The Lion Week in Review

5.0 (12)
News Commentary
Updated Weekly

Join the writers at The Lion each week as they break down the top news stories that affect families, students, and education.The Lion is a daily news publication published by The Herzog Foundation.

6d ago

Earthquakes, Pride Walk-Back, and Ranch Dressing?

In this episode of The Lion Week in Review, Dr. Josh Mann and Adam Wittenberg cover major headlines shaping the week. They begin with the devastating double earthquakes in Venezuela, the loss of life, and the U.S. commitment to send rescue teams and aid. The conversation turns to Major League Baseball’s pride-themed uniforms, Christian players writing Bible verses, and Senator Josh Hawley’s successful pushback against selective enforcement. They also examine troubling trends at UC Berkeley Law, where one in three students claims psychological disabilities for accommodations, and a foiled drone assassination plot linked to Missouri arrests. Additional stories include socialist gains in New York primaries, the Netherlands approving its first child assisted suicide, and positive reactions from World Cup visitors experiencing American hospitality, food, and safety. The episode closes with reflections on cultural exchange and national identity. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:25 – Venezuela Earthquakes 00:02:29 – MLB Pride Uniforms 00:06:58 – UC Berkeley Law Disabilities 00:11:16 – Drone Plot Arrests 00:13:39 – New York Socialist Wins 00:17:52 – Netherlands Child Euthanasia 00:20:13 – World Cup Fans in America 00:25:30 – Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

28 min
Jun 19

Faith, War, and the Holy Land: Inside The Lion's Trip to Israel

Dr. Josh Mann is joined by staff writer Michaela Estruth and intern Ashley Luke to discuss their recent nine-day trip to Israel with Hillsdale College. The journalists share first impressions of biblical sites like the Mount of Beatitudes, Sea of Galilee, Western Wall, and Via Dolorosa, along with the contrast between long-held expectations and modern reality. They recount powerful encounters with October 7 survivors at a kibbutz near Gaza, contrasting stories from Palestinian and Israeli speakers, and the lasting impact of Yad Vashem. The conversation explores geopolitical tensions, hospitality amid ruins, bomb shelter experiences, and how visiting these locations deepened their understanding of Scripture and Christian heritage. The episode highlights the value of seeing history and faith up close while grappling with complex realities in the region. A thoughtful reflection for anyone interested in the Holy Land, journalism, or biblical history. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:52 – First Impressions of Israel 00:02:22 – Why They Went 00:05:39 – October 7 Insights 00:09:36 – Contrasting Narratives 00:13:35 – Kibbutz Survivor Story 00:15:44 – Western Wall Experience 00:17:41 – Biblical Sites Impact 00:22:45 – Ein Gedi and Psalms 00:23:58 – Via Dolorosa and Holy Sepulchre 00:24:58 – Bomb Shelter Reality 00:25:30 – Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

27 min
Jun 12

Pride Pushback and Institutional Failures

Dr. Josh Mann and Adam Wittenberg break down a shifting cultural landscape during Pride Month. Several states are promoting Fidelity Month and Nuclear Family Month instead, signaling growing resistance to progressive celebrations. The hosts discuss reclaiming symbols like the rainbow, the outsized role of sexuality in modern identity, and the need for compassionate, truth-based responses rooted in the image of God. They also cover international developments with U.S. strikes on Iran and proposals for a federal gas tax pause amid rising prices and inflation. A key segment examines the Southern Poverty Law Center’s hate map, its history, and a congressional hearing exposing alleged hypocrisy around pro-life views and funding controversies. Additional stories include a Texas track meet stabbing trial verdict and a lighter moment with Senator Eric Schmidt’s viral diving catch at the congressional baseball game. The episode closes with reflections on sports memories and a special Faith and Freedom 250 segment on America’s Christian foundations. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:26 – Pride Month Pushback 00:01:49 – Reclaiming the Rainbow 00:03:07 – Sexuality and Identity 00:05:11 – Compassionate Truth 00:07:51 – Iran Strikes and Gas Prices 00:10:27 – SPLC Hearing 00:15:59 – Texas Stabbing Trial 00:18:13 – Senator’s Baseball Catch 00:21:37 – Sports Memories 00:25:30 – Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

