Chinese national accused of smuggling pathogens into Michigan enters not guilty plea

CNN Newsource on September 19, 2025

By Elaine Rojas-Castillo

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    DETROIT, Michigan (WWJ) — On Thursday, one of the Chinese nationals charged with allegedly trying to smuggle dangerous pathogens into the country appeared before a judge in federal court.

Yunqing Jian, 33, appeared alongside her private counsel as her charges were read out.

The postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, along with her boyfriend, Zunyong Liu, 34, faces charges of conspiracy, smuggling goods into the United States, false statements and visa fraud. Jian entered a plea of not guilty after Judge David R. Grand explained the speedy trial process, including how this gives prosecutors time to build their case and show probable cause that she committed the crime.

Linda Wan, a member of Code Pink, a feminist organization, sat in the gallery to show support for Jian.

“We just realized that something sounded fishy. It didn’t sound right that such wild charges were being leveled,” said Wan.

While the group originally planned to protest on the steps of the courthouse, lawyers for Jian shared her concern about attracting unwanted attention and asked them to support her quietly instead. Members of the grassroots organization say they felt compelled to speak out over what they call the unfair targeting of foreign scholars.

“It was no longer a far, far away idea or an abstract idea. It was being waged right on our college campus. So, we felt it was our duty to raise attention to this,” said Wan. “We look at this case as a political case that government authorities are using this as an opportunity to create sensationalist headlines as part of the demonization of China.”

The pathogen at the center of the case, Fusarium graminerum, is a noxious fungus known to cause “head blight,” a disease that impacts barley, rice, wheat and maize and causes economic losses worth billions of dollars each year.

CBS News Detroit attempted to speak with Jian’s attorneys, who wouldn’t comment.

Jian will remain in custody until her next court date, which is yet to be determined.

Earlier this month, a Chinese research student, who was also accused of smuggling biological materials, was sentenced to time served and will return to China.

Chengxuan Han, 28, of the People’s Republic of China, was sentenced after federal investigators alleged she sent four packages to the U.S. from China containing concealed biological material in 2024 and 2025. Those packages were allegedly addressed to people associated with a University of Michigan laboratory.

Han was stopped by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers at Detroit Metropolitan Airport after arriving on a J1 visa on June 8. While officers inspected Han, she reportedly lied to authorities about the packages and the biological materials she had allegedly previously sent to the U.S.

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Police release video of dog being rescued from house fire in Aurora, Illinois

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Jeramie Bizzle

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    AURORA, Illinois (WBBM) — Aurora police released video on Monday of a dog being rescued during a house fire in the western suburb last week.

On Thursday, Sept. 11, just before 1 p.m., Aurora police and fire crews responded to the fire in the 2000 block of Whitehall Court, where flames were coming from the rear of the home.

Two officers entered the home after forcing entry to search for occupants. During their search, one of the officers found and safely rescued a dog named Oakley.

No one else was inside the home at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

Preliminary investigation into the fire indicated that it originated in the attic. Officials said there were no signs of foul play.

The home remains habitable, but officials said the homeowners were advised to stay elsewhere as a temporary precaution.

The owners said they’re forever grateful to the officers for saving their dog.

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Bellwood homeowner who helped police catch porch pirate upset that suspect is out

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Marissa Sulek

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    CHICAGO (WBBM) — A west suburban homeowner helped police capture a porch pirate after using fake packages to lure him and confronted the suspect with a gun.

The homeowner, however, said he doesn’t believe he’ll see justice after learning that the suspect was released until his court appearance.

The man seen on Ring camera running out of the front door in his boxers and a gun behind his back is Jaleel Anthony.

“I just grabbed my firearm, because I am legal to carry and I just buckled out of the house,” Anthony said.

He was going after the man he said was stealing packages from his mom’s Bellwood home and countless others across the western suburbs. In order to catch the thief, his mom put out a stack of fake packages last week in hopes he’d fall for it, and he did.

Some said that he went too far in coming out with a gun.

