Federal Judge Blocks Trump Administration SNAP Funding Conditions

Mirra Andreeva Wins French Open, Spotlighting Paris's Green Commitments

Scores of Ukrainian Drones Target St Petersburg in Unprecedented Attack

Declining Ebola Case Numbers in DR Congo: What It Means for the Outbreak

11‑Year‑Old Lyhanna’s Murder Sparks Urgent Call for Justice System Reform in France

Gulf Strikes Stall Ceasefire, Endangering Global Energy and Climate Goals

California Governor Race: Xavier Becerra’s Call for Climate‑Ready Leadership","description":"Becerra advances to the California governor’s contest, pledging a focus on climate resilience, housing and energy stability amid a backdrop of political change and public health scrutiny.","summary":"With five decades of public service, former U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra campaigns to lead California as its first Latino governor. He promises to use his experience against a Trump‑era legacy, tackle energy costs and housing shortages, and uphold state protections against environmental and health crises.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/07f56ca/2147483647/strip/true/crop/5366x3890+0+0/resize/599x434!/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F6d%2Faf%2F6470587f33f3d465b12d815db60d%2F2577b7613963412aa0acaaee0a29e96d","text":"<p><strong>CACIFORNIA, CALIFORNIA (AP)</strong> – Democrat Xavier Becerra advanced Friday to the general election for California governor after pitching himself as an experienced choice to lead the nation’s most populous state and succeed Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom.</p><p>Becerra leveraged his more than 35 years in public office—serving as state attorney general, U.S. health secretary, and federal prosecutor—to argue that he was the most qualified candidate in a crowded field. \"I am ready to lead the fight to uphold California’s promise to make sure we have governance worthy of our gifts,\" he said on election night.</p><p>In the runoff, Becerra will face an unforgiving landscape. His top rivals include Republican Steve Hilton, a former Fox News commentator backed by President Donald Trump, and billionaire climate activist Tom Steyer, who has already spent $215 million of his own money on the campaign.</p><p>During the primary, Becerra’s record was scrutinized by his opponents, especially his tenure as health secretary amid the COVID‑19 pandemic. Critics targeted the 2021 unaccompanied migrant children crisis, in which Becerra’s Department of Health and Human Services managed shelters that were alleged to have inadequate living conditions and insufficient vetting of sponsors.</p><p>Throughout the campaign, Becerra cited his legal history, filing more than 120 lawsuits against the first Trump administration on issues ranging from immigration to climate policy. He vowed to keep California as a state‑wide counterbalance to the presidency’s environmental agenda.</p><p>Should he win, Becerra has promised to declare states of emergency to address soaring energy costs, housing shortages, and the need to freeze home insurance rates. He also pledged to invest in infrastructure that reduces California’s carbon footprint and protects vulnerable communities from climate‑related disasters.</p><p>California, historically dominated by white male governors, would see an historic first with Becerra as its first Latino governor since the late 1800s. As a former health secretary, his plans place a heavy emphasis on public health, making him a uniquely positioned candidate to handle the state's environmental, housing, and public health challenges.</p><p>Newsom, barred by term limits from a third term, left the political field open for a new era of leadership built on climate resilience and social equity.</p>

Alaska Ranger Lost in Denali Crevasse Collapse","description":"A seasonal ranger fell into a crevasse while patrolling Mount McKinley, adding to a series of recent mountaineering fatalities on the 20,310‑foot peak.","summary":"The Denali National Park Service announced the death of seasonal rangers Robin Pendery after a crevasse collapse during a patrol on Mount McKinley. The incident comes just days after part of a Latvian expedition suffered two deaths near a treacherous pass, underscoring the heightened risks of climbing on America's tallest mountain.","image":"","text":"<p>Denali National Park &amp; Preserve, Alaska (AP) — A ranger in Alaska died after falling into a crevasse on North America’s tallest mountain, the National Park Service said.</p><p>Robin Pendery of Enumclaw, Washington, was a seasonal mountaineering ranger assigned to Denali National Park &amp; Preserve. She fell Thursday while on climbing patrol on Mount McKinley and died despite immediate rescue efforts, the park service said.</p><p>The death is under investigation. It comes just a week after three climbers from a Latvian mountaineering expedition died after falling near a treacherous pass on McKinley, while a fourth climber was rescued. They were part of a seven‑person team traversing a route known for its exposed sections, where many climbers have died or been injured over the years.</p><p>McKinley stands at about 20,310 feet (6,190 meters), and Pendery fell near the 14,000‑foot (4,328‑meter) camp.</p><p>“Our mountaineering rangers dedicate themselves to serving visitors and helping others in one of the most challenging environments in the world,” Denali Superintendent Brooke Merrell said in a statement Friday. “Today, we mourn the loss of a valued colleague, friend and teammate.”</p>

