1. **State the problem:** Simplify the expression $$\frac{-3 - 5^2}{(-2 + 4)^2}$$. 2. **Recall the order of operations:** Calculate exponents first, then addition/subtraction, and finally division. 3. **Calculate the numerator:** $$-3 - 5^2 = -3 - 25 = -28$$ 4. **Calculate the denominator:** $$(-2 + 4)^2 = (2)^2 = 4$$ 5. **Form the fraction:** $$\frac{-28}{4}$$ 6. **Simplify the fraction:** $$\frac{\cancel{-28}}{\cancel{4}} = -7$$ 7. **Final answer:** $$-7$$