10-year-old boy burned in plane crash returns home: “It’s a miracle”

CNN on December 16, 2025


KYW

By Wakisha Bailey

Click here for updates on this story

    PHILADELPHIA (KYW) — A story that’s touched hearts across the country came full circle Monday as classmates, teachers and neighbors helped welcome home Philadelphia plane-crash survivor 10-year-old Ramesses Vazquez-Viana.

After nearly a year of surgeries and rehabilitation, the Philadelphia community that stood by his side is now celebrating his return in a big way — with a few unforgettable surprises.

His mother, Jamie Vazquez-Viana, was moved to tears after being surprised with a brand-new car donated by David Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Glen Mills, courtesy of dealership owner David Kelleher.

“I don’t know … I was not expecting all of this,” she said, smiling through tears.

“I hope this is a little bit of an inspiration,” Kelleher said. “I can give away a car once in a while because that’s where I’m at — but even if you have $10, give to a local food bank.”

The gift came together after CBS News correspondent David Begnaud shared Ramesses’ story on Beg Knows America, bringing national attention to the family’s journey and the strength of their Philadelphia community.

“First of all, it was your reporting I saw,” Begnaud said. “I travel this nation telling stories of everyday people doing extraordinary things — and to see what this young boy has done to beat the odds … it’s a miracle.”

Ramesses’ story began in January, when the then-9-year-old survived a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia, suffering burns on more than 90% of his body. He was airlifted to Boston, where he spent months at Shriners Hospital undergoing surgeries and rehabilitation before transferring to Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital in Marlton, New Jersey. Eleven months later, he’s walking, talking and proving that faith and perseverance can move mountains.

At Smedley Elementary School, where teachers and students sent cards, prayers, and videos during his recovery, the community turned out in full force for a homecoming celebration. Eagles mascot Swoop led the pep rally, filling the gym with chants and cheers.

Then came another surprise — a $50,000 check from Canva to support students and programs at Smedley.

“I’ve been here for 16 years, and we’ve never had more of a need with our students and less of a budget,” the principal said. “It couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Although Ramesses couldn’t be there in person, his best friends visited him ahead of the event — and, as his mom put it, “boys will be boys.” Inside his classroom, a stuffed bear named Fezzy still sits in his seat, waiting for the day he walks through those doors again.

“I was praying so hard we’d be home for Christmas,” Jamie Vazquez-Viana said. “I just wanted my three boys with me.”

Ramesses will be released from Weisman Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital Tuesday. He’ll begin with virtual classes a few days a week, then gradually return to in-person learning — where his friends, teachers, and Fezzy the bear will be waiting.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

NYC medical examiner to offer free genetic testing to prevent sudden deaths of at-risk people

CNN Newsource on December 16, 2025

By Jesse Zanger

Click here for updates on this story

    New York (WCBS, WLNY) — New York City is taking aim at sudden and unexpected deaths.

There are at least 500 of them in the city each year, and in roughly a fifth of those cases, a genetic cause can be detected.

Tuesday, the Office of Chief Medical Examiner announced it will provide free genetic screening for at-risk family members of those who suddenly and unexpectedly die.

The program is called Genetic Intervention Family Testing Services, or GIFTS.

“The launch of genetic testing for living patients at OCME raises the bar of excellence and sets a new standard of care across the country, while ensuring an innovative service reaches those family members most in need of help,” Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Jason Graham said.

The theory is that family members in whom the same condition is detected can then start seeking preventative treatment.

“For a select number of their cases, a genetic condition may be discovered. The GIFTS program will offer families of those cases new information about genetic conditions that could ultimately be life-saving,” said Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Suzanne Miles-Gustave.

New York’s OCME is home to genetics lab that can test more than 300 genes for a variety of diseases, including arrythmia syndromes and epilepsy.

The program is being funded following a $600,000 investment from the city.

Testing is expected to begin next year.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Shots fired near JFK airport during apparent road rage incident, sources say

CNN Newsource on December 16, 2025

By Jesse Zanger, Christina Fan

Click here for updates on this story

    New York (WCBS, WLNY) — An apparent road rage incident that led to shots being fired caused traffic delays near John F. Kennedy International Airport Tuesday morning.

It started at 4:48 a.m. when Port Authority police responded to a crash on the southbound Van Wyck Expressway near the entrance to JFK, sources told CBS News New York. A Customs and Border Protection officer who was involved in the crash told responding officers that the driver of the other vehicle assaulted after the crash, and fired his service weapon several times, sources said.

