Gazette Daily News Briefing, May 28
Be sure to subscribe to The Gazette Daily news podcast, or just tell your Amazon Alexa enabled device to “enable The Gazette Daily News skill" so you can get your daily briefing by simply saying “Alexa, what’s the news?
Jury weighs Cristhian Bahena Rivera’s fate in Mollie Tibbetts’ slaying
Yesterday, jurors were instructed to find Bahena Rivera guilty of first-degree murder if they find that he stabbed Tibbetts, she died as a result, and he acted with malice and a specific intent to kill her. Jurors could also consider lesser charges of second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter.The jurors did not yet reach a decision and were sent home and will return today to resume deliberations.
West Nile virus has been confirmed in Iowa
The mosquito-borne virus was detected in an older adult between the ages of 61 and 80 years in Montgomery County. The case was confirmed through a test at the State Hygienic Lab, Iowa Department of Public Health said Thursday. Three Iowans were diagnosed with West Nile virus last year, but no deaths resulted from the virus. With Memorial Day and warm weather, public health officials warned being outside poses a risk for West Nile virus infection. “But we have easily accessible preventive tools like insect repellent, that can help keep Iowans safe from mosquito bites, which lowers the risk of West Nile infection,“ IDPH Medical Director and State Epidemiologist Dr. Caitlin Pedati said in a news release.
Cedar Rapids splash pads open this weekend
Splash pads in Cedar Rapids parks will open for the season on Saturday. Water is turned on at 9 a.m. each day and turned off at 9 p.m., according to a news release. People may activate the spray features by running a hand across the sensor on the fire hydrant or pressing the button. Splash pads are at Cedar Valley, Cleveland, Daniels, Greene Square, Hayes, Hidder, Noelridge, Redmond and Twin Pines Parks.
Fridays’ weather: Likely showers before 1pm, otherwise cloudy with a high near 51. Chance of rain is 60%. Tonight will be cloudy, but slowly clear up with a low around 36.
Want our news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for free today at thegazette.com/newsletters — from news, to sports, to kid’s activities, Gazette newsletters have something for everyone.