Chinese national charged with photographing Whiteman Air Force Base

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Nick Sloan

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    WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (KMBC) — A Chinese national has been charged in federal court after authorities say he took photos and video of Whiteman Air Force Base and military aircraft without authorization.

Federal prosecutors announced last week that 35-year-old Qilin Wu is accused of illegally photographing a vital military installation and military equipment, a misdemeanor under U.S. law.

According to a criminal complaint, Air Force patrol officers and agents with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations were called Dec. 2, 2025, after a suspicious minivan was spotted near the perimeter of Whiteman Air Force Base.

Officers found Wu near the base, where he told them he was there to observe the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.

He was warned that photographing or recording the base was prohibited.

Investigators say the same vehicle returned to the base the next day. Agents again contacted Wu, who admitted taking videos of the B-2 aircraft and photographing perimeter fencing, a gate and military equipment.

Authorities reviewed Wu’s phone and found 18 images and videos of Whiteman Air Force Base and military hardware, court documents say. Wu also admitted photographing another U.S. Air Force base and its aircraft.

Prosecutors said Wu entered the United States illegally near Nogales, Arizona, in June 2023 and was released while awaiting immigration proceedings scheduled for 2027.

He was re-arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Dec. 3, 2025.

The charge carries a possible sentence of up to one year in federal prison if Wu is convicted.

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‘All In For Our Culture Festival’ bringing community together to celebrate next mayor

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Metia Carroll

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    NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) — New Orleans Mayor-elect Helena Moreno is getting ready to take office Monday.

Sunday kicked off events leading up to her inauguration, including the “All In For Our Culture Festival” that was held at Lafayette Square.

The festival showcased the sounds and spirit of the city, with attendees enjoying food trucks, community organization showcases, and a kids’ zone.

Organizers said the event was designed to reflect on the city’s deep musical roots.

Unity, creativity, and the defining culture were the main focus for the day’s event.

The inauguration will be held on Monday, Jan. 12, at 9 a.m. The theme is “All In For New Orleans.”

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Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Nebraska organizations work together to end trafficking

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Aaron Hegarty

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    OMAHA, Neb. (KETV) — Innocence Freed Founder and CEO Julie Shrader says she still gets asked this about human trafficking: “Does it really happen in Omaha?”

“It happens everywhere,” she said. “Every day.”

Human trafficking can take many forms, including sex, labor, and even organ trafficking, she said.

The Omaha Police Department says it’s not always clear that it’s a case of trafficking at first glance. Often, it may initially be reported as a domestic disturbance, prostitution, labor dispute, or a frequently missing child, Officer Sarah Martier told KETV.

For the first time, the Nebraska State Capitol was lit in blue on Saturday night to mark human trafficking awareness.

It was part of an event called “Stronger Together,” organized by several Nebraska organizations, initiated by Lincoln-based “I’ve Got A Name.”

“It was the first event that I’ve known of in a long time where one nonprofit called upon all the others and said, can you join us?” Shrader said.

Nonprofits often compete for the same donors and grant money, she said.

Shrader said her and other organizations are focusing on the survivors they support.

A common misconception about trafficking is that it starts with kidnapping, Shrader and Martier said. That’s usually not the case.

“I want you to think somebody who’s close to (someone) who is in the position to take advantage of them,” Martier said. “That’s what you should think about when you think about human trafficking.”

Martier highlighted that especially vulnerable populations include those in poverty, LGBTQ youth, and non-native English speakers. She advised the public to watch for signs such as someone acting fearful or anxious and lacking the freedom to move as they wish.

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Trial for man identified as victim and suspect in viral Cincinnati brawl continued

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Karin Johnson

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    CINCINNATI (WLWT) — The trial for Alex Tchervinski, the man identified as both a victim and suspect in the viral downtown Cincinnati brawl last summer, has been continued.

The trial, initially scheduled for last month, was set to start Monday but was continued again at the City Solicitor’s request.

Prosecutors say one of their witnesses didn’t show up because he fears for his safety.

A new date has been set for Feb. 10 at 10 a.m.

