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Is The U.S. Negotiating With Terrorists? Plus: The Supreme Court In The Spotlight and Dye-Drama for M&Ms Jun 22, 2026

Show notes

Jenna highlights three major stories for the week:

U.S. negotiations with Iran and the implications of America negotiating with a state sponsor of terrorism.
Why a major leadership change in the UK matters to the U.S.
What to watch for from the Supreme Court and how a pending decision could reshape more than a century of law.

Plus - The drama over blue M&Ms.

00:00 Week Ahead Headlines

00:18 Why We Keep It Brief

01:35 Iran Talks And Terror Question

05:06 Vance Deal Framework Explained

06:54 Frozen Assets And Funding Fears

11:06 Oil License And Gas Prices

13:20 Who Leads The Negotiations

14:45 UK Leadership Shakeup

16:51 Supreme Court Decisions Watch

20:52 M&Ms Dye Drama

24:36 Wrap Up And Sign Off

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Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro on America250: Faith, Family, the Founding Fathers and the Future of AI Jun 17, 2026

Show notes

As we approach Father's Day and 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, we share a truly unique conversation that highlights the intersection between parenting, policy and our current political environment with one of the nation's leading political figures — Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.

Gov. Shapiro shares personal insight into his life behind the scenes as a father of 4 and describes what has shaped his leadership perspective at the helm of one of America's largest and most politically consequential states.

This quick-moving conversation covers a wide range of topics — from an arson attack at the governor's residence (while he and his family slept) to legislating cursive in schools to wrestling with how to harness one of the key technologies of our time: artificial intelligence.

As we reflect on America's Founding Fathers, we ask the question: Who will lead America in the next 250 years? Governor Shapiro kicks off the first conversation in this series. Who should we interview next? Let us know: hello@SmartHERnews.com

Your presence means the world to us! Thank you for supporting a FREE and independent press. Our Insiders listened to and watched this interview FIRST. Here's how to become an Insider and help us build a solution in news: quick, concise, nonpartisan, SmartHER News.

00:00 Why Pennsylvania Matters

01:03 Meeting Josh Shapiro

02:45 Path Into Public Service

04:28 Politics Without Hate

05:51 Family Challenges Shaping Leadership

07:37 Marriage and Fatherhood Lessons

09:58 Kids Change Your Politics

12:48 Faith Beyond Religion

15:00 Arson Attack Aftermath

17:59 Violence and Community Healing

20:16 Cursive Makes a Comeback

22:28 AI in Government and Guardrails

26:19 Leading on the Next Big Issues

28:06 America at 250 Years

30:33 Town Hall Invitation and Wrap

A Top Secret Spy Tool ... Expires? Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

The timing and the tool bring up new questions about the use of technology and your rights as a citizen.

Jenna previews a consequential week as a major U.S. intelligence tool, FISA Section 702, expires ... amid reports of significant breakthrough in U.S.–Iran negotiations. We highlight the broader debate about technology's benefits and harms, including the UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's announcement of a law taking effect next year that would ban children under 16 from using social media. 00:00 Spy Tool Expires Now

01:11 Tech Future and SpaceX

02:15 UK Bans Under 16 Social

05:03 Iran Deal Headlines Caution

06:45 Vance and Jeffries React

10:42 What a Deal Means

11:54 Obama Deal Background

16:25 Why Iran Still Matters

17:00 FISA 702 Explained

21:43 Warrant Debate and Politics

29:15 Global Conflicts This Week

30:58 Wrap Up and Watchlist

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CBS News Turmoil, Scott Pelley's Firing and the State of American Journalism Jun 10, 2026

Show notes

What does the turmoil at CBS News — and Scott Pelley's departure from 60 Minutes — reveal about the state of American journalism?

SmartHER News founder Jenna Lee draws on her experience as a former national news anchor to examine the changes at CBS, including the Ellison family's influence, Skydance's acquisition of Paramount and Bari Weiss's appointment as editor-in-chief of CBS News.

She also analyzes Scott Pelley's interview with The New York Times, the newsroom clashes behind his firing and what the controversy reveals about editorial power, celebrity culture and declining trust in the press.

Jenna argues that journalism should serve the public — not position itself above it — and explains why audiences ultimately hold more power than anchors, executives or media companies.

00:00 CBS News Turmoil Explained 00:51 Why This Story Matters 01:46 Two Problems Facing American Journalism 03:31 Who Owns the News? 04:19 The Ellison Family and Paramount 07:11 Trump Lawsuit and Merger Scrutiny 08:25 Why 60 Minutes Matters 09:22 Bari Weiss Takes Over CBS News 11:53 Inside a Broadcast Newsroom 13:24 Scott Pelley's Firing 21:13 Scott Pelley Speaks Out 25:03 Journalism's Celebrity Culture 28:01 Pelley Clashes With His New Boss 31:26 The 60 Minutes Editorial Dispute 40:36 Does Democracy Depend on Journalism? 44:04 The Power of the Audience 46:15 Final Thoughts

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Under Pressure: The Press & The President: Why Did Pres. Trump Walk Out Of An Interview? Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Plus ~ A leak in the International Space station, a very curious admission by Sec. of State Marco Rubio in a Senate hearing and the latest jobs report surprises with better than expected numbers. We do a deep dive into President Trump's interview with Meet The Press that has ignited global headlines.

