Overview of Evening Wire: Trump Signs TSA E.O. & Chinese Explosive Found? | 3.27.26
This Daily Wire Evening Wire episode (Mar 27, 2026) covers today's top national-security and political headlines: President Trump signed an executive order to pay Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees amid a DHS funding standoff; a suspected explosive was found at MacDill Air Force Base with alleged China links; the U.S. Postal Service instituted a temporary fuel surcharge on packages; and several legal and law‑enforcement stories (including an upgraded murder charge in a NYC subway shoving and developments in Nicolás Maduro’s U.S. case). Hosts: Georgia Howe and John Bickley.
Top headlines (quick bullets)
- Trump signed an executive order to ensure TSA agents get paid during a DHS funding impasse.
- Senate reached a DHS funding deal that excludes ICE and parts of Border Patrol; disputes continue in the House.
- Two siblings accused in connection with a suspicious package/explosive at MacDill AFB; one in U.S. custody, one allegedly in China.
- FBI responding to a cyberattack targeting Kash Patel’s personal email; Iran-linked Handala hack team claimed responsibility; State Dept. offers $10M reward.
- An 83‑year‑old Air Force veteran shoved onto NYC subway tracks died; suspect, an undocumented repeat offender, now charged with second‑degree murder.
- USPS is imposing its first-ever fuel surcharge on packages (8%) through January.
- Florida Democrat Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick found guilty by the House Ethics Committee on multiple counts tied to alleged misuse of FEMA funds—faces possible expulsion and criminal charges.
- Nicolás Maduro’s defense sought dismissal of U.S. charges over legal-fee restrictions; judge declined to toss the case.
- Secret Service agent accidentally shot himself in the leg while protecting Jill Biden at Philadelphia airport; investigation ongoing.
- Scientific and environmental items: researchers reanimated frozen mouse hippocampal tissue; traces of drugs found in Caribbean sharks.
Details & context
TSA pay and DHS funding fight
- Trump signed a memorandum to get more than 60,000 TSA employees paid after prolonged unpaid work and long airport lines.
- Senate passed a DHS funding bill that funds many DHS functions but excludes ICE and some Border Patrol elements. House leaders and Trump have criticized aspects of the Senate deal; Speaker Mike Johnson wants temporary funding through May 22. Tennessee Rep. Andy Ogles suggested adding voter ID language to the House bill. The Senate is on a two‑week recess, complicating quick resolution.
MacDill Air Force Base explosive case
- Siblings Anne‑Mary Zhang (27, in U.S. custody) and Alan Zhang (20, alleged to be in China) are federally indicted after an IED-like suspicious package was placed at MacDill’s visitor center (March 16).
- Prosecutors allege Alan attempted to detonate an IED earlier (March 10) and Anne‑Mary assisted in evasion and evidence tampering; device was safely disassembled.
Cyberattack on Kash Patel / Handala hack team
- Malicious actors attempted access to Patel’s personal email; FBI says the targeted data is historical, not government records.
- Iran-linked “Handala hack team” claimed responsibility; State Dept. offering $10M for information. FBI is mitigating and investigating.
NYC subway fatality and suspect
- 83‑year‑old Air Force vet Richard Williams was pushed onto tracks March 8 and later died from a head injury; 34‑year‑old Byron Hernandez charged with second‑degree murder after initial assault charges.
- Hernandez reportedly has a long criminal history and prior deportations; no motive released.
USPS fuel surcharge
- USPS will add an 8% fuel surcharge on packages through January to offset rising fuel costs and financial strains—first time the agency has used this tool.
Rep. Sheila Cherfilus‑McCormick ethics ruling
- House Ethics Committee found the Florida Democrat guilty on 25 counts relating to alleged funneling of mistakenly received FEMA funds into her campaign; she denies wrongdoing and faces DOJ charges and the possibility of expulsion.
Maduro court development
- Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s defense asked to dismiss U.S. indictments because of restrictions on paying his lawyers under sanctions; judge declined to dismiss, calling the argument hypothetical. Maduro is represented by Barry J. Pollack.
Other items
- Secret Service agent accidentally self‑shot in leg escorting Jill Biden at Philly airport; under investigation.
- Researchers in Germany restored function to frozen/thawed mouse hippocampal tissue—progress toward organ preservation but far from frozen whole‑organ storage.
- Traces of cocaine, caffeine, and painkillers found in Caribbean sharks—likely from wastewater, tourism, or trafficking debris; behavioral impact uncertain.
Notable quotes & soundbites
- President Trump on the Senate DHS deal: “wasn't good, it wasn't appropriate” and urged an end to the filibuster.
- On parental rights and transgender issues (paraphrased from Trump remarks): calls for federal protection for parents who affirm their child’s sex and opposition to state removal of children over parental choices.
Action items / What to watch next
- DHS funding: watch House amendments and whether the Senate will return to negotiate—possible extended dispute if House changes the bill.
- MacDill case: extradition/deportation status of the brother, additional charges or intelligence ties.
- FBI/Handala investigation: outcomes of the $10M reward and any attribution to Iranian state actors.
- USPS finances: whether the fuel surcharge and other measures stave off larger financial crises or customer losses (e.g., Amazon moves).
- Legal outcomes: House proceedings on Cherfilus‑McCormick, Maduro’s U.S. case developments, and criminal prosecution in the NYC subway killing.
Where to read/watch more
- DailyWire.com for full stories and follow-ups (as cited by the episode).