Author: CNN

WWJ

By Paula Wethington

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    MICHIGAN (WWJ) — The Michigan Attorney General’s Office has issued the fifth of what will eventually be seven detailed reports on the topic of Catholic church clergy abuse in the state, this time focusing on the Diocese of Grand Rapids.

The report, released Monday, is a compilation of allegations of sexual misconduct against either children or adults since 1950 in that region. The most recent report, issued in December 2024, looked into investigations at the Diocese of Lansing. The Saginaw and Detroit reports have yet to be released.

The Most Reverend David John Walkowiak, who was named bishop of the Grand Rapids diocese in 2013, also gave a video statement and a press conference Monday to discuss the report.

“I offer my deepest and most sincere apologies,” Walkowiak said to the victim survivors of these cases. “I am sorry that a church leader in whom you placed your trust misused his power and abused you.”

There are seven Catholic dioceses in Michigan, which provide administration and support services to Catholic parishes and schools on a regional level. Each region is led by a bishop or archbishop. The Diocese of Grand Rapids is based in Western Michigan, and includes Muskegon, Kent and Ionia counties.

The Michigan Department of Attorney General and Michigan State Police started working on this effort in 2018, compiling documents found during search warrants and information submitted via a tip line. There have been millions of paper and electronic documents reviewed, a full-time victim advocate assigned to support those who were identified as victims, and so far, 11 criminal charges filed in nine cases.

All seven dioceses have cooperated with the AG’s investigation, state officials said.

“It is our intent to share what was learned during the investigation as to ensure that any past failure to report sexual abuse will never happen again,” the state AG’s office said.

The report includes names of the individuals, dates they were ordained to ministry, dates when they worked in the diocese of Grand Rapids, descriptions of the inappropriate conduct that was under investigation, excerpts from official documents or letters on the incidents, and dates (where applicable) of removal from ministry or their death.

Of the 51 individuals named in the Grand Rapids report, 37 of them are known or presumed to be dead.

Of the 14 who are living or presumed to be living, “none are in active ministry in the Diocese of Grand Rapids.” Walkowiak said in response to potential transfers, any clergy who were assigned to Grand Rapids but seeking to work in ministry elsewhere would need to get a letter from the bishop’s office that they were in good standing, and with that, he does not expect any.

None of the criminal sexual assault cases filed as a result of the statewide review have been from the Grand Rapids area.

There are time limits as to when someone can pursue criminal charges. This is normally six years from the date of the offense or the victim’s 18th birthday. The AG’s office said state law now allows criminal charges to be filed at any time over first-degree criminal sexual conduct charges.

In cases in the Catholic church review where criminal charges did not result, the AG’s office said the reasons could include the clergy person having already died, the statute of limitations expired, the conduct did not violate Michigan law or the victim decided not to pursue criminal charges.

Walkowiak said the vast majority of the listed investigations involved activity that took place before 1979. He also explained the steps that the U.S. bishops invoked in 2002, which include immediately reporting misconduct involving children to local authorities. In addition, anyone who is working with children on behalf of the Catholic church in the United States now must comply with background check and training requirements.

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WCCO

By Conor Wight, Stephen Swanson

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    BROOKLYN PARK, Minnesota (WCCO) — Saturday evening, leftover food is still stuck to the grill at Crumbs and Coffee in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.

The workstation has been left uncleaned since Friday morning, when the co-owner of the coffee shop said that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials detained his cook after luring him outside into the parking lot.

Marcio Luis De Morais said that he heard from another employee that ICE took Jorge Leonardo Vergara Rubio at around 9:30 a.m.

According to his co-worker, two people had come into the coffee shop in civilian clothing and ordered drinks like “regular customers.” The employee noticed that they took photos, possibly of Rubio, before leaving and waiting in their car outside. A half an hour later, another car arrived: De Morais said that he was told the occupants of that car came into the coffee shop claiming they had hit a parked car. It was Rubio’s.

