The 7 – January 29, 2026

Host: Hannah Jewell, The Washington Post
Episode Theme:
A concise rundown of the seven most vital national news stories, ranging from political controversies and government funding, to cultural milestones and weather alerts, with an emphasis on reporting and analysis for an informed start to the day.

1. Minnesota Immigration Backlash and Trump's Pivot

[00:03]

• President Trump is under fire from his base for shifting his stance on aggressive immigration enforcement in Minnesota. He replaced local ICE leadership and adopted a softer tone, after two American protesters died during recent federal agent operations.
• Trump claimed to have held "positive and productive conversations with local Democratic leaders."
• Public trust in ICE is declining: "55% of Americans have little confidence in ICE, up 10% since mid December." (Hannah Jewell, 00:55)
• Division among Trump’s advisors: The administration is split between those wanting to continue mass deportations and others urging de-escalation.
• Invasive technology expansion: ICE is now using biometric trackers, phone location databases, and drones to monitor both undocumented immigrants and citizen protesters.

Key Insight:
Political strategy on immigration is fracturing Trump’s support base, while increased surveillance is raising widespread civil liberty concerns.

2. Looming Government Shutdown Over DHS Funding

[01:32]

• A partial federal government shutdown is possible at week's end, largely due to controversy over future funding for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Recent shootings by federal agents have prompted Democrats to demand new oversight and accountability before they agree to fund DHS.
• Budget tangle: DHS funding is packaged with several other departments, so blocking it could shut multiple agencies—including Defense and Health and Human Services.
• Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer:
  "It's now on Leader Thune to separate out the DHS bill...and start working with Democrats to rein in ICE, imposing oversight, accountability and empowering local law enforcement in our communities." (Chuck Schumer, 02:26)
• Six of twelve annual appropriations bills have passed—so a shutdown would be limited, but impactful.

Key Insight:
Immigration enforcement and government oversight are now central to bipartisan budget negotiations, exacerbating congressional gridlock.

3. FBI Searches Fulton County Ballots from 2020 Election

[03:09]

• The FBI executed a warrant at Fulton County, Georgia’s election warehouse, seizing mail-in ballots from 2020—a focal point for persistent right-wing election conspiracy theories.
• Comes shortly after Trump, at Davos, once again called the 2020 election "rigged."
• Trump quote:
  "It's a war that should have never started, and it wouldn't have started if the 2020 US presidential election weren't rigged...People will soon be prosecuted for what they did." (Donald Trump, 03:51)
• Some Georgia Democrats see the search as a threat to democratic elections.

Key Insight:
Despite repeated debunkings, 2020 election claims continue to drive political actions and investigations, highlighting ongoing risks to electoral trust.

4. US Embassy in Denmark Removes Memorial Flags

[04:14]

• The US embassy in Denmark removed 44 Danish flags commemorating soldiers killed in Afghanistan, which triggered outrage among Danish veterans.
• A US State Department spokesperson insisted the removal was routine, not malicious; the flags were later replaced.
• Recent US-Danish tensions: Trump was dismissive of NATO’s Afghan effort and has revived threats to take over Greenland.

Key Insight:
Diplomatic incidents, even minor ones, are amplified by existing tensions and ongoing skepticism of US leadership among allies.

5. Sudden Resignation at Kennedy Center Amid Trump Fallout

[04:49]

• Kevin Couch, newly appointed senior VP of artistic programming, resigned just days after his hiring was publicly announced.
• The Kennedy Center is reportedly "shedding talent," as several artists have canceled appearances since President Trump was named new chairman and added his name to the center’s branding.

Key Insight:
Institutional leadership changes amid political polarization are driving instability and talent flight in major American cultural venues.

6. Nor'easter Set to Impact the East Coast

[05:26]

• A major winter storm is forecasted to bring heavy snow, strong winds, coastal flooding, and dangerous cold up and down the East Coast.
  • North/South Carolina: 3–6 inches of snow; possible coastal flooding and power outages in the Outer Banks.
  • Southeast Virginia to Massachusetts: potential for more than 6 inches of snow.
  • Even Atlanta and north Florida might see snow.
• Hannah Jewell quips:
  "So if you're sick of this. Maybe it's time to pack it in and move to Southern California." (Hannah Jewell, 06:18)

Key Insight:
Severe weather is extending to unusual southern regions, with widespread travel and safety impacts.

7. National Film Registry Adds 25 New Titles, including “Clueless”

[06:44]

• The National Film Registry selected 25 new culturally and historically significant movies for preservation, including:
  • "The Truman Show"
  • "Inception"
  • "Before Sunrise"
  • "Clueless" (1995)
• Four documentaries, notably Ken Burns’ "Brooklyn Bridge," were added.
• Quoting “Clueless”:
  "And in conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty." (00:07:40; original film audio)

Key Insight:
The Registry’s selections highlight both evolving cultural values and the continuing impact of both classics and modern films.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• ICE trust decline:
  "Americans are increasingly uncomfortable with the aggressive approach... 55% of Americans have little confidence in ICE."
  — Hannah Jewell, [00:55]

• Chuck Schumer on DHS budget:
  "It's now on Leader Thune to separate out the DHS bill, just as Speaker Johnson did in the House, and start working with Democrats to rein in ICE..."
  — Chuck Schumer, [02:26]

• Donald Trump on 2020 election:
  "It was a rigged election. Everybody now knows that they found out. People will soon be prosecuted for what they did."
  — Donald Trump, [03:51]

• Pop culture moment:
  "And in conclusion, may I please remind you that it does not say RSVP on the Statue of Liberty."
  — "Clueless," [07:40]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Minnesota Immigration/ICE Backlash – [00:03]
• Government Shutdown Deadline/DHS Funding – [01:32]
• FBI Fulton County 2020 Election Ballots – [03:09]
• Denmark Embassy Flag Dispute – [04:14]
• Kennedy Center Resignation – [04:49]
• Nor’easter Weather Update – [05:26]
• National Film Registry 2026 Additions – [06:44]

This episode of The 7 delivers a rapid but nuanced overview, spotlighting the complex interplay between politics, policy, and culture. Host Hannah Jewell maintains an informed, newsroom-adjacent tone while weaving in wit and direct quotes—perfect for listeners seeking a compact yet comprehensive briefing of developing headlines.