11 of the nation's largest banks are stepping in to rescue First Republic Bank.

We'll talk about that extraordinary effort to reassure Americans that the U.S. banking system is safe.

Plus, Poland is set to become the first country to send fighter jets to Ukraine.

It comes amid new reporting that China's leader

will visit Russia next week. Those new developments are also straight ahead, and Donald Trump

goes off on a frenzy defense amid a series of investigations. We'll have the latest on the

probes involving the former president.

Good morning and welcome to way too early on this Friday, March 17th.

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

I'm John Flemere.

Thanks for starting your day with us.

In the words of CNBC, Wall Street rides to the rescue.

Eleven of the country's largest banks are depositing a total of $30 billion to First Republic Bank to avoid a third collapse of a U.S. bank in less than a week.

First Republic serves a similar clientele as Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank,

both of which failed in recent days.

Those banks had a high number of uninsured deposits, as did First Republic,

leading to concern that customers would pull their money out.

Now, the Biden administration says it helped broker a deal to rescue the California-based bank. In a joint statement, officials write this, the show of support by a group of large banks

demonstrates the resilience of the banking system.

The move sends a message to global markets that the U.S. financial system is secure.

Amid the behind-the-scenes work to rescue First National Bank,

Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen testified before the Senate Finance Committee.

...