Morning Wire: Afternoon Update – December 13, 2024
Host: Georgia Howe
Co-Host: John Bickley
Podcast: Morning Wire by The Daily Wire
Release Date: December 13, 2024
1. Duke Lacrosse Accuser Retracts Her Accusation
Speaker: Catarina de Pasqua
Timestamp: [00:35]
In a significant development, Crystal Mangum, the woman who accused members of the Duke University men's lacrosse team of rape in 2006, has admitted to fabricating her story. During an interview at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women, where she is serving time for the 2011 murder of her boyfriend, Mangum stated:
"I know what I did was wrong and that I made up the story because I was seeking validation."
— Crystal Mangum [00:35]
Mangum also expressed remorse towards the three men she falsely accused, saying she hopes they can forgive her. For nearly two decades, Mangum maintained her claims of rape during a lacrosse team party, even authoring a book detailing her allegations despite being proven deceitful.
Reporter: Ash Short
Timestamp: [00:35]
2. Trump Border Czar Announces Deportation Plans in Chicago
Reporter: Tim Pierce
Timestamp: [01:09]
Tom Homan, appointed as Donald Trump's border czar, delivered a firm message at a recent GOP holiday party in Chicago. He emphasized the administration's commitment to deporting millions of illegal immigrants, beginning in the Windy City.
"And we're going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois."
— Tom Homan [01:28]
Homan's declaration directly challenges Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both of whom have pledged to uphold sanctuary policies and resist deportations. This stance comes amid local criticisms regarding the use of taxpayer funds to support illegal immigrants instead of assisting tax-paying citizens.
3. Nancy Pelosi Hospitalized After Fall in Luxembourg
Speaker: Georgia Howe
Timestamp: [01:58]
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi was hospitalized following a fall during an official trip to Luxembourg. According to The New York Times, Pelosi fractured her hip at the Grand Du Call palace while part of a bipartisan delegation commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Battle of the Bulge.
4. Biden Administration Spends Over $1 Billion on DEI Programs
Reporter: Tim Pierce
Timestamp: [02:32]
The Biden administration has allocated more than a billion dollars to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs since 2021. Daily Wire senior reporter Mary Margaret Olihan breaks down the expenditures:
"They say the funding promotes far left ideology through initiatives like race based teacher training and youth activism programs."
— Mary Margaret Olihan [02:42]
Key allocations include:
- $21 million for equity-focused teacher training in North Carolina
- $4 million for a culturally responsive computer science summer camp
- $1.2 million for the University of Iowa to train 40 elementary teachers in equity-centered education
Despite nearly one-third of students falling behind grade levels, former President Donald Trump has pledged to dismantle the Department of Education and terminate such DEI initiatives.
5. Michael Jordan's Mansion Sold and Nativity Display on Capitol Steps
Speaker: Georgia Howe
Timestamp: [03:26]
In real estate news, Michael Jordan's expansive 32,000-square-foot mansion in Highland Park, Illinois, has finally been sold after 12 years on the market. The property, initially listed at $29 million, closed at a $9.5 million price—representing a 67% discount.
"The lowball sale is a rare turnover for the basketball legend known for hitting big shots."
— Georgia Howe [03:26]
The mansion boasted luxury amenities, including a basketball court and a circular infinity pool, which many speculate contributed to the prolonged time on the market. The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed.
In a historic first, a Nativity display was unveiled on the Capitol steps in Washington, D.C. This event, reported by Daily Wire's Amanda Prestigiacomo, marks a significant victory for religious freedom.
Speaker: Reverend Patrick Mahoney
Timestamp: [04:08]
"The first ever Christmas carols and Nativity display was held on the southeastern steps of the U.S. Capitol, marking a major victory for religious freedom."
— Reverend Patrick Mahoney [04:08]
Reverend Mahoney, who spearheaded the legal efforts, highlighted the importance of the federal court ruling that designated the Capitol steps as a public forum, thereby allowing peaceful religious demonstrations. Organizers celebrated the event as a triumph for faith and an end to what they describe as the "war on Christmas" in public spaces.
Conclusion
This afternoon's update on Morning Wire covered a spectrum of pivotal stories, from the retraction of a high-profile rape accusation to significant political developments and societal shifts. The episode provided in-depth analyses and notable quotes that shed light on the current political and cultural landscape.
For more detailed reporting on these and other major stories, visit dailywire.com and tune into the full episodes of Morning Wire every morning.