April 13, 2026
SPOTIFY
**UPDATE** ERIC SWALWELL released a statement on Monday around 5:15 est announcing his intention to resign from Congress.
** UPDATE ** TONY GONZALES released a statement Monday approx. 7:00 p.m. est that he planned to retire from Congress.
Both lawmakers did not specify when their resignation or retirement would take place.
Jenna previews a busy week of major stories, framed by Artemis astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s “Joy Train” message about teams regaining perspective and joy.
Internationally, she clarifies reports about a U.S. “blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz, explaining Central Command describes actions focused on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports rather than blocking international waters, and notes the move follows failed U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan centered on securing a long-term Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, with Iran accusing the U.S. of shifting goalposts; oil prices remain elevated amid a ceasefire timeline.
In Europe, Hungary’s longtime leader Viktor Orban suffers a “stunning defeat” to 45-year-old Peter Maygar, a centrist-right figure focused on the economy and anti-corruption, raising questions about shifts in alliances and conservatism.
Domestically, allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell lead him to exit California’s governor race as Congress debates rare expulsion moves that also involve Rep. Tony Gonzalez, while the First Lady publicly denies any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and urges continued investigation amid disputes over former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s testimony.
00:00 Week Ahead Preview
00:27 Joy Train Mindset
02:21 Strait of Hormuz Blockade
05:41 Iran Talks and Nuclear Standoff
09:33 Oil Prices and Global Stakes
11:04 Hungary Election Shock
14:12 What Orban Loss Signals
17:39 Swalwell Scandal Fallout
22:09 Expulsion Push in Congress
27:41 Melania and Epstein Questions
31:20 Reporting Gray Areas
33:30 Artemis Wisdom and Signoff
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by Jenna Lee, Founder of SmartHER News
