Evening Wire: An $80 Billion Question & The Boy in the Crocodile Pit | 6.19.26

Summary

Morning Wire: Evening Wire — An $80 Billion Question & The Boy in the Crocodile Pit (6.19.26)

Overview

This episode of "Evening Wire," hosted by Georgia Howe and John Bickley, delivers an impactful roundup of the day's most significant news stories, covering fresh developments in U.S. defense funding, Middle Eastern tensions, finance investigations, human rights issues in Iran, U.S. Supreme Court decisions, cultural controversies, and remarkable acts of heroism. The tone is brisk and factual, balancing pressing international events with dramatic moments of human interest.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Pentagon Requests $80 Billion More for Iran War (00:20 – 01:08)

• Pentagon's Funding Request:
  Deputy War Secretary Steven Feinberg called Congress to request $80 billion in supplemental funding, citing costs related to the ongoing Iran war and additional bills.
  • “Feinberg is reportedly confident enough in the estimates to brief lawmakers on what it'll cost.” (00:29)
• Budget Uncertainty:
  Despite ongoing peace talks, confusion persists over the outcome and cost of de-escalation.
  • “There is still a lot of confusion over the Strait of Hormuz and the specifics of an eventual peace agreement.” (00:56)

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2. Israel-Hezbollah Escalation After Tank Attack (01:08 – 02:04)

• Renewed Conflict:
  Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah after an explosive device killed four Israeli soldiers.
  • “The IDF said this morning that it struck at least 80 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight.” (01:22)
  • “A ceasefire is now in place.” (01:32)
• Diplomatic Fallout:
  The violence threatens a newly signed U.S.-Iran Memorandum of Understanding and led to the cancellation of Vice President J.D. Vance’s diplomatic trip.
  • “The explosion in hostilities... is the first major test of a US Iran Memorandum of understanding signed just days before.” (01:36)
  • “Iranian officials have said that the ongoing attacks in Lebanon are a red line for negotiations to move forward.” (01:53)

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3. DOJ Targets JP Morgan, Citigroup Over Iranian Leader’s Funds (02:04 – 02:29)

• Financial Investigation:
  DOJ is investigating Wall Street banks and alleged connections to Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei’s investment holdings.
  • “The Trump administration is cracking down on money laundering and corruption...” (02:09)

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4. Iran Sentences Singer to Flogging Over Hijab Violation (02:29 – 03:09)

• Human Rights Outrage:
  Parastu Ahmadi, a 28-year-old Iranian musician, was sentenced to 74 lashes, a two-year travel ban, and a ban on performing, for singing without a hijab in a livestreamed concert.
  • “Her supposed crime was live streaming a performance on YouTube in December 2024 in which she performed without a hijab to no audience.” (02:46)

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5. Supreme Court Narrows Gun Law Used in Hunter Biden Case (03:09 – 03:51)

• Landmark Ruling:
  SCOTUS unanimously limited a federal law banning gun possession for unlawful drug users, ruling prosecutors violated the Second Amendment in a similar case.
  • “Prosecutors violated the Second Amendment when they charged Ali Hamani under a federal law forbidding firearm possession by unlawful users of controlled substances.” (03:34)
• Scope:
  Justice Gorsuch clarified the ruling doesn’t stop authorities from disarming dangerous individuals.
  • “Justice Neil Gorsuch emphasized that the ruling was limited and did not eliminate the government's ability to disarm dangerous individuals...” (03:45)

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6. Obama Library Opens, Costs Scrutinized (03:51 – 04:26)

• Land Acknowledgment:
  The opening ceremony recognized the land’s indigenous history, with former Presidents in attendance.
  • "The CEO of the Obama foundation started the ceremony, acknowledging that the land was previously used by the Anishinaabe and Potawatomi nations." (03:55)
• Over Budget:
  The library’s cost now exceeds those of the Eiffel Tower, Seattle Space Needle, and Gateway Arch combined, adjusted for inflation.
  • “It took more money to build the library than it took to build the Eiffel Tower, the Seattle Space Needle and the Gateway Arch combined.” (04:10)

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7. Luigi Mangione Murder Trial Defense Reversal (04:26 – 05:03)

• Legal Strategy Abandoned:
  Mangione’s defense dropped a plea of “extreme emotional disturbance” in the killing of a UnitedHealthcare CEO.
  • "His legal team has formally abandoned that angle. The filing offered no explanation for the sudden reversal." (04:45)

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8. Waymo Recalls Thousands of Self-Driving Cars (06:05 – 06:39)

