The 7 – November 26, 2025

Episode Summary:

Host: Hannah Jewell
Main Theme:
Hannah Jewell walks listeners through the seven major stories shaping the day, ranging from political controversies involving the FBI and Democratic lawmakers, to Trump’s White House ambitions, national park fee hikes for foreign visitors, Medicare drug pricing reforms, nuclear startups, corporate discrimination lawsuits, and the sobering truth about smartphone usage.

1. FBI Interviews Democrats Over Military Video

Overview:

• The FBI has requested interviews with six Democratic lawmakers who appeared in a viral video reminding U.S. service members to disobey unlawful orders.
• The video was seemingly related to Trump’s aggressive military campaigns in Latin America.
• President Trump publicly called the lawmakers “traitors” and urged their arrest, claiming their actions were seditious.
• Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (a retired naval officer) is under an unprecedented review by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for possible unlawful conduct.
• The probe is seen as a potential example of the Justice Department targeting Trump's political opponents at his prompting.

Key Quotes:

• “To be honest, the president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video. He believes in using the federal government against his perceived adversaries.” — Senator Alyssa Slotkin (Michigan), [01:35]

Memorable Moments:

• The issue reflects the tension between checks on presidential power and the potential weaponization of federal agencies.

2. Trump’s White House Ballroom Battles

Overview:

• President Trump is personally involved in planning a 90,000 sq. ft. addition to the White House: a grand ballroom.
• Trump’s chosen architect, James McCreary, and the former President are at odds over its size. McCreary urges restraint, worried about overshadowing the historic building.
• The dispute highlights Trump’s penchant for extravagance and “grandiose aesthetic.”

Key Insight:

• In architecture, it’s generally frowned upon to build additions that dwarf the main structure—a norm Trump is challenging.

Memorable Moment:

• The debate frames Trump’s tastes vs. traditional architectural guidance.

3. National Park Fee Hikes for Foreign Visitors

Overview:

• Starting next year, foreign visitors will pay $250 for an annual “America the Beautiful” national park pass (up from $80 for U.S. residents).
• Nonresident visitors without an annual pass must pay a $100 surcharge to enter the 11 most-visited parks (e.g., Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Yosemite).
• U.S. permanent residents 62+ pay just $20, and passes remain free for U.S. military and fourth graders.
• The Department of the Interior claims the new structure puts American families first.
• Concern from some tourist boards: the measure may deter international tourism.

Memorable Moment:

• The fee disparity and its potential impact on foreign tourism are actively debated.
• “A news release from the Department of the Interior yesterday said the new fee structure puts American families first, but some tourist boards are worried it could lead to fewer international tourists.” — Hannah Jewell, [03:27]

4. Medicare Announces Price Cuts on 15 Drugs

Overview:

• The Trump administration declared it will pay lower prices for 15 key prescription drugs under Medicare.
• Drugs affected include GLP1 medications (Ozempic, Wegovy), cancer, and asthma meds.
• This move is estimated to save $12 billion compared to last year’s spending.
• The new prices take effect in January 2026.

Notable Quote:

• President Trump has often called Ozempic “the fat drug,” pressing for cost reductions.

Key Facts:

• GLP1 drugs are used by around 16 million Americans for weight loss and diabetes.
• The cuts are part of Trump's broader push to reduce drug spending.

5. Trump-Linked Nuclear Startups Attract Billions

Overview:

• Startups like Fermi America (co-founded by ex-Energy Secretary Rick Perry) are seeing a boom in investment, despite lacking operational reactors.
• Fermi received substantial investor cash soon after filing to build the “Donald J. Trump Advanced Energy and Intelligence Campus.”
• Other nuclear startups with Trump connections and unproven tech are similarly benefitting.
• Fermi CEO Toby Neugebauer denies trading on political connections; officials insist regulatory reviews are rigorous.

Key Insight:

• “Fermi America has not yet built a nuclear reactor, split an atom or even produced an electron. But the nuclear company does have some things going for it.” — Hannah Jewell, [05:02]

6. Campbell’s Executive Accused of Discriminatory Remarks

Overview:

• Martin Bali, Campbell’s vice president and chief information security officer, is on leave after allegations of making disparaging remarks, including calling Campbell’s products, “for poor people.”
• Lawsuit brought by ex-employee Robert Garza, who was reportedly fired after whistleblowing.
• Allegations include making offensive comments about Indian employees.
• Campbell’s is conducting an internal investigation.

Notable Quotes:

• Bali allegedly stated: “If you look at our pantry, we still we have for, for people, right?” — Recording played, [06:48]
• “Bali also allegedly made disparaging comments about Indian employees.” — [07:00]

7. How Many Times Do You Unlock Your Phone?

Overview:

• Many drastically underestimate their daily phone pickups (guess: ~10; reality: 50–100+ per day for younger people).
• Excessive phone checking—every 10–20 minutes—harms focus and memory.
• Research shows 72 hours away from smartphones triggers withdrawal-like brain activity.

Notable Quote:

• “I dare you to go look. Mine are hovering around 100 daily. Here’s why that’s bad. Other research shows that glancing at your phone a lot can begin to compromise your cognitive skills, draining focus and memory.” — Hannah Jewell, [07:20]

Memorable Moment:

• Host challenges listeners to check their own phone data.

Notable Quotes and Moments by Timestamp

• 01:35 — Sen. Alyssa Slotkin: “The president’s reaction and the use of the FBI against us is exactly why we made the video. He believes in using the federal government against his perceived adversaries.”
• 03:27 — Fee hikes and potential impact on international tourism.
• 05:02 — Hannah Jewell on Trump-favored nuclear startups: “Fermi America has not yet built a nuclear reactor, split an atom or even produced an electron. But the nuclear company does have some things going for it.”
• 06:48 — Martin Bali per lawsuit: “If you look at our pantry, we still we have for, for people, right?”
• 07:20 — Hannah Jewell on phone usage: “Mine are hovering around 100 daily. Here’s why that’s bad…”

Episode Flow and Tone

• Concise, news-focused, and lightly conversational—typical of daily briefings.
• Use of direct quotes and a mix of serious and playful moments (especially on phone use).
• No discussion of ads, intros, or outros included above.

This summary gives a rich, accessible capture of the episode’s news highlights, suited for keeping up with the day’s biggest stories even if you missed the full podcast.