🌱 One-Of-A-Kind Fetal Care Center + St. Louis Youth Violence Epidemic

Hello, everybody! I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in town.

But first, today's weather:

Mostly cloudy and very cold. High: 22 Low: 18.

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Here are the top three stories today in St. Louis:

1. The Fetal Care Center in St. Louis is the only facility in the Midwest offering in-utero surgery for infant patients with a specific form of Spina Bifida, Myelomeningocele. Prior to this partnership between Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, and Washington University, these surgeries were only possible after the baby was born, which increased their risk of developing a disease called hydrocephalus by 50 percent. The surgery is performed by a team of general pediatric surgeons and other adult and pediatric specialists, a maternal-fetal specialist, and a neurosurgeon. (KMOV4)
2. Community leaders are calling the rise of juveniles committing violent crimes in St. Louis a public health crisis. From Jan. 20 to 29, teenagers aged 13 to 17 participated in carjackings, robberies, and assaults that turned violent. Reverend Derrick Perkins of Centennial Christian Church Disciples of Christ is encouraging people involved in the community to partner with businesses, local leaders, and others in the neighborhood to help create a safe space and provide resources for teens. (KSDK.com)
3. Sunday night's freezing rain conditions caused a 30-car accident on Highway 64. The accident occurred after a big rig truck jackknifed on the road with multiple car accidents already behind it. Road conditions have historically been an issue in St. Louis. (Riverfront Times)

Today in St. Louis:

• Daytime Programs at the Museum: Architects of Bellefontaine Cemetery At Missouri History Museum (11:00 AM)
• Book-To-Film Discussion: “Rebecca” At St. Louis County Library–Indian Trails Branch (2:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Tickets are available here for the St. Louis Symphony Volunteer Association Rockin' Road Trip Trivia Night on Saturday, Mar. 4. Donations raised will support the St. Louis Symphony Youth Orchestra. (St. Louis Symphony Orchestra via Facebook)
• Head over to the Soulard neighborhood to celebrate Mardi Gras now through Feb. 25. St. Louis has a long-rooted connection to the holiday, and events are happening over the next five weeks. (Fox2Now)
• Rodrick Whestone's solo art exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 3 at the UrbArts Gallery. The event runs from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (UrbArts via Facebook)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you back in your inbox tomorrow morning with a new update.

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.