The World and Everything In It Episode: March 27, 2025 – "Religious Persecution Worldwide, Adoptions from China, and a Ukrainian Ballet Performs Swan Lake"

Overview In this episode of The World and Everything In It, WORLD Radio delves into pressing global and domestic issues, including religious persecution, the complexities of international adoptions from China, and the resilient spirit of Ukrainian artists amidst ongoing conflict. The program features in-depth interviews, expert analysis, and firsthand accounts that provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of these multifaceted topics.

1. Global Religious Persecution

Mary Reichard opens the episode by highlighting a new report from the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which exposes severe instances of religious persecution worldwide and calls for decisive U.S. action.

Stephen Schneck, Chairman of USCIRF, discusses the commission's findings:

"We identified... more than 1,500 non-governmental organizations were canceled in Nicaragua and last year alone... approximately 4,000 officers to Catholic churches around the country at Easter to block Holy Week processions." (08:46)

Schneck emphasizes the correlation between rising authoritarianism and increased religious repression:

"There's a real correlation between the surge that we're seeing in religious freedom violations and the decay of democracy and the rising of authoritarianism around the world." (14:41)

The commission urges the Trump administration to prioritize religious freedom by potentially designating additional countries like India and Nigeria as countries of particular concern, despite their strategic importance to U.S. interests.

2. Adoption from China: Families Await Resolution

Myrna Brown and Mary Reichard transition to the emotional story of American families striving to finalize adoptions from China amidst bureaucratic hurdles.

Lauren Canterbury, reporting for WORLD, narrates the plight of Megan and David Briggs, who have been waiting five years to bring their adopted son, Xiaotang, from China:

"We promised this little boy a family, and his country promised him a family. We're asking China to honor their word to their child, and we will certainly honor our word to him as well." (21:17)

Despite initial positive interactions, the Briggs faced significant delays due to China's abrupt termination of its international adoption program in September 2024. Efforts by 105 members of Congress and various governors to intervene have yet to yield results. Ryan Hanlon, CEO of the National Council for Adoption, remains hopeful that the Trump administration can negotiate a resolution:

"These children need a family. We have US Families that want to move forward and adopt them." (20:54)

The segment underscores the emotional toll on families and the unresolved futures of hundreds of children awaiting adoption.

3. Ukrainian Ballet Troupe Tours Amid War

In a display of cultural resilience, the State Ballet Theater of Ukraine tours the United States, performing Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake amidst the backdrop of ongoing conflict with Russia.

Kristin Flavin and Stephen Schneck provide insights into the significance of this tour:

"They're showing hope. They're showing that there's hope, you know." – Jose Gonzales (28:59)

The troupe, comprising 55 internationally renowned dancers, has conducted 140 performances across 36 states. Despite personal losses, including the deaths of prominent dancers Artem Datchesin and Oleksandr Shopoval, the company continues to perform, symbolizing the unbreakable spirit of Ukrainian culture:

"Dances will go on, choreographers will go on, the work will continue." – Ted Branson, Director of the Dutch National Ballet (28:17)

Audiences have responded enthusiastically, recognizing the performance as a beacon of hope and artistic expression in turbulent times.

4. U.S. Political Highlights

a. Trump Administration's Vehicle Tariffs

Kent Covington reports on President Trump's decision to impose a 25% tariff on imported vehicles, aiming to rejuvenate U.S. manufacturing:

"This will continue to spur growth like you haven't seen before." – Jose Gonzales (01:18)

The move is projected to generate $100 billion in annual tax revenue and encourage automakers to expand domestic production. However, critics warn it may disrupt global supply chains and exacerbate inflation.

b. National Security Breach and White House Response

A national security breach involving an accidental leak of military strike information on Yemen via an encrypted group chat has sparked tensions between the Trump administration and Democrats.

Cal Thomas clarifies the White House's stance:

"No classified material was set on this messaging thread... no war plans discussed." (02:30)

Democratic figures, including Congressman Joaquin Castro, challenge the administration's narrative, expressing concerns over potential leaks to hostile entities.

c. Department of Education Under Scrutiny

Cal Thomas criticizes the Department of Education (DOE), arguing its inefficacy:

"President Trump's stated goal of eliminating the Department of Education... has begun." (29:57)

Thomas cites declining test scores despite increased federal spending and highlights legislative efforts that threaten homeschooling through stringent reporting requirements.

d. House Panel Hearing on NPR and PBS Funding

The House DOGE subcommittee, chaired by Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, scrutinizes taxpayer funding for NPR and PBS, labeling them as left-wing echo chambers.

Catherine Maher, NPR CEO, defends the organization's impartiality:

"I have never seen any instance of political bias determining editorial decisions." (04:16)

The hearing highlights the tension between public media entities and political figures questioning their role and funding.

e. Supreme Court Upholds Ghost Gun Regulations

Kristin Flavin reports on the Supreme Court's decision to uphold Biden-era regulations on "ghost guns":

"The high court handed down the 7 to 2 decision..." – Cal Thomas (06:07)

The ruling maintains requirements for serial numbers, age verification, and background checks, despite opposition from gun rights groups.

5. Light-hearted Segment: Rebranding Dogs for Adoption

In a lighter segment, Myrna Brown and Cal Thomas feature Adrienne Butnok from Nashville’s animal shelter, who has successfully increased dog adoptions by creating unique, whimsical names for the animals:

"It's a teacup werewolf... a Snacklejack." (23:08)

Her creative approach has boosted adoptions by 25%, showcasing how innovative strategies can address animal welfare challenges.

Closing Remarks The episode concludes with reflections on the day's discussions and a preview of upcoming segments, including Culture Friday and a new mystery series review. Hosts Mary Reichard and Myrna Brown emphasize WORLD Radio’s commitment to biblically grounded journalism, aiming to inform, educate, and inspire their listeners.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Stephen Schneck: "There's a real correlation between the surge that we're seeing in religious freedom violations and the decay of democracy and the rising of authoritarianism around the world." (14:41)
• Megan Briggs: "We promised this little boy a family... We're asking China to honor their word to their child, and we will certainly honor our word to him as well." (21:17)
• Jose Gonzales: "They're showing hope. They're showing that there's hope, you know." (28:59)
• Cal Thomas: "President Trump's stated goal of eliminating the Department of Education... has begun." (29:57)

Conclusion This episode of The World and Everything In It offers a comprehensive exploration of critical issues affecting both international and domestic spheres. From advocating for religious freedoms and navigating the complexities of international adoptions to celebrating the enduring legacy of Ukrainian artists, WORLD Radio delivers insightful and impactful journalism grounded in a biblical worldview.