Evening Wire: Iran Threatens California & Epstein Guard Scrutinized | 3.11.26

Summary

Morning Wire: Iran Threatens California & Epstein Guard Scrutinized | March 11, 2026

Overview

This episode of Evening Wire, hosted by Georgia Howe and John Bickley, covers several significant political and cultural developments of the day. The main topics include heightened security alerts about a potential Iranian drone threat to California, major oil market interventions, new scrutiny of the Jeffrey Epstein case, immigration controversies, and a roundup of evolving legal and political stories across the U.S. The tone remains brisk and fact-oriented, with direct reporting from various Daily Wire correspondents.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Iranian Threats Against California and U.S. Interests

[00:33–02:32]

• Drone Strike Alert:
  The FBI warns California law enforcement of a possible Iranian drone attack along the West Coast, referencing an alert suggesting Iran aspired to launch a surprise unmanned aerial assault from a vessel near U.S. shores.
  “Officials say there is no specific information on timing, targets or method and the report remains uncorroborated.” — Brendan Steinhauser [01:05]

• Related Incident:
  An Iranian-linked hacking group claims responsibility for a cyberattack on a U.S. medical technology company. Federal authorities are on alert but have not confirmed an imminent threat.

• Attack in Iraq:
  A U.S. diplomatic hub in Baghdad was targeted by drones, likely from Iranian-backed militias. Five drones were intercepted, one struck the compound. No casualties reported.
  “The drones likely came from Iranian backed militias in Iraq, which have formed a coalition to retaliate against the US and Israel.” — Georgia Howe [01:36]

• U.S. Strike Error:
  A Pentagon report finds U.S. forces likely responsible for a strike that mistakenly hit an Iranian elementary school, killing 175 (mostly children). The incident stemmed from outdated intelligence. President Trump initially blamed Iran.
  “Investigators say the school had once been part of that military site. As the probe into why the site wasn’t given a final check continues.” — Cabot Phillips [01:59]

2. Volatility in Oil Markets & International Response

[02:32–03:57]

• Price Fluctuations:
  Oil prices dropped to $81/barrel following an erroneous announcement that the U.S. Navy escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. The claim was quickly retracted.

  • “I can confirm that the US Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time, though of course that’s an option the president has said he will absolutely utilize.” — John Bickley [02:57–03:08]

• Market Solutions:
  The Trump administration offers political risk insurance to tankers via the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation to stabilize prices.

• Historic Oil Release:
  The International Energy Agency is set to release 400 million barrels of oil—the largest such release in its history—to stabilize supply. European countries, Japan, and Germany pledge additional support. Prices fell on the news, then rebounded.

3. Immigration Enforcement Failure Leading to Tragedy

[03:57–05:27]

• Child Death in Florida:
  Honduran national Samuel Antonio Maldonado Erazo, accused of killing his 3-year-old nephew, was previously deported but released back into the U.S. under the Biden administration’s “catch and release” policies.
  • “Maldonado Erazo...was released, quote, under the Biden administration's catch and release policies. He was ordered deported in May 2023 but remained in the country.” — Jenny Terre [04:10]
  • “The Biden administration should have never released this monster into our communities.” — Deputy Assistant Secretary Lorne Biss [04:10]

4. Jeffrey Epstein Case: Correctional Officer in Hot Seat

[06:34–07:46]

• Tova Noel’s Actions Scrutinized:
  Former corrections officer Tova Noel googled “latest on Epstein in jail” twice within an hour prior to Epstein's death.

  • “Googled, quote, 'latest on Epstein in jail' at 5:42 a.m. and again at 5:52 a.m. before Epstein was found dead at 6:30 a.m.” — John Bickley [06:41]

• Suspicious Activity Reports:
  Chase Bank flagged several “suspicious deposits” to Noel's account; notably, $5,000 deposited below typical reporting thresholds.

  • “Suspicious activity report on a $5,000 mysterious deposit that she had.” — James Comer [07:11]
  • “Very seldom are suspicious activity reports even reported for sums less than $10,000.” — Brendan Steinhauser [07:22]

• Further Investigation:
  Noel is accused of falsifying shift records and will now be called before Congress.

