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US Report Accuses Nearly 50 Catholic Priests of Historic Sexual Misconduct

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Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel released a landmark report on Monday accusing 48 Catholic priests and other clergy members of historic sexual misconduct in the Diocese of Lansing, uncovering decades of abuse dating back to the 1950s. 

Found Guilty

The report, part of Michigan’s five-year investigation, details allegations against 56 individuals, including priests, deacons, and religious brothers. The findings are based on interviews with survivors, more than 1,100 public tips, media reports, and an extensive review of church documents, including 220 physical boxes of files and 3.5 million digital records seized by investigators. 

Most of the alleged abuse occurred in the 1970s and 1980s. While 11 individuals have been charged as part of the investigation — leading to nine convictions — many of the accused are now deceased, and some living suspects cannot face prosecution due to statutes of limitations or victims not pursuing charges. 

Found Guilty

“These reports are important, not just because we made a promise to the survivors years ago, but because victims, especially in cases like these where the assaults were perpetrated by entrusted members of a community, are often silenced — in some cases for decades or a lifetime,” Nessel said in a statement. 

The Diocese of Lansing cooperated with the investigation, which Nessel acknowledged as instrumental in compiling the report. 

Among those convicted is Vincent DeLorenzo, an 84-year-old priest who pleaded guilty last year to abusing a 5-year-old boy after a family funeral in 1987. DeLorenzo died in January while serving his sentence. Timothy Crowley, a former Ann Arbor priest, received one year in jail and five years of probation after pleading guilty to second-degree criminal sexual conduct. 

In response to the report, Bishop Earl Boyea, head of the Diocese of Lansing since 2008, issued an apology to survivors and their families. 

Found Guilty

“Having read this long and detailed report, my heart breaks for all those who have suffered due to the evil of clerical sexual abuse, which is a great betrayal of Jesus Christ, His Holy Church, the priesthood, and, most gravely, those victims — and their families — who were harmed physically, emotionally, but above all spiritually when they were so young,” Boyea said. 

“To all those injured by such criminal and immoral actions I say clearly and without hesitation: these terrible things should never have happened to you; I am so deeply sorry that they ever did; please be assured of my prayers, penance, love and support,” he added. 

The report on the Diocese of Lansing is part of a broader investigation into the Catholic Church in Michigan. Nessel’s office has already released findings for the dioceses of Gaylord, Marquette, and Kalamazoo and plans to publish reports on all seven dioceses across the state by 2026. 

This investigation underscores the ongoing reckoning within the Catholic Church, as survivors of abuse and advocates continue to push for accountability, transparency, and justice. 

Mariah Carey Signs Rihanna’s Breast During Final Christmas Concert After Battling Flu 

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Mariah Carey made a triumphant return to the stage on Tuesday, Dec. 17, as she wrapped up her Christmas Time tour with a festive performance at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The show was made even more memorable when Rihanna, a special guest in the star-studded crowd, got her breast signed by the iconic singer. 

“Mariah Carey is signing my tit,” Rihanna, 36, said to the camera, wearing sunglasses and a fluffy tan jacket. 

The grand finale came after Carey had to cancel three earlier performances due to the flu. On Dec. 11, the singer announced she was too unwell to perform in Pittsburgh, Newark, N.J., and Belmont, N.Y. 

“Pittsburgh, I am sorry to say, I’ve come down with the flu. It breaks my heart that I unfortunately have to cancel tonight’s show. I love you all so much,” Carey shared on X (formerly Twitter). She later canceled two additional shows, explaining, “Newark and Belmont — I wish I had better news but unfortunately I’m still sick and have to cancel the shows tonight and on Sunday.” 

Carey’s health took a turn for the better just in time for her Brooklyn show. “Lambs, thank you for making my #Christmastime so special,” Carey wrote on Instagram on Dec. 16. “I’ve loved singing with you every night, and I can’t wait to see you all tomorrow in Brooklyn for the last show of the tour.” 

The Christmas Time tour kicked off on Nov. 6 in Highland, Calif., following its announcement in August. Throughout the tour, Carey welcomed a few familiar faces to celebrate alongside her. During her Dec. 9 show in Raleigh, N.C., her 13-year-old twins, Monroe and Moroccan, whom she shares with ex-husband Nick Cannon, joined her on stage to present flowers in honor of her classic holiday hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You” reclaiming the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

“Thank you. Wow!” Carey exclaimed onstage. “That was the perfect moment to find that out. It’s from the Hot 100? Well, thank you, everybody who helped make that possible. Thank you so much.” 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Carey’s iconic holiday album Merry Christmas, featuring her signature hit “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” On Dec. 9, she released a limited deluxe edition of the album to celebrate the milestone. 