“Like I said, it had nothing to do with the package that I brought out a gun. I brought out a gun because you came onto my property,” he said.

Bellwood police arrived at the scene a short time later and arrested the porch pirate. Anthony said 30 packages from cities and the west suburbs were found in the suspect’s vehicle.

Bellwood police identified the man as 27-year-old Joseph Davenport.

When Anthony posted his video to social media, he said videos of Davenport came pouring in from people across the area, dealing with the same problem and the same man.

Anthony said the porch pirate was the same guy from the story that CBS News Chicago covered last November, when he stole a package in Oak Forest. This time, Bellwood charged him with multiple theft misdemeanors. He was cited and released while he waits for a court appearance.

His release did not sit well with Anthony.

“I truly 100% believe he is doing the same thing. I believe he is doing it because the laws in Cook County protect criminals and not the working-hard citizens who get up every day and go to work,” he said.

At this point, he says he doesn’t know if he or anyone else who fell victim to Davenport will see justice.

The Better Business Bureau does not advise people to confront thieves with guns. Instead, work to prevent this from happening by scheduling packages, sending them to a workplace, or having them delivered to a neighbor.

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Locals share concerns after Lake Okeechobee ranked dirtiest in the US

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Caleb Califano

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    FLORIDA (WPBF) — A new study has ranked Lake Okeechobee, Florida’s largest freshwater lake, as the dirtiest lake in the country. The news comes as little surprise to those who live and fish there.

Local fisherman Rob Alfano, who has spent decades on the water, said he was disappointed but not shocked when he heard the news.

“Coincidentally, the best lake was Lake Superior, and I was just at Lake Superior, looked down at the water, and I kind of took a glass and drank it. It was so beautiful. Not the case here,” Alfano said.

The ranking comes from Lake.com, a vacation rental website that evaluated 100 of the nation’s largest lakes using recent chemical data. Researchers cited high levels of detectable lead and phosphorus in the lake.

Alfano said the lake’s condition has worsened dramatically over the years.

“It’s a completely different lake,” he said. “There’s an area called the Pass where you go through that used to be full of lily pads and pepper grass, all native grass and crystal clear and in good shape. Now it’s just a big bowl.”

He added that the perception of a dirty lake doesn’t just impact the water.

“The people up north read it, and they don’t want to come down. They don’t want to book guide trips,” Alfano said.

As for the cause, Alfano believes the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s chemical spraying of vegetation contributes to the problem by killing plants and creating muck at the lake’s bottom.

“Where does all that go when it’s dead to the bottom? So we have tons of dead vegetation building up on the bottom of the lake, and where areas used to have nice, clear bottom, you stick your rod in and you’re going through a foot and a half of muck,” he said.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the South Florida Water Management District both say they are aware of the study’s findings.

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Homeless man accused of inappropriately touching 15-year-old girl walking to school

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Vanessa Laurent

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    LAKE WORTH BEACH, Florida (WPBF) — A 15-year-old girl’s report of inappropriate contact while walking to school has led to the arrest of a homeless man in Palm Beach County.

The victim informed a school police officer that she had been approached and touched inappropriately by an unknown man.

The suspect had previously approached the girl and her mother while they waited for a bus after shopping. According to the mother, the man made inappropriate comments and touched himself over his clothing.

After reporting the incident, the girl helped the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office identify the man by taking photos and videos. He was later confirmed to be James Whidby. He was arrested and charged with two counts of lewd or lascivious molestation.

The girl is now taking a different route to school, and the investigation continues.

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One person injured in crash after vehicle goes airborne onto Interstate 80 in Omaha

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Jake Anderson

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    OMAHA, Nebraska (KETV) — One person was injured after a vehicle ran off the road, up a grass embankment, went airborne and landed on Interstate 80, Omaha police said.

The crash occurred around 8:30 a.m. near I-80 and 84th Street.

Investigators said a 2011 Nissan Sentra was traveling northbound on 84th Street when it ran off the road, up a grass embankment, then went airborne and landed on I-80.

An eastbound GMC Acadia on Interstate 80 then collided with the Nissan, Omaha police said.