• AV Safety Recall:
  Nearly 4,000 robo-taxis recalled after repeatedly driving into active freeway construction zones.
  • “The cars failed to acknowledge ramp closure signs and just kept driving despite closed lanes and even active construction work.” (06:15)
  • Recall report: “Under certain circumstances the AV may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones...” (06:31)

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9. Gas Prices Fall Below $4 Nationwide (06:39 – 07:02)

• Economic Relief:
  Gas prices drop after the Trump-signed Iran peace deal, which ensures toll-free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for 60 days.
  • “Gas prices have dropped below $4 per gallon for the first time since March.” (06:42)
  • “Some fear the potential for future transit fees that could drive up costs.” (06:54)

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10. ICE Agent Saves Drowning Child (07:02 – 07:56)

• Heroic Act:
  ICE Officer Gregory Simmons rescued and revived a six-year-old found unconscious in a pool, performing CPR until the child regained consciousness.
  • Officer Simmons (Fox News): “I was at the right place at the right time. I'm just glad this kid gets have a second chance at life.” (07:21)
• DHS Commendation:
  DHS official Lauren Biss praised Simmons, contrasting his heroism with criticism faced by ICE agents.
  • “This officer swiftly sprung to action and delivered life saving medical care to this six year old who drowned. Our agents truly are the best of the best.” (07:32)
  • “Instead of demonizing ICE law enforcement, sanctuary politicians should be thanking them for removing criminals from their communities.” (07:46)

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11. Child Thrown Into Crocodile Pit in UK Zoo (07:56 – 08:49)

• Shocking Incident:
  A man with learning disabilities (identity withheld) threw an unknown three-year-old boy into a crocodile pit at a British zoo.
  The child was rescued by Tracy Johnson, the zoo owner’s wife, and remains in critical but stable condition.
  • “Police say the 30 year old man did not know the toddler he threw into the pit." (08:07)
  • “Johnson leapt into the pit moments after seeing the toddler attacked by the large reptiles.” (08:19)
  • “Police have released the man on bail saying he was, quote, unfit for interview.” (08:37)

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12. Pro Baseball Team Forfeits Over Pride Jerseys (08:49 – 09:19)

• Team Protest/Forfeit:
  Multiple players of the York Revolution refused to wear Pride-themed jerseys, leading to a game forfeit. The team issued a statement highlighting disappointment and reaffirming their commitment to inclusivity.
  • “To be clear, this action by the players is completely inconsistent with our vision as the most welcoming place in York.” (09:11)

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13. U.S. Men’s Soccer Advances in World Cup (09:19 – 09:47)

• Commanding Lead:
  Team USA beats Australia 2–0, securing their spot in the round of 32 and maintaining momentum in Group 5.
  • “Team USA defeated Australia by two goals, 2 to 0 today... The win means the US has a commanding lead in Group 5 and has secured a place in the World cup's round of 32.” (09:27)

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14. Tom Hanks’ Sardonic Live TV Moment (09:47 – 10:01)

• TV Quip:
  Tom Hanks jokes about “800 people watching” a broadcast, lightly poking fun at the viewership numbers.
  • Tom Hanks (to reporter): “What can I do for the 800 people watching? ... Add a zero to it if you need to.” (09:57)

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Memorable Quotes

• “Feinberg is reportedly confident enough in the estimates to brief lawmakers on what it'll cost.” (Tim Pierce, 00:29)
• “The IDF said this morning that it struck at least 80 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight.” (Kassia Akiva, 01:22)
• “Her supposed crime was live streaming a performance on YouTube in December 2024 in which she performed without a hijab to no audience.” (Andy Valdez, 02:46)
• "It took more money to build the [Obama] library than it took to build the Eiffel Tower, the Seattle Space Needle and the Gateway Arch combined." (Georgia Howe, 04:10)
• “I was at the right place at the right time. I'm just glad this kid gets have a second chance at life.” (Officer Gregory Simmons, 07:21)
• “This officer swiftly sprung to action and delivered life saving medical care to this six year old who drowned. Our agents truly are the best of the best.” (Lauren Biss, 07:32)
• “What can I do for the 800 people watching? ... Add a zero to it if you need to.” (Tom Hanks, 09:57)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Pentagon Funding for Iran War: 00:20 – 01:08
• Israel-Hezbollah Escalation: 01:08 – 02:04
• DOJ Probes Iran’s Investments: 02:04 – 02:29
• Iranian Singer Sentenced: 02:29 – 03:09
• Supreme Court Gun Law Ruling: 03:09 – 03:51
• Obama Library Opens: 03:51 – 04:26
• Luigi Mangione Defense Update: 04:26 – 05:03
• Waymo Recalls Robo-Taxis: 06:05 – 06:39
• Gas Prices Drop: 06:39 – 07:02
• ICE Agent Saves Child: 07:02 – 07:56
• Child Thrown into Crocodile Pit: 07:56 – 08:49
• Baseball Team Forfeit Over Pride Jerseys: 08:49 – 09:19
• US Men’s Soccer Advances: 09:19 – 09:47
• Tom Hanks on Live Viewership: 09:47 – 10:01