Inflation Bounces Back as Fuel Prices Soar, Revealing Regional Rifts","description":"Exploring the latest U.S. inflation trends, fuel cost spikes, and how state politics shape consumer price changes.","summary":"US inflation hit a 3.8% four‑month high in April, up from 3.3% in January, driven largely by soaring gasoline prices triggered by Middle Eastern tensions. While a White House report suggested blue states faced higher inflation, actual CPI data show fuel‑price‑driven hikes across both blue and red states. Core and trimmed‑mean inflation reading remain below Fed targets, yet the overall cost of living remains strained for all Americans.","image":"https://picsum.photos/800/400","text":"<p style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; line-height:1.6;\">Kansas City – Consumer prices in the United States rose 3.8% in April, a sharp rise from 3.3% in January and the highest level in three years. The surge is largely fueled by a 40‑plus percent jump in gasoline prices, led by geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. These price shocks are now spilling over into grocery, shipping, and apparel costs across all regions.</p><p style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; line-height:1.6;\">In a recent comment, National Economic Council director Kevin Hassett weighed in on the data. While he noted that inflation appears “on a deep downward dive” when blue states are removed from the equation, recent figures show that red states also face significant price rises. “It’s not a blue‑state story,” said Omair Sharif, chief economist at Inflation Insights. “Gas is going up in every state.”</p><blockquote style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; font-style:italic; padding:10px 0 10px 20px; border-left:2px solid #ddd;\">“Core inflation is still low compared to the headline figure, and the trimmed mean is pointing near the Fed's 2% target.” – Kevin Hassett</blockquote><p style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; line-height:1.6;\">The Consumer Price Index (CPI) reported core inflation at 2.8% in April, up from 2.5% in January. Even the Federal Reserve’s preferred Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) index saw core inflation climb to 3.3% this month. Though these measures are lower than headline inflation, they confirm that the raw price swings are largely driven by volatile energy costs.</p><p style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; line-height:1.6;\">Regional analysis of CPI data highlights the spread: The Pacific region— largely “blue” states such as California, Washington, Oregon, Hawaii, and Alaska— recorded 3.5% annual inflation, below the national rate. The East South Central region, comprised solely of “red” states— Mississippi, Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee— experienced 4.5% inflation. Texas, which was once closer to 1% inflation pre‑pandemic, saw a 3.2% rise in April.</p><p style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; line-height:1.6;\">Gasoline prices alone reveal the depth of the shock: In Texas, the average price rose 36% from a year ago, while in California it jumped 26%. The former’s 2024 average price was $3.72 per gallon; California’s was $5.98.</p><p style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; line-height:1.6;\">Core inflation, however, remains a critical gauge. While the headline CPI surged, the core figure – which removes food and energy volatility – is 2.8%. PCE’s core climbs to 3.3% in April.</p><p style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; line-height:1.6;\">The trimmed mean – an alternative, less‑used metric – has fallen from 2.5% at year‑start to 2.3%, aligning near the Fed’s target. Dallas Fed President Lorie Logan cautioned against overrelying on this measure during sharp price swings due to the way it is calculated.</p><p style=\"font-family:Arial, sans-serif; font-size:16px; line-height:1.6;\">Despite the seemingly contradictory narratives, the core takeaway is undeniable: rising gasoline fuel costs are raising the cost of living across the country, tightening households’ budgets and reshaping consumer behavior.</p><img src=\"https://picsum.photos/800/400\" alt=\"Gasoline pump\" style=\"width:100%;max-width:600px;height:auto;margin:20px 0;\"/>