The other driver took off, but that led to most lanes of the southbound Van Wyck Expressway being shut down while the investigation unfolded, causing bad congestion. Those lanes have since reopened.

Drivers should expect lingering delays in the area.

The incident remains under investigation. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

51 priests accused of sexual misconduct in Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan AG says

CNN on December 16, 2025


WWJ

By Paula Wethington

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

51 priests accused of sexual misconduct in Diocese of Grand Rapids, Michigan AG says

CNN Newsource on December 16, 2025

By Paula Wethington

Click here for updates on this story

    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.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Mahjong gains popularity in Shreveport with dedicated classroom and social space

CNN Newsource on December 16, 2025

By Shannon Brinias

Click here for updates on this story

    SHREVEPORT, Louisiana (KTBS) — A game that’s still new to many Americans is gaining traction in Shreveport, and for those curious about the growing buzz around mahjong, there’s now a place to learn and play.

For nearly a year, Let’s Go Mahjong has been introducing players to the centuries-old tile game at its location at 7607 Fern Avenue, Suite 904. Mahjong originated in Asia in the 1800s and is played with tiles rather than a board, though many of the strategies and concepts are similar to other tabletop games.

Let’s Go Mahjong is Shreveport’s only standalone mahjong classroom and event space. Owners Jennifer Smitherman and Jenifer Doege got the idea to open the business about a year ago after playing the game themselves for some time. What began as an effort to offer instructional classes quickly expanded into open-play sessions, retail sales, and mahjong education for corporate learning events.

Most players — often women — gather around tables of four, shuffling tiles, arranging them on racks, and searching for winning patterns while deciding which tiles to keep or discard.

Phyllis Caskey says she was eager to learn the game despite its complexity. “You have to know the tiles, and each one of us probably owns a different set,” she said. “Every time you go to someone’s house, you have to relearn them. You have to know what other people are playing, what they’re discarding, what you have in your hand. It’s a lot more complicated than bunko — bunko you can drink, you can’t with mahjong.”

Beyond the challenge, Caskey says the experience keeps her coming back. “I like the sound of the tiles, and I love that once a week I get together with my friends. We laugh, have snacks, and just enjoy playing so much.”

Mikey Carlisle says the game offers more than just social time. “It makes you stay very focused and strategize,” she said. “You have to think ahead, and that stimulates your brain. It’s a good thing.”

Mahjong clubs have even started up at local schools, and the companies selling the specialized tiles and mats also offer kits for younger players that simplify some of the learning. The kits are for sale in places like the business’ retail area, along with jewelry, clothing, and other accessories that proclaims someone’s affinity for the game.

The next introductory mahjong lesson at Let’s Go Mahjong is scheduled for January 14 at 5 p.m.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Maui to phase out thousands of short-term rentals after bill signed into law

CNN Newsource on December 16, 2025

By Web Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    MAUI, Hawaii (KITV) — After months of passionate testimony, the Maui County Council approved Bill 9, voting to phase out more than 6,000 short-term rental units in hopes of getting more local people affordable long-term housing.

A small, but mighty group known as Lahaina Strong has fought for the return of housing to local residents.

“We’ve been fighting for, I would say almost two years,” said Jordan Ruidas, one of the organizers of Lahaina Strong. “We started on Kaanapali beach just advocating for dignified housing.”

Pleading at the state Capitol and at the Maui County Council to ease Maui’s housing crisis that’s priced many families out of paradise.

And after months of passionate pleas, they finally got their wish.

The Maui County Council approving Bill 9, giving short-term rental owners in West Maui three years — and five years in South Maui — to convert to long-term housing.

“There are still many people that are between housing, needing housing, especially Lahaina fire survivors and this is giving them a little bit of hope,” Ruidas said.

And even before the bill passed Maui’s already seeing a change.

“The prices for condos are already dropping,” she said. “The last write up I saw, which is probably a month or two ago, condos prices have dropped more than 20% so it’s honestly just making it more affordable already.”

But opponents, including three council members who voted against the bill, argue the change will tank Maui’s economy even more — discouraging visitors away from the island.

“Let’s stop talking about Bill 9, or how Bill 9 will bring back all the people who were priced out and had to leave,” said property owner Karen Smart. “Passing Bill 9 will actually force more to leave. Over tourism is not people over profit. Tourism currently feeds the people.”

