Author: Shalem John

Tunisia’s once-hailed democratic progress is plunging ever deeper into political repression. Almost 15 years ago, the country’s calls for democracy reverberated throughout the Middle East and North Africa, toppling dictators and empowering citizens with new liberties. Now, Tunisia’s president Kais Saied is wielding his newly consolidated power to jail and harass any semblance of opposition. Last week, a Tunisian court sentenced to prison nearly 40 political, media, and business leaders perceived to be threats to Saied’s tightening grip on power. Some received sentences up to 66 years. This ruling is the latest in a troubling rash of government crackdowns on…

For the first time in more than 40 years, a new Christian medical school granting MD degrees has opened its doors in the US. A class of 50 students is finishing its inaugural school year now at Belmont University’s Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine. That’s 50 future doctors who could be reinforcements for a workforce facing severe shortages. “I call them the fabulous 50,” said Tanu Rana, a microbiologist and immunologist on the new faculty. “I love them dearly, and I’ve really enjoyed every second with them.” It’s a diverse 50: The first class includes veterans, farm kids,…

With the death of Pope Francis, attention now turns to the selection of his successor. The next pope will be chosen in what is called a conclave, a Latin word meaning “a room that can be locked up” or, more simply, “a closed room.” Members of the College of Cardinals will cast their votes behind the closed and locked doors of the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, famous for its ceiling frescoes painted by Michelangelo. Distinguished by their scarlet robes, cardinals are chosen by each pope to elect future popes. A cardinal must be under the age of 80 to be eligible to vote in the conclave. Of…