What makes someone a good "tipper" and what hidden fees to watch for on your restaurant bill. How long does the "after glow" of vacations actually last? Why do moms feel so exhausted all the time?

And former First Lady Michelle Obama on the power of saying "no."

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/smarthernews  SHOW NOTES: TAKE THE TIP QUIZ: https://www.wsj.com/business/hospitality/tipping-is-everywhere-and-consumers-are-fed-up-heres-how-some-are-coping-c8a8943e

WHY TAKING A VACATION IS GOOD FOR YOU: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2025/04/20/vacation-health-cardiac-bedroom-benefits/

WHY AM I SO TIRED? https://www.theatlantic.com/family/archive/2025/04/fatigue-mothers-fathers-children/682406/?gift=yJAA0Aj_CO4HLk41aWofahXt0-bsg9LZYmxT1QrXfAo&utm_source=copy-link&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=share

MICHELLE OBAMA BREAKS HER SILENCE: https://people.com/michelle-obama-breaks-silence-skipping-trump-inauguration-11720055

On Tuesday, the FDA announced a renewed focus on food dyes but what REALLY is the "new" news?

Plus - some little known historical context on food dyes from artificially flavored ancient wine to the the very first "mauve" food coloring.

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War correspondent, writer and world traveler Hollie McKay joins Jenna to highlight 3 BIG underreported stories:

1. Ongoing talks between the U.S. and Iran
2. Potential direct talks between Russia and Ukraine
3. Saudi Arabia offering to pay Syria's debt

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The Supreme Court hears a case that may set the precedent for schools in the years to come: can parents opt their children out of a curriculum if they believe it violates their religious freedom? I read you one of the books at the center of this controversy "Prince & Knight."

Also ~

Marking the Oklahoma City Bombing and the Boston Marathon Bombing - and the use of the word "terrorism" in both. What to watch for with reports swirling about the future of the SecDef Pete Hegseth. Notable numbers on the U.S. border.

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Why does the passing of the Pope REALLY matter?  Why does the leader of the Catholic Church matter?

We take a closer look at the significance of the Catholic Church in America (and beyond), what made Pope Francis unique, and what to watch for next in the secretive process of selecting a new leader of the Catholic Church.

Show Notes:

What happens after Pope Francis’ death

Young people are converting to Catholicism en masse — driven by pandemic, internet, ‘lax’ alternatives

Popes through the ages: Some facts you might not know

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On Monday, a magnitude 5.2 earthquake shook Southern California.

Surveillance video captured reaction from around the state - but one video in particular went viral: Elephants forming an “alert circle.”

Mindy Albright, curator of mammals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, joins us to shares her unique insights into this unique behavior by the family of elephants at the park and the lessons for US during uncertain times.

Plus - how you can have a sleepover at the park! 

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Author, commentator and analyst, Gordon Chang on what every American should know about the current state of China, and what he calls “a contest for the 21st century.”

We discuss:

• President Xi’s personal and political vulnerabilities
• How China may lose or prevail in this trade strand-off
• What Gordon thinks President Trump can achieve (and what he can’t)
• What China continues to steal
• And a BIG what to watch for next - including Chinese spies

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The second of two interviews with different perspectives on the same hot topic: education in America.

Should we keep or quash the Department of Education?

Today we speak with Erika Donalds, Chair of the America First Policy Institute’s Center for Education Opportunity Erika believes free market principles and competition will create better outcomes in education over what she describes as the federal overreach currently from the Dept. of Education.  Our previous guest, former Sec. of Education under the Obama Administration, Arne Duncan, presents a different point-of-view; he believes federal oversight will assure accountability and best outcomes for parents and students. You can listen or watch to our conversation with Arne Duncan HERE.

You can follow Erika  @ErikaDonalds across social media platforms.

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The first of two interviews with different perspectives on the same hot topic: education in America.

Should we keep or quash the Department of Education?

First up: Former Sec. of Education under the Obama Administration, Arne Duncan.

Mr. Duncan currently serves as Managing Partner at the Emerson Collective.

~~~~~

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What’s really inside the SAVE Act? We’re also covering Monday's historic Blue Origin launch, the latest on tariffs and what's next in the legal battles over deportations.

The news of the week with less drama. This is your SCOOP on what to know, what to consider and what to watch for next.

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