The 7 — October 13, 2025 (Hosted by Hannah Jewell)

Overview

This episode of The 7, hosted by Hannah Jewell, covers the seven most significant stories of Monday, October 13, 2025. With a focus on world events, national politics, workplace trends, and personal stories, the episode delivers a fast-paced, factual briefing designed to keep listeners up to date as their day begins.

1. Hamas Releases All Living Hostages From Gaza

(00:02–01:38)

• Key Events:
  • After over two years in captivity, 20 hostages were released from Gaza to the Red Cross and then returned to Israel, as part of a U.S.-backed ceasefire agreement.
  • In exchange, Israel agreed to release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
  • Hamas is also expected to release the bodies of 28 deceased hostages, though they warn this may take longer due to destruction in Gaza.
  • The release sparked mass jubilation in Israel, with tens of thousands pouring into Tel Aviv to celebrate.
• Political Reactions:
  • Former President Donald Trump arrived in Israel to address the Knesset, where he was highly praised for his role in the negotiations. Amir Ohana, the speaker of the Knesset, remarked:

    • "You, President Donald J. Trump, are a colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history thousands of years from now. Mr. President, the Jewish people will remember you." (01:24)

  • Trump was scheduled to speak later and then travel to Egypt for a summit on Gaza's future.

2. Government Shutdown Hits the Public Hard

(01:38–02:28)

• As the government shutdown enters its third week, effects are felt nationwide:
  • Flight delays, IRS help lines closed, environmental and transportation permit approvals frozen, national park access restricted.
  • President Trump ordered the Pentagon to shift funds to cover military payroll, averting missed paychecks for service members, but civilian employees remain affected.
  • The shutdown’s ripple effects are poised to grow the longer the impasse in Congress continues.

3. Trump’s Federal Power Moves Target Democratic States

(02:28–03:15)

• Amid the shutdown, Trump’s administration intensifies efforts perceived as punitive toward Democratic states:
  • $18 billion withheld for two New York infrastructure projects.
  • $7.6 billion in grants canceled for clean energy projects across 16 Democratic-voting states.
  • $2.1 billion suspended for Chicago-based projects.
• White House claims these are necessary, carefully considered decisions, but Democrats see "a pattern of using the federal government to inflict pain on places Trump considers politically unfriendly."

4. Deadly Tennessee Explosion Under Investigation

(03:15–03:54)

• On Friday, a plant explosion in rural Tennessee killed 16 people.
  • The plant, about 60 miles from Nashville, makes explosives for the military.
  • The blast flattened buildings and scattered debris for hundreds of yards; prior safety violations are noted.
  • Investigation is slowed by hazardous site conditions.

5. Gender Pay Gap Widens as Women Face Return-to-Office Mandates

(03:54–04:33)

• The gender pay gap has started to widen again for the first time since the 1960s:
  • In 2024, women earned 80.9 cents for every dollar earned by men (Census Bureau).
  • Causes include:
    • Women leaving positions due to new on-site work requirements.
    • Insufficient affordable childcare.
    • A personal anecdote: one woman took a $30,000 pay cut to work from home and spend more time with her daughter.

6. AI Videos of Deceased Celebrities Alarm Families

(04:33–05:10)

• OpenAI’s new video generator, Sora, is being used to create lifelike but fake videos of deceased public figures.
  • Some misuse includes racist portrayals of historic figures like Martin Luther King Jr.
  • OpenAI now allows families of recently deceased public figures to request blocking likenesses.
  • [Disclosure: The Washington Post holds a content partnership with OpenAI.]

7. 101-Year-Old Shares Secrets to a Long Life

(05:10–05:54)

• Cy Lieberman, age 101, recounts his remarkable life in an article for The Post:
  • He survived numerous health scares: being hit by a truck at 5, a heart attack at 39, major heart surgery at 89, and a hip break recently.
  • Lieberman’s keys to longevity include:
    • Strong relationships (76-year marriage).
    • Avoiding smoking in youth.
    • Fruit for breakfast, lots of fish.
    • Maintaining a positive outlook.

  • “Most of all, he maintains a positive attitude.” (05:54)

• Full article available via The Post's newsletter (linked in show notes).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Amir Ohana on Trump’s role in hostage release:

  "You, President Donald J. Trump, are a colossus who will be enshrined in the pantheon of history thousands of years from now. Mr. President, the Jewish people will remember you." (01:24)

• On Cy Lieberman’s resilience:
  • “Though his life has been long, it hasn't been smooth sailing for Sy in terms of his health... And yet he's still alive and kicking and everyone is always asking him how he did it.” (05:12)

Useful Links

• Visit the Washington Post homepage/app for updates on the Israel-Gaza ceasefire and summit.
• For Cy Lieberman’s full longevity advice, see today’s newsletter (link in show notes).

Summary compiled and structured for clarity, retaining the tone and substance of the original episode.