Southern Baptist Convention

SWFL pastors react to report on Southern Baptist Convention abuse allegations

A new report alleges a church mishandled sexual abuse allegations, intimidated victims and advocates, as well as resisted attempts at reform for the past two decades. The allegations are against the leaders of the Southern Baptist Convention. The 300-page report details several survivor stories and incidents that took place across the nation. The report points […]

Organizers prepare for inaugural Youth Pride Conference in Naples

A local group is hosting the first-ever Youth Pride Conference at a Naples church on Saturday. About 40 or 50 students from Southwest Florida will get to participate in the event which is meant to empower and educate LGBTQ kids ages 12 to 18 on issues like mental health, religious identity and more. Parents were […]

Southwest Florida food banks need help feeding inflation-impacted families

More and more families need help putting food on the table as inflation soars worldwide, and food banks are feeling the pressure to keep up. They say it reminds them of the early days of the coronavirus pandemic. The Harry Chapin Food Bank says it’s harder for people to go to the grocery store with […]

Harry Chapin Food Bank

Southwest Florida food banks feeling the pressure of rising food costs

Southwest Florida food banks are feeling the pressure of rising food costs as more people need help feeding their families. The people at the Harry Chapin Food Bank and those at the Salvation Army and Saint Matthew’s House say demand is up because people are struggling to pay for food themselves. Joseph Michael Smith is […]

Iona man sentenced to 25 years for murdering girlfriend with hammer

An Iona man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to murdering his girlfriend with a hammer in February. Investigators say Suzanne LaPierre wanted to break up with James Lally, 51. That’s when he killed her. “Got into a fight and things got heated and I hit her in the head […]

Clewiston High School seniors

3 Clewiston High School seniors make history

Three students are making history. For the first time ever at Clewiston High School, the top three in the graduating class are African-American students. The three high school seniors and best friends ranked one, two and three in a graduating class. “It is actually something that can’t be put into words, especially in this town, Clewiston […]

Charlotte County trench collapse

Investigation underway after 2 people die in Charlotte County trench collapse

OSHA is investigating after two people died when a worksite trench collapsed in Charlotte County on Monday. First responders who rushed to the scene did everything they could to save them from underneath the dirt. The trench collapse happened near Burnt Store Road and Notre Dame Boulevard. First responders said rescuing someone from a trench […]

How Florida’s new election laws could impact you at the polls

Parts of Florida’s controversial election law have been temporarily reinstated. This could impact you during the midterm elections in November. Some political analysts and critics of the law say minority voters and the elderly will feel the changes the most. The Lee County Supervisor of Elections said he doesn’t think voters in Southwest Florida will […]