Midwest
Missouri diocese provides update on exhumed nun whose body did not decompose: 'Highly atypical'
A team of experts was unable to determine why a Missouri nun who died in 2019 had not decomposed, the bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph announced on Thursday.
“Within the limits of what has been observed during this time, the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster does not appear to have experienced the decomposition that would have normally been expected under such previous burial conditions,” Bishop James V. Johnston of Kansas City-St. Joseph said in a statement published on the diocesan website.
Lancaster, who took the religious name “Sister Wilhelmina of the Most Holy Rosary,” was the foundress of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, a Catholic religious order. She died on May 29, 2019, at the age of 95.
‘MODERN-DAY MIRACLE’: CATHOLICS FLOCK TO RURAL MISSOURI TO WITNESS ‘INCORRUPT’ NUN
Nearly four years later, on April 28, 2023, her body was exhumed to be re-interred in a new altar the nuns were constructing. After her exhumation, she was found to be in a “remarkably preserved condition” despite not being embalmed and being buried in an unsealed wooden coffin, as Fox News Digital reported at the time.
The news of this discovery spread, leading to thousands of people descending upon the small town of Gower, Missouri, in May 2023 to venerate and view Wilhelmina’s body in what pilgrims at the time called a “modern-day miracle.”
Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, foundress of the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, who died in 2019, did not “experience the decomposition that would have normally been expected under such previous burial conditions,” said Bishop James V. Johnston. (Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles)
In the statement, Johnston said he had “commissioned a team of local medical experts to conduct an examination and evaluation of Sister Wilhelmina’s body” less than a month after it was discovered that she had largely not decomposed in the four years since her death.
That team, Johnston said, “was led by a doctor of pathology, who was assisted by two other medical doctors and a former Missouri county coroner.”
Lancaster’s habit and other clothing “showed no features of breakdown.”
Aside from examining her body, “the team inspected the casket, and interviews were conducted with eyewitnesses to events immediately preceding the burial in 2019 and the exhumation in April 2023,” he said.
PRAYING THE ROSARY: UNDERSTANDING THE TRADITION THAT HELPS CATHOLICS MEDITATE ON JESUS AND MARY
“In the final report, the investigative team noted that the condition of Sister Wilhelmina’s body during the examination was notable for a lack of any detected features of decomposition,” Johnston said.
And while the lining of the casket had “completely deteriorated,” Lancaster’s habit and other clothing “showed no features of breakdown,” Johnston said.
Lancaster’s sisters discovered in 2023 that she had not decomposed despite dying in 2019. A new report from the diocese confirmed these findings. (Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles)
“The investigative team was only able to conduct a limited examination but still concluded that ‘the condition of her body is highly atypical for the interval of nearly four years since her death, especially given the environmental conditions and the findings in associated objects,’” he said.
“The report also noted that the related history of Sister Wilhelmina’s death and interment does not describe conditions that would be expected to protect against decomposition,” he continued.
Soil tests also found “no unusual elements” that would prevent the decomposition of an un-embalmed body, Johnston said.
MISSOURI MIRACLE? EXHUMED NUN WHOSE BODY DID NOT DECOMPOSE ATTRACTS TRAVELERS TO SMALL TOWN
In the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox traditions, it has been found that some people do not decompose as expected after death.
This is called “incorruptibility,” according to the Catholic Answers website.
“Similar to how the Father did not allow Jesus’ body to experience corruption while in the tomb (see Acts 2:27), God provides that the bodily remains of some of his faithful ones will not undergo bodily corruption,” the site said.
The Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus in Gower, Missouri, was swarmed with thousands of pilgrims after it was found that Lancaster had not decomposed as expected. (Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles)
Lancaster has not been designated as “incorrupt,” as the Catholic Church does not have an official protocol for labeling a deceased person as incorrupt, Johnston said in his statement.
The bishop noted that “incorruptibility is not considered to be an indication of sainthood,” and “there is no current plan to initiate a cause for sainthood for Sister Wilhelmina.”
