NEWS OF THE DAY
1 Tibbetts slaying: The father of slain Iowa college student Mollie Tibbetts has thanked the Latino community for its support during the long search for his daughter. A Mexican farmworker suspected of being in the U.S. illegally has been charged in Tibbetts’ death. Speaking Sunday at a ceremony for his daughter, Rob Tibbetts didn’t directly address comments by President Trump and others who seized upon the suspect’s citizenship to argue for changes in U.S. immigration laws. However, Tibbetts said that in the weeks he was searching for his daughter, he encountered Latinos in Brooklyn, Iowa, who were sensitive and kind. He says members of the Latino community have “the same values as Iowans.” The body of Mollie Tibbetts, 20, was found last week.
2 Teens killed: Four teenagers were killed and four others were injured when a vehicle struck them as they pushed a stalled SUV to a birthday party in southern Indiana. The Jackson County Sheriff ’s Department said the teens were pushing the car after it broke down late Saturday in the rural community of Cortland, about 50 miles south of Indianapolis. A motorist then hit them from behind. The crash is under investigation. The victims were identified as Neveah Law, 14, and Jenna Helton, 14, Brittany Watson, 15, Martin Martinez, 16.
3 Gun control: Activists in Boston staged a “back-to-school” fashion show Monday featuring bulletproof vests, helmets and other safety gear. The event at Boston City Hall plaza was staged as a call for stricter gun laws. Manuel and Patricia Oliver, parents of one of the victims of the February massacre at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., were among those expected to attend.
4 Liberty Island fire: The Statue of Liberty was evacuated Monday as a precaution after a propane fire erupted in a construction area on Liberty Island. Park spokesman Jerry Willis said about 3,000 visitors were ushered to a plaza a safe distance from the fire, which started at around noon. Ferries were brought to evacuate them, and construction worker was treated at the scene for a minor injury. The Fire Department of New York said it appeared three propane tanks were involved in the fire. The park reopened by midafternoon. 5 Wildfires: Much-needed rain fell across Montana on Monday and slowed the spread of a fire burning near the U.S.-Canada border enough for Canadian officials to lift an evacuation order issued last week for Waterton Lakes National Park. The rain has suppressed but not extinguished the 3-square-mile blaze burning in the northern part of Glacier National Park and threatening Waterton Lakes. The rain also slowed another fire burning in Glacier near Lake McDonald that previously destroyed 14 residences and 13 other structures. Evacuations there remain in place and officials said Monday there is the possibility of wind-driven fire activity later this week.