28 min
Jun 5

House Halts Iran Ops, Screw Worm Threat, and School Choice Momentum

In this week’s episode of The Lion Week in Review, Josh Mann is joined by Adam Wittenberg to discuss the top stories shaping the week. The House narrowly passed a resolution (215-208) directing an end to U.S. military involvement in Iran, while gas prices remain a concern and peace talks continue. A serious agricultural threat emerges as the screw worm parasite — capable of devastating livestock — has been detected, prompting USDA action including sterile fly releases. Trump names Todd Blanche as the next Attorney General. Adam breaks down growing resistance to teachers’ unions in red states, the benefits of school choice (including insights from a Texas counselor), and new federal education waivers giving states more flexibility. They also highlight Kansas City’s excitement as a World Cup host city and the unique Bosnian community in St. Louis ahead of Bosnia’s matches. The episode closes with a Faith and Freedom 250 reflection on faith during America’s founding. A timely roundup of national security, agriculture, education, and culture. 00:00:49 – Iran Resolution and House Vote 00:01:49 – Screw Worm Parasite Threat 00:03:27 – Todd Blanche as AG 00:04:52 – Teachers Unions Losing Ground 00:06:27 – School Choice Insights 00:09:58 – Education Waivers to States 00:17:30 – World Cup in Kansas City 00:20:59 – Bosnian Community in St. Louis 00:25:30 – Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

28 min
May 29

Trump’s Primary Sweep, School Secrets, and Facing Mortality

In this week’s episode of The Lion Week in Review, Josh Mann is joined in studio by St. Louis-based reporter Stuart McMillian. They break down the latest Republican primary results, where Trump-endorsed candidates continue to outperform expectations and defeat incumbents in key states including Texas, Indiana, Kentucky, and Louisiana. The conversation examines what these outcomes mean for the midterms, ongoing concerns about affordability and the Iran situation, and a new Democratic National Committee “autopsy” of the 2024 election that largely overlooked faith-based voters. Stuart and Josh also reflect on the strengths of America’s two-party system compared to multi-party nations. Stuart shares his reporting on an Illinois mother’s federal lawsuit against a school district accused of secretly transitioning her child and withholding information from parents. The episode closes with a powerful, personal discussion on mortality after witnessing a man’s defibrillator shock during a public event, and the importance of preparing children to face death with hope. A grounded look at politics, parental rights, culture, and faith. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:13 – Primaries and Trump Influence 00:02:13 – Senate and House Shakeup 00:03:24 – Outperforming Polls 00:06:57 – Democratic Autopsy Report 00:10:39 – Two-Party System Value 00:14:25 – Illinois Transition Lawsuit 00:19:04 – Defibrillator Moment 00:20:56 – Teaching Kids About Mortality 00:25:30 – Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

28 min
May 22

Trump’s Primary Power Play, Missouri Tax Revolution, and Illinois Abortion Clash

In this week’s episode of The Lion Week in Review, Dr. Josh Mann is joined by St. Louis-based reporter Stuart McMillian to break down the latest political developments shaping the Midwest and beyond. They discuss President Trump’s decision to hold off on further Iran strikes amid ongoing negotiations, recent primary election victories for Trump-endorsed candidates, and what these outcomes may signal for the upcoming midterms. Stuart analyzes Missouri’s legislative session, including 100 bills passed, a major constitutional amendment to phase out the state income tax, restrictions on hemp products and porn sites, and a born-alive infant protection measure. On the Illinois side, lawmakers are advancing aggressive pro-abortion legislation that impacts parental rights, medical records, and insurance funding. The conversation also covers Missouri’s redistricting victory at the Supreme Court and a new lawsuit challenging it, plus the one-year anniversary of the devastating St. Louis tornado. The episode closes with a Faith and Freedom 250 reflection on America’s monuments and faith heritage. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:34 – Weekly Headlines 00:01:09 – Iran Stance and Midterms 00:01:56 – Missouri Session Recap 00:03:50 – Income Tax Amendment 00:05:37 – Illinois Abortion Bills 00:10:54 – Medical Records Push 00:12:53 – Insurance Funding Abortion 00:15:48 – Missouri Redistricting Win 00:20:49 – St. Louis Tornado Anniversary 00:23:34 – Murrow Award Honor 00:25:30 – Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

28 min
May 15

The Winner of American Idol is a Trad-Wife?

