Evening Wire: Several Top Scientists Missing & Trump Greenlights Psychedelics Research | 4.20.26

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Morning Wire — Evening Wire: Several Top Scientists Missing & Trump Greenlights Psychedelics Research

Date: April 20, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe (The Daily Wire)
Main Theme:
A fast-moving, fact-focused recap of major U.S. and international news stories, centering on escalating tensions in Iran, mysterious deaths and disappearances of elite scientists, Trump’s new executive order on psychedelic research, and notable stories in science, energy, and culture.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. U.S.–Iran Tensions Surge

Segment: [00:56–02:09]

• Trump asserts sole responsibility for Iran strikes: Trump clarified via Truth Social, “Israel never talked me into a war with Iran,” emphasizing his stance was motivated by concerns over Iran’s nuclear program rather than foreign influence ([01:01], Tim Pierce).
  • Quote: “Iran could have a, quote, great and prosperous future if its leadership changes course.”
• Conflict in Strait of Hormuz:
  • Iran fired on an Indian tanker.
  • U.S. forces boarded and seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Tuska after a tense standoff ([01:41], Georgia Howe & John Bickley).
  • Audio exchange: "Motor vessel Tusca, vacate your engine room." “[We’re prepared to] subject you to disabling fire.”
  • Resolution: U.S. disabled ship engines, took control with no reported injuries. Iran claims non-resistance to protect crew families ([02:09], Georgia Howe).

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2. Tragedy in Louisiana: Family Shooting

Segment: [02:32–03:09]

• Incident Details: 31-year-old army veteran fatally shot eight children (seven his own) and invaded three homes. Two mothers survived; one child escaped by jumping from a roof ([02:44], Joel Niedler).
  • Quote: “[He] was targeting his own family... At least one child, a 13-year-old boy, was able to escape... jumping from the roof.”
• Police still searching for motive.

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3. U.S. and Mexican Officials Killed in Cartel Fight

Segment: [03:09–03:35]

• Fatal car crash: Four officials (two U.S., two Mexican) died while working against cartels in Chihuahua, Mexico ([03:09], Georgia Howe).
  • Memorialized by U.S. ambassador as a “solemn reminder of the risks faced by... those dedicated to protecting our communities.”

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4. Gas Prices: Outlook Still Bleak

Segment: [03:35–04:20]

• Energy Secretary’s Warning:
  • Gas prices unlikely to drop soon; possibly not until 2027, staying above $4/gallon ([03:46], Lauren Baer).
    • “[Prices] could fall later this year or possibly not until 2027.”
  • Democrats criticize lack of a clear plan to lower prices.

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5. Earthquake Off Japanese Coast & Tsunami Watch

Segment: [04:20–04:54]

• 7.7 Magnitude Earthquake:
  • Triggered temporary tsunami warnings; minor surge dissipated.
  • Experts estimate a 1% chance it's a precursor to a “mega quake” ([04:20], Georgia Howe).

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6. IDF Soldier Damages Christian Icon in Lebanon

Segment: [04:54–05:46]

• Official Reaction:
  • PM Netanyahu “stunned and saddened,” pledges disciplinary action and aid to restore the icon ([05:04], Zach Jewell).
    • Quote: “While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims... The Christian population in Israel thrives.”
  • Emphasizes religious tolerance.

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7. Trump Fast-Tracks Psychedelics Research for PTSD & Addiction

Segment: [05:46–06:44]

• Executive Order Details:
  • Eases research restrictions on ibogaine and other psychedelics for PTSD/addiction ([05:46], Georgia Howe).
  • The FDA will set safe-use guidelines and data-sharing protocols.
  • Treatments may start as soon as this summer.
  • Early studies show promise for opioid addiction, but concerns remain.
  • Trump: “Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life.” ([06:05], John Bickley)

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8. New Guidance: Denying Trans Care Could be ‘Medical Neglect’

Segment: [06:44–07:34]

