Acosta murder hearing, softball finals, new phys ed policies at MCS: Top stories

Three can’t-miss stories made headlines in Modesto today, from a high-profile court hearing to high school sports and school district policy changes. Here’s a quick look at what happened.

Here are three must-read stories:

• Prosecutors and defense attorneys clashed Wednesday over whether evidence supports a second-degree murder charge against Juliette Acosta, 27, the Oakdale mother accused of driving intoxicated when her vehicle crashed into an irrigation canal, killing her 4-year-old daughter Reagan Herrin on March 8, 2025.
• Central Catholic rallied from a 9-3 deficit to outscore Oakdale 13-0 over the final two innings in a 16-9 Division IV semifinal win, sending the Raiders to their fifth consecutive section title game.
• The Modesto City Schools Board of Education approved the first reading of two new PE policies that accommodate students observing religious fasts, set weather protocols for extreme heat and inclement weather and clarifies dress code requirements.