Evening Wire: Tennessee Sees Deadly Floods & Arkansas SAFE Act | August 13, 2025
In the August 13, 2025 episode of Evening Wire presented by Morning Wire from The Daily Wire, hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe, along with guest Ben Shapiro, delve into a range of pressing national and international issues. This comprehensive summary captures the key discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn during the episode.
1. Severe Flooding in Tennessee
Overview:
Southern Tennessee is grappling with severe weather conditions that have resulted in deadly flash floods. The region, particularly Chattanooga, has been declared a state of emergency following torrential rains.
Key Details:
- Casualties: At least three people are confirmed dead—two adults and one child—due to a large tree falling on a vehicle. Additionally, one person remains missing after being swept away by floodwaters.
- Response Efforts: The Chattanooga Fire Department has conducted multiple rescues, assisting individuals trapped in stranded vehicles and flooded homes.
Notable Quote:
"[...] the Chattanooga Fire Department has conducted several rescues, including helping people trapped in stranded vehicles and inundated homes." (Ben Shapiro, 00:57)
2. Ukraine's Stance on Ceasefire Ahead of Trump-Putin Meeting
Overview:
Amidst ongoing tensions, Ukraine has expressed openness to a potential U.S.-backed ceasefire with Russia. However, skepticism remains regarding Russia's willingness to engage sincerely.
Key Details:
- Ukraine’s Position: Ukrainian President Zelensky’s adviser indicated that while Ukraine is ready to discuss a ceasefire as a preliminary step, they anticipate Putin's reluctance to fully cooperate, citing Russia's commitment to strategic aviation and extensive drone deployments.
Notable Quote:
"Russia is unlikely to forego the use of strategic aviation and the massive deployment of drones." (Georgia Howe, 01:33)
3. Venezuelan Migrants Sue Trump Administration
Overview:
A group of Venezuelan migrants, alongside left-wing activists, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the termination of Biden-era protected status.
Key Details:
- Legal Grounds: The plaintiffs argue that the abrupt revocation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuelans violates their rights and was executed unlawfully.
- Affected Individuals: The lawsuit, filed in Boston federal court, includes Democracy Forward, the Venezuelan Association of Massachusetts, and three Venezuelan migrants.
Notable Quote:
"It is time for you to leave the United States." (Ben Shapiro, 02:05)
4. Extradition of Mexican Cartel Leaders to the U.S.
Overview:
In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking, Mexico has extradited 26 top cartel leaders to the United States as part of a deal initiated by President Trump.
Key Details:
- Charges: The extradited individuals face multiple criminal charges, including drug trafficking, hostage-taking, kidnapping, gun crimes, human smuggling, money laundering, and murder.
- Government Response: Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the role these leaders played in fueling violence and drug-related issues in the U.S., ensuring they face severe consequences.
Notable Quote:
"These 26 men have all played a role in bringing violence and drugs to American shores." (Georgia Howe, 02:54)
5. Decline in U.S. Foreign-Born Population
Overview:
The United States has experienced a significant decline in its foreign-born population, with a notable reduction in illegal immigrants.
Key Details:
- Statistics: From January to July, the foreign-born population decreased by 2.2 million, while illegal immigrants fell by 1 million.
- Causative Factors: The decline is attributed to President Trump’s stringent rhetoric, high-profile enforcement actions, and robust border policies.
Notable Quote:
"His rhetoric, high profile enforcement actions and border policies have caused a large number of illegal immigrants to leave the country and many fewer to enter." (Ben Shapiro, 03:30)
6. Tragic Collision Involving Mother of Former WNBA Star
Overview:
A heartbreaking incident occurred when an illegal immigrant collided head-on with the vehicle of Darcy Connolly Bruner, the mother of former Phoenix Mercury WNBA star Sophie Bruner.
Key Details:
- Incident: Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene in Freeport, Illinois.
- Background: The immigrant, Rolando Ecoch, had a criminal history including DUI, felony DUI, and battery.
- Political Implications: Local lawmakers are attributing blame to Illinois’ sanctuary policies, with Representative holding Governor J.B. Pritzker personally accountable.
Notable Quote:
"I do think we could go into a series of rate cuts here, starting with a 50 basis point rate cut in September." (Georgia Howe, 04:14)
7. Increased Arrests in Washington D.C. Following Trump’s Crackdown
Overview:
Law enforcement has intensified operations in Washington D.C., leading to over 100 arrests since President Trump’s crackdown on crime in the Capitol.
Key Details:
- Recent Activity: Federal forces, including the National Guard and various federal agencies, made 43 arrests in a single day.
- Authority Duration: The President can maintain federal control over D.C.’s law enforcement for up to 30 days without congressional approval.