5. Additional Political & Cultural Updates

Pennsylvania Governor’s Legal Dispute ([07:46–08:32])

• Gov. Josh Shapiro is sued by his neighbors over alleged trespassing and attempted acquisition of property for a security fence. The dispute involves 3,000 square feet and claims of misuse of state police.

CNN ISIS Bomb Plot Reporting Error ([08:32–09:32])

• CNN hosts Abby Phillip and Ana Navarro falsely reported a terror plot targeting NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani and characterized the crime incorrectly. Later, Phillip issued an apology.
  • “Philip issued an apology tweet this morning saying her false framing of the attack was, quote, inaccurate.” — Jordan Schroeder [09:13]

Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Former Seat & House Majority Shifts ([09:32–10:28])

• GOP and Democratic candidates set for a runoff in MTG’s district. Greene resigned after a dispute with Trump over the Epstein files, narrowing the Republican majority further.

Attack at Rihanna’s Home ([10:28–11:20])

• A woman shot at Rihanna’s Los Angeles house; no one was injured. Ortiz, the accused, faces attempted murder and firearm charges and could face life imprisonment.
  • “Listen Rihanna, when you die, God is taking me to my future.” — Ivana Lizette Ortiz, video [10:56]

NYC Mayor Faces Backlash for Hosting Hamas Sympathizer ([11:20–12:03])

• Mayor Mamdani hosted Mahmoud Khalil, accused of anti-Semitic activism, at a Ramadan event. The White House and Jewish groups expressed concern.

Subway Violence in NYC ([12:03–12:41])

• Honduran national Byron Hernandez arrested for pushing two men onto subway tracks; one victim critically injured.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Surveillance and AI:
  “Big Tech is propping up AI powered mass surveillance and exploiting our children online. This is not the future we want.” — Brendan Steinhauser [00:00]

• On Oil Market Misreporting:
  “The US Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time, though of course that's an option...” — John Bickley [02:57]

• On Immigration Policy:
  “The Biden administration should have never released this monster into our communities.” — Lorne Biss [04:10]

• On Epstein Guard Investigation:
  “Very seldom are suspicious activity reports even reported for sums less than $10,000.” — Brendan Steinhauser [07:22]

• On Public Apologies for Reporting Errors:
  “Philip issued an apology tweet this morning saying her false framing of the attack was, quote, inaccurate.” — Jordan Schroeder [09:13]

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Important Segments & Timestamps

• Iranian Threats/Drone Alert: [00:33–02:32]
• Oil Market Volatility: [02:32–03:57]
• Child Death & Immigration Policy: [03:57–05:27]
• Epstein Officer Scrutiny: [06:34–07:46]
• Governor Shapiro Lawsuit: [07:46–08:32]
• CNN Bomb Plot Reporting Error: [08:32–09:32]
• Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Seat & House Majority: [09:32–10:28]
• Rihanna's Home Attack: [10:28–11:20]
• NYC Mayor’s Ramadan Guest Backlash: [11:20–12:03]
• NYC Subway Violence: [12:03–12:41]

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Final Notes

This episode delivers rapid coverage of major security, legal, and political stories, interspersed with direct quotes from officials and journalists. The tone is urgent, with a focus on governmental accountability, security concerns, and controversial cultural events. The podcast closes with a reminder to check the Daily Wire site for further updates.

Transcript

[Brendan Steinhauser]

Brendan I'm Brendan Steinhauser, CEO of the alliance for Secure AI. We're a coalition of patriotic Americans who want to stop AI from taking our freedoms. Big Tech is propping up AI powered mass surveillance and exploiting our children online. This is not the future we want. The alliance is working hard to ensure that we put Americans first. Join [e-mail] to learn more.

[Cabot Phillips]

Paid for by the alliance for Secure

[Brendan Steinhauser]

AI

[Georgia Howe]

the FBI warns California of a potential Iranian drone strike the International Energy Agency is about to add the most barrels of oil it's ever released, and the former correctional officer who last saw Epstein alive is being called before the House Oversight Committee. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley. It's Wednesday, March 11th, and this is Evening Wire.

