Podcast Summary: The 7 – Nov. 18, 2025

Host: Hannah Jewell
Podcast: The 7, The Washington Post
Episode: Epstein files vote; Mohammed bin Salman visit; a clever wolf; and more
Date: November 18, 2025

Overview

This fast-paced episode of "The 7" with Hannah Jewell covers seven top news stories of the day, ranging from potential new revelations in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, high-profile diplomacy with Saudi Arabia, major US Supreme Court and UN actions, to new scientific insights about baby boomers’ wealth and surprising animal behavior. The episode is focused, insightful, and lightly tongue-in-cheek, exemplifying The 7’s signature blend of seriousness and accessibility.

1. House Set to Vote on Releasing More Epstein Files

[00:04–01:32]

• The US House is voting on a bill compelling the Justice Department to release files from its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, the late financier and convicted sex offender.
• This vote ends a months-long standoff between the House and President Trump, who had opposed the release but reversed stance when defeat seemed inevitable.
• Bipartisan support has come from Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA).
• It’s unclear if the Senate will act, but Trump says he’d sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
• Trump’s framing:

  "Let, let the Senate look at it, let anybody look at it, but don't talk about it too much because honestly, I don't want to take it away from us. It's really a Democrat problem. The Democrats were Epstein's friends, all of them. And it's a hoax. The whole thing is a hoax."
  — Donald Trump, [01:15]

• Notably, Trump himself is under scrutiny over his ties to Epstein.

2. Saudi Crown Prince’s High-Profile White House Visit

[01:32–02:30]

• Mohammed bin Salman visits the White House, marking a dramatic turnaround for the once-ostracized leader (implicated by the CIA in Jamal Khashoggi's murder).
• The agenda: signing deals on weapons sales, artificial intelligence, and critical minerals.
• Tech CEOs and business luminaries are attending an elaborate state dinner.
• Despite prior condemnation, US leaders (including former president Biden) have re-engaged with bin Salman, especially over oil needs after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.
• Jewell’s tone notes the irony and speed of international rehabilitation.

3. Supreme Court to Review Key Immigration Case

[02:30–03:20]

• The Supreme Court will consider whether migrants stopped on the Mexican side of the US border can apply for asylum.
• This arises from the Trump administration’s petition to overturn a ruling upholding asylum rights for those outside US territory.
• The case focuses on “metering”—preventing entry to undocumented migrants before they set foot in the US.
• The court's ruling could redefine the rights of migrants intercepted outside US borders.

4. UN Security Council Approves Trump’s Gaza Peace Plan

[03:20–04:20]

• A 20-point Gaza peace plan proposed by Trump has been adopted by the UN Security Council (13 in favor, 0 against; Russia and China abstained).
• The plan:
  • Initiates a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.
  • Requires Hamas to disarm.
  • Gives temporary control of Gaza to a “Board of Peace” led by Trump for 2 years, covering governance, security, and reconstruction.
• Criticism:
  • Hamas says the plan fails to meet political and humanitarian demands.
  • Some Israeli officials find the plan’s commitment to a future Palestinian state unacceptably vague.

5. Research: Trump Admin Cuts Impacted Hundreds of Clinical Trials

[04:20–05:10]

• New analysis reveals the Trump administration’s NIH funding cuts (Feb–Aug 2025) terminated grants for 383 clinical trials.
• Over 74,000 participants affected; infectious disease, prevention, behavioral health, and cancer research disproportionately hit.
• Public health expert’s warning:

  The cuts "could slow progress on medical interventions that could save lives for years to come."
  — [05:03]

• The story highlights both the scale and seriousness of the impact on public health research.

6. Explaining Baby Boomers’ Wealth

[05:10–06:00]

• Baby boomers hold over $85 trillion—making them by far the wealthiest generation.
• Contrary to stereotypes, research credits their success mainly to “lucky timing” and unique economic conditions:
  • Prime earning years aligned with long bull markets.
  • Lower tuition, healthcare, favorable taxes, and much cheaper homes.
• Jewell lightly jabs at the generational brag:

  "Perhaps you've heard a boomer attribute their generation's wealth on their superior financial decision making. Like how they didn't spend it all on avocado toast."

• Conclusion: This era of wealth accumulation is unlikely to be repeated without, as Jewell quips, "a time machine."

7. Clever Wolf Documented Using a Tool

[06:00–08:36]

• Last year, the Haltsuk Nation in British Columbia discovered why crab traps were being tampered with: a wolf named “Red Pod” was filmed using a float and rope to pull a trap ashore, open it, and eat the bait.
• This may be the first documented case of a wild wolf using a tool.
• Research: Adds to a growing list of animals using tools, once believed to be a uniquely human trait.
• Jewell’s approving sign-off:

  “Good for her. ... Perhaps we can find a clever wolf to help us.”
  — [07:34]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Trump on Epstein files:

  "Let, let the Senate look at it, let anybody look at it, but don't talk about it too much because honestly, I don't want to take it away from us. It's really a Democrat problem. The Democrats were Epstein's friends, all of them. And it's a hoax. The whole thing is a hoax."
  — Donald Trump, [01:15]

• Baby boomer wealth:

  "Perhaps you've heard a boomer attribute their generation's wealth on their superior financial decision making. Like how they didn't spend it all on avocado toast."
  — Hannah Jewell, [05:25]

• On wolf tool use:

  “Good for her. This may be the first documented instance of a wild wolf using a tool.”
  — Hannah Jewell, [07:10]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Epstein files vote: [00:04–01:32]
• Mohammed bin Salman visit: [01:32–02:30]
• Supreme Court immigration case: [02:30–03:20]
• UN Security Council – Gaza Peace Plan: [03:20–04:20]
• Clinical trials funding cuts: [04:20–05:10]
• Boomer wealth research: [05:10–06:00]
• Wolf uses tool: [06:00–08:36]

Tone and Delivery

• Hannah Jewell’s delivery is brisk, witty, and occasionally irreverent; she injects light humor while delivering serious news for an efficient and informative listen.
• The episode makes complex events accessible while never shying from political implications or controversy.

Summary prepared for those who want an in-depth understanding of today’s “The 7” without listening.