Welcome to 2026: Top News Stories for Curious Minds

A.I., ISIS, Fraud, Congress & Venezuela - We cover all the big headlines for the week ahead:00:00 Introduction and New Year Reflections00:45 Personal Reflections02:30 Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT Experience - A phony Edgar Allan Poe.04:58 AI's Limitations and Accuracy Concerns05:59 Quick Headlines and Global Updates08:22 Fraud in Minnesota and Government Efficiency12:06 Venezuela Operation and Military Actions19:53 Maduro's Legal Representation20:26 Federal Court Proceedings and Indictment Details21:48 US Legal Grounds and Political Reactions24:09 Debate on US Military Actions27:34 Narco-Terrorism Explained30:05 Future of Venezuela and Broader Implications33:29 Reflecting on Media Bias and Global Reactions37:05 Concluding Thoughts and Viewer EngagementLink to indictment for Nicholas Maduro and his wife.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! Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 

Exclusive insights from an anonymous Venezuelan civilian in conversation with SmartHER News founder/journalist Jenna Lee, hours after the U.S. military removed the de facto President Maduro and his wife, to face criminal charges on American soilThe discussion highlights everyday life in Venezuela, the local reaction to the U.S. intervention, and what to watch for next.00:00 Introduction and Breaking News01:02 Unexpected Interview from Venezuela03:20 Life Under Authoritarian Rule07:08 Signs of Imminent Change08:59 Venezuelan Reactions to US Intervention10:00 Hope and Gratitude for the Future15:41 Legal and Political Implications15:54 Conclusion and Viewer EngagementSUPPORT 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! Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 

00:00 Welcome to the Christmas Party00:17 Starbucks Fail03:32 The Mystery of the Mistletoe08:22 Crime Stories Update13:30 Healthcare Subsidies Debate19:43 Jeffrey Epstein Investigation Update25:58 Legal and Ethical Dilemmas in Ongoing Investigations26:49 Reflecting on the Story's Future27:03 Document Releases and Public Reactions27:58 Transition to Book Recommendations28:35 Top Reads of 2025: Elon Musk by Walter Isaacson31:54 Top Reads of 2025: The River's Daughter by Bridget Crocker33:26 Top Reads of 2025: Born Lucky by Leland Vittert35:19 Top Reads of 2025: My Own Magic by Anna Kloots37:41 Top Reads of 2025: All The Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker39:56 Viewer Book Recommendations and Reflections43:36 Holiday Reflections and Closing RemarksLove 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!Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 

Historian and author, Pamela McColl joins us to discuss the evolution of a character often overlooked in Christmas lore: Mrs. Claus. From a magical figure of the fairy world to a strong, independent figure intertwined with women's suffrage in the 1800s you will learn new secrets about Santa's chosen partner (in love and life!). Pamela also shares insights into how we can incorporate the spirit and values of Mrs. Claus into the modern holiday season.01:05 The Inspiration Behind 'Wondrous Mrs. Claus'01:53 The Evolution of Mrs. Claus03:17 Mrs. Claus in Literature and Folklore07:24 Mrs. Claus and the Suffrage Movement10:39 The First Stage Appearance of Mrs. Claus12:40 Modern Perceptions of Mrs. Claus19:35 The Timeless Appeal of Santa and Mrs. Claus21:44 Pamela McCall's New Books and Final ThoughtsShow Notes:"Wondrous Mrs. Claus: A Literary and Pictorial Review of the Christmas Character" by Pamela McColl: https://go.shopmy.us/p-36107767 "What Would Mrs. Claus Do?: Where there is a Wish, there is Way" by by Pamela McColl & Lindsay Stewart: https://go.shopmy.us/p-36107871"Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem" by Pamela McColl: https://go.shopmy.us/p-36108037 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!Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 

 00:00 Introduction and Overview00:10 Significance of a National Address01:33 Format and Content of Trump's Address09:07 Reactions and Editorial Choices09:49 Economic Data and Reporting17:17 Viewer Opinions and Feedback19:13 Media's Role and Challenges25:04 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsLove 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! Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 