“As soon as he walked outside, that’s when they arrested him,” De Morais said.

Rubio’s car is still sitting in the parking lot with no obvious signs of damage. De Morais believes the agents, later identified as ICE, lied in order to draw Rubio outside the store.

Once Rubio was gone, the other employee at work that morning cleared the store and ran in a panic, according to De Morais. He showed up an hour later and locked up; he said that Saturday morning, another employee delivering supplies to the store may have forgotten to lock the doors. He said it’s how Democratic State Sen. John Hoffman came across the scene, preserved from 24 hours earlier with a customer’s sweater still on a chair and loose items on tables.

Sen. Hoffman took to Facebook, detailing how he called the police to secure the store.

“These are small business owners. Taxpayers. People who invested in our community, created jobs, and served their neighbors every day. Since when are they considered the ‘worst of the worst?'” This isn’t right,” Hoffman wrote. “And it’s not who we should be targeting if we care about safe, strong communities.”

The senator was likely referencing a Homeland Security press release on Friday, in which Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin claimed the department’s agents have “arrested more than 400 illegal aliens including pedophiles, rapists, and violent thugs since Operation Metro Surge began” earlier this month in the Twin Cities.

Brooklyn Park police confirmed that ICE had detained an employee. WCCO reached out to ICE to ask what charges Rubio faces and why he was detained but has not heard back.

De Morais said that he wasn’t sure of Rubio’s status, but knew that he was checking in with authorities regularly. He said that Rubio had taken time off the in the past for court dates that he was told were related to his desire to achieve asylum status.

What he’s more sure of is that he’s likely going to have to close down Crumbs and Coffee. He said it’s already been difficult trying to keep his other restaurant ventures in the Twin Cities afloat given the fear that has gripped the metro; with employees afraid to come to work, he said he doesn’t see how he can reopen the coffee shop that opened its doors just six months ago.

“This one is done,” De Morais said, “we are unfortunately are not going to reopen.”

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WFOR

By Ivan Taylor

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    MIAMI (WFOR) — Police are searching for a man caught on surveillance video driving a pickup truck, investigators say, who was carrying a woman’s body – a body later dumped in a secluded industrial area of South Miami‑Dade.

The discovery was made early Friday morning at the entrance of a business near Southwest 170th Street and 99th Avenue, an area business owners say few people know about.

Ron Von Paulus, a business owner in the area, shared the surveillance footage with investigators.

Footage shows truck making U‑turn The video shows the pickup pulling in, making a U‑turn and driving toward the spot where police later found the victim.

Police told Paulus the victim was a woman.

“It was a female and she was badly beaten up… that’s all they shared with me,” he said.

Workers arrived minutes after suspect left Paulus said his workers pulled into the lot just minutes after the truck drove off.

“My guys got here just like two or three minutes after – you can see it on the video,” he said.

One of those workers, Farrell Scott, said he narrowly missed witnessing the crime in real time.

“If I was here early, I would have seen the guy,” Scott said.

“I would have seen everything happening – but I stopped and got a coffee.”

Witness describes video as chilling Scott described the video as chilling.

“The video is shocking because the guy made a U-turn right here and stopped. I see him get out and dump the body, but I just couldn’t see his face.”

The Miami‑Dade Sheriff’s Office confirms it is investigating but declined to comment further.

Authorities urge public to help The business owner hopes the suspect will be found quickly.

“I just hope they catch this guy – whoever he is. He needs to be taken care of properly,” Paulus said.

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KPIX

By Loureen Ayyoub

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    SAN FRANCISCO (KPIX) — Beneath towering redwoods in Marin County, an outdoor storytelling series is drawing audiences back to one of humanity’s oldest traditions.

Redwood Nights brings together passionate storytellers to share true, personal narratives in a natural setting designed to foster connection, according to producer Don Reed.

