the 116th Congress. She has been appointed to serve as an Assistant Whip. A whip is an official whose task is to ensure party discipline on votes during a session.

DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A warmer forecast means that there are flooding concerns for much of Iowa. With near-record moisture levels in the ground and a 21-inch frost depth, any rain Iowa gets over the weekend or any quick snow melt will have nowhere to go. Street flooding could be a problem.