Mollie Tibbetts press conference scheduled for this afternoon

Des Moines Register

For the first time in 10 days, authorities plan to formally update the public today about the search for Mollie Tibbetts.

The press conference is scheduled for 3 p.m. at the Poweshiek County Sheriff's Office. Tibbetts has not been seen in 26 days.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety had announced that it expected to update reporters and the public on Aug. 7 and again on Aug. 10. But the first gathering was canceled, and on Aug. 9, the Aug. 10 event was postponed to today.

Previous news conferences have illuminated little about the search, with state authorities saying it's important to keep some details confidential to protect the integrity of the investigation.

RELATED: Why investigators hold back information

"At this time the investigative team, made up of dedicated members from the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa DCI and the FBI, are continuing to follow up on investigative leads and tips," the state said in an Aug. 9 news release. "Information is still coming in and the investigation remains active. The team continues to encourage the public to submit any information they may have in regards to Mollie’s disappearance."

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