• American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP):
  • Suggests denying children puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, or surgeries could be “medical neglect and emotional abuse” ([06:55], Meg Brock).
  • AAP won’t clarify if not affirming a child’s transgender identity is abuse; provides doctors with confidential protocols to probe family affirmations.
    • “...a roadmap to privately ask teens about their gender identity without parental knowledge.” ([07:07], Meg Brock)

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9. Missing & Murdered Top U.S. Scientists:

Segment: [07:34–08:22]

• 11 Scientists Dead or Missing:
  • All connected to classified work in DOE, FBI, NASA, or Dept. of War ([07:48], Lyndon Blake).
  • House Oversight Chair James Comer: “Something sinister might be happening...”
  • Cases include:
    • Monica Raza (NASA, missing since June 2025)
    • Carl Grillmeier (astrophysicist, shot in Feb)
    • Nuno Larreyro (MIT, shot Dec 2025)
    • Gen. William McCaslin (missing, Albuquerque, Mar)
  • Comer: “We know there are many countries... that would love to have our knowledge and nuclear capabilities, and these are the people at the forefront...” ([08:08], John Bickley quoting Comer)

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10. Viral Arrest: Woman Bites Police Officer

Segment: [08:50–09:47]

• San Diego Park Incident:
  • Woman harassed public with racist rant, resisted arrest, and bit officer’s left hand before being restrained ([08:50], John Bickley).
  • Charges include resisting with violence, obstruction, felony while out on bail.
  • Audio: “Hey, stay back. Stay back.” — Georgia Howe ([09:24])
  • “And biters really can't be choosers. Who wrote that? It doesn’t actually make sense.” — John Bickley ([08:50])

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Moment | |-----------|---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:01 | Tim Pierce | “Israel never talked me into a war with Iran.” | | 03:46 | Lauren Baer | “Prices could fall later this year or possibly not until 2027.” | | 05:04 | Zach Jewell | "While Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims... The Christian population in Israel thrives." | | 06:05 | John Bickley (Trump)| “Today’s order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives...” | | 07:48 | Lyndon Blake | “So far, 11 top scientists are dead or missing...” | | 08:08 | John Bickley (Comer)| “We know there are many countries... that would love to have our knowledge and nuclear capabilities, and these are the people... at the forefront, and they're either dead or missing.” | | 08:50 | John Bickley | “And biters really can't be choosers. Who wrote that? It doesn’t actually make sense.” |

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Segment Timestamps Overview

• [00:56] U.S.–Iran update: Trump statement, Strait of Hormuz incident
• [02:32] Louisiana family shooting
• [03:09] U.S. & Mexican officials’ deaths in car crash
• [03:35] Energy Secretary on gas prices
• [04:20] Japan earthquake / tsunami warning
• [04:54] IDF soldier discipline
• [05:46] Trump’s psychedelics research order
• [06:44] AAP “medical neglect” guidance for transgender care
• [07:34] Missing top U.S. scientists
• [08:50] Park incident: Suspect bites police officer

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Summary

This episode of Evening Wire delivers concise, impactful updates on a chaotic news day, highlighting deteriorating international security, energy concerns, cultural flashpoints, and ominous developments in U.S. science and policy. Most notably, the mysterious disappearance and deaths of U.S. scientists prompt probing questions about national security, while Trump’s decision to authorize expanded psychedelic research marks a significant shift in federal drug policy. Each segment underscores the program’s direct and matter-of-fact tone, offering listeners essential context and important quotes, punctuated with sharp, sometimes wry commentary from the hosts.

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Transcript

[Ryan Reynolds]

Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile with a message for everyone paying big wireless way too much. Please, for the love of everything good in this world, stop with Mint. You can get premium wireless for just $15 a month. Of course, if you enjoy overpaying. No judgments. But that's weird. Okay, one judgment anyway. Give it a [e-mail] Switch upfront payment

[Georgia Howe]

of $45 for 3 month plan equivalent to $15 per month required intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available. Taxes and fees extra. See full [e-mail] Trump reassures Americans that he and he alone made the call to bomb Iran. Japan is put on tsunami watch after a massive earthquake rocks the small country. And U.S. officials probe the deaths and disappearances of several top scientists. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Monday, April 20th, and this is EVENING Wire.