Colorado Paramedics Face New Homicide Trial: A Flashpoint for Emergency Care","description":"A Colorado court’s decision to order new trials for two paramedics convicted in 2019’s fatal ketamine injection case raises questions about medical practice, policing, and community trust.","summary":"After a historic jury verdict, Colorado appeals courts are sending back homicide claims against Aurora firefighters for a new trial, sparking debate over emergency response protocols, legal liability, and the rights of Black communities. The case highlights how paramedic interventions intersect with policing and raises broader concerns about health justice.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/55b857e/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3977x2651+0+0/resize/1440x960!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F53%2F7d%2Fcb77c1c56ec9da89838366dbcd4c%2F2cf3a0952aa34a75ac462a081eb69baa?width=600&height=400","text":"<p>In Denver, a state appeals court has reversed two homicide convictions against Aurora Fire Rescue paramedics, ordering new trials that will again scrutinize the use of ketamine to subdue a Black man in 2019. The decision follows a 2023 jury verdict that had marked the first time emergency medical personnel were criminally convicted for a death that occurred while performing life‑saving care.</p>\n\n<p>The controversy began when Elijah McClain, 23, was found lying on the street after police had pulled him into a neckhold. Two paramedics—Brian Cichuniec and Kim Cooper—administered a large dose of ketamine, causing McClain to suffer cardiac arrest on the ambulance stretcher. McClain’s family and community activists said the drug was lethal; the paramedics were later found guilty of homicide and assault.</p>\n\n<p>Colorado’s health department, in reaction, directed responders to withhold ketamine on “excited delirium” cases, a diagnosis criticized as unjust and unscientific. The accident prompted statewide reconsideration of how first responders manage potentially combative patients.</p>\n\n<p>At trial, prosecutors argued the paramedics deviated from standard medical checks: no pulse was taken, no vital signs were monitored after drug administration, and the dosage exceeded safe limits for a 140‑pound individual. Cichuniec received five years, later reduced to probation; Cooper, barely a year behind, was freed on a work‑release schedule.</p>\n\n<p>On Thursday, the Colorado Court of Appeals upheld the assault conviction but found the trial judge gave faulty jury instructions on “criminally negligent homicide,” mandating a new trial on that basis. Attorney General Phil Weiser vowed to appeal to the state supreme court—potentially delaying any retrial.</p>\n\n<p>For first responders, the case shakes a foundation that had placed emergency medical care outside criminal liability. Firefighters and EMS unions condemned the prosecution as a threat that could dissuade trained personnel from volunteering as paramedics, reducing emergency workforce capacity.</p>\n\n<p>Analysts like University of Miami criminologist Alex Piquero note that any changes in responder behavior remain uncertain. He believes paramedics will continue rendering best care under crisis conditions, even if future trials re‑introduce hesitancy.”

Federal Judge Strikes Down Trump Immigration Policy, Restoring Rights for Immigrants

