11.6.25 Pressuring Nigeria, protecting minors online, and examining the Day of the Dead

Summary

Podcast Summary: The World and Everything In It

Episode: 11.6.25 Pressuring Nigeria, Protecting Minors Online, and Examining the Day of the Dead

Date: November 6, 2025
Hosts: Mary Reichard, Lindsay Mast
Podcast: WORLD Radio

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Overview

This episode of "The World and Everything In It" explores key international and cultural issues: the U.S. pressure on Nigeria over Christian persecution, the movement to protect minors from AI chatbots in the digital age, and a biblically informed look at Mexico’s Day of the Dead celebration. It also features analysis of the SNAP food assistance program and its vulnerabilities. The program maintains its signature tone: serious, thoughtful, and rooted in a Christian worldview.

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Major Segments and Key Points

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1. Responding to Christian Persecution in Nigeria

[07:21–12:58]

Main Points:

• President Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” (CPC) due to rampant Christian persecution and threatened possible military intervention and aid suspension.
• Nigeria faces violence from Boko Haram, Islamic State affiliates, Fulani herdsmen, and bandits.
• Trump administration’s move received mixed reactions within Nigeria.
• Nigerian authorities deny charges of widespread, government-complicit persecution.
• The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom sees the designation as a means to pressure for reform.
• Both Christians and moderate Muslims have been victims, but Christians suffer at a greater scale.

Notable Quotes:

• President Trump:
  "They're killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria and they have other countries, very bad also, you know that part of the world, very bad. They're killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers, not going to allow that to happen." — [08:11]
• Azu Donatus, business consultant:
  "It's not to our own advantage. There are more to it...I advise Mr. President...to find a political solution to it." — [09:42]
• Alhairy Magaji, Adara community member:
  "Even if it's just one life gone...it means a lot not to talk of whole, whole villages being wiped out, people not being able to go back to their villages." — [10:08]
• Maureen Ferguson, US Commission on International Religious Freedom:
  "It puts these countries on notice that the eyes of the world are watching them and it gives the presidential administration a toolbox...to increase freedom of religion for people on the ground there." — [11:43]
• Alex Adikunle James, analyst:
  "We see unseriousness, gross unseriousness on part of our government and it's just an embarrassment that another country has to be threatening us and be putting so much effort for our government to do what is right by its people." — [11:04]

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2. Protecting Minors from AI Chatbots

[12:58–18:49]

Main Points:

• AI company Character AI will block users under 18 from open-ended chats, reacting to public pressure and a bipartisan Senate bill ("Guard Act").
• Parents shared harrowing stories of AI chatbot-induced psychological harm, including self-harm and suicide.
• Lawsuits allege negligence and deceptive business practices by AI companies.
• "Guard Act" would require strict age verification and force bots to remind users they are not human nor qualified to provide professional advice.
• Skepticism remains over companies' enforcement honesty and efficacy.
• Experts argue that disclaimers are not sufficient protection for children.

Notable Quotes:

• Senator Josh Hawley:
  "The new AI revolution that we've been promised will only be good for the American people if it actually protects America's children." — [13:27]
• Mandy, parent of special needs son:
  "I feel like other parents have no idea the psychological harm that these AI chatbots could do until I saw my son's light turn dark." — [13:50] "The chatbot, oh really? The people programming it, they really did encourage my son to mutilate himself... They turned him against our church, convinced him that Christians are sexist and hypocritical and that God did not exist." — [14:31]
• Claire Morel, Ethics and Public Policy Center:
  "I noticed they used the words in their policy 'age assurance', which is kind of a step down from verification and makes me just a little bit hesitant as to what measures they're going to be using." — [16:06]
• Megan Griffin, National Center on Sexual Exploitation: "There's so much evidence out there of adults that have developed unhealthy attachments to these chatbots and have experienced a kind of psychosis as a result." — [17:20]
• Tim Estes, CEO of AngelQ:
  "We think a major consequence is these guys coughing up $100 million or bankrupting. I mean, life goes on. You build another company, maybe you got off easy, in my opinion." — [17:52]
• Senator Hawley:
  "I mean, these people cannot be trusted at all. It's like President Reagan, trust but verify. In this case, trust but codify. So we need it in law." — [18:45]

