

The 7
The Washington Post
Every minute of your morning counts. Host Hannah Jewell takes you through the seven most important and interesting stories of the day, with the reporting and insight of The Washington Post. Get caught up in just a few minutes every weekday at 7 a.m.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 24, 2025 • 21min
Try This: Anyone can be an altruist
You can read today’s edition of The 7 newsletter here. In the meantime, we’re sharing something else you can listen to now or over the holiday weekend. It’s the first “class” of the recent Try This series on giving. What’s really going on inside the brain of an altruist? Why do altruists care so much more for a stranger who needs help? Why are they so willing to give away a kidney?In this episode, host Cristina Quinn explores what it means to be an altruist with Abigail Marsh, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at Georgetown University. Together, they break down how altruists view their own actions and how others can become more altruistic too.Marsh offers insight into what scientists know about altruists and shares surprising findings from her own research. She also tells us how you can build the muscle of giving more in simple steps that fit your lifestyle.Read more about Marsh’s work on altruism here. Also, read Washington Post Brain Matters columnist Richard Sima’s story on how doing good is good for you.Subscribe to The Washington Post or connect your subscription in Apple Podcasts.

Dec 23, 2025 • 9min
Epstein files; Trump battleships; ICE messages; Banksy mural; and more
This discussion reveals intriguing revelations from newly released Epstein documents tying to President Trump. It also covers Trump's announcement of battleships named after him, dubbed the Golden Fleet. Internal chats expose ICE's strategic approach to creating viral videos. Young adults are increasingly disillusioned with homeownership prospects, impacting their financial decisions. Plus, many teens are secretly using AI companions without their parents knowing. And there's fresh intrigue from a new Banksy mural making waves in London.

Dec 22, 2025 • 8min
An emerging GOP rivalry; Epstein files; gamers' brains; and more
Ted Cruz is eyeing a 2028 presidential run, potentially clashing with J.D. Vance. Congress is pushing for accountability on Epstein documents amid ongoing controversies. Major changes in the federal workforce loom, with significant personnel shifts expected in 2025. Meanwhile, the U.S. is intercepting oil tankers off Venezuela to pressure Maduro's regime. Interesting findings indicate specific demographics are more likely to work from home, while storms threaten travel on the West Coast. Lastly, studies suggest that gaming might help slow brain aging.

28 snips
Dec 19, 2025 • 9min
Brown University gunman; ‘Trump Kennedy Center’; how to feel wonder; and more
A tragic shooting at Brown University leads to the discovery of the suspect's body. In a surprising move, the Kennedy Center board votes to rename their venue after Trump, sparking public outrage. Recent presidential pardons have left fraud victims reeling as their financial claims vanish. Meanwhile, a study reveals that just 20 minutes of viewing art can significantly reduce stress. In a heartwarming twist, a polar bear has adopted an extra cub, showcasing the wonders of wildlife conservation.

7 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 9min
Trump’s White House address; a crackdown on leftists; Alzheimer’s tests; and more
Trump delivers a fiery 18-minute address targeting Biden, complete with new mock plaques near the Rose Garden. Legislative changes are halting Coast Guard promotions, while the administration intensifies scrutiny on leftist networks. In health news, major breakthroughs in Alzheimer's blood tests promise earlier detection. Meanwhile, U.S. and Chinese satellites engage in strategic maneuvers in orbit, raising concerns about surveillance. It's a whirlwind of political drama, health advancements, and technological tensions.

21 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 10min
Venezuela blockade; Susie Wiles interviews; plastic chemicals; and more
Discover the U.S. blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers and the potential designation of Maduro's government as terrorists. Hear about the defense of Susie Wiles following revealing interviews and Trump's public support. Delve into the chilling story of Nick Reiner, charged with his parents' killings. Explore advances in brain health linked to muscle mass and the widespread presence of harmful plastic chemicals in our bodies. Tune in for these eye-opening stories that touch upon current events and health.

6 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 9min
Hunt for the Brown University shooter; Bondi Beach gunmen; Trump’s Rob Reiner post; and more
A manhunt is underway for the shooter involved in a Brown University campus incident, igniting frustration among students. In Sydney, an ISIS-inspired attack at Bondi Beach raises alarming security concerns. Rob Reiner's family is in the spotlight with his son facing murder charges. The Pentagon is considering significant shifts in military power, while Trump continues to sign executive orders, including naming fentanyl a weapon of mass destruction. Lastly, a protein expert shares dietary tips for healthy aging, and AI image bots tackle new challenges in content creation.

7 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 9min
Shootings in Australia and at Brown University; Rob Reiner found dead; Kansas City Chiefs; and more
A terror declaration follows a shocking shooting during a Hanukkah celebration in Australia, prompting discussions on gun laws. Meanwhile, a campus shooting at Brown University prompts heightened security measures. In tragic news, filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife are found dead under mysterious circumstances. As political tensions rise, MAGA leaders express concerns over Trump's weakening support. Plus, energy woes loom large with the rise of massive data centers and the Kansas City Chiefs face playoff heartbreak as Patrick Mahomes gets injured.

14 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 10min
Kristi Noem hearing; Trump order on AI; record cold weather; tiny robots; and more
Join a lively discussion about Kristi Noem's tumultuous congressional hearing and the mounting pressure for her resignation. Discover the implications of Trump's new AI executive order, stirring debate among legal experts. Delve into the U.S. efforts to seize oil tankers off Venezuela's coast, a tactical move against Maduro. On a humanitarian note, alarming reports emerge from Sudan about mass kidnappings. Plus, find out how professors are combating AI cheating and learn about the astonishing world's smallest autonomous micro-robot, poised to revolutionize medicine.

18 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 9min
Seized oil tanker; Trump administration billionaires; interest rates; ancient fire; and more
The U.S. has seized an oil tanker off Venezuela, sparking protests and claims of piracy. New reports reveal the Trump administration is home to twelve billionaires, raising eyebrows over their influence. The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates, impacting economic signals. A shocking lawsuit alleges ChatGPT played a role in a tragic murder. Meanwhile, a revolutionary discovery of a 400,000-year-old human-made fire challenges our understanding of evolution. Also, the State Department is swapping Calibri for Times New Roman in a font accessibility debate.


