SmartHERNews

Jenna Lee
  • 4.9 (659)
  • News
  • Updated Weekly

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. 8h ago

    Escalation or Negotiations? From NATO To The Middle East and Congress: Plus, The Hidden Story Within A Story Of The Trump Family-DOJ Settlement

    A drone strike in Romania near the Russia-Ukraine war that injured two people.More strikes exchanged in the Middle East between Iran, the U.S. and beyond.Congress returns to Capitol Hill in a heightened-election season.Escalation runs rampant. But will negotiations find a way?  Meanwhile, an unprecedented Trump-family IRS lawsuit settlement creating a $1.8B “de-weaponization” fund and broad tax-review protections, now meets critical challenge. 00:00 Week of Escalation01:53 Ukraine Spillover Fears05:08 Middle East Strikes07:32 Congress Returns to Fight11:12 Cabinet on Capitol Hill13:39 Immigration Funding Standoff15:26 Trump IRS Lawsuit Basics18:47 Settlement and Deweaponization Fund24:52 Judges Challenge Settlement28:41 Congress Fallout and Guardrails30:09 Pardons Comparison Explained33:16 Curiosity Over Commentary35:48 Wrap Up and Community 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

  2. 5d ago

    "Kid Safety Has To Come First" - A Closer Look At Summer Camp Safety with Leading Advocate Elizabeth Phillips

    **Sensitive Content**Camp Safety in America: Trey's Law, and Lessons From Camp Mystic.One click resource: beforeyougotocamp.com. As we move into another summer season, camp safety advocate Elizabeth Phillips says U.S. summer camp safety needs an overhaul. Phillips, a Texas-raised mother of three, shares her road to advocacy, describing how her brother Trey endured abuse at a well-known summer camp, was silenced by a civil-settlement NDA; he eventually took his own life.  The perpetrator received three life sentences. Prosecutors estimated hundreds of victims. As a result, Elizabeth has made it her mission to highlight the need for statute-of-limitations reform and has advocated for new legislation - specifically "Trey’s Law" which bans NDAs in child sexual abuse and trafficking civil settlements; it has passed in multiple states and is advancing federally. Phillips also supported Camp Mystic families after last summer’s deadly Hill Country flooding led to questions about better laws and regulations. A much needed site guide for parents and guardians everywhere: beforeyougotocamp.com.00:00 How Safe Are Camps01:40 Meet Elizabeth Phillips04:52 Growing Up With Camp06:40 Kanakuk Pipeline Loyalty08:24 Trey Story And Loss11:01 NDA Silence And Trauma15:47 Delayed Disclosure Stats18:27 Statute Limits Reform Fight22:15 What Treys Law Does25:48 Federal Momentum Timeline27:16 Oklahoma Setback Opposition30:46 What Surprised Her Most31:07 NDA Silence Breaks32:08 Survivors Testify Again34:35 Cost of Advocacy36:47 Parents Ask Hard Questions38:46 Camp Mystic Tragedy41:54 Do New Laws Close Camps45:43 Should Mystic Reopen53:56 Practical Safety Checklist57:25 National Standards Push59:23 Make Camp Safe Again Elizabeth Phillips 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

