It will be a historic first.

The maker of the first over-the-counter birth control pill says to expect their product (Opill) on store shelves in the next few weeks.

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first over-the-counter birth control pill in the United States last summer. We discussed this news with practicing clinician Dr. Sara Gottfried, a New York Times best-selling author who has focused primarily on women's health and hormones. Our conversation spans not just what to consider with the arrival of this new over-the-counter pill but what to watch for in women's health trends in general, benefiting from Dr. Gottfried's unique perspective as a patient, mother and clinician.

Show Notes: 

• Dr. Sara Gottfried on the Huberman Lab podcast

A SmartHER take: What lessons can we learn from the State of the Union and the Republican response to help our own public speaking? 

Plus ~ the inside SCOOP on the week ahead from the U.S. border to the Middle East.

0:00: Spring Break! 

3:00: An unique argument IN FAVOR of Daylight Saving Time – Less "road kill"?

8:55: Royal Drama: A photo at the center of controversy.

15:00: Ramadan: Why a holy month raises concerns about more conflict in the Middle East and beyond.

21:00: An important voice from Gaza.

24:00: Border Bill: What's ACTUALLY happening with bipartisan border legislation (and what's not). 

30:00: Your public speaking cliff notes: Jenna shares what she learned delivering information in a very public forum and making mistakes (often in front of a million+ people!). She reflects on both President Biden's State of the Union & the Republican response by Sen. Britt (R-Al) - and what we can learn to help our own delivery.

What questions do you have? SCOOP@SmartHERNews.com.

Thank you for supporting a free press! Consider becoming an insider by tapping this link and keep SmartHER News ad-free: Get The Inside SCOOP

A few of our sources:

Article on Switching the Clocks Twice a Year Isn’t Just Annoying. It’s Deadly.

Footage from Rafah Crossing: Check out article and video HERE

NPR "Up First" podcast 

Three key takeaways of President Biden's 2024 State of the Union and why they matter. 

Plus ~ Join us on SCOOP on Monday for further coverage on the State of the Union, when Jenna will use President Biden's address and the Republican response as a way to discuss key tips on how to improve your public speaking. Become an insider and receive this report in your inbox while supporting a free press!

Link to the Pesident's SOTU (state of the union): TEXT

Monday morning, the Supreme Court handed down a decision on a simmering case – answering a key question once and for all: Can a state, citing the U.S. Constitution, keep a presidential candidate off a state's ballot?

The Supremes said, "No!", deciding AGAINST Colorado in a unanimous decision – reversing the Colorado's Supreme Court decision that argued the 14th amendment empowered the state to keep former Pres. Donald Trump off the state's ballot.

0:00: The big headline out of the Supreme Court.

4:00: Clearing our palate for more political news: Will "Wendy's" use surge pricing? (BTW – Wendy's backtracked on this a few days later ... LINK).

8:00: Why Super Tuesday matters.

10:00: The State of the Union (on Thursday).

16:00: We dig deep into the Supreme Court ruling: The decision. The perspectives. And what to watch for next.

18:00: What is the 14th Amendment? The backstory from Colorado.

24:00: Why did Justices Sotomayor, Kagan and Jackson AGREE with the decision BUT offer a critique.

29:00: What Justice Barrett says on the issue: "All nine Justices agree on the outcome of this case. That is the message Americans should take home."

37:00: What matters most for the American voters – the past or the future?

We'd love you to consider supporting quick, concise, nonpartisan SmartHER News by becoming an insider on SCOOP or shopping in our SmartHER shop! Thank you for helping build a solution in news! scoop.smarthernews.com smarthernews.com/shop and our email: hello@smarthernews.com

Show Notes: 

Wendy's dynamic pricing

BTW Wendy's pushed back their "dynamic pricing" announcement - said it WOULD not use "surge" pricing.

The Supreme Court decision

Ford's pardoning of Nixon

Expelled journalist David Satter crystallizes the stakes of our current times when he shares with us his concerns about a "coalition of criminal regimes trying to set the rules for the world." We use THIS as the backdrop to your inside SCOOP for the week ahead. 

Your Rundown:

0:00: NEW MUSIC! Many thanks to andrewlinnmusic.com

4:00: What's going on with the potential partial government shutdown?

8:00: The latest on the presidential elections. We hear from candidates former President Donald Trump and former SC Governor Nikki Haley.

17:00: What does Pres. Trump's lead looks like and questions re: Haley's strategy.

23:00: Expelled journalist David Satter brings us back down to Earth about what really matters.

28:00: What to know about the new decision from the Alabama Supreme Court on IVF.

42:00: We hear from Nicole – Thank you, Nicole! And a personal reflection from Jenna, xoNotice an ad-free conversation?

