Morning Wire Podcast Summary Episode: Jack Smith Report Decision & Cartel Border Tunnels | Afternoon Update | 1.13.25
Release Date: January 13, 2025
Host: Georgia Howe & John Bickley, The Daily Wire

1. Jack Smith Report Decision

Overview:
The episode begins with an in-depth discussion about Special Counsel Jack Smith's report concerning former President Donald Trump. The report's partial release marks a significant moment in the ongoing legal battles surrounding Trump.

Key Points:

• Partial Release of the Report: A federal judge in Florida has permitted the release of portions of Jack Smith's report that detail decisions to charge Donald Trump related to the 2020 election and classified documents.
• Blocking of Classified Sections: The judge has blocked sections tied to the classified documents case to protect ongoing proceedings.
• Trump's Legal Response: Trump's legal team vehemently opposes the release, labeling the report as "biased and unlawful."
• Justice Department's Stance: The Department plans to release the election-related portion soon, while anticipating further court challenges regarding transparency.

Notable Quotes:

• "The Justice Department can release parts of Smith's report detailing decisions to charge Donald Trump," (Tim Rice, [00:36]).
• "Trump's legal team opposes any release, calling the report biased and unlawful," (Unnamed Reporter, [00:36]).

2. Discovery of Cartel Border Tunnels

Overview:
A significant breakthrough in combating smuggling operations has been achieved with the discovery of a sophisticated tunnel between El Paso, Texas, and Juarez, Mexico. This follows similar finds in California and Arizona.

Key Points:

• Tunnel Specifications: The tunnel is approximately 4 feet wide, 6 feet high, and equipped with electricity, ventilation, and wood supports. It connects to El Paso's storm drain system near the border.
• Impact on Smuggling Networks: Homeland Security officials consider this a major setback for smuggling operations, committing to holding those responsible accountable.
• Multagency Collaboration: Border Patrol Agent Claudio Herrera highlighted the combined efforts of various agencies in uncovering the tunnel.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's a major blow to smuggling networks, with agents vowing to bring those responsible to justice," (Unnamed Reporter, [01:20]).
• "Some of the efforts combined efforts is part of the HSI FBI El Paso, Texas Foreign Operations Branch, CBP Office of Field Operations, El Paso Police Department, the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Mexican government, the US Consulate General in Ciudad Juarez, among others," (Claudio Herrera, [01:53]).

3. Arsonist Detainment in Los Angeles

Overview:
The podcast covers the recent incident involving the detention of a suspected arsonist in Woodland Hills, highlighting issues related to citizen intervention and legal proceedings.

Key Points:

• Details of the Incident: A homeless Mexican national allegedly attempted to set items on fire using a blowtorch. Residents intervened, tackling and zip-tying him before authorities arrived.
• Legal Proceedings: The suspect faces a felony probation violation but hasn't been charged with arson due to insufficient evidence.
• Immigration Status: Being in the U.S. illegally, ICE has placed a detainer on him. However, California's sanctuary laws may impede federal cooperation.

Notable Quotes:

• "The suspect is in the US Illegally and is now being held on a felony probation violation, but police say there isn't enough evidence to charge him with arson at this time," (Unnamed Reporter, [02:16]).

4. Devastating Fires in Southern California

Overview:
A harrowing report from Pacific Palisades details the extensive destruction caused by wildfires in Southern California, emphasizing the loss of life and property.

Key Points:

• Extent of Destruction: At least 24 fatalities and numerous missing persons have been reported. Iconic landmarks, including popular restaurants and a wine bar in Malibu, have been completely destroyed.
• Environmental Impact: The fires have scorched the Santa Monica Mountains, destabilizing root systems and increasing the risk of major mudslides.
• Personal Account: Reporter Spencer Lindquist provides a first-hand narrative of traversing the affected areas, illustrating the severity of the devastation.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's difficult to put the destruction into words," (Spencer Lindquist, [03:07]).
• "These hills have been completely scorched off the face of those mountains. So it opens the area up to a risk of really major mudslides," (Spencer Lindquist, [03:07]).

5. Ceasefire Negotiations Between Israel and Hamas

Overview:
The podcast highlights the potential breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, focusing on hostage exchanges and diplomatic efforts.

Key Points:

• Progress in Talks: Both sides have made strides, with Israel seeking a hostage deal and Hamas agreeing to release hostages.
• Involvement of US Administrations: Negotiations are being influenced by efforts from both the Biden and incoming Trump administrations.
• Current Stakes: Approximately 100 hostages remain in Gaza, and both sides emphasize the critical nature of the next 24 hours.

Notable Quotes:

• "Progress was made. We see some progress in the negotiations," (Unnamed Official, [04:01]).
• "Hamas has promised to release hostages, while Israel is considering releasing detained militants," (Tim Rice, [04:16]).

6. Iran's Strategic Partnership with Russia

Overview:
Iranian President Mosoud Pisaskian's upcoming visit to Moscow signifies a deepening strategic alliance between Iran and Russia, raising concerns amid geopolitical tensions.

Key Points:

• Strategic Partnership Pact: The leaders are set to sign an agreement aimed at expanding trade, logistics, and humanitarian operations.
• Military Cooperation Concerns: There are allegations that Iran has provided Russia with drones used in the Ukraine conflict, indicating enhanced military ties.
• Regional Security Implications: Iran seeks advanced Russian weaponry in response to various regional threats, potentially escalating tensions.

Notable Quotes:

• "The meeting comes as both nations face accusations of deepening military ties, including claims that Iran has supplied Russia with drones used in Ukraine," (Georgia Howe, [04:37]).
• "Tehran is reportedly seeking advanced Russian weapons amid regional threats," (Georgia Howe, [04:37]).

7. Carrie Underwood to Perform at Trump's Inauguration

Overview:
Concluding the episode, the hosts announce that country superstar Carrie Underwood will perform at Donald Trump's second presidential inauguration, adding a cultural highlight to the political event.

Key Points:

• Performance Details: Underwood is scheduled to perform "America the Beautiful" alongside the Armed Forces Chorus and the US Naval Academy Glee Club.
• Event Schedule: Her performance will take place after JD Vance is sworn in as vice president and before Trump takes the presidential oath of office.
• Significance: The selection of Underwood underscores the blend of patriotism and entertainment in inaugural ceremonies.

Notable Quotes:

• "She's set to sing America the Beautiful," (Tim Rice, [05:09]).
• "The performance, confirmed by sources, will feature Underwood alongside the Armed Forces Chorus and the US Naval Academy Glee Club," (Tim Rice, [05:09]).

Conclusion

The episode of Morning Wire delivered a comprehensive update on critical national and international issues, ranging from high-stakes legal battles and border security to devastating natural disasters and pivotal geopolitical developments. Through insightful reporting and firsthand accounts, hosts Georgia Howe and John Bickley ensured listeners are well-informed on the latest happenings shaping the world today.

For more detailed reporting on these stories and the latest news, visit dailywire.com and tune into the full episodes of Morning Wire each morning.