    1h 2m

  3. May 22

    The Many Origin Stories of Memorial Day

    What is the real origin of Memorial Day?More than 20 places across the United States claim a connection to the beginning of Memorial Day — and historians still don’t point to one single story as the origin. In this episode, Jenna explores the many stories behind one of America’s most solemn national holidays, from Charleston, South Carolina, to Waterloo, New York, to Arlington National Cemetery.Memorial Day honors the men and women who died in service to the United States. But over time, the holiday has also become a long weekend filled with barbecues, parades, sales and family gatherings. How do we hold both truths together — the grief and the gratitude, the remembrance and the rest?In this special Memorial Day episode, we look back at the Civil War origins of the holiday, the role of local communities in decorating soldiers’ graves and General John A. Logan’s 1868 order calling Americans to remember those who gave their lives for the country.Perhaps the question isn’t which Memorial Day origin story is true.Perhaps the question is: What if they all are?Listen for a thoughtful look at the history, mystery and meaning of Memorial Day — and why remembering the stories matters.Timestamps / Chapters:00:00 Memorial Day: Grief, Gratitude and Mixed Feelings00:47 Why Memorial Day Became a Long Weekend02:14 Jenna’s Personal Connection to Memorial Day04:03 Why Memorial Day Has More Than One Origin Story06:00 Civil War Roots of Memorial Day06:55 Charleston’s Racecourse Reburial Story10:12 Waterloo, New York’s Memorial Day Claim11:45 How Southern Women Helped Spread the Tradition17:42 The First National Memorial Day at Arlington19:12 General Logan’s 1868 Memorial Day Order21:43 Why These Memorial Day Words Still Matter

    22 min
  4. "The Anti-Weaponization Fund": What It Is & Why It Matters

    May 20

    "The Anti-Weaponization Fund": What It Is & Why It Matters

    A "dark day for democracy" or a way to "right the wrongs" of the past?Jenna takes you inside the White House Press Briefing room, where the Vice President focused on two major topics: Iran and a controversial DOJ settlement creating a $1.77 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund. Vance says he can’t know if Iran will ultimately reach a deal and suggests it’s unclear what Iran wants.Jenna provides some background on a new settlement t related to a lawsuit brought by President Trump over allegedly leaked tax returns. We discuss unanswered questions about how the new "Anti-Weaponization" fund will operate - who qualifies, how claims will be vetted and why critics argue this is "corruption in plainest sight." 00:00 Vance Takes Podium 00:53 Iran Talks Insight 02:53 Stalemate And Goals 04:42 DOJ Settlement Rewind 06:13 Anti Weaponization Fund 08:07 Senate Pushback Questions 11:29 Vance Defends Fund 14:35 Media Pattern Warning 16:37 Why Announce Now 18:52 Midterms Economy Question 21:23 Election Dynamics Ahead 22:14 Who Briefs Next Outro 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

    23 min
  5. A Lawsuit Hits An Iconic Landmark Before America 250

    May 18

    A Lawsuit Hits An Iconic Landmark Before America 250

    Imagine going through airport security ... without being at the airport! Just one of the stories we cover as Jenna previews a busy news week ahead of Memorial Day. The focus remains on President Trump returning from a historic China trip while Congress readies for primary elections in Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Oregon, and Pennsylvania as midterm pressure rises. Did you know 250 years ago our founders called for fasting and prayer? This inspired this week's prayer event on our National Mall.  Speaking of the mall ... a lawsuit swirls over a proposed change to the National Mall's Reflecting Pool. Should it become “American flag blue” or stay more subdued? Also Louisiana takes on the FDA, but the Supreme Court chooses to not weight in on medication typically used for abortions. The cases may reverberate nationwide as states try to make the case for protecting their laws. Finally ~ Would you try off-site TSA screening? We report. You Decide. ;)  00:00 Welcome to Scoop 01:17 Capitol Hill Week Ahead 01:43 Trump China Trip Recap 04:32 Midterms and Primaries 05:58 Louisiana Primary Nuance 09:21 Iran Economy Tradeoffs 12:02 National Mall Prayer Day: Here's the backstory from 1776 17:15 Reflecting Pool Lawsuit 25:27 Abortion Pill State Clash 36:23 Musk vs OpenAI Trial 37:24 Off Site TSA Screening: Would you try it? 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

    43 min

  6. May 13

    Rare Insight Into President Trump's Historic Trip To China

    A quick preview of President Trump's historic trip to China to meet face-to-face with President Xi.We revisit our recent conversation with Asia analyst Gordon Chang for a part of the story receiving little coverage:  the internal dynamics in China. Chang says fear of China's President Xi is widespread as Xi has conducted ruthless purges of civilian and military officials, with senior generals detained or disappearing. Chang also warns against provocative Chinese air and maritime actions—especially against the Philippines in the South China Sea — and explains why it could spiral into wider conflict involving U.S. treaty allies and potentially Russia and North Korea. 00:00 Historic Trump Xi Summit 00:34 Why China Is Opaque 01:37 Fear And Garbage Time 02:27 Xi Reverses Succession Norms 04:23 Disappearing Generals Purge 06:37 Coups Rumors And Loyalty 08:19 Taiwan And War Risks 10:59 South China Sea Provocations 14:09 Red Lines And US Leverage 16:23 Exports Signal Weakness 19:09 Third Term Fuels Discord 20:22 What America Wants From China 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

