Evening Wire: PA Plant Explosion & UFC’s Historic Deal | 8.11.25

Summary

Evening Wire: PA Plant Explosion & UFC’s Historic Deal | August 11, 2025

Presented by The Daily Wire's John Bickley and Georgia Howe

---

1. Pennsylvania Steel Plant Explosion

Timestamp: [00:52]

A tragic explosion at a steel plant in Pennsylvania has resulted in at least one fatality and numerous injuries. Authorities report that two individuals remain unaccounted for. Residents are being advised to shelter indoors due to potential air quality hazards as thick black smoke fills the sky. Witnesses described the blast as "feeling like thunder that rattled buildings."

Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the situation, stating, "The state is sending all available resources to assist in the rescue and recovery efforts" ([00:52]).

---

2. President Trump Federalizes Washington, D.C.

Timestamp: [01:28]

In a decisive move to restore law and order in Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard and the federalization of the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. Speaking from the White House, Trump declared, "The days of savagery, filth, and scum terrorizing the streets are over here" ([01:28]).

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supported the initiative, emphasizing that the National Guard troops would "be strong, tough, and stand with law enforcement partners as they hit the streets this week" ([02:10]).

This action follows ongoing violent incidents and the assault of a young Trump administration staffer. Critics have pointed to Mayor Muriel Bowser's perceived inability to maintain city safety as a catalyst for this federal intervention.

---

3. Judge Blocks Trump Administration's Maxwell Case Bid

Timestamp: [02:38]

An Obama-appointed judge, Judge Paul Engelmeier, has dismissed the Trump administration's attempt to unseal grand jury records related to the Ghislaine Maxwell case. Deputy Managing Editor Tim Rice reported, "Judge Engelmeier ruled that the government hadn't shown a compelling reason to release the normally secret proceedings" ([02:38]).

Attorney General Pam Bondi had advocated for disclosure amidst renewed scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein's network. However, the judge maintained that "political interests played no role" in his decision, ensuring that Maxwell remains incarcerated for her role in Epstein's sex trafficking operations.

---

4. Ukraine's Increased Strikes on Russia Ahead of Summit

Timestamp: [03:05]

Amid escalating tensions, President Volodymyr Zelensky has intensified strikes against Russian targets in anticipation of the upcoming summit with President Trump in Alaska. Zelensky stated, "These strikes are meant to push Moscow toward real peace talks," while firmly rejecting any demands for Ukraine to cede territory.

Moscow claims to have downed 59 drones overnight, bringing their total to over 1,300 for August. In retaliation, Ukraine has intercepted 70 out of 100 Russian drones launched. The outcome of the summit remains uncertain as Trump endeavors to broker a ceasefire amidst significant divisions between the parties.

---

5. Intel CEO's Meeting with President Trump Amid Resignation Push

Timestamp: [03:35]

Intel CEO Lip Bhutan is set to meet with President Trump at the White House following the president's call for his resignation due to concerns over Bhutan's loyalty and Intel's investments in the United States ([03:35]).

The Wall Street Journal highlighted that Bhutan aims to "ease Trump's concerns regarding his loyalty to the United States, both personally and in terms of Intel's domestic investment" ([03:35]).

Trump's demand stems from Bhutan's previous role at Cadence Design Systems, which pleaded guilty to selling chip design products to a Chinese military university. Additionally, Bhutan's venture capital firm has investments in Chinese companies, raising national security concerns.

---

6. Nvidia and AMD's AI Chip Revenue Sharing with the US Government

Timestamp: [04:13]

In a strategic move, Nvidia and Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) have agreed to share 15% of the revenue from AI chips sold to China with the US government. This arrangement is a prerequisite for obtaining approval to sell specific AI chips to Chinese markets, following a halt in exports since April due to national security issues ([04:13]).

This deal underscores the ongoing tension between advancing technological capabilities and safeguarding national interests.

---

7. Texas Governor Greg Abbott Confronts Democratic Walkout

Timestamp: [04:33]

Governor Greg Abbott has taken a firm stance against Democratic legislators who vacated the Texas House to obstruct the passage of new districting maps. Addressing Fox News Sunday, Abbott declared, "I’m authorized to call a special session every 30 days... If they show back up in the state of Texas, they will be arrested and taken to the Capitol" ([04:33]).