Tchervinski is the man behind the slap in this past summer’s downtown assault. His attorney says it was self defense.

He is facing charges of disorderly conduct.

Defense attorney Doug Brannon previously told WLWT in August, “Alex himself sustained over 28 blows to his head, face area. He was brutally beaten in this instance.”

Brannon added, “I think he is being victimized now for a second time. He was not only brutally beaten and robbed during the assault, he’s now being prosecuted when he was attempting to defend himself and his friends.”

WLWT Investigates obtained videos that provide insight into the events of that July morning. The footage shows a group of people gathered at the corner of 4th and Elm, with Tchervinski, dressed in white, being pushed. The crowd moves into the intersection, and Tchervinski is seen kicking a white SUV. Although there is no audio, the video captures a scuffle with punches being thrown, leading to Tchervinski’s infamous slap.

The video also shows Tchervinski being thrown to the ground, stomped on, and kicked repeatedly by multiple people.

Court filings indicate that Tchervinski will argue self-defense.

According to the filings, city prosecutors could call interim Cincinnati police Chief Adam Hennie, a representative from 3CDC, and a local business owner who recorded the fight.

Meanwhile, the defense’s witness list includes Tchervinski and five others identified as victims, including one publicly known only as “Holly,” who suffered severe injuries during the brawl. The list also includes Hennie, two Cincinnati police detectives and an FBI confidential informant.

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Lone survivor of West Valley family shooting dies unexpectedly at age 19

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Payton Davis

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    TAYLORSVILLE (KSL) — The only family member to survive a shooting that claimed the lives of his parents and his three siblings in 2024 died Sunday at age 19.

Sha Reh died unexpectedly at the home of his aunt and uncle, according to a family statement.

Reh, who was 17 at the time, was shot in the head in December 2024 during a shooting spree at his West Valley home that took the lives of the rest of his immediate family. Police believe Reh’s father shot his wife and four children before shooting himself.

The teenager was found alive but critically injured in the garage two days later following a welfare check at the home.

The family statement said Reh died unexpectedly. A GoFundMe account* says he died of natural causes. His death came just a week after Reh had fulfilled a personal goal to attend the University of Utah.

“Despite losing his vision in both eyes, and over the course of the past 13 months, Sha Reh overcame numerous obstacles on his pathway to healing. He successfully enrolled in the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind in January of 2025, where he learned to communicate in Braille and live independently,” the statement said.

“Just this past week, he started college as a first year, first generation student at the University of Utah. He was living independently and was excited to work toward his dream of obtaining a college education and eventually enrolling in law school.”

Reh graduated with his class at Granger High School in May. The school called his survival “one of the most fabulous miracles of the season.”

Reh knew what it was like to struggle. He adapted to a new life in America as a refugee from Myanmar and had to learn a new language. So re-learning these new skills of reading and living on his own were another test of his resolve.

“I strive to do good things in this world,” Reh told KSL in May. “I am very grateful and blessed to have this opportunity to be happy.”

He said his faith was a big part of his hope. He and his family were baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints nearly a decade ago.

“Religion is a big part of why I’m always so positive. It gets me thinking that I will be able to see my family again in the afterlife,” he said days before his high school graduation.

Reh’s family said, “While we are devastated at the news of his death, the knowledge of the joy of his reunion with his family exceeds our pain. He was among those who were once blind, but now can see. He has a perfect vision of his and his family’s eternity, and his home is now with them.”

Those family members include his mother, Bu Meh, 38; brother Boe Reh, 11; sister Kristina Ree, 8; and sister Nyay Meh, 2. His father, Dae Rah, 42, was also found dead with a gun.

The family also expressed gratitude to first responders, police and the medical examiner’s office, and to those who offered support to the family since the shooting.

The GoFundMe campaign says all money raised will go to Reh’s extended family that has been caring for him. “The family is currently facing significant financial hardship and is struggling to cover the costs of funeral and memorial services.”

