The World and Everything In It – June 26, 2025

Hosted by WORLD Radio

Episode Overview

In this episode of "The World and Everything In It," WORLD Radio delves into pressing issues spanning from the escalating housing crisis and federal land sales to the FDA's scrutiny of the abortion pill mifepristone. Additionally, listeners are treated to a nostalgic journey through the enduring charm of a 75-year-old drive-in theater. The program features insightful analyses, expert interviews, and on-the-ground reporting, all grounded in biblically inspired journalism.

1. International Relations: U.S. and Iran

Trump Administration's Stance on Iran

The episode opens with a discussion on the U.S.'s strained relations with Iran. Kent Covington reports that President Donald Trump plans to meet with Iranian officials despite declaring an end to negotiations, asserting that "there's no longer anything to negotiate" (00:43). Cal Thomas supports Trump's decision, emphasizing the necessity of decisive action against Iran, stating, "The way I look at it, they fought, the war's done" (01:13).

Key Developments:

• Marco Rubio, Secretary of State and acting National Security Advisor, addresses claims about ineffective U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites, labeling leaked intelligence as spun information (02:40).
• Rafael Grossi, head of the UN's nuclear watchdog, acknowledges damage to Iran's nuclear facilities but calls for independent inspections to assess the extent (03:10).
• NATO Summit Outcomes: The alliance has increased its defense spending target to 5% of GDP for member nations, a move Cal Thomas describes as "fairer by equalizing spending between America and America's allies" (03:56). However, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez opposes this increase, leading to threats of doubled tariffs from Trump (04:14).

Biden Administration Controversies

The discussion shifts to domestic politics, highlighting investigations into former Biden administration aides. Ben Eicher reports on the cancellation of Anthony Bernal's testimony before the House Oversight Committee, a move seen by Congressman Darrell Issa as potential obstruction (04:22). Ryan Anderson underscores the implications of such actions, suggesting it may lead to undoing some of President Biden's policies if evidence indicates unauthorized presidential actions (05:07).

2. Housing Crisis: Proposed Sale of Public Lands

Senate's Altered Housing Bill

Mary Muncie reports on the Senate's decision to remove the provision for selling public lands as a solution to the housing affordability crisis (07:56). The original bill aimed to sell over 2 million acres from the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to stimulate affordable housing projects. Kent Covington highlights the severe housing unaffordability in the western third of the United States (09:28).

Local Perspectives:

• Laura and Dave Pearl from Kaysville, Utah, express concerns that selling public lands could disrupt their recreational activities while acknowledging the need for affordable housing (08:08).
• Ed Pinto, co-founder of the American Enterprise Institute's Housing Center, argues that while selling federal lands could aid certain cities like Bend, Oregon, it isn't a comprehensive solution to the nationwide housing shortage (10:27).

Challenges Identified:

• David Dworkin, President and CEO of the National Housing Conference, emphasizes that the root cause of high housing prices is the lack of supply, exacerbated by the downturn in homebuilding following the 2008 financial crisis (11:19).
• The report underscores that merely selling public land won't suffice, pointing to factors like rising construction costs, supply chain issues, and local opposition to new housing developments (13:03).

Notable Quote:

"...the western third of the country has the most severe housing unaffordability in the country." – Kent Covington (09:28)

3. FDA Review of the Abortion Pill Mifepristone

New Data Sparks Safety Concerns

The program transitions to a critical examination of the abortion drug mifepristone. Lauren Canterbury reports on Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s directive for the FDA to investigate mifepristone, prompted by new data suggesting higher rates of adverse effects (14:24).

Key Findings:

• Ryan Anderson, President of the Ethics and Public Policy Center, and Jamie Bryan Hall analyzed insurance claims data, revealing that nearly 11% of women experienced serious adverse events within 45 days of taking mifepristone, a stark contrast to previous studies indicating only 0.5% (17:02).
• Common complications include hemorrhage, infection, and the need for surgical intervention (17:02).