Abbott's actions aim to secure five additional Republican seats in Congress through the newly proposed election maps. The Texas House is scheduled to reconvene, with Abbott also filing a suit to remove Democrat House Caucus Chair Gene Wu from office due to the ongoing revolt.

---

8. Beto O’Rourke Supports Texas Democrats' Walkout

Timestamp: [05:17]

Former Representative Beto O’Rourke has voiced his support for the Texas Democrats' walkout, criticizing Republicans and urging Democrats nationwide to "redraw congressional districts wherever possible" ([05:17]).

O’Rourke's remarks follow a Texas judge's decision to block his nonprofit political group from funding Democratic representatives who left the state, amplifying the partisan conflict within Texas politics.

---

9. Life Sentence for Victor Hernandez in Rape and Murder Case

Timestamp: [05:50]

An illegal immigrant, Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez, was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the brutal rape and murder of Rachel Morin, a 37-year-old mother of five. During the sentencing, Morin's mother, Patty Morin, delivered a poignant victim impact statement, expressing her anguish: "I’m thinking of my daughter and her life and how can I put the value of her life, reduce it to ink and paper..." ([05:50]).

Hernandez also received convictions for first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree rape, third-degree sex offense, and third-degree kidnapping. Authorities have confirmed that Hernandez will serve his sentence in Maryland and will not be deported to El Salvador.

---

10. Historic UFC Deal with CBS

Timestamp: [06:51]

Dana White, CEO of the UFC, announced a groundbreaking seven-year deal between the UFC and CBS, valued at $7.7 billion. Under this agreement, Paramount (owner of CBS) will secure exclusive broadcast and streaming rights, allowing American fans unprecedented access to all 30 UFC Fight Nights and 13 other major events without the traditional pay-per-view model ([06:51]).

White praised the deal for making the sport "affordable and accessible," significantly expanding the UFC's reach across a massive platform.

---

11. Controversial Remarks by Jennifer Welch on Trump Voters

Timestamp: [07:54]

Jennifer Welch, a former Bravo star, sparked outrage with her comments on the "I've Had It" podcast. She vehemently opposed white Americans who both support Trump and patronize ethnic restaurants, asserting that "Trump voters should be banned from Chinese, Indian, and Mexican restaurants" and suggested they "Get your fat out of the Mexican restaurant. Get your fat over to Cracker Barrel" ([07:54]).

Welch's remarks received immediate backlash on social media, with many labeling her statements as "unhinged" and "delusional," criticizing her for fueling division and intolerance.

---

12. Comedians Considering Relocation Amidst Trump's Influence

Timestamp: [08:16]

Jimmy Kimmel hinted at relocating to Italy to escape the current political climate under President Trump. During an appearance on Sarah Silverman's podcast, Kimmel revealed he has "secured Italian citizenship" ([08:16]).

Similarly, comedian Rosie O’Donnell has moved to Ireland post Trump's reelection, and Silverman noted that she knows several individuals seeking citizenship in other countries to avoid the administration's policies.

---

13. AOL Ends Dial-Up Internet Service

Timestamp: [08:48]

In a significant nod to the end of an era, AOL announced the discontinuation of its dial-up Internet service effective September 30th ([08:48]). While Yahoo, AOL's parent company, stated that most users have already transitioned to modern internet services, the move marks the official end of AOL's iconic dial-up presence, reminiscing about the days of "You've Got Mail" and the nostalgic connection sounds.

---

Conclusion

In this episode of Evening Wire, John Bickley and Georgia Howe delved into a range of pressing issues, from local tragedies and national security measures to significant political maneuvers and cultural shifts. The discussions encapsulated the current climate's complexity, highlighting the intersection of politics, technology, and societal changes.

For more detailed coverage and updates, visit dailywire.com.

---

This summary is intended for informational purposes and captures the key discussions and insights from the Evening Wire podcast episode released on August 11, 2025.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

Hey guys, have you heard of Gold Belly? It's this amazing site where they ship the most iconic famous foods from restaurants across the country anywhere nationwide. I've never found a more perfect gift than food. Gold Belly Ship, Chicago Deep dish pizza, New York bagels, Maine lobster rolls, and even Ina Garden's famous cakes. So if you're looking for a gift for the food lover in your life, head to goldbelly.com and get 20% off your first order with promo code GIFT. That's goldbelly.com, promo code GIFT. A rescue effort is underway after an explosion at a steel plant in Pennsylvania. Trump federalizes D.C. and the Texas governor is going after delinquent Democrats. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley. It's Monday, August 11th, and this is Evening Wire.