“People here are coming from The Moth, NPR, HBO, Tonight Show, late-night television, here telling stories that are sometimes hilarious, sometimes heartbreaking, but all of them are true,” Reed said.

In an era increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the emphasis on real-life experiences has taken on new significance. Reed said while technology can help streamline creative work, Redwood Nights offers a different kind of interaction.

“A lot of artificial intelligence sometimes, it gets projects done faster, it can help with that. But when you come here, we do a different form of AI. We call it authentic interaction,” he said.

The event, titled Storytelling Under the Stars, is held outdoors in Fairfax at Deer Park Villa, where audiences gather beneath redwood trees to experience stories in an intimate, natural environment.

“It’s always great to be out in nature. We spend too much time surrounded by four walls and a roof. And to come out into the natural world, these trees hold stories generations longer than the people who are here,” attendee Suzanne Pullen said.

Reed has spent nearly two years curating the themed gatherings with the goal of slowing down time and encouraging presence.

“Human connection over digital connection will always be superior. There will never be anything better or stronger than another human being talking to you, another human being, sharing their story,” Reed said.

Stories that are meant to spark curiosity, hope and connection.

The next Redwood Nights event is scheduled for Dec. 30.

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KCNC

By Tori Mason

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — A mother is grieving after a crash in the Denver metro area last weekend left her son brain-dead and two of her other children fighting for their lives.

Lakewood police say 22-year-old Andrew Logan Miller has been arrested in connection with the crash, which happened Dec. 6 around 7:30 p.m. near Kipling Parkway and West 6th Avenue.

Police say Miller was driving an SUV southbound on Kipling Parkway at a high rate of speed when it collided with a bus carrying a wrestling team from Central High School, which is located in Grand Junction in Mesa County.

Sixteen people were taken to hospitals.

Among the injured were three siblings who were riding inside the SUV.

On Friday, their mother, Suleyma Gonzalez, identified them as Julio Gonzalez, 18, Analelly Gonzalez, 17, and Christopher Gonzalez, 14.

Analelly and Christopher remain in critical condition. Julio will never wake up.

“I didn’t want to believe it, until they had to do the second testing where they didn’t find blood going through his brain,” she said. “My other two are in comas.”

Gonzalez said doctors ultimately declared Julio brain-dead.

She describes her children as disciplined students and ROTC members with plans for the future.

“Two of my kids were going to graduate this year,” she said. “No drugs. No alcohol. They were good kids.”

Gonzalez confirmed that Miller, who was driving the SUV at the time of the crash, was her daughter’s boyfriend.

“I know he loved my daughter,” she said. “I don’t think he did this on purpose or intentionally. It was an accident.”

Police say the investigation is ongoing, but believe speed played a major role in the crash.

Miller was arrested Wednesday night and is facing multiple charges, including:

• Vehicular assault (7 counts) • Speeding 40 mph or more over the limit • Reckless driving • Child abuse (2 counts) • Reckless endangerment

“My kids know when you get in somebody’s car, there’s always a risk. Always,” she said.

Julio’s organs will be donated. He’s on life support, while the hospital searches for matches.

“He wanted to give to the world,” she said. “Now that I can’t get him back, we want to give life to somebody else.”

Miller is currently being held in the Denver County Jail and is awaiting transfer to the Jefferson County Jail. His bond and court appearance have not yet been announced.

Lakewood police say the investigation remains active.

Gonzalez, a single mother of five, says her focus now is on her surviving children and getting clarity.

“I just want answers.”

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KCNC

By Christa Swanson

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    COLORADO (KCNC) — After almost 10 years, a Wisconsin man who killed his wife on an Amtrak train to Denver back in 2016 has been convicted of her murder.

Investigators ultimately determine Angelo Mantych suffocated his wife, 28-year-old Marina Placensia, to death, and he was found guilty by a jury in court on Friday.

On August 30, 2016, Placensia and Mantych, who is now 45, and Placensia’s four children — three of whom are also Mantych’s — boarded a train heading from their home in Wisconsin to Denver. The Denver District Attorney’s Office said that, by the time the train reached Union Station on Sept. 1, Placensia was dead.

