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

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.

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])

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])

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

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.