The driver of the Nissan was taken to CUMC-Bergan Mercy Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said.

The crash is still under investigation.

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11-year-old Roseville boy expresses gratitude to group of kids who helped him after bike crash

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Peyton Headlee

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    ROSEVILLE, California (KCRA) — An 11-year-old boy from Roseville is expressing gratitude after a group of students came to his aid when he fell off his bike on his way home from school.

Alex Cannon said he fell on a busy bike path right after classes let out at Barbara Chilton Middle School.

“It’s like half a mile from my house to school. And I was like super tired. So, I went and I asked my friend like, ‘Hey, can I hitchhike?’ Because he has an e-bike. So, he said, ‘Yeah,'” Cannon said.

So, on his bike, Cannon held onto his friend’s electric bike. But, after only a few seconds, he said he began to tip over.

“I just, like, blacked out and then the next thing I know, I’m on the ground crying,” he said.

Cannon said he was crying and covered with scrapes and bruises, but surrounded by other kids who stopped to help.

“I look behind me and there’s like ten people surrounding me. And I’m like, ‘What happened?’ And they’re like you skidded five feet across the ground and I’m like, ‘Oh, ow, everything hurts,'” Cannon said.

He said the group of about a dozen middle schoolers stayed with him for the next 30 minutes, applying water to the spots where he was bleeding, giving him band-aids, and helping him get ahold of his mom.

“I get this text it says: Hi. Your son fell off his bike. Answer your phone, please. And I was like, ‘Oh, my gosh,'” Lizzie Cannon, Alex’s mom, said.

Lizzie Cannon said she grabbed her electric scooter and rushed to find him. On the way there, she said there were students already out looking for her.

“When I went to the stoplight where I needed to cross the road, there were two kids and they said, ‘Hey, is it your son that fell?’ So I followed them and they showed me where he was,” she said.

Upon finding her son, Lizzie Cannon’s concern shifted to admiration for the students who helped him.

“They said ‘Hey, we checked his head. Nothing’s broken. He can walk.’ And they had him in a little shady area and they were cracking jokes and bringing up his spirit so that he didn’t feel lonely,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see a bunch of kids at this impressionable age just stopping to help a kid instead of looking the other way.”

“In that moment, it was a bad moment because I was hurt, but at the same time, it was like an amazing moment knowing that these kids stopped and like, cared for me,” Alex Cannon said.

Alex Cannon is scraped and bruised, but above all, he said he is grateful.

“I mean… I’m very thankful,” Cannon said. “Thank you for caring for me and helping. And I hope that that spreads out the world.”

He said he learned two valuable lessons: always wear a helmet and avoid holding onto friends’ e-bikes.

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Participation of transgender volleyball player for Santa Rosa Junior College prompts protest before match in Rocklin

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Carolina Estrada

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    ROCKLIN, California (KCRA) — The Sierra College Women’s Volleyball team hosted Santa Rosa Junior College on Wednesday night in Rocklin.

The match unfolded amid controversy — after three SRJC players filed a Title IX complaint involving a transgender teammate.

The complaint is filed against the Sonoma County Junior College District, SRJC, and member schools of the California Community College Athletic Association.

The players allege physical endangerment by a transgender teammate – who KCRA 3 is not identifying since she has not publicly spoken about her identity.

It also states the deprivation of women’s rights by the school for allowing her to occupy a roster spot, and retribution from their coach, who they claim benched them after they raised concerns.

KCRA 3 reached out to the attorney who filed the complaint on their behalf but did not receive a response.

Outside the gym on Wednesday night, demonstrators protested the athlete’s participation.

Beth Bourne from Yolo County Moms for Liberty said, “We need to have sports be divided by the two sexes.”

KCRA 3 asked those who attended the game for their perspective, but no one agreed to speak on camera.

In a statement, SRJC spokesperson Sarah Pew said, “SRJC is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all students and employees. The district complies with California Community College Athletic Association regulations, which govern student eligibility and participation in our athletic programs.”

