Evening Wire: SpaceX Rocket Set To Crash & Spokane Wildfire Caused By Arsonist? | 8.4.26

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: Evening Wire: SpaceX Rocket Set to Crash & Spokane Wildfire Caused By Arsonist?
Date: August 4, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Producer: The Daily Wire

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Episode Overview

This episode of Evening Wire covers a range of urgent national stories, with particular attention to criminal incidents, political developments, and a historic upcoming event involving a SpaceX rocket crashing into the moon. The hosts discuss the impact of media trust, law enforcement interventions, and updates in sports and culture.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Spokane Wildfire Arson Arrest

• Segment Start: 00:50
• Summary:
  • Aaron Farinacci, a 37-year-old convicted felon, was charged with first-degree arson for allegedly igniting the Old Trails Fire in Spokane County, Washington.
  • This fire is one of three that led to the evacuation of 65,000 people and destruction of more than 3,600 acres.
  • The investigation revealed initial ignition by a match or butane lighter; Farinacci is held on a $1 million bond.
  • Quote:
    • “Prosecutors in Washington state have charged 37 year old Aaron Farinacci with first degree arson for allegedly sparking the Old Trails Fire.” — Tim Pierce, 00:58

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2. Todd Blanche Clears Senate Judiciary

• Segment Start: 01:32
• Summary:
  • President Trump's attorney general pick, Todd Blanche, was advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee along party lines.
  • Republican concerns over the $1.8B anti-weaponization fund were addressed; the fund was previously killed.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune may call for a full Senate confirmation vote soon.

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3. Congressman Max Miller Domestic Abuse Allegations

• Segment Start: 02:04
• Summary:
  • Rep. Max Miller faces serious allegations from his ex-wife Emily Moreno, daughter of Senator Bernie Moreno.
  • Trump cautioned Miller about a tough reelection path while still offering support.
  • Allegations include physical assault and threats; Miller denies all accusations and seeks an ethics investigation.

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4. ICE Officers Rescue Toddler in Tennessee

• Segment Start: 02:46
• Summary:
  • During a routine operation in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, ICE officers found a two-year-old wandering outside, nearly hit by a car.
  • The child’s mother, unaware, was found napping in a nearby apartment; no charges filed.
  • ICE commended agents for quick action.
  • Quote:
    • “We’re grateful that our team was able to act quickly and help ensure this child’s safety.” — Scott Ladwig, ICE official, 03:18

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5. DC Reflection Pool Vandalism Charges Dropped

• Segment Start: 03:34
• Summary:
  • U.S. Olympian David Hearn had felony property destruction charges dropped after evidence indicated the pool damage stemmed from installation issues, not vandalism.
  • Trump criticized the decision:
    • Quote:
      • “She folded like an umbrella.” — Donald Trump, on the U.S. attorney’s decision, 04:18

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6. Mount Vernon Police Official & Son Arrested (Bronx Shooting)

• Segment Start: 05:34
• Summary:
  • Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Lackard and son Chase Lackard were arrested for a June 29th shooting in the Bronx.
  • Charges include attempted murder; no one was injured.
  • Chase Lackard had previous high-profile run-ins with law enforcement.

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7. Georgia Instacart Delivery: Car Theft and Kidnapping

• Segment Start: 06:19
• Summary:
  • A mother’s car was stolen with her 2-year-old daughter inside during an Instacart delivery.
  • Fast police action using license plate readers led to the child’s rescue in minutes and suspect Selim Martin’s arrest.
  • Child was returned unharmed; mother later noticed her daughter’s dress had been unbuttoned. The suspect faces multiple felonies.
  • Quote:
    • “I just stole my car and it has my 2 year old daughter in it.” — 911 Caller (mother), 06:39

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8. Women's Sports Policy: Tennis Star Speaks Out

• Segment Start: 07:42
• Summary:
  • World No. 1 Irina Sabulinka supports new WTA policies requiring genetic screening for eligibility, aimed at ensuring fairness by keeping women’s sports exclusive to biological females.
  • Sabulinka reaffirms prior statements, echoing sentiments from other female athletes.
  • Quote:
    • “Men are way stronger than women and it would be unfair for women to compete against biological males.” — Irina Sabulinka, paraphrased, 07:52

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9. Country Music Breaks Billboard Records

• Segment Start: 08:25
• Summary:
  • For the first time, the top five spots on the Billboard Hot 100 are all occupied by country songs.
  • Artists include Ella Langley, Morgan Wallen, Taylor Swift, and a duet between Langley and Wallen.
  • Swift's I Knew It, I Knew You was written for Toy Story 5.

