This article is adapted from today’s Morning Wire Afternoon Update. To listen to the podcast version, click <a href="https://www.dailywire.com/podcasts/morning-wire" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here</a>.
Murdaugh Trial Closes
The trial of Alex Murdaugh, the prominent South Carolina attorney accused of murdering his wife and son, came to a close today. Here&#8217;s what Daily Wire Senior Editor Ashe Short told the Morning Wire &#8220;Afternoon Update&#8221; podcast:
<blockquote>The prosecution and defense have delivered their closing arguments in the trial of the disgraced South Carolina attorney. The prosecution argued that Murdaugh is the only one with the means, motive, and opportunity to kill his family members. While the defense noted the sloppy investigation lacks any direct evidence to the once prominent attorney.</blockquote>
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/alex-murdaugh-trial-prosecution-defense-give-closing-arguments-in-six-week-murder-trial" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE HERE: Alex Murdaugh Trial: Prosecution, Defense Give Closing Arguments In Six-Week Murder Trial</a>
Blinken, Lavrov Meet 
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had a surprise meeting Thursday at the G20 summit in New Delhi. Here with more is Daily Wire Senior Editor Cabot Phillips:
<blockquote>Blinken and Lavrov met for about ten minutes, and while they didn’t reveal everything that was said, the meeting marks the most senior and positive signs for diplomacy between Russia and America since the start of the war. According to Blinken, he raised the possibility of releasing Paul Whelan — the U.S. marine veteran accused of being a spy who’s been held by Russia since late 2018. Blinken also said he encouraged his Russian counterpart to re-engage in the treaty known as START — the last remaining nuclear weapon treaty between Russia and the U.S. — which Russia pulled out of earlier this year. American officials say that agreement is necessary to prevent nuclear weapon proliferation and for the safety of the world.</blockquote>
White House Defends Biden’s Labor Pick
The White House is defending President Biden’s new pick for secretary of Labor, Julie Su. Su, who is currently deputy secretary of Labor, oversaw California’s labor department and billions in COVID fraud during her watch.
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Su led the California Labor Department as the state&#8217;s unemployment system witnessed as much as $31 billion in pandemic relief go to possible fraudsters. She acknowledged the matter to reporters two years ago, but nevertheless said the Trump administration didn&#8217;t provide enough guidance on how to prevent illegal activity. When one journalist raised the concerns about Su&#8217;s nomination with White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, she downplayed the scandal by pointing to the large volume of claims that officials in California had to handle.
Su will have to be re-confirmed by the Senate.
<a href="https://www.dailywire.com/news/white-house-defends-labor-secretary-nominee-who-oversaw-billions-in-covid-relief-fraud" target="_blank" rel="noopener">READ MORE HERE: White House Defends Labor Secretary Nominee Who Oversaw Billions In COVID Relief Fraud</a>
Tennessee Targets Drag Shows With ‘Pro-Child Law’
On Thursday, Tennessee’s state Senate passed a bill effectively banning any events or shows featuring drag queens performing in front of children. Republican Governor Bill Lee has said he will sign it into law, which would make Tennessee the first state to have such a law on the books.
The law, if signed, would ban adults from impersonating the opposite sex in public or near where children could see it while appealing to prurient interests — that is, engaging in a sexually suggestive performance. Anyone who violates the law would be hit with a misdemeanor, and repeat offenders could face felony charges.
Critics call it discriminatory and argue it infringes on freedom of expression, while advocates of the law describe it as “pro-child.”
Discover To Start Tracking Users&#8217; Gun Purchases
Beginning in April 2023, Discover credit will become the first credit card company to track users’ gun purchases.
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Thursday Afternoon Update: Murdaugh Trial Closes, White House Defends Labor Pick, Tennessee Advances ‘Pro-Child’ Bill

Looks Like Another Biden-Emboldened Islamic Terror Group Is Joining The Fight

‘Totally Inappropriate’: Trump, Others Blast Biden For Giving Palestinians Fresh U.S. Tax Dollars

Biden To Lift Some Venezuelan Sanctions If They Pinky Promise To Hold Free Elections

Where The Hell Is Biden? President AWOL As Americans Killed, Held Hostage In Terrorist Attack

Hillary Clinton Suggests ‘Formal Deprogramming Of The Cult Members’ Of MAGA

Creep State: SEC Investigates Elon Musk’s Twitter Purchase After Biden Said It Was ‘Worth Being Looked At’

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A video goes viral showing a baby being refused his mother by two gay "dads". This is just the tip of the iceberg, which is why we will have an important discussion today about surrogacy. 

Hour 1

The Matt Walsh Show

Ep. 1765 - This Video Is One Of The Worst Things I've Seen In A Long Time 

The Strait of Hormuz officially opens for business (kind of), the Pope makes “shocking” comments on immigration, and President Trump promises UFO disclosure at TPUSA. 


The Michael Knowles Show

Ep. 1956 -  Pope Leo's "SHOCKING" Immigration Comments EXPLAINED

A false miscreed has corrupted our leadership class.


The Andrew Klavan Show

Ep. 1275 - Dumb, Dumber and Progressive

President Trump announces a 10-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a murder-suicide involving former Democratic Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax shakes Virginia, and France and Britain hold a conference to secure the Strait of Hormuz – after the Iranian conflict ends. Get the facts first with Morning Wire.

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Ep. 2738

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U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26

U.S. Expands Hormuz Blockade & VA Fairfax Deaths Investigated | 4.17.26 [Member Exclusive]

A ceasefire goes into effect between Israel and Lebanon, a tragic murder-suicide rocks Virginia, and Dairy Queen deploys AI in the drive-thru. Get the facts first with Evening Wire.
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Ep. 2737
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Evening Wire: Lebanon Ceasefire Begins & Murder-Suicide Rocks VA | 4.16.26

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Thursday Afternoon Update: Murdaugh Trial Closes, White House Defends Labor Pick, Tennessee Advances ‘Pro-Child’ Bill