Los Angeles Police Arrest Suspect in Stand‑Alone Killing of Actor James Handy

Los Angeles Jury Awards $176 Million in Hit‑and‑Run Case

Former Hartford Police Officer Charged with Manslaughter After Fatal Shooting of Black Man in Mental Health Crisis","description":"Joseph Magnano faced a manslaughter charge following the February 27 shooting of Steven Jones, a 55‑year‑old Black man with a history of mental illness. The incident sparked debate over police response to mental health emergencies.","summary":"Joseph Magnano, a Hartford police officer, was arrested and charged with manslaughter after shooting Steven Jones, who was in the midst of a mental health crisis and holding a large knife. Despite attempts by other officers to de‑escalate the situation and body‑cam footage showing repeated warnings, Magnano fired nine shots. An investigation found he failed to use non‑lethal force and the shooting was not justified. The case has drawn criticism from civil‑rights advocates and support from police union officials, raising questions about policing tactics during mental‑health incidents.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/f90569b71cdd4fe69f34f050ca07e5b0","text":"<p>HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Former Hartford police officer Joseph Magnano was arraigned on a men‑s‑theft charge after the fatal shooting of Steven Jones on February 27. Jones, a Black man with a known history of mental illness, was found holding a large knife when officers responded to a 911 call.</p><p>Body‑camera footage shows officers repeatedly urging Jones to drop the knife and offering help. In the clip, Officer James Prignano speaks, \"Steve, you’re OK. We’re going to make sure you’re OK…Just drop the knife. We’re going to go talk to somebody, OK?\" and tries to keep the man at a safe distance. The video also shows Prignano motioning at Magnano, seemingly instructing him to back away.</p><p>After about 12 minutes, Magnano entered the scene and confronted Jones. He shouted, \"You’re going to get shot,\" and drew his pistol. A woman can be heard shouting, \"Don’t shoot him!\" Magnano then fired nine shots, killing Jones. The victim died at a hospital four days later.</p><p>Magnano had been fired by the Hartford mayor following the shooting. He remained in the force while the case unfolded, drawing public outrage and fueling debates about police protocols when dealing with people in crisis.</p><p>The state’s Attorney General’s office found Magnano failed to make reasonable attempts to use non‑lethal force and that Jones was not an imminent threat. The courthouse was surrounded by more than 60 police officers who gathered to support the officer, while a handful of Jones’ supporters including local NAACP officials attended. Jones’ relatives did not attend the hearing.</p><p>James Rutkauski, president of the local police union, defended Magnano, saying he was protecting others and that the shooting was justified. He criticized the arrest as an “absolute attack on the foundation of justice and the constitutional rights of every citizen.”</p><p>Civil‑rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Jones’ family, said, \"Stevie was in the middle of a mental health crisis, and instead of receiving the care he needed, he was shot nine times.\" Crump’s comment echoed growing calls for better mental‑health crisis response practices from police departments nationwide.</p>

ICE Removes 30‑Day Death Reporting – A Quiet Shift in Detainee Oversight

Dr. Congo’s Rising Star: Fally Ipupa Receives the National Order of the Leopard

Virginia Judge Sentences Former IRS Officer in Wife’s Murder; AU‑Pair Pleads Guilty","description":"Life‑in‑prison sentence for Brendan Banfield meets the end of a schismatic plot that set up his wife for murder. Brazilian au‑pair Juliana Peres Magalhães receives 10 years after pleading guilty to manslaughter.","summary":"Brendan Banfield, a former IRS officer, was sentenced on Friday to life in prison after a death‑row trial that exposed a callous scheme to murder his pediatric‑intensive‑care nurse wife, Christine Banfield, and a man hired as a fall‑guy. The allegation was that Banfield and 21‑year‑old Brazilian au‑pair Juliana Peres Magalhães conspired to fake a violent intruder attack to justify the killing. Magalhães, who testifies she planned to marry Banfield, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and received a 10‑year sentence. In addition to the murder conviction, Banfield was found guilty of child endangerment, putting his 4‑year‑old daughter at risk during the killings.","image":"https://example.com/banfield_specter.jpg","text":"<p>Brendan Banfield, a former IRS law‑enforcement officer, was sentenced to life in prison on Friday for the murder of his wife, pediatric intensive‑care nurse Christine Banfield, and a man hired as a fall‑guy.</p><p>The trial revealed a chilling scheme in which Banfield and 21‑year‑old Brazilian au‑pair Juliana Peres Magalhães orchestrated a staged assault. Magalhães allegedly posed as Banfield’s wife on a fetish website, luring the male attacker, Joseph Ryan, to the couple’s house in Herndon, Virginia. Once inside, Banfield shot Ryan in the chest, and Magalhães fired a second shot that killed him. Before the assault, Banfield allegedly stabbed Christine with a knife Ryan had brought.</p><p>Prosecutors contended that the couple feared that a divorce would leave Banfield with no claim on their firstborn child, and that they required the child’s custody. The defence portrayed the event as a defensive response to a violent intruder.</p><p>In February, a jury convicted Banfield of murder and also of child endangerment, as the four‑year‑old daughter was present during the killings. The same jury found Magalhães liable for manslaughter after she pleaded guilty as part of a plea deal that has her testify against Banfield.</p><p>Magalhães, who admitted in court that she had hoped to marry Banfield and have children with him, was sentenced to 10 years in prison after the verdict. The sentencing underscores both the severity of joint crimes involving domestic partners and the judicial system’s willingness to hold front‑line workers accountable when they fail to protect young children.</p>