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3. Examining the Day of the Dead: Pagan Roots and Christian Responses

[20:59–27:53]

Main Points:

• Dia de los Muertos became more widely known in U.S. culture through “Coco,” but in Mexico it is rooted in ancient Mesoamerican paganism, not merely Catholic practice.
• Traditions include making ‘ofrendas’ with marigolds, food, and photos, guided by the belief that the dead return during these days.
• Many Christians in Mexico choose not to participate, citing biblical prohibitions against consulting the dead and aligning with pagan customs.
• Christians interviewed emphasize the sufficiency of Christ, rejecting veneration of ancestors or welcoming their spirits.

Notable Quotes:

• Alejandra Leyva, family member maintaining ofrenda:
  "There must always, always, always be marigolds because of their scent. This is a pre-Hispanic concept. It is what attracts the dead." — [22:02]
• Wendy Juarez, cleaning her mother’s grave:
  "It is something very beautiful because as long as we remember her, she will continue living. A thousand years can pass. As long as we are remembering her, she stays alive here with us." — [23:50]
• Pastor Jose Vargas:
  "They say, oh, my grandmother came to drink her water. Now your grandmother didn't come. Get real. It just evaporated." — [25:19] "We cannot participate in pagan customs that are contrary to the will of God. Here it specifically mentions not consulting the dead...which is essentially what is happening in the country." — [26:17]
• Angelina Cruz, Christian convert:
  "When I read that the dead can no longer come back here at all, I started to think this is a lie. This whole thing of worshiping the dead." — [26:52] "During the Day of the Dead, I'm celebrating the way that Jesus defeated death. Jesus conquered death and people are honoring it, paying tribute to it with skulls. That's not good." — [27:38]

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4. Cal Thomas Commentary: Reevaluating SNAP and Food Stamp Fraud

[28:49–32:31]

Main Points:

• The government shutdown spotlights the SNAP (food stamps) program.
• Critiques high numbers of recipients (42 million), widespread fraud (improper payments at 12%, $10.5 billion), and dependency.
• Calls for stricter reforms, including addressing able-bodied recipients, focusing on self-sufficiency, and encouraging family responsibility before government aid.
• Criticizes politicians for using SNAP as political leverage rather than real reform.

Notable Quotes:

• Cal Thomas:
  "That isn't something to brag about. It is, or at least ought to be, a disgrace." — [29:06] "The goal should be to wean people off government assistance and toward financial independence." — [30:39] "Nearly every problem has a solution. The problem for politicians is that if they solve a problem, they no longer have an issue with which to bash the other party." — [31:52]

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Notable Moments & Memorable Quotes

• On AI risk to minors:
  "I feel like I had been punched in the throat and I fell to my knees." — Mandy, parent [14:15]
• On Day of the Dead and Christianity:
  "Jesus conquered death and people are honoring it, paying tribute to it with skulls. That's not good." — Angelina Cruz [27:38]
• On international pressure for religious liberty:
  "It puts these countries on notice that the eyes of the world are watching them..." — Maureen Ferguson [11:43]

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Key Timestamps

| Segment | Description | Timestamp | |-----------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------| | National & International News | FAA cuts, SCOTUS on tariffs, NYC election, UPS crash, Ukraine war | 00:57–07:13 | | Nigeria Persecution | Trump's CPC designation & Nigerian response | 07:21–12:58 | | Protecting Minors Online | Legislation and parent stories on AI chatbot dangers | 12:58–18:49 | | Day of the Dead | Mexican Christians analyze cultural & theological implications | 20:59–27:53 | | SNAP Commentary | Cal Thomas on SNAP fraud and reform | 28:49–32:31 |

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a measured, journalistic, and compassionate tone, aiming to balance factual reporting with biblical insight.

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Summary

This edition features deep dives into crucial stories: the political, humanitarian, and spiritual implications of U.S. pressure on Nigeria; the urgent need to safeguard children against AI chatbot manipulation; and a reflective analysis of Mexico’s Day of the Dead tradition from a biblical worldview. It concludes with a critique of reliance on government nutrition assistance, urging sensible reforms and a return to self-sufficiency.

