The 7 – November 18, 2024

Host: Hannah Jewell
Podcast: The Washington Post – The 7
Theme: The day’s seven most essential and interesting news stories, presented with concise reporting and insight.

Overview

On this episode, Hannah Jewell walks listeners through the top headlines for Monday, November 18, 2024. The stories span major U.S. political developments, international conflict updates, consumer health alerts, scientific discoveries, business news, and a controversial tourism promotion in Rome. Jewell provides context, key details, and a few memorable quotes, giving listeners a quick yet comprehensive briefing on the day’s most pressing issues.

Story 1: Trump Administration Picks (00:28)

• Donald Trump's FCC Nominee:
  Trump has chosen Brendan Carr, currently the senior Republican on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as his pick for the FCC chairmanship.

  • Carr had previously outlined an "aggressive agenda" tied to Project 2025, a controversial conservative proposal for a potential second Trump term.
  • Carr promises to confront what he calls a “censorship cartel” made up of major tech platforms: Facebook, Google, Apple, and Microsoft.
  • His nomination suggests potential conflict between the FCC and leading tech and broadcast companies.

• Cabinet Scrutiny:
  Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, is under scrutiny following Post-reported revelations:

  • Hegseth paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault as part of a non-disclosure agreement (NDA); he has denied the claims.
  • Both Carr and Hegseth will require Senate confirmation.

Notable Quote:

• “Carr has vowed to take on what he called a censorship cartel, which he says includes Facebook, Google, Apple and Microsoft.” – Hannah Jewell (01:00)

Story 2: US Policy Shift on Ukraine (01:41)

• Long-Range Weapons Approved:
  President Biden has, for the first time, approved Ukraine’s use of long-range U.S. weapons inside Russia.

  • Previous policy restricted Ukraine from striking deep within Russian territory.
  • The change responds to a new development: North Korea sending 10,000 troops to aid Russian forces in the Kursk region, near Ukraine’s northern border.

• Battle for Kursk:

  • Russia demands the return of the Kursk region before entering ceasefire talks.
  • Ukraine is refusing to concede the territory.

Notable Quote:

• “The reversal comes in response to North Korea's deployment of thousands of troops to aid Russia's war effort against Ukraine.” – Hannah Jewell (02:20)

Story 3: Pope Francis Calls for Genocide Probe in Gaza (02:44)

• Pope's Statement:
  For the first time publicly, Pope Francis is calling for a formal investigation into whether Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide.

  • While he had privately used the term “genocide” before, this release (to an Argentinian journalist for an upcoming book) marks a public escalation.

• Background:

  • Israel faces a case at the International Court of Justice from South Africa, alleging genocidal actions.
  • Israel denies and condemns the accusations.

Notable Quote:

• “Pope Francis called for an investigation into whether genocide is taking place in Gaza … this is the first time he has publicly called for an investigation into whether those actions meet the legal definition of genocide.” – Hannah Jewell (03:05)

Story 4: E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Carrots (03:34)

• CDC Alert:
  A deadly E. coli outbreak has been traced to organic carrots and baby carrots, prompting recalls.

  • At least one death and 15 hospitalizations reported.
  • Sold under brands including Wegmans, Trader Joe’s, and Nature’s Promise.

• At-Risk Groups:
  Young children, seniors, immunocompromised individuals, and international travelers are most vulnerable.

• Action:
  The affected products are off store shelves but “may still be in consumers’ homes”—listeners are urged to check their refrigerators.

Notable Quote:

• “The affected products are no longer sold in stores, but the CDC said they may still be in consumers' homes.” – Hannah Jewell (04:15)

Story 5: Spirit Airlines Files for Bankruptcy (04:49)

• Business Impact:
  The budget airline has filed for bankruptcy protection following a tumultuous recovery from the pandemic.
  • Hopes for a merger with JetBlue were dashed after a Justice Department block, citing consumer concerns.
  • Spirit assures that tickets, credits, and loyalty points remain valid for now.

Notable Quote:

• “If you have a flight booked with Spirit, don't worry, the airline said. People can still use all tickets, credits and loyalty points as normal.” – Hannah Jewell (05:15)

Story 6: Sabertooth Kitten Discovery (05:36)

• Ancient Cat Unveiled:
  Scientists have announced new findings from the 2020 discovery of a 35,000-year-old mummified sabertooth cub uncovered in Siberian permafrost.

  • Exceptional preservation: muscles, fur, whiskers, and bones.
  • Study reveals significant differences from modern lion cubs: a longer, thicker neck and broad, furry paws suited for snow.

• Fun Detail:
  Despite its age, the kitten remains “kind of cute.”

Notable Quote:

• “Even after 35,000 years, it's still somehow kind of cute.” – Hannah Jewell (06:14)

Story 7: Gladiator Experience at the Colosseum (06:34)

• Airbnb Promotion:
  Airbnb is offering visitors a chance to play gladiator at Rome’s Colosseum, complete with training, period-appropriate snacks, and mock battles.

  • It’s a tie-in for the release of “Gladiator 2.”

• Local Pushback:

  • Roman officials and residents criticize the event for commercializing and trivializing the historical site and the lives once lost there.

Notable Quote:

• “One local official said the idea turns the important monument into a theme park, and others say it trivializes the life and death of historical gladiators.” – Hannah Jewell (07:26)
• “So maybe it’s best to leave pretending to be a gladiator to Paul Mescal.” – Hannah Jewell (07:36)

Memorable Moments

• Sharp Opening Recap:
  “Donald Trump made another pick for his administration. Organic carrots are linked to a deadly outbreak of E. Coli. And if you've ever wanted to battle at the Colosseum, now's your chance.” – Hannah Jewell (00:28)

• Witty Closer:
  “So maybe it’s best to leave pretending to be a gladiator to Paul Mescal.” – Hannah Jewell (07:36)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Trump Administration Picks – 00:28
• Ukraine gets long-range weapons – 01:41
• Pope Francis on Gaza – 02:44
• E. Coli in carrots – 03:34
• Spirit Airlines bankruptcy – 04:49
• Sabertooth kitten discovery – 05:36
• Gladiator at the Colosseum/Airbnb controversy – 06:34

This episode captures the whirlwind of political, global, consumer, and cultural news shaping the day—all in a format designed for a quick, engaging briefing.