Morning Wire: Evening Wire – "Snowmageddon Looms & TikTok Goes Domestic"

Date: January 23, 2026
Hosts: Georgia Howe & John Bickley (The Daily Wire)
Episode Theme:
The episode delivers in-depth coverage on the massive winter storm threatening a majority of the U.S., the restructuring of TikTok's U.S. operations, America’s withdrawal from the WHO, and other headline political, cultural, and legal developments. Presented with brisk, fact-focused reporting and pointed commentary, the episode highlights the intersection of politics, tech, and social movements.

Main Storylines & Discussion Points

1. March for Life and VP J.D. Vance’s Remarks

• [00:02–01:27]
  • Vice President J.D. Vance addresses thousands at the March for Life in D.C., marking his second consecutive speech at the event.
  • Highlights personal news: Expecting a fourth child.
    • Quote: "Let the record show you have a vice president who practices what he preaches. [My wife] Usha and I announced this week that we are expecting our fourth." – J.D. Vance (00:32)
  • Celebrates the overturning of Roe v. Wade, calls it “the most important Supreme Court decision” of his life.
  • Outlines the Trump administration’s vision for a pro-family, pro-life America.
    • Quote: “Our vision is simple. We want life to thrive... every American from all walks of life, to have happy, healthy children under this administration.” – J.D. Vance (01:06)

2. "Snowmageddon" Looms Over U.S.

• [01:27–02:05]
  • Joel Niedler reports on a historic winter storm threatening over 240 million people across 40+ states.
  • Details: 2,300-mile impact zone, heavy snow, dangerous ice, Arctic blast, possible mass power outages.
  • Emergency declared across multiple states; travel and daily life set for major disruption.
  • Memorable moment: Emphasizes scale: “States of emergency have been declared across the south and east as airlines cancel thousands of flights and road crews brace for treacherous conditions.”

3. U.S. Withdraws from the World Health Organization

• [02:05–03:24]
  • Tim Rice breaks the news of the U.S.’s formal withdrawal, per President Trump’s executive order.
  • Administration’s reasons: The WHO’s management of COVID-19, financial issues, and alleged Chinese influence.
  • HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Trump both criticize the WHO for politicization.
    • Quote: “Too often, [the WHO] has allowed political agendas... like pushing harmful gender ideology to hijack its core mission.” – Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (02:46, 02:49)
    • Quote: “It has become the tool of politics.” – Donald Trump (02:55)
  • Trump administration clarifies intent to pursue alternative health partnerships globally.
  • Critics warn of weakened international disease coordination.

4. TikTok’s U.S. Restructuring

• [03:24–04:13]
  • After years of legal and political wrangling over national security and data privacy, ByteDance strikes deal with U.S. authorities.
  • New ownership structure: ByteDance under 20%; 80% controlled by U.S. and international investors; Oracle to oversee U.S. user data.
  • Deal averts a ban following congressional action, keeping the app live for users.
  • Federal officials say arrangement directly addresses data and security concerns.
    • Quote: "The agreement ends years of legal and political battles... a new US-based version of TikTok will be created..." – Joel Niedler (03:35)

5. Noteworthy Legal & Political Developments

A. Social Media Threats Against ICE Agents

• [04:13–04:41]
  • 21-year-old Ohio man arrested for violent threats against ICE officials.
  • Authorities found firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear at his home.

B. Tensions with Iran

• [04:41–05:39]
  • President Trump details deployment of U.S. naval forces in response to reports of Iranian protester executions.
    • Quote: "We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we won't have to even use it — we’ll see." – Donald Trump (04:58)
  • U.S. sends warning: Threat of unprecedented retaliation if executions continue.

