8.18.26 Beijing’s leverage, a surrogate mother, classroom phone bans, and Scripture as a living record

A China expert explains Beijing’s influence infrastructure; a surrogate mother defies intended parents who demanded abortion; and classroom phone bans may leave students still tethered to their devices. Plus: a bear honks for help before chewing up a car’s interior, Tim Mulgrew on Scripture as a living record, Daniel Suhr on the malleable political center, and the Tuesday morning news.Support The World and Everything in It today at wng.org/donate.Additional support comes from Ascend by Unbound. A higher education program focused on practical skill development and career preparation.  beunbound.us/worldFrom World Watch, a 10-minute daily news program that explores current events for students 5-12th grade. This high-energy show connects learners to the present, history and communities around the world. Join 40,000 Christian families that utilize World Watch as a tool to foster curiosity and have conversations about today’s news as a discipleship rhythm within their families. “Whatever the news, the purpose of the Lord will stand!” First time? Take advantage of a 30-days free trial at worldwatch.news/podcast Not ready to sign up? Check out a free episode at https://get.worldwatch.news/free-episode