SmartHERNews

Jenna Lee
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Life is too short to waste time filtering through headlines searching for the facts. That’s when we realized the need for a quick, trustworthy news source that makes staying up-to-date easy and interesting. Our Goal is to Clear the Clutter. We’re committed to providing non-partisan news, in small servings, available wherever you are, whenever you want it. And for the Record: We Believe You’re Already Smart. We don’t need to tell you what to think or how to feel or what to believe. We just want to equip you with clear facts so you’re prepared for any conversation, any vote, any choice and never feel like you’re falling behind. Bullet-Points Without The Bias ~ We’re bringing you #SmartHERNews. SmartHER News is created and hosted by journalist Jenna Lee.

  1. "INSANE IN THE BRAIN": Sec. Rubio on Iran & America's New "Project Freedom"

    12 HR AGO

    "INSANE IN THE BRAIN": Sec. Rubio on Iran & America's New "Project Freedom"

    Sec. Rubio takes the podium ... in the White House Press Briefing room? Jenna reports on the Secretary of State briefly serving as de facto White House press secretary Tuesday, fielding questions on Iran. Note this update: Hours after America's top diplomat spoke at the White House, President Trump announced progress in talks with Iran AND a pause of Project Freedom. Here's how we got to this point:Sec. Rubio confirmed that Operation Epic Fury has ended (we explain) and outlined a new effort, Project Freedom, aimed at reopening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz amid what he called Iran’s blockade and piracy. Sec. Rubio says  about 23,000 civilians from 87 countries remain stranded at sea due to Iran's illegal actions in the Strait, and says 10 civilian sailors have died since the war has begun due to the blockade. He stressed the mission is defensive—U.S. forces will respond only if attacked—confirming the U.S. destroyed seven Iranian fast boats who threatened the U.S. efforts. Rubio argued Americans should care about Iran and the Strait of Hormuz due to the global economic impacts of the waterway as well as the precedent set if Iran can shut down the freedom of navigation in international waters.Jenna asks about the effectiveness of Sec. Rubio's argument as Americans experience higher gas prices and provides a quick update on  upcoming Iran-China and Trump-Xi meetings.References: Triple AAA Fuel Gauge Report 00:00 Rubio Takes Podium 00:28 Briefing Room Chaos 01:24 Cypress Hill Moment 02:47 Why Rubio Was Picked 04:14 War Powers Deadline 05:33 Project Freedom Explained 08:10 Defensive Rules of Engagement 11:07 Allies and Navigation Law 13:07 Why Americans Should Care 17:37 Gas Prices and Inflation 20:13 China Meetings and Wrap SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/    Shop our gear!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/  Website: https://smarthernews.com/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews

    22 min
  2. UNBIASED TAKE: Did The Supreme Court "Gut" This Key Civil Rights Law?

    2 DAYS AGO

    UNBIASED TAKE: Did The Supreme Court "Gut" This Key Civil Rights Law?

    How much can race matter in redistricting? A key question for a major Supreme Court decision, sending shockwaves around the nation.Jenna from SmartHER News explains how we got here and why it matters.We review why the Voting Rights Act of 1965 was passed after the 15th Amendment failed to prevent barriers like literacy tests and intimidation, and how that intersects with current redistricting efforts aka "gerrymandering" - which indeed involved a Gerry and a salamander in 1812. In Louisiana, a federal court required a second majority-Black district (Louisiana is about one-third Black), but the Supreme Court sided with non-Black voters, who challenged that ruling, affirming states cannot be forced into race-based districting without proof of discrimination. Jenna contrasts Justice Alito and Justice Thomas’s “colorblind constitution” reasoning with Justice Kagan’s warning that minority voters could be eliminated yet again of the electoral process. She also raises questions about minority protections, race and representation in 2026 and beyond. We're curious about what you think on these topics! Let us know in the comment section and follow for more quick, concise, nonpartisan news.00:00 Supreme Court Voting Clash00:21 Headlines Versus Reality01:30 Why This Story Matters04:45 Voting Rights Act Origins08:25 Gerrymandering Explained12:57 Louisiana Map Dispute15:19 Supreme Court Majority Ruling18:51 Dissent And Media Impact19:42 Assumptions About Race And Party23:31 What Changes After Section 225:23 Representation And Independents29:30 Three Big Democracy Questions34:02 Midterms And 2028 Fallout35:59 Wrap Up And Unknowns AheadLove nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/   Shop our gear! https://smarthernews.com/shop/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/

    39 min
  3. "Bold & Imaginative Rebels With A Cause" - King Charles III Marks America 250 With A Special Message

    29 APR

    "Bold & Imaginative Rebels With A Cause" - King Charles III Marks America 250 With A Special Message