In the Catholic Church, a person typically has to be deceased for at least five years before an official cause for canonization can be initiated, according to the website for the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops. Lancaster has been dead for just over five years.
“I pray that Sister Wilhelmina’s story continues to open hearts to love for Our Lord and Our Lady.”
“The condition of the remains of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster has understandably generated widespread interest and raised important questions,” Johnston said. “I pray that Sister Wilhelmina’s story continues to open hearts to love for Our Lord and Our Lady.”
Last year, after the discovery and subsequent media attention regarding their foundress, the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, posted a lengthy statement on their website about her legacy before and after her death.
“Regarding what seems to be the miraculous preservation of Sister’s body, we are given the opportunity to contemplate the great gifts God gives us every day, especially the ones that are literally hidden from our eyes,” their statement said.
A visitor collects dirt from Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster’s gravesite. The abbey is open to visitors each day, and people can venerate her remains in the church. (Thomas Phippen/Fox News)
“We believe that even as Sr. Wilhelmina’s whole life and death was a miracle, pointing the way to Almighty God, that what she has left behind continues to point to His Resurrection and the life of glory that awaits us.”
Lancaster’s remains were placed in a glass case in the abbey’s church. She is able to be viewed each day, said the abbey’s website.
For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle
In a statement provided to Fox News Digital by the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles, the nuns said they were “very edified with the continued interest in our foundress, Sister Wilhelmina, in witnessing the zeal she inspires by drawing souls closer to Christ.”
The nuns added they “look forward to beginning the process of canonization when the time is right.”
“In the meantime, we are happy to continue welcoming guests each day who seek her intercession,” the statement said, noting that there have been “many testimonials of healings and great graces” attributed to Lancaster’s intercession.
“[We] are so grateful to God for the ongoing witness that [Lancaster] gives to our community, the Church and the world,” they said.
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As a team, the Detroit Lions have a ton to prove this season.
After taking a step back in 2025 for the first time in the Dan Campbell era, doubt is starting to creep in both within Detroit and from the national audience. It hasn’t been a splashy offseason, and with some drama surrounding the departures of Alex Anzalone, Taylor Decker, and Terrion Arnold, the vibes have certainly been off.
Proving the doubters wrong starts at an individual level, and there are plenty of Lions players who must use this season to turn their career around or show that they belong in Detroit.
So today’s Question of the Day is:
Which Lions player has the most to prove in 2026?
My answer: On offense, one name jumps to the top of the list for me: Christian Mahogany.
After his rookie season, it looked like the Lions may have found a gem in Mahogany. While he only played a handful of games, the fifth-round pick finished the season on a high note, projecting to be the team’s left guard of the future. Unfortunately, 2025 was filled with injuries and subpar play. Mahogany will have to compete with Ben Bartch and Miles Frazier just to win back his starting job, but the bar should be higher than that. He needs to prove he can be a potential high-end starter again, because the bar is very high when it comes to offensive line expectations in Detroit.
On defense, the list is much longer, but I think the most pressure is on Derrick Barnes. With Anzalone now gone, Barnes will be expected to not only be a full-time starter, but take on multiple roles. He needs to take his pass rush, coverage skills, and even edge setting to a new level and justify the three-year, $24 million extension he was given. If he succeeds, the Lions defense has a chance to bounce back in 2026. If he fails, it seems unlikely Barnes will reach the final year on his contract, which includes a hefty $6.145 million option bonus.
Which Lions players do you think have the most to prove in the 2026 season? Share your answers in the comment section below.
Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).
Today at the AmFam Amp
Jelly Roll w/Tyler Hubbard, Three 6 Mafia, 7 p.m.
If you’re not familiar with the Jelly Roll Cinematic Universe, this must look like the weirdest lineup at the amphitheater during Summerfest 2026. You’ve got Mr. Roll himself at the top, with his swirl of country and rap that broke through in 2023 to the tune of two platinum-selling albums: Whitsitt Chapel and Beautifully Broken. Then there’s Tyler Hubbard, a comparatively straight-ahead country artist who’s found success solo and as a member of Florida Georgia Line.
