SmartHERNews

48 hours before the historic and deadly flash flood in Central Texas, Penn State University published an article describing recent research on "Improving predictions of flood severity, place and time with AI."

We speak to one of the scientists behind this cutting-edge research.

Professor Chaopeng Shen joins us to explain the extraordinary power, and fascinating limits, of A.I. - and how the technology is, and will change our ...

What's "New" News.

What's Old News.

What Matters Most.

We walk you through:

An important Supreme Court deadline for the DOJ and Ghislaine Maxwell, Epstein's convicted co-conspirator.

The now infamous Department of Justice/FBI memo on the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.

The new questions raised and why they matter.

What questions do you now have? Let us know on voice memo or email: hello@smarthernews.com.

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We tackle the big stories on your radar this week:

• The potential for more severe weather and flooding in multiple states: What to know and why its happening.
• Is "cloud seeding" real? What should we know about this technology and did it impact the historic Texas Hill Country flood?
• The President's new deal with NATO and a new proposal to Putin.
• What to know about the latest news from the Dept. of Justice on Jeffrey Epste...

The United States had more than 550 flooding reports across at least 35 states last week ... and this week ... and the weeks ahead ... may bring many, many more.

This is the reporting of meteorologist Ben Noll - The Washington Post's Global Weather Writer - who joins us to discuss both the recent historic floods in Texas, and why the next few weeks are one to watch.

Ben shares insights into his journey in meteorology, the...

Three key voices on the historic Texas flood that underscore key facts of the story. Plus ~ a bonus: For the first time, Kerrville Community Service Officer Jonathan Lamb reveals new, never-before-heard rescue stories from the tragic flood.

Our interview with Julia Hatfield, who experienced the Kerrville flood

Incredible graphics from The Austin-American Statesman

Singer-songwriter Julia Hatfield awoke suddenly in the early hours of July 4th to the sounds of terror.

As she stepped out of the RV she shared with her husband, she could’ve never imagined the sights and sound of those early morning hours.

In this conversation, Julia details her personal account of the night of the Texas flood, providing unique insight from an area badly effected.

From nearby lightning strikes, to rising water, to cr...

Why is the flood in Kerr County, Texas historic?

What warnings happened (and which did not)?

What is the truth about DOGE cuts and the impact on the National Weather Service?

Who sends out emergency alerts?

What can we do better to prevent a similar disaster?

Jenna takes you through these questions and a key timeline of events, highlighting several underreported facts and perspectives from those on the ground.

Important note - See fl...

In early July 1775, George Washington assumed his position as head of the Continental Army, joining a ragtag group of militia men in New England who, despite technical defeats in battle, had surprisingly intimidated the British with their perseverance and passion.

While our current July 4th holiday celebrates our Declaration of Independence in July 1776, we take you back to the key decisions that happened a full ...

Dear Listener ~ My whole goal is to provide quick, concise, nonpartisan news. So I'm bothered when I do not think I was as clear and concise as needed - I apologize! Budget reconciliation is a unique process that allows a bill to pass through Congress with fewer votes. HOWEVER, all components of this bill, or this package of policy proposals, has to relate to existing spending/revenue (budget). If proposals in the bill don'...

Depending on your source, the United States either obliterated Iran’s nuclear program – or set it back by just a few weeks. So how do you make sense of headlines like these? Step into the editorial room with me as we unpack how SmartHER News covers stories and sources. We’ll break down the day's top story, explore the media’s use of anonymous reporting and share why this story matters more than it may seem. Plus ~ the key quest...

War correspondent and writer Hollie shares her experiences traveling to Iran, highlighting the complexities of navigating the country as a foreigner and the cultural insights she gained simply as a tourist. She highlights the frustrations of the Iranian youth, the resilience of women in the face of oppression, and the challenges of understanding the political landscape from the outside. 

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Breaking news on today's top story during our live broadcast: Iran attacks America's largest base in the Middle East - Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.

What to know and why it matters.

Plus ~ how and why America designated Iran a "state sponsor of terrorism."

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Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://ww...

109 rescued; 244 people arrested in a law enforcement operation in North Texas that magnifies a bigger issue: How are online predators reaching children today?

Your question answered: Does a U.S. President need Congress to get involved an overseas conflict? 

SHOW NOTES:

National Constitution Center: Does the president need Congress to approve military actions in Iran? 

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What’s it like to live through war, raise a family, and still go to work under the threat of missiles?

In this interview, Israeli lawyer Michael Dvorin shares what daily life looks like in Jerusalem as Iran and its proxies target Israel with rocket attacks. 

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Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headlines?  Here’s how you can become a SCOOP insider: https://www.scoop.smar...

What To Know About:

• The largest manhunt in Minnesota history - What we know and don't know about the suspect in custody.
• The large exchange of fire between Israel and Iran - Why the Prime Minister of Israel says they had to strike now. Plus ~ the stakes as one Republican sees it and why another Republican disagrees.
• What's next for ICE - What President Trump provides as new focus: American cities vs. American farms.
• Sn...

I recently visited a first-of-its-kind exhibit in New York City: a full-scale replica of Anne Frank’s hiding place during World War II. I had the opportunity to speak to Michael Glickman, who was key to this exhibit coming to the United States. And what you’re about to listen to is the behind-the-scenes interview I conducted with Michael. I wasn’t planning on sharing the full conversation! But as I listened to our conversation whil...

On this day, June 12, 1929, a young girl is born in Germany. Her story would change the world. 

"A Full-Scale Recreation of Anne Frank’s hiding place ..." reads the description of a first-of-its-kind exhibit you'll only see in New York City. I had no idea what to expect when I arrived that Thursday morning in Manhattan. Like so many others, I can clearly see the image of Anne Frank in my mind – her diary, detailing the ...

Developments on several stories:

• News from the U.S. Embassy Baghdad "ordered departure."
  
• The latest on China-U.S. Trade Deal - Momentum but few details.
  
• Curfew continues in Los Angeles
  
• What To Watch For This Weekend: U.S. Military Parade Vs. "No Kings" Protest
  
• A Closer Look: How One Headline Can Mislead: "Southern California Boy Deported To Honduras"
  
• And ... your questions!

• We walk through the sequence of events that led to the unrest in Los Angeles.
  
• A quick tutorial on "sanctuary states" like California.
  
• What to watch for next in California and on Capitol Hill.
  
• Plus ~ engagements at SmartHER News, the TSA warns you about your Costco
• cards, and the origins of Friday the 13th.

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Love nonpartisan news? Want a bigger serving of the serious headli...