Fox News Hourly Update – Episode Summary

Episode: Ghislaine Maxwell refuses to answer questions during a virtual appearance before the House Oversight Committee.
Date: February 9, 2026
Host: FOX News Podcasts
Theme: This episode centers on Ghislaine Maxwell invoking the Fifth Amendment in a virtual congressional hearing regarding the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein investigation, along with updates on related investigations, federal workers’ rights, labor strikes, a recent mass shooting, major lawsuits in the tech sector, and significant business leadership news.

Main Segment: Ghislaine Maxwell Refuses to Testify

[00:03 – 00:21]

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted for sex trafficking, appeared virtually before the House Oversight Committee’s Epstein investigation from prison in Texas.
  • She declined to answer questions, invoking her right against self-incrimination.
  • Committee Chair James Comer emphasized the committee’s commitment to uncovering the truth and securing justice for survivors.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Lisa Brady ([00:03]):
    “She’s not talking. Convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell appearing virtually from federal prison in Texas before a House panel’s Jeffrey Epstein investigation and taking the Fifth, not answering questions.”
  • James Comer, House Oversight Committee Chair ([00:16]):
    “We sincerely want to get to the truth, the American people and justice for the survivors. That's what this investigation is about.”

• Additional Context:

  • Hopes were high that Maxwell’s testimony could reveal critical new information.
  • Upcoming depositions are scheduled for former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton in Britain later in the month.
  • New lines of inquiry include allegations that Prince Andrew sent confidential reports to Epstein and remained in contact after Epstein’s 2008 conviction. Police are currently investigating these claims.

Ongoing Investigations and Related News

[00:21 – 01:10]

• Key Discussion Points:
  • Parallel to the Epstein inquiry, other news includes the ongoing search for Nancy Guthrie, missing for 69 days, with her family recently receiving a message and reports of a $6 million ransom.
  • Efforts continue, but there have been no confirmed signs of life.

Federal Workers & Merit Systems Protection Changes

[01:10 – 01:41]

• Key Discussion Points:

  • The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) proposed a rule making it harder for fired federal workers to get reinstated.
    • Workers would lose the right to appeal to the independent Merit Systems Protection Board, having to appeal directly to OPM—an agency that answers to the president.
    • Recent OPM reclassification also shifted thousands of federal workers to “at-will” status, limiting their workplace protections further.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Unattributed reporter ([01:10]):
    “Since President Trump took office, cases have surged 266%. But under a plan from the administration, fired workers would instead appeal to the opm, the administration's HR office that reports to the president.”

Labor News: New York City Nurses Strike

[01:41 – 02:04]

• Key Discussion Points:
  • A month-long nurses strike at two major New York City hospital systems is ending after a tentative agreement covering about 75% of striking nurses.
  • Staffing, workplace safety, and other issues were central to the dispute.
  • The strike continues at a third hospital.

Mass Shooting at Brown University, Providence

[02:15 – 02:57]

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Rhode Island police released body cam footage from the December mass shooting at Brown University.
  • The video depicted a chaotic but determined police response.
  • Two victims were killed, nine injured; the perpetrator was found dead days later of a self-inflicted gunshot.
  • Questions remain about the motive.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Providence Mayor Brett Smiley ([02:46]):
    “If there's one big outstanding question, it's why did these poor kids get targeted by someone? None of the camera footage will answer that question. And in fact, those questions may never be answered.”

Landmark Lawsuits Against Tech Giants

[02:59 – 03:21]

• Key Discussion Points:
  • Opening statements began in pivotal cases alleging that Meta’s Instagram and Google’s YouTube intentionally addict and harm children.
  • These cases signal potential regulatory and legal challenges ahead for social media titans.

Business News: Kroger Appoints New CEO

[03:21 – 03:53]

• Key Discussion Points:

  • Greg Foran, former CEO of Air New Zealand and ex-head of Walmart US operations, named new CEO of Kroger.
  • Foran has a track record of modernizing digital and online ordering systems.
  • Kroger, which owns supermarket chains such as Ralph’s and Fred Meyer, had been searching for over a year for a replacement leader.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Reporter ([03:21]):
    “At Walmart, he's credited with stepping up digital ordering and introducing online ordering and pickup.”
  • Reporter ([03:21]):
    “Foran was born in New Zealand, where he started his career as a shelf stacker at Woolworths at age 17.”

Financial Markets Update

[03:53 – end]

• Key Discussion Points:
  • Overview of current stock market performance: Dow slightly down, S&P in the green, Nasdaq up.

Memorable Moments

• The sharp focus on transparency and accountability in the high-profile Maxwell and Epstein investigation.
• Providence Mayor’s somber reflection on the limitations of police footage to provide answers for senseless acts of violence.

Episode Takeaways

• Ghislaine Maxwell’s refusal to testify adds further frustration to hopes for answers in the Epstein case.
• Federal policy changes could severely restrict job protections for government employees.
• Landmark lawsuits challenge the practices of social media giants, signaling growing scrutiny of tech’s impact on youth.
• Large labor actions and significant corporate leadership changes are reshaping the healthcare and retail sectors.
• The tragic Brown University shooting and its unresolved questions linger over Providence.

For listeners seeking an efficient round-up of major national news, this episode delivered rapid updates and commentary on today’s headline stories, maintaining a brisk, matter-of-fact tone throughout.