Wednesday’s News & Ideas - 7/30/2025
- Palestinian activist killed
- Food for homebound immigrants
- Holy Ghost on Billboard charts
- Seizure of Episcopal church land
- 250 years of military chaplains
- W.N.B.A shares the spotlight
Well-known Palestinian activist committed to nonviolence killed by an Israeli settler
Religion News Service: Awdah Hathaleen, who worked as an English teacher, was a beloved leader in his community’s nonviolent resistance. In June, he was denied entry to the U.S. on a speaking engagement.
LA archdiocese to deliver food and medication to parishioners homebound due to Ice raids
The Guardian: As White House continues its immigration crackdown, church steps up to assist members too afraid to leave home
Has the Billboard Hot 100 caught the Holy Ghost?
NPR: For the first time, multiple Christian musicians are charting on the Billboard Hot 100 at the same time — and staying there for weeks. Has the mainstream music industry found Jesus Christ?
New Jersey mayor says town won't seize Episcopal church if public doesn’t support plan*
The Christian Century: The mayor of Toms River, New Jersey, has delayed a council vote on his plan to seize an Episcopal church’s property and said he would end his effort to turn the church’s 11 acres into parkland if town officials confirm the public doesn’t support it.
US military chaplaincy marks 250 years of providing spiritual support to service members
Religion News Service: Chaplains serve in hospitals, hospices and manufacturing plants, and while chaplaincy researchers see commonalities among them, there are also key differences in the military.
The Spark
Women’s basketball needs all the stars
With Caitlin Clark injured, the recent W.N.B.A All-Star Game* offered a chance to see what the league might look like with her in the mix instead of at its center, and a vision of a league not centered on one player but elevated by many, writes Louisa Thomas for The New Yorker.
*access is limited for nonsubscribers
