Podcast Summary: The 7 — "New video evidence in Charlie Kirk’s killing; Jair Bolsonaro; spotted lanternflies; and more"

Host: Hannah Jewell (The Washington Post)
Date: September 12, 2025

Episode Overview

In this brisk morning news roundup, host Hannah Jewell walks listeners through the seven most important and interesting stories of the day. Today’s episode is dominated by political violence—focusing on the aftermath of conservative activist Charlie Kirk’s killing—including new police evidence, the political and cultural fallout, and broader anxieties about the country’s trajectory. Other major stories include the dramatic sentencing of Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro, the US Senate's battle over confirming Trump’s nominees, surging health insurance costs, research into chronic pain in women, and the explosive rise of an invasive insect across America.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. New Video in Charlie Kirk’s Killing

• Summary:

  • Conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on a Utah college campus Wednesday.
  • Authorities have no suspect in custody. A $100,000 reward for information is announced.
  • New video and photos of a person of interest were released.

• Notable Details (01:22–01:44):

  • Utah Public Safety Commissioner Bo Mason describes the suspect’s clothes:

    "It's important to note his black T-shirt, his black pants, and there appears to be some white on the soles of those Converse tennis shoes. ...a very distinctive T-shirt with an American flag and appears to have an eagle on it. There's also a baseball cap with a triangle on it." (01:22)

  • The FBI faces criticism after Director Cash Patel prematurely announced an arrest.

• Political Reaction:

  • President Donald Trump vows a crackdown on left-wing critics, saying he’ll “punish” those he blames.
  • Trump and conservative media, especially Fox News’ Jesse Watters, label the killing “radical left political violence,” accusing the left of responsibility in the absence of a known suspect.

    Jesse Watters: "This is unacceptable and has to stop and it has to stop now and everybody's accountable. And we're watching what they're saying on television and who's saying what? The politicians, the media and all these rats out there. This can never happen again." (Approx. 03:10)

• Backdrop:

  • Leaders from both parties voice fear over an “escalation” of political violence in America.

2. Jair Bolsonaro Sentenced for Coup Attempt

• Summary (03:40):

  • Jair Bolsonaro, former president of Brazil, receives a sentence of over 27 years in prison for attempting a military coup after the 2022 election, encompassing plots to assassinate his rival.
  • This marks the first time a Latin American ex-president is convicted of such an action.

• International Tensions:

  • The case strains US-Brazil relations, as Trump previously imposed tariffs and sanctions to support Bolsonaro.
  • Trump defends Bolsonaro and draws a parallel to perceived persecution against himself:

    Trump: "Well, I watched that trial. I know him pretty well, foreign leader. He was a good, I thought he was a good president of Brazil. And it's very surprising that that could happen. That's very much like they tried to do with me. But they didn't get away with it at all." (04:48)

3. Controversial Senate Rule Change for Nominee Confirmations

• Summary (05:04):
  • Senate Republicans, confronted with a massive backlog of nearly 150 Trump nominees, move to change the rules: confirmations now possible with a simple majority, allowing multiple confirmations at once.
  • Republicans frame the change as a response to Democrats’ obstruction; Democrats warn it will lead to less scrutiny and potentially dangerous appointments.

4. Health Insurance Costs Set to Soar

• Summary (06:00):
  • Health insurance costs in the US are projected to rise more than at any time in the past five years. Businesses expect a 9% or higher increase, likely passing costs to employees.
  • Those on ACA plans could see costs rise by more than 75% due to the loss of increased federal subsidies.
  • Rising drug costs and global tariffs blamed for the increases.
  • The pressure comes as job-seeker optimism hits a 10-year low.

5. Why Do Women Experience More Chronic Pain?

• Summary (07:20):
  • Contrary to stereotypes, studies indicate women are typically more sensitive to pain than men.
  • Scientists are investigating the biological factors: hormones, genetics, and differences in immune and brain function.
  • Improved understanding may lead to better, more tailored approaches to pain management.

6. Spotted Lanternflies Invade—Literally Off the Charts

• Summary (08:30):
  • Spotted lanternflies, an invasive pest, are appearing in such numbers across the US Mid-Atlantic that they’re being mistaken for actual precipitation on weather radar.
  • While in previous years radar picked up beautiful insect migrations (e.g., butterflies in Oklahoma, 2019), lanternflies are a destructive force harming crops.
  • The public is urged to kill any encountered lanternflies, but even this mass swatting appears to be losing the battle.

    Hannah Jewell: "So even if it feels mean and may not even be working, don't forget to squash any spotted lanternflies you encounter this weekend." (09:30)

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Bo Mason (Utah Public Safety Commissioner) on the person of interest:
  "There's also a baseball cap with a triangle on it." (01:22)
• Jesse Watters (Fox News) on Kirk’s death:
  "Everybody's accountable. And we're watching what they're saying on television and who's saying what? The politicians, the media and all these rats out there. This can never happen again." (approx. 03:15)
• Donald Trump (on Bolsonaro’s trial):
  "That's very much like they tried to do with me. But they didn't get away with it at all." (04:52)
• Hannah Jewell’s lanternfly advice:
  "Even if it feels mean and may not even be working, don't forget to squash any spotted lanternflies you encounter this weekend." (09:30)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Charlie Kirk’s Killing & Police Video: 00:30–03:40
• Bolsonaro Sentencing: 03:40–05:04
• Senate Rule Change: 05:04–06:00
• Health Insurance Costs: 06:00–07:20
• Chronic Pain in Women: 07:20–08:30
• Spotted Lanternfly Invasion: 08:30–09:50

Conclusion

This episode of The 7 provides a swift yet multifaceted snapshot of urgent political news, scientific inquiry, and everyday challenges facing the US and the world. It spotlights anxieties around political violence, legislative wrangling, public health, and even the natural world—delivered in Hannah Jewell’s no-nonsense, gently wry tone. The episode is essential listening for anyone seeking a concise yet detailed rundown of the day’s most pressing stories.