Thousands of Southern Baptists overwhelmingly voted to advance a formal ban on women pastors, sending a clear message that men alone should preach in these conservative evangelical congregations. This amendment will tighten existing restrictions within the denomination, which already has a faith statement opposing women pastors. While proponents cite biblical passages limiting pastors to men, opponents argue that existing mechanisms to expel churches with women in pastoral roles are sufficient. The vote, exceeding the required two-thirds majority, signifies a move towards constitutional clarity on the issue, despite some dissent and lament from women in ministry.
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In a recent Oval Office event, President Trump spoke for nearly an hour on various topics before nearly forgetting to sign a bill funding immigration and border enforcement. He discussed the refurbished Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool, downplayed inflation caused by his actions against Iran, and attacked Democrats. Despite questions about his mental acuity, he asserted his intelligence and the validity of his medical assessments. He also boasted about his plans to increase attacks on Iran and claimed his war would ultimately lower inflation.
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Israel has escalated its military actions in south Lebanon, bombing the city of Tyre and striking numerous villages, resulting in casualties and significant displacement. For the first time, Israel issued forced evacuation orders for the historic Christian quarter of Tyre, claiming Hezbollah presence, prompting hundreds to flee the ancient city. These actions have also impacted archaeological sites, including a UNESCO World Heritage site, raising international concern for cultural heritage. Negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, but Hezbollah’s refusal to participate and Iran’s insistence on a multi-front agreement complicate efforts to end the conflict.
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President Donald Trump expressed his affection for inflation, stating that the latest consumer price index data indicating a 4.2% annual rate, a three-year high, was “great.” He further predicted that inflation would “come down like a rock” once the United States concludes its military actions in Iran. Trump linked this optimism to the U.S. reportedly “taking” oil and ships, a detail he claimed to be revealing to Iran for the first time.
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U.S. President Donald Trump asserted that Iran’s military is in disarray and has taken too long to negotiate a peace deal, warning of consequences and claiming an effective U.S. naval blockade has crippled its economy. Oil prices rose and stock futures declined following these remarks, though some analysts suggest that despite the blockade, oil may still be escaping Iran via stealth tankers. These statements followed a day after Trump suggested a deal was imminent and occurred shortly after U.S. forces conducted strikes against Iran in retaliation for the downing of a U.S. Army helicopter.
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A senior figure in the Ukrainian defense industry confirmed a test two years ago involving fully autonomous drones programmed to destroy all targets within a designated area, resulting in confirmed soldier casualties. This one-off trial saw 10 AI-controlled “Terminator” drones deployed on the front lines, engaging targets without human oversight or video feedback. While the Ukrainian government currently bans AI in the final target interception stage, discussions are ongoing about potentially easing these regulations as drone technology advances.
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FP-5 Flamingo cruise missiles targeted a drone and missile plant located in Cheboksary, within the Chuvash Republic. This strike occurred over 900 kilometers from the current front line. Local authorities reported that three individuals sustained injuries as a result of the missile attack on the city.
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Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into FIFA concerning allegations of misleading soccer fans about seat locations and quality for 2026 World Cup matches. This action follows complaints from fans in host cities like Arlington and Houston who claim purchased “Category 1” tickets, advertised with premium views, were later moved to less desirable sections. The investigation will assess whether FIFA violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by misrepresenting ticket categories or seat locations during the sales process.
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Despite Trump’s claims that his criticisms of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” have made hosts a “laughing stock,” their show continued, directly addressing the former president’s social media post. The hosts asserted that Trump’s reaction, rather than their reporting, indicated a deranged state, particularly concerning any perceived connection to the Epstein controversy. They maintained that their commentary was fact-based and that any “derangement” resided with Trump’s interpretation.
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Jeffrey Epstein’s longtime assistant, Lesley Groff, disclosed during a closed-door committee interview that she arranged several phone calls between Epstein and Donald Trump prior to Trump’s presidency. Groff, who worked for Epstein for approximately 18 years, stated that while the calls were infrequent, they did occur. Groff also sought to distance herself from Epstein’s criminal activities, describing him as a “monster” and a “master manipulator.” Despite her claims of ignorance regarding Epstein’s abuses, some panel members and survivors expressed skepticism about her assertions.
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John Q. Hosedrinker