Podcast Summary: The 7 — December 8, 2025

Host: Hannah Jewell
Podcast: The 7 (The Washington Post)
Episode Focus: Seven most important and interesting news stories of the day

Episode Overview

In this brisk rundown, Hannah Jewell covers seven key news stories shaping the national and international conversation on December 8, 2025. Topics range from U.S. citizens caught in immigration sweeps, controversy at the Kennedy Center Honors, new insights in aging research, dramatic sports updates, concerns about child mortality, and even the surprising impact of invasive insects on honey production.

1. U.S. Citizens Detained in Immigration Operations

[00:35–02:03]

• Despite official denials, U.S. citizens are being detained in President Trump’s immigration crackdown.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated, “There’s no American citizens have been arrested or detained…anything that you would hear or report that would be than that is simply not true. In false reporting.” (00:48)
• The Washington Post found multiple documented cases, including video evidence and witness accounts, of U.S. citizens being held for hours or even days.
• Lawyers and community leaders claim even more citizens are affected but too afraid to speak out.
• Context: Supreme Court recently allowed the use of skin color in stops for legal status checks. The story ties to escalating anti-immigrant rhetoric from the President and a muted response from opposition Democrats.

2. Kennedy Center Honors Under Trump’s Control

[02:03–03:17]

• President Trump personally hosted the Kennedy Center Honors, making history as the first sitting head of state to do so.
• The event caps a tumultuous year for the Kennedy Center, marked by Trump-led firings and plunging ticket sales.
• Honorees: Kiss, George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, Gloria Gaynor.
• “He joked that next year he would nominate himself.” (02:58)
• The evening had a heavier political and pro-Trump tilt, drawing criticism for politicizing the arts.

3. Venezuela: Maduro vs. U.S. Military Threats

[03:17–04:23]

• President Trump’s administration continues its aggressive stance on Venezuela, accusing Maduro’s government of drug trafficking.
• U.S. military has intensified its presence in the Caribbean, conducting strikes on alleged smuggling operations.
• Despite pressure, Maduro refuses exile and is reportedly limiting his public appearances and deepening security measures.
• He's strengthening alliances with Russia and Cuba to withstand the threats.

4. Global Child Mortality Set to Rise

[04:23–05:35]

• The Gates Foundation reports the first projected rise in child deaths under age five this century.
• Main cause: major cuts to international development aid, some under President Trump’s administration.
• “If 20% funding cuts continue, researchers predict 12 million more children under five could die by 2045.” (04:50)
• The trend reverses decades of improvement credited to scientific and social progress.
• Note: The problem started before Trump’s second term; WHO had already warned of stagnation.

5. Breakthrough in Aging Research: Mini Mitochondria Factories

[05:37–06:39]

• Texas A&M University scientists pioneered technology teaching stem cells to generate fresh mitochondria and deliver them to aged or damaged cells.
• “They did so by creating mini mitochondria factories, teaching stem cells to create and deliver new mitochondria to damaged and aging cells.” (06:09)
• This innovation may open doors to therapies for diabetes, muscular dystrophy, fatty liver disease, and more, pending clinical trials.

6. College Football Playoff Bracket Finalized; World Cup Draw

[06:39–07:50]

• Top seeds: Indiana, Ohio State, Georgia, Texas Tech receive tournament byes.
• Last at-large spots went to Alabama and Miami after much deliberation. “Sorry to Notre Dame fans.” (07:10)
• The 12-team tournament kicks off December 19.
• Soccer fans can find FIFA World Cup draw results in the newsletter, highlighted by a ceremony at the Kennedy Center where Trump received an unprecedented peace prize from FIFA.

7. Spotted Lanternfly Poop Changes American Honey

[07:50–09:08]

• The invasive spotted lanternfly is not just damaging crops—it’s now altering the taste of honey.
• Bees feed on the “honeydew,” a sweet excretion from lanternflies, and turn it into honey.
• Some describe this “poop honey” as smoky, savory, salty, resinous, and lightly fruity.
• A professional taster says, “It may even have medicinal properties. But that doesn’t mean you should stop squashing lanternflies.” (08:45)

Notable Quotes

• On US citizens mistakenly arrested by immigration authorities:
  “There’s no American citizens have been arrested or detained…anything that you would hear or report that would be than that is simply not true. In false reporting.” — Kristi Noem, Homeland Security Secretary (00:48)
• On Kennedy Center event:
  “He joked that next year he would nominate himself.” — Hannah Jewell (02:58)
• On rising child mortality:
  “If 20% funding cuts continue, researchers predict 12 million more children under five could die by 2045.” — Hannah Jewell (04:50)
• On lanternfly honey:
  “Some of those who have tried it say this poop honey just tastes weird. A professional honey taster, however, described its most common notes as smoky, savory, salty, resinous, lightly fruity. It may even have medicinal properties. But that doesn’t mean you should stop squashing lanternflies.” — Hannah Jewell (08:20–08:45)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• U.S. citizens detained in immigration sweeps — 00:35–02:03
• Kennedy Center Honors under Trump — 02:03–03:17
• Venezuela–U.S. tensions — 03:17–04:23
• Child deaths on the rise — 04:23–05:35
• Anti-aging science breakthrough — 05:37–06:39
• College football playoffs, World Cup draw — 06:39–07:50
• Honey changed by lanternfly poop — 07:50–09:08

Tone & Style

The podcast keeps a brisk, factual pace but remains accessible and at times light-hearted—especially when discussing the Kennedy Center Honors and peculiarities of lanternfly honey. Hannah Jewell brings a mix of serious news reporting and sly humor, directly quoting sources and maintaining a sharp focus on relevance.

This summary distills the key events, insights, and unique moments from the episode, providing essential context and highlights for those lacking time for the full listen.