According to court documents, Mantych told police that his wife was sleeping, and he tried to wake her before the train arrived. Mantych claimed that when Placensia didn’t respond, he asked for help.

The investigator who responded to the call said he noticed “numerous bruises on the body that appeared consistent with an assault or struggle,” but that none would be an obvious cause of death. Mantych told the investigator that she was “banged up from moving” and that a screen door had hit Placensia, and the other bruises were from moving heavy furniture down the stairs.

However, Placensia’s brother warned authorities that Mantych was abusive. Police in Racine, Wis., confirmed Mantych had previously been arrested and charged with physical abuse against her.

A former neighbor also told family members that Mantych physically abused Placensia the day before the couple left, and that he had done so multiple times in the past. One of her friends told investigators that she was speaking with family members about moving back to Colorado to get her away from Mantych, and that he had threatened to kill her and her children if she left him.

Reports said that, although she had 35 internal and external injuries, none of them were severe enough to explain her death. Officials also ruled out Placensia’s liver disease as a potential cause, which was revealed in her autopsy.

It wasn’t until 2022 that an expert on strangulation and suffocation was brought in to review the case. In 2023, the expert assigned told District Attorney Maggie Conboy that he determined Placensia’s cause of death to be “suffocation and the manner as homicide.”

Based on the findings and conclusion, an arrest warrant was made for Mantych. He was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for Placensia’s death.

Mantych was convicted Friday afternoon, and he now faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. His sentencing will be held on Jan. 9, 2026.

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KTVT

By Giles Hudson

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    TEXAS (KTVT) — Siblings were killed after a fire swept through an apartment in Far North Dallas early Saturday, officials said.

Dallas-Fire Rescue said at around 3:20 a.m., crews were called to the fire in the 4000 block of Frankford Road near Midway Road.

“When companies arrived on scene, they observed heavy fire coming from an apartment on the first floor of a two-story apartment building; and with reports of multiple residents potentially being trapped inside, a second alarm response was requested,” said DFR spokesman Jason Evans.

Two people were inside the apartment, Evans said. One was able to get out but was taken to the hospital and later died.

A second person was found inside the apartment and was pronounced dead on the scene, Evans said.

The names of the victims have not been released, but Evans confirmed the two were brother and sister.

The cause of the fire isn’t known, Evans said.

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KYW

By Joe Brandt, Wakisha Bailey

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    Philadelphia (KYW) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy declared a state of emergency for a propane shortage starting Friday morning, weeks after a service disruption at a major propane plant threatened the supply in the Garden State. It’s a move that the governor says will help keep the fuel heating thousands of residents’ homes amid a long stretch of cold weather.

The state of emergency will allow New Jersey to obtain federal permission to loosen restrictions on the schedules and hours of delivery drivers transporting propane gas into the state, Murphy’s office said in a news release. The state of emergency will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 12.

Murphy’s order did not specify which plant was experiencing service issues, but said it was in Marcus Hook, Pennsylvania. The issue began on Nov. 21, 2025, he said.

In the governor’s five-page executive order signed Thursday, it’s noted that the disruption will cause longer wait times for propane trucks, and limits on drivers’ schedules could further exacerbate the problem.

Without an emergency order in place, propane truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time. But under a state of emergency, drivers’ maximum drive time can be extended to 14 hours, with a mandated 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time in between shifts on the road.

Murphy said in a news release that the emergency was needed “to ensure that the approximately 186,000 New Jerseyans who rely on propane for home heating purposes can receive it without interruption. This Executive Order expands delivery capabilities to keep homes heated and families secure.”

The governor said New Jerseyans who may be impacted can visit ready.nj.gov for updates and safety information and NJ211 for information on resources and warming centers.

If you need to use a generator to warm your home, here are some generator safety tips.

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