HTS Leader’s Bounty Lifted & Lively Baldoni Controversy | Afternoon Update | 12.24.24

Summary

Morning Wire: HTS Leader’s Bounty Lifted & Lively Baldoni Controversy | Afternoon Update | 12.24.24

Release Date: December 24, 2024

Hosts:

• John Bickley, Editor-in-Chief, The Daily Wire
• Georgia Howe, Co-Host

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1. Biden Administration Lifts Bounty on Syrian Rebel Leader

Reporter: Tim Pierce
Timestamp: [00:12]

The Biden administration has made a significant move by lifting the bounty on Ahmed al Sharra, the leader of Hayat Tahrir al Sham (HTS), a group that recently overthrew Bashar al Assad in Syria. This decision comes after Al Sharra agreed to deter terrorism groups from posing threats to the United States and its neighboring countries.

Georgia Howe explains, "Hts, which was once linked to Al Qaeda, now controls much of Syria and is attempting to distance itself from its extremist roots. U.S. officials describe their first meeting with Al Sharra as productive, but stressed the focus will remain on actions over promises."

The U.S. is also increasing its military presence in Syria to counter ongoing ISIS threats, highlighting the complex and volatile nature of the region.

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2. California's Proposition 36: Tougher Laws on Theft and Drug Offenses

Reporter: John Bickley
Timestamp: [00:53]

California has enacted Proposition 36, which reinstates felony charges for retail thefts under $950 and possession of certain drugs, including methamphetamine and fentanyl. Approved by 60.79% of voters in November, the measure allows for up to three years in prison for these offenses.

A viral Instagram video from Seal Beach PD features two thieves lamenting the new laws, with one stating, "It's new laws. Stealing is a felony and this is Orange County. They don't play."

LA District Attorney Nathan Hockman emphasizes the importance of accountability, saying, "What about my bump?" in response to a light-hearted comment during the discussion.

Supporters, including Hockman, argue that the law restores consequences for repeat offenders. Conversely, Critics like Governor Gavin Newsom criticize the measure for disproportionately impacting minority communities.

Supportive Quote: Blake Lively states, "Too often criminals understood that they could steal over and over and little to nothing would happen. That accountability starts today with Proposition 36." [01:38]

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3. Tragic Drone Accident Injures Child in Orlando

Reporter: Tim Pierce
Timestamp: [02:03]

A heartbreaking incident occurred during a Christmas show in Orlando, Florida, where a seven-year-old boy was struck by a drone. The drone's blade inflicted injuries, including an imprint on the boy's chest, necessitating emergency open-heart surgery. Tragically, the child also suffered electrocution but is expected to recover.

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4. Blake Lively Files Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against Justin Baldoni

Reporter: John Bickley
Timestamp: [02:28]

In a shocking turn of events, actress Blake Lively has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her former co-star Justin Baldoni. Lively alleges that Baldoni not only harassed her on set but also orchestrated efforts to tarnish her reputation. This controversy has erupted amidst Lively promoting her film about domestic violence.

Details of the Controversy: Lively claims Baldoni "engaged in what she describes as a coordinated effort to destroy her reputation," leading to negative press and backlash over her demeanor in interviews and a viral moment where she reacted sharply to comments about her pregnancy.

During a live discussion, John Bickley humorously interjected, "First of all, congrats on your little bump. Congrats on your little bump." [03:03]

Justin Baldoni’s Response: Baldoni's attorney, Brian Friedman, vehemently denies the allegations, stating, "It is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldoni, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives as yet another desperate attempt to fix her reputation." [03:12]

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5. Honda and Nissan Announce Merger Plans

Reporter: Tim Pierce
Timestamp: [03:43]

Japanese automotive giants Honda and Nissan have revealed plans to merge by 2026, with formal negotiations endorsed by their respective boards and backed by the Japanese government. The planned merger aims to create a joint holding company by mid-2025, combining their operations to enhance profitability and reclaim market share amidst fierce global competition.

Statements from Leadership: Honda's CEO highlighted that the merger builds on their successful collaborations, while Nissan expressed optimism about the potential for increased efficiency and market presence.

This strategic alliance underscores Japan's commitment to maintaining its leadership role in the automotive industry amid rising challenges from international competitors.

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6. Denzel Washington Becomes a Christian Minister

Reporter: John Bickley
Timestamp: [04:13]

Renowned actor Denzel Washington has officially embraced his faith by being baptized and receiving a ministerial license. The ceremony took place at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ in Harlem, New York City, and was live-streamed for widespread viewing.

Denzel Washington's Statement: "We baptize you my brother, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." [04:29]

At 69 years old and a two-time Oscar winner, Washington described his baptism as a "bucket list item," adding, "If God can do this for me, there's nothing he can't do for you. The sky is literally the limit." His dedication marks a new chapter in his illustrious career and personal journey.

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7. Podcast Schedule Update: Holiday Break and Special Content

Reporter: Tim Pierce
Timestamp: [04:54]

As the holiday season approaches, Morning Wire will adjust its regular schedule over the next two weeks. Listeners can expect daily content featuring exclusive interviews and special episodes. The team assures that in case of major news developments, additional episodes will be released to keep the audience informed.

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Conclusion

John Bickley wraps up the afternoon update by reminding listeners to tune in the following day for a special Christmas message, ensuring they stay connected with the latest news and insights provided by Morning Wire.

