Evening Wire: Louisville Crash, Houston Recruits NYPD, & Election Fallout

Podcast: Morning Wire | Date: November 5, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe

Main Theme

This episode delivers a fast-paced update on major national and international news, focusing on the tragic Louisville plane crash, law enforcement recruiting shifts post-election, notable political outcomes across the US, public safety crises, and controversies in culture and business. The conversation balances breaking news with context and firsthand reports.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Louisville Plane Crash Tragedy

[00:20–01:44]

• Incident: UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville's airport at ~5:20pm, causing fatalities and destruction.

• Casualties: At least 9 confirmed dead, with more missing and the death count expected to rise.

• Contributing Factors:

  • One engine caught fire on takeoff.
  • The plane—fully fueled for a Hawaii trip—caused multiple explosions after crashing into businesses (petroleum recycling center, auto parts shop).
  • A shelter-in-place was issued within a five-mile radius due to secondary explosions.

• Community Impact: 16 families awaiting news of missing relatives, with officials on scene for support.

  "[T]here were more families of more individuals than that that they were still looking for and seeking information on. So I would expect that the amount of fatalities may rise throughout the day."
  — Mayor Craig Greenberg, [00:53]

2. Election Roundup: Red Flag Laws, Texas Constitutional Amendments

[01:44–02:40]

• Maine: Passed a red flag law allowing family or law enforcement to seek court orders blocking dangerous individuals from firearm purchases; rejected a voter ID requirement.
  • No automatic renewal for absentee voting and a ban on phone or family member ballot requests were included in rejected reforms.
• Texas: Approved 17 constitutional amendments.
  • Key changes: bans on capital gains/inheritance taxes, stricter bail for certain felonies, reinforced parental rights.

3. Houston Police Recruit NYPD Officers Following NYC Mayoral Win

[02:40–03:44]

• Context: NYPD officers are being recruited by Houston Police after NYC elects Democratic Socialist Zoran Mamdani as mayor.

• NYPD Concerns: Mamdani has supported replacing some police with mental health professionals and maintaining sanctuary policies, raising concerns among law enforcement.

• Houston’s Pitch: Promises of better conditions and career stability.

  "We believe socialism is going to be bad for law enforcement in New York City. There is opportunity here in Houston for officers to come make a great life for themselves."
  — Doug Griffith, Houston Police Union President, [03:35]

4. Charlotte Mayoral Race: Safety Debate Fails to Sway Voters

[03:44–04:40]

• Mayor Vi Lyles: Re-elected with 70% of the vote despite controversy after a violent, high-profile stabbing on city transit.

• Public Reaction: Debate about crime and public safety did not change election outcome, raising questions about local priorities.

  "While a Democrat winning... isn't shocking, the fact that the massive controversy over the horrific murder ... doesn't appear to have hurt Lyles at all has raised some eyebrows."
  — Megan Basham, [03:54]

5. Listeria Outbreak Linked to Pre-cooked Pasta Meals

[04:40–05:15]

• Impact: 25 hospitalized, 6 dead (including an unborn child).
• Source: Contaminated pre-cooked pasta from Nate's Fine Foods sold at major retailers (Trader Joe's, Walmart, Kroger).
• Action: Nationwide recall in effect; FDA urges vigilance in checking products at home.

6. Mexican Mayor Assassinated After Speaking Out Against Cartels

[05:15–05:49]

• Victim: Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo, Aruapan, murdered during public event after urging civilians to resist drug traffickers.
• Broader Implications: Attack sparks protests and debate over government vs. cartel control in parts of Mexico.

7. Tennessee Backs National Guard Deployment in Memphis

[05:49–06:31]

• Poll: 63% of Tennesseans approve Trump’s National Guard deployment to Memphis amid crime surge.

• Results: Over 1,700 arrests made, including 126 gang members, and suspects wanted on serious charges apprehended.

  • Clear partisan divide: Republicans favor, Democrats oppose.

