SmartHERNews

A reporter's notebook on the latest story from The Atlantic by Jeffrey Goldberg, who describes finding himself on a text string belonging to some of America's most powerful leaders as they discuss the lead-up to a military campaign targeting terrorists in Yemen. We discuss not only what Goldberg reported but HOW he reported it. Jenna shares her approach to the story and what to watch for n...

Why did The New York Times question the creation of the Department of Education back in 1979 — the very year it was founded? In this episode of SmartHER News, we take a closer look at the ongoing debate over the future of education in America.  With recent calls to dissolve the Department of Education, we revisit a historic NYT editorial titled “An Illusion of Education Reform” and explore the con...

The stories to have on your radar for the week ahead - plus, a historic moment for reflection.  SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider:  https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/     Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/  Website: ...

A Texas sheriff believes the color pink may be the missing secret sauce for his jail. In this Friday edition of our "Anything But Politics" segment, Jenna maps out the arguments for and against the fashion choice for prisoners. Plus, a related tangent: we tell you a bit about the woman behind this quote and why she mattered: “If Mabel had worn trousers, she could have been president.” Show...

"Uncertainty around the economic outlook has increased" reported the Federal Reserve Wednesday, as it noted recent policy changes by the new Trump administration as one reason for a heightened risk environment. How can you stay steady and succeed, when so much feels in flux? New York Times Best Selling Author and entrepreneur (and one-time journalist!) Codie Sanchez joins us with some fres...

Entrepreneur and mother-of-3, Emily Ley, built her organization empire, Simplified, from the ground up, not only inventing her products but building relationships oversees to make her dreams a reality. In this conversation, Emily explains how the recent turmoil in tariffs has impacted her business, putting in plain language the stakes for her business, and raising the alarm about how these broader...

America bombs a terrorist group, the Houthis, who have disrupted the global economy by attacking ships along an important navigation route - that’s the headline. But the context matters, and the timing highlights perhaps a larger story: Iran. We're joined by the Foundation For Defense of Democracies, Mark Dubowitz, who explains why he believes the present moment presents an opportunity for bot...

From Conor McGregor at the White House to a passing reference to Meghan Markle (as an example of media strategy), we sift through the information deluge of the weekend to provide a cheat sheet for the week ahead. War correspondent and writer Hollie McKay joins us with her latest reporting from Mexico and insight into the new designation of cartels by the U.S. government as foreign terrorist organi...

The news you didn't know you needed in our NEW weekly segment: "Anything But Politics" The lunar eclipse - what makes the "the blood worm moon" special.  Researchers may have discovered nature's "Ozempic" and ... “Paris Fashion Week” may have forecast the next "big" thing: shoulder pads. Sign up for our free weekend digest to get this report and a few other...

A complex intersection of free speech, national security, and immigration law - we take a closer look at the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a former Columbia University student and legal permanent resident, detained by the US government, and the background and potential legal precedents that could arise. What do you think about this case? SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d like to help suppo...

A sudden outbreak of violence in Syria sparked headlines around the world raising questions about the targeted killing of minority groups - including Christians. But with so few independent journalists on the ground, what really happened? War correspondent and writer Hollie McKay shares her sources directly from Syria, and explains why this conflict has the potential to have worldwide impact. WHAT...

Five years ago, on this day, the World Health Organization characterized COVID-19 a "pandemic." Now, the United States has started the process of withdrawing from the WHO. How do we connect the dots between these two points? A few news items for your consideration including an exclusive report from The Wall Street Journal about a potential meeting between President Trump and President Xi....

Congress & state legislature eye new laws to keep (or stop) daylight saving time. (Yes, you can also say "daylights savings" ... Merriam-Webster says it's ok ) Plus ~ What Pres. Trump really said about our chances of recession; what to know about your $20 million in taxpayer money for Sesame Street in the Middle East; an important constitutional caveat when it comes to the Department o...

Will the "woolly mouse" lead to the next "woolly mammoth"? Take a listen to our latest quick hit - "Anything But Politics." Scientists Have Bred Woolly Mice on Their Journey to Bring Back the Mammoth UK Natural History Museum Colossal Biosciences SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan p...

Confused about tariffs? We gotta Guy for that! Investor, stock market analyst and host, Guy Adami, joins us to discuss the quickly changing stock market, U.S. economy, inflation and what to watch for next. SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider:  https://www.sc...

A quick hit on the longest joint address to Congress in modern times. President Trump delivers a sweeping speech: What To Know. What To Note. What Questions To Ask Next. And Why It All Matters.  Link To Full Speech SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider:  https...

Did you know the Constitution does not stipulate how a president should provide Congress a "state of the union"? In the future, we may see a pre-edited video speech, or even get the update delivered via text! But THIS year, Pres. Trump plans to appear in person, following a long line of traditions set by those who came before him. A quick hit to get you prepped and ready for the big speech...

A "mini" SCOOP from our Insider Broadcast! War correspondent Hollie McKay joins us to take the historic exchange between President Trump, and President Zelenskyy, frame-by-frame, providing deeper context for what appears on the surface. Hollie McKay website & substack If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become...

Could we be witnessing the rise of America's next big film studio? Listen to this conversation with the CEO of the Wonder Project, Kelly Hoogstraten, and decide for yourself. The first series, "House of David" premiered this week in 240 countries, in 35 languages, bringing the epic story of David vs. Goliath (and beyond) to screens everywhere. Link to House of David: Amazon Prime SUPPO...

How to navigate this overwhelming news cycle - perspective from 20-years of news coverage! Clarity amidst chaos when it comes to the latest on egg prices, Ukraine (and those "rare earth" minerals), President Trump's first cabinet meeting and the measles outbreak in Texas. Link to our previous podcast on "rare earths" - CLICK HERE SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d...

Minerals for missiles? Or minerals for peace? Why everyone is talking about these "rare earths" minerals related to the war in Ukraine. What you should know. Why it matters. What's at stake. SHOW NOTES:  WSJ PIECE:  https://www.wsj.com/world/ukraine-open-to-trumps-idea-to-exchange-aid-for-rare-earthsbut-theres-a-catch-6f817838?st=D2WzoQ&reflink=desktopwebshare_permalink     BBC PUTIN R...

The rise of train robberies in the U.S., the ongoing mystery of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370, and the implications of new DNA technology in the Long Island serial killer case - three mysteries with big questions and few answers. Each topic highlights the intersection of crime, technology, and the quest for justice. SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’...

Minerals for missiles? Or minerals for peace? Why everyone is talking about these "rare earths" minerals related to the war in Ukraine. What you should know. Why it matters. What's at stake. SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider:  https://www.scoop...

Key insights from the "Oracle of Omaha" Warren Buffett on the importance of addressing mistakes, the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, and recent (historic) layoffs at Starbucks.    SUPPORT OUR MISSION   Shop our gear!   If you’d like to help support SmartHER News’ mission of a free, independent, nonpartisan press – here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider:  https://www.scoop.s...

Former Moscow correspondent David Satter joins our insider community to provide unique insight on Russia's war with Ukraine as we mark three years of the conflict. In 2013, David became the first American journalist expelled from Russia since the Cold War. As a reporter, author and scholar he continues to write and speak widely on Russian-U.S. affairs. David provides invaluable perspective on...