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. KSL verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

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“Freezin’ for a reason”: Hundreds take icy plunge at Lucky Peak to support Make-A-Wish Idaho

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Allie Triepke

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    BOISE, Idaho (KIVI) — Participants gathered at Lucky Peak for the 23rd annual Make-A-Wish Idaho Polar Bear Challenge, Boise’s coldest fundraiser and one of the nonprofit’s most anticipated events of the year. The annual cold plunge challenges individuals and teams to jump into the chilly water to raise money for wishes benefiting children with critical illnesses.

Among those taking the plunge was Dahlia Thompson, who participated for the second year in a row alongside her dad, John D. Thompson. The pair has turned the Polar Bear Challenge into a family tradition.

“I’m doing the polar bear plunge for the second time,” Dahlia said. “I was crying when I got out last year.”

Beyond braving the cold, the Thompsons also helped raise hundreds of dollars for Make-A-Wish Idaho.

“To me, it’s a pretty easy event to earn money for a great cause — she out-earns me every time,” John D. said, pointing to his daughter.

Dahlia says her motivation is simple.

“I just really like giving back,” she said.

Make-A-Wish Idaho says the Polar Bear Challenge has continued to grow over the years, raising more than $100,000 annually. This year’s event is expected to support more than a dozen wishes for children across the state.

“It’s grown every single year,” said Jamie Best, president of Make-A-Wish Idaho. “This year, I think we’re probably a thirty percent increase over last year, and people love coming out to support Make-A-Wish Idaho.”

One of the children highlighted during this year’s event is Zoe, a young girl currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. Her wish is to go to Disney World. While Zoe wasn’t able to attend in person due to health challenges, organizers say her presence was felt throughout the event.

“She was our featured wish kid for this year,” Best said. “Unfortunately, she was unable to be with us in person today because she’s having some health struggles, but she is with us in spirit for sure.”

Organizers say events like the Polar Bear Challenge offer more than just financial support — they also bring the Treasure Valley community together around a shared purpose.

“It gives them hope and strength and joy and something to look forward to in getting over a really difficult time,” Best said.

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18 malnourished dogs seized, two people arrested after animal cruelty investigation in Erie

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Sadie Buggle

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    ERIE, Colo. (KRDO) — Police say two people are now in custody after a malnourished dog prompted an investigation into animal cruelty at a property in Erie.

According to the Town of Erie Police Department, animal control officers received a report on Jan. 5 of a dog found in the 1300 block of Reliance Place. When officers arrived, they found a severely malnourished and underweight dog with “minimal muscle definition.”

Due to serious concerns for the dog’s welfare, it was taken to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley for a full veterinary evaluation, the department said. The dog was not microchipped and wasn’t wearing a collar, leading it to be classified as a stray.

However, police said the information witnesses provided during the initial call indicated there was a “strong likelihood” that more animals were being kept in similiar conditions – prompting them to notify investigators.

After further investigation, authorities obtained a search warrant for a nearby residence in the 1300 block of Reliance Place, and on Jan. 8, they seized 18 dogs from the home. The sheriff’s office says the majority of those dogs were found to be “neglected and emaciated.”

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Woman indicted in shooting death of girlfriend

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Paris Flannigan

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    ST. LANDRY PARISH — OPELOUSAS, La. (KATC) — A St. Landry Parish grand jury has indicted a 21-year-old Lafayette woman on a second-degree murder charge in connection with the 2025 shooting death of an Opelousas teenager.

According to the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office, the grand jury indicted Kera Rose Vitatoe on Friday, Jan. 9, 2026, in the death of 18-year-old Mareya Henry of Opelousas.

Investigators say the shooting occurred just after 1 p.m. on Oct. 13, 2025, in the 100 block of Hashim Street. Authorities report that Henry was shot twice in the back with a 9mm firearm. She was transported to a hospital for treatment, but later died from her injuries.

Prosecutors state Vitatoe and Henry were involved in a romantic relationship that had a documented history of violence. Court records indicate Henry had sent a note requesting help prior to the shooting. When Henry’s cousin arrived at the scene, he was reportedly shot in the shoulder by Vitatoe.

Second-degree murder carries a mandatory sentence of life at hard labor under Louisiana law.

