Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: New Year's Terror Investigations Expand | 1.2.25
Release Date: January 2, 2025
Host/Author: The Daily Wire

1. Introduction

In the January 2, 2025 episode of Morning Wire, Daily Wire Editor-in-Chief John Bickley and co-host Georgia Howe delve into pressing national issues, including the expansion of terror investigations following New Year's attacks, a landmark lawsuit affecting youth gender medicine, and a significant surge in Bible sales. The discussion is informed by in-depth reporting and expert insights, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of these critical topics.

2. Expanding Terror Investigations

a. Overview of New Year's Attacks

The episode opens with the grim news of two potential terror attacks on New Year's Day, resulting in over a dozen deaths and numerous injuries. These incidents have prompted the FBI to broaden their investigations in an effort to uncover the perpetrators and any possible connections between the attacks.

Georgia Howe [00:03]:
"Two potential terror attacks on New Year's leave over a dozen dead. As the FBI expands their investigations, what…"

b. Details of the New Orleans Attack

John Bickley and Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice provide a detailed account of the New Orleans attack. The suspect, identified as a 42-year-old Army veteran named Shamsuddin Jabbar, executed a violent assault at the French Quarter. The investigation revealed an ISIS flag on the perpetrator's vehicle and explosive devices intended for further devastation.

Tim Rice [00:13]:
"An ISIS flag was located on the trailer hitch of the vehicle, and the FBI is working to determine the subject's potential associations and affiliations with terrorist organizations."

Althea Duncan [02:09]:
"The FBI has confirmed that they are investigating this not only as an act of terrorism, but they're also looking into the possible presence of a terror cell."

John Bickley [03:10]:
"Duncan named the known suspect there who was killed by police before he could take more lives. What else have we learned about him?"

Althea Duncan [03:17]:
"The suspect who drove that rented truck into the crowd and opened fire is a 42-year-old army veteran named Shamsuddin Jabbar... He was found with an ISIS flag in the vehicle and dressed in full military gear."

c. Las Vegas Cybertruck Explosion

The podcast also covers a simultaneous incident in Las Vegas involving a Cybertruck explosion outside a Trump Hotel. This event is being investigated as a potential terror attack, with authorities examining whether there's a link to the New Orleans incident.

Althea Duncan [04:23]:
"Witnesses reported a series of loud bangs and smoke coming from a Cybertruck parked outside of the entrance to the Trump Hotel... One unidentified person was found dead in the vehicle and seven others were injured in the blast."

John Bickley [05:36]:
"It gets more defined right now. This wasn't the only suspected terror attack on New Year's Day. What happened in Las Vegas?"

Elon Musk [Quoted]:
"He suspects this is a terror attack... confirming that the explosion was caused by very large fireworks and/or a bomb carried in the bed of the rented Cybertruck and is unrelated to the vehicle itself."

d. Potential Connections and Ongoing Investigations

Authorities are exploring connections between the two attacks, including the possibility that both vehicles were rented through the same app, Turo. The investigation remains active, with the FBI urging the public to provide any information related to the suspects.

Tim Rice [02:54]:
"We're aggressively running down every lead, including those of his known associates. That's why we need the public's help."

3. Landmark Lawsuit in Youth Gender Medicine

a. Overview of the Lawsuit

A significant lawsuit has emerged, where Clementine Breen, a detransitioner, is suing Dr. Johanna Olson Kennedy for medical negligence. This case has the potential to disrupt the youth gender medicine industry.

Georgia Howe [00:25]:
"A major lawsuit by a detransitioner could shake up the youth gender medicine industry."

Mary Margaret Olihan [05:42]:
"Clementine Breen is accusing Dr. Johanna Olson Kennedy of medical negligence for fast-tracking her attempted gender transition."

b. Details of the Case

Clementine Breen underwent puberty blockers at 12, cross-sex hormones at 13, and a double mastectomy at 14. Her legal team argues that Dr. Olson Kennedy and her colleagues failed to properly assess her mental health, leading to irreversible decisions.