[Cabot Phillips]

The FBI has warned California law enforcement about a potential Iranian drone threat targeting the US West Coast. Wired In Live host Cabot Phillips has more.

[Brendan Steinhauser]

According to an alert obtained by ABC News, Iran allegedly aspired earlier this year to launch a surprise unmanned aerial attack from a vessel positioned off the US Coastline, possibly in retaliation for presumed American strikes. Officials say there is no specific information on timing, targets or method and the report remains uncorroborated. Separately, an Iranian linked hacking group has claimed responsibility for a major cyber attack against a U S Based medical technology company. Federal officials have not publicly confirmed any imminent threat, but authorities remain on heightened alert.

[Georgia Howe]

A drone struck an American diplomat hub in Iraq on Tuesday. As of this recording, no casualties have been reported. The drone was one of six that were launched at the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Center. Five were shot down. A security official told the Washington Post that the drones likely came from Iranian backed militias in Iraq which have formed a coalition to retaliate against the US And Israel.

[Cabot Phillips]

A preliminary report from the Pentagon found that U.S. forces are likely to blame for a strike that hit an Iranian elementary school on February 28. Reports indicate that 175 people were killed in the blast, most of them children. President Trump had initially suggested Iran was to blame for the strike, but now officials familiar with the probe say Centcom relied on outdated intelligence when it approved a strike on a nearby military base. Investigators say the school had once been part of that military site. As the probe into why the site wasn't given a final check continues.

[Georgia Howe]

Oil prices continue to fluctuate, leading to the biggest single day percentage drop since 2022. Daily Wire Senior editor Joel Niedler has the details.

[Cabot Phillips]

Oil prices plunged to $81 per barrel on Tuesday when Secretary of Energy Chris Wright posted on X that the US Navy successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the post was taken down and White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt corrected the claim the same day during a

[John Bickley]

press briefing and I can confirm that the US Navy has not escorted a tanker or a vessel at this time, though of course that's an option the

[Georgia Howe]

president has said he will absolutely utilize

[John Bickley]

if and when necessary at the appropriate time.

[Cabot Phillips]

This sent oil prices back up to around $91 per barrel. In response, the Trump administration, via the US International Development Finance Corporation, is going to offer political risk insurance to tankers operating in the Gulf, which is intended to ease the yo yo effect going forward. In an attempt to stabilize the price of oil, the International Energy Agency is about to add 400 million barrels to the oil market. That's the largest in the agency's history. The group's 32 member countries, mostly European, will release the oil from their emergency stockpiles and aiming to stabilize the market by boosting supply. The agency hasn't specified a timeline for the release. Meanwhile, Japan's prime minister also committed to release oil and Germany offered to contribute as well. Oil prices fell on the announcement Wednesday before climbing again.

[Georgia Howe]

An illegal immigrant accused of killing his three year old nephew in Florida was released into the US by the Biden administration despite having previously been deported. Daily Wire immigration reporter Jenny Terre has the story.

[Jenny Terre]

Honduran illegal immigrant Samuel Antonio Maldonado Erazo allegedly took the toddler to work on March 4 and ignored severe signs of distress his nephew appeared to be experiencing. The Escambia county sheriff said the child had several broken ribs, one of which was detached from the backbone, a broken collarbone and a transected pancreas from blunt trauma. He also appeared to show signs of possible sexual abuse. When first responders came upon the toddler, they found he was suffering from cardiac arrest. The sheriff said, quote, life saving measures were attempted, but unfortunately he passed. The Department of Homeland Security told the Daily Wire that Maldonado Erazo illegally entered the United States in August of 2021 and was immediately removed. He then reentered the country illegally in November 2021 and was released, quote, under the Biden administration's catch and release policies. He was ordered deported in May 2023 but remained in the country. Homeland Security Deputy Assistant Secretary Lorne Biss called the situation absolutely sickening, saying, quote, the Biden administration should have never released this monster into our communities.

