Russia-US Talk Peace & Border Apprehensions Plummet | Afternoon Update | 2.18.25

Summary

Morning Wire Episode Summary: Russia-US Talk Peace & Border Apprehensions Plummet | Afternoon Update | 02.18.25

Release Date: February 18, 2025
Host: John Bickley and Georgia Howe
Source: The Daily Wire's Morning Wire

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1. US and Russia Make Strides Toward Peace

Timestamp: [02:03] - [02:45]

In a significant development, U.S. and Russian officials have reportedly developed a framework for peace during their meeting in Saudi Arabia. The discussions, spearheaded by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, centered on several key issues:

• Ceasefire and Elections in Ukraine: Both nations emphasized the importance of a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict and the potential for new elections in Ukraine. According to multiple foreign sources, these elections are seen as a crucial component of any enduring peace agreement.

• Legitimacy of Ukrainian Leadership: There is a consensus among U.S. and Russian officials that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has a low probability of winning re-election. While Zelenskyy has dismissed the peace talks, experts like former defense intelligence officer Rebecca Koffler suggest that Zelenskyy has marginalized himself by declaring martial law, making his presidency appear illegitimate to Russian leadership. Koffler stated, "Zelenskyy has boxed himself in," and added that Putin considers Zelenskyy an illegitimate president.

• Expiration of Zelenskyy's Term: Ash Short reported that "his presidency expired in May, and the Russians stated very clearly and unequivocally that they would only negotiate with some legitimate authority" ([02:45]).

This dialogue marks a pivotal step in U.S.-Russia relations, potentially paving the way for de-escalation and structured negotiations surrounding Ukraine.

2. Delta Air Lines Flight Crash Lands at Toronto Pearson Airport

Timestamp: [00:35] - [01:21]

Tragedy struck yesterday when a Delta Air Lines flight crash-landed and overturned at Toronto Pearson Airport, resulting in injuries to nearly two dozen passengers. Key points include:

• Circumstances of the Crash: The aircraft encountered strong winds during landing, which led to it turning upside down. Georgia Howe reported, "Officials say the plane encountered strong winds upon landing causing it to turn upside down" ([00:54]).

• Response from Delta Leadership: Delta CEO Ed Bastian expressed condolences, stating, "the hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected" and extended "special thanks to first responders."

• FAA Investigation and Airport Status: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, Toronto Pearson Airport has resumed normal operations.

The swift response from Delta and emergency services highlights the company's commitment to passenger safety amidst unforeseen challenges.

3. Severe Flooding in Kentucky Claims Multiple Lives

Timestamp: [01:21] - [02:03]

Kentucky is grappling with severe flooding that has resulted in the loss of over a dozen lives, including a mother and her seven-year-old daughter who were tragically swept away in their vehicle. Highlights from Ash Short's report:

• Government Response: Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the increasing death toll and urged residents to avoid traveling on the roads as emergency crews intensify rescue efforts.

• Scope of the Disaster: More than 1,000 rescues have been conducted, and approximately 39,000 homes remain without power. The affected regions in Kentucky and Tennessee have received up to six inches of rain, prompting authorities to issue a winter storm advisory.

• Federal Assistance: President Trump has approved a disaster declaration, activating FEMA to support relief operations as the state's recovery efforts begin.

The devastating floods underscore the critical need for robust emergency preparedness and timely governmental intervention during natural disasters.

4. New York Mayor Eric Adams Faces Potential Removal

Timestamp: [03:00] - [03:36]

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has engaged with city leaders to discuss the future of Mayor Eric Adams amidst rising calls for his resignation. Key insights from Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presagiacomo:

• Corruption Charges and Public Confidence: Mayor Adams denies facing corruption charges; however, pressure mounts for his resignation. City Council Speaker Adrian Adams stated, "he has lost the confidence of New Yorkers" ([03:09]).

• Governor's Authority: Governor Hochul possesses the authority to remove Adams from office and is closely monitoring the situation. If Adams is ousted, Public Advocate Jumani Williams would assume the role of acting mayor until the next election.

This political turmoil reflects the growing dissatisfaction with Adams' administration and the challenges of maintaining public trust in leadership.

5. Hamas to Release Additional Hostages Amid Negotiations

Timestamp: [03:53] - [04:23]

In a developing situation, Hamas is set to release six more hostages on Saturday, along with the remains of four hostages who were killed on Thursday, including young children. Key points include:

• Hostage Exchange Dynamics: Last week, Hamas threatened to delay releases, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire. Despite these threats, Hamas proceeded with the exchange, under which Israel freed 369 Palestinian prisoners.

