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United Methodists repeal longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy

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www.wxxv25.com – Associated Press – 2024-05-01 12:49:19

SUMMARY: United Methodist delegates repealed the church’s ban on LGBTQ clergy with an overwhelming vote of 692-51 at their General Conference. This change removes the rule forbidding “self-avowed practicing homosexuals” from being ordained or appointed as ministers. The change does not mandate or explicitly affirm LGBTQ clergy, but it means the church no longer forbids them. Additionally, a measure was approved that forbids penalizing clergy for performing or refraining from same-sex weddings. This historic change comes after years of debate and controversy within the denomination. The vote could lead to some international churches, particularly in Africa, departing from the United Methodist Church.

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Jussie Smollett’s conviction in 2019 attack on himself is overturned

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www.wxxv25.com – WXXV Staff – 2024-11-21 14:55:00

SUMMARY: The Illinois Supreme Court overturned Jussie Smollett’s conviction for staging a 2019 racist and homophobic attack, ruling that he should not have faced charges again after an agreement with prosecutors. The case, which attracted substantial media attention and polarized public opinion, involved Smollett claiming he was assaulted by two men. Initial charges were dropped in exchange for community service and a $10,000 bond forfeiture. The Court’s opinion emphasized the importance of upholding negotiated deals in criminal law. Despite the ruling, the special prosecutor noted it did not affect the jury’s unanimous guilty verdict against Smollett for disorderly conduct.

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Attorneys want the US Supreme Court to say Mississippi’s felony voting ban is cruel and unusual

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www.wxxv25.com – Associated Press – 2024-11-21 14:52:00

SUMMARY: Attorneys are urging the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn Mississippi’s Jim Crow-era law that permanently disenfranchises individuals convicted of certain felonies, including nonviolent offenses like forgery. They argue such practices are unconstitutional, reflecting a harsh and outdated approach. Currently, nearly 50,000 people, disproportionately Black, are affected, with few avenues available for restoring voting rights. The recent appeal follows a series of unsuccessful attempts to challenge this law in court, emphasizing the racial biases embedded in the state’s voting rights legislation. The attorneys assert that the Supreme Court should reconsider the constitutional validity of these disenfranchisement laws.

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Man found guilty of murder in the killing of Georgia nursing student Laken Riley

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www.wxxv25.com – NBC NEWS – 2024-11-20 10:31:00

SUMMARY: Jose Antonio Ibarra, 26, was found guilty of murdering Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, whose death gained national attention in the immigration debate. Ibarra was convicted on multiple charges, including felony murder, kidnapping, and aggravated assault. He faces life imprisonment without parole. Prosecutors argued that Ibarra attacked Riley while she was jogging, leading to her death after she resisted his alleged attempt to rape her. Defense attorneys claimed that evidence did not definitively link Ibarra to the crime, suggesting instead that his brother might be responsible. Ibarra opted for a bench trial and did not testify.

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