[John Bickley]

President Trump has given some updates on the war with Iran today. Daily Wire contributor Tim Pierce has more.

[Tim Pierce]

The president posted this morning on Truth Social that quote, israel never talked me into a war with Iran. Instead, he said his position was shaped by long standing concerns about Tehran's nuclear ambitions. He also criticized media coverage of the conflict, calling it misleading, and added that Iran could have a, quote, great and prosperous future if its leadership changes course. The president's comments follow a weekend of rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. As we reported this morning, Iran fired on an Indian tanker Saturday as it attempted to pass through the strait. Following this incident, U.S. central Command released a video Sunday showing Marines boarding an Iranian flagged cargo ship named the Tuska after it ignored repeated warnings.

[Georgia Howe]

Motor vessel Tusca Motor Vesatoska, vacate your engine room.

[John Bickley]

Vacate your engine room. We're prepared to subject you to disabling fire.

[Ryan Reynolds]

Okay.

[Tim Pierce]

American forces repelled from a helicopter after a six hour standoff and successfully seized the vessel. The ship remains in U. S. Custody. For live updates on the Iran conflict,

[Georgia Howe]

go to dailywire.com Meanwhile, Iran's military command claimed that Iranian forces only refrained from resisting the US Seizure of an Iran flagged vessel on Sunday to protect family members of the crew on board. They claim that the families, quote, were in danger at every moment. Ultimately, U.S. forces disabled the engines of the vessel and took control without any reported conflict.

[John Bickley]

The gunman in Saturday's shooting rampage in Louisiana has been identified as a 31 year old army veteran who was targeting his own family. Daily Wire senior editor Joel Niedler has more on the tragic story.

[Joel Niedler]

The gunman invaded three homes on Saturday and fatally shot eight children, seven of whom were his own. Two adult women, the mothers of the children were also shot but survived. The gunman was shot and killed by police after stealing a car to flee the scene. At least one child, a 13 year old boy, was able to escape through a second story window by jumping from the roof. He sustained broken bones but is expected to recover. Police are still working to identify a motive for the shooting.

[Georgia Howe]

Two US Embassy officials died alongside two Mexican officials in a car crash in northern Mexico on Sunday. The four had been working together to combat cartel activity in the northern Mexican state of Chihuahua by locating and destroying drug labs. U.S. ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson said in a statement that the tragedy is a solemn reminder of the risks faced by Those Mexican and U.S. officials who are dedicated to protecting our communities.

[John Bickley]

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said gas prices have likely already peaked, but warned that Americans may not see relief anytime soon. Daily Wire lifestyle reporter Lauren Baer has more.

[Lauren Baer]

Wright told CNN that prices could fall later this year or possibly not until 2027. His comments mark a shift from earlier projections that prices would quickly drop below $3 following the conflict with Iran. Wright noted current costs remain significantly higher when adjusted for inflation. The national average for gas now sits above $4 per gallon, up sharply from pre conflict levels. The remarks drew criticism from Democrats including Tom Suozzi and Andy Kim, who argued the administration lacks a clear plan to bring prices down.

[Georgia Howe]

A large 7.7 magnitude earthquake rattled off the coast of Japan this morning, sparking tsunami concerns. The quake occurred early in the morning and shortly after a small tsunami surge was detected at Coogee Port. Tsunami warnings ceased once the surge was confirmed to have dissipated. While this quake appeared to cause no damage, seismologists are warning that this type of incident can occasionally be a warning of a larger quake to come. Experts estimate a 1% chance that this event could be a preamble to a larger mega quake and have cautioned Japanese citizens to remain at a heightened state of preparedness.

[John Bickley]

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the actions of an IDF soldier shown in a viral photo damaging a Catholic icon in Lebanon. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has the

[Zach Jewell]

details after an investigation by the Israel Defense Forces found the viral story factual. The prime minister said he was, quote, stunned and saddened by the actions of the soldier and said the IDF would appropriately discipline the offender. He also emphasized that Israel, quote, cherishes and upholds the Jewish values of tolerance and mutual respect between Jews and worshipers of all faiths. He added, quote, while Christians are being slaughtered in Syria and Lebanon by Muslims. The Christian population in Israel thrives unlike elsewhere in the Middle eas. Israel is also, quote, working to assist the community in restoring the statue to its place.