[John Bickley]

At least one person is dead and many more injured after a massive explosion at a steel plant in Pennsylvania. Officials Two people are still unaccounted for. Officials are urging residents to shelter indoors due to possible air quality hazards as locals report seeing thick black smoke billowing into the air. Witnesses describe the blast as feeling like thunder that rattled buildings. Governor Josh Shapiro says the state is sending all available resources.

[Georgia Howe]

President Trump is taking aggressive action to make Washington, D.C. great again. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips has the latest.

[John Bickley]

In an effort to clean up what he calls the, quote, crime ridden, filthy nation's capital, President Trump is deploying the National Guard and federalizing the D.C. metropolitan Police Department. Speaking from the White House, Trump vowed to restore law and order, saying the days of, quote, savagery filth and scum terrorizing the streets are over here. He is invoking Section 740 of the District of Columbia Home Rule act, you know what that is, and placing the D.C. metropolitan Police Department under direction, federal control. And you'll be meeting the people that will be directly involved with that. In addition, I'm deploying the National Guard to help reestablish law, order and public safety in Washington, D.C. and they're going to be allowed to do their job properly. The move follows persistent violent crime and the brutal beating of a young Trump administration staffer and comes after months of warnings to Mayor Muriel Bowser, who critics say has failed to keep the city safe. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says National Guard troops will be, quote, strong, tough and stand with law enforcement partners as they hit the streets. This week. An Obama appointed judge has rejected the Trump administration's bid to unseal grand jury records from the Ghislaine Maxwell case. Daily Wire deputy managing editor Tim Rice has the details. Judge Paul Engelmeier ruled today that the government hadn't shown a compelling reason to release the normally secret proceedings, noting their request sought nearly the entire record, not limited Excerpts Attorney General Pam Bondi had pushed for disclosure amid renewed scrutiny of Jeffrey Epstein's network, but Engelmeier stressed that political interests played no role in his decision. The ruling keeps the grand jury testimony under wraps while Maxwell continues serving her sentence for aiding Epstein's sex trafficking operation.

[Georgia Howe]

Ukraine has upped its strikes on Russia ahead of Friday's summit with Trump and Putin in Alaska. President Zelensky says the strikes are meant to push Moscow toward real peace talks, but he rejects Putin's demands for Ukraine to cede any land. Moscow says it downed 59 drones overnight, bringing the August total to more than 1300. Ukraine intercepted 70 of 100 Russian drones in return. Whether Zelensky will join the summit remains unclear as Trump aims to broker a ceasefire despite the sharp divide.

[John Bickley]

The CEO of tech giant intel will meet with President Trump at the White House today, less than a week after the president called for his resignation. Daily Wire senior editor Joel Niedler has more. The Wall Street Journal reports that CEO Lip Bhutan hopes to ease Trump's concerns regarding his loyalty to the United States, both personally and in terms of Intel's domestic investment. Trump called for Tan to resign last week over concerns about his ties to China. Tan previously headed Cadence Design Systems, a major supplier of chip design software, which pleaded guilty last week to selling chip design products to a Chinese military university. Tan's venture capital firm is also invested in Chinese companies.

[Georgia Howe]

Also in the chip space. Nvidia and Advanced Micro devices will share 15% of the revenue from the AI chips they sell to China with the US government. The agreement comes as a condition for the government to approve the sale of certain AI chips from each company to Chinese markets. The exports of these chips were halted in April over national security concerns.

[John Bickley]

Texas governor Greg Abbott is holding state legislators feet to the fire after roughly 50 House Democrats left the state last week to block new districting maps. Here's Abbott on Fox News Sunday. I'm authorized to call a special session every 30 days. It lasts 30 days and as soon as this one is over, I'm going to call another one, then another one, then another one, then another one. If they show back up in the state of Texas, they will be arrested and taken to the Capitol. Abbott filed a suit with the Texas Supreme Court last Tuesday to remove Democrat House caucus Chair Gene Wu from office over the Democrat revolt. The Texas House was set to consider adopting new election maps that would create five more favorable Republican seats in Congress. The House is scheduled to reconvene today.