[Daily Wire Host (unnamed)]

Well, before we continue, I'm excited to give you some amazing news about an issue that we care about here at the Daily Wire. Our friends at Alliance Defending Freedom have just announced that the state of Vermont has agreed to change its policy that discriminated against Christian foster families. Families like the Wotes and Gantz were model foster parents. They had taken in siblings and even focused on caring for kids with struggles like fetal alcohol syndrome. And these parents had lost their foster licenses because they refused to compromise their faith by participating in a lie they were told. They had to agree to promote the state's radical gender ideology, including by taking kids to pride parades following a victory in a similar case out of Oregon last year. This win in Vermont means we're winning the battle, folks. I can't tell you how inspiring it is to learn about the courage of these families, moms and dads who have answered the call to care for vulnerable children who deserve a loving home. Go to joinadf.com wire and find out more about this incredible victory and how Alliance Defending Freedom is standing up for everyday families and protecting our constitutional rights. That's joinadf.com wire or text wire to 83848 and celebrate this amazing victory with us.

[Cabot Phillips]

The former correctional officer who Googled Jeffrey Epstein right before his death is now in the spotlight. Daily Wire Culture reporter Megan Basham has

[John Bickley]

more Former Metropolitan Correctional center guard Tova Noel googled, quote, latest on Epstein in jail at 5:42am and again at 5:52am before Epstein was found dead at 6:30am according to FBI records. Chase bank also flagged numerous, quote, suspicious deposits into Noel's bank account between April of 2018 and November of 2019, which House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer explained to Fox News host Jesse Waters.

[Cabot Phillips]

Well, the recent media reports which you just said is very concerning, especially the suspicious activity report on a $5,000 mysterious deposit that she had.

[Brendan Steinhauser]

And the reason that stands out to me, Jesse, is because very seldom are

[Cabot Phillips]

suspicious activity reports e even reported for sums less than $10,000.

[John Bickley]

Noel, who was also accused of falsifying guard shift records the night before Epstein was found dead, is believed to be the last corrections officer to see Epstein alive, and she will now be asked to appear before the committee for an interview.

[Georgia Howe]

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro is being accused of squatting. Daily Wire Homepage editor Jordan Schroeder has the latest.

[Jordan Schroeder]

Governor Shapiro faces a lawsuit from his next door neighbors who accuse him and his wife of trespassing and unlawfully occupying a port property. The dispute centers on nearly 3,000 square feet of land between the two homes in Jenkinstown. According to the lawsuit, the Shapiro sought to purchase the land to build an expanded security fence following an arson attack at the governor's official residence last year when the families couldn't agree on a price. The neighbors say the Shapiro's claimed ownership through Pennsylvania's adverse possession law. The suit also alleges that state police were used to patrol the disputed area and prevent the neighbors from accessing it, though the governor's office denies that claim. The case is now headed to court.

[Cabot Phillips]

CNN suffered a self inflicted one two punch in a single day over their ISIS bomb plot coverage. Daily Wire reporter Lyndon Blake has the story.

[Jordan Schroeder]

Following the arrest of two ISIS inspired teenagers from Pennsylvania who traveled to New York City with homemade explosive devices, CNN's Abby Phillip and Ana Navarro both falsely claimed on air that the attack was targeting New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani. Philip also tried to frame the attack as anti Muslim Two Republicans say Muslims

[Jenny Terre]

don't belong here after an attempted terror attack against New York's Mayor Zoran Mandani and the House Speaker Mike Johnson says nothing really to condemn those comments.

[Jordan Schroeder]

Philip issued an apology tweet this morning saying her false framing of the attack was, quote, inaccurate. The misinformation moment follows CNN's deletion of a social media post that described the terror suspects as, quote, Pennsylvania teenagers whose lives would drastically change after a normal day.

[Georgia Howe]

Two top candidates have emerged in a race for Marjorie Taylor Greene's open congressional seat. Daily Wire political reporter Cameron Arcand has the details.

[Cabot Phillips]

Trump backed Republican Clay Fuller and Democrat Sean Harris will face off in an April 7 