Mary Margaret Olihan [06:00]:
"Clementine says she underwent puberty blockers at the age of 12, cross-sex hormones at the age of 13, and tragically underwent a double mastectomy when she was only 14 years old."

c. Systemic Issues in Gender Medicine

Olihan discusses how such lawsuits are part of a broader pattern where medical professionals allegedly manipulate families into permitting gender transitions, often under the threat of existential consequences for the child.

Mary Margaret Olihan [06:54]:
"Many detransitioners that I've spoken with have told me that their parents were asked, 'Would you rather have a dead daughter or a living son?'... it's an incredibly manipulative and terrifying question."

d. Legislative Responses

Lawmakers are responding to these revelations with proposed legislation aimed at restricting gender transition procedures for minors, particularly within military healthcare programs.

Mary Margaret Olihan [08:18]:
"Congress is taking steps to block harmful trans procedures for children of military members by putting language into the NDAA that bans the use of taxpayer funds for gender transition surgeries for kids who get medical care through TRICARE."

Georgia Howe [09:15]:
"So it's just another insane idea that the left has had, you know, spending money, taxpayer money, on something that doesn't need to be spent."

e. Potential Political Support and Opposition

Prominent political figures, including Donald Trump and Senator Tommy Tuberville, support measures to restrict gender transition procedures for minors. However, there is uncertainty about whether such bills will pass the Senate.

Mary Margaret Olihan [09:34]:
"Donald Trump has indicated interest in protecting kids from these trans procedures, especially without parental permission."

4. Surge in Bible Sales Amid Sluggish Book Market

a. Rise in Bible Sales

Despite a downturn in overall book sales, Bible sales have surged, marking a significant trend towards renewed faith and spiritual engagement, particularly among Gen Z.

Georgia Howe [10:01]:
"New publishing reports show that Bible sales are booming even as overall book sales are sluggish, according to pollsters, Gen Z in particular is spending more time reading Scripture."

b. Analysis of the Trend

Tim Rice explains that while general publishing has seen a decline, the Bible has bucked this trend with sales up by 22% year-to-date and certain publishers like Lifeway experiencing a 30% increase.

Tim Rice [10:25]:
"Sales for the good book are up 22% for the year so far... Lifeway and B&H Publishing are reporting an approximate sales increase of 30%."

c. Cultural Shifts and Spiritual Reawakening

Megan Basham and Tim Rice discuss the cultural implications of this surge, attributing it to a societal search for meaning amidst issues like loneliness and "deaths of despair." The increase in Bible sales is seen as a response to the perceived failures of secularism.

Megan Basham [11:35]:
"I think we should see the increase in Bible sales as an indictment on the failures of secularism... secularism really is, very shallow, it's very brittle, and it doesn't offer us the type of lasting significance, the lasting purpose, the lasting meaning that all of us are really searching after."

d. Rise in Religious Engagement Among Young Men

Reports indicate a growing interest in organized religion among young men, reversing long-standing trends of secularism in this demographic. This is exemplified by increased attendance in Orthodox churches and public figures endorsing Christianity.

Tim Rice [12:15]:
"For the first time ever, young men are actually more religious than young women now... church attendance among young men is actually increasing."

e. Impact on Publishing and Culture

The Bible's renaissance has influenced major publishing houses to invest more heavily in Christian literature, signaling a broader cultural shift towards religious engagement.

Tim Rice [14:34]:
"Publishers Weekly reports that religious book sales overall are up 18.5%, making it the fastest growing segment of the publishing business. This has led Penguin Random House to launch a new standalone entity devoted entirely to Christian books."

5. Conclusion

In this episode of Morning Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe explore the gravity of recent terror attacks and the ensuing investigations, the contentious legal battle surrounding youth gender medicine, and a notable revival in religious engagement among younger generations. Through expert interviews and detailed reporting, the podcast underscores the complex interplay between national security, healthcare ethics, and cultural shifts in contemporary America.

Georgia Howe [15:09]:
"Thanks for waking up with us. We'll be back later this afternoon with more news you need to know."

This summary captures the essential discussions and insights from the episode, providing a coherent and comprehensive overview for listeners and non-listeners alike.