• Pressure from U.S. Leadership: President Trump issued a stern warning to Hamas to release all remaining hostages by Saturday, stating that failure to comply would result in Israel resuming military actions.

This hostage release is a critical step in easing tensions and fostering dialogue between Israel and Hamas, potentially leading to broader peace initiatives.

6. Significant Drop in Southern Border Apprehensions

Timestamp: [04:23] - [04:47]

Apprehensions at the U.S. southern border have plummeted by 85% compared to the previous year. Key details include:

• Statistics: In January, migrant apprehensions were just over 61,000, a sharp decrease from the 96,000 recorded under Trump's executive orders.

• Contributing Factors: The reduction is attributed to the deployment of military support and the expeditious deportation processes. Officials note that enhanced enforcement measures have allowed resources to be reallocated towards targeting criminal offenders.

This decline underscores the effectiveness of stringent border policies and military involvement in managing immigration flows.

7. Chad Bianco Enters California Governor's Race

Timestamp: [04:47] - [05:43]

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has officially announced his candidacy for the 2026 California gubernatorial election, vowing to address critical state issues such as crime and affordability. Highlights from the campaign event:

• Critique of Democratic Leadership: Bianco criticized current Democratic officials, asserting they are responsible for California's decline. He stated, "It is only our Democrat elected officials who are responsible for the decline of California" ([05:08]).

• Promises to Voters: Bianco highlighted various state challenges, including rampant crime, high taxes, elevated living costs, fentanyl-related deaths, catastrophic fires, and issues within the homeowner's insurance market. He emphasized, "Californians deserve better."

• Political Landscape: Governor Gavin Newsom is currently facing a recall effort, with his term set to end in 2026. The race has attracted at least a dozen candidates, primarily Democrats, with speculation surrounding a potential run by Vice President Kamala Harris.

Chad Bianco's entry into the race signals a growing desire for change among California voters, seeking leadership that can bridge partisan divides and effectively tackle the state's pressing problems.

8. Introduction of the Controversial Enhanced Games (Steroid Olympics)

Timestamp: [05:59] - [06:47]

A new and controversial sporting event, the Enhanced Games, also known as the Steroid Olympics, is set to launch with a multimillion-dollar investment led by Donald Trump Jr. Key aspects include:

• Allowing Performance-Enhancing Drugs (PEDs): The Enhanced Games will permit athletes to use PEDs, provided they undergo medical screenings to ensure safety.

• Reception and Criticism: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has openly criticized the concept, arguing it undermines the integrity of traditional Olympic competition. Despite this, organizers claim the event will "push the boundaries of human performance."

• Regulatory Environment: While the Trump administration's official stance on the Enhanced Games remains ambiguous, organizers anticipate a more favorable regulatory framework that could facilitate the event's success in the United States.

The introduction of the Enhanced Games represents a bold move to redefine competitive sports, sparking debates about fairness, health, and the future of athletic competition.

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Conclusion

This episode of Morning Wire provided a comprehensive overview of critical national and international events, ranging from high-stakes diplomatic negotiations between the US and Russia to significant developments in U.S. domestic politics and border security. The discussion also touched upon emerging controversies in the sports arena and the ongoing challenges faced by major cities like New York. Hosts John Bickley and Georgia Howe, along with their team of reporters, delivered in-depth analyses and up-to-date information, ensuring listeners remain well-informed on the issues that matter most.

For more detailed coverage of these stories, visit dailywire.com.

Transcript

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[John Bickley]

The US and Russia work toward peace, border apprehensions plummet and Hamas is set to release several more hostages. I'm Daily Wire Editor in Chief John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Tuesday, February 18th, and this is your Morning Wire afternoon update.

[Georgia Howe]

After a Delta Air Lines flight crash landed and overturned at Toronto Pearson Airport, the company's CEO is responding. The crash, which happened yesterday, injured nearly two dozen people. Video shows smoke and passengers fleeing the overturned aircraft. Here's some of the frantic evacuation everything Drop it.

[John Bickley]

Come on. Don't take the video. It kept going away.

[Georgia Howe]

Officials say the plane encountered strong winds upon landing landing causing it to turn upside down. Delta CEO Ed Bastian said in a statement that the hearts of the entire global Delta family are with those affected and gave special thanks to first responders. The FAA is investigating the crash as Toronto Pearson has resumed normal operations.

