Evening Wire: Hockey Shooting Latest & ‘Restore Britain’ Goes Viral | 2.17.26

Summary

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Morning Wire: Hockey Shooting Latest & ‘Restore Britain’ Goes Viral | February 17, 2026

Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Podcast: Morning Wire (Evening Wire edition)
Date: February 17, 2026

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Episode Overview

This Evening Wire episode offers an incisive roundup of the day’s most newsworthy events, spanning a tragic family shooting at a Rhode Island hockey rink, global and national political developments, culture, and sports. The hosts explore the viral impact of Britain’s new "Restore Britain" political party, U.S. and European concerns over infant formula, government shakeups, and tributes to recently departed public figures.

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Main Stories & Key Insights

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1. Rhode Island Hockey Rink Shooting

[00:19–01:37]

• Details: A targeted shooting left two dead and three injured in a Rhode Island rink, identified as a family dispute.

  • Shooter: Robert Dorgan (who identified as Roberta Esposito), died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound after being subdued by bystanders.
  • Victims: Ex-wife Rhonda Dorgan (died at scene), adult son Aiden Dorgan (died at hospital), Linda and Gerald Dorgan (Rhonda’s parents, hospitalized), Thomas Jerusso (family friend, critical).
  • Weapons & Licensing: Shooter had two firearms, with a Florida license to carry; authorities are checking for other state permits.

• Notable quote:
  Georgia Howe [00:26]: “The shooting appeared to be a targeted family dispute.”

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2. Marco Rubio’s Warning to Visa Seekers

[01:37–02:24]

• Context: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Hungary, reemphasizes that U.S. visas are privileges, not rights.

  • Warns foreign nationals: engaging in “activities against the national interest” can result in visa revocation.
  • Growing scrutiny of foreign nationals’ activism and media engagement within the U.S.

• Notable quote:
  Marco Rubio [via clip, paraphrased by Bickley, 01:55]:
  “No one’s entitled to a visa. If you undertake activities against the national interest... we will take away your visa.”

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3. AOC Stumbles at Munich Security Conference

[02:24–03:51]

• Synopsis: Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez struggled to answer questions about U.S. foreign policy (e.g., defending Taiwan against China).

  • She ultimately stated the U.S. should “avoid any such confrontation.”
  • Denied 2028 presidential ambitions were linked to her appearance.
  • Criticized the conference’s importance in gauging presidential prospects and emphasized her attendance was to warn about “right-wing populist movements.”
  • Trump reaction: Called the moment “not a good look for the United States.”

• Notable exchange:

  • AOC [03:04]: “You know, I think that this is such a, you know, I think that... This is of course a very long standing policy of the United States.”
  • Trump [as paraphrased by Bickley, 03:49]: “This was not a good look for the United States.”

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4. Operation Stork Speed: Infant Formula Scrutiny

[03:51–04:43]

• Details:
  • U.S. HHS launching a broad review into baby formula: focus on seed oils, heavy metals, and arsenic.
  • Many “mom-ha” advocacy groups want seed oils removed, yet experts say it’s currently impossible to achieve required nutrients without them.
  • Stricter efforts underway to weed out “forever chemicals” and contaminants.
• Insight: Aligning U.S. standards with Europe’s is complex, given both regions rely on certain vegetable oils to mimic breastmilk nutrition.

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5. ICE’s New Nashville Offices & Local Backlash

[04:43–05:35]

• Summary: ICE’s expansion into Tennessee sparks controversy.
  • Landlord Freeman Webb claims ignorance about ICE’s tenancy; legal options are being pursued.
  • Democratic Rep. Bob Freeman distances himself from leasing to ICE:
    “We would never knowingly lease our space to ICE.”
  • ICE also places a facility for detainees 30 minutes outside Nashville.

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6. Homeland Security Spokeswoman Trisha McLaughlin Resigns

[05:35–05:57]

• Key Point: McLaughlin, a high-profile defender of administration policy, quietly steps down amid ICE controversies. No public statement yet.

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7. First Air Transport of a Nuclear Microreactor

[05:57–06:54]

• Event: U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright participates in first airlift of a microreactor (no nuclear fuel) from California to Utah.
  • Seen as a milestone for military and remote energy security.
  • Microreactor: size of a minivan, powers 5,000 homes, three promised by July 4.
• Notable quote:
  John Bickley [06:38]: “This represents the first time a nuclear microreactor has been successfully transported by plane... for military as well as civilian use.”

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8. Tom Pritzker Steps Down Amid Epstein Ties

[08:18–08:46]

• Background:
  • Tom Pritzker, cousin to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, leaves his Hyatt corporate post after links emerge to Jeffrey Epstein, including helping find employment for “the girl from Romania.”
  • Admits “terrible judgment,” offers public apology.