Mariah Carey’s triumphant Brooklyn performance solidified her status as the Queen of Christmas, closing her holiday tour with energy, fanfare, and a moment Rihanna and the audience won’t soon forget. 

Supreme Court Dismisses Petition Challenging Anti-Gay Bill in Ghana 

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Ghana’s Supreme Court has unanimously dismissed a petition challenging the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, a controversial piece of legislation aimed at criminalizing LGBTQI-related activities. 

The petition, filed by broadcast journalist and lawyer Richard Dela Sky, sought to nullify the legislative process surrounding the bill, arguing that it violated constitutional procedures. A seven-member panel of the Supreme Court, led by Justice Lovelace Avril Johnson, rejected Sky’s claims, affirming that the legislative process adhered to Ghana’s constitutional guidelines. 

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill aims to criminalize activities promoting, funding, or indirectly supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and intersex (LGBTQI) advocacy. Proponents of the bill argue it is necessary to preserve Ghanaian cultural and family values, which they believe are under threat from external influences. 

Human rights groups and critics, however, have strongly opposed the bill, calling it a violation of fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression, association, and equality before the law. 

Separate Petition by Amanda Odoi

The case also included a related challenge from equality and inclusion advocate Amanda Odoi. Both Sky and Odoi contended that Parliament failed to meet the constitutional quorum requirements outlined in Articles 102 and 104 of Ghana’s Constitution during the bill’s legislative process. 

In its ruling, the Supreme Court dismissed both petitions, emphasizing that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill has not yet become law. Justice Lovelace Johnson explained that a bill cannot be subjected to judicial review on constitutional grounds until it receives presidential assent and becomes enforceable law. 

The ruling underscores the Supreme Court’s position that judicial intervention in legislative processes is premature unless a bill has been formally enacted. 

The Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill continues to spark intense debate across Ghana, highlighting the growing divide between cultural advocacy and human rights concerns in the country. 

Source: assaseradio.com

Israeli Military Orders Gaza Evacuation Ahead of Renewed Offensive Amid Ceasefire Talks 

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The Israeli military on Wednesday ordered an evacuation in central Gaza as it prepared for a renewed offensive, even as ceasefire talks with Hamas resumed. The directive affects residents in the Bureij refugee camp, where the military claims Palestinian militants launched rockets toward Israel. 

Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee posted on X, urging residents to relocate to a designated “humanitarian zone” in Muwasi. Evacuation orders have been a regular occurrence throughout the 14-month conflict, with over 90% of Gaza’s population displaced, many forced to move multiple times. 

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is set to meet U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Adam Boehler, in Jerusalem on Wednesday. Boehler, a former aide to Jared Kushner, previously met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this week. 

Ceasefire negotiations have restarted after months of stagnation. The proposed deal includes a six-week halt in hostilities, during which Hamas would release 30 hostages, including dual Israeli-U.S. citizens, in exchange for Israel freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Trump has voiced support for a quick resolution to the war. 

The Gaza Health Ministry reports that more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed during Israel’s military operations in the past 14 months. The ministry states that over half of the casualties are women and children, though it does not distinguish between combatants and civilians. 

Israel’s military campaign began in response to Hamas’ October 2023 attack on southern Israel, where militants killed approximately 1,200 people and abducted 250 others. About 100 hostages remain in captivity. 

As humanitarian concerns mount, international observers are closely watching both the ongoing ceasefire talks and the situation on the ground in Gaza. 

Five Family Members Dead, Teen Wounded in Utah Home Gun Tragedy

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Five family members, including three children, were discovered dead inside a West Valley City, Utah home Tuesday, while a 17-year-old with a gunshot wound was found in the garage and hospitalized, police reported. The deceased victims include two adults, an 11-year-old boy, and two girls aged 9 and 2.

Police involvement began when a relative unsuccessfully attempted to contact the home’s 38-year-old female resident on Monday. Officers initially visited the property but received no response.

The same relative later discovered the wounded teenager in the garage on Tuesday afternoon, prompting the police investigation that revealed the additional victims.

West Valley City Police spokesperson Roxeanne Vainuku characterized the scene as “absolutely horrific,” noting it would “weigh heavily on investigators in this case.”

The residence, located approximately 9 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, has become the focus of an intensive investigation.

Authorities believe the incident was isolated to the home, with no suspects at large. Investigation efforts face challenges due to difficulty communicating with the injured teenager.

Police continue gathering evidence from the scene and neighboring properties, including doorbell camera footage, as they work to determine the circumstances of the deaths.

The exact cause of death for the five family members has not been immediately disclosed as investigators process the scene and attempt to piece together the tragic events that unfolded in the suburban Salt Lake City home.