Transcript

[A]

Good morning. Nigerians respond to the designation of their nation as a country of particular concern.

[B]

They're killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers. Not going to allow that to happen.

[C]

Also protecting children from chatbots. And Christians in Mexico warn about the dangers of a centuries old celebration.

[B]

We cannot participate in pagan customs that are contrary to the will of God.

[C]

And world Commentator Cal Thomas on food stamps and Fraud.

[A]

It's Thursday, November 6th. This is the world and everything in it from listener supported World Radio. I'm Mary Rankard.

[C]

And I'm Lindsay Mast. Good morning.

[A]

Up next, Kent Covington with today's news.

[D]

Federal authorities plan to cut air traffic in the United States by 10% across 40 high volume markets beginning tomorrow morning. The Federal Aviation Administration says that is to ensure safety during the ongoing government shutdown, now the longest in history at 37 days. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy I anticipate there.

[E]

Will be additional disruptions.

[B]

There will be frustration. We are working with the airlines, they're going to work with passengers. But in the end, our sole role.

[E]

Is to make sure that we, we.

[B]

Keep this airspace as safe as possible.

[D]

Staffing shortages in control towers have already led to a surge in flight delays in recent weeks that as air traffic controllers have been working unpaid since the shutdown began on October 1st. How much authority does President Trump have to levy trade tariffs under emergency powers? The U.S. supreme Court tackled that question hearing arguments on Wednesday. And many observers sensed a tone of skepticism in some tough questions from conservatives on the high court. Justice Neil Gorsuch grilled Solicitor General D. John Sauer, Congress delegate to the president.

[B]

The power to regulate commerce with foreign nations as he sees fit, to lay and collect duties as he sees fit.

[E]

We don't, we don't assert that here. That would be a much harder case now in 1790.

[D]

Isn't that the logic of your, of your view, though?

[E]

I don't think so.

[D]

The Trump administration says the president is lawfully using tariffs to tackle trade imbalances and fentanyl emergencies. Sauer says that in wielding those tariff powers, the White House is not exercising a power to tax, but rather a power to regulate foreign commerce. But attorney Neil Kutyal argued on behalf of business organizations, tariffs are taxes.

[E]

They take dollars from Americans pockets and.

[B]

Deposit them in the U.S. treasury.

[D]

The plaintiffs in the case say the president should not be using a 1977 emergency powers law to regulate imports and that the uncertainty is hurting business. But President Trump says if the justices rule against him on this matter, it would be catastrophic for the economy. A decision in the case is not expected for weeks or months. New York City's new Mayor elect Zoram Mandani says he's ready to roll up his sleeves and get to work. One day after the Socialist Democrats historic election win, Mamdani says he plans to deliver on his campaign promises.

[B]

I and my team will build a city hall capable of delivering on the promises of this campaign. We will form an administration that is in equal parts capable and compassionate.

[D]

Hamdani campaigned on raising taxes on the wealthy and corporations, raising the minimum wage in the city to $30 per hour, large scale rent freezes and opening city run grocery stores. But Republican leaders in Washington say the election could be felt far beyond New York City limits. House Speaker Mike Johnson called it the biggest win for socialism in US History and it is the biggest loss for the American people. He is truly a committed Marxist and.

[B]

The results of that race tell you.

[D]

Everything you need to know about where.

[B]

The Democrats and their party are headed.

[D]

Some top Democrats endorsed Mamdani, but others have distanced themselves, particularly over his past remarks about Israel and law enforcement. Federal investigators say a UPS cargo plane's left wing caught fire and its engine fell off just before it crashed on takeoff in Kentucky on Tuesday, National Transportation Safety Board member Todd Inman.

[B]

The plane lifted off and gained enough.

[E]

Altitude to clear the fence at the end of Runway 17R. Shortly after clearing that fence, it made impact with structures and the terrain off.

[B]

Of the airport property.