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Conclusion

This episode captures a cross-section of urgent headlines: from major policy and diplomatic questions—the Pentagon's funding ask, Middle East conflict, and Supreme Court rulings—to dramatic human stories such as an ICE officer’s heroism and a near-tragedy in a crocodile pit. Quick-witted banter and quotes from prominent figures give the show a conversational, news-first tone.

For more details on these stories and ongoing coverage, listeners are encouraged to visit dailywire.com.

Transcript

[A]

The Pentagon is asking for more tax dollars, President Obama's library finally opens with a land acknowledgment, and gas prices are back under $4. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Friday, June 19th, and this is Evening Wire.

[B]

The Pentagon is telling lawmakers that it needs $80 billion in additional funding due to the Iran war and other bills. Contributor Tim Pierce has more.

[C]

According to the Wall Street Journal, Deputy War Secretary Steven Feinberg phoned members of Congress this week to request the extra cash. And this as Congress has pressed the administration to provide a clearer picture of the total price tag of the Iran war. The White House Office of Management and Budget will have to finalize any supplemental funding request, but Feinberg is reportedly confident enough in the estimates to brief lawmakers on what it'll cost. The Pentagon's budget for the 2026 fiscal year so far is roughly $1 trillion. But while the war in Iran is expected to de escalate with peace talks between Washington and Tehran, there is still a lot of confusion over the Strait of Hormuz and the specifics of an eventual peace agreement.

[A]

Israel has renewed strikes in Lebanon after a Hezbollah explosive device struck a tank and killed four Israeli soldiers. Israel's prime minister promised that the terror group would pay a very heavy price. Foreign affairs reporter Kassia Akiva has more.

[D]

The IDF said this morning that it struck at least 80 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight. Lebanon's health Ministry said at least 21 people were killed. A ceasefire is now in place. The explosion in hostilities between Israel and the terror group is the first major test of a U S Iran Memorandum of understanding signed just days before. The Financial Times reports that the attacks in Lebanon caused Vice President J.D. vance to cancel a planned trip to Switzerland to meet with the Iranians. The White House blamed the postponement on technical details of the agreement outlined in the MOU that had not yet been finalized. Iranian officials have said that the ongoing attacks in Lebanon are a red line for negotiations to move forward.

[B]

The DOJ is looking into JP Morgan and Citigroup as part of its investigation into Iranian Supreme Leader Mochebah Khamenei's US Investments. The Trump administration is cracking down on money laundering and corruption, and that includes potential money flows connected to Khomeini. Bloomberg reports that officials say the new supreme leader has amassed a huge investment portfolio and that it could expose Wall street banks.

[A]

In other Iran news, a young Iranian woman who sang without a hijab in a desert concert has been sentenced to 74 lashes. Daily Wire assistant editor Andy Valdez has the story.

[E]

A human rights group revealed yesterday that 28 year old Parastu Ahmadi was sentenced by a calm court to be flogged as as receiving a two year travel ban and a two year ban on performing. Her supposed crime was live streaming a performance on YouTube in December 2024 in which she performed without a hijab to no audience. Eight musicians and crew members were sentenced alongside her, all convicted of, quote, offending public decency.

[B]

The Supreme Court delivered a unanimous blow to a gun law used in convicting Hunter Biden before his father pardoned him. Reporter Drew Berkmeyer has more.

[F]

The court ruled Thursday that the federal government unconstitutionally applied a gun restriction law to a Texas man who regularly used marijuana. The ruling narrows the reach of the same statute used in the prosecution of Biden in the United States versus Himani. The court held that prosecutors violated the Second Amendment when they charged Ali Hamani under a federal law forbidding firearm possession by unlawful users of controlled substances. Justice Neil Gorsuch emphasized that the ruling was limited and did not eliminate the government's ability to disarm dangerous individuals, addicts or people actively under the influence the

[A]

Obama Presidential Library officially opened with a land acknowledgment. The library opened Thursday in Chicago with guests including former Presidents Joe Biden, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush, and former VP Kamala Harris. The CEO of the Obama foundation started the ceremony, acknowledging that the land was previously used by the Anishinaabe and Potawatomi nations. Many people have observed the project is millions of dollars over budget and several years late. To put it into perspective, it took more money to build the library than it took to build the Eiffel Tower, the Seattle Space Needle and the Gateway Arch combined. Even when you adjust those projects into

[B]

today's dollars, Luigi Mangione's defense team has abandoned a controversial courtroom tactic. Daily Wire legal analyst Heidi hall has the details.