Recreational Anglers Clash With Commercial Fishermen Over Atlantic Snapper Season","description":"A legal battle erupted over the newly expanded snapper fishing season, pitting recreational fishermen against commercial operators and environmental groups.","summary":"A storm over Florida’s snapper fishery has seen recreational anglers, commercial fishermen, lawmakers, and conservationists clash. Amid a court order blocking a bustling season and federal rules that relaxed restrictions, stakeholders debate the health of the stock, fishing economics, and fair access to the ocean’s bounty.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/5cf9e5f/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3753x2502+0+0/resize/1440x960!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2Fab%2F35%2F71ed89a247c9be23b95e42687cd7%2Fa94932cbed4d492a9aba24763ddd8e36","text":"<p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">A 10‑pound red snapper was hauled aboard the charter boat Jodie Lynn II after an epic fight in the Atlantic, only for the fish to be released by the captain, who followed federal law by puncturing its gas‑filled bladder to boost survival.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">The incident illustrates the broader court‑fueled standoff in Florida: recreational anglers, led by fans like Chris Kemp, confront commercial fishermen and environmentalists over the state’s snapper harvest plan and the federal agency’s looser regulations. The dispute halted what many expected to be the longest snapper season in recent memory.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in May granted exemptions to Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, allowing each to set a 39‑to‑62‑day “snapper season” with a quota of one fish per day, instead of a blanket winter ban on bottom fishing. Governor Ron DeSantis promoted the move as protecting anglers’ “God‑given right to fish.”</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:700; margin-top:1.5em; margin-bottom:0.5em;\">Court battle pits recreational anglers against commercial fishermen</h2><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">The expanded season faced a federal injunction before it even began. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras cited estimates from Ocean Conservancy that recreational catches in Florida could reach 485,000—20 times the allowable landed catch—declaring the policy environmentally hazardous.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">The ruling sparked criticism from Florida wildlife officials, who labeled the judge a “rogue federal judge,” and visible backlash from commercial operators who feared the market would be flooded with recreationally harvested fish, leaving insufficient supply for commercial buyers.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">North Carolina fisherman Jeff Oden warned that an expanded recreational harvest could starve commercial fleets, saying “You as a consumer, you’re the loser.” He pointed out rising costs and imported seafood competing for the same credits.</p><h2 style=\"font-size:1.5em; font-weight:700; margin-top:1.5em; margin-bottom:0.5em;\">Stock is rebounding but scientists urge caution</h2><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">NOAA estimates that roughly one‑quarter of released red snapper die due to gas buildup, even when the bladder is punctured to lower pressure. Yet fishing reports from Kemp’s crew and charter operator Haley Stephens claimed a healthy, abundant stock, noting dozens of catches within the first forty minutes near a Florida reef.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">Scientists counter that younger fish dominate the catch and that the species is still rebuilding. Meredith Moore of Ocean Conservancy said most fish haven’t reached reproductive maturity, making on‑water sightings an illusion of abundance.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">NOAA declined to comment on the dispute amid ongoing litigation but confirmed it is collaborating with fishery managers to streamline operations, in line with President Trump’s “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness” executive order.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">Judge Contreras critiqued the states for not providing their own harvest projections, arguing that federal estimates were unreliable. Meanwhile, states argued the estimates would be replaced by more accurate state‑collected data.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">Oden emphasized shared responsibility: “There’s only so many fish to go around.” The debate remains unresolved, casting doubt over the future of Florida’s snapper fishery and its impact on both economic and environmental stakeholders.</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">---</p><p style=\"margin-bottom:1em;\">Reporting by Wieffering from Washington. Serginho Roosblad contributed from Washington.</p>

