Evening Wire: NASCAR Star Plane Crash & Bongino Departs FBI | 12.18.25

Summary

Morning Wire: Evening Wire – NASCAR Star Plane Crash & Bongino Departs FBI | 12.18.25

Date: December 18, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Podcast: The Daily Wire – Morning Wire

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Episode Overview

In this Evening Wire episode, John Bickley and Georgia Howe deliver a fast-paced rundown of the day’s top stories in politics, national security, sports, culture, and business. Major developments include the tragic death of NASCAR star Greg Biffle in a plane crash, the imminent departure of Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino, a thwarted attack in Australia, and the Oscars’ historic move from ABC to YouTube. The episode also covers legislative actions on transgender procedures, an update on a past deadly air crash, major media merger news, and a high-profile Catholic Church leadership shakeup.

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Key Discussion Points

1. Tragic Plane Crash Kills NASCAR’s Greg Biffle

• [00:50] A private plane carrying NASCAR champion Greg Biffle, family, and friends crashed near Charlotte just after 10am, resulting in multiple fatalities.
• Biffle’s humanitarian efforts were highlighted, particularly his support during Hurricane Helene recovery.
  • Quote from Congressman Richard Hudson on X:

    “Biffle will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.” ([01:40])

• Survivor details: Biffle’s two children were ages 14 and 5.

2. Brown University Shooting Investigation

• [01:55] Police have identified a person of interest, but the name is not yet public.
• Reference to possible links with the murder of MIT professor Nuno Lourero days later.
  • Police have released security photos and recovered ammunition and DNA at the scene.
  • Public urged to call tip line: 401-272-3121.

3. Second Suspected Bondi Beach Attack Thwarted

• [02:57] Seven men arrested in Australia, thought to be planning a violent act at Bondi Beach, site of a recent attack targeting Jews.
  • Multiple vehicles stopped; potential weapons possibly recovered.
  • Police assure there is “no ongoing risk to the community.” ([03:40])

4. Dan Bongino to Leave FBI Deputy Director Role

• [03:56] Bongino posted his resignation on X, thanking former President Trump and others.
• His legacy as both a media watchdog and law enforcement veteran is noted.
  • Achieved: Identifying pipe bomber from Jan. 5, 2021.
  • “Thank you to the American people for the privilege to serve them.” – Bongino ([03:57])

5. Trump Media’s $6 Billion Nuclear Fusion Merger

• [04:58] Trump Media merges with TAE Technologies; aims to create the nation’s first publicly traded fusion energy company.
• Goal: Begin building a 50MW fusion plant to provide power by 2031; commercial success remains uncertain.
  • CEO Devin Nunes says this positions the U.S. to lead in energy for an AI future.

6. U.S. Blockade Spurs Maduro to Escalate Oil Export Protections

• [05:49] Amid escalating tensions, Venezuela begins using navy escorts for oil tankers — increasing the risk of conflict.
  • Oil primarily sold to Chinese buyers.

7. House Votes to Ban Transgender Procedures for Minors

• [06:04] New bill threatens steep fines and up to 10 years in prison for doctors performing gender-related procedures on minors.
  • Includes bans on puberty blockers, cross-sex hormones, and several surgeries.
• The Trump administration will further defund such procedures under Medicare/Medicaid.

8. US Accepts Partial Fault in 2025 Reagan Crash

• [07:09] Government admits blame for a fatal jet-helicopter collision that killed 67; pledges damages to families.
  • DOJ blames Army pilots for lack of vigilance but notes American pilots also partially to blame ([07:20]).

9. Warner Brothers Sale Hinges on Larry Ellison’s Personal Guarantee

• [07:58] Paramount, backed by David Ellison, outbids Netflix for Warner Brothers.
• Warner insists on a personal finance guarantee from Larry Ellison for the deal to proceed.

10. Catholic Church Power Shift: Dolan Out, Hicks In

• [08:24] Pope Leo appoints Bishop Ronald Hicks of Illinois to replace Timothy Dolan in New York.
• Hicks, a former missionary in Latin America, emphasizes support for the Latino community and bishops’ criticism of Trump’s immigration stance ([08:55]).
  • Dolan, a noted conservative, delivered invocations at Trump’s inauguration.

11. $900 Billion Defense Bill Passes Senate

• [09:17] The bill supports Trump’s military modernization agenda and increases oversight of military actions, including targeting trafficking boats in the Caribbean.