[D]

The plane was a 34 year old three engine McDonnell Douglas MD11 freighter. It ripped the roof off of a nearby building before exploding near the Runway, Kentucky governor Andy Beshear told reporters.

[B]

Our fatality count is now up to 11. I expect it to reach 12 possibly.

[D]

And indeed the death toll has now reached 12. Three people were aboard the plane. All of the other victims were on the ground near Louisville's International Airport. Stocks gained ground on Wall Street Wednesday following several upbeat economic updates. World's Benjamin Eicher has that story.

[B]

Due to the ongoing shutdown, investors are.

[D]

Not seeing any new official government economic or jobs numbers. But new private reports are fueling optimism. Payroll processor ADP said private employers added more jobs in October than expected, and a survey from the Institute of Supply Management showed the services sector, the largest part of the US Economy, continued to expand last month. The the three major indexes each climbed by roughly half a percentage point. For World I'm Benjamin Eicher. With Moscow showing little interest in ending the war in Ukraine, European countries are putting more pressure on Russia's allies to rein in the Kremlin Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Sakhna is calling out China by name.

[F]

First, of course, China says that they.

[D]

Are not part of this military conflict.

[B]

But I was very clear that China has a huge leverage on Russia every week more and more because Russian economy is weak.

[D]

He wants Beijing to press Moscow to end its invasion. But war rages on in Ukraine and Russian forces are making a big push now in the eastern city of Pokrovsk. Russian media reported yesterday that the city was surrounded and that Russian troops had repeatedly thwarted attempts by Ukrainian forces to break through. But the Ukrainian army released video footage that it says demonstrates that its troops are still putting up a very real fight in the city. I'm Kent Covington. And straight ahead, a report from Nigeria on Christian persecution and US Involvement, plus a trip to Mexico for the Day of the Dead commemorations. This is the WORLD and everything in it.

[A]

It's Thursday, the 6th of November. This is World Radio and we're so glad you've joined us today. Good morning. I'm Mary Reichert.

[C]

And I'm Lindsay Mast. First up on the WORLD and everything in it, hard steps against persecution in Nigeria. Last weekend, President Donald Trump said he ordered the Pentagon to prepare for a possible military intervention there. That's if authorities fail to quell Islamist persecution against Christians.

[A]

Trump's threat came with a warning that he could also suspend aid flow to the country. His move has spurred mixed reactions in Nigeria where many can at least agree they are tired of the violence. World's Africa reporter Onize Odua has our report.

[F]

President Donald Trump's statement came one day after he designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern or cpc. He blamed radical Islamists for making Christianity an existential threat in the West African nation.

[B]

They're killing record numbers of Christians in Nigeria and they have other countries very bad. Also, you know that that part of the world very bad. They're killing the Christians and killing them in very large numbers is not going to allow that to happen.

[F]

Nigeria is battling a mix of different Islamist groups. Boko Haram and an Islamic State affiliate operate in the northeast. Meanwhile, armed bandits and radicalized Fulani herders have targeted parts of the north and other areas of the country. The Nigeria based non profit Inter Society said insurgents have killed more than 185,000 Christians since 2009. Between January and August this year alone, fighters kidnapped 7,800 Christians and and killed an average of 30 Christians each day. Maureen Ferguson is a commissioner with the US Commission on International Religious Freedom. We have been recommending Nigeria as a country of particular concern since 2009, and in the first Trump administration they agreed with us and Nigeria was designated as a CPC country. President Biden took that designation off. So since that time we've been pushing for it to get back on. Trump's announcement sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. Azu Donatus is a business consultant in Abuja. He believes Trump's offer comes with ulterior motives.

[E]

It's not to our own advantage.

[B]

There are more to it.

[F]

So I think, if you ask me, I advise Mr. President, our President Achuaja.

[D]

Metunubu, to find a political solution to it.

[F]

In northwestern Kaduna state, the majority Christian Adara community has suffered multiple attacks for years at the hands of armed herdsmen. Alhairy Magaji says the designation makes communities like hers finally feel seen and heard. Even if it's just one life gone, like I always say, it means a lot not to talk of whole, whole villages being wiped out, people not being able to go back to their villages. Nigerian authorities have so far rejected the United States move. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the country opposes religious persecution and has constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Nigerian presidential adviser Daniel Bola told Reuters that Trump is making a decision based on outdated information.