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9. Restore Britain Party Goes Viral

[08:46–10:11]

• Synopsis:
  • Rupert Lowe launches “Restore Britain,” a new nationalist/conservative party, splitting from Reform Party.
  • Gains 10% vote share after a single viral farm ad (over 50,000 members in days).
  • Ad calls to “celebrate Christian heritage,” ban the burqa, outlaw Sharia law, and restrict cousin marriages.
  • Ad is championed globally by right-wing figures, including a repost by Elon Musk.
• Memorable quotes from the ad:
  • [09:16] “Britain is not just an economy. Britain is not just an idea. Britain is not just a passport. Britain is a nation. Britain is a people, our people, and Restore Britain will never allow that to be erased.”
  • [09:40] “That will mean defending our culture. That will mean resisting the relentless creep of radical Islam. That will mean banning the burqa, outlawing Sharia law, blocking cousin marriages and reimposing our Christian-based rule of law.”

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10. Sports Update: Curling Controversy and More

[10:11–11:47]

• Canadian curler Mark Kennedy accused of “double touching” (illegal move). Kennedy denies it; swears at officials (“You can f off.”), then apologizes.
  • World Curling to heighten oversight.
  • Switzerland beats Canada 9-5.
• Aussie political activist Drew Pavlov claims he was deported from the U.S. after joking online about Billie Eilish’s home; speculation singer’s legal team intervened.

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11. In Memoriam: Jesse Jackson & Robert Duvall

[11:47–13:15]

• Jesse Jackson: Civil rights leader and former presidential candidate, dies at 84. Noteworthy for his role beside Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Survived by his wife and six children.
• Robert Duvall: Famed actor dies at 95. Starred in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “The Godfather,” “Apocalypse Now,” “Tender Mercies,” and “Secondhand Lions.”
  • Notable Duvall monologue [12:39]:
    • “I fought in two world wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I led thousands of men into battle with everything from horses and swords to artillery and tanks... I’ve won and lost a dozen fortunes, killed many men and loved only one woman with a passion a flea like you could never begin to understand. That’s who I am.”

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Other Notable Quotes & Moments

• Marco Rubio [01:55]:
  “A visa. No one’s entitled to a visa.”
• John Bickley [06:38]:
  “The Trump administration has seized on the concept of utilizing microreactors as a more consistent and reliable energy source in war zones or remote operations.”

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Segment Timestamps

• 00:19 – Rhode Island hockey rink shooting
• 01:37 – Rubio’s immigration policy statement
• 02:24 – AOC at Munich Security Conference
• 03:51 – U.S. baby formula regulation update
• 04:43 – ICE expansion and Nashville landlord backlash
• 05:35 – DHS spokeswoman McLaughlin resigns
• 05:57 – Air transport of nuclear microreactor
• 08:18 – Tom Pritzker resigns over Epstein ties
• 08:46 – Restore Britain party viral rise
• 10:11 – Sports roundup (curling, Eilish/Pavlov)
• 11:47 – Jesse Jackson obituary
• 12:16 – Robert Duvall obituary and monologue

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Tone & Style

The show balances brisk news delivery with a blend of direct reporting, play-by-play recaps, and candid quotes from the major players, remaining factual with a subtle undercurrent of skepticism toward mainstream narratives, in line with the podcast’s ethos.

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Summary

This Evening Wire episode stands out for its timely, fact-driven summaries of national and international developments, from a tragic family shooting at a hockey rink to the viral ascent of Britain’s new nationalist party, “Restore Britain.” Other topics include immigration and energy policy, public figure resignations amid scandal, sports controversies, and the passings of Jesse Jackson and Robert Duvall. The hosts’ clear structure, use of direct quotes, and focus on actionable news make the episode a concise, thoughtful update for a broad audience.

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Transcript

[John Bickley]

More details emerge on the tragic hockey rink shooting. Ice opens new offices in Nashville and Britain has a new political party and it's going viral. I'm Daily Wire Executive editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Tuesday, February 17th. This is Evening Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

As we reported this morning, a tragic shooting at a hockey rink in Rhode island left two dead and three injured. On Monday, police identified the gunman as Robert Dorgan, a trans identifying man who went by the name Roberta Esposito and said the shooting appeared to be a targeted family dispute. Authorities updated the press this afternoon. One of the victims was his ex wife Rhonda Dorgan, and also his son, adult son Aiden Dorgan. Rhonda succumbed to her injuries on scene at lynch arena and the son Aiden succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital. We have three other individuals, Linda Dorgan and Gerald Dorgan, which are the parents of Rhonda. They are at the hospital now. The final victim was Thomas Jerusso. He is a family friend of the family and he is also in critical care at the hospital. At least three bystanders were able to succumb the suspect at that time. The suspect did reach for a second firearm and he did inflict a self inflicted gunshot wound, which is what he succumbed to on scene. We can tell you that he did have two firearms on him. He did have a license to carry out of Florida. So we are working to see if they had a license to carry anywhere else. Check dailywire.com for updates as we learn more.

