Podcast Summary: The 7 – November 20, 2024 (The Washington Post, hosted by Hannah Jewell)

Episode Overview

In this Wednesday episode, Hannah Jewell presents the seven most important stories shaping the news, ranging from Trump’s controversial administration picks to a historic moment in tennis. Backed by Washington Post reporting, Jewell covers politics, international conflict, climate change, space exploration, and a celebrated athletic farewell.

1. Trump Announces Key Picks for Future Administration

[00:32]

• Mehmet Oz (Dr. Oz) nominated to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The agency insures over 160 million Americans.
• Linda McMahon (co-chair of Trump's transition team, former Small Business Administration head, and WWE co-founder) tapped to lead the Department of Education.
• Controversy:
  • Democrats criticize Dr. Oz’s lack of government or bureaucratic experience.
  • McMahon lacks background in education policy.
• Both picks require Senate confirmation.
• Related: Allegations against Matt Gaetz and Pete Hegseth—also Trump picks—are covered in depth in the “Campaign Moment” podcast.
• Quote:
  • “The president elect made two high profile picks to join his team yesterday. The first was the TV physician and former Republican Senate candidate Mehmet Oz... Trump wants him to run the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services... Trump’s other big pick yesterday was Linda McMahon, to lead the Education Department.” (Hannah Jewell, [00:32])

2. Legal Uncertainty in Trump’s Hush Money Case

[01:55]

• Trump’s recent election victory complicates the outcome of his New York hush money case.
• He was found guilty on 34 counts in May; sentencing had been set for next week.
• Trump’s lawyers request dismissal; prosecutors oppose but are open to delaying proceedings—potentially until after Trump’s second term.
• Of Trump’s four criminal cases, only the New York case went to trial before the election.

3. Biden Approves Landmine Shipments to Ukraine

[02:48]

• In his final weeks, Biden authorizes U.S. anti-personnel landmine shipments to bolster Ukraine’s defense.
• The move is controversial—over 160 countries ban such mines due to risks to civilians, though the U.S. has not signed the treaty.
• Biden also recently permitted Ukrainian strikes inside Russia with U.S. long-range missiles.
• Quote:
  • “Critics note that the mines are indiscriminate weapons that can cause harm to civilians even after a war is over.” (Hannah Jewell, [03:33])

4. SpaceX’s Starship Rocket Catch Attempt Aborted

[04:21]

• SpaceX’s Starship splashed down in the Gulf after aborting a dramatic attempt to catch the returning rocket booster.
• Previous month’s attempt was successful.
• Starship is vital to Musk’s Mars ambitions and NASA’s lunar plans.
• Elon Musk, now a close Trump advisor, watched the attempt with Trump in Texas.
• Trump praised SpaceX’s technology in his election night victory speech.
• Quote (Trump describing a rocket landing):
  • “But this spaceship came down and I saw those engines firing and it looked like it was over. It was going to smash. And then I saw the fire pour out from the left side and it put it straight and it came down so gently and then it wrapped those arms around it and it held it. And just like you hold your baby at night, your little baby.” (Donald Trump, [04:58])

5. Major Cold Snap and ‘Bomb Cyclone’ Hit the U.S.

[05:20]

• Eastern U.S. prepares for a significant blast of snow and cold after an unusually mild autumn.
• More than a dozen states from Wisconsin to New Hampshire will see wet snow and blustery weather through the weekend.
• A “bomb cyclone”—as intense as a hurricane—strikes the Pacific Northwest.
• Conditions should improve before Thanksgiving travel peaks.

6. U.S. Cities’ Climate Change Resilience Ranked

[06:30]

• Many American cities aren't ready for extreme climate events—floods, storms, wildfires, drought.
• Risk varies by location, but so does “resilience”—the capacity to recover.
• Alpha Geo, a climate modeling firm, analyzed 28 factors to assess vulnerability.
• The Washington Post offers a tool for readers to compare city resilience and risk.
• Quote:
  • “But risk is not the entire story. So is resilience... We built a tool so you can compare your city's risk and resilience scores.” (Hannah Jewell, [06:38])

7. Rafael Nadal Plays Final Professional Tennis Match

[07:28]

• Spanish legend Rafael Nadal played his last match in a Davis Cup quarterfinal, losing in two sets.
• Nadal, aged 38, cites his body no longer allowing him to compete.
• Career highlights: 22 Grand Slam singles titles, 2 Olympic golds, 1,080 tour-level wins.
• Roger Federer praised Nadal for enriching their rivalry and the sport.
• Nadal wants to be remembered as a “good person from a small village in Mallorca.”
• Quote:
  • “He said the way he most wants to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.” (Hannah Jewell, [08:33])

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• Trump’s poetic praise for rocket recovery:
  “And just like you hold your baby at night, your little baby.” ([04:58])
• On the controversial landmine decision:
  “Critics note that the mines are indiscriminate weapons that can cause harm to civilians even after a war is over.” ([03:33])
• Nadal’s legacy and humility:
  “He said the way he most wants to be remembered is as a good person from a small village in Mallorca.” ([08:33])

Timestamps for Quick Navigation

• [00:32] – Trump’s future administration picks
• [01:55] – New York hush money case delay
• [02:48] – U.S. sends landmines to Ukraine
• [04:21] – SpaceX Starship aborted catch attempt
• [05:20] – Major U.S. winter weather events
• [06:30] – U.S. cities’ climate risk & resilience
• [07:28] – Rafael Nadal retires

This episode of The 7 rapidly orients listeners to the day’s most consequential headlines, blending breaking politics, global conflict, science, and sports with direct context and compelling narrative.