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10. SpaceX Rocket to Crash Into the Moon

• Segment Start: 08:58
• Summary:
  • A Falcon 9 upper stage, adrift for 19 months, will crash into the moon at 5,400 mph, creating a 90-foot-wide crater.
  • NASA says there’s no danger to Earth, and plans to study the impact for insights on lunar science and the risk of space debris to future missions.
  • Quote:
    • “The booster will hit the lunar surface at roughly 5,400 miles per hour, creating a crater about 90ft wide and releasing energy comparable to 15,000 sticks of dynamite.” — John Bickley, 08:58

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tim Pierce on the Spokane Fire:
  “Old Trails Fire alone has burned more than 3,600 acres.” (00:58)

• ICE Official on Toddler Rescue:
  “We’re grateful that our team was able to act quickly and help ensure this child’s safety.” (03:18)

• Trump on Dropped Charges:
  “She folded like an umbrella.” (04:18)

• 911 Caller After Georgia Kidnapping:
  “I just stole my car and it has my 2 year old daughter in it.” (06:39)

• Irina Sabulinka on Women’s Sports:
  “Men are way stronger than women and it would be unfair for women to compete against biological males.” (07:52)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Spokane Wildfire Arson Arrest: 00:50–01:32
• Senate Judiciary/Todd Blanche Nomination: 01:32–02:04
• Congressman Max Miller Allegations: 02:04–02:46
• ICE Rescue/Safety of Toddler: 02:46–03:34
• DC Reflection Pool Charges Dropped: 03:34–04:30
• Mount Vernon Police Official & Son Arrest: 05:34–06:19
• Georgia Car Theft and Kidnapping: 06:19–07:42
• Women’s Sports/Tennis Policy: 07:42–08:25
• Country Music Billboard Milestone: 08:25–08:58
• SpaceX Moon Crash: 08:58–09:34

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Tone & Delivery

The tone remains factual, urgent, and distinctly 'Daily Wire': direct, emphasizing trust in reporting, and skeptical of establishment narratives. The hosts maintain a brisk pace, focusing on impactful facts and noteworthy quotes.

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Conclusion

This Evening Wire episode rapidly covers critical events, from criminal investigations and political drama, to scientific milestones and cultural achievements—providing listeners with a dense, news-driven update for the day’s top stories.

Transcript

[Pray.com Announcer]

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[John Bickley]

a man has been arrested in connection to arson and the Spokane Wildfire. Todd Blanche clears the Senate Judiciary committee and a SpaceX rocket is about to crash into the moon. I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Tuesday, August 4th. This is Evening Wire.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

A convicted felon has been arrested and charged with arson in connection with a wildfire in Washington state. Daily Wire contributor Tim Pierce has more

[Tim Pierce]

Prosecutors in Washington state have charged 37 year old Aaron Farinacci with first degree arson for allegedly sparking the Old Trails Fire. That fire is one of three that torched parts of Spokane county and forced 65,000 people to evacuate over the weekend. The Old Trails Fire alone has burned more than 3,600 acres. Authorities arrested Farinacci, who was previously convicted of manslaughter, after a witness placed him near where the fire started, according to the Spokane county sheriff. Investigators say the fire's initial spark came from a match or butane lighter. Farinacci is being held on a $1 million bond.

[John Bickley]

President Trump's pick to be attorney general cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee today. The committee pushed through Todd Blanche's nomination after a pair of Republicans were satisfied that a $1.8 billion anti weaponization fund would not be revived. The fund was set up to compensate those who say they have been politically targeted by the Justice Department, but was killed earlier this year after criticism from lawmakers. Blanch's nomination passed the committee along party lines. Senate Majority Leader John Thune could bring up Blanch for confirmation in the Senate as soon as this week.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

President Trump warned embattled Congressman Max Miller that his path to reelection is in jeopardy following domestic abuse allegations from his now ex wife. The Ohio Republican told the Wall Street Journal that Trump called him on Monday and, quote, kept on reiterating. It's going to be tough, though, the congressman said the president did offer his support. The accusations against Miller come from Emily Moreno, the daughter of Ohio Republican Senator Bernie Moreno, who called on Miller to resign along with multiple other top Republicans. Moreno accused Miller of throwing hot water on her, holding a gun to her head and breaking her daughter's collarbone. Miller has denied all the allegations and says he's filing paperwork for an ethics investigation into himself, posting he has, quote, nothing to hide.

[John Bickley]

ICE officers in Tennessee rescued a 2 year old toddler from the streets last month. Daily Wire immigration reporter Jenny Terre has more.

[Jenny Terre]

The Daily Wire has learned that on July 13, officers were running a routine enforcement operation in Murfreesboro, Tennessee when they found the toddler wandering free outside with a heavily soiled diaper. Officers saw the boy nearly hit by a passing car. ICE agents cared for the child and eventually located his mother, who was found napping in a nearby apartment with the door open. She appeared to be unaware that her son had wandered off and she said that it was the first time he had ever done so. No criminal charges were filed against the mother. ICE official Scott Ladwig said, quote, we're grateful that our team was able to act quickly and help ensure this child's safety.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

In our continued coverage of the D.C. reflecting pool incident, the U.S. olympian arrested for alleged vandalism has seen all charges dropped and Trump is not happy. Daily Wire lifestyle reporter Lauren Baer has the latest.