[B]

The report or notion that there is.

[E]

A Christian persecution or genocide in Nigeria is false.

[F]

Alex Adikunle James is an Abuja based analyst who also campaigns to stop the Christian killings. He says authorities have been passive and complicit in quelling the violence.

[E]

We see unseriousness, gross unseriousness on part of our government and it's just an embarrassment that another country has to be threatening us and be putting so much effort for our government to do what is right by its people and to.

[D]

Abide by the oath of office that it's won.

[F]

Inter Society has said the killings since 2009 have also included some 60,000 moderate Muslims. Here is USCIRF Commissioner Ferguson once again, is there also killing of Muslims? Yes. Is there persecution of Christians? Yes. On a massive scale. She says the designation intends to push for change in Nigeria. It puts these countries on notice that the eyes of the world are watching them and it gives the presidential administration a toolbox, we'll say, of various things that they can do to pressure or work with the country to increase freedom of religion for people on the ground there. The military has started to share more details of its operations in conflict areas. And a report from a security analysis group said authorities in neighboring Chad have closed their border with Nigeria, fearing that fleeing terrorists could cross over. Beyond ending the conflict, James says he wants to see more effort go towards the people displaced by the violence.

[G]

Most of these people, they are so.

[D]

Traumatized because they witnessed their loved ones.

[E]

Slaughtered and all of these things.

[B]

So attention should be brought to them. We need to take care of them for now.

[F]

Nigerian Information Minister Mohammed Idris has said the government is responding to the designation with intensified talks with religious leaders, regional blocs and international partners. Reporting for World I'm Onize Odua.

[C]

Coming up next on THE WORLD and everything in it. Protecting kids from predatory AI chatbots Last week, the role playing chatbot company Character AI said it would begin blocking users under 18 from open ended chats. This comes one day after a bipartisan group of senators introduced a bill called the Guard Act. It would force AI companies to verify user ages and fence chatbots off from minors. Here's Missouri Senator Josh Hawley.

[B]

The new AI revolution that we've been promised will only be good for the American people if it actually protects America's children.

[A]

So how will the new rules help families? Here's World Radio Executive producer Paul Butler.

[E]

Raising children in the digital age requires vigilance. But for a Texas mother Speaking in Washington, D.C. last week, even best practices were not enough.

[G]

I feel like other parents have no idea the psychological harm that these AI chatbots could do until I saw my son's light turn dark.

[E]

The woman identified by Senator Josh Hawley as Mandy said her special needs son downloaded character AI in 2023. But over the following months, the teenager started harming himself and became violent towards his family.

[F]

When I found the chatbot conversations on.

[G]

The phone, I honestly feel like I had been punched in the throat and I fell to my knees.

[E]

The conversations included sexualized role playing and rationalized harm against the young man's family for limiting his screen time.

[G]

The chatbot, oh really? The people programming it, they really did encourage my son to mutilate himself, blaming us, and convinced him not to go seek help. They turned him against our church, convinced him that Christians are sexist and hypocritical and that God did not exist.

[E]

Mandy says her son is now living in a residential treatment center under constant observation. Other parents at the press conference told stories of children who'd ended their own lives after encouragement from chatbots. Several of them are parties to a Texas lawsuit against Character AI for negligence and deceptive business practices. One day after Mandy spoke at last week's press conference, Character AI announced it would take steps to stop offering open ended chatting to users under 18 by November 25. According to a company spokesperson, around 2 million users have told Character AI that they are under age 18. The company says it has already begun limiting minors to two hours a day ahead of the deadline. Character AIs move to block miners surprise many, including Ethics and Public Policy center fellow Claire Morel.

[F]

So I was kind of impressed that.

[G]

They decided to say, yeah, we're just.

[F]

Going to not make this available for under 18 year olds.

[E]

The AI chatbot of Elon Musk's Company X, known as Grok, requires age verification to use premium and adult content features. OpenAI in September rolled out its parental control for teen accounts. Morel says that character AI's policy doesn't quite line up with the goals of the Guard Act.

