Podcast Summary: The 7 – Minnesota Strike; Jack Smith Hearing; Winter Storm; Oscar Nominations; and More

Date: January 23, 2026
Host: Hannah Jewell
Source: The Washington Post

Overview

In this episode of "The 7" from The Washington Post, host Hannah Jewell quickly covers the seven most pressing news stories of the day. Topics range from the widespread strike in Minnesota protesting federal immigration enforcement, to major political developments in the U.S. and abroad, a massive winter storm, headline-grabbing Oscar nominations, and a science-backed method for beating the winter blues.

1. Minnesota Strike Against Federal Agent Deployment

[00:33–01:55]

• Theme:
  Minnesota sees a statewide strike as residents, businesses, and labor unions protest against an intensified Trump administration crackdown involving federal agents.
• Key Points:
  • Businesses closed, union members skipped work, and residents abstained from shopping.
  • Protest is directly in response to alleged detentions and racial profiling by federal agents, including ICE reportedly detaining U.S. citizens, pulling people from cars, and two shootings (one fatal).
  • Public outcry intensified after a viral image of a 5-year-old, Liam Conejo Ramos, held by ICE.
  • Minneapolis scheduled a protest march, with broad labor union backing.
  • Vice President J.D. Vance visited Minneapolis, defended ICE actions but stated President Trump directed him to work with local leaders to "turn down the chaos."
• Notable Quote:

  "Working people cannot stand aside while our neighbors are terrorized and our families are fractured because those are our families. Those are our neighbors. Those are us. They are us."
  — David Stickers, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005 ([01:44])

2. U.S.-Canada Rift over Trump's Board of Peace

[01:55–03:00]

• Theme:
  The Trump administration drops Canada from their ambitious new global conflict mediation initiative after diplomatic tensions.
• Key Points:
  • The White House invited 50+ countries to join the Board of Peace, envisioned as a body to rival the UN in resolving conflicts.
  • Trump rescinded the invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney following Carney’s speech in Davos, which implicitly criticized U.S. leadership.
  • Carney’s pointed comment: “If we're not at the table, we're on the menu.”
• Memorable Quote:

  “If we're not at the table, we're on the menu.”
  — Mark Carney, Prime Minister of Canada (context at [02:43])

3. Jack Smith Testifies Before Congress

[03:00–04:22]

• Theme:
  Former special counsel Jack Smith testifies publicly for the first time since his high-profile indictments against Donald Trump were derailed post-election.
• Key Points:
  • Smith led cases on Trump’s alleged mishandling of classified documents and election interference.
  • These cases paused after Trump’s 2024 victory.
  • Smith’s testimony was contentious, with Republicans accusing him of partisan motives—claims Smith firmly denied.
• Notable Quote:

  "I am not a politician and I have no partisan loyalties. My career has been dedicated to serving our country by upholding the rule of law. Throughout my public service, my approach has always been the same. Follow the facts and the law without fear or favor."
  — Jack Smith, former special counsel ([04:00])

4. Massive Winter Storm Sweeps Across the U.S.

[04:22–05:20]

• Theme:
  One of the most severe winter storms in years brings extreme cold, snow, and ice to much of the country.
• Key Points:
  • 202 million Americans under weather alerts.
  • Storm moves west to east, expected to last four days.
  • Crippling ice predicted from northern Texas to southern Virginia, with threats of power outages and tree damage.
  • 10–20 inches of snow expected from Oklahoma to Maine, hazardous travel likely.
  • Wind chills forecasted as low as -55°F in the upper Midwest.
• Resources:
  • City-by-city forecasts and impact ratings available via newsletter (link in show notes).

5. National Park Service Removes Slavery Exhibit

[05:20–06:10]

• Theme:
  Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia dismantles an exhibit on George Washington's enslaved workers, citing a recent executive order.
• Key Points:
  • The exhibit highlighted enslaved people’s lives at the President’s House where Washington lived.
  • Trump’s executive order—“restoring truth and sanity to American History”—has triggered removals of exhibits on racism, sexism, LGBT rights, and climate change from federal properties.
• Context:
  • Part of a broader push to reshape historical narratives in public spaces.

6. "Sinners" Breaks Oscar Nomination Record

[06:10–07:00]

• Theme:
  The blockbuster film "Sinners" sets a new Oscar record with 16 nominations for the upcoming Academy Awards.
• Key Points:
  • Surpassed the previous record held by “All About Eve,” “Titanic,” and “La La Land.”
  • Other top-nominated films: “One Battle After Another” (13 nominations), “Marty,” “Supreme,” “Frankenstein,” “Sentimental Value,” and “Hamnet.”
  • “Wicked for Good” (sequel to last year’s 10-time nominee “Wicked”) was completely snubbed.
  • Full nominee list and analysis provided in the newsletter.
• Oscar Ceremony:
  • Scheduled for March 15 on ABC and YouTube.

7. How to Feel More Hopeful This Winter: The Noticing Nature Intervention

[07:00–08:40]

• Theme:
  Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank adopts a daily nature-focused mindfulness exercise to counter winter blues.
• Key Points:
  • “Noticing Nature Intervention” developed by psychologist Holly Ann Passmore: observe one natural thing daily for 14 days, then write about the feelings it evokes.
  • Study findings: Participants 68% more likely to report above-average satisfaction with life.
  • Benefits: More hope, improved confidence, feeling more connected to goals—even in winter.
  • Host encourages listeners to try the intervention and share feedback.
• Memorable Advice:

  “Whatever you do, don’t forget to wrap up warm.”
  — Hannah Jewell ([08:35])

Notable Quotes

• David Stickers (ATU 1005):
  “Working people cannot stand aside while our neighbors are terrorized and our families are fractured because those are our families. Those are our neighbors. Those are us. They are us.” ([01:44])

• Mark Carney (Canadian Prime Minister):
  “If we're not at the table, we're on the menu.” ([02:43] by context)

• Jack Smith (Former Special Counsel):
  “I am not a politician and I have no partisan loyalties. My career has been dedicated to serving our country by upholding the rule of law…” ([04:00])

• Hannah Jewell (Host):
  “Whatever you do, don’t forget to wrap up warm.” ([08:35])

Key Timestamps

• 01:44 – David Stickers' passionate call for solidarity in Minnesota.
• 02:43 – Mark Carney’s “on the menu” remark referenced.
• 04:00 – Jack Smith’s defense of prosecutorial integrity.
• 08:35 – Hannah Jewell’s winter wellness send-off.

Tone and Style

• The episode maintains a brisk, informative, and compassionate tone, blending urgent headlines with empathetic storytelling. Hannah Jewell’s narration is direct, clear, and occasionally offers moments of encouragement and warmth.

For More Information

• City-specific weather and Oscar analysis available via The Washington Post’s newsletter.
• Host invites listener feedback on the nature intervention via email.

This summary covers all important topics in the episode, provides clear structure and context for each story, and preserves the quotes and tone of the original speakers.