Jews were barred from Spain’s New World colonies − but that didn’t stop Jewish and converso writers from describing the Americas

Translating these men’s writing is not just a matter of bringing a text from one language into another. It is also a deep reflection on the complex position of Jews and conversos in those years. Their unique vantage point offers a window into the intertwined histories of Europe, the Americas and the in-betweenness that marked the Jewish experience in the early modern world, writes Flora Cassen.

New podcast explores religion, politics

A new podcast from WashU’s John C. Danforth Center on Religion and Politics covers topics ranging from evangelical Christians and Donald Trump to social media and lost connections, and even “The Karate Kid.”

Inspiring People: Jenisha McDonald

Jenisha McDonald, who works with WashU’s College Prep Program, discusses her passion for empowering students and her professional journey in Human Resources’ staff spotlight.

‘Why we trade small freedoms for big safety’

WashU School of Public Health Dean Sandro Galea, MD, DrPH, takes part in an episode of the “Wondros” podcast to discuss what can truly make America healthy, looking at areas such as nutrition, living conditions and work-life balance.

A radical proposal to abolish state government and strengthen American democracy

Get rid of states? Legal scholar Stephen Legomsky, who taught for 34 years at the Washington University in St. Louis School of Law, has just published a book, “Reimagining the American Union,” that proposes a radical idea: Abolish state government. The Conversation’s politics and democracy editor, Naomi Schalit – a former statehouse reporter herself – interviewed Legomsky about the provocative idea behind his book, in which he advocates moving most of the functions of state government down to the local level, closer to those represented and governed by it.
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