The 7 – January 15, 2026

Host: Hannah Jewell, The Washington Post

Episode Theme:
A fast, insightful overview of the seven most important stories of the morning, with a focus on ongoing Minneapolis protests, shifting U.S. military strategy in the Middle East, tense Greenland diplomacy, economic woes in manufacturing, journalistic freedom, a breakthrough in cancer treatment, and the hidden dangers of microplastics in clothing.

1. Minneapolis Protests Escalate Amidst Federal Crackdown

Main Focus: Ongoing unrest after a fatal ICE shooting, increasing federal presence, and stark local response.

• [00:03 – 02:00]
• Protests erupted in Minneapolis in response to the fatal shooting of Renee Good, 37, by an ICE agent.
• The federal government has sent "thousands" of additional officers to the city.
• Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, in a primetime address, pleaded for an end to the "occupation" and urged peaceful protest.
  • Notable Quote [00:50]:
    • Speaker B (paraphrasing local outcry):

      “Armed, masked, undertrained ICE agents are going door to door ordering people to point out where their neighbors of color live… dragging pregnant women down the street, just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans. Kidnapping innocent people with no warning and no due process.”

• The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed another incident: a federal officer shot a Venezuelan man, both hospitalized.
• Video shows intense street standoffs, protestors calling for officers to leave Minneapolis.

2. U.S. Military Realignment & Iran Tensions

• [02:00 – 03:00]
• The Pentagon is moving U.S. troops and equipment away from sensitive facilities in the Middle East.
• President Trump is weighing military strikes against Iran amid a harsh crackdown on Iranian protesters.
• Trump claims informants in Tehran indicate a halt in the crackdown, leaving U.S. intentions unclear.
• Action echoes previous pre-strike precautions in the region.

3. Stalemate Over Greenland’s Future

Diplomatic Sparring Between U.S. and Denmark

• [03:00 – 04:20]
• U.S. administration, via Vice President J.D. Vance, hosted talks regarding a potential U.S. acquisition of Greenland.
• Denmark and Greenland leaders firmly rebuffed U.S. ambitions.
  • Notable Quote [03:53]:
    • Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Denmark’s Foreign Minister:

      “US ideas that would not respect territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self determination of the Greenlandic people are of course totally unacceptable.”

• Trump, unbriefed post-meeting, offered optimism about future negotiations.

4. The Disappointing Reality of Trump’s “Manufacturing Boom”

• [04:27 – 05:20]
• Despite promises and the introduction of tariffs in Spring 2025 ("Liberation Day"), U.S. manufacturing employment has dropped by 72,000 jobs since April.
• Tariffs have complicated business for small and mid-size manufacturers.
• Experts attribute manufacturing’s long-term decline more to technological advances than policy.
• Contextual Data: American factory jobs peaked in 1979 at 19.5 million and have trended downward since.

5. FBI Searches Washington Post Reporter’s Home

Chilling Effect on Press Freedom

• [05:20 – 06:30]
• FBI executed a 6 a.m. search warrant at reporter Hannah Natanson’s home, seizing devices.
• The probe targets a government contractor accused of mishandling classified material; the reporter is not accused of wrongdoing.
• The rare search raises concerns among journalists over growing efforts to restrict reporting.

6. New Hope in Bone Marrow Cancer Treatment

• [06:30 – 07:20]
• Clinical trial of experimental immunotherapy for multiple myeloma shows 80% of patients remain progression-free after nearly three years—compared to 30% with standard care.
• While the treatment carries infection risks, physicians are hopeful about what was previously “unthinkable”—a potential cure.

7. Microplastics from Laundry Threaten Agriculture

Environmental Catch: Everyday Proximity of Pollution

• [07:20 – 08:15]
• Study by Cornell & University of Toronto: Microplastic fibers from washing clothes—especially polyester—are found in treated sewage sludge used as fertilizer.
• These fibers decrease tomato crop vitality; broader implications for food supply.
• Memorable Line [07:49]:
  • Hannah Jewell:

    “Sorry to keep saying sewage sludge while you might be drinking your coffee.”

• Practical advice: Readers can find tips for reducing microfiber pollution in the newsletter.

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• On ICE Actions [00:50]:
  • “They're breaking windows, dragging pregnant women down the street, just plain grabbing Minnesotans and shoving them into unmarked vans. Kidnapping innocent people with no warning and no due process.”
• On Greenland Talks [03:53]:
  • “US ideas that would not respect territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Denmark and the right of self determination of the Greenlandic people are of course totally unacceptable.” —Lars Løkke Rasmussen
• On Microplastics [07:49]:
  • “Sorry to keep saying sewage sludge while you might be drinking your coffee.” —Hannah Jewell

Episode Flow and Tone

The episode maintains The 7’s brisk, informative cadence, with Hannah Jewell’s clear, occasionally wry delivery balancing urgency and humanity. Concerns about civil liberties, public health, policy efficacy, geopolitics, and the silent dangers of pollution are clearly conveyed, making for an engaging, rapid-fire summary of the day’s critical news.

Key Segments:

• Minneapolis protests & ICE tactics – [00:03–02:00]
• US-Iran military tensions – [02:00–03:00]
• Greenland diplomatic friction – [03:00–04:20]
• Manufacturing job decline – [04:27–05:20]
• FBI search of a reporter’s home – [05:20–06:30]
• Bone marrow cancer breakthrough – [06:30–07:20]
• Microplastics in agriculture – [07:20–08:15]