12. National Guard Buffer Zone Bill

• [09:45] Sen. Tom Cotton’s bill creates a 15-foot buffer zone for National Guard on duty; spitting or throwing objects at guardsmen becomes a felony.
  • Quote:

    “The brave Arkansans who serve in our National Guard should be protected from deranged individuals.” – Sen. Cotton ([10:12])

• Law comes as President Trump deploys Guards nationwide.

13. AOC vs. JD Vance: 2028 Polls & Political Banter

• [10:47] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez responds to polling showing her ahead of VP JD Vance in a future presidential matchup.
  • Quote:

    “Let the record show, I would stomp him.” – Ocasio-Cortez ([11:06])

14. Oscars to Leave ABC, Move to YouTube in 2029

• [11:11] The Academy Awards ends partnership with ABC after more than 50 years; YouTube to become new home.
  • Will include live show, red carpet, exclusive digital content.
  • Quote from YouTube CEO Neal Mohan:

    “Partnering with the Academy...will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers.” ([11:25])

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Noteworthy Quotes & Moments

• On humanitarian legacy:

  “Biffle will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.”
  — Rep. Richard Hudson ([01:40])

• On FBI departure:

  “Thank you to the American people for the privilege to serve them.”
  — Dan Bongino, via X ([03:57])

• On National Guard protections:

  “The brave Arkansans who serve in our National Guard should be protected from deranged individuals.”
  — Senator Tom Cotton ([10:12])

• On AOC’s confidence:

  “Let the record show, I would stomp him.”
  — Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez ([11:06])

• On the Oscars’ digital leap:

  “Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars storied legacy.”
  — YouTube CEO Neal Mohan ([11:25])

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Timeline of Key Segments

• 00:50 – Greg Biffle plane crash coverage
• 01:55 – Brown University shooting investigation
• 02:57 – Bondi Beach attack plot foiled
• 03:56 – Announcement: Bongino retiring from FBI
• 04:58 – Trump Media & TAE Technologies fusion merger
• 05:49 – Venezuela crisis and oil tanker escorts
• 06:04 – House vote on transgender procedures for minors
• 07:09 – Government accepts fault in Reagan airport crash
• 07:58 – Warner Brothers sale and Ellison guarantee
• 08:24 – Catholic Church: Dolan replaced by Hicks
• 09:17 – Senate passes $900B defense bill
• 09:45 – National Guard buffer zone legislation
• 10:47 – AOC vs. JD Vance: Political poll talk
• 11:11 – Oscars moving to YouTube

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Summary

The 12.18.25 Evening Wire episode delivers comprehensive daily headlines with insightful reporting and choice quotes. The show maintains an authoritative yet conversational tone while keeping listeners informed on rapidly developing stories with clarity and objectivity. Whether covering shifting political landscapes, tragic losses, or industry-defining media moves, the hosts offer valuable takeaways for any listener wanting a pulse on current events.

Transcript

[John Bickley]

Limu Emu and Doug.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

Here we have the Limu Emu in its natural habitat, helping people customize their car insurance and save hundreds with Liberty Mutual. Fascinating. It's accompanied by his natural ally, Doug. Uh, Limu is that guy with the binoculars watching us? Cut the camera. They see us. Only pay for what you [e-mail] Liberty.

[John Bickley]

Liberty Liberty Liberty Savings vary unwritten by.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and affiliates Excludes Massachusetts. Australian police thwart a second suspected Bondi beach attack. Deputy Director Dan Bongino is leaving the FBI and the Oscars abandoned. ABC I'm Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Thursday, December 18th. This is Evening Wire.

[John Bickley]

NASCAR star Greg Biffle and some of his family members died this morning in a plane crash. Daily Wire reporter Lyndon Blake has more. This is just a tragic story. A private plane carrying Biffle's family and two others crashed Thursday morning about 45 miles outside of Charlotte. The crash happened just after 10am while attempting to land shortly after the plane took off from the Statesville Regional Airport. Longtime friend of Biffle, YouTuber Garrett Mitchell, said the Biffles were on their way to visit his family when the plane crashed. Biffle's two children were 14 and 5. He was known as both a racing champion and a humanitarian who dedicated his time to helping his community. Biffle used his planes, helicopters, boats to take generators, chainsaws, water, all the essential supplies to the rural areas of North Carolina that were devastated last year from Hurricane Helene. North Carolina State Congressman Richard Hudson moored the loss on X, noting that Biffle will be remembered for his service to others as much as for his fearlessness on the track.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