The case adds to a growing national debate over transgender athletes in women’s sports, and the complaint remains under review.

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Unique exhibit offers chance to witness ‘miracle of life’ at Oklahoma State Fair

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Cameron Sibert

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    OKLAHOMA CITY (KOCO) — The Oklahoma State Fair is a melting pot of interesting experiences. Yes, there are the food and rides, but did you know you can witness the miracle of life?

Inside the Expo Hall, fairgoers can find the Animal Birthing Center to see some of the goats and piglets born in Oklahoma.

“This is the miracle of life. This is where life starts on the farm,” Dr. Alex Main, an Oklahoma Animal Care advocate, said.

If you didn’t grow up on the farm, you’ve never seen what’s inside the Animal Birthing Center – a fresh litter of piglets born healthy right at the Oklahoma State Fair. For those who do go to the Expo Hall to see it, the center delivers an unforgettable day on the farm.

“This is what it actually looks like in a commercial farm, with modern technology and everything. This is what it looks like and the process of birth,” Main said.

Main introduced KOCO 5 to Cardi P, one of the three sows at the fair this year. She just became a mother to 20 piglets. We got there while the piglets were just waking up, and they were hungry.

“Whenever it is time for them to go and they want to nurse, they go and nose her belly. And when she is willing to participate, she will lay on her side,” Main said. “So, cattle, their milk is in the udder already, right, whereas with pigs they have to do milk let-down. So, she will lay on her side and start grunting, and that is her letting her milk down for them to drink. If I were to try to get any milk from her teats right now, it wouldn’t work.”

The birthing center also has baby goats, who are all cared for by volunteer students at different veterinary schools in Oklahoma.

It’s a learning experience for everyone involved. The Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association helps get the animals from producers around the state, and Future Farmers of America students show up to get a hands-on experience.

“Where your food comes from, how much care farmers have. It’s an ethical responsibility farmers take on, caring for animals all the way from A to Z,” Main said.

While there’s a lot to see and do at the Oklahoma State Fair, there’s also a lot to learn. Anyone who wants to experience the farm should visit the Animal Birthing Center and Agtropolis.

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Man dies after becoming unresponsive on Stardust Racers roller coaster at Epic Universe

CNN Newsource on September 18, 2025

By Web Staff

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    ORLANDO, Florida (WESH) — A guest at Epic Universe died after riding on the Stardust Racers roller coaster on Wednesday, according to Universal officials.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office said that off-duty deputies responded to a “man down” call at the theme park.

Once they arrived at the scene, they found a man in his 30s who was unresponsive. The man was then transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Chopper 2 was live on the scene and captured exclusive video of a large law enforcement presence, including crime scene vans and a forensic team taking photos of the ride vehicle in the loading area.

Universal Orlando’s app currently indicates that the popular Stardust Racers coaster is closed on Thursday.

Statement from Universal spokesperson:

“Universal is cooperating with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office following a tragic event involving a guest at Epic Universe on Wednesday night. The guest became unresponsive after riding Stardust Racers and was transported to the hospital, where the guest later died. We are devastated by this event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones. We are fully committed to cooperating with this ongoing investigation. The attraction remains closed.

This racing coaster reaches speeds of up to 62 miles per hour and heights of 133 feet along a 5,000-foot track.

The ride features two sides racing each other on green and yellow tracks, with an inverted criss-cross maneuver called the Celestial Spin.

Before opening, the ride underwent extensive testing, requiring 80 consecutive hours of flawless operation.

Universal Orlando’s safety guidelines warn that the coaster includes sudden and dramatic acceleration, climbing, tilting, inversion and dropping.

Riders must be at least four feet tall, and those with blood pressure issues, heart conditions, back or neck problems, sensitivity to strobe lights, motion, or fog, as well as expectant mothers or individuals who have recently undergone surgery, are advised not to ride.

Additionally, the park requires guests to store loose items in a locker and pass through a metal detector before boarding the coaster.

Universal’s Epic Universe is Central Florida’s newest theme park, officially opening its doors to the public on May 22, 2025.

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