Retired pastor Rick Warren, author of “The Purpose Driven Life,” is intensifying a media blitz in what he acknowledges may be a lost cause.

As ideological divisions wracked the Southern Baptist Convention this year ahead of a pivotal national meeting, one of the leading candidates for its presidency embraced a role as the man best equipped to build bridges.

The Southern Baptist Convention has tamped down a push from the right at its largest meeting in decades, electing a new president who has worked to bridge racial divides in the church and defeating an effort to make an issue of critical race theory.

Controversies over the handling of sex abuse cases and critical race theory are likely to dominate the Southern Baptists' annual meeting, set to begin Tuesday.

The president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Executive Committee says it is hiring an outside firm to investigate its actions amid accusations that top leaders mishandled sex abuses cases.

Releases of leaked letters and secret recordings from within the Southern Baptist Convention are intensifying as critics seek to show top leaders were slow to address sexual abuse and worried more about its reputation and donations than about victims.

DETROIT – On July 27, 2020, radio host Jamie Samuelsen announced on the air that he had colon cancer. March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month and she’s taking up the cause to honor her husband. She now has way too much of it when it comes to colon cancer. Even with Colon Cancer Awareness at what must be an all-time high. But that job is left to McDonald now because Samuelsen never got the chance.

Hank Winchester got his first colonoscopy to find out what you can expect and to explain why the examination is so critical. The test is easy, Hank said. But like Jamie, Im in my 40s and have a family. Simple, but critical testThe colonoscopy is a simple test, but its critical for early detection. RELATED: Video diary: Hank Winchester chronicles colonoscopy experienceMORE: Health news and resources

Jamie Samuelsen lost his 19-month battle with colon cancer Saturday and now a family is mourning a husband and a father. Mike Stone has hosted the Jamie and Stoney Show on 97.1 The Ticket with Samuelsen for four years. Jamie Samuelsen; impactful, funny kind and smart, Stone says of Samuelsens legacy. Jamie Samuelsen, the best damn friend you could ever have, a tremendous broadcaster on @971theticketxyt passed away tonight at 48. Bob Wojnowski (@bobwojnowski) August 1, 2020I am heartbroken by the passing of my great longtime friend and radio partner Jamie Samuelsen.

Michigan Primary Election 2020: How to track your ballotThe 2020 Michigan Primary Election is Aug. 4, but many have already voted by mail, due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The number of confirmed cases of the coronavirus (COVID-19) in Michigan has risen to 82,782 as of Sunday, including 6,206 deaths, state officials report. On Saturday the state reported 60,022 recoveries. Just last weekend the state reported a total of 57,502 COVID-19 recoveries. The state reported a total of 82,356 coronavirus cases Saturday and 6,206 deaths.