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Notable Quotes:

• Nathan Hockman: "It's new laws. Stealing is a felony and this is Orange County. They don't play." [01:26]
• Blake Lively: "Too often criminals understood that they could steal over and over and little to nothing would happen. That accountability starts today with Proposition 36." [01:38]
• Denzel Washington: "If God can do this for me, there's nothing he can't do for you. The sky is literally the limit." [04:29]

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This comprehensive update from Morning Wire covers pivotal international developments, significant legal changes in California, a tragic accident, a high-profile legal controversy in Hollywood, strategic moves in the automotive industry, and a personal milestone for a beloved actor. Stay informed with Morning Wire as they deliver the facts you need to know each morning.

Transcript

[Georgia]

Georgia.

[John Bickley]

I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley. It's Tuesday, December 24th, and this is your Morning Wire afternoon update.

[Tim Pierce]

The Biden administration has lifted a bounty on the rebel leader that overthrew Bashar al Assad in Syria earlier this month. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has more.

[Georgia]

The decision follows Hayat Tahrir al Sham's leader Ahmed al Sharra's agreement to prevent terrorism groups in Syria from threatening the US or its neighbors. Hts, which was once linked to Al Qaeda, now controls much of Syria and is attempting to distance itself from its extremist roots. U.S. officials describe their first meeting with Al Sharra as productive, but stressed the focus will remain on actions over promises. Meanwhile, the US has ramped up its military presence in Syria to counter ISIS threats. Amid the ongoing upheaval, theft and certain.

[John Bickley]

Drug offenses can once again land you on the naughty list in California. As of last week, the Golden State's Proposition 36 took effect. The measure, approved by 60 79% of voters in November, makes retail thefts under $950 and drug possessions, including meth and fentanyl, felonies again, with convictions for these offenses up to three years in prison. Seal Beach PD posted a now viral Instagram video of two thieves dejectedly discussing the new laws in the back of a cruiser, adding, this is Orange county, they don't play.

[Nathan Hockman]

It's new laws. Stealing is a felon and this is Orange county. They don't play. That's why Exfolin county is. That's where I went to J last year and had to got on probation for a year for.

[John Bickley]

Still out of target Critics like governor Gavin Newsom say such laws disproportionately harm minority communities, while supporters say it brings back accountability for repeat offenders. Here's new LA District Attorney Nathan Hockman.

[Blake Lively]

Too often criminals understood that they could steal over and over and over again and little to nothing would happen. That accountability starts today with Proposition 36.

[Tim Pierce]

A seven year old boy is fighting for his life after being struck by a drone during a Christmas show in Orlando, Florida. According to his mother, the blade cut his mouth and there was an imprint of the drone on his chest from the collision. The blow to the chest was so substantial that the child had to be rushed into open heart surgery. He also suffered electrocution. Alexander, whose last name was not released, is expected to recover.

[John Bickley]

Actress Blake Lively has filed a sexual harassment lawsuit against her. It ends with US co star Justin Baldoni Daily Wire reporter Megan Basham breaks down the controversy.

[Justin Baldoni]

According to Lively, Baldani sexually harassed her on set and engaged in what she describes as a coordinated effort to destroy her reputation. Lively received an avalanche of bad press while promoting the film, which is about domestic violence, for her tone in interviews, as well as for a viral moment in which Lively snapped back at an interviewer for acknowledging her pregnancy bump.

[John Bickley]

First of all, congrats on your little bump. Congrats on your little bump.

[Nathan Hockman]

What about my bump?

[Justin Baldoni]

The moment was so uncomfortable for the interviewer, who herself was not pregnant, despite Lively's insinuation that she had a bump, that she says she wanted to quit her job. Baldani's lawyer, Brian Friedman, defended his client, telling the Post, it is shameful that Ms. Lively and her representatives would make such serious and categorically false accusations against Mr. Baldani, Wayfarer Studios and its representatives as yet another desperate attempt to fix her reputation.

[Tim Pierce]

Japanese automakers Honda and Nissan announced plans to merge in 2026, with formal talks approved by their boards and Japan's government backing the movement. The automakers aim to finalize the deal by mid-2025, creating a joint holding company to combine operations. Honda's CEO said the merger builds on successful collaborations, while Nissan hopes to boost profitability and recover market share. The move underscores Japan's effort to maintain leadership in car manufacturing amid rising competition.

[John Bickley]

From China and Denzel Washington is now officially a Christian minister. The actor was baptized and presented with a minister license at Kelly Temple Church of God in Christ located in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City on Saturday in a live streamed ceremony.

[Denzel Washington]

We baptize you my brother, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

[John Bickley]

The 69 year old two time Oscar winner called the step a bucket list item, adding quote, if God can do this for me, there's nothing he can't do for you. The sky is literally the limit. Before you go, we just wanted to give you a quick reminder about our schedule as we head into Christmas and the New Year.

[Tim Pierce]

Over the next two weeks, we'll be taking a break from our regular schedule to switch things up a bit. But don't worry, we will be providing new content every single day in the form of excellent interviews and special episodes. So keep tuning in. Of course, in the event of any major news, we won't hesitate to drop an extra episode.

[John Bickley]

That's all the time we've got this afternoon. Tune in tomorrow for our special Christmas message.