Nigerian Governor to Pardon Death Row Inmate Convicted for Stealing Chickens

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The governor of Osun State, south west of Nigeria, Ademola Adeleke has promised to pardon Segun Olowookere, who has spent a decade on death row for stealing hens and eggs in 2010. The case has highlighted concerns about Nigeria’s criminal justice system and proportionality in sentencing.

Olowookere was 17 when he and accomplice Morakinyo Sunday were arrested for raiding a police officer’s home with a wooden gun and sword. Their 2014 death sentence by Justice Jide Falola sparked nationwide controversy over its severity, leading to sustained advocacy efforts for Olowookere’s release.

The pair have been held in Lagos’ notorious Kirikiri maximum security prison’s death row wing since their conviction. Governor Adeleke has directed his Justice Commissioner to initiate mercy proceedings for Olowookere, citing the importance of protecting “sanctity of life,” though Sunday’s fate remains unclear.

The anticipated early 2025 release comes after years of campaigning by Olowookere’s parents, human rights organizations, and concerned citizens. While Nigeria hasn’t executed anyone since 2012, over 3,400 inmates remain on death row across the country.

Russia Arrests Uzbek Man Over General Igor Kirillov’s Assassination 

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Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has arrested a 29-year-old man from Uzbekistan over the assassination of senior Russian general Igor Kirillov and his assistant in Moscow. 

Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of Russia’s Radiation, Chemical, and Biological Protection Forces, was killed early Tuesday when an explosive device hidden in an electric scooter was remotely detonated outside a residential building. The blast occurred as Kirillov exited his residence, leaving the entrance severely damaged. 

The FSB accused Ukrainian intelligence of orchestrating the attack. Ukrainian security services claimed responsibility for the killing, calling Kirillov a “legitimate target” and alleging he was responsible for war crimes. The killing took place just one day after Ukraine charged Kirillov in absentia, accusing him of overseeing the mass use of banned chemical weapons. Russia has denied these allegations. 

In its statement, the FSB reported that the detained man admitted during interrogation that he had been recruited by Ukrainian special services. The suspect claimed he was promised a $100,000 reward and permission to relocate to the European Union in exchange for the assassination. 

The FSB revealed further details about the attack. The suspect allegedly traveled to Moscow under Ukrainian instructions, where he received a homemade explosive device. He placed the bomb on an electric scooter parked outside Kirillov’s residence and monitored the general’s movements. A dashboard camera installed in a rented car livestreamed footage to handlers in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro, who gave the order to detonate the bomb once Kirillov was spotted. 

The killing of Kirillov marks the most high-profile assassination of a Russian military figure on home soil since Russia invaded Ukraine nearly three years ago. In response, Russian officials have vowed to track down and punish all those involved. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced it would raise the issue at the upcoming United Nations Security Council meeting on Friday. 

Kirillov, 54, had been sanctioned by the UK over allegations of chemical weapons use in Ukraine. Ukraine’s SBU security service has accused Russia of deploying chemical weapons over 4,800 times under Kirillov’s leadership. Russia rejects these claims, maintaining that it destroyed its chemical weapons stockpile in 2017. 

Images from the scene showed significant damage to the entrance of Kirillov’s apartment building in southeastern Moscow. The explosion shattered windows, scorched walls, and left two body bags visible on the street. 

bbc.com

Vinicius Jr Named FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year 

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Real Madrid and Brazil winger Vinicius Jr has been crowned the FIFA Best Men’s Player of the Year, capping off an exceptional 2023-24 season where he played a key role in Real Madrid’s Champions League and La Liga triumphs. 

The 24-year-old, who had earlier boycotted the Ballon d’Or ceremony after missing out to Manchester City’s Rodri, received the prestigious accolade in a ceremony held in Doha. Vinicius scored 24 goals and provided 11 assists during the campaign. 

“It seemed impossible when I played barefoot in the streets of Sao Goncalo, and now I’m here,” Vinicius said. 

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati was named the FIFA Best Women’s Player of the Year for the second consecutive time, further solidifying her dominance in women’s football. 

The award, recognizing performances between August 2023 and August 2024, was determined through a mix of public votes, journalists, and national team managers and captains. Each group’s votes accounted for 25% of the total decision. 

Vinicius’ win marks his first FIFA Best award. Lionel Messi had claimed the previous two editions, while Robert Lewandowski won the two prior to that. Spain midfielder Rodri finished as runner-up this year, with Real Madrid teammate Jude Bellingham securing third place. 

FIFA also released the voting details: 

– England captain Harry Kane voted for Rodri, followed by Bellingham and Vinicius. 

– Interim manager Lee Carsley ranked Bellingham, Rodri, and Lamine Yamal in his top three. 

– Brazil’s captain and coach backed Vinicius, while Spain’s selections went to Dani Carvajal. 

