Podcast Summary: The 7 – November 19, 2025

Host: Hannah Jewell, The Washington Post
Episode Theme:
A rapid, insightful roundup of the seven most important news stories of the day, from Jeffrey Epstein files and Jamal Khashoggi’s killing to volcano-powered energy and new tech-and-brain research.

1. House Passes Bill to Release Jeffrey Epstein Files

• [00:08] The House overwhelmingly passed a bill requiring the Justice Department to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein. The vote was 427-1, indicating rare bipartisan consensus.
• The Senate has signaled it will also pass the bill as soon as it arrives, reflecting “overwhelming support.”
• President Trump, after weeks of resistance, has now pledged to sign the bill.
• Survivor Response: About a dozen Epstein accusers, including Haley Robson, held a news conference outside the Capitol. Robson directly addressed President Trump, expressing skepticism about his motives:
  • Quote (Haley Robson, 01:07):
    “While I do understand that your position has changed on the Epstein files and I’m grateful that you have pledged to sign this bill, I can’t help to be skeptical of what the agenda is… I am traumatized. I am not stupid. I am traumatized. I am not stupid.”
• Notable Insight: Signing the bill does not guarantee immediate release—exceptions allow the Justice Department to withhold materials that could jeopardize active investigations.
• Related Development: Last Friday, Trump ordered a new federal investigation related to Epstein, focused entirely on Democrats.

2. Trump Downplays Jamal Khashoggi’s Killing

• [02:36] Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Washington for the first time since the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
• President Trump publicly defended the Crown Prince during a press appearance:
  • Quote (Donald Trump, 02:36):
    “As far as this gentleman is concerned, he’s done a phenomenal job. You’re mentioning somebody that was extremely controversial… Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen, but he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that. You don’t have to embarrass our guests by asking a question like that.”
• Trump’s remarks contradict U.S. intelligence findings that implicated the crown prince.
• Host’s Analysis: Trump’s language is “the highest level confirmation yet that Muhammad will face few consequences for the killing.”

3. Trump Administration Moves to Dismantle the Department of Education

• [02:56] Following an executive order earlier this year, Trump officials outlined steps to dismantle the Education Department internally by moving key offices to other federal agencies.
• Offices affected include those administering billions in grants for K-12 and programs helping students finish college.
• Reaction: Public education advocates are outraged, believing this threatens vital protections and services for students.

4. Escalating Israeli Settler Violence in the West Bank

• [03:57] Surge in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, including attacks on villages, torching of a mosque, and assault of both Palestinian residents and Israeli security forces.
• The attacks have especially targeted the annual olive harvest—symbolic and economically significant for Palestinians.
• Commentary: Current and former Israeli security officials blame government policy for encouraging or enabling settler violence.

5. Growing Pedestrian Fatalities in the United States

• [04:48] While other countries have seen pedestrian fatalities decrease, the U.S. saw a 70% increase (2010–2023).
• Hotspots are primarily on thoroughfares in economically distressed neighborhoods.
• The Washington Post’s investigation includes an interactive tool to check local danger zones (available via their newsletter).

6. America’s Most Dangerous Volcano Goes Green: Geothermal Energy

• [05:39] Engineers are constructing the world’s hottest geothermal plant at Oregon’s Newberry Volcano.
• Electricity from this project will soon power area homes and businesses.
• This technology could make geothermal cheaper and more reliable, with potential for significant global scale-up—from less than 1% of electricity today to possibly 8% by 2050 (per the International Energy Agency).

7. Digital Technology Linked to Lower Risk of Cognitive Decline

• [06:34] Contrary to popular belief, new research links digital technology use (smartphones, computers, Internet) to a 58% reduced risk of cognitive impairment in people over 50, based on a meta-analysis of 57 studies.
• Caveat: The research is correlational—not causal. Risks for older users include scams, misinformation, and manipulated content.
• Host’s Humor (06:53):
  “If you’re over 50, do not take this story as an excuse to spend the day yelling at your family on Facebook… but if you’re using tech to challenge your brain and connect with others, have fun out there.”

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Haley Robson’s message to Trump (Epstein Files, 01:07):
  “I am traumatized. I am not stupid.”
• Trump on bin Salman (Khashoggi, 02:36):
  “Whether you like him or didn’t like him, things happen, but he knew nothing about it, and we can leave it at that.”
• Host’s closing on tech and the brain (06:53):
  “Do not take this story as an excuse to spend the day yelling at your family on Facebook…”

Useful Timestamps

• Epstein Files Vote & Survivors – [00:08] – [01:40]
• Khashoggi/Trump/Saudi Arabia – [02:36] – [02:56]
• U.S. Education Dept. Dismantling – [02:56] – [03:57]
• Israeli Settler Violence – [03:57] – [04:48]
• Pedestrian Fatalities – [04:48] – [05:39]
• Volcano Geothermal Energy – [05:39] – [06:34]
• Tech & Brain Research – [06:34] – [07:36]

Tone & Style

• Fast-paced, direct, and accessible, with host Hannah Jewell blending wit and gravity.
• Balances headline urgency with personal insights and touches of humor.

Summary prepared for listeners seeking an informed, thorough, and engaging digest—whether you missed the episode or just want the essentials.