Podcast Summary: The 7 (The Washington Post)

Episode Date: November 25, 2025
Host: Hannah Jewell
Episode Title: James Comey and Letitia James cases; Oval Office sign; Thanksgiving meal costs; and more

Overview

In this brisk morning episode, host Hannah Jewell runs through seven of the most important and interesting stories of the day. Reporting from The Washington Post’s newsroom, today’s episode focuses on high-profile legal dismissals involving James Comey and Letitia James, updates on U.S.-Ukraine peace negotiations, quirky White House redecorations, humanitarian concerns in Gaza, AI-driven hiring bias, new Parkinson’s-sleep apnea research, and the varying cost of Thanksgiving meals across the U.S.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Judge Dismisses Trump-Driven Cases Against James Comey and Letitia James

(00:02 - 01:43)

• Lindsey Halligan, interim U.S. attorney (appointed September), was leading indictments against James Comey (alleged lying to Congress) and Letitia James (alleged mortgage fraud).
• A federal judge threw out both cases, ruling Halligan’s appointment was unlawful, invalidating her indictments.
• James Comey responded, emphasizing faith in the judiciary and readiness for more scrutiny.
  • Quote, James Comey:

    "I know that Donald Trump will probably come after me again, and my attitude is going to be the same. I'm innocent, I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary."
    [01:08]

• The White House responded via Press Secretary Caroline Levitt, vowing a swift appeal and defending Halligan’s qualifications.
  • Quote, Caroline Levitt:

    "Maybe James Comey should pump the brakes on his victory lap."
    [01:29]

• The judge clarified that while the Letitia James indictment could be redone under a lawfully appointed prosecutor, the Comey case may not get a retrial.

2. U.S. and Ukraine Edge Closer on a New Peace Deal

(01:43 - 02:26)

• The controversial 28-point plan (initially pushed by President Trump to end the war with Russia by Thanksgiving) was seen by Ukraine and some U.S. Republicans as too Russia-friendly.
• Officials now report progress towards a substantially altered plan, more palatable to Ukraine but less so to Russia.
• Major unresolved issue: Ukraine ceding territory to Russia.

3. The Oval Office’s Mysterious Signage

(02:26 - 03:32)

• A temporary "Oval Office" sign in ornate gold font appeared outside the presidential office, printed on plain paper.
• After social media and late-night show mockery, the sign disappeared; the White House has not clarified if it will return.
• President Trump reportedly chose the “swoopy” font himself. A spokesperson said he’s “giving [the White House] the glory it deserves.”
• The sign is part of wider Trump-led redecoration efforts: more gilded accents, a renovated Lincoln bathroom, a trimmed Rose Garden, and a new ballroom replacing the East Wing.

4. Dire Winter Looms for Palestinians in Gaza

(03:32 - 04:30)

• Gaza faces severe shortages of tents, poles, tools, and tarps despite a U.S.-backed ceasefire requiring Israel to allow humanitarian aid.
• Over a million Palestinians are exposed to winter risks and disease, amplified by two years of bombardment—most are confined to areas with frail infrastructure.
• Israel denies restricting aid.

5. AI and Racial Bias in Hiring

(04:30 - 05:25)

• Use of AI in hiring is accelerating, replacing human roles in recruitment.
• A new study shows when humans are paired with moderately biased AI, their decisions reflect the AI’s racial preferences, amplifying discrimination.
• Without biased AI input—or with neutral AI—participants selected white and non-white applicants equally.
• Previous research: "AI scanning programs overwhelmingly favored white-associated names."

6. Possible Link Between Sleep Apnea and Parkinson’s Disease

(05:25 - 06:06)

• Researchers analyzed health records of 11 million U.S. veterans (1999-2022).
• Veterans with obstructive sleep apnea were almost twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s within six years.
• Early sleep apnea treatment correlated with fewer Parkinson’s cases.
• Health note: Sleep apnea is treatable.

7. Thanksgiving Meal Costs Vary Widely Nationwide

(06:06 - 07:02)

• Post reporters checked prices for staple Thanksgiving items across different states.
  • Carrots: 65¢/half-pound in Kansas vs. nearly double in D.C.
  • Canned cranberries: 4 for $5 in D.C. (Giant store), $2.19/can in Palm Beach County, FL (Publix).
• Listeners are invited to review receipts via the newsletter link in the show notes.
• Host encourages savings tips for the holiday (reference to a separate episode of "Post Reports" with Michelle Singletary).

Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments

• James Comey on Dismissal:
  “I am not afraid, and I believe in an independent federal judiciary.” (01:08)
• Caroline Levitt on DOJ's next steps:
  “Maybe James Comey should pump the brakes on his victory lap.” (01:29)
• On White House redecorations:
  “President Trump is making the White House beautiful and giving it the glory it deserves.” (03:11, paraphrased from an official)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Cases against Comey & James Dismissed: 00:02 – 01:43
• U.S.-Ukraine Peace Talks Update: 01:43 – 02:26
• White House "Oval Office" Sign: 02:26 – 03:32
• Gaza Winter Crisis: 03:32 – 04:30
• AI Racial Bias in Hiring: 04:30 – 05:25
• Sleep Apnea and Parkinson’s Link: 05:25 – 06:06
• Thanksgiving Meal Prices Comparison: 06:06 – 07:02

Tone and Style

The episode features Hannah Jewell’s brisk, conversational delivery, with succinct reporting, occasional dry humor (especially during the White House sign segment), and an empathetic tone on humanitarian and financial hardship stories.

This summary gives you all the key updates, highlights, and flavor from the episode, making it easy to stay informed even without tuning in.