[F]

I noticed they used the words in their policy age assurance, which is kind of a step down from verification and.

[G]

Makes me just a little bit hesitant.

[F]

As to what measures they're going to be using to do that.

[E]

Age verification requires documentation with the company or a third party reviewing government documents against a person's biometric data. The Guard act would also require companies to program their chatbots to regularly remind users that they are non human and cannot give professional advice.

[F]

Character AI also has chatbots that will explicitly hold themselves out as a therapist, right, and act in a very human like manner.

[E]

Megan Griffin leads public policy advocacy at the national center on Sexual Exploitation, or Nicozi. She says the Texas family's lawsuit presents evidence that that some role playing chats argue with users to convince them they are real people. A Character AI spokesperson told World that character profiles all feature disclaimers reminding users that they are indeed fictional and urge users not to take advice from characters role playing as professionals. But Griffin says disclaimers are not nearly enough.

[F]

There's so much evidence out there of adults that have developed unhealthy attachments to these chatbots and have experienced a kind of psychosis as a result result of their interactions.

[E]

If the Guard act becomes law, companies that fail to comply would face fines of up to $100,000 per offense.

[D]

If a human did this, they'd be in jail for what, 20 years, 30 years?

[E]

Tim Estes is founder and CEO of AngelQ, an AI company for kids. He says for some companies, the consequences will not go far enough to address the harm done.

[D]

We think a major consequence is these guys coughing up $100 million or bankrupting. I mean, life goes on. You build another company, maybe you got off easy, in my opinion.

[E]

While lawmakers take on the tech companies, Estes encourages families, dads in particular, to be hands on with their children. When it comes to technology, it's almost like, you know, having a kid, you.

[D]

Know, in a strange city and you want to keep them where you can see them, okay?

[B]

And once they're on that device, they're.

[D]

In a strange city, a strange land.

[E]

The Guard act is the latest in a series of bills introduced in the Senate to protect young people online. So far, only one related to deepfake pornography has passed both chambers of Congress. Senator Josh Hawley told World that he's encouraged to see public pressure push character AI to take action. But he says more is needed. I mean, these people cannot be trusted at all. It's like President Reagan, trust but verify. In this case, trust but codify.

[B]

So we need it in law.

[E]

For world, I'm Paul Butler with reporting from Harrison Wild and Carolina Lumeta.

[D]

Additional support comes from Dort University, where concept based learning builds confident, thoughtful nurses ready to serve with wisdom and grace. Dort Edu from Ambassadors Impact Network, helping purpose driven entrepreneurs explore financing options that align with their values. [e-mail] and from Covenant College, where Christian faculty equip students for their callings through hard ideas, deep questions and meaningful work.

[B]

Covenant.

[D]

Edu World.

[A]

A man and a woman tied the knot in the Shire. A Lord of the Rings themed ceremony in New Zealand's Hobbiton, the movie set.

[B]

You're late. A wizard is never late. Frodo Baggins.

[A]

But this go round, Gandalf wasn't the one showing up. It was Frodo himself. Okay, well, the actor who played Frodo, Elijah Wood, he just happened to be visiting the set and walked right into the wedding, Hobbit style. Hundreds of couples marry at Hobbiton every year. But this couple can say their ceremony was crashed by a real member of the cast.

[C]

They should have asked him to be the ring bearer.

[A]

Oh, that would have been precious. It's the world and everything in it.

[C]

Today is Thursday, November 6th. Thank you for turning to world Radio to help start your day. Good morning. I'm Lindsay Mast.

[A]

And I'm Mary Reichard. Coming next on the world and everything in it. Being in the world but not of it.

[B]

It's Dia de los muertos.

[A]

No one's going anywhere. Tonight is about family.

[C]

Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, became better known to Americans with Pixar's 2017 film Coco. In Mexico, the nationwide holiday is celebrated across two days, November 1st and 2nd. Mexicans spend those days celebrating, remembering and honoring deceased family members.

