Overview of Evening Wire: Don Lemon Arrested & More Epstein Files Released | 1.30.26
This episode (Jan 30, 2026) of The Daily Wire's Evening Wire, hosted by Georgia Howe, covers a roundup of national and international headlines: the arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon connected to a protest, a major DOJ release of Jeffrey Epstein-related records, President Trump’s pick to chair the Federal Reserve, and multiple other legal, political, and cultural stories.
Main stories (concise summaries)
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Don Lemon arrested
- Former CNN anchor Don Lemon was arrested in Los Angeles while covering the Grammys.
- Arrest stems from alleged involvement in an anti-ICE protest at a St. Paul church on Jan 18 organized by the Racial Justice Network and Black Lives Matter Minnesota.
- Lemon confronted the church pastor during the protest; the administration criticized Lemon’s First Amendment defense.
- The Justice Department (quoted in the report) said it would pursue Lemon aggressively.
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DOJ releases more Epstein records
- The Justice Department released roughly 3 million pages tied to Jeffrey Epstein cases, including ~2,000 videos and ~180,000 images, under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
- Officials said some materials remain sealed to protect victims and to block release of child sexual abuse material; further releases expected.
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Trump nominates Kevin Warsh for Fed chair
- President Trump announced former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as his pick to chair the Federal Reserve; Warsh must be Senate-confirmed.
- GOP Sen. Tom Tillis called Warsh qualified but signaled he won’t vote for confirmation until DOJ’s inquiry into current Chair Powell is resolved.
- Trump says Warsh favors cutting interest rates.
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ICE / Ecuador consulate incident in Minneapolis
- ICE alleges Ecuadorian consulate shielded Jorge Miguel Bravo Irelis, an alleged illegal immigrant with a criminal record, allowing him to evade arrest; Bravo Urales remains at large.
- Ecuador protested, calling it an attempted incursion and defending consular actions.
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Laken Riley case: killer seeks new trial
- Jose Ibarra (serving life without parole after Nov 2024 convictions for the killing of runner Laken Riley) is seeking a new trial, citing mental competency concerns; a hearing before the original judge will address alleged errors.
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Federal charges dismissed in Luigi Mangione case
- A federal judge dismissed federal murder charges against Luigi Mangione—removing the death penalty option—but he still faces state murder charges and two federal stalking counts.
- Defense argued prosecution failed to show the necessary underlying violent crime for federal firearm-related murder charges.
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Man sentenced for false Charlie Kirk shooting claim / child abuse materials
- George Zinn (71) sentenced up to 15 years after falsely claiming to have shot commentator Charlie Kirk following Kirk’s assassination; child sexual exploitation materials were found on Zinn’s phone. Sentences run concurrently.
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International / geopolitical briefs
- Rafah crossing: Israel to reopen Rafah for pedestrian traffic under EU monitoring, with return allowed only for Gaza residents who left after the war began and have prior Israeli approval.
- Iran: Trump reportedly received a slate of military options targeting Iran’s nuclear/weapons infrastructure and leadership; USS Abraham Lincoln strike group deployed to the region.
- Panama: Panama’s High Court voided a contract for a Chinese-linked company operating Panama Canal port terminals; U.S. welcomed the decision.
- China: Xi Jinping purged several top military leaders, including General Zhang Yuxia; reports cite accusations ranging from corruption to possible leaking.
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Tech & culture
- OpenAI reportedly exploring an IPO in Q4 2026; analysts note competitive and operational risks.
- Actress/comedian Catherine O’Hara died at 71 (known for Home Alone, Beetlejuice, Schitt’s Creek).
- Joe Rogan says he opted out of Golden Globes podcast category due to a $500 entry fee.
- Viral airport video: a bystander body-slammed a TSA-breach suspect (Fabian Leone) at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport; suspect charged.
Notable numbers & facts
- DOJ Epstein release: ~3 million pages, ~2,000 videos, ~180,000 images.
- Date of protest tied to Lemon arrest: Jan 18, 2026 (per transcript).
- George Zinn: sentenced up to 15 years; longest term for child sexual exploitation charges.
- OpenAI IPO targeted for Q4 2026 (reporting timeframe mentioned).
Notable quotes / soundbites
- Don Lemon (during protest): “We live in a, there's a constitution in the First Amendment to freedom of speech and freedom to assemble and protest. We're here to worship… Please don't push me.”
- President Trump on protestors (paraphrased in the show): those behind the protests “should be thrown in jail.”
- Justice Department (Deputy AG Todd Blanche) on Epstein records: “There's this built-in assumption that somehow there's this hidden tranche of information of men that we know about, that we're covering up or that we're choosing not to prosecute. That is not the case.”
- Reported DOJ official line re: Lemon: “pursue [Lemon] to the ends of the earth.” (as quoted in the broadcast)
Key takeaways / context
- The episode is a rapid-fire news roundup aimed at listeners who want brief but comprehensive headlines and developments on law enforcement, legal cases, national security, and cultural news.
- Major developments with potential long-term implications: the massive public release of Epstein-related materials, and the nomination of a new Fed chair (which could influence U.S. monetary policy if confirmed).
- Several stories remain active and evolving (Epstein document reviews, Don Lemon legal status, Jose Ibarra appeal, federal/state proceedings in other criminal cases).
Where to read/watch more
- The episode directs listeners to DailyWire.com for extended coverage of these items and links to original reporting.