An anti-Semitic terrorist attack in Bondi Beach, Australia, a shooting at a U.S. university, and the foiled terror plot in California - we work through the news to know after a busy weekend of breaking headlines.00:00 Introduction and Overview01:07 Today's Headlines: Terrorist Attack in Australia02:03 Word of the Year: Slop04:36 Special Guest: War correspondent (and Australia native) Holly McKay on Bondi Beach Attack08:19 Gun Laws and Security in Australia19:43 Acts of Bravery Amidst Tragedy21:27 US Service Members Killed in Syria23:36 The Ongoing Threat of ISIS27:55 Conclusion and Final Thoughts28:38 Understanding the Ongoing Threat of ISIS29:29 Thwarted Terrorist Attack in California32:03 Double Homicide in Los Angeles37:03 Shooting at Brown University45:33 Government Shutdown and Economic Updates49:18 Heartwarming Stories to End On

A cheat sheet on a pivotal hearing in the Senate about online safety for teens (and beyond). A must-listen about the unique challenges facing parents and children alike, with special insight into the new tactics of criminals, and the inadequacy of old laws:00:00 Welcome to SmartHER News02:27 Australia's Groundbreaking Social Media Law02:53 Senate Hearing on Protecting Children Online04:22 Graphic Content Warning05:52 Witness Testimonies: Personal and Legal Perspectives13:15 The Dark Reality of Online Exploitation18:29 Understanding Section 230 and Its Implications24:11 Advice to take with you.Link to the Senate hearing: Protecting Our Children Online Against the Evolving OffenderSUPPORT 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! Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 

All the news you need to know for the week ahead: Plus - Halle Berry takes on Gov. Gavin Newsom (and what this tells us about a new national legislative effort).~~~~~~~00:00 Welcome and Holiday Party Announcement00:52 Book Exchange Party Idea02:11 Join Our Insider Group03:22 Driving Story: Santa Sighting05:28 Upcoming News and Events10:50 Healthcare Debate in Congress17:17 Vaccination Policy Discussion28:16 Menopause Advocacy by Halle Berry29:11 Halle Berry's Personal Story and Advocacy31:06 Halle Berry's Viral Political Commentary32:12 Legislation on Menopause Across the States34:07 Debate on Government Involvement in Menopause Legislation37:07 Governor Newsom's Veto and Its Implications41:17 Supreme Court Case: Trump v Slaughter45:47 Supreme Court Case: Birthright Citizenship48:02 Pentagon's New Restrictions and Free Press53:12 George Washington's Final Days57:05 Closing Remarks and Holiday WishesShow Notes:Halle Berry's full remarks at the NYT DealBook SummitMt. Vernon on George Washington's passingSUPPORT 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!Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 

Your most requested topic of the week: Venezuela, the United States, and allegations of war crimes. Jenna provides a quick, detailed background on Venezuela, including its strategic location, economic history, and ties to terrorist organizations like Hezbollah. Jenna discusses why the Trump administration’s recent designation of Venezuelan cartels as terrorist organizations matters, and the legal and ethical complexities surrounding US military actions against these groups. The episode includes responses from key figures like President Trump and the Secretary of War and examines the implications of these military operations under US and international law.00:00 Introduction and Overview00:37 Unexpected Morning Incident03:53 Lessons from the Incident06:15 Introduction to Venezuela07:35 Geopolitical Importance of Venezuela09:16 Venezuela's Economic Decline10:59 Terrorist Links and Narco-Terrorism15:32 Recent US Actions and Controversies20:42 Legal and Ethical Questions30:16 Historical Context and Comparisons33:07 Questions for the Administration37:11 Conclusion and Viewer Engagement: Email us: [email protected] 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! Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews 

Plus ~ Catch-up on the Trump administration changes to asylum policy in the aftermath of the attack on the National Guard in D.C., and bipartisan questions continue about military operations off the coast of Venezuela.00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:08 The Oxford Word of the Year: Rage Bait03:50 A Funny Family Moment with a new dictionary (sorry Merriam-Webster!)07:29 Economic Insights: Black Friday Spending13:11 Key News Stories You Might Have Missed20:35 Congress and Government Funding Issues21:37 National Guard Tragedy and Terrorism Concerns27:04 Asylum Process and Backlog Issues27:52 Trump Administration's Policy Changes30:33 Legal Challenges and Congressional Role34:57 Operation Allies and Vetting Concerns37:43 Narco Terrorism and Military Engagement45:36 Military Code of Conduct Controversy54:24 Final Thoughts and Viewer EngagementSUPPORT 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! Shop our gear! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smarthernews/ Website: https://smarthernews.com/ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews