Inside Edition for Monday, February 17, 2025

He's got the respect of the whole world...so why wouldn't the Oscar Academy want Ukrainian President Zelenskyy to appear via video link at the award ceremony this upcoming weekend? Comedienne Amy Schumer, one of three ladies hosting, says she pitched the idea but the producers said no thanks. Jim Moret has more. And we've shown you that video of Arnold Schwarzenegger sending a message to the Russian people. Well, turns out Arnold is a huge star to the Soviets. His nine minute video has now gone viral in Russia - despite the Kremlin’s best efforts to censor anyone speaking the truth about the invasion. Plus, it's a big day in Washington as confirmation hearings begin for President Biden's Supreme Court justice pick - Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson...poised to become the first Black woman on the nation's highest court. On hand was Senator Ted Cruz who almost didn't make it - after having a confrontation at an airport ticket counter. And he makes a living writing superhero comic books - but little did he know he'd become a real-life hero himself - after he stepped in to help a young girl he says was being attacked by a gang of teens. Les Trent has more on this case of life imitating comic book art. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

22 Mar 202222min

An apartment complex in Kyiv was hit by Russian rockets today in what’s become a daily assault on civilian installations. The attack came as Vladimir Putin defiantly staged a rally in Moscow. But right in the middle of Putin's speech, the broadcast cut away to something completely different. Steven Fabian has details. And we've all heard the saying "music has charms to soothe the savage beast.” Might it also have the power to stop a war? As Jim Moret reports, across the world violinists are banding together to make a statement. Meantime over in NCAA women's swimming, Lia Thomas won gold - which has reignited a national debate. That’s because Lia was born male. After three years competing on the University of Pennsylvania men's team, she underwent hormone replacement therapy and is now on the women's team - swimming faster than any other female college swimmer. And a popular vocal coach has died after being shoved on a New York City street and authorities want the public's help in finding her alleged assailant. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

19 Mar 202222min

Barely a week into his five month sentence for faking an attack on himself, former Empire actor Jussie Smollett is a free man. Smollett walked out of jail last night…after an appellate court said he could be free while he appeals his case. Les Trent has details of how Smollett spent his brief time behind bars. And the war in Ukraine has hit home for one American family. A 28-year-old from Minnesota was teaching English there when war broke out...and when he tried to leave, he was stopped by the Russians. Steven Fabian spoke with his worried mother. Plus, there was more bloodshed in Ukraine today. 21 people were killed when rockets slammed into a town in the western part of the country. Meantime in Russia, food shortages at grocery stores are leading to fights. And, for the first time in two years…Saint Patrick’s Day is not just a day to wear the green…but also to get out and celebrate. Around the country, parades have been stepping down the center of town, and bars are having their best business in ages. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

18 Mar 202220min

Outrageous, horrific, barbaric. There are not adjectives strong enough to describe the reaction to the latest carnage in Ukraine…where ten ordinary citizens standing in a bread line were reportedly killed when Russian soldiers opened fire. The massacre happened just hours before Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy gave a stirring address to a joint session of Congress. And as Russia escalates its assault…Vladimir Putin's fear of assassination seems to grow as well. As Steven Fabian reports, he's allegedly poisoned his own adversaries in the past, and seems to fear he might endure the same fate. Plus, back here at home, the recent spike in gas prices has put a real crimp in many people's wallets. And while oil prices have slipped back down, some people don’t want to be caught short if prices keep rising. But, as Jim Moret tells us, hoarding gasoline can be dangerous. And she was the shelter dog named Ruby that no one wanted...now she's a bona fide hero. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

17 Mar 202222min

She made headlines around the world when she walked through a Russian TV newscast protesting the war in Ukraine. She was quickly arrested and denounced by the Kremlin. And as concern for her was building, today the TV journalist who boldly stood up to Vladimir Putin surfaced. And he's one tough little five-year-old! That's what the grandmother of a little boy said when he was rescued, after wandering away from the family's ranch and spending the night in the frigid cold. Jim Moret spoke with the family about the moment of joy when the child known as “Curly” was found. Plus, they are the oligarchs under fire. Wealthy cronies of Vladimir Putin who are now under scrutiny...and increasingly unable to enjoy their riches. Now, protestors against the Russian invasion are swarming mansions linked to Russian billionaires - even defiantly flying the Ukrainian flag. And it's one of the most unusual promos ever and it scared the heck out of some people! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

16 Mar 202222min

The fighting continues unabated in Ukraine where the capitol city of Kyiv was rocked by explosions as apartment buildings came under attack. Meanwhile, in the besieged city of Mariupol some civilian evacuations have finally begun. At least 2.8 million Ukrainians have now fled their country…but some, like this woman didn't get the chance. As we learned today, this pregnant mom and the baby she was expecting died after being wounded in the maternity hospital shelling. And police in New York City and Washington D.C. are investigating what they believe is the work of a serial killer who seems to be targeting homeless people. At least five people have been attacked…two of them were killed and authorities think the incidents may be the work of the same person. Plus, spring break is in full swing right now…with students making up for the Covid cancelled vacations of the last two years. However, the drug overdoses of spring breakers from fentanyl laced cocaine is sparking a warning for the thousands of students in Florida. And model Hailey Bieber is back home after being hospitalized for a stroke like blood clot. As Ann Mercogliano reports, she was having breakfast when she experienced what seemed like a stroke and was rushed to the hospital. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

15 Mar 202222min

The sentencing of former Empire Star Jussie Smollett had all the drama of the hoax that landed him in jail. And this morning he woke up inside the Cook County Jail, where he'll be spending the next several months, for falsely claiming he was the victim of an attack. Ann Mercogliano has what we've learned about his time behind bars. And have you heard about the new way some criminals are operating? They're posing as candy salesmen. You've probably had high school kids come by selling candy bars to raise money - well crooks are pretending to sell candy…and then breaking in. Plus, remember this old saying: If your lips would keep from slips, five things observe with care: to whom you speak, of whom you speak - and how and when and where. Well folks are saying Kim Kardashian might want to heed that. And Rihanna may be about to get a lot richer. Word is she's talking with investment bankers about taking her lingerie company public…to the tune of $3 billion. Oh - and she's also pregnant inspiring other moms-to-be with her maternity wear.   To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

12 Mar 202222min

The mayor of Kyiv says half of the city's population has been evacuated, as Russian forces inch closer to the Ukrainian capital. However, there are still roughly two million people in harm's way…and talks to reach a cease fire today again failed to stop the shelling. And for the millions still in Ukraine, especially in areas under siege, life is incredibly difficult. And the world knows thanks to social media posts of those trying to survive. Plus, it could have been a scene of terrible carnage at a 10k race - but it wasn't thanks to the heroic efforts of a Florida state trooper. As les Trent reports, she sprang into action when an allegedly drunk driver ignored traffic cones and started to drive right into the path of the race. And the near miss at the 10k evokes memories of the accident at the Christmas parade in Waukesha, Wisconsin that left six people dead and more than 60 people injured. But in a beautiful spirit of renewal, the Dancing Grannies who lost three of their members are practicing again.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

11 Mar 202221min