The 7 – Main Stories of December 12, 2025

Host: Hannah Jewell
Podcast: The 7 (The Washington Post)
Episode Theme:
A concise roundup of the day's seven most important and interesting stories, ranging from pivotal political hearings and executive orders to groundbreaking scientific advances and severe weather forecasts.

1. Kristi Noem’s Contentious Congressional Hearing

Key Points:

• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem faced sharp criticism in a congressional hearing, with Democrats demanding her resignation.
• Accusations centered on Noem allegedly lying, breaking the law, and her role in President Trump’s mass deportation campaign.
• Controversial Outcomes:
  • Detention of U.S. citizens in immigration enforcement operations.
  • Deportations of long-term U.S. residents, including U.S. military veterans.

Notable Quotes:

• Rep. Seth Magaziner (Democrat) [01:21]:

  "And it's not just veterans and military families. You are locking up and deporting children with cancer, mothers with babies in the NICU. United States citizens. ... The biggest problem is this: You don't seem to know how to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys."

• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (Republican) [01:41]:

  "Thanks to Secretary Noem and the hard work of Tom Homan and all the brave men and women at DHS, our new Republican controlled admin has produced the safest and most secure border our country has ever seen. Thank you very much for that."

Insight:

• Despite Republican praise for her leadership on border security, Noem is reportedly under internal pressure as Trump considers replacing her.

2. Trump’s Executive Order Against State AI Regulation

Key Points:

• President Trump signed an executive order directing the federal government to sue states that try to regulate artificial intelligence (AI), if those regulations are perceived to undermine U.S. dominance in AI.
• Trump underscored AI’s economic importance and rapid growth.

Notable Quote:

• President Donald Trump [02:51]:

  "We're way ahead of what we ever thought we'd be just from the infancy of AI. ... It could be 50, 60% of our economy going forward for a period of time at least, especially during the startup, is AI and AI based."

Insight:

• Legal analysts predict significant constitutional challenges, as states retain broad authority outside exclusive federal domains.

3. U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker to Pressure Venezuela

Key Points:

• The U.S. captured the oil tanker Skipper near Venezuela, signaling a shift toward more aggressive tactics against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
• The move targets "dark fleet" oil tankers, often used to circumvent sanctions by transporting Venezuelan oil primarily to China.
• Sources report plans for additional vessel seizures to choke Venezuela's vital oil exports.

Impact:

• If successful, this could further destabilize Venezuela’s economy and increase pressure on Maduro’s government.

4. Sudan’s Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

Key Points:

• The U.N. calls Sudan the world’s worst humanitarian crisis: over 12 million displaced, thousands dead due to civil war.
• The Rapid Support Forces, a paramilitary group allegedly backed by the UAE, is kidnapping civilians in El Fasher, demanding ransoms, and executing those who cannot pay.

Further Reading:

• The Washington Post spoke with victims and provided detailed coverage in their newsletter (see show notes for link).

5. Professors Revive Oral Exams to Combat AI Cheating

Key Points:

• In response to AI tools like ChatGPT making cheating easier, some educators are returning to oral exams—a method centuries old.
• Example: One Wyoming professor now quizzes students face-to-face for 30 minutes.

Host’s Take:

• Hannah Jewell [Throughout Segment]:

  "Apparently the students are kind of into it, but I for one am happy to not be quizzed for 30 minutes about anything."

Insight:

• While challenging, oral exams can make it much harder for students to use AI-generated answers during assessments.

6. Record Cold Temperatures and Meteor Shower

Key Points:

• Severe cold and snow forecast across the Midwest and East Coast; temperatures may drop into the -20°F range in some areas by Sunday.
• Approximately 110 million people expected to face extremely cold weather.
• Despite the chill, a highlight for skygazers: The Geminids meteor shower peaks Saturday night, potentially offering 50 green meteors per hour.

Host’s Tone:

• Playful and empathetic, especially regarding weather hardships—"I grew up in California so I have no useful advice for you. All I can say is good luck."

7. Breakthrough in Tiny Medical Robots

Key Points:

• Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania and University of Michigan have created the world’s smallest self-directing robot, under 1 millimeter—smaller than a grain of salt.
• The robot features an onboard computer, sensors, and a motor, enabling it to potentially:
  • Navigate through the human body
  • Rewire nerves or deliver medication precisely
  • Monitor specific cells—all without surgery

Host’s Excitement:

• Hannah Jewell:

  "It's a miniscule robot with an onboard computer, sensors and a motor. ... It's pretty cool."

Newsletter Reference:

• Photo of the robot available in the podcast newsletter.

Notable Quotes & Moments — Quick Reference

• Rep. Seth Magaziner [01:21]:
  "You don't seem to know how to tell the difference between the good guys and the bad guys."
• Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene [01:41]:
  "Our new Republican controlled admin has produced the safest and most secure border our country has ever seen."
• President Trump on AI [02:51]:
  "We're way ahead ... both ... we want to be very careful with with it. ... It could be 50, 60% of our economy going forward..."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Kristi Noem hearing: [00:18]–[02:10]
• Trump’s AI executive order: [02:10]–[03:12]
• Venezuela oil seizures: [03:12]–[03:55]
• Sudan kidnapping crisis: [03:55]–[04:52]
• Oral exams for AI cheating: [04:52]–[05:51]
• Record cold & meteor shower: [05:51]–[06:54]
• Microrobots breakthrough: [06:54]–[07:52]

Overall Tone & Delivery:

• Hannah Jewell combines clarity, brisk pacing, and occasional humor, making complex issues accessible and relatable.
• The episode offers quick, authoritative summaries, with The Washington Post’s characteristic focus on both U.S. and global stories.

This episode delivers an efficient, well-balanced digest of the top headlines, from high-stakes political drama and policy to scientific wonders and practical weather alerts—ideal for listeners seeking to stay informed in minutes.