SmartHER On: The Cornell Lawsuit, The Midterms, and A Loophole In U.S. Law (And Beyond)
SmartHER NewsShow Notes
Jenna hosts the SmartHER Podcast with political commentator, podcast host Mary Katharine Ham and war correspondent, writer Holly McKay to discuss a smarter take on this week's major news stories AND share SmartHER Tips!
They examine a disturbing Cornell University incident from October 2024 now highlighted by a recent civil lawsuit alleging an overlooked, under-investigated assault. A new twist to the story raises more questions and Jenna shares some insight on the challenges reporting on stories like this one.
Hollie adds to our reporting on a surrogacy custody case the Supreme Court declined to hear and shares broader concerns about largely unregulated U.S. commercial surrogacy, including vetting gaps and birthright citizenship questions.
Mary Katharine offers a midterm "cheat sheet" on competitive House and Senate seats, turnout, and money.
They close with product tips: Naked Sundays SPF, Trader Joe's skincare, and Merit makeup.
Our SmartHER Recommendation:
Hollie's SmartHER Rec: Naked Sundays Jenna's SmartHER Rec: Merit Makeup (Fall Kit)
00:00 Welcome to SmartHER Podcast 00:41 Cornell Case Overview 02:41 Conflicting Accounts Explained 03:53 How Lawsuits Shape Narratives 07:15 Journalism and Due Process 12:05 What to Watch Next 14:29 Parenting Lessons from Tragedy 16:08 Surrogacy Case Headlines 17:14 Commercial Surrogacy Risks 22:04 Regulation and Political Crosscurrents 25:17 Midterms Cheat Sheet Tease 25:48 What a Wave Year Means 27:23 House Battlefield Math 29:04 Senate Map and Trump Seats 30:18 Key Question for 2024 32:14 Money and Party Funding 33:57 Yard Signs and Enthusiasm 35:46 SmartHER Tips Skincare Picks 36:21 Sunscreen Over Makeup 38:11 Budget Skincare at Trader Joes 39:43 Merit Makeup Fall Reset 41:12 Wrap Up and Farewell
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