Wednesday’s News & Ideas - 4/29/2026

Pope Leo reiterates opposition to death penalty on same day U.S. approves firing squads
NPR: The Trump administration announced Friday that it will authorize firing squads as a federally permitted method of execution, deepening its push to revive the death penalty.

‘A husband expects a yes’: How wife schools are shaping submissive Christian women
The Guardian: A cottage industry of women is selling courses aligned with a conservative movement that claims feminism is the source of women’s discontent.

Trump tests the limits of his most faithful supporters*
The New York Times: The president’s rhetoric on religion, along with hard-line immigration policies and the U.S. war in Iran, has splintered a coalition of Christian voters who returned him to the White House.

The revival that wasn’t — and the one that may be*
Christianity Today: Young people remain deeply wary of large institutions, but they are undeniably interested in faith.

Jeffrey Epstein’s ties to Les Wexner spur Jewish alums of foundation to launch survivor fund
Religion News Service: More than 100 alumni of Wexner Foundation fellowships and professional development programs have started a fund to aid survivors of sexual abuse and exploitation.

The Spark

Signed, sealed, delivered
What happens when someone throws a message* into the sea? The New Yorker asks.

*access is limited for nonsubscribers