[John Bickley]

Severe flooding in Kentucky has claimed over a dozen lives, including a mother and her seven year old daughter who were swept away in their vehicle. Daily Wire senior editor Ash Short has more.

[Ash Short]

Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the rising death toll and urged residents to stay off the roads as emergency crews continue rescue operations. Over 1,000 rescues have been carried out and nearly 39,000 homes remain without power. Parts of Kentucky and Tennessee received up to 6 inches of rain, with much of the affected areas now under a winter storm advisory. President Trump has approved a disaster declaration activating FEMA to assist with relief efforts as recovery begins.

[Georgia Howe]

U.S. and Russian officials reportedly developed a framework for peace at their meeting today in Saudi Arabia. Daily Wire senior editor Cabot Phillips says.

[Cabot Phillips]

More Today's discussions, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, focus on a possible ceasefire, elections in Ukraine and a broader peace agreement. Multiple foreign sources say new elections in Ukraine could be a key part of any such deal and that both the US And Russia believe Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has a low chance of winning re election. And while Zelensky rejects the talk, many experts, including former defense intelligence officer Rebecca Koffler, say Zelenskyy has boxed himself in by declaring martial law in the country. She told Fox that Putin views Zelenskyy as an illegitimate president.

[Ash Short]

His presidency expired in May, and the Russians stated very clearly and unequivocally that they would only negotiate with some legitimate authority.

[John Bickley]

New York governor Kathy Hochul met with New York City leaders today to discuss the future of Mayor Eric Adam. Daily Wire reporter Amanda Presagiacomo has the latest.

[Amanda Presagiacomo]

Adams, who denies the corruption charges, could see his case dismissed by the Justice Department, though calls for his resignation are growing. City Council Speaker Adrian Adams says he has lost the confidence of New Yorkers. Hochul has the power to remove Adams and says she is monitoring the situation closely. If Adams is ousted, public advocate Jumani Williams would serve as acting mayor until the next election.

[Sponsor Voice]

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[Georgia Howe]

Hamas will release six more hostages on Saturday, as well as the remains of four hostages who were killed on Thursday. The deceased includes young children. Last week, the terrorist group threatened to delay releases, accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire, but later proceeded with the exchange. As part of the trade, Israel freed 369 Palestinian prisoners. President Trump had warned Hamas to release all remaining hostages by Saturday or risk Israel resuming military action.

[John Bickley]

Apprehensions at our southern border are down 85% since this time last year. In January, migrant apprehensions fell to just over 61,000. That's down from 96,000 in Trump's executive orders. Deploying military support and expediting deportations are credited for the decrease. Officials say increased enforcement is freeing up resources to target criminal offenders.

[Georgia Howe]

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has officially entered the 2026 California governor's race, vowing to restore the promise of California by tackling crime and affordability. At a campaign event in Riverside, Bianco criticized Democratic leadership, blaming them for California's problems, while positioning himself as someone who could bridge the partisan divides.

[Chad Bianco]

It is only our Democrat elected officials who are responsible for the decline of California. What is it that they have given us? Rampant crime, Higher taxes? The highest cost of living in our nation, Tent encampments in every major city, more fentanyl deaths, catastrophic fires, a broken homeowner's insurance, Insurance market and people across our state are struggling to afford groceries and gas. Californians deserve better.

[Georgia Howe]

Governor Gavin Newsom is facing a recall effort. Regardless, his term will end in 2026. At least a dozen candidates, all Democrats aside from Bianco, have entered the race. There is also speculation that VP Kamala Harris may be considering a run herself.

[John Bickley]

And what would the Olympics be like if they allowed performance enhancing drugs? Well, such a competition may soon become a reality. Crane & Co. Co host David Cohn has the details.

[David Cohn]

The controversial Enhanced Games, dubbed the Steroid Olympics, has secured a multimillion dollar investment led by Donald Trump Jr. Aiming to bring the event to the United States later this year. The Games will allow athletes to use PEDs while undergoing medical screenings. While the International Olympic Committee has criticized the new endeavor, organizers say it will push the boundaries of human performance. Meanwhile, the Trump administration's stance on the event remains unclear, though organizers say they expect a friendlier regulatory environment.

[John Bickley]

All right, those are your Drive Home updates this afternoon. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, this morning we covered some important stories, including the new talks between the US And Russia, Doge setting its sights on the IRS and legacy media being accused of defending censorship.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.