More updates are streaming in on the investigation into the Brown University shooting. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has the latest. A person of interest sought in connection to the shooting has been identified, according to CBS News. A search for that person is now underway, but authorities have not yet released the name of the person of interest to the public. Police are asking the public to help them identify another person who is, quote, in proximity of the person of interest. Officials have released three grainy photos showing a person in a coat and hoodie walking through a yard on what appears to be a residential street. Anyone with information is urged to contact the tip line at 401-272-3121. Police are also looking into whether the Brown University mass shooting might be connected to the murder of an MIT professor two days after the shooting at Brown on Saturday. MIT professor Nuno Lourero was killed inside his Boston home some 50 miles away. Meanwhile, investigators have recovered live ammunition and DNA from the scene at Brown University.

[John Bickley]

Australian police arrested seven suspects near Bondi beach today on suspicion of plotting a violent act. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the details.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

Australian police officers on Thursday detained seven men after receiving intelligence that the group might be planning a violent act. Police rammed a white hatchback reportedly traveling from the southern state of Victoria to Sydney's Bondi beach, the site of last weekend's Islamic terror attack targeting Jews. A second hatchback was stopped by police just a few blocks away, and two men inside were also arrested. New South Wales police said that tactical operations police responded to information received that a violent act was possibly being planned. A source told the Sydney Morning Herald that authorities might have recovered a weapon in one of the vehicles, but police have not verified that claim. Authorities promise to release more information on the arrests and assure the public that there is no ongoing risk to the community. Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino plans to leave the bureau next month. With more is Daily Wire Culture reporter Megan Basham.

[John Bickley]

Bongino posted his farewell announcement on X on Wednesday, stating that he'll be leaving his position in January and thanking Trump, Attorney General Bondi, FBI Director Patel and the American people for the privilege to serve them. Trump appointed Bongino to the bureau in February. Before his career in conservative media, Bongino served in the New York Police Department and Secret Service. In the media, he was an adept watchdog over the Department of Justice and FBI, especially on scandals such as Operation Crossfire, Hurricane and the Jeffrey Epstein saga. Bongino recently wrapped one of his priorities for the FBI since coming into the deputy director role, identifying the suspected pipe bomber who planted bombs outside the Republican and Democratic headquarters in Washington, D.C. on January 5, 2021. Shares of Trump Media surge after the company announced a $6 billion merger with a nuclear fusion firm, TAE Technologies. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips has the details.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

The all stock deal announced on Thursday would create the nation's first publicly traded fusion energy company, with Trump Media and TAE splitting ownership roughly down the middle. The combined company plans to begin construction next year on a 50 megawatt fusion plant in hopes to first begin providing power by 2031, though experts say commercial fusion remains scientifically uncertain. CEO Devin Nunes says the merger positions the US to help lead in meeting soaring energy demands driven by artificial intelligence. TAE, founded in 1998, is one of the world's longest running fusion ventures. In response to the US blockade, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has ordered navy escorts for his nation's oil tankers, although the ships being escorted are not among those under US Sanctions, the escalation increases the likelihood of violent conflict. Venezuelan oil, which is largely purchased by private buyers in China, has become the focus of Trump's campaign to oust the Venezuelan president. Maduro, for his part, has shown no signs of backing down, reportedly vowing to keep exports flowing at all costs. Foreign.

[John Bickley]

The House narrowly passed a bill yesterday that would block doctors across the country from carrying out transgender procedures on minors. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Prestigiacomo has the details. Under the law, doctors who carry out transgender procedures on kids could face steep fines or up to 10 years in prison. The banned procedures include giving gender confused kids cross sex hormones, which can have profound impacts on fertility, sexual function and heart health. The law also blocks giving kids puberty blockers, which can significantly harm bone development. And it bans genital surgeries and the removal of breasts of girls who identify as boys. In related news, the Trump administration has rolled out new rules today that will defund hospitals that perform trans procedures on kids and penalize doctors who administer those procedures. Hospitals that offer these procedures to minors are banned from Medicare and Medicaid programs. The rules will also block federal funding of Medicaid's Children's Health Insurance Program from going towards trans procedures for anyone under the age of 19.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

After multiple investigations, the US government has accepted fault for a crash at Reagan airport that left 67 dead last January. Daily Wire senior editor Virginia Kruder reports.

[John Bickley]

The crash involved an American Airlines regional jet colliding midair with an army helicopter. The Justice Department said in a filing on Wednesday that the pilots of the Army Blackhawk helicopter failed to maintain vigilance. The failure was a cause, in fact, and proximate cause of the accident. The filing also laid a portion of the blame on the American Airlines pilots, but the airline maintains that their pilots acted according to all laws and standards, placing the blame entirely on the army pilots and air traffic control. The government has declared their intention to pay damages to the families of those lost in the incident. An update in the potential Warner Brothers sale the company is demanding a personal guarantee from billionaire Larry Ellison to fund Paramount's bid. Paramount, run by his son David Ellison, outbid Netflix's offer to acquire Warner Brothers. But Warner Brothers warned their shareholders that Paramount's financing was not secure. In order for the deal to go through, the company's now requiring Larry's personal guarantee. If that can't be made, Paramount would have to increase their bid to have.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

Any hopes of closing the deal in a major shakeup. Pope Leo has replaced Cardinal Timothy Dolan as leader of the Catholic Church in New York, sidelining a leading conservative among US Bishops. Daily Wire senior editor Joel Niedler has more. Dolan delivered an invocation at Trump's second inauguration. He praised Charlie Kirk as a modern day St. Paul. He's also been a frequent guest on Fox and Friends and hosts his own weekly program on Sirius, XM's the Catholic Channel. To replace Dolan, Pope Leo chose a relatively unknown cleric from Illinois, Bishop Ronald Hicks. At a press conference in New York a few hours after the Vatican's announcement Thursday. Hicks gave some remarks in Spanish before speaking in English, exciting his experience as a former missionary in Latin America. He said he has a great heart for the Latino community. Hicks also repeated his earlier endorsement of the U.S. catholic bishop's condemnation of Trump's immigration crackdown.

[John Bickley]

The Senate passed a $900 billion defense policy bill this week, which clears the way to accomplishing many of Trump's agenda goals, including modernizing military purchases, development of new technologies, as well as raising the salary of military personnel. The bill also contained provisions that would give Congress increased oversight on certain military actions. This comes amid increasing questions regarding the Trump administration's targeting of drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

A new bill from Republican Senator Tom Cotton would protect National Guard troops from, quote, deranged individuals who attack or spit on them while they're on duty, Daily Wire political reporter Cameron Arkin reports. The bill, known as the National Guard Protective Zone act, would make it a federal misdemeanor for those who enter a 15 foot buffer zone for guardsmen with the intent to intimidate, harass or impede troops. It would also create a felony for anyone who spits on or throws an object at a guardsman while on duty. That would be punishable by up to five years in prison, Senator Cotton told the Daily Wire. The brave Arkansas who serve in our National Guard should be protected from deranged individuals. My bill ensures that anyone who attempts to intimidate or harass Guardsmen will face the full force of the law. Cotton's legislation comes as President Trump has deployed National Guard troops to cities across the country, from Memphis to la, to assist in federal operations.

[John Bickley]

Democratic socialist Alexandria Ocasio Cortez said she'd, quote, stomp Vice President JD Vance in a presidential election. After a recent poll showed the far left congresswoman leading Vance by 2%, 51 to 49. The editor of Migrant Insider asked her Wednesday if she really thinks she could win. Listen, these polls like three years out are. You know, they are what they are. But let the record show. I would stomp him.

[Daily Wire Reporter]

I would stomp him. And in a big break with tradition, the oscars will leave ABC, its broadcast home since 1976, and move to YouTube in 2029. Here's Daily Wire entertainment reporter Amanda Harding.

[John Bickley]

The announcement surprised the entertainment industry and marked a turning point in how people consume content. Disney owned ABC will continue to air the Academy awards until its 100th anniversary in 2028. But then in 2029 through at least 2033, YouTube will stream the show and related content on its platform, which boasts 2 billion users worldwide. This includes red carpet pre shows, behind the scenes footage, nominee announcements and the Governor Awards where honorary Oscars are presented, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said in a statement. Partnering with the Academy to bring this celebration of art and entertainment to viewers all over the world will inspire a new generation of creativity and film lovers while staying true to the Oscars storied legacy. Those are your Drive Home updates this evening. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com, and in case you missed it, earlier today we covered some major stories, including the latest on Trump's blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers, highlights from his Oval Office address and Turning Point USA's AM Fest kicking off today. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.