Podcast Summary: The 7 (The Washington Post)

Episode: Shootings in Australia and at Brown University; Rob Reiner found dead; Kansas City Chiefs; and more
Host: Hannah Jewell
Date: December 15, 2025

Episode Overview

Host Hannah Jewell recaps the seven most pressing and intriguing stories shaping the day, ranging from violent incidents in Australia and the US, the tragic death of director Rob Reiner, a political pulse-check on Donald Trump’s base, the secretive plans for his presidential library, the explosive growth of data centers, and the shakeups in the NFL playoff landscape.

1. Deadly Hanukkah Shooting in Sydney, Australia

[00:01-01:46]

• Incident Details:
  • Two gunmen opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration near Bondi Beach, Sydney.
  • Attack designated as a terrorist incident targeting the Jewish community.
  • At least 40 injured and 15 dead, victims’ ages ranged from 10 to 87.
  • One gunman, a 50-year-old man, was killed; his 24-year-old son, the suspected second shooter, is hospitalized.
  • Police disarmed two improvised explosive devices from the scene.
• Official Response:
  • Australian PM Anthony Albanese condemned the attack, emphasizing unity:

    “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian and every Australian tonight will be like me, devastated on this attack on our way of Life.” (Anthony Albanese, [00:43])

• Eyewitness Account:
  • A bystander described the scene to Reuters:

    “It’s kind of like, I don’t know, fish in a barrel. Like the guy had a, I think of what I’ve been told he had an automatic rifle, big gun, standing on the bridge and just target practice.” ([01:33])

• Aftermath:
  • Jewish Australians gather at the site; national legislators consider stricter gun control laws.

2. Shooting at Brown University, Rhode Island

[01:46-03:00]

• Incident Summary:
  • Gunman opened fire inside engineering and physics building at Brown University.
  • 2 students killed, 9 injured.
  • A previously detained person of interest was released as new evidence shifted the investigation in a different direction.
• Community and Law Enforcement Response:
  • Providence Mayor Brett Smiley called for public cooperation:

    “One of the things that Providence police will be doing and we should let our neighbors know is that we are searching for additional video evidence. And so neighbors in the area of Brown University should expect to see Providence police in the neighborhood canvassing, looking for additional evidence, specifically looking for additional video evidence.” (Brett Smiley, [02:41])

  • University has increased security staffing.
  • Officials stress there is “no immediate threat” to campus.

3. Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead in California

[03:00-03:46]

• Incident:
  • Acclaimed director Rob Reiner (78) and wife Michelle Reiner (68) found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home.
  • Deaths being investigated as homicides; no suspect named or detained.
• Rob Reiner’s Legacy:
  • Directed classics: This Is Spinal Tap, A Few Good Men, The Princess Bride, When Harry Met Sally.
  • Michelle Reiner was a photographer.
• Family Statement:
  • The family expressed heartbreak and requested privacy.

4. MAGA Coalition Fraying: Trump’s Base Voices Concerns

[03:46-04:41]

• Discontent in Trump’s Base:
  • MAGA leaders and supporters alarmed by Trump’s focus on foreign affairs, unresolved cost-of-living crises, closeness to elites, and reluctance over Jeffrey Epstein file releases.
  • Conservative voices warn the coalition is “weakened” and risk defeat in 2026 elections.
  • Trump administration reportedly planning near-weekly rallies to reinforce support.

5. Trump’s Secretive Presidential Library Plans

[04:41-05:34]

• Key Points:
  • Trump and family are developing a presidential library, details tightly held.
  • No federal requirements for donor transparency; donors could be affected by White House policy.
  • On a recent podcast, Eric Trump joked about a “fake news wing” funded by media lawsuit settlements.
  • Trump may emulate the Obama Presidential Center—privately funded, not subject to government review, shaping his narrative and saving taxpayer dollars.

6. Supersized Data Centers Changing America

[05:34-06:22]

• Overview:
  • Explosion of massive data centers—measured in miles—across the country, reshaping communities.
  • A single center can consume as much electricity as a small city.
  • By 2030, data centers could use over 10% of US power supply.
  • Tech companies are turning back to natural gas as the leading source for new data center energy needs, per International Energy Agency.

7. Kansas City Chiefs Eliminated from NFL Playoffs

[06:22-07:03]

• Key NFL Updates:
  • Chiefs lose to LA Chargers, miss postseason after a dominant six-year run.
  • Patrick Mahomes suffers a torn knee ligament late in the game, compounding the loss.
  • Rams and Broncos clinch playoff spots, giving those fanbases reason to be cheerful.
  • NFL playoffs begin January 10; Super Bowl on February 8.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Anthony Albanese, Australian PM, on Sydney attack:

  “An attack on Jewish Australians is an attack on every Australian…” ([00:43])

• Shooting eyewitness, Sydney:

  “Fish in a barrel...standing on the bridge and just target practice.” ([01:33])

• Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, on Brown University shooting investigation:

  “We are searching for additional video evidence…” ([02:41])

• On Chiefs fans:

  “If you have any Kansas City Chiefs fans in your life, be nice to them today…” ([06:22])

Story Timestamps

• Sydney Hanukkah Shooting: [00:01-01:46]
• Brown University Shooting: [01:46-03:00]
• Rob Reiner Death: [03:00-03:46]
• Trump/MAGA Base: [03:46-04:41]
• Trump Library: [04:41-05:34]
• Data Centers: [05:34-06:22]
• NFL Updates (Chiefs): [06:22-07:03]

This episode delivers a brisk, factual rundown of major global and national events, interwoven with direct quotes from newsmakers and authorities, and keeps the tone concise yet empathetic—true to The 7’s morning-briefing style.