SmartHER News

Latest Episodes:

Historic … & A Sign of Backlash? Top Takeaways From Election Day 2025 Nov 05, 2025

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Writer, host, political analyst and cultural commentator, Mary Katharine Ham joins us to breakdown what to consider after a history-making Election Day. 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/ Get our FREE Weekend Digest!

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Should 16-Year-Olds Have The Right To Vote? Nov 03, 2025

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Former VP Harris says Democrats need to lead boldly -- Is lowering the voting age part of a new platform? What do you think? Let us know hello@smartHERNews.com

From runaway monkeys to an intractable shutdown ... to a Supreme Court showdown over tariffs ... and notable comments on voting age and a third term for President Trump (and what the U.S. Constitution says about both topics!) - we cover all the news to know for the week ahead!

Show Notes:

Update* The White House in a filing on Monday said it will find funding for some SNAP benefits.

Link to full 60 Minutes interview with Pres. Trump

Interview with Emily Ley - CEO of Simplified and part of the Supreme Court case challenging Pres. Trump's tariffs WATCH/LISTEN

Link to podcast featuring VP Kamala Harris (where she speaks about voting age).

Pew Research on age and party-affiliation in America

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Your Cheat Sheet On The Government Shutdown Oct 30, 2025

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As the government shutdown nears unprecedented territory, a quick look at what's going on, why it matters and your own voices on how you feel about it all! Thank you to Amy, Kristina, Jim and Briana for sending us your thoughts!

Plus:

Why do we say it's one of the longest shutdowns in *modern times*? (Why do we need that caveat?)
Where did this all start? A look at both sides
Why does Congress still get paid?

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"Born Lucky": How One Man Navigated An Autism Diagnosis To The National News Oct 29, 2025

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A story about overcoming challenges, the importance of perserverance and the endurance of unconditional love - a SmartHER Conversation with journalist Leland Vittert - author of the New York Times Best-Selling book "Born Lucky - A Dedicated Father, A Grateful Son, And My Journey With Autism."

Called "weird" by teachers, bullied by children and adults alike for being different, Leland describes his often painful-path to the anchor chair in his new book "Born Lucky." One of the most important influences in his life? His father Mark, who Leland still calls his best friend. Leland details the tough calls his parents made to give him the best chance to succeed - providing lessons for parents and children alike about how to love one another and the importance of hope.

More here: Born Lucky

Thank you to our Insiders for joining us LIVE!

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SCOOP: High-Stakes and High Seas: What To Know & Why It Matters Oct 27, 2025

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The latest on a high-profile heist, a historic hurricane, a high-stakes government shutdown and whether the U.S. has carried out "murder" or a "lethal kinetic strike" on the high seas. Show Notes:The Canadian Ad at the center of controversyA great article on the East Wing From Town & CountryU.S. Warship Docked Off Venezuela Recall of Popular MakeUp RemoverSUPPORT OUR MISSION:

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A Behind-The-Scenes Look At America's Most Precious Documents (Despite The Government Shutdown) Oct 22, 2025

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For the first time ever, the National Archives displayed the entire U.S. Constitution - the historic 4 foundational pages. the rarely seen "5th page" with its own interesting backstory and ALL 27 amendments. Now, the exhibit remains behind closed doors, along with the rest of the museum, as the government shutdown continues into historic territory in Washington D.C.

SmartHER News went behind the scenes before the government shutdown to take a closer look with historian Jessie Kratz, who explained why this rare exhibit came together and why it matters.

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SCOOP: What Do Comets & Cats Have In Common? Oct 20, 2025

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The news you can use:

A comet only seen every 1350 years will appear in our skies this week. Here's a few other stories to of note:

How big is your social circle? One scientist says 150 people Agree/Disagree.
The latest on the history-making shutdown.
An "technical" issue takes down a major technology provider.
What to make of President Trump's announcement on rare earth minerals.
What to make of President Trump's announcement on IVF and why it matters. Here's What To Watch Next.
Your biggest question answered - What is the deal with the new requirements for press at the Dept. of War? Link To Document
A comet with a green streak. How to find it. And what felines have to do with it. Read More.

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YOUR SCOOP! Who Wants To Make A Deal? Oct 14, 2025

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A peace deal. A trade deal. An (absent) shutdown deal. What to know about the deals percolating in the news and why they matter.

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What's Happening In Chicago? Oct 07, 2025

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And who's in charge? Your top news question of the week answered about the law & order story unfolding in one of America's most prominent cities.

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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/

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SCOOP: The Super Moon, the Shutdown & the National Guard Showdown Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

PLUS - the Supreme Court's new term and a Middle East peace update.

4:30: What I found worth watching and reading over the weekend.

7:30: National Guard in the news – the standoff over deployments in Chicago and Portland.

10:15: The first Super Moon of 2025 – what makes it special (and what scientists say it isn't).

11:15: The Supreme Court's new term features key cases on state vs. federal power, trade, and transgender sports.

14:30: Understanding the government shutdown and what's at stake.

27:15: National debt reality check.

34:00: Where we stand with Middle East peace talks.

36:00: A message from Dr. Jane Goodall.

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