[Lauren Baer]

US Olympian David Hearn was arrested in June for allegedly vandalizing the newly refurbished DC Reflection pool. Hearn was detained for five hours and was subsequently indicted on one charge of felony destruction of property. Hearn maintains that his only action was touching a piece of the pool liner that had already peeled away. Now U.S. attorney Jeanine Pirro has announced that all of the charges against Hearn have been dropped. President Trump continues to blame vandalism for the damage to the pool and rebuked Pirro's decision, saying she folded like an umbrella. As we reported yesterday, all available evidence suggests that the damage was due to improper installation.

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[Reporter/Correspondent]

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[Brickhouse Nutrition Sponsor]

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[John Bickley]

A Mount Vernon police official and her 20 year old son were arrested today in connection with a June 29 shooting in the Bronx, where prosecutors alleged the son opened fire on a group of rivals before fleeing in his mother's vehicle. Thankfully, no one was injured in the shooting. Jennifer Lackard, a deputy commissioner with the Mount Vernon Police Department, and Chase Lackard now face charges including attempted murder, attempted assault, weapons possession, conspiracy and reckless endangerment. Authorities say the pair were arrested at their home after investigators executed a search warrant. Chase Lacquert has previously made headlines in separate incidents, including being shot by police during an armed confrontation in 2024 and surviving a 2023 shooting on a Bronx city bus.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

A Georgia mother's routine instacart delivery turned into a nightmare after a man allegedly stole her vehicle with her two year old daughter still strapped in the backseat. Daily Wire associate producer Garrett Van Team has the story.

[Garrett Van Team]

Newly released 911 audio and police body camera footage show the frantic moments after the car theft and kidnapping. Take a listen.

[911 Caller]

I just stole my car and it has my 2 year old daughter in it. You said your daughter's inside the vehicle? Yes, my two year old daughter was in the backseat. I was dropping off an instacart order and I came back outside and my car is gone and my daughter was inside.

[Garrett Van Team]

Investigators said the mother was away from the vehicle for less than four minutes before discovering it had been stolen. Officers immediately began searching for the vehicle, using the city's network of license plate readers to quickly locate it at a nearby Publix shopping center. Police surrounded the vehicle and arrested the suspect, later identified as 21 year old Selim Martin. While police initially said the toddler appeared unharmed, according to an arrest warrant, the child's mother noticed the bottom of her daughter's dress had been unbuttoned after they were reunited. When asked what had happened, the two year old allegedly told her mother, quote, the man did it, referring to Martin. Martin has since been charged with kidnapping, theft by taking simple battery, entering an automobile, cruelty to children and criminal attempt to commit a felony.

[John Bickley]

The world's top female tennis player is taking a stand for women's sports Irina Sabulinka came out in support for the Women's Tennis Association's new eligibility policy that requires genetic screening based on biological sex for players competing on the women's tour. Sabulinka said the policy helps preserve the fairness in women's tennis, arguing that, quote, men are way stronger than women and that it would be unfair for women to compete against biological males. She also said she supports undergoing the test herself if required. Her comments follow similar remarks she made in 2025 and come as other female athletes, including WNBA player Sophie Cunningham, publicly arguing that women's sports should remain restricted to females.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

For the first time in history, all five of the top songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart are in the country genre. Ella Langley's meteoric hit choose in Texas, the biggest single of 2026 so far is hanging onto the number one spot as of Monday. It's followed by Morgan Wallen's new single, been by now at number two. In the third spot is Taylor Swift's I Knew It, I knew you, which she penned for Toy Story 5. In the fourth position is a duet between Langley and Wallen, I can't love you Anymore. And rounding out the top five is Boston by Stella Lefty and a decommissioned

[John Bickley]

SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage rocket is expected to strike the moon early tomorrow after drifting off course in a moon crossing orbit for 19 months. Scientists say the booster will hit the lunar surface at roughly 5,400 miles per hour, creating a crater about 90ft wide and releasing energy comparable to 15,000 sticks of dynamite. NASA says the impact poses no danger to Earth and plans to study the collision with its Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. Researchers say the event could provide important data on lunar impacts and the risks space debris may pose to future missions and infrastructure on the moon.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Before we go, we have a quick announcement. This Thursday night Morning Wire is having an All Access Live episode, and we're excited to mix it up a little

[John Bickley]

bit in honor of Back to School season. Producer Brooke is forcing us. I mean, allowing us to flex our educational prowess. That's right. Former Professor Bickley and math teacher Ms. Howe will be back grading clips sent in by you. It's pass or fail, so good luck.

[Reporter/Correspondent]

Send in your clips to morningwireailywire.com and our producer team will play their favorites on our All Access live stream at 5pm this Thursday.

[John Bickley]

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 the Senate prepping for crucial votes, Zoran Mamdani sparking another firestorm, and the WNBA becoming ground zero for the culture war. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.

[Pray.com Announcer]

What if a few minutes with God could change the direction of your entire Day? With pray.com you can begin each morning with powerful daily prayers, inspiring Bible stories, and messages created to strengthen your faith. Whether you need peace, encouragement or a fresh start, Pray. Com helps you make prayer part of your everyday life. Download thepray.com app today.