Morning Wire – Evening Wire: Bondi Beach ISIS Ties & Fentanyl Declared WMD
Date: December 16, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Episode Overview
This episode of Evening Wire focuses on rising global security concerns, the fallout from terror attacks, domestic U.S. issues ranging from drug policy and military reform to political developments, and notable cultural moments as the holiday season moves into full swing. The common thread is an emphasis on transparency, accountability, and skepticism of mainstream narratives.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bondi Beach Terror Attack & ISIS Links
- [00:20–02:08]
- Details of Attack: Two gunmen, Saheed and Navid Akram, opened fire at a Hanukkah celebration in Bondi Beach, Australia. They had improvised explosives and homemade ISIS flags.
- Investigation: Australian Federal Police confirm ISIS inspiration and recent travel to ISIS-linked areas in the Philippines. Despite the evidence, PM Anthony Albanese asserts no proof of a larger terror cell.
- Police Statement: Navid Akram previously investigated (Oct '19) for extremist associations but deemed not an ongoing threat.
- U.S. Military Casualties: Tribute paid to two Iowan National Guard members killed by ISIS in Syria, with Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds stating,
"Sergeant Howard and Sergeant Torres served our state and nation with honor and in doing so gave the ultimate sacrifice." (01:54, Kim Reynolds)
2. Foiled Christmas Market Terror Plot – Germany
- [02:08–03:21]
- Arrests: German authorities arrest five men (Egyptian, three Moroccans, one Syrian) for planning a vehicular attack on a Bavarian Christmas market.
- Motive: Egyptian imam at a local mosque allegedly incited the plot, intending mass casualties.
- Security Cooperation: Rapid inter-agency efforts credited with prevention, referencing Germany's history of such attacks.
3. U.S. Security Guarantees to Ukraine
- [02:46–03:21]
- Context: U.S. and allies prepared to offer Ukraine security assurances to energize peace negotiations.
- Sticking Point: Ukrainian territorial concessions remain a challenge for progress.
- Aspirations: Hope that U.S. assurances will deter future Russian aggression and push toward ending the war.
4. President Trump Lawsuit vs. BBC
- [03:21–04:28]
- Action: Trump sues BBC for $10B over a documentary claimed to have "deceptively" edited his January 6, 2021 speech.
- Allegation: Documentary cut and spliced speech segments 55 minutes apart, allegedly omitting his explicit "peaceful" protest remarks to make him appear to incite violence.
- Notable Quote:
"...part of the BBC's long standing pattern of manipulating President Trump's speeches and presenting content in a misleading manner..." (03:52, Narration of lawsuit content)
5. Fentanyl Declared Weapon of Mass Destruction
- [04:28–05:29]
- Executive Order: Trump administration officially reclassifies fentanyl as a WMD, aiming to amplify efforts against drug cartels.
- Enhanced Measures: Higher penalties for traffickers; Department of War (DoW) tasked with expanded authority.
- Trump's Statement:
"So we're formally classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction." (04:51, Donald Trump)
- DEA Commentary: Former acting DEA head Derek Maltz says this allows the DoW to leverage all resources, and to address novel drugs like nitazines:
"...to use all capabilities, authorities and expertise to up the game at a new level..." (05:15, Derek Maltz)
6. Senator Mark Kelly Under Investigation
- [05:33–06:59]
- Background: DoW elevates inquiry into Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly for alleged misconduct (encouraging service members to defy "illegal orders" in a video).
- Possible Consequences: Recalled to active duty, possible court martial, or administrative action.
- Military Reform: Secretary Hegseth proposes combining CENTCOM, EUCOM, and AFRICOM, and merging other commands to streamline military operations:
"...the most drastic reorganization of the military in decades." (06:15, John Bickley)
7. SNAP Program Reforms – Junk Food Restrictions
- [06:59–07:54]
- Development: Six additional states (Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee) approved for revised SNAP (food stamp) rules restricting junk food and sodas.
- Trends: 16/18 approved states are Republican-led; Colorado and Hawaii are the only Democrat-led among them.
- Implementation: All reforms go into effect in 2026.
8. Democratic Primary Challenge: Catherine Clark
- [07:54–09:21]
- Race: Jonathan Paz (Fuerza, a left-wing immigration group) challenges House Minority Whip Catherine Clark from the left in Massachusetts' 5th district.
- Analogy: Compared to AOC's 2018 upset of Joe Crowley.
- Paz’s Position:
"Our Democratic leaders are failing us. They're not stopping Trump. They're not making life more affordable... That's why we need to rebuild the Democratic Party." (08:20, Jonathan Paz)
- Leslie Jones on ICE: On a podcast, former SNL comedian calls for ICE agents to be jailed for their actions, sharing her emotional stance:
"All everybody that work for ICE, I want them in jail. I want a reckoning." (08:59, Leslie Jones)
9. New White House Christmas Website
- [09:21–10:15]
- Launch: MerryChristmas.gov features "12 Days of American Design History," highlighting U.S. innovation and historical public works.
- Purpose: Promotes unity, pride, and historical achievements through daily holiday features.
10. Vatican’s Pro-Life Nativity Scene
- [10:15–10:47]
- Theme: The 2025 Vatican Nativity, created with 40 Days for Life, is titled "Nasiamento Gaudium" ("Joyful Birth").
- Symbolism: 25,000 ribbons represent babies reportedly saved from abortion via pro-life advocacy.
- Lila Rose's Commentary:
"The Christmas story is the ultimate pro life story, so it's beautiful to see the Vatican's 2025 Nativity scene reflect this..." (10:47, Lila Rose)
Notable Quotes & Moments
-
On Bondi Attack Investigation:
"What's important that the authorities be enabled to do their work."
(01:23, Prime Minister Albanese statement via narration) -
On Military Reorganization:
"...the most drastic reorganization of the military in decades."
(06:15, John Bickley) -
On Leftward Democratic Challenges:
"They're not stopping Trump. They're not making life more affordable. They're not building a party for the working class."
(08:22, Jonathan Paz) -
On Fentanyl as WMD:
"What this is doing. 200 to 300,000 people die every year that we know of, so we're formally classifying fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction."
(04:44, Donald Trump) -
Leslie Jones on ICE:
"That's what I want. All everybody that work for ice, I want them in jail. I want a reckoning."
(09:07, Leslie Jones) -
Lila Rose on Vatican Scene:
"...wonderful to see him really celebrate the pro life message and, of course, baby Jesus with this wonderful nativity scene featuring the pregnant Virgin Mary."
(10:54, Lila Rose)
Timestamps of Major Segments
- 00:20: Bondi Beach ISIS attack updates
- 02:08: Germany Christmas market terror arrests
- 03:21: BBC lawsuit, Ukraine security talks, fentanyl as WMD
- 05:33: Sen. Mark Kelly investigation and military reforms
- 06:59: States reform SNAP/junk food rules
- 07:54: Catherine Clark primary challenge & ICE controversy
- 09:21: White House holiday website & Vatican pro-life nativity
Overall Tone & Language
Throughout, hosts maintain a brisk, fact-driven, and often skeptical tone about both mainstream narratives and government actions. They emphasize direct quotes from officials and stakeholders, and highlight discussions on policy, security, and ideology with an undercurrent of conservative critique.
This summary captures the breadth and spirit of the episode, providing clear insight into each story and its broader implications without listeners needing to hear the original.