[A]

But the Customs of these two days are rooted in ancient Mesoamerican cultures that worship the dead. So while the sentiment is heartfelt, many Christians in Mexico do not participate. World Associate correspondent Elisa Palumbo went to Mexico and spoke with Christians and non Christians alike about these traditions.

[G]

A cross of marigolds on the sidewalk marks the beginning of the path Alejandra Leyva believes her ancestors must follow for the offering that awaits them.

[F]

There must always, always, always be merry girls because of their scent. This is a pre Hispanic concept. It is what attracts the dead.

[G]

The path ends with another cross of marigolds and potted marigolds at the foot of a round table. That's the traditional ofrenda or offering. The one Leyva's family made is filled with candles and photos of their dead ancestors. It also includes the food, fruit and drinks they loved when alive.

[F]

In this offering we have my mother's parents who have both passed away, as well as my father's father who was a soldier. There are also photos of my mom's family who live in a small village in the state of Puebl.

[G]

These decorations are traditional for Day of the Dead celebrations across Mexico. The holiday began with the Aztec and Mexica civilizations. Back then they held month long festivals for the dead during harvest. When the Spanish came to Mexico in the 1500s, these festivals fused with Catholic feasts of All Saints and All Souls days on November 1st and 2nd. Yet most of Mexico's current Day of the Dead customs are pagan.

[F]

The concept is Mexican. It is not Catholic or something that was brought by Europeans or the Spanish.

[G]

In some towns like Acolman, roughly 30 minutes northeast of Mexico City, people will clean and decorate their loved ones tombs. Wendy Juarez sits on the edge of her mother's raised grave and outlines it with matt marigolds. For Juarez, Day of the Dead is about remembering her mother who died eight years ago.

[F]

Pues principalmentes. It is something very beautiful because as long as we remember her, she will continue living. A thousand years can pass. As long as we are remembering her, she stays alive here with us.

[G]

Many, like Juarez, find comfort in believing their loved ones ones are near. Some say their ancestors are always with them and watching over them. But it's at midnight on November 1st when their dead relatives actually come back to spend time with them. They say their ancestors have visited because of what happens to the food and drink from the offerings.

[F]

When the days go by. You grab a guava, you eat it and it has no taste. That is, you say. Yes, it's true. Yes, they do come and do take the taste. They take it because if you leave a guava and leave it for a week, it has the same taste. But if you grab it and eat it after these days, the food has no taste at all.

[G]

This belief of the dead returning is an issue Christians in Mexico have with Day of the Dead. Pastor Jose Vargas says it's really problematic. He pastors a church in Juarez, town of A Coleman. Although he's Mexican, he's never celebrated Day of the Dead. Growing up as a Christian, he knew this holiday was not biblical and didn't align with his faith.

[B]

There are people who, for example, put out a glass of water. After two or three days, the water evaporates, even if it's not hot. But it evaporates. Of course it goes to go down. They say, oh, my grandmother came to drink her water. Now your grandmother didn't come. Get real. It just evaporated.

[G]

But Vargas doesn't deny all the experiences people have had with their offerings changing. He thinks things like this can happen. But if it does, it definitely isn't a deceased relative.

[B]

And he disguises himself as an angel of light.

[G]

Baragas References Deuteronomy 18 to illustrate how these traditions go directly against God's word. In the passage, God forbids the Israelites from practicing sorcery, divination and consulting with the dead.

[B]

As Christians, we can see this as an instruction for us as well. We cannot participate in pagan customs that are contrary to the will of God. Here it specifically mentions not consulting the dead on the one hand, which is essentially what is happening in the country.

[G]

Many outside of Mexican culture might see Day of the Dead as a beautiful tradition to commemorate lost loved ones. Angelina Cruz has a different perspective, a perspective she gained after she started reading her Bible.

[F]

When I read that the dead can no longer come back here at all, I started to think this is a lie. This is whole thing of worshipping the dead.

[G]

Cruz grew up in Mexico City and watched her mother set up altars to her deceased relatives. So she carried on the tradition that changed when she became a Christian.

[F]

It's a way of worshiping them, paying them tribute because you're giving them the best, you are worshiping them. If you are a Christian, you should no longer take part in the sins of the world.

