🌱 Surge In Flu Cases + Woman Robbed Of $15K Facebook Marketplace Sale

Hey, Cincinnati. I'm here in your inbox per usual to get you up to speed on everything you need to know about what's going on in town. Because community news matters!

But first, today's weather:

Cloudy. High: 47 Low: 42.

Here are the top three stories today in Cincinnati:

1. A surge in Ohio hospitals is due to an unusual early influenza season. Last week, flu hospitalizations increased by 107 percent — 175 cases and 25 in intensive care. Local hospitals are already operating at 100 percent capacity since seeing more COVID-19 cases. (The Cincinnati Enquirer)
2. A Michigan woman was allegedly robbed of $15,000 after driving four hours to Cincinnati for a Facebook Marketplace sale. Nijme Fardous reported she was going to purchase a used 2020 Ford Explorer, and when she arrived for the transaction, she was held at gunpoint while the seller stole the cash. Police identified the seller as Amanda Renn Griffin, 32. (WLWT Cincinnati)
3. According to Cincinnati police, a car accident in Queensgate on Saturday left one driver dead and one passenger injured. Jordan Oneal, 29, was driving a 2011 Ford Fusion on Linn Street, lost control along a curve, and hit a utility pole on the right side of the road. Christian Stone, 28, was taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. (FOX19)

Today in Cincinnati:

• Night Of Lights At Coney Island Park (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• Firefighters Bryan Charles, William Hursong, Brian Doering, District Chief Greg Phelia, and District Chief Carstell received awards from The Rotary Club of Cincinnati. Congratulations! (Press Release Desk)
• The best neighborhood Christmas light displays are up and ready to be seen! See locations at the link. (WLWT Cincinnati)
• Cincinnati native Sal Dali is nominated for a Grammy for two songs he helped produce on Beyoncé's album "Renaissance." The album is nominated for Album of the Year. (FOX19)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Monday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with your next update.

— Sean Peek

About me: Sean Peek is a writer and entrepreneur with a degree in English Literature from Weber State University. Over the years, he has worked as a copywriter, editor, SEO specialist, and marketing director for various digital media companies. He currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.