Podcast Summary
Podcast: Morning Wire – Evening Wire: Arctic Frost Web Widens & More Epstein Docs Released
Date: November 13, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley (Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief), Georgia Howe
Notable Contributors: Cameron Arcand, Zach Jewell, Andy Valdez, Tim Pierce, Cabot Phillips
Overview
This episode delivers a rapid-fire rundown of the day's top political, legal, and cultural stories. Main topics include major new developments in the Operation Arctic Frost investigation, the release of extensive Jeffrey Epstein files, fallout from the historic government shutdown, international backlash over U.S. military actions, new antifa group terror designations, a high-profile corruption scandal, and the end of penny production in the U.S. The hosts provide concise updates, expert commentary, and quotes from key political figures.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Operation Arctic Frost Probe Widens
- (00:20) Ongoing investigation into Biden’s “Operation Arctic Frost” reveals private phone data was sought from former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and ex-Congressman Louie Gohmert, as well as several GOP senators.
- Kevin McCarthy criticizes the sweep as “political overreach and illegal targeting of lawmakers.”
- Special Counsel Jack Smith claims requests were narrowly focused on the Capitol riot days and DOJ policy was followed. AT&T informed investigators that Smith later retracted the request and no congressional records were released.
- Notable Quote:
- Kevin McCarthy: “This is just the latest discovery in the Arctic Frost probe investigation... calling it political overreach and illegal targeting of lawmakers.” (00:29)
2. Jeffrey Epstein Files Released
- (01:05) House committee releases thousands of documents from Epstein’s estate, including emails, financial ledgers, travel logs, and calendars.
- Democrats highlight a few emails mentioning Donald Trump, while Republicans release a trove of 20,000+ documents.
- House Speaker Mike Johnson announces a forthcoming vote to release all remaining Epstein files after a discharge petition garners enough support.
- Notable Quote:
- Mike Johnson: “There’s now by my count, I think it’s around 50,000 pages of documents that have been released. ...That’s been a treasure trove because included in that was Epstein’s own personal financial ledgers, his travel logs and his daily calendar and all sorts of other things.” (01:44)
3. Longest Government Shutdown Ends – How It Happened
- (02:23) New report details how centrist Democrats worked with Republican leaders privately to end the historic government shutdown, in contrast to more combative strategies from party leadership.
- Their deal split Democratic ranks and sidestepped demands for healthcare concessions.
4. FAA Flight Restrictions Remain
- (02:48) Despite the shutdown ending, major U.S. airports remain capped at reduced schedules due to air traffic controller shortages.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy: Safety remains the priority and caps won’t be lifted until data allows.
- Notable Quote:
- Sean Duffy: “We’re going to watch, analyze, encourage them to come back.” (03:09)
5. TSA Worker Bonuses Announced
- (03:25) Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem awards $10,000 bonuses to TSA workers who showed “exemplary service” during the shutdown.
- Noem personally delivers bonus checks in Houston, emphasizing support for frontline staff.
6. International Backlash on U.S. Drug Boat Strikes
- (03:54) Secretary of State Marco Rubio defends U.S. military action against drug vessels, amid criticism from European allies who claim the strikes violate international law.
- Rubio points out perceived European hypocrisy regarding U.S. defense contributions.
- Notable Quote:
- Marco Rubio: “I don’t think the European Union gets to determine what international law is. ...The United States and this president has made very clear his job is to protect the United States from threats against the United States. And that is what he’s doing in this operation.” (04:26)
7. Antifa-Aligned Groups Labeled Foreign Terror Organizations
- (04:57) State Department designates four European-based antifa groups as foreign terror organizations.
- Consequences include account freezes, travel bans, and potential prosecution for material support.
- The groups, based in Germany, Greece, and Italy, have carried out attacks on government buildings.
8. Judge Orders Release of Illegal Immigrants Detained in Chicago
- (05:40) A Biden-appointed federal judge orders release on bond of 615 immigrants detained during Trump admin raids in Chicago.
- DHS officials sharply criticize the ruling, calling it activist and risky to public safety.
