Thursday's News & Ideas - 1/23/2025

Harvard agrees to adopt a broad definition of antisemitism to settle two lawsuits
NPR: Under the deal, Harvard will adopt the broad International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance definition of antisemitism, which considers certain cases of anti-Zionist or anti-Israeli criticism as antisemitism.

Trump calls DEI programs ‘illegal’ and ‘immoral.’ Here's how he’s ending them
NPR: Even as Trump’s critics decry the moves, federal agencies are getting to work carrying out his vision.

After eyebrow-raising sermon to Trump, Bishop Budde beset with criticism and praise
Religion News Service: “The people who are in danger are the people who fear for their lives and their livelihoods,” Budde said in an interview. “That’s where the focus should be.”

Bishops condemn Trump’s immigration orders for stoking fear, anxiety
National Catholic Reporter: Catholic leaders urge solidarity with migrants, say actions “raise urgent moral and human concerns.”

In Israel, where support for Trump is high, celebrations on his inauguration
Religion News Service: “I am excited to see a leader who is a real friend of Israel stand by his words,” one American expat in Israel said at an inauguration celebration.

The Spark

There are no ‘acts of God’ anymore
The Los Angeles wildfires show the influence of humanity in the world — and our inability to control it, Vox says.

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