• 19 minutes 36 seconds
    "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    Jenna highlights the speech’s self-deprecating humor and its historical references from the Magna Carta to the British Enlightenment.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

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    29 April 2026, 6:43 pm
  • 36 minutes 11 seconds
    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 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

    27 April 2026, 6:50 pm
  • 16 minutes 31 seconds
    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 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

    22 April 2026, 9:01 pm
  • 35 minutes 58 seconds
    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 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

    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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    20 April 2026, 6:18 pm
  • 49 minutes 16 seconds
    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 Linkletter
    Podcast: Unraveled

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    15 April 2026, 6:42 pm
  • 37 minutes 20 seconds
    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:

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    13 April 2026, 6:32 pm
  • 23 minutes 11 seconds
    Can the President Prosecute the Press? What Journalists Can (and Can’t) Be Forced to Reveal

    The President says he wants to go after those who leaked information about a rescue operation in Iran - Can he?

    Jenna takes you to a portion of a White House press conference that drew attention after the president blamed press reporting and a leaker for revealing a second missing airman during a rescue operation in Iran, saying the media company should give up the source “or go to jail.” 

    She clarifies that while there is legal precedent for the government to pursue the leaker, she knows of no precedent for prosecuting a media organization for publishing accurate (or even inaccurate) information, and notes protections for journalists vary: most states have shield laws, but there is no federal shield law. 

    She cites the Iraq War-era case in which New York Times journalist Judith Miller was jailed 85 days for contempt after refusing to reveal sources, but leads us to a larger ethical questions about reporting sensitive details during national security events.

    Plus - Jenna shares her grandfather's reporter's handbook - from his time embedded with U.S. forces during WWII.

    What do you think about his responsibilities as a member of the press?

    00:00 Press Freedom Question
    00:26 Trump Leak Threat Clip
    01:19 Rescue Mission Context
    03:36 Who Is He Targeting
    05:23 Journalist Protections Explained
    07:54 No Federal Shield Law
    08:34 Judith Miller Case Study
    11:27 State vs Federal Subpoenas
    14:15 Ethics vs Legality
    17:01 WWII Censorship Rules
    20:23 What Free Press Means Now
    21:15 Wrap Up and Support

    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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    8 April 2026, 9:30 pm
  • 32 minutes 39 seconds
    Rescued In Iran: What We Learned From The White House (And What’s Still Unanswered)

    Jenna recaps a 90-minute White House press conference that provided the first on-the-record details about the rescue of two U.S. Air Force crew members after an F-15 went down in hostile Iranian territory late Thursday/early Friday. 

    Officials said both airmen ejected and landed separately; the pilot (Dude 44 Alpha) was located and rescued first, while the weapons systems officer (Dude 44 Bravo) was injured, evaded capture for more than a day in mountainous terrain, and was rescued Saturday night into Easter Sunday amid heavy enemy fire, with no U.S. casualties though some equipment was damaged. 

    CIA Director John Ratcliffe described deploying human assets, “exquisite technologies,” and a deception campaign to misdirect Iranian forces. 

    Jenna highlights key unanswered questions, including the mission/target, how Iran shot the jet down despite claimed air dominance, and details about the officer’s injuries, while noting President Trump’s Tuesday 8:00 PM Eastern deadline for an Iran deal and potential escalation.

    00:00 Press Conference Preview

    01:21 Why Iran Matters

    05:27 Social Media Fog

    07:18 Timeline From General Cain

    10:53 Survival Behind Lines

    14:25 Rescue Operation Details

    17:20 CIA Role And Deception

    22:54 Unanswered Press Questions

    26:33 Deadline And Next Steps

    31:30 Wrap Up And Press Rights

    SUPPORT OUR MISSION:

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    7 April 2026, 2:54 am
  • 1 hour 26 minutes
    Nancy Guthrie Disappearance: 2 Months Later — Crime Expert Examines Key Clues

    Two months after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, key questions remain unanswered.

    In this episode, Jenna interviews law enforcement and crime expert Morgan Wright to examine the biggest unknowns in the case, what investigators may be focusing on now, and why certain details continue to raise questions.

    We discuss:
    • what investigators may be prioritizing two months later
    • why a $1.2 million reward has not led to answers
    • whether the evidence suggests more than one person involved
    • how investigators evaluate vehicles and surveillance evidence
    • what this case may reveal about personal safety and preparedness
    • what could help move the investigation forward

    This expert conversation provides context on what we know, what remains unclear, and why the case continues to draw national attention.

    #NancyGuthrie #TrueCrime #MissingPerson #CrimeAnalysis #News #Investigation #MorganWright

    TIMESTAMPS
    00:00 Assumptions In The Case

    00:22 Meet Morgan Wright

    03:02 Detective Work Basics

    06:32 Who What Where When

    07:29 Missing Pieces

    10:17 Ransom And Early Statements

    10:40 The First On The Record Remarks from Pima County's Sheriff Nanos

    12:35 Bedroom Clues and Blood Trail

    18:25 Press Conference Anomalies

    22:24 Targeted Or Random

    24:46 Motive and DNA Strategy

    29:30 Smoking Gun Myth

    30:03 Naming Suspects Too Soon

    30:30 Ring Footage Timeline Confusion

    32:12 Metadata and Physics Timeline

    33:50 Why FBI Releases Evidence

    35:05 How Many Offenders?