We'd love you to consider supporting quick, concise, nonpartisan SmartHER News by becoming an insider on SCOOP or shopping in our SmartHER shop! Thank you for helping build a solution in news! scoop.smarthernews.com smarthernews.com/shop and our email: hello@smarthernews.com

From poisoning those who oppose him to encouraging what our guest calls a "cult of death" Vladimir Putin leads the country with the largest nuclear arsenal in the world —Russia.

The controversial Russian president finds himself in the center of three storylines during this news cycle:

1. This week marks two years since Russia invaded Ukraine under Putin's direction, and ten years since Russia annexed Crimea (an area in southern Ukraine). 

2. Last week, we learned of the murder Alexey Navalny, a high-profile opposition leader imprisoned under Putin’s regime. 

3. Earlier this month, American host, Tucker Carlson, aired a high-publicized interview with President Putin, igniting headlines worldwide. 

Joining us is journalist and author, David Satter, who worked as a correspondent inside Russia during the fall of the Soviet Union and rise of Putin. In 2013, David became the first U.S. correspondent expelled from Russia since the Cold War. With incredible perspective on Russian life, and invaluable sources, David explains what most Americans don’t understand about the Russian leader and the Russian way of life, adding context and insight about this news cycle.

This interview covers a lot of ground! Some key names/words:

Yevgeny Prigozhin: The former leader of the Wagner Group – a mercenary military force connected to the Russian government. Despite a strong relationship with President Putin in the past, Prigozhin became critical of the war in Ukraine and eventually led a revolt against Putin in 2023 that Putin deterred. Prigozhin died several months later, in a plane accident often suspected as a murder orchestrated by Putin.

Alexey Navalny: A high-profile opposition leader against Pres. Vladmir Putin, who not only pursued political office in Russia but published investigative work exposing what he believed to be the corruption of the Putin regime.

Malaysian Airlines Flight 17: A civilian flight traveling from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur, July 17, 2014, carrying 283 people and 15 crew. The Boeing 777 flew over eastern Ukraine – an area of conflict between Russia and Ukraine – and a rocket shot it down, killing all 298 people on board. Later reports blamed Russia and Vladimir Putin.

Evan Gershkovich: An American journalist imprisoned in Russia. Gershkovich lived in Russia and reported for The Wall Street Journal. During a reporting trip on March 29th, Russian security forces arrested him; Pres. Putin said Gershkovich acquired classified information.

MORE ON SMARTHERNEWS.COM

• The SecDef returns to the hospital; Deputy takes lead. (5:00)
• The Senate advances foreign aid legislation; border details remain absent. (6:30)
• "Victory is within reach" says Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu on a new offensive in a southern city in Gaza – a key area housing many evacuees. (9:00)

• Questions remain about whether former President Trump's team will appeal to the Supreme Court a lower court decision that the former President can face criminal prosecution. (approx. 16:30)
• The Supreme Court hears a case that could keep former President Trump off the ballot in the state of Colorado. (21:00)
• A special counsel concludes President Biden should face no charges related to his handling of classified documents, but the issue of age and competency overshadows the current president's statement about the investigation. (30:30)

What would you like more of from SmartHER News? We look forward to hearing your thoughts or your news questions: scoop@SmartHERNews.com

Thank you for your continued support of SCOOP! If you're listening for the first time, consider joining us LIVE and supporting a free press, checking out our SmartHER Shop or simply telling a friend about SmartHERNews.com

Legislation in Tennessee: LINK

Proposal to turn 'Super Bowl Monday' into an official holiday is on the table in one state

Special Coupon For SCOOP listeners  Use Jenna20 for 20% off of designs at Liz James Designs - an Austin-based, American-made jewelry designer. Coupon good through Wednesday February 7th for delivery before Valentine's Day!

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What did the leader of an Iranian-backed militia tell war correspondent Hollie McKay over lunch? 

Hollie joins us with her reflections on what she learned meeting the baseball-cap wearing man in a Baghdad restaurant (hint: he described one of the militia's goals as revenge on America).

Show Notes:

0:00 - 5:00: Quick reflections on Tracy Chapman and Luke Combs at the Grammys - and the new "concert trick" - venues and artists locking your phone away.

5:00: Report: The Biden Administration wants to tackle grocery story prices.

7:30: What to know about the new border deal. What stands out. What matters. Why critics have already raised their voices in opposition. What to watch for.

17:00 Hollie McKay joins us with her 4-month old Raven to discuss her unique reporting in Iraq that takes us to the rise of "Iranian-backed militia."

Terms To Know:

Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF): The umbrella group of Iranian-backed militia operating in Iraq. 