[John Bickley]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio delivered a blunt warning to foreign nationals seeking visas on Monday during a high profile visit to Hungary. Daily Wire political reporter Cameron Arkan has the story. Speaking during a joint press conference in Budapest alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Rubio emphasized that entry into the United States carries conditions that extend beyond border screening. I've said this repeatedly. I don't know why it's so hard for some to comprehend it. So let me repeat it again. A visa. No one's entitled to a visa. If you enter our country as a visitor and you undertake activities that are against the national interest, the national security of the United States, we will take away your visa. The comments come amid heightened scrutiny of foreign officials participating in political activism, campus protests and media activity inside the United States.

[Georgia Howe]

Alexandria Ocasio Cortez appeared at the Munich security conference and fielded heavy criticism after failing to answer basic U.S. foreign policy questions. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has the details.

[John Bickley]

AOC appeared at the international conference amid speculation around 2028 Democratic presidential candidates with the New York leftist often floated as a top contender. At the event. Ocasio Cortez was asked whether the United States should send troops to Taiwan if China advances. This was her answer.

[Georgia Howe]

You know, I think that this is such a, you know, I think that.

[John Bickley]

This is a.

[Georgia Howe]

This is of course a very long standing policy of the United States.

[John Bickley]

Ocasio Cortez eventually found an answer stating that the United States should, quote, avoid any such confrontation. She later spoke to the New York Times and denied any presidential campaign connection to the event. She said it was, quote, out of touch to consider the Munich Security Conference an important gauge for the 2028 presidential election. AOC said she attended the event to warn about, quote, right wing populist movements throughout the world. President Trump responded to the gaffe aboard Air Force One. I watched AOC answering questions in Munich. This was not a good look for the United States.

[Georgia Howe]

Operation Stork Speed, a sweeping review of baby formula ingredients is set to launch this spring. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Met with Formula executives last year to discuss concerns about seed oils, heavy metals, arsenic levels and how American formulas compare to stricter European standards. These concerns resonate with maha moms and have generally been met with broad approval. However, experts say it's unlikely that American infant formula will fully remove seed oils. In fact, all European formulas contain manipulated vegetable oils as a means to create synthetic fats more similar to the profile of mother's milk, including sufficient levels of linoleic acid. Experts claim at this time it's impossible to reach certain nutrient benchmarks without the use of these oils. But broad efforts to remove forever chemicals and other contaminants are being pursued aggressively.

[John Bickley]

ICE is set to open two new offices here in Nashville, Tennessee. But one of the landlords is not thrilled. The firm that owns and manages the building where ICE's Metro office will be located, Freeman Webb, said they were unaware who the new tenant would be. We spoke with Davis Hunt, the editor and publisher of Nashville's the Pamphleteer, for more well as the state considers legislation to align more directly with the Trump admins immigration enforcement efforts, ICE purchased a facility to house detainees in Lebanon, Tennessee, which is about 30 minutes outside of Nashville. Meanwhile, within Nashville city limits, Democratic State House Rep. Bob Freeman finds himself in the crosshairs for leasing office space to ICE Legal. In response to this, Freeman said, quote, we would never knowingly lease our space to ice. I've directed our lawyers to investigate all available legal remedies under the lease and the and that work is underway.

[Georgia Howe]

Homeland security spokesperson Trisha McLaughlin is leaving DHS. McLaughlin apparently planned to step down from her highly visible role back in December, but stayed on as ice surged in the headlines. She has been highly visible, appearing on cable news and social media to defend the administration's actions. McLaughlin has not yet publicly commented on her departure.

[John Bickley]

The U.S. conducted its first air transport test of a nuclear microreactor on Sunday. Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce has the latest. Energy Secretary Chris Wright joined the flight on a C17 cargo aircraft that carried the reactor without its nuclear fuel from California to Utah. This represents the first time a nuclear microreactor has been successfully transported by plane, paving the way for such reactors to be strategically deployed for military as well as civilian use. The Trump administration has seized on the concept of utilizing microreactors as a more consistent and reliable energy source in war zones or remote operations, issuing executive orders early last year aimed at further development of the technology. The microreactor transported on Sunday is a little larger than a minivan and can consistently generate up to 5 megawatts of electricity. That's enough to power over 5,000 homes. Secretary Wright said that three such reactors should be up and running by the 4th of July this year.