Southern Baptists Debate Women Pastors and Political Breaks at Annual Meeting","description":"The Southern Baptist Convention convenes in Orlando to reconsider a controversial amendment banning churches that appoint women in pastoral roles, while addressing membership decline, immigration, and ties to conservative politics.","summary":"The SBC’s 2026 meeting will address a fourth consecutive attempt to amend its constitution to prohibit women pastors or elders. Eleven thousand delegates will vote on the measure, which historically failed to meet the supermajority required. The convention also plans to debate broader social issues—including humane immigration policies, interfaith relations, and anti‑antisemitic statements—and will continue its alignment with the Trump‑endorsed white evangelical base. Meanwhile, the denomination confronts a long‑term membership decline but a modest rebound in baptisms.","image":"https://dims.apnews.com/dims4/default/0258287/2147483647/strip/true/crop/3458x2220+0+0/resize/1440x924!/format/webp/quality/90/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fassets.apnews.com%2F0a%2Fc3%2Fa22af4bc1830164424e5c4576466%2F30d36066de444ca49a095b015486380b","text":"<h1 style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-weight:bold;font-size:24px;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">Southern Baptists Debate Women Pastors and Political Breaks at Annual Meeting</h1>\n<p style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14px;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">When the Southern Baptist Convention meets every June in Orlando, delegates debate the four‑year‑old debate over whether churches that appoint women to pastoral roles should face expulsion. The 2026 meeting will include more than 11,000 matrons and ministers poised to decide whether a constitutional amendment should prohibit women from serving in any position that resembles that of a pastor, elder or overseer.</p>\n<p style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14px;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">The amendment, backed by President Albert Mohler of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, would explicitly state that a church “to affirm, appoint or endorse a woman serving in the office or function of a pastor/elder/overseer” is non‑compliant with the Baptist Faith and Message. If passed, such churches would be removed from the network, an action the convention has taken in the past against churches that gave women top pastoral responsibilities.</p>\n<p style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14px;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">Previous years saw the amendment fail to secure the two‑thirds supermajority required for a constitutional change, leaving the issue in limbo. The current vote is expected to be the first and final attempt, with President‑elect Clint Pressley and his successors eager to resolve the controversy. A simpler resolution, requiring only a majority, is also in play to govern the status of churches that hold female assistant pastors.</p>\n<p style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14px;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">The meeting will also tackle broader social themes. A resolution proposes humane treatment of immigrants, rejects nativistic rhetoric, and acknowledges government responsibility for lawful immigration enforcement—all while addressing whether the district should defend the stability of the immigration system.</p>\n<p style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14px;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">Additional items include a condemnation of antisemitic violence, the reaffirmation of faith‑bridge outreach toward Jews, and a pause in mega‑event plans in response to recent geopolitical tensions. The convention’s membership, down to 12.3 million, has been in decline for two decades, yet baptisms have edged up, offering a glimmer of resilience.</p>\n<p style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14px;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">Sociopolitical dynamics will also surface. The SBC is recognized as the preeminent voice for the white evangelical portion of the U.S. population, a demographic that has repeatedly poured votes for President Trump. The assembly will revisit its past stances on social issues, from gender identity to abortion, and examine its stance toward Trump's controversial social‑media posts. Prominent pastors like Robert Jeffress and Dwight McKissic will weigh in on the balance of faith and policy.</p>\n<p style=\"font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:14px;margin:0 0 12px 0;\">While the convention seeks a clearer future for women in ministry, it simultaneously upholds traditional convictions about scripture and leadership. The debate will again decide whether the Southern Baptist Convention takes a further rightward turn or reaffirms its historic positions.</p>

Arkansas Sheriff‑Candidate Aaron Spencer Loses Murder Charge After Evidence Mishap