C. Trump Sues JP Morgan Chase

• [05:39–06:22]
  • Trump files $5 billion lawsuit alleging accounts were closed for “woke motivations” post-January 6.
  • Quote (from lawsuit): "Plaintiffs are confident that JPMC’s unilateral decision came about as a result of political and social motivations and JPMC’s unsubstantiated, 'woke' belief that it needed to distance itself from President Trump and his conservative political views." – Georgia Howe (05:59)

D. Gaza Board of Peace Drama

• [06:22–07:12]
  • Trump withdraws invitation to Canadian PM Mark Carney for the Gaza Board of Peace, following Carney's critical speech at the WEF.
    • Quote (Carney): “We are in the midst of a rupture, not a transition.” (06:59)

6. High-Profile Crime & Investigation

A. Colts Owner Jim Irsay’s Death

• [07:12–07:36]
  • FBI investigating Irsay’s death, looking at opioid/ketamine prescriptions and relationships with addiction specialists.
  • No autopsy was performed; investigation ongoing.

B. Olympic Snowboarder Turned Drug Kingpin

• [07:36–08:07]
  • Ryan Wedding, former Olympian, arrested in Mexico after nearly a year on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted for leading a transnational drug ring.
    • Quote: "Once known for his ability to shred the fresh powder... Wedding's accused of moving a different kind of white powder..." – Joel Niedler (07:50)

7. Tech, Culture & Media

A. Celebrities Launch Anti-AI Campaign

• [08:07–08:50]
  • Human Artistry Campaign debuts 'Ceiling Isn’t Innovation' initiative to oppose AI use of copyrighted work without consent.
  • Signatories include Scarlett Johansson, Cate Blanchett, Joseph Gordon Levitt, and Vince Gilligan.
    • Quote: “Some of the biggest tech companies are using American creators’ work to build AI platforms without authorization or regard for copyright law.” – Amanda Harding (08:21)

B. CBS News & Bari Weiss

• [08:50–09:49]
  • CBS pulls in record viewership under Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss.
  • Controversy after spiking critical investigative segment; open letter from industry icons, including David Letterman’s scathing comments.
    • Quote: "Its integrity has been, 'eviscerated by these idiots that have taken it over.'" – David Letterman (09:36)

C. Clavin Nominated for Mystery Writing Award

• [09:49–10:21]
  • Host Andrew Clavin receives Sixth Edgar nomination for 'The Kingdom of Finding God in the Literature of Darkness'.
  • Book examines historical murders and moral themes in literature.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• J.D. Vance (00:32): “Let the record show you have a vice president who practices what he preaches.”
• Donald Trump (04:58): "We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and maybe we won't have to even use it — we’ll see."
• Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (02:46): “Too often, [the WHO] has allowed political agendas... to hijack its core mission.”
• Joel Niedler (07:50): "Once known for his ability to shred the fresh powder... Wedding’s accused of moving a different kind of white powder..."

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:02–01:27: March for Life & VP Vance
• 01:27–02:05: Winter Storm Threat
• 02:05–03:24: U.S. Withdraws from WHO
• 03:24–04:13: TikTok U.S. Restructuring
• 04:13–04:41: Threats Against ICE/DOJ Arrest
• 04:41–05:39: U.S./Iran Tensions, Fleet Deployment
• 05:39–06:22: Trump v. JP Morgan Lawsuit
• 06:22–07:12: Gaza Board of Peace, Carney Drama
• 07:12–07:36: Jim Irsay Death Investigation
• 07:36–08:07: Ryan Wedding's Arrest
• 08:07–08:50: Celebrities Launch Anti-AI Push
• 08:50–09:49: CBS News & Bari Weiss Controversy
• 09:49–10:21: Andrew Clavin's Edgar Award Nomination

Summary

This Evening Wire episode unpacks a fast-moving news landscape—from historic weather emergencies and seismic political moves (withdrawing from the WHO, TikTok’s Americanization) to cultural pushes against AI and big tech. Through direct quotes and clear attribution, the episode showcases Morning Wire’s signature blend of brisk reporting and conservative commentary, positioning listeners to “get the facts first.”