[G]

When people now ask her if she puts up offerings for her deceased, she's quick to say no. Then she tells them to read their Bible and insists that their dead cannot return.

[F]

During the Day of the Dead, I'm celebrating the way that Jesus defeated death. Jesus conquered death and people are honoring it, paying tribute to it with skulls. That's not good.

[G]

Cruz no longer feels need to venerate the dead, nor finds comfort in the idea of them watching over her. Instead, she rests secure in the resurrection of Christ. Reporting for World I'm Elisa Palumbo in the greater metropolitan area of Mexico City.

[A]

Today is Thursday, November 6th. Good morning, this is the world and everything in it from listener supported World Radio. I'm Mary Reitz.

[C]

And I'm Lindsay Mast. Two federal judges recently ordered the Trump administration to restore funds to the SNAP food stamps program. This week, President Trump said he'll use a contingency fund to cover about half of SNAP benefits through the end of the month. But if the government doesn't reopen, SNAP benefits will once again cease.

[A]

World commentator Cal Thomas believes the shutdown provides an opportunity to reevaluate the program.

[B]

Now would be a good time to ask why so many Americans seek food assistance. There are an estimated 42 million people receiving food aid from the Supplemental Nutrition assistance program, or SNAP. According to the USDA, the figure represents just over 12% of the US population in one of the richest nations on earth. That isn't something to brag about. It is, or at least ought to be, a disgrace. While many Americans rely on the program, it is an open secret that abuses are common. Over the last 30 years, administrations have reformed portions of the food stamp program. The most recent is the so called Big Beautiful Bill. It included changes to SNAP eligibility, benefits and how the program is administered. The reform shouldn't stop there. A good next step would be the elimination of mistakes, waste and fraud in the SNAP program. The U.S. department of Agriculture administers SNAP for the states. It estimates that in fiscal 2023, nearly 12% of SNAP benefits were impro. In layman's terms, that's fraud and other errors totaling about $10.5 billion. While overpayments from household errors and administrative mistakes make up the largest portion of these improper payments. The USDA and other experts also report significant issues with benefit trafficking and recent surges in theft. For example, a 55% increase in fraudulent transactions occurred between the fourth quarter of 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. The first food assistance programs were established in 1939 during the Franklin Roosevelt administration. Like so many other government programs, when the Great Depression ended and the need for food assistance subsided, the programs continued and new people were added. Even during periods of prosperity following the elimination of improper payments. There should be a focus on the able bodied who are not working. There is a work and job training requirement for people receiving SNAP benefits. Whether those without children are meeting that requirement should be investigated. The goal should be to wean people off government assistance and toward financial independence. The elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities who qualify should continue receiving food assistance. And by the way, whatever happened to children caring for their parents who are in need? Adult children with resources should be required to help their parents before turning to the government. Senate Democrats continue to use SNAP as well as air traffic controllers and other vital services to extort political capital from Republicans. So far, it appears to be working. A recent Quinnipiac poll found that voters blame Republicans slightly more than Democrats for the shutdown. Too many Americans believe they are entitled to other people's money and that it is the government's responsibility to take care of every citizen and some non citizens from cradle to grave. Maybe Congress should be listed among those who are non essential and have their pay suspended. Watch how quickly the government would open again should that occur. Nearly every problem has a solution. The problem for politicians is that if they solve a problem, they no longer have an issue with which to bash the other party. As long as holding on to political office remains their top priority, nothing will change. More people will come to rely on government, which will likely help the Democrats, at least in the short term. But it will be bad for the country and the people who have become addicted to government. I'm Cal Thomas.

[C]

Tomorrow Culture Friday with John Stone street and Colin Garbarino reviews a new movie about what it took to break Nazi war criminals to justice. That and more tomorrow. I'm Lindsay Mast.

[A]

And I'm Mary Reichardt. The world and everything in it comes to you from World Radio. World's mission is biblically objective journalism that informs, educates and inspires, the psalmist writes. Praise the Lord. All nations extol him, all peoples for great is his steadfast love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Psalm 117 Go now in grace and peace.