Hello Friends,
So ... just another slow news week, eh? :)
I won't write much about the midterms because ... I'm sure you've heard ENOUGH.
Instead, hear from our own amazingly insightful SmartHER News community from all over the nation, which I prioritized in this week's podcast and YouTube video. If you want to get these reports delivered to your inbox, ad-free, consider becoming an Insider!
📱Text STOP: I confess: I do give my phone number out sometimes to "strangers" (retail sites) to get an extra 15% discount when online shopping! But thanks to data brokers that compile and sell data legally, that's likely one reason political groups have my number.
🐣 Birthplace Of A Staple: My favorite non-political story from the 2026 election cycle comes from New Hampshire — the home state of Senator-elect Chris Pappas. Pappas made news as the first openly gay man in the Senate (we compiled our "firsts" here), but what caught my attention? His family's restaurant claims to have invented the chicken tender.
🇺🇸 Jeopardy Anyone?: The 2026 midterms brought us another milestone: the election of the first Native American female governor and the first Native American female U.S. senator. This prompted a perceptive member of our community to ask an excellent question: "How can a Native American belong to a sovereign tribal nation while simultaneously serving the American nation?" Admittedly, I had never deeply considered this, but this answer from the Department of Justice clearly explains, "American Indians and Alaska Natives are citizens of the United States and of the states in which they reside. They are also citizens of the Tribes according to the criteria established by each Tribe."
This dual citizenship has historic precedent in Washington. Meet the first Native American vice president: Charles Curtis. Born in the Kansas Territory before statehood, Curtis built a long legacy in both the House and the Senate before ascending to the vice presidency in 1929 under President Herbert Hoover.
Fresh Air: I bought an extra one of these air purifiers to dispel paint fumes in our home. It worked like a charm, and it's also on sale.
Fresh Kicks: I wanted to update my tennis shoes for travel and running around town. This early Black Friday sale from Nordstrom has these cute, lightweight New Balance sneakers for 25% off. (I also grabbed these great fall boots for 50% off)
Fresh Strands: K18 is my go-to for all hair-related items. I'm trying out the new hair longevity serum (I will report back, but I can't seem to do it everyday as required.) However, I'm already a fan of their HeatBounce (blow out spray/heat protector), dry shampoo (in a spray) and volume spray. (I included some travel sizes so you can experiment with low commitment.)
Wishing you a peaceful weekend ~ free from spam texts!
🩷,
Jenna
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If you want to check out Agatha Christie's typewriter? This article is worth a read.