[E]

Luigi Mangione's defense team recently claimed that Mangione was in, quote, extreme emotional disturbance when he shot and killed y UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. This would have allowed the defense to lower Mangione's conviction from murder to first degree manslaughter. But court filings submitted yesterday show that his legal team has formally abandoned that angle. The filing offered no explanation for the sudden reversal.

[G]

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[A]

Waymo is recalling nearly 4,000 robo taxis in the US after a software glitch caused several to drive into construction zones on freeways. More than a dozen of these incidents have occurred since April where the cars failed to acknowledge ramp closure signs and just kept driving despite closed lanes and even active construction work. The recall report explained, quote, under certain circumstances the AV may enter and drive at speed in freeway construction zones due to inappropriately prioritizing the avoidance of other freeway hazards and or failing to recognize the construction zone.

[B]

In some welcome news, average national gas prices have dropped below $4 per gallon for the first time since March. This comes on the heels of Trump signing the tentative peace deal with Iran. That deal guarantees toll free passage through the Strait of Hormuz for the next 60 days, though some fear the potential for future transit fees that could drive up costs. For now, gas prices are down.

[A]

DHS revealed that an ICE officer in Tampa saved a child last month when he was found floating unconscious in a pool. Daily Wire immigration reporter Jenny Tare has the details.

[H]

After pulling this child out, Officer Gregory Simmons gave him CPR until he regained consciousness. Simmons appeared on Fox News to talk

[B]

about the incident and I was absolutely relieved. I mean I was at the right place at the right time. I'm just glad this this kid gets have a second chance at life.

[H]

Dhs Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Biss celebrated Simmons saying, quote, this officer swiftly sprung to action and delivered life saving medical care to this six year old who drowned. Our agents truly are the best of the best. They put their lives on the line to arrest the worst of the worst, she added. Quote, instead of demonizing ICE law enforcement, sanctuary politicians should be thanking them for removing criminals from their communities.

[B]

UK Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after he threw a three year old boy into a crocodile pit. Daily Wire reporter Jacob Wheeler has this shocking story.

[I]

Police say the 30 year old man did not know the toddler he threw into the pit. The man allegedly has learning disabilities and was visiting the zoo with his caretaker. The boy received serious injuries and is now hospitalized in critical but stable condition after being saved by Tracy Johnson, the wife of the zoo's owner. Johnson leapt into the pit moments after seeing the toddler attacked by the large reptiles. The old Hearst Zoo has released a statement offering prayers for the boy as he recovers. Meanwhile, the police have released the man on bail saying he was, quote, unfit for interview. As the investigation continues and questions remain, police have not released the suspect's name or likeness.

[A]

A pro baseball team in Pennsylvania forfeited a game last night after multiple players refused to wear Pride themed jerseys. The York Revolution, which is part of the Atlantic League, posted a lengthy statement expressing disappointment that multiple players refused to wear the Pride gear and gave their full endorsement for a Pride celebration to take center stage in lieu of a game. The statement added, to be clear, this action by the players is completely inconsistent with our vision as the most welcoming place in York.

[F]

Baligan to the byline. Baligan into the middle. Dan, it's the United States once again on the board early.

[B]

The US Men's soccer team did it again in a game they pretty easily controlled for most of the match. Team USA defeated Australia by two goals, 2 to 0 today. The win means the US has a commanding lead in Group 5 and has secured a place in the World cup's round of 32. This comes after trouncing Paraguay in their first match. Let's go.

[A]

USA and Tom Hanks took a swipe at Ms. Now's viewership while appearing live on air with one of its reporters. Here's that moment.

[G]

Great to see you.

[B]

What can I do for the 800 people watching? Over now?

[D]

We're live on.

[B]

All right. Add a zero to it if you need to. All right, those are your drive home updates. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, earlier today we covered some major stories, including J.D. vance taking the lead on defending the Iran deal. More details coming to light on the thwarted UFC terror attack. And Senator Josh Hawley joining us to talk about his demands of MLB's commissioner after the targeting of Christian players. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with a weekend edition of MORNING Wire.