Cardinals and colleges are creating alliances.

Happening in the World: Even before Pope Francis was entombed on Saturday, conservative cardinals began campaigning to sway the conclave electing the next pope. They believe Pope Francis’s pontificate lacked unity with the church’s traditions, and their slogan in swaying the conclave is ‘unity.’ The discussion leading up to the election for the new pope, which is expected to occur in May, will likely touch on whether a successor to Francis should progress or cut back on Francis’s openness to potentially ordaining women as deacons, making some married men clergy, or offering communion to divorced and remarried Catholics, among other divisive issues. Some progressives within the church worry that the new cardinals Francis chose around the world will not be as proficient in Vaticanese and will be influenced by the allure of ‘unity’ despite it actually meaning the reversal of much of Pope Francis’s work. (NYT) 

Happening in the US: After witnessing the Trump Administration freeze billions in federal funding, demand policy changes, and begin investigations, many university leaders have publicly opposed these moves taking root. Last week more than 400 campus leaders signed a statement opposing the administration’s assault on higher education and academia. The statement by the American Association of Colleges and Universities showed unity across many different types of schools, including community colleges, Jesuit universities, historically Black colleges, and Ivy League institutions. Though it contained no concrete steps of actions to come, the collective stance reflected the group’s resistance to the Trump Administration. The Association of American Universities is set to meet this week for the first time since President Trump’s inauguration, and it is not open to the public but could be a strategy session about how to address the administration’s moves. (NYT)

Happening in NYC: Central Park’s north end now has a new recreation center with a public swimming pool that can become an ice rink or a public green depending on the season. The Davis Center donated $160 million to replace the Lasker Rink and Pool, which was constructed in the 1960s and closed four years ago. During the summer the pool will be open, transforming into an ice rink in the winter and a green space during the fall and spring. The area also has a brand new boardwalk and pavilion. Officials have stated that the public space will also offer a range of activities, including swimming lessons, yoga, and hockey. (Gothamist)

Happening in Our Community: Today, the Louis Armstrong Jazz Performance Program presents a jazz concert featuring special guest Patricia Brennan with Columbia University jazz ensembles. The event is taking place at the Bollinger Forum (605 W 125th Street, New York, NY 10027) and starts at 3 pm, lasting two hours. The performance is free and open to the public! To learn more information and register, click here.

Image via Flickr