[Georgia Howe]

Former Representative Robert Francis o', Rourke, also known as Beto o', Rourke, joined the chorus of support for the Texas Democrats walkout. O' Rourke railed against the Republicans and called on Democrats nationwide to redraw congressional districts wherever possible.

[John Bickley]

You may say to yourself, well those aren't the rules. There are no refs in this game. The rules. We are going to win whatever it takes.

[Georgia Howe]

O' Rourke's comments come after a Texas judge blocked him and his nonprofit political group, powered by people from funding Democratic representatives who fled the state.

[John Bickley]

The illegal immigrant who brutally raped and murdered Rachel Morin, a 37 year old mother of five, was sentenced to life in prison without parole today. Several of Morin's surviving family members delivered victim impact statements to the court, speaking in advance of the hearing. Morin's mother, Patty Morin, had this to say on Fox News this morning. When you get to the point where.

[Georgia Howe]

You actually sit down and write the.

[John Bickley]

Statement, you don't think it's good enough.

[Georgia Howe]

Because I'm thinking of my daughter and her life and how can I put the value of her life, reduce it to ink and paper and then how do I feel about this person and.

[John Bickley]

What he's done to take that life away? The murderer Victor Antonio Martinez Hernandez received the maximum sentence for first degree premeditated murder, first degree rape, third degree sex offense and third degree kidnapping. Officials have previously stated that Hernandez would complete his sentence in Maryland and would not be deported to his native El Salvador.

[Georgia Howe]

Goodbye pay per View Dana White has announced a historic deal between the UFC and cbs. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has more.

[John Bickley]

CBS owner Paramount struck a seven year deal with the UFC for exclusive broadcast and streaming rights. Paramount will have access to all 30 UFC Fight Nights and 13 other UFC events. Select UFC events will be broadcast on CBS, while others will also be on Paramount. Plus, the $7.7 billion deal will go into effect next year. This is the first time American fans will be able to access all major UFC fight nights without the pay per view model. UFC CEO Dana White celebrated the deal for making the sport, quote, affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform. A former Bravo star says Trump voters should be banned from Chinese, Indian and Mexican restaurants. Jennifer Welch went on a profanity laced rant on her I've had it podcast. She attacked white Americans who voted for Trump but also want to eat at ethnic restaurants, welch said. Trump voters should only be allowed to eat at Cracker Barrel.

[Georgia Howe]

White people. That triple Trump should be banned, boycotted from enjoying the best thing that America has to offer, which is multiculturalism. Get your fat out of the Mexican restaurant. Get your fat over to Cracker Barrel.

[John Bickley]

Welch received swift backlash on social media. Comments called her unhinged and delusional and said Welch is what's wrong with this country.

[Georgia Howe]

Jimmy Kimmel hinted that he could move to Italy because of Donald Trump. Kimmel recently appeared on Sarah Silverman's podcast and says he's secured Italian citizenship. Some speculate Kimmel will move to Italy to avoid Trump. Another comedian, Rosie o', Donnell, moved to Ireland after Trump won reelection. Silverman says she knows multiple people who are trying to get citizenship in other countries.

[John Bickley]

I did get Italian citizenship. You do?

[Georgia Howe]

Oh, that's amazing.

[John Bickley]

I do have that. And what's going on is as bad as you thought it was going to be?

[Georgia Howe]

Way worse.

[John Bickley]

It's so much worse. Got a mission, Jimmy. And it's the end of an era. AOL says it's pulling the plug on its dial up Internet service next month. Yahoo, which owns aol, says very few customers still use dial up and the change won't affect free AOL email accounts. Once a 90s Internet giant known for you've Got Mail and its noisy connection tones, AOL's Dial up era will officially come to an end on September 30th.

[Georgia Howe]

Those are your drive Home updates this evening. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some major stories, including Trump's high stakes meeting with Putin, more big shakeups in the left wing media, and several new investigations involving Democrats who'd been tried to take down Trump. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of MORNING wire.

[John Bickley]

These are questions that take cultures thousands of years to answer. During Answer the Call, I take questions from people just like you about their problems, opportunities, challenges, or when they simply need advice. How do I balance all of this grief, responsibility? How do you repair this kind of damage? My daughter Michaela guides the conversations as we hopefully help people navigate their lives. Everyone has their own destiny. Everyone.