The Lion Week in Review

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 [https://www.facebook.com/ReadTheLion], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/read_the_lion/], X [https://twitter.com/readthelion], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@herzogfoundation].  You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com [https://readlion.com/]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com [https://herzogfoundation.com/]. Like and follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HerzogFoundation], X [https://twitter.com/HerzogEducation], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/herzog_foundation/], or sign up [https://herzogfoundation.com/resources/] to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

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 [https://www.facebook.com/ReadTheLion], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/read_the_lion/], X [https://twitter.com/readthelion], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@herzogfoundation].  You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com [https://readlion.com/]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com [https://herzogfoundation.com/]. Like and follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HerzogFoundation], X [https://twitter.com/HerzogEducation], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/herzog_foundation/], or sign up [https://herzogfoundation.com/resources/] to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

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 [https://www.facebook.com/ReadTheLion], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/read_the_lion/], X [https://twitter.com/readthelion], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@herzogfoundation].  You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com [https://readlion.com/]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com [https://herzogfoundation.com/]. Like and follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HerzogFoundation], X [https://twitter.com/HerzogEducation], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/herzog_foundation/], or sign up [https://herzogfoundation.com/resources/] to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

Corporate Pressure on IBM and Senator Hawley’s Warning on AI

In this episode, Dr. Josh Mann and staff writer Michaela Estruth review the week’s major headlines, including congressional questioning of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Iran, the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision, and a Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana’s congressional map that could impact midterm redistricting.They then examine how big business continues to support transgender treatments for minors. Michaela details a Heritage Foundation shareholder push at IBM for transparency on charitable giving, including funds directed to organizations like The Trevor Project. A detransitioner testifies about rushed procedures, lifelong harm, and the need for corporations to reconsider their involvement.The conversation features Michaela’s exclusive interview with Senator Josh Hawley. He addresses the urgent need to permanently defund Planned Parenthood and similar organizations with taxpayer dollars, warning of billions at stake for abortion and transgender procedures for minors. Hawley also discusses the troubling rise of political violence alongside declining respect for free speech, and he explains his proposed legislation for age verification on AI chatbot companions that have encouraged self-harm and violence among children. The hosts explore broader concerns around AI, technology’s impact on families, and the importance of human connection. 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:28 – Weekly Headlines 00:00:57 – Supreme Court Ruling 00:01:23 – Big Business Shift 00:01:49 – Heritage IBM Push 00:03:56 – Corporate Funding 00:05:23 – Detransitioner Story 00:06:52 – Hawley Tax Funding 00:07:39 – Budget Battle 00:09:14 – Abortion Realities 00:11:37 – Political Violence 00:12:38 – Free Speech Flip 00:16:50 – AI Companions Bill 00:17:57 – AI Regulation Risks 00:22:36 – Family Connection 00:25:29 – Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ReadTheLion], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/read_the_lion/], X [https://twitter.com/readthelion], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@herzogfoundation].  You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com [https://readlion.com/]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com [https://herzogfoundation.com/]. Like and follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HerzogFoundation], X [https://twitter.com/HerzogEducation], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/herzog_foundation/], or sign up [https://herzogfoundation.com/resources/] to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice

Iran Ceasefire Update, School Choice Battles, and Transgender Violence Link

Josh Mann and associate editor Adam Wittenberg examine the latest developments in the Iran conflict. They discuss President Trump’s extension of the ceasefire, the ongoing U.S. blockade, red lines on nuclear weapons, and questions about who holds power in Iran. The conversation explores whether broader peace in the Middle East could emerge in the coming months.The hosts then turn to domestic politics, analyzing redistricting efforts ahead of the midterms, including a controversial Virginia constitutional amendment, and assess Republican chances of holding congressional majorities. They also consider potential political moves, such as possible marijuana reclassification.A major focus is the ongoing battles over school choice. Adam addresses common objections head-on: whether programs primarily benefit the wealthy, exclude minorities or low-income families, subsidize existing private school attendees, drain public school funding, or enable widespread fraud. Drawing on examples from North Carolina, Texas, Arizona, Oklahoma, and others, they show how most programs prioritize lower and middle-income families and often result in government savings.Finally, the discussion continues The Lion’s “Out of the Dark Ages” investigative series with a look at the troubling statistical link between transgender identification and acts of violence, including mass shootings. Adam shares findings from a Crime Research Foundation report showing significantly elevated rates, explores connections to underlying mental health issues, and considers possible spiritual dimensions raised by experts and pastors. 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:00:26 - Iran Ceasefire Update 00:02:32 - Midterms Redistricting 00:05:00 - Republican Midterm Path 00:06:56 - School Choice Overview 00:08:22 - Benefits Wealthy Claim 00:09:30 - Minorities Benefit 00:10:59 - Existing Private Students 00:12:31 - Public School Funding 00:14:14 - Fraud Allegations 00:17:13 - Transgender Violence Link 00:19:55 - Mental Illness Connection 00:21:49 - Spiritual Component 00:25:30 - Faith and Freedom 250 Follow The Lion on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ReadTheLion], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/read_the_lion/], X [https://twitter.com/readthelion], and YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@herzogfoundation].  You can also sign-up for our newsletter and follow our coverage at ReadLion.com [https://readlion.com/]. To learn more about the Herzog Foundation, visit HerzogFoundation.com [https://herzogfoundation.com/]. Like and follow us on Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/HerzogFoundation], X [https://twitter.com/HerzogEducation], and Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/herzog_foundation/], or sign up [https://herzogfoundation.com/resources/] to receive monthly email updates. #ChristianEducation #Education #EducationPolicy #EducationReform #FaithAndLearning #Family #FaithInEducation #Faith #Homeschool #ChristianSchool #PrivateSchool #EducationNews #News #Religion #ReligiousNews #PublicSchool #SchoolNews #NewsShow #SchoolChoice