Which brings us to Three 6 Mafia, the influential Memphis hip-hop group whose deep catalog of crunk and other rap subgenres left a huge mark on countless artists, including Jelly Roll. The Amp’s headliner has said Three 6 Mafia is one of the reasons he started rapping in the first place, and he’s collaborated with DJ Paul while appearing live with the group’s members frequently over the years. No doubt they’ll share the big stage tonight at some point.
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1
Known Moons @ T-Mobile Stage, 2:30 p.m.
This reco is a “six degrees” situation that started back when I was in some mediocre (read: shitty) pop-punk bands that played with a group called Pleasant Street. Guitarist Nick Woods was part of that band and went on to other projects like Direct Hit!, which made the best punk albums of the mid-2010s. His Pleasant Street bandmate Danny Walkowiak is, in my opinion, among the best drummers in this or any generation. He’s now part of Milwaukee alt/dream-pop band Known Moons, another very good product of our city’s music scene. Go see them today.
— Jay Burseth
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2
Soul Asylum @ Generac Power Stage, 5:30 p.m.
It was almost exactly a year ago that Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner and Ryan Smith stopped by our HQ for a Studio Milwaukee Session and, in the process, reconfirmed my belief in the power of pioneering alternative bands.
Soul Asylum might have been the first one I hooked onto after reaching the age when I was musically mature enough to make responsible album-purchasing decisions, and those songs from Grave Dancers Union and Let Your Dim Light Shine still rattle around in my brain. Pirner and Smith were wonderful to watch last summer in our space, and it’ll be great to catch them again on the Big Gig’s final day.
— Brett Krzykowski
Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3
VALÉ & Gego Y Nony @ Aurora Pavilion, 3:15 p.m.
Barranquilla lands in Milwaukee with a lot of pop, R&B in a language I know all too well: Spanglish.
VALÉ, the 23-year-old Colombian artist now based in Los Angeles, has been busy releasing singles and EPs since 2021, building a collection of music that gets audiences dancing. This artist introduces moments of reggaeton within an electrifying pop beat, all while weaving between her native Spanish and English as she speaks on the pressures of love and family.
Headlining her first tour in November, this is a great chance to see VALÉ as she continues to rise in the world of Latin alternative. She also happens to be a great match for the duo following her on stage at the Aurora Pavilion: homegrown reggaetoneros Gego Y Nony.
Hailing from a family of percussionists, these brothers keep Puerto Rico and Milwaukee close to their heart as they sing, rap and compose their own music while leaning into the “new wave” of reggaeton, influenced by artists like R.K.M and Ken-Y. What makes this concert all the more exciting is the fact they’re from Milwaukee, which continues to be a place where artists’ unique styles, DIY spirit and community-centered focus shine. Expect love tracks (all clean — a plus for families), dancing and plenty of positive vibes.
— Paula Lovo
How to get in free today
Freedom on the Fourth Food Drive presented by Harley-Davidson
From noon to 3 p.m., the first 5,000 patrons who donate three nonperishable food items will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All food will be collected at the Mid Gate entrance. Canned fruits and vegetables are especially appreciated. All donations benefit Hunger Task Force.