    38:11 Camera Data Retention Limits

    40:16 Neighbors Dogs and Outages

    42:55 Debunking Wifi Jammer Claims

    45:34 Abandoned House Speculation

    48:40 Media Coverage and NBC Interview

    50:05 Crime Scene Details Doors Blood

    56:50 Ransom Notes and Withholding Info

    01:00:50 Cruel Ransom Trolls

    01:01:25 Proof of Life Standards

    01:02:24 Why No Arrests Yet

    01:03:33 NBC Drip Marketing

    01:07:21 Ethics Over Programming

    01:09:28 Security Cameras Done Right

    01:11:39 Family Led Public Appeals

    01:14:48 Give the Public a Mission

    01:18:00 Actionable Home Security

    01:23:52 Trust Your Gut

    01:25:07 Wrap Up and Next Steps

    SUPPORT OUR MISSION:

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    2 April 2026, 9:43 pm
  • 21 minutes 40 seconds
    Why Artemis II Matters: Risks And The New Space Race

    Jenna interviews space journalist Kristin Fisher of Endless Void Studios about why NASA’s Artemis II mission matters, framing it as a choice to lead or follow as China and others pursue the Moon.
     
    The daughter of two NASA astronauts, Fisher says success is simply returning the four astronauts safely, calling it NASA’s riskiest human test flight since Apollo because this rocket has flown only once and, after a certain part of the journey (a trans-lunar injection) there is no rescue option. 
     
    She explains recent delays stemmed from hydrogen/helium leak issues and notes a “point of no return”  before a single lunar slingshot flyby that will set a human distance record. 
     
    Kristin describes the importance of the “lunar base” competition between the U.S., Russia and China for “property” at the Moon’s south pole - a key spot for potential ice that carries huge national security implications. 
     
    Fisher also shares the details of her “Launch Party” live coverage aimed at space-curious viewers.

    00:00 Why Artemis II Matters

    01:11 Leading the Moon Return

    02:29 Defining Mission Success

    03:43 Human Risk and Reality

    05:54 Hydrogen Leak Delays

    08:47 Countdown and Launch Day

    11:59 Flight Plan to the Moon

    13:33 Why This Crew Won’t Land On the Moon

    14:42 Stakes of the Space Race 2.0 

    17:33 Launch Party Coverage

    20:47 Final Thanks 


    Kristin Fischer:
     Launch Party
    Endless Void Studios
    Instagram


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    31 March 2026, 5:33 pm
  • 53 minutes 25 seconds
    Sharks on Drugs? The Week That Could Change Everything: The SCOOP

    Jenna previews a consequential week of news heading into Easter weekend from the space race to social media company lawsuits and the headlines in between (including sharks ... on painkillers).

    On The Middle East: Pres. Trump expresses optimism about a deal with Iran, references a 15-point plan, claims Iran is shipping large amounts of oil, and loosely characterizes leadership changes as “regime change,” while escalation indicators include Houthi attacks on Israel, increased U.S. troop levels (about 50,000 vs. a typical 40,000), Israel-Hezbollah exchanges, and NATO intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Turkey. 

    On The Economy: Rising oil prices impact the economy and move the markets into "correction" territory (a decline of 10% off their highs).

    In The Courtroom: Major jury verdicts against Meta, YouTube, on child safety and “addictive” designs. These lawsuits challenge Section 230 protections.


    In Space: A possible Artemis II launch is schedule for Wednesday. We detail a 10-day crewed mission around the Moon, and discusses space as strategic “high ground.”

    00:00 The Week That Changes Everything

    01:54 Sharks on Drugs

    04:27 Iran Waterways and Oil

    05:12 President Gaggle Highlights - Including Potential De-escalatory talks.

    09:24 Escalation Signals in the Middle East

    13:09 Gas Prices and Market Jitters

    16:57 Artificial Intelligence and SaaS (Software as a Service) Uncertainty

    22:08 Social Media Legal Showdown

    27:21 Meta Verdict Fallout in New Mexico

    30:02 California "Defective" Design Case in California

    31:25 Cigarette Lawsuit Parallels

    32:40 The impact of infinite scrolling.

    35:33 Quick update on the DHS shutdown.

    38:17 Budget Chaos And Precedent

    39:35 Artemis II Moon Race

    43:25 The NASA Administrator refers to "Space As High Ground"

    46:57 Why Space Hype Fades: 

    49:34 Teen Screen Time Data

    52:00: Beware of the Sneaky Sasquatch.

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    30 March 2026, 6:37 pm
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