Notable Quote:
"When you let good cops be cops, they can clean up our streets and do it fast. Your nation's capital will be safe again." (Ben Shapiro, 04:46)
8. Confusion Over D.C. Police Chain of Command
Overview:
A question arose regarding the chain of command following Trump’s federalization of the D.C. Police Department, leading to public confusion.
Key Details:
- Police Chief’s Response: Chief Pamela Smith gave an unclear reply, prompting immediate clarification from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
- Public Perception: Chief Smith faced criticism on social media for perceived incompetence, especially given her previous role leading the department's DEI efforts.
Notable Quote:
"How we do business, how we fund the police. None of that has changed." (Georgia Howe, 05:34)
9. U.S. National Debt Surpasses $37 Trillion
Overview:
The national debt has surged past $37 trillion, reaching this milestone much earlier than projections had anticipated.
Key Details:
- Growth Rate: The debt is increasing by approximately $1 trillion every six months.
- Government Response: Treasury Secretary Scott Besant highlighted the unsustainable levels of government spending but suggested that future tariff growth could balance tax cuts costs. A surplus was noted in June.
Notable Quote:
"The US passed the $37 trillion milestone years earlier than expected." (Ben Shapiro, 05:50)
10. Treasury Secretary Urges Federal Reserve to Cut Rates
Overview:
Treasury Secretary Scott Besant is advocating for the Federal Reserve to implement significant interest rate cuts in the upcoming month.
Key Details:
- Proposed Cuts: Besant suggests reducing rates by 150 to 175 basis points.
- Economic Rationale: The aim is to stimulate economic growth and address the burgeoning national debt.
Notable Quote:
"It's time for the Fed to start cutting rates asap." (Georgia Howe, 06:31)
11. Arkansas SAFE Act Now Enforced
Overview:
Following an 8-2 decision by the Court of Appeals, Arkansas enforces the SAFE Act, which restricts medical procedures for transgender minors.
Key Details:
- Law Provisions: The act prohibits doctors from performing or referring transgender procedures for minors, emphasizing state authority over parental or medical discretion.
- Legal Basis: The majority opinion highlighted the lack of historical or traditional support for overriding state laws on such matters.
Notable Quote:
"The SAFE act bars doctors from performing or referring kids to transgender procedures." (Ben Shapiro, 06:46)
12. Kennedy Center Honors Nominees Announced by Trump
Overview:
President Trump has revealed the first Kennedy Center Honors nominees since his administration took over the center, featuring a mix of music legends and iconic performers.
Key Details:
- Nominees Include: George Strait, Sylvester Stallone, the rock band Kiss, Gloria Gaynor, and Michael Crawford.
- Selection Process: Trump asserted significant involvement in the nomination process, rejecting previous "woke" selections.
Notable Quote:
"I would say I was about 98% involved. No, they all went through me. [...] I turned down plenty. They were too woke." (Ben Shapiro, 07:21)
13. Arizona Iced Tea Pricing Potential Increase Due to Aluminum Tariffs
Overview:
Arizona Iced Tea, known for its 99-cent pricing, faces potential price hikes due to high aluminum tariffs affecting their can production costs.
Key Details:
- Supply Chain Impact: Approximately 20% of Arizona’s aluminum comes from Canada; without reduced tariffs, costs may rise.
- Market Significance: As America’s top-selling tea brand with around 2 billion cans sold annually, changes could affect consumer pricing significantly.
Notable Quote:
"Unless the US makes a deal to lower aluminum tariffs on Canada, it may have to raise prices." (Ben Shapiro, 08:05)
14. Controversy Over American Eagle’s Sydney Sweeney Ad
Overview:
An American Eagle advertisement featuring actress Sydney Sweeney sparked debate, with claims of hidden Nazi symbolism criticized primarily by left-leaning individuals.
Key Details:
- Public Opinion: A poll revealed that only 12% found the ad offensive, while the majority viewed it as clever or remained indifferent.
- Demographic Insights: More Democrats perceived the ad as offensive compared to Republicans. Additionally, a gender gap was noted, with fewer women than men finding the ad offensive.
Notable Quote:
"A recent American Eagle ad campaign featured actress Sydney Sweeney posing in jeans with the caption, 'Sydney Sweeney has great jeans.'" (Georgia Howe, 08:31)
Conclusion
The Evening Wire episode delivered a robust analysis of critical issues ranging from natural disasters and international relations to domestic policies and cultural controversies. Hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe, supported by Ben Shapiro, provided in-depth coverage, enriched with direct quotes and timely insights, ensuring listeners are well-informed on the latest developments shaping the nation and the world.
For further details on these stories, visit dailywire.com.