In this week’s episode of The Lion Week in Review, Dr. Josh Mann is joined by staff writers Kaylee Obisesan and Michaela Estruth to discuss the top stories of the week. They highlight Missouri mom Hannah Harper’s inspiring American Idol victory with her original song “String Cheese,” written during postpartum struggles, and how it resonated with mothers nationwide while sparking conversations about traditional family values. The episode also covers the surge of Christian music and faith expressions on the show. Michaela shares insights from the Evangelical Press Association conference in Nashville, including The Lion’s media awards, discussions on AI in journalism, Gen Z faith trends, and an inspiring evening with hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty. She also details her reporting on a chaplain program originating in Bolivia that’s now expanding to U.S. public schools to reduce violence and support students spiritually. Additional topics include President Trump’s China trip outcomes, Federal Reserve leadership changes, anti-fraud actions in Medicaid, and the importance of regional crime reporting. The episode closes with a Faith and Freedom 250 reflection on the Pledge of Allegiance. Timely stories on faith, family, culture, and public policy. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:30 – Weekly Headlines 00:00:55 – Trump China Trip 00:01:50 – Fed Chairman Confirmed 00:02:22 – Medicaid Fraud Action 00:02:46 – Hannah Harper Wins Idol 00:03:48 – String Cheese Story 00:05:30 – Impact on Mothers 00:08:53 – Christian Music Surge 00:12:25 – Regional Crime Reporting 00:15:28 – EPA Conference Takeaways 00:17:05 – Gen Z Faith Trends 00:22:35 – Bolivia Chaplain Model 00:25:30 – Faith and Freedom Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

28 min
May 8

Iran Deal Progress, Rising Gas Prices, and Teacher Struggles

Dr. Josh Mann is joined by Adam Wittenberg to discuss the biggest stories shaping the week. They cover the latest developments on a potential US-Iran nuclear deal, including a framework for sanctions relief and inspections. The conversation also examines rising gas prices, the UAE’s exit from OPEC+, and how these shifts could strengthen American energy dominance. Adam shares insights from recent teacher surveys and stories, highlighting why many educators are leaving the profession — from student violence and lack of administrative support to changing classroom behavior. They explore school choice, teacher attitudes toward it, satisfaction levels in public vs. private schools, and emerging issues like AI in education. Additional topics include primary election results showing continued Trump influence and a powerful moment with golfer Gary Player in the Oval Office emphasizing fitness, freedom, and love of country. The episode closes with a Faith and Freedom 250 reflection on patriotic music and America’s spiritual heritage. A balanced look at politics, energy, education, and culture. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:28 – Weekly Headlines 00:00:56 – Iran Deal Framework 00:01:56 – Energy and Gas Prices 00:02:59 – UAE Leaves OPEC 00:04:07 – Teacher Exit Stories 00:05:51 – Classroom Changes 00:07:52 – Micro Schools Trend 00:08:17 – Teacher Pay Debate 00:10:50 – School Choice Impact 00:12:22 – Teacher Poll Results 00:14:48 – AI in Schools 00:18:13 – Loudoun County Arrest 00:19:53 – Gary Player on Trump's Administration 00:22:40 – Patriotism and Fitness 00:25:30 – Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube. You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com. Like and follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or sign up to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

28 min

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12 Ratings

Join the writers at The Lion each week as they break down the top news stories that affect families, students, and education.The Lion is a daily news publication published by The Herzog Foundation.