But more than 4,000 owners could apply to be rezoned in order to continue as short-term vacation rentals — leaving just a couple thousand for long-term use, which advocates said is better than nothing.

“At first we were like, ‘Oh, damn if we get only 2,000 is that still a win?’ And it’s still a win,” Ruidas said. “Honestly, when you look at how long it would take for Maui County to build its way out of this housing crisis, they’re saying like 30 to 50 years. That’s crazy. None of us can wait that long.”

Maui Mayor Richard Bissen signed the bill into law. But the owners of short-term rentals have threatened to sue, which could further lengthen the conversion into long-term housing.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Suspect shot by deputy in standoff after pointing crossbow, sheriff says

CNN Newsource on December 16, 2025

By Marisa Sardonia & RubyAnnas

Click here for updates on this story

    BURNSVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A tense standoff in Yancey County ended with a suspect being shot by a deputy, officials confirmed.

The suspect was identified as Brian Thomas Wilson of Yancey County, according to a Yancey County Sheriff’s Office Facebook update.

According to the sheriff’s office update, deputies responded to a home on George’s Fork Road for an assault on a female, which involved Wilson.

According to a release from Yancey County Sheriff Shane Hilliard, the incident unfolded when a suspect pointed a crossbow with a broadhead at county deputies on George’s Fork Road. This prompted one deputy to fire a single round, hitting the suspect, Hilliard said.

The injured suspect was airlifted to Mission Hospital for treatment, and no deputies were harmed in the incident, Hilliard confirmed.

This remains an active investigation.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Florida doctor pleads guilty to larceny charges related to theft of Helene donations

CNN Newsource on December 16, 2025

By Ruby Annas

Click here for updates on this story

    BUNCOMBE COUNTY, North Carolina (WLOS) — A licensed Florida doctor pleaded guilty to five felony charges related to the theft of donation supplies intended to aid Hurricane Helene victims in 2024, the Buncombe County District Attorney’s Office announced in a Dec. 15, 2025, press release.

Mark Anthony Smith, 56, of Jacksonville, Florida, was sentenced after pleading guilty to five counts of felony larceny, according to the press release. The plea did not include the DA’s Office’s negotiated plea agreement, which requested that the court consider an active sentence time.

According to the DA’s Office, Smith was sentenced to six to 17 months in prison for each of the five counts, suspended consecutively, resulting in a total suspended sentence of 30 to 85 months.

As News 13 previously reported, the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office recovered more than $12,000 worth of stolen donations, including camping stoves, heaters, propane tanks, and generators, from Hearts Hurt, an Ohio nonprofit operating in Swannanoa. Smith was charged with stealing these items while posing as a volunteer in Oct. 2024.

Deputies later recovered the items at a local pawn shop where Smith sold them for cash, according to the DA’s Office.

Smith’s arrest warrant states that he also stole $2,000 worth of camping supplies and other property from Hearts Hurt owner/operator, Dave Graham and never returned the U-Haul he rented, News 13 previously reported.

“The defendant’s actions violated public trust and insulted the generosity of those who donated to help our community in a moment of need,” said District Attorney Todd Williams in the release. “This sentence ensures the defendant is held accountable and requires him to report these felony convictions to his medical licensing authority.”

The judge ordered Smith to report the convictions to the appropriate state medical licensing board, since it’s required by law, according to the press release.

The judge also included an active split sentence of days, which Smith already served in the Buncombe County Detention Center.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.

Former Kenosha County supervisor facing charges for mishandling charity money, drugs

CNN Newsource on December 16, 2025

By Web Staff

Click here for updates on this story

    KENOSHA COUNTY, Wisconsin (WDJT) — A former Kenosha County supervisor was in court for a bond hearing Monday, Dec. 15, on what he thought was a theft charge, but the state attorney said he’s also facing several drug trafficking charges.

Andrew Berg, 47, is being accused of misusing thousands of dollars belonging to Garden of Eatin’, an area food charity.

Court documents say Berg was using the group’s tractor for personal use and spending money from the charity’s account for himself.

Jail records show Berg is being held on several drug charges, including maintaining a drug trafficking place, and possession of meth, designer drugs, psilocybin, THC, and other narcotics with intent to deliver.

In court, the state asked for a $300,000 cash bond referring to the drug charges.

Berg’s defense attorney had no documents from the state on those charges and could only tout Berg’s ties to the area and 20 years of military service to reduce bond.

The judge set a $75,000 cash bond.

Berg is due back in court Dec. 17.

This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting.

Please note: This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.