Kata’ib Sayyid al-Shuhada (KSS): An Iranian-backed militia - just one group that remains part of PMF. Hollie sits down with the leader that oversees this group.

Qassim Soleimani: Infamous Iranian military leader - Head of the notorious and elite QUDS force of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard (Iran's military). Killed by America in a drone strike.

Hollie writes in detail on her lunch - here: https://holliesmckay.substack.com?utm_source=navbar&utm_medium=web

Here's Hollie's website which features her books, and her new venture: The Stretch System

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Thank you for keeping SmartHER News independent and ad-free. Join our LIVE conversations and receive a prep-sheet for the week ahead in your inbox every Monday: Get The Inside SCOOP

Always more: SmartHERNews.com

What new eyes do we need on old challenges to create solutions?

We ask this question as we look at two of the biggest developing headlines this week - American service members killed in action in the Middle East by Iranian-backed militants and the ongoing coverage of the U.S. borders.

A few highlights:

2:45: A former Air Force Intel officer says he may have discovered Amelia Earthart's plane

11:15: Why do we use the term "Iranian-backed" militants?

19:40: Our guest tells us that the UN nuclear watchdog agency says it is being "held hostage" by Iran, unable to provide oversight on the nuclear program belonging to the U.S. designated state-sponsor of terror.

23:40 What do the new border numbers tell us about the state of affairs specifically at the U.S. southern border and who really has oversight - the federal government or the state?

Plus ~ a personal tribute to a man who always wore a smile and knew how to show up.

Show Notes:

Is This Amelia Earhart’s Long-Lost Plane? (via WSJ)

Good Write-Up on attack in Jordan (plus maps) via Reuters: What is Tower 22, US military base attacked in Jordan?

Customs and Border Protection raw numbers on the border

With love to Joseph Libonati (my friend who I mentioned at the end): Obituary

Why does New Hampshire matter in American politics (and particularly this election season)?

What's missing from our reporting on the Middle East?

How should you approach LONG Covid?

We tackle news on each topic, but first Jenna shares a personal story that inspired this broadcast ~ a conversation with her 9 year-old son about football reminds us all why "curiosity over commentary" matters.

PLUS:

10:00: Who will sing the Star-Spangled Banner?

13:00: Why does New Hampshire matter in American politics?

23:00: Behind-The-Scenes: The editorial challenges of editing political figures.

25:00: Nikki Haley's new attack line. Will it work?

27:00: What's missing from our reporting in the Middle East?

36:00: How should we all approach Long Covid? 

40:00: Holly asks: How should one consider third party candidates?

Thank you for your continued support of SCOOP! If you're listening for the first time, consider joining us LIVE and supporting a free press! P.S. Our audio is usually a little clearer - we had a microphone hiccup this week! #MondayBlues :) 

Sign-up for our FREE weekend newsletter: The Weekend SCOOP

Shop our SmartHER Shop & Amazon storefront of SmartHER Items

Interesting Show Notes:

Background from the AP on the terorrist groups operating in the Middle East

Maps to the New Hampshire Primary Polling

A guide to the Middle East in 6 maps: WSJ

• The flu (rising respiratory infections nationwide)!
• The potential government shutdown (and a potential deal in the works on two fronts).
• The presidential election (and the first major votes cast next week).
• The Pentagon and the mysterious state of the SecDef's health.
• The Department of Justice's priority this year.
• And a question: If you could prioritize any topic in the news, what would it be?

Show Notes:

Flu Surveillance: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm

Border Encounters: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters

NTSB presser on Alaska Airlines flight: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0jeO5fwRXLo

Pentagon Press Release: https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3633580/statement-from-pentagon-press-secretary-maj-gen-pat-ryder-on-secretary-austins/

Dept. of Justice: https://www.justice.gov/opa/video/attorney-general-merrick-b-garland-meets-law-enforcement-components-address-violent-crime

Good Political Calendar: https://www.cnn.com/election/2024/calendar

Happy New Year, from your SmartHER News family!

Today, we explore three curiosities ... three news items to watch in 2024 – including the election (a twist you may not have considered), a conflict (a seldom talked about nation), and the U.S. border (but not the border that may first come to mind).

What stories are you most curious about in 2024? We'd love to hear from you: scoop@SmartHERNews.com

We wish you and your loved ones a beautiful start to a new chapter!

...

Show Notes:

The Economist - "the biggest election year in history."

The data on the U.S. Border – DATA

The GAO report on military readiness: CLICK HERE

Some background on Sudan from Reuters

Interesting read on the election of 2024 via ABC

"Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house ..."

These lines first appeared in a New York state newspaper on December 23, 1823.

