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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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?

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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

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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 Mindset
00:52 Week Setup: Economy And DC
02:16 Middle East, Oil And Iran
03:30 Hantavirus Cruise Outbreak
06:03 U.S. Quarantine Response
09:43 Public Risk And COVID Echoes
13:09 WHO Briefing: Key Differences
15:08 Trump-Xi Beijing Summit
18:18 China Messaging And Stakes
22:15 UAP Files Released
26:42 Why Aliens Fascinate Us
28:15 Universe Scale And New Thinking
31:47 Wrap Up: Week Ahead

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

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

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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 Clash
00:21 Headlines Versus Reality
01:30 Why This Story Matters
04:45 Voting Rights Act Origins
08:25 Gerrymandering Explained
12:57 Louisiana Map Dispute
15:19 Supreme Court Majority Ruling
18:51 Dissent And Media Impact
19:42 Assumptions About Race And Party
23:31 What Changes After Section 2
25:23 Representation And Independents
29:30 Three Big Democracy Questions
34:02 Midterms And 2028 Fallout
35:59 Wrap Up And Unknowns Ahead

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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

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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 News
01:08 Inside The Dinner
03:13 Security And Entry
04:28 Shots And Confusion
06:39 Ballroom Lockdown
11:57 Evacuation And Aftermath
15:33 Reporting And Rumors
17:38 Free Speech Aftermath
18:40 Press Tone Under Scrutiny
19:17 NPR Clip Breakdown
20:55 Assassination Attempts Context
22:52 Violence Rationalization Warning
23:55 CBS Manifesto Debate
26:28 Double Standards And Victim Blame
28:13 Host Recap And Reporting Ethics
29:16 Event Logistics And Security
30:30 Bipartisan Calls For Sanity
33:35 What The Real Story Is
34:29 Closing Thoughts And Next News

Mary Katharine Ham

Normally Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/normally/id1769997814
Getting Hammered: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-hammered/id1589858387

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 did
Why this case could reshape how we view AI: tool vs. participant
Key takeaways from a Capitol Hill hearing on AI-driven scams, fraud, and cybercrime
How criminals are already using AI for phishing, deepfakes, ransomware, and more
The growing debate: innovation vs. public safety

Plus: Jenna walks through the three biggest questions this story raises — and why they matter right now.

00:00 Cold Open Chat
00:09 Florida AG Investigation
01:50 Section 230 Explained
03:00 Aiding And Abetting Theory
04:47 OpenAI Response And Other Cases
06:08 Is AI Search Or Partner
07:11 Capitol Hill AI Crime Hearing
11:45 Three Big Questions
13:40 Guardrails And Alcohol Analogy
15:13 Closing Thoughts Rita Peters

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 Overview

01:20 US Iran Talks Uncertain

02:20 Strait Tensions Escalate

04:32 Why Pakistan Hosts Talks - And Why That Matters

06:21 Louisiana Family Shooting

07:42 What Mass Shooting Means In The Press Vs. Law Enforcement

11:30 Scientists Missing Probe

14:19 Why You Should Exercise Caution When Reading Headlines

15:16 Nancy Guthrie DNA Update

19:32 Boston Bombing Remembered

24:20 Iran Terror Links Explained

31:19 Death Row And Appeals

34:20 Wrap Up And Next Steps

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