    21 min

  7. May 11

    A Cruise Outbreak, A China Summit & The New UFO Files

    Jenna breaks down a major news week as Congress returns to session, April job growth beats expectations, gas prices rise amid renewed uncertainty over U.S.-Iran tensions and oil prices, and several major stories develop at once. First: a hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship now in the Canary Islands. Jenna explains what officials are saying about the virus, why this strain is raising concern, and how U.S. health officials are responding as American passengers are monitored at the University of Nebraska Medical Center and Emory University in Atlanta. She also highlights the key differences officials are emphasizing between this outbreak and COVID-era concerns. Then: President Trump is expected to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. Jenna previews what to watch in the high-stakes U.S.-China meeting, including why tone, timing, and messaging matter. Finally: the White House launches a new site releasing more than 160 UAP files, raising fresh questions about transparency, government disclosures, and why the possibility of life beyond Earth continues to capture public attention. Timestamps: 00:00 Headlines And Mindset00:52 Week Setup: Economy And DC02:16 Middle East, Oil And Iran03:30 Hantavirus Cruise Outbreak06:03 U.S. Quarantine Response09:43 Public Risk And COVID Echoes13:09 WHO Briefing: Key Differences15:08 Trump-Xi Beijing Summit18:18 China Messaging And Stakes22:15 UAP Files Released26:42 Why Aliens Fascinate Us28:15 Universe Scale And New Thinking31:47 Wrap Up: Week Ahead

    34 min

  8. May 8

    The Real Story Behind Mother’s Day

    The Surprising History of Mother’s Day — and What Its Founder Wanted Us to Remember Why do we celebrate Mother’s Day? The answer starts with two remarkable American women: Ann Jarvis, a mother who worked to improve health and sanitation in poor Appalachian communities, and her daughter Anna Jarvis, who never had children of her own but helped create one of America’s most recognized holidays. In this SmartHER News episode originally recorded in 2025, Jenna shares the little-known history of Mother’s Day, from Ann Jarvis’ “Mother Friendship Days” during the Civil War — an effort to help reunite politically divided families — to Anna Jarvis’ national campaign to honor mothers and their role in American life. In 1914, Congress approved Mother’s Day and President Woodrow Wilson signed it into law, encouraging Americans to display the U.S. flag in honor of mothers. Anna Jarvis also favored carnations, her mother’s favorite flower, as a symbol of the day. But the story takes a surprising turn: as Mother’s Day quickly became commercialized, Anna Jarvis fought against the holiday she helped create and even pushed to have it rescinded. Jenna also reflects on modern motherhood, entrepreneurship, flexibility, faith and the grace parents often need — especially during a busy season of life. Whether you’re celebrating your mom, remembering your mom, hoping to become a mom, or honoring the women who have shaped your life, this story offers a meaningful look at the origins of Mother’s Day and what the holiday was originally meant to represent. Chapters: 00:00 Why Mother’s Day Exists 01:06 Civil War-Era Origins 02:12 Anna Jarvis Makes It Official 03:13 Flags and Carnations 03:52 Commercialization Backlash 04:54 Anna Jarvis’ Final Years 05:23 What Mother’s Day Should Mean 05:50 Motherhood and Entrepreneurship 07:28 Flexibility, Not Perfection 09:31 A Nap and Call Your Mom 10:44 Closing Wishes and Unity

    12 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.9
out of 5
659 Ratings

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
    496
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Leep Media 2023©
  • Show Website
    SmartHERNews

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