Pro-Life Advocates' Response:

• Dr. Donna Harrison from the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists warns that current dispensing practices without adequate complication disclosures could amount to medical malpractice (18:46).
• Cal Thomas criticizes the current distribution model, asserting, "Women are really actually not able to get informed consent because you can't tell a woman what her rate of complications will be" (19:10).

Counterarguments:

• Pro-abortion groups and the drug manufacturer, Danko, maintain that mifepristone is safe, with side effects like cramping and bleeding being expected and manageable (18:11).
• Dr. Eric Hussar emphasizes the importance of informed consent, acknowledging risks while highlighting the drug's lethality to unborn fetuses (19:56).

Notable Quote:

"...almost 11% of women experienced a serious adverse event within 45 days of taking the drug. That's one in nine women." – Lauren Canterbury (17:02)

4. Local News: Billy the Goat on the Loose

Maryland's Uncatchable Goat

A lighter segment covers the antics of Billy the Goat, a rogue animal in Fort Washington, Maryland, who has been evading animal control while feasting on local gardens (21:16). Efforts to capture him have been unsuccessful, diverting attention to similar incidents like a herd of 15 goats escaping in Maine (21:45).

5. Nostalgia at the Drive-In: A 75-Year-Old Theater

The Enduring Charm of the Black River Drive-In

Grace Snell takes listeners on a nostalgic tour of the Black River Drive-In in New York, a relic of America's golden age of outdoor cinema. Built in 1950, the drive-in has weathered fires, ownership changes, and the decline of the format due to modern streaming services.

Key Highlights:

• Lauren Knapp, the current projectionist, preserves the traditional film experience using a vintage 1950s projector alongside modern digital systems (23:38).
• Art, an 87-year-old former manager, shares anecdotes from his decades-long association with drive-ins, illustrating the cultural significance and community bonds fostered by such venues (26:37).
• Despite challenges like longer movie runtimes and competition from digital streaming, the drive-in offers a unique communal experience that continues to attract enthusiasts seeking a blend of nostalgia and cinematic enjoyment (26:17).

Notable Quote:

"...the Black River Drive in is still alive and well. Knapp makes sure of that every weekend." – Grace Snell (25:03)

6. Commentary: Reflecting on the Strike Against Iran

Cal Thomas on Strategic Military Action

In his reflective commentary, Cal Thomas defends the Trump administration's decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites, labeling it as a necessary and overdue action against decades of Iranian provocation (29:11). He critiques major media outlets for mischaracterizing the event and underscores the historical context of U.S.-Iran tensions dating back to the 1979 embassy hostage crisis.

Key Points:

• Trump's Address: Declares the destruction of Iran's nuclear capabilities and warns against further retaliatory strikes (29:27).
• Comparison to Historical Figures: Differentiates Ayatollah Ali Khamani's potential martyrdom from Adolf Hitler's suicide, suggesting a prolonged struggle against radical Islamism (29:27).
• Strategic Impact: Posits that the strike may significantly hinder Iran's nuclear ambitions, altering the Middle Eastern power dynamics (29:27).

Notable Quote:

"An act of war is a tough decision for any president, but when the world is already at war with Islamic terrorism, there can be no compromise." – Cal Thomas (29:27)

Conclusion

This episode of "The World and Everything In It" offers a comprehensive exploration of significant global and domestic issues, blending hard-hitting political analysis with community-centered stories that evoke a sense of nostalgia and resilience. From tackling the complexities of international diplomacy and healthcare safety to celebrating the enduring allure of classic American drive-ins, WORLD Radio provides listeners with a multifaceted perspective grounded in thoughtful journalism and Biblical values.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• "The western third of the country has the most severe housing unaffordability in the country." – Kent Covington (09:28)

• "...almost 11% of women experienced a serious adverse event within 45 days of taking the drug. That's one in nine women." – Lauren Canterbury (17:02)

• "An act of war is a tough decision for any president, but when the world is already at war with Islamic terrorism, there can be no compromise." – Cal Thomas (29:27)

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