DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Iowa State Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy yesterday on the body confirmed to be Mollie Tibbetts, and drew some preliminary conclusions. The examiner determined that the manner of death was homicide resulting from multiple sharp force injuries. Further examination may result in additional findings. Cristhian Bahena Rivera has been charged in the Iowa District Court for Poweshiek County with Murder in the First Degree.

IOWA (IRN) – FEMA has denied a request from Governor Kim Reynolds for federal money to help individual victims of flooding this summer. Gov. Reynolds asked for federal dollars to be made available to home and business owners and renters in Buchanan, Dickinson, Polk and Winnebago Counties for flooding that happened between June 6th and July 2nd. However, FEMA determined that the impact to individuals and households was “not of such severity and magnitude to warrant a designation.” Reynolds plans to appeal.

DUBUQUE, IA (IRN) – Congressman Rod Blum’s Dubuque office was vandalized early Wednesday. KCRG-TV reports cameras show a suspect with a gallon paint can opening it and tossing white paint on the front doors of the building.

CLAYTON COUNTY, IA (IRN) – A plane crashed Wednesday evening in a field near the Monona Airport in Clayton County, according to KGAN-TV. No injuries were reported.

BETTENDORF, IA (IRN) – At an open house to unveil the new Grant Wood Elementary School in Bettendorf, staff surprised the crowd with a flash mob. WQAD-TV reports Pharrell’s “Happy” started playing as dozens of teachers started strutting their stuff after the ribbon cutting of the new school.