[Georgia Howe]

President Trump is expediting research into certain psychedelics for the treatment of PTSD and addiction. On Saturday, he signed an executive order to remove the legal barriers to studying ibogaine, which is currently a highly controlled substance. The FDA will now establish protocols for safe therapeutic use of psychedelics as well as facilitate data sharing.

[John Bickley]

But I've always believed in ensuring that the American patients have access to breakthrough treatments and therapies with love for our veterans and I have real love for our veterans. I was with a group yesterday. It's incredible what they've gone through and care for American patients. Today's order will ensure that people suffering from debilitating symptoms might finally have a chance to reclaim their lives and lead a happier life.

[Georgia Howe]

Treatments could begin as early as this summer. Preliminary research shows ibogaine may rapidly and permanently resolve opioid addiction symptoms in some individuals, but safety and ethical concerns remain about the mind altering substance The American

[John Bickley]

Academy of Pediatrics has published claims that denying children transgender medical treatment can be considered medical neglect and emotional abuse. Daily Wire investigative reporter Meg Brock has more.

[Meg Brock]

In the past, the American Academy of Pediatrics has called denying children access to puberty blockers, cross sex hormones and surgeries a form of harm. The group has suggested that parents who do not affirm a child's transgender identity cause the child emotional and psychological pain, which some transgender activists believe is a form of child abuse. The Daily Wire asked the AAP to clarify if it believes parents who affirm their child's natural sex are abusing their children. They did not respond to multiple requests for comment. A document on the group's website gives pediatricians a roadmap to privately ask teens about their gender identity without parental knowledge and find out whether a family accepts their LGBTQ identity.

[Georgia Howe]

House Oversight Chair James Comer said, quote, something sinister might be happening as officials probe the deaths and disappearances of several top scientists. Daily Wire reporter and host of that so Criminal Lyndon Blake has more.

[Lyndon Blake]

So far, 11 top scientists are dead or missing. They all reportedly worked with the classified information inside the Department of War, the FBI, NASA or the Department of Energy. Comer said he would bring in leaders of those agencies for questioning on the matter and appeared Sunday on Fox News saying this we want to try to

[John Bickley]

piece this together and we know there are many countries around the world that would love to have our knowledge and nuclear capabilities, and these are the people that were at the forefront of it, and they're either dead or missing.

[Lyndon Blake]

A few of the strange cases include the disappearance of NASA scientists Monica Raza, who went missing during a hike back In June of 2025 astrophysicist Carl Grillmeier, who was shot on his front porch in February Massachusetts Institute of Technology physicist Nuno Larreyro, who was shot and killed in his home in December of 2025 and Air Force Major General William Neil McCaslin, who went missing from his Albuquerque, New Mexico, home back in March.

[John Bickley]

And biters really can't be choosers. Who wrote that? It doesn't actually make sense. San Diego police are defending the takedown of a woman at a public park after she allegedly launched into a racist rant and then bit an officer. Police say they responded to calls of a woman aggressively harassing adults and children with racist comments near a skate park last month. Body cam and witness video show the unidentified woman refusing commands and resisting arrest before being slammed to the ground.

[Georgia Howe]

Hey, stay back. Stay back.

[John Bickley]

Oh, no.

Coming to your family.

As an officer tried to handcuff her, she bit his left hand, causing swelling and an abrasion. She was evaluated by paramedics and booked on charges including resisting with violence, obstructing officers and committing a felony while out on bail.

[Georgia Howe]

Those are your Drive Home updates this evening. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed, earlier today we covered some major stories, including the US Capturing an Iranian flagged cargo ship, FBI Director Kash Patel going after a legacy media outlet's hit piece and a second leak rattling the Supreme Court. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of MORNING Wire.