  "They've arrested individuals wanted on charges related to murder, drugs, firearms, and sex offenses."
  — Andy Valdez, [06:21]

8. Major Donation to University of Austin

[06:31–07:13]

• Details: Billionaire Jeff Yass donates $100 million to the unaccredited, “anti-woke” University of Austin, founded by Bari Weiss.

• Purpose: Help the school operate independent of government subsidies/tuition, reduce financial pressure on families.

  "He wants to help to reduce the financial stress on parents and students."
  — Virginia Kruta, [06:56]

9. France Suspends Shein After Disturbing Listings

[07:13–07:45]

• Event: French government shuts down e-commerce giant Shein after discovery of childlike sex dolls and weapons for sale.
• Response: Shein states these came from third-party sellers; move coincided with opening of physical store in Paris.

10. France: Car Attack Injures 10, Islamist Concerns

[07:45–08:29]

• Incident: Man shouts "Allahu Akbar" before injuring 10 via vehicle attack; prior criminal history; tried to set car on fire during arrest.

• Official Response: Strong calls from French legislators for crackdown on Islamist networks.

  "There is an urgent need to identify, root out, track down and combat this Islamist hydra in each of its networks, its funding channels, its rhetoric and its political supporters."
  — Deputy of France's National Assembly, quoted by Amanda Prester Giacomo, [08:15]

11. Women’s Soccer Gender Controversy

[08:29–09:54]

• Contentious Op-ed: Angel City FC’s Elizabeth Eddy advocates for gene testing and tighter gender eligibility, says “only women should play in the women’s league.”

• Backlash: Teammates and management denounce Eddy as transphobic and racist, pointing to the use of an African player’s photo in the article.

  "As a mixed woman with a Black family, I'm devastated by the undertones of this article."
  — Sarah Gordon, Angel City FC captain, [09:28]

  "We're doing our best in the locker room to preserve respect and belonging on this team."
  — Angelina Anderson, Angel City FC captain, [09:45]

12. Hacker Prank at NYC Mayoral Victory Party

[09:54–10:21]

• Incident: As Zoran Mamdani began his victory speech, a hacker took over the main screen with “Trump is your president”, drawing boos from the crowd.
• Aftermath: The prank added irony and drew laughs online; perpetrator still unknown.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mayor Greenberg on the Louisville Crash:

  "I was simply there to provide support to all those grieving families that are searching for answers to let them know we have first responders, the coroners and others that are on the scene working to get them as much information as soon as possible."
  [00:53]

• Houston Police Union President Doug Griffith:

  "We believe socialism is going to be bad for law enforcement in New York City."
  [03:35]

• Vi Lyles’ Charlotte Win Despite Crime Debate:

  "...the fact that the massive controversy over the horrific murder... doesn't appear to have hurt Lyles at all has raised some eyebrows."
  [03:54]

• France’s Politician on Islamist Attacks:

  "There is an urgent need to identify, root out, track down and combat this Islamist hydra..."
  [08:15]

• Angel City Captain Sarah Gordon on Gender Policy Article:

  "...I'm devastated by the undertones of this article."
  [09:28]

• Angelina Anderson on Team Culture:

  "We're doing our best in the locker room to preserve respect and belonging on this team."
  [09:45]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:20 – Louisville plane crash details
• 01:44 – Maine and Texas election result summaries
• 02:40 – Houston recruits NYPD officers post-NYC mayoral election
• 03:44 – Charlotte mayoral election outcome & crime context
• 04:40 – Listeria outbreak from pre-cooked pasta
• 05:15 – Mexican mayor assassinated
• 05:49 – Tennessee supports National Guard in Memphis
• 06:31 – $100M donation to University of Austin
• 07:13 – France suspends Shein over illegal listings
• 07:45 – French car attack, government response
• 08:29 – Angel City FC’s gender eligibility controversy
• 09:54 – Hacker disrupts Mamdani’s victory speech
• 10:21 – Episode wrap-up

Podcast Tone

Factual, brisk, and grounded, with a focus on clarity and brevity. The hosts maintain a balanced delivery, reserving editorial tone primarily for cultural and political flashpoints.