Summerfest schedule for Saturday, July 4
American Family Insurance Amphitheater
American Family Insurance House
- 4 p.m. — The Temper Trap
- 2 p.m. — Soul Asylum
BMO Pavilion
- 10 p.m. — Sam Barber
- 7:15 p.m. — Preston Cooper
- 5:30 p.m. — Palmer Anthony
Miller Lite Oasis
- 10:30 p.m. — Kerry King
- 8:30 p.m. — Sunami
- 6:45 p.m. — Drown the Lifeguard
- 5 p.m. — SIIN
- 3:15 p.m. — The Maiden Voyage
- 1:45 p.m. — Flatwounds
- 12:15 p.m. — Horizon
T-Mobile Stage
- 10:15 p.m — The Temper Trap
- 8:15 p.m. — Joywave
- 6:15 p.m. — Pure Hex
- 4:15 p.m. — Carolina Liar
- 2:30 p.m. — Known Moons
- 12:45 p.m. — The Last Bees
Generac Power Stage
- 10 p.m. — BoDeans
- 7:30 p.m. — The Jayhawks
- 5:30 p.m. — Soul Asylum
- 3 p.m. — Nicole Lawrence
- 1:30 p.m. — Ur Mom
- 12:15 p.m. — Oh Geeez, Not Again
Uline Warehouse
- 10 p.m. — Straight No Chaser
- 7:30 p.m. — Mindi Abair
- 5:30 p.m. — Jerry Harrison
- 3:30 p.m. — Poi Dog Pondering
- 2 p.m. — Porcupine
- 12:30 p.m. — Blaze Francisco
Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard
- 10 p.m. — Jonah Kagen
- 8 p.m. — John Vincent III
- 6 p.m. — KT Tunstall
- 4 p.m. — Elephonic
- 2:30 p.m. — Louie & The Flashbombs
- 1 p.m. — BERMS.
Aurora Pavilion
- 9 p.m. — Sad Boy Saturday
- 7 p.m. — Baha Men
- 5:45 p.m. — Tag Team
- 4:30 p.m. — Gego y Nony
- 3:15 p.m. — Valé
- 2 p.m. — Krusher (Rockonsin winner)
- 12:45 p.m. — Candy Cigarette (Rockonsin runner-up)
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis police officer was fired in February for liking pro-lynching comment, department document shows
The Minneapolis Police Department fired an officer in February for liking a comment on social media supporting the lynching of a Black man, according to Internal Affairs documents.
The comment in question was made in March 2024 in a Facebook group called Minneapolis Police Officers and Civilian Employees, Current and Retired, which has no official affiliation with the department, police said.
In response to a news article about a suspect accused of killing a police officer, someone commented, “Get a [r]ope and find a tree,” and Klimmek liked the comment from his personal account, the MPD investigation found. The suspect appeared to be Black.
Klimmek admitted to liking the comment in an investigative interview, but said he did not know the phrase carried any racial connotations. He said he liked it because, “I was probably supportive of that post, uh, the death penalty for someone who murdered a police officer,” MPD documents show.
WCCO has reached out to the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis for comment.
“Officer Klimmek’s claim of not knowing that the phrase, ‘Get a rope and find a tree’ is affiliated with an unquestionably violent history of racism and slavery, and his claimed lack of knowledge demonstrates how out of touch he is with history,” then-Chief Brian O’Hara wrote in his findings. “The public cannot trust his judgment, and I cannot trust his judgment.”
In his investigative interview, Klimmek “did not express any remorse for his actions,” the department said, and he “just does not understand or appreciate his role in upholding the public trust or the betrayal of that trust inherent in the comment that he liked.”
O’Hara said Klimmek’s conduct “has had a serious negative impact on the professionalism of the MPD and has demonstrated a serious lack of integrity, ethics and character related to his fitness to hold his position.”
He added later in the document that “officers do not have the power of ‘judge, jury, and executioner.’ Even if Officer Klimmek believes in the death penalty, which he is certainly entitled to, officers must respect due process and conduct themselves accordingly so as to not call into question their fitness to serve.”
The department terminated Klimmek on Feb. 20 for violating its social media conduct policies. He received one-on-one social media policy training in 2015, the investigation noted.
Minneapolis Police Department records show three previous disciplinary measures for Klimmek, all suspensions. In 2020, he stood by while a security officer punched a handcuffed suspect in the stomach. In 2021, he ran a red light and caused a crash. And in 2024, he failed to properly search a suspect and allowed him to bring a loaded handgun into the Hennepin County Jail.
The department’s online dashboard shows at least 20 complaints against Klimmek since 2012, four of which are still open.
O’Hara noted in his decision that Klimmek’s actions came after the murder of George Floyd and investigations by both the Minnesota Department of Human Rights and U.S. Department of Justice that found a pattern of racial discrimination by the department.
O’Hara himself resigned in May after an internal investigation found he interfered with a probe into his own actions.
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