Vitatoe is scheduled to be arraigned on Jan. 22, 2026, in St. Landry Parish.

The case remains under the jurisdiction of the St. Landry Parish District Attorney’s Office.

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‘Stand with them’: Supporters of mosque plans campaign before city council vote

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Samson Tamijani

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    BROKEN ARROW, Okla. (KJRH) — One day before an anticipated special meeting, the campaign to gather support for rezoning needed to build a mosque collected more than a thousand opinion forms to turn into Broken Arrow City Council, proponents said.

The planned Islamic community center would be a place of worship, recreation, and even health care for more than 10,000 Muslims in Green Country if the council approved it, according to Islamic Society of Tulsa.

Tulsa County Democratic Party chair Sarah Gray told 2 News on Jan. 11 that is worth generating support.

Gray said she spent the day coordinating volunteers to knock on doors in Broken Arrow to collect yellow supporting opinion forms for submission to the city council.

“I didn’t call anybody and say, ‘Hey, are you guys Democrats? Are there any Democrats who are affected by this?’ We just saw that they were neighbors who were in need of having neighbors come and stand with them,” Gray said.

Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry CEO Aliye Shimi – herself a Muslim resident of Broken Arrow – said she’s collected more than 3,000 opinion forms from congregants of non-Muslim faith groups around the Tulsa metro area.

“This shows that we are a community,” Shimi said. “This shows that unity that’s in the community.”

Last week Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced his office will investigate the construction’s funding and whether its parent organization might have ties to terrorism.

Shimi said she doesn’t buy it.

“(It is) a waste of our taxpayer money,” Shimi said. “Just feeding into the fear of these poor community members in Broken Arrow, right? I understand there’s a lot of ignorance behind this. I understand there’s a lot of fear. People are afraid of the unknown.”

The Broken Arrow City Council special meeting will be at the NSU-Broken Arrow campus administration building at 6 p.m. on Jan. 12.

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Carriage horse runs into traffic, hits multiple vehicles

CNN Newsource on January 12, 2026

By Alexa Herrera

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    NEW YORK (WCBS) — A carriage horse in New York City crashed into multiple vehicles after bolting out of Central Park. Video shows the horse trotting through the street and hitting a taxi.

The incident happened when the horse ran into oncoming traffic on Thursday morning through the four-way intersection of Sixth Avenue and West 59th Street.

Officials from the nonprofit animal rights organization NYCLASS, short for New Yorkers for Clean, Livable, and Safe Streets, said people had to jump and run out of the way to avoid being trampled.

Police said four to five unoccupied, unattended cars were hit. No one was injured.

The condition of the horse is unknown, NYCLASS said.

A horse crashed into a sign in Central Park in September. A video showed a person falling out of the carriage and another person jumping out.

Two other horses also got loose from their drivers in May and were running through Central Park unattended. In this incident, a driver broke his wrist trying to catch his horse and needed surgery.

The debate over allowing horse-drawn carriages in New York City has been going on for decades.

Former Mayor Eric Adams pushed for the City Council to pass Ryder’s Law in 2025. The bill was named after a carriage horse that collapsed in 2022 and died of cancer a few months later.

The law would’ve phased out the industry by stopping new licenses from being issued and replacing the carriages with electric alternatives. It didn’t pass after four members voted against it.

Edita Birnkrant, executive director of NYCLASS, said her team will work with Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other elected officials to pass Ryder’s Law.

“Horses are unpredictable and nervous prey animals — hardwired to bolt when frightened — and forcing them to drag open carriages through chaotic Manhattan is reckless endangerment,” she said. “In a split second, someone could have been killed or seriously hurt.”

Mamdani previously stated his desire to ban the industry. In December, he said he supported removing horse carriages from Central Park.

The union representing carriage drivers said the industry supports the livelihoods of workers and their families.

“They are largely hardworking immigrants who take good care of their horses, and have consistently been attacked and slandered by monied interests who care nothing about animal welfare,” said TWU International President John Samuelsen in November.

He previously said the union is calling for a horse stable in Central Park to keep the animals off the streets.

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