FIFA Team of the Year 

Five Premier League players featured in the FIFA Men’s Team of the Year, alongside five Real Madrid stars and one from Barcelona. 

– Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martinez (Aston Villa) 

– Defenders: Ruben Dias (Man City), William Saliba (Arsenal), Dani Carvajal, Antonio Rudiger (Real Madrid) 

– Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Toni Kroos (Real Madrid), Rodri (Man City) 

– Forwards: Lamine Yamal (Barcelona), Erling Haaland (Man City), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid) 

Martinez was also named Goalkeeper of the Year, his second FIFA Best award after helping Argentina claim the Copa America title. 

Garnacho Wins Puskas Award 

The Puskas Award for the best goal of the year went to Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho for his stunning bicycle kick against Everton in November 2023. 

“It’s a proud moment for me and my family,” Garnacho said in a pre-recorded message. “It was a special goal, and I will always remember it.” 

Carlo Ancelotti Named Best Coach 

Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti was recognized as the FIFA Best Coach of the Year after leading the club to Champions League and La Liga victories. 

“I want to share this with the club, my president, and my players at the best club in the world,” Ancelotti said. 

The Italian tactician, who also won the Ballon d’Or equivalent award, claimed the FIFA title for the first time. 

At Least 100,000 Bodies Found in Syrian Mass Grave Near Damascus, Group Says 

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A mass grave near Damascus contains the remains of at least 100,000 people killed under the regime of ousted President Bashar al-Assad, the head of a U.S.-based Syrian advocacy organization said Monday. 

Mouaz Moustafa, executive director of the Syrian Emergency Task Force, told Reuters in a phone interview from Damascus that the site at al-Qutayfah, about 25 miles (40 km) north of the Syrian capital, represents only a fraction of the mass burial sites scattered across the country. 

“One hundred thousand is the most conservative estimate,” Moustafa said, describing the figure as “an almost unfairly conservative number.” He added that additional graves likely exist and include the remains of Syrians as well as U.S., British, and other foreign nationals. 

Reuters was unable to independently verify the claims. 

The Syrian conflict, which erupted in 2011 after Assad’s government violently suppressed pro-democracy protests, has resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths and widespread atrocities. The crackdown escalated into a brutal civil war, leaving mass executions, disappearances, and systemic torture as defining elements of the regime’s rule. 

Both Assad and his late father, Hafez al-Assad—who ruled Syria until his death in 2000—have been accused by human rights organizations and foreign governments of overseeing extrajudicial killings and operating a notorious prison system rife with abuse. Assad has consistently denied allegations of human rights violations, portraying his opponents as extremists. 

Syria’s U.N. Ambassador Koussay Aldahhak, who assumed his role in January, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Last week, Aldahhak stated he was awaiting guidance from the new Syrian authorities following the collapse of Assad’s government. 

Moustafa arrived in Syria after Assad fled to Russia as rebel forces advanced swiftly, ending the Assad family’s decades-long rule. He spoke after visiting the al-Qutayfah site with Britain’s Channel 4 News, which reported on the discovery of the mass grave. 

According to Moustafa, Syria’s air force intelligence unit oversaw the systematic transfer of bodies to burial locations. Victims were transported from military hospitals, where many had died under torture, to mass grave sites. He said the Damascus municipal funeral office played a role, using refrigerated tractor-trailers to transport the remains. 

“We were able to talk to people who worked on these mass graves—individuals who escaped Syria or whom we helped to flee,” Moustafa said. His group has interviewed bulldozer drivers who were forced to dig mass graves, often ordered to compact bodies to fit more remains into burial pits before covering them with soil. 

Moustafa emphasized the urgency of preserving these sites to safeguard evidence for future investigations into war crimes. He expressed concern that, without proper protection, critical evidence could be lost or destroyed. 

Dozens Dead or Missing After Fatal Congo River Boat Disaster

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At least 25 people, including children, died when an overcrowded vessel capsized on Congo’s Fimi River Tuesday, with dozens more passengers missing from the estimated 100 aboard. The boat overturned shortly after departing from Inongo town, marking the fourth such disaster this year in Maï-Ndombe province.

River Commissioner David Kalemba confirmed excessive roof-level loading contributed to the accident, while local resident Alex Mbumba reported the vessel was also heavily laden with cargo. Search efforts continue as officials fear the death toll could rise significantly.

The incident highlights persistent transportation safety challenges in central Congo, where residents increasingly rely on waterways due to security concerns along roadways affected by rebel conflicts. Recent months have seen similar tragedies, including 78 drownings in eastern Congo in October and 80 deaths near Kinshasa in June.

Despite government warnings against overloading and promises of stricter safety enforcement, many remote communities cannot afford alternative transportation options. Local authorities are calling for improved safety measures, including the provision of flotation devices throughout the province.

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