The author? Originally ... "Anonymous."

200 years later, many of us can still recite much of this poem from memory, solidifying the image of Santa and "his eight tiny reindeer" for generations.

While the mystery over who precisely penned this famous Christmas poem swirled for years, the impact of the lyrical writing remains undeniable. Historian and author Pamela Mccoll spent ten years researching the poem's origins and global impact, documenting her findings in her book, "Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem." Pam joins us to share incredible insight about the curious origins of the poem (including the party-filled streets of New York City) and why she believes it has such incredible lasting power.

A link to the poem: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43171/a-visit-from-st-nicholas

A link to Pamela's book in the SmartHER Amazon storefront: Twas the Night: The Art and History of the Classic Christmas Poem

Shop SmartHER News Gear!

Join us on SCOOP and support a free press! 

Your Questions ... Answered! (Along with the news you need to know.)

Plus ~ We share one of our most important stories of the year.

We cover the election (Where does political money come from?), polling (Who can we trust?), the economy (Why are prices so high?), and even SmartHER News (Who is on the team and what is it REALLY like to work with Jenna?)!

And a special story about Grace, a member of our community and a hero, who we will keep in our hearts this season and never forget.

Show Notes:

The GoFundMe Page for Grace: https://www.gofundme.com/f/xhpjb-the-contreras-family

Recall by Quaker Oats: Here's the information

How Arificial Intelligence May Impact News: News Publishers See Google’s AI Search Tool as a Traffic-Destroying Nightmare

ELECTION MONEY INFO: https://www.fec.gov/resources/cms-content/documents/contribution_limits_chart_2023-2024.pdf

RealClearPolitics: Polls

Leif Babin's Books: "Extreme Ownership" and "Dichotomy of Leadership" EchelonFront.com

Have you heard of Santa Claus, Indiana?

Founded in 1856, this town serves as one of the main destinations for "Dear Santa" letters from all over the world.

And this happened, in many ways, because one family took the reins (no reindeer jokes ... yet).

Meet 92-year-old Mrs. Koch (pronounced "Cook"). She holds many titles – including Santa's daughter, Chief Elf, and founder of the Santa Claus Museum – preserving the stories of the past that she now shares with us, including:

• How Santa Claus, IN got its name
• How a WW1 veteran became Santa's best helper
• How the team receives and responds to tens of thousands of letters mailed from around the world.

A perfect news break for anyone who needs a little Christmas spirit – or has some to spare! We hope this interview leaves you with one thought this season ... "Believe!"
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Thank you for supporting SmartHER News! You keep us ad-free and independent. Please consider joining our insider service SCOOP or grabbing some gear in our SmartHER shop. 

A serious attack off the coast of Yemen kicks off our coverage: commercial ships bombed, a U.S. navy ship targeted, and questions about what's next.

Meanwhile, Congress tackles the following in the final workdays of the year: whether to extend  a highly controversial post 9/11 law, Section 702 of The Foreign Surveiliance Act, and whether to extend more money to national security priorities like Ukraine, Israel and the border.

What happens next may set the stage for not only the rest of December but for the critical election year ahead.

Notice an ad-free conversation? We'd love you to consider supporting quick, concise, nonpartisan SmartHER News by becoming an insider on SCOOP or shopping in our SmartHER shop! Thank you for helping build a solution in news! scoop.smarthernews.com smarthernews.com/shop

Show Notes:

Attack in the Red Sea: https://www.centcom.mil/MEDIA/PRESS-RELEASES/Press-Release-View/Article/3605010/houthi-attacks-on-commercial-shipping-in-international-water-continue/

Background on 702: https://www.dni.gov/files/icotr/Section702-Basics-Infographic.pdf

U.S. Border Numbers: https://www.cbp.gov/newsroom/stats/nationwide-encounters

It starts out like the common cold - with a cough, maybe a sneeze - but can suddenly turn into a serious illness unaffected by "normal" treatments, that can linger for weeks. Sound familiar? But this illness impacts DOGS! And no, it's not COVID. So what is it? And why have we heard about cases in at least 14 U.S. states, if not more? Veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller, clinical professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, joins us with her take on what to know and why it matters.

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Notice an ad-free conversation? We'd love you to consider supporting quick, concise, nonpartisan SmartHER News by becoming an insider on SCOOP or shopping in our SmartHER shop! Thank you for helping build a solution in news!

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Dr. Lori Teller: https://www.avma.org/about/avma-board-of-directors/lori-m-teller-dvm-dabvp-caninefeline-cvj

Some background reading: https://smarthernews.com/mysterious-respiratory-illnesses-in-dogs/

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www.smartHERNews.com