The 7 (The Washington Post) – Episode Summary

Date: January 14, 2026
Host: Hannah Jewell
Episode Focus: Iran protests; Renée Good updates; Trump’s obscene gesture; vaccine panel controversy; economic outlook; severe weather; red meat advice

Episode Overview

Today’s episode delivers a concise roundup of the seven most important stories in the news. Highlights include escalating anti-government protests in Iran and the U.S. response, turmoil within the Justice Department after a fatal ICE shooting, President Trump’s confrontation at a factory, controversy around a new vaccine panel appointee, shifting corporate sentiment about the economy, forecasts of an intense cold snap, and new nutrition guidelines on red meat.

1. Iran Protests and U.S. Involvement

• Discussion Points:

  • Iran faces a communications blackout amid government crackdown on anti-government protests.
  • Activist reports estimate over 2,000 protesters killed since unrest broke out last month.
  • President Trump publicly signals support for protesters, with repeated suggestions that U.S. help is imminent.
  • Trump uses the phrase “make Iran great again” and calls for protesters to “take over your institutions.”
  • Internal debate: Trump allies caution against potential military intervention due to risks of U.S. entanglement abroad.

• Notable Quote:

  • [01:04] Donald Trump: “And by the way to all Iranian patriots, keep protesting. Take over your institutions if possible, and save the name of the killers and the abusers that are abusing you. You're being very badly abused.”

• Timestamp:

  • Iran protests coverage: [00:01]–[01:19]

2. Justice Department Turmoil After ICE Shooting

• Discussion Points:

  • An ICE agent fatally shot Renée Good in Minneapolis.
  • Federal authorities excluded local officials from the investigation, leading to public outcry and dismay among prosecutors.
  • At least five prosecutors have resigned from the Minneapolis U.S. attorney’s office due to pressure regarding the investigation.
  • Five senior prosecutors from the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division also announced departures—a sign of deep internal dissent.

• Insight:

  • The resignations are seen as a broader vote of no confidence at a moment of heightened scrutiny for the Justice Department.

• Timestamp:

  • Coverage begins at [01:19]

3. Trump’s Obscene Gesture at Ford Plant

• Discussion Points:

  • During a tour at the Ford plant in Dearborn, Michigan, Trump responded to heckling by making an obscene gesture (raising his middle finger) and mouthing an expletive.
  • The heckler labeled Trump a “pedophile protector,” referencing his administration’s actions in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation.
  • The individual, TJ Sabula, was suspended for his actions but stated he has “no regrets whatsoever.”
  • The White House defended Trump’s reaction as “appropriate.”

• Timestamp:

  • Incident and aftermath: [02:21]–[03:44]

4. Vaccine Panel Controversy: Anti-Vaccine Appointee

• Discussion Points:

  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appointed Kimberly Biss, a self-proclaimed “anti-vaxxer,” to a key federal vaccine advisory panel.
  • Biss, a Florida ob-gyn, voiced her shift to vaccine skepticism after the COVID-19 pandemic, referencing a personal and professional journey away from vaccines.
  • Her views closely align with Kennedy’s stance and other vaccine critics on the panel.

• Notable Quote:

  • [04:31] Kimberly Biss: “So I've definitely gone down the rabbit hole since COVID started and when they were pushing these shots so hard I was like, what is going on?... I was not anti vaccine. I am now.”

• Timestamps:

  • Announcement and context: [03:44]–[05:01]

5. Corporate Economic Outlook: Analyzing Earnings Calls

• Discussion Points:

  • Washington Post analyzed hundreds of corporate earnings calls from 2025.
  • Early-year caution shifted to optimism by year’s end, despite consumer pessimism.
  • Executives’ focus increasingly turned to AI as a driver for future growth, with less alarm about tariffs and policy uncertainties.

• Insight:

  • The divergence between executive optimism and consumer sentiment is notable.

• Timestamp:

  • Summary: [05:01]–[05:44]

6. Major Cold Snap Forecast Across U.S.

• Discussion Points:

  • Record warm January temperatures are ending; a major polar vortex system will bring three waves of frigid air.
  • First cold wave expected to hit the central and eastern U.S. imminently, with 10–20 degree drops below average.
  • The third wave expected to be the harshest, with widespread subzero temps from Minnesota to Maine.

• Timestamp:

  • Weather update: [05:44]–[06:35]

7. How Much Red Meat Should We Eat?

• Discussion Points:

  • New government dietary guidelines no longer recommend cutting back on red meat; instead, focus is on reducing sugar and processed foods.
  • Nutrition experts agree with new advice against ultra-processed foods but remain cautious about higher red meat consumption.
  • Experts note red meat’s potential carcinogenic compounds and environmental impacts. Moderate consumption with a varied diet is key.

• Expert Guidance (Paraphrased):

  • “Moderate amounts of red meat and dairy are fine if you’re eating a wide variety of foods and not overeating.”

• Timestamp:

  • Dietary advice: [06:35]–[07:24]

Memorable Quotes

• [01:04] Donald Trump: “And by the way to all Iranian patriots, keep protesting. Take over your institutions if possible, and save the name of the killers and the abusers that are abusing you. You're being very badly abused.”
• [04:31] Kimberly Biss: “So I've definitely gone down the rabbit hole since COVID started... I was not anti vaccine. I am now.”
• [03:44] Hannah Jewell: “The White House said Trump's reaction was appropriate.”

Useful Links/Resources

• Further analysis on red meat and dietary guidelines can be found via the link in the show notes.
• For ad-free episodes and subscriber benefits, The Washington Post encourages listeners to subscribe.

This episode delivers essential, fast-paced coverage of the day’s seven vital stories, blending politics, health, economics, and lifestyle—all in under ten minutes, with the characteristic urgency and clarity of The Washington Post.