00:00 Introduction and Overview 00:52 Space Surveillance Technology Revealed 02:51 International Space Station Emergency 07:33 Artemis III Mission Announcement 08:28 Secretary Rubio Capitol Hill Testimony 10:34 Iranian Government Structure Explained 13:28 Negotiation Delays and Communication Challenges 18:11 May Jobs Report Analysis 20:56 Trump Interview Setup and Conditions 24:46 Presidential Pressures and Milestones 25:37 Congressional Setbacks for Administration 27:34 Iran Conflict Timeline Questions 28:46 Anti-Weaponization Fund Controversy 30:17 Heated Exchange Over Fund 35:43 Interview Breakdown and Fallout 36:08 Journalism and Professionalism Standards 37:04 The Evidence Debate Trap 40:34 Rethinking the Journalist's Role 44:59 Looking Ahead This Week

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The Wild West: Spencer Pratt's Outsider LA Mayoral Run and What It Signals About American Politics Jun 03, 2026

Show notes

Jenna and commentator/analyst Mary Katharine Ham discuss the Los Angeles mayoral race, focusing on outsider candidate Spencer Pratt, a former reality star who entered in January after losing his home in wildfires and criticizing city services and leadership. While votes continue to be counted, has Spencer Pratt already impacted the national political conversation? From guns, to women voters, animal lovers and Jesus! We take a look at what Pratt says on the record, why it resonates with voters, and what to watch for next in this election year,

00:00 LA Mayor Race Setup

01:12 Spencer Pratt Clip

02:24 Outsider Appeal Explained

05:01 How LA Voting Works

06:39 Moms And Safety Pitch

07:30 Populism And Public Order

10:23 Guns And GOP Label

13:32 Cross Party Support

14:33 National Interest Local Issues

18:06 Lessons For Candidates

20:43 Poop Politics Wrap

21:42 Final Spencer Pratt Message

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Escalation or Negotiations? From NATO To The Middle East and Congress: Plus, The Hidden Story Within A Story Of The Trump Family-DOJ Settlement Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

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 Escalation 01:53 Ukraine Spillover Fears 05:08 Middle East Strikes 07:32 Congress Returns to Fight 11:12 Cabinet on Capitol Hill 13:39 Immigration Funding Standoff 15:26 Trump IRS Lawsuit Basics 18:47 Settlement and Deweaponization Fund 24:52 Judges Challenge Settlement 28:41 Congress Fallout and Guardrails 30:09 Pardons Comparison Explained 33:16 Curiosity Over Commentary 35:48 Wrap Up and Community

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"Kid Safety Has To Come First" - A Closer Look At Summer Camp Safety with Leading Advocate Elizabeth Phillips May 27, 2026

Show notes

**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 Camps 01:40 Meet Elizabeth Phillips 04:52 Growing Up With Camp 06:40 Kanakuk Pipeline Loyalty 08:24 Trey Story And Loss 11:01 NDA Silence And Trauma 15:47 Delayed Disclosure Stats 18:27 Statute Limits Reform Fight 22:15 What Treys Law Does 25:48 Federal Momentum Timeline 27:16 Oklahoma Setback Opposition 30:46 What Surprised Her Most 31:07 NDA Silence Breaks 32:08 Survivors Testify Again 34:35 Cost of Advocacy 36:47 Parents Ask Hard Questions 38:46 Camp Mystic Tragedy 41:54 Do New Laws Close Camps 45:43 Should Mystic Reopen 53:56 Practical Safety Checklist 57:25 National Standards Push 59:23 Make Camp Safe Again

Elizabeth Phillips

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The Many Origin Stories of Memorial Day May 22, 2026

Show notes

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 Feelings 00:47 Why Memorial Day Became a Long Weekend 02:14 Jenna's Personal Connection to Memorial Day 04:03 Why Memorial Day Has More Than One Origin Story 06:00 Civil War Roots of Memorial Day 06:55 Charleston's Racecourse Reburial Story 10:12 Waterloo, New York's Memorial Day Claim 11:45 How Southern Women Helped Spread the Tradition 17:42 The First National Memorial Day at Arlington 19:12 General Logan's 1868 Memorial Day Order 21:43 Why These Memorial Day Words Still Matter

"The Anti-Weaponization Fund": What It Is & Why It Matters May 20, 2026

Show notes

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

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