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[John Bickley]

Illinois Governor J.B. pritzker's cousin Tom Pritzker is stepping down from his Hyatt hotel's corporate role after his ties to Jeffrey Epstein came to light. Newly released Epstein files show that Pritzker helped to find a job for a woman that Epstein referred to as, quote, unquote, the girl from Romania that you met at my house. In a statement, Tom Pritzker admitted that he, quote, exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with Epstein and Maxwell, and added that there's no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.

[Georgia Howe]

Britain has a new political party and it's already snapped up 10% of the national vote share after just one viral advertisement filmed at the founder's farm. Restore Britain, the party founded by former MP Rupert Lowe, split off from Nigel Farage's Reform Party in 2025 and launched a National ad just four days ago. The party's message is blunt. Restore Britain to greatness by embracing and defending the core values and people who made it great. Here's a clip from the ad Britain.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

Is not just an economy. Britain is not just an idea. Britain is not just a passport.

[John Bickley]

Britain is a nation.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

British Britain is a people, our people, and Restore Britain will never allow that to be erased.

[Georgia Howe]

The unapologetic ad also includes pointed references to banning Islamic practices.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

We will celebrate our Christian heritage and.

[John Bickley]

The identity that built and shaped this country.

[Sponsor/Advertisement Voice]

That will mean defending our culture. That will mean resisting the relentless creep of radical Islam. That will mean banning the burqa, outlawing.

[John Bickley]

Sharia law, blocking cousin marriages and reimposing our Christian based rule of law.

[Georgia Howe]

After dropping the ad, the party racked up over 50,000 members in mere days. Elon Musk reposted the ad on X and it's being cheered by conservative nationalists globally.

[John Bickley]

Swiss curling athletes are calling foul on Canada, Daily Wire assistant editor Andy Valdez explains.

[Georgia Howe]

Canadian curler Mark Kennedy was accused of double touching a stone during play on Saturday. Swiss curler Pablo Lasha Kushpan was seen on broadcast saying, quote, I don't want to focus too much on it, but he double touched and the referee saw it. Kennedy denied any wrongdoing, saying, quote, who's doing it? I haven't done it once. You can f off. His language earned him a verbal warning and he has since apologized for the outburst. Kennedy stone was not removed from play, but the sports governing body, World Curling, said Two officials will be positioned to observe all deliveries starting with Saturday's games. Switzerland went on to defeat Canada 9 to 5. An Australian political activist says Billie Eilish got him deported Daily Wire entertainment reporter Amanda Harding reports. Online provocateur Drew Pavlov mocked Billie Eilish's Grammy appearance and anti ice rhetoric on social media and now says he was deported from the United States over social media posts where he joked about moving into the singer's California home. Pavlov claimed in a series of X posts that he was detained in for roughly 30 hours at Los Angeles International Airport before being denied entry into the country. He speculated the Eilish's legal team contacted the Department of Homeland Security, prompting his removal. He wrote, quote, I spent 30 hours at LAX immigration trying to explain that my BLEEP posts were just a joke and that I didn't actually plan to personally move into her mansion. Honestly, most of the agents were nice and laughed at the idea, but there was nothing I could do.

[John Bickley]

Civil rights activist and two time Democratic presidential candidate Jesse Jackson died Tuesday. He was 84 years old. Jackson's family announced his death on Tuesday morning. The family did not provide a cause of death, but Jackson was placed on life support in November after he was hospitalized for a neurological condition. Jackson is known for his work with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And was with him in Memphis when King was assassinated. He survived by his wife Jacqueline and his six children. A public ceremony for Jackson will be.

[Georgia Howe]

Held in Chicago and Hollywood loses a legend. Academy Award winning actor Robert Duvall died at age 95. His wife confirmed he passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Duvall's career spanned more than six decades and included To Kill a Mockingbird, the Godfather, Apocalypse now, his Oscar winning role in Tender Mercies, and his role in Secondhand Lions.

[John Bickley]

I fought in two world wars and countless smaller ones on three continents. I led thousands of men into battle with everything, with horses and swords to artillery and tanks. I seen the headwaters of the Nile and tribes of natives no white man had ever seen before. I've won and lost a dozen fortunes, killed many men and loved only one woman with a passion of flea like you could never begin to understand. That's who I am.

[Georgia Howe]

Known for his quiet intensity on screen and his independent spirit off it, Duvall left a lasting mark on American film. He's survived by his wife Luciana.

[John Bickley]

All right, those are your drive home updates. To learn more about these stories go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, earlier today we covered some major stories including a high stakes security conference in Munich, cooperation surging between ICE and local law enforcement, and the Pentagon pulling funding from an army contractor with links to the Muslim Brotherhood. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.