Wednesday’s News & Ideas - 8/13/2025

Advocates fear Trump’s crackdown in D.C. will put many homeless people behind bars 
NPR: As hundreds of National Guard troops deployed on Tuesday in the nation's capital, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said homeless people in Washington, D.C., who refuse to move into shelters will face prosecution or fines.

Doug Wilson agrees to debate ‘Sons of Patriarchy’ after dueling events in Moscow, Idaho 
Religion News Service: Pastor Doug Wilson has agreed to a live on-air discussion with the producers of a podcast dedicated to exposing what it describes as abuse within Wilson’s church.

Pope Leo Chiclayo abuse case proves tricky to translate outside Peru  
Religion News Service: The press conference, with its serious translation errors, indicated the difficulties Ana María Quispe Díaz has faced as her story is scrutinized on an international stage — and the challenge for the international Catholic community in understanding a Peruvian abuse case that now has global implications. 

Ex-pastors share reasons behind their ministry exit 
Religion Unplugged: Few pastors leave the pulpit each year, but those who do mostly say it was a personal decision, with 40% saying it was related to a change in their calling. 

Missionary kids know the holes in American evangelicalism* 
Sojourners: What does it do to a kid when their well-being is constantly considered secondary to their parents’ sense of calling?

The Spark

It’s the hottest restaurant in America. It’s probably in your mall’s parking lot. 
Chili’s is making a huge comeback* — with the help of influencers and the “hot mozz.” How Chili’s went from a relic of the 90’s, to blowing past its competitors and conquering casual American dining, writes Dan Kois for Slate. 

*access is limited for nonsubscribers