- Notable Quote:
- Trisha McLaughlin (DHS): “At every turn, activist judges, sanctuary politicians and violent rioters have actively tried to prevent our law enforcement officers from arresting and removing the worst of the worst...” (05:51)
9. Operation Dirtbag in Florida Nets 230+ Criminal Aliens
- (06:48) ICE’s “Operation Criminal Return” arrests over 230 criminal illegal aliens in Florida, including sex offenders and violent felons.
- ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheehan lauds the operation as evidence of the administration’s commitment to removing “dangerous criminal alien predators.”
10. Wave of Museum Thefts in France
- (07:19) Recent Louvre robbery highlights a surge in thefts from French museums—eight institutions targeted in recent years, six just since September.
- French government prioritizes enhanced security to safeguard cultural treasures.
11. Media Trust and “Different Information Worlds”
- (07:57) CNN’s Abby Phillip sparks debate by saying one of her main roles is to “explain facts to conservatives,” who, she claims, inhabit a “completely different information world.”
- Phillip underscores the challenge of confronting conspiracy theories and widespread misinformation.
- Notable Quote:
- Abby Phillip: “Half my job sometimes is knowing what the latest conspiracy is so that if it comes up, I’m ready to address it...” (08:24)
12. California Corruption Scandal
- (08:40) Federal indictment unsealed against Dana Williamson, consultant and former chief of staff to Governor Newsom, for an elaborate campaign fund diversion scheme.
- Co-conspirators have already plead out in the case, which involved funneling over $225,000.
13. New York City’s Skyrocketing Rents
- (09:32) Manhattan median rents hit $4,600 in October, third-highest on record. Incoming Mayor Zoran Mamdani promises bold measures including rent freezes and boosting affordable housing, while leasing demand remains strong.
14. End of the Penny
- (10:03) U.S. Mint halts production of pennies after 232 years, as President Trump points to their negative cost:
- Trump (via Truth Social): “...the United States has minted pennies, which literally cost us more than 2 cents.”
- Existing pennies remain legal tender; move will save ~$50 million annually.
Memorable Quotes & Moments
- Kevin McCarthy (on Arctic Frost): “This is just the latest discovery in the Arctic Frost probe investigation, which also examined call data from several Republican senators. McCarthy blasted the effort, calling it political overreach and illegal targeting of lawmakers.” (00:29)
- Mike Johnson (on Epstein docs): “There was another big tranche that came out today, another 20,000 pages. ...That’s been a treasure trove because included in that was Epstein’s own personal financial ledgers, his travel logs and his daily calendar...” (01:44)
- Sean Duffy (FAA): “We’re going to watch, analyze, encourage them to come back.” (03:09)
- Marco Rubio (on EU criticism): “The United States and this president has made very clear his job is to protect the United States from threats against the United States. And that is what he’s doing in this operation.” (04:26)
- Trisha McLaughlin (DHS): “At every turn, activist judges, sanctuary politicians and violent rioters have actively tried to prevent our law enforcement officers from arresting and removing the worst of the worst.” (05:51)
- Abby Phillip (CNN): “Half my job sometimes is knowing what the latest conspiracy is so that if it comes up, I’m ready to address it...” (08:24)
- Trump (on the penny): “...United States has minted pennies, which literally cost us more than 2 cents.” (10:03)
Useful Timestamps
- 00:20 Operation Arctic Frost probe update
- 01:05 Epstein document release developments
- 02:23 How the government shutdown ended
- 03:09 FAA/flight restrictions post-shutdown
- 03:25 TSA worker bonuses
- 03:54 International backlash over drug boat strikes
- 04:57 Antifa groups designated as terror organizations
- 05:40 Judge’s order on detained immigrants
- 06:48 “Operation Dirtbag” Florida arrests
- 07:19 Museum thefts in France
- 07:57 Media narrative and trust debate
- 08:40 California political corruption indictment
- 09:32 Manhattan rent spikes
- 10:03 The end of the U.S. penny
Overall Tone
The reporting is brisk, fact-focused, and occasionally pointed, with quotes from across the political spectrum reflecting the podcast’s conservative editorial stance. The show’s style is dense and news-heavy, offering listeners a quick yet comprehensive catch-up on complex, fast-moving stories.