    Jenna of SmartHER News shares a “cheat sheet” on why King Charles’s U.S. visit and address to Congress matters, noting his first trip as king, and only the second time a British monarch has addressed Congress.  The historic moment marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence from the same country that King Charles.Jenna highlights the speech’s self-deprecating humor and its historical references from the Magna Carta to the British Enlightenment.Jenna points to moments that seemed to allude to societal “ills” and (Epstein) victims, and the Kings ironic remarks about limiting centralized power. She underscores King Charles' explicit support for Ukraine, and mentions of joint defense efforts like F-35s and an ambitious submarine program. She concludes with a question about how the King's comments about a "partnership born out of dispute but no less strong" apply to modern day America. 00:00 Cheat Sheet Intro 00:18 Why This Trip Matters 01:20 A Unifying Moment 03:01 Funny Lines And Icebreakers 05:32 Revolution And Shared Roots 07:55 Tough Topics Between Allies 10:35 Ukraine NATO And Defense Ties 14:45 Dispute Can Strengthen Us 18:22 Closing Question And Sign Off SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/    Shop our gear!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/  Website: https://smarthernews.com/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews

    20 min

  4. 27 APR

    Inside the Washington Hilton Shooting Incident: What Happened at the Annual Press Dinner & The Aftermath

    This episode covers a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton Hotel during a major annual dinner that brings together top politicians, press, corporate sponsors, and celebrities, featuring firsthand details from attendee Mary Katharine Ham. Mary Katharine explains the event’s layout and security, emphasizing the confrontation occurred a full floor above the ballroom, not outside its doors, and describes Secret Service agents streaming into the packed room, the tense uncertainty, and the eventual evacuation through service corridors amid heavy police activity and helicopters outside.The discussion then shifts to how the story was reported, including erroneous early reports and debate over quoting a suspected shooter’s manifesto in interviews, with concerns about victim-blaming and glorifying political violence. What do you think about how the press reported this story that they, themselves, experienced?00:00 Weekend Breaking News01:08 Inside The Dinner03:13 Security And Entry04:28 Shots And Confusion06:39 Ballroom Lockdown11:57 Evacuation And Aftermath15:33 Reporting And Rumors17:38 Free Speech Aftermath18:40 Press Tone Under Scrutiny19:17 NPR Clip Breakdown20:55 Assassination Attempts Context22:52 Violence Rationalization Warning23:55 CBS Manifesto Debate26:28 Double Standards And Victim Blame28:13 Host Recap And Reporting Ethics29:16 Event Logistics And Security30:30 Bipartisan Calls For Sanity33:35 What The Real Story Is34:29 Closing Thoughts And Next NewsMary Katharine HamNormally Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/normally/id1769997814Getting Hammered: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-hammered/id1589858387

    36 min

  5. 22 APR

    Can AI Be Charged With a Crime? The ChatGPT Investigation Explained + Why AI Scams Are Surging

    Can AI be held responsible for a crime?In this episode, Jenna breaks down a surprising move by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI and ChatGPT following a tragic shooting at Florida State University.At the center of the case: a new legal theory — if an AI chatbot “aids, abets, or counsels” a crime, could a company be held criminally liable?Jenna explains how this idea challenges long-standing internet protections under Section 230, and why more state-level cases are testing the limits of tech accountability.You’ll also hear:OpenAI’s response and what the company says it didWhy this case could reshape how we view AI: tool vs. participantKey takeaways from a Capitol Hill hearing on AI-driven scams, fraud, and cybercrimeHow criminals are already using AI for phishing, deepfakes, ransomware, and moreThe growing debate: innovation vs. public safetyPlus: Jenna walks through the three biggest questions this story raises — and why they matter right now.00:00 Cold Open Chat00:09 Florida AG Investigation01:50 Section 230 Explained03:00 Aiding And Abetting Theory04:47 OpenAI Response And Other Cases06:08 Is AI Search Or Partner07:11 Capitol Hill AI Crime Hearing11:45 Three Big Questions13:40 Guardrails And Alcohol Analogy15:13 Closing Thoughts Rita Peters

    17 min

  6. 20 APR

    MidEast Tensions, Missing Scientists & An Often Forgotten Story Brought Back Into The Spotlight

    Jenna previews an unpredictable news week, highlighting uncertainty over planned U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan as the ceasefire deadline nears. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to climb after U.S. forces stopped and seized an Iranian vessel following hours of warnings, and questions about who is currently leading Iran’s government. She flags a Louisiana domestic shooting that’s received national attention - as the biggest major mass shooting in more than 2 years. She explains how terms like “mass shooting” and “mass killing” vary by definition and often exclude domestic or gang-related incidents. The episode also covers a federal probe into disappearances and deaths of people linked to sensitive U.S. sites, cautioning that some labeled “scientists” may not be, but that the case has now received heightened attention due to President Trump's comments.She updates a significant development in the Nancy Guthrie case as a hair DNA sample is transferred from a private Florida lab to the FBI. Finally, Jenna revisits the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, its ties to extremist inspiration, and related news headlines today, in an unexpected way.00:00 Week Ahead Overview01:20 US Iran Talks Uncertain02:20 Strait Tensions Escalate04:32 Why Pakistan Hosts Talks - And Why That Matters06:21 Louisiana Family Shooting07:42 What Mass Shooting Means In The Press Vs. Law Enforcement11:30 Scientists Missing Probe14:19 Why You Should Exercise Caution When Reading Headlines15:16 Nancy Guthrie DNA Update19:32 Boston Bombing Remembered24:20 Iran Terror Links Explained31:19 Death Row And Appeals34:20 Wrap Up And Next StepsLove nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/   Shop our gear! https://smarthernews.com/shop/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/

    36 min

  7. 15 APR

    Serial Killer Caught: The Backstory of A Surprise Guilty Plea

    "The suburban dad next door who was also a serial killer" A serial killer admits to his crimes, but is justice served? We tackle that question and others in a wide-ranging conversation with investigative journalist Alexis Linkletter, who has covered this case for more than a decade and has poured several years into developing a podcast series on the mystery called, "Unraveled." Alexis recounts being in court as Rex Heuermann entered a guilty plea, admitting to being the Long Island serial killer.  She describes the intense scene, the victims’ families present, and Heuermann’s apathetic demeanor as he admitted to strangling eight victims. The discussion traces the case’s history from the 2010 discovery of remains and the impact of Suffolk County corruption, to the revived multi-agency task force under District Attorney Ray Tierney. Linkletter explains how an early tip about a green Chevy Avalanche, phone-location links, surveillance, and DNA from discarded items helped lead to Heuermann’s 2023 arrest. She highlights cutting-edge nuclear DNA testing of rootless hairs that passed an initial hearing, potentially opening doors for other cold cases not only in New York but other states as well. The episode previews the June sentencing, FBI Behavioral Science Unit interviews, possible additional victims, and CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) implications. Is justice done? We report. You decide. 00:00 Guilty Plea Shocker 01:13 Inside the Courthouse 02:28 What He Admitted To 03:41 Origins of the Case 04:04 Corruption and Coverups 06:36 Coincidence at Court 09:26 Centering the Victims 12:47 Cold Case Breakthrough 13:51 Task Force and DNA Trail 14:51 The Tip That Cracked It 18:01 Double Life Questions 19:26 Hearing the Confession 22:07 Why Plead Guilty 23:28 Family in the Fallout 24:02 Basement Crime Timeline 26:02 More Victims Questions 27:17 Asian Doe Clues 29:38 Rootless Hair Breakthrough 32:17 Admissibility Frye Hearing 34:14 Courtroom Demeanor 34:45 Why He Killed 38:00 Sentencing Stakes 38:30 FBI Behavioral Study 41:41 Justice And Victims 44:10 CODIS And Future Cases 46:22 Book Project Wrap Alexis LinkletterPodcast: Unraveled SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/    Shop our gear!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/  Website: https://smarthernews.com/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews

    49 min

  8. 13 APR

    The SCOOP: The Strait, Scandals and a Stunning Defeat

    Jenna previews a busy week of major stories, framed by Artemis astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s “Joy Train” message about teams regaining perspective and joy. Internationally, she clarifies reports about a U.S. “blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz, explaining Central Command describes actions focused on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports rather than blocking international waters, and notes the move follows failed U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan centered on securing a long-term Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, with Iran accusing the U.S. of shifting goalposts; oil prices remain elevated amid a ceasefire timeline. In Europe, Hungary’s longtime leader Viktor Orban suffers a “stunning defeat” to 45-year-old Peter Maygar, a centrist-right figure focused on the economy and anti-corruption, raising questions about shifts in alliances and conservatism. Domestically, allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell lead him to exit California’s governor race as Congress debates rare expulsion moves that also involve Rep. Tony Gonzalez, while the First Lady publicly denies any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and urges continued investigation amid disputes over former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s testimony. **UPDATE** ERIC SWALWELL released a statement on Monday around 5:15 est announcing his intention to resign from Congress. 00:00 Week Ahead Preview 00:27 Joy Train Mindset 02:21 Strait of Hormuz Blockade 05:41 Iran Talks and Nuclear Standoff 09:33 Oil Prices and Global Stakes 11:04 Hungary Election Shock 14:12 What Orban Loss Signals 17:39 Swalwell Scandal Fallout 22:09 Expulsion Push in Congress 27:41 Melania and Epstein Questions 31:20 Reporting Gray Areas 33:30 Artemis Wisdom and Signoff SUPPORT OUR MISSION: Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smarthernews.com/get-the-inside-scoop/    Shop our gear!  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/  Website: https://smarthernews.com/  YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews

    37 min
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About

Life is too short to waste time filtering through headlines searching for the facts. That’s when we realized the need for a quick, trustworthy news source that makes staying up-to-date easy and interesting. Our Goal is to Clear the Clutter. We’re committed to providing non-partisan news, in small servings, available wherever you are, whenever you want it. And for the Record: We Believe You’re Already Smart. We don’t need to tell you what to think or how to feel or what to believe. We just want to equip you with clear facts so you’re prepared for any conversation, any vote, any choice and never feel like you’re falling behind. Bullet-Points Without The Bias ~ We’re bringing you #SmartHERNews. SmartHER News is created and hosted by journalist Jenna Lee.

Information

  • Creator
    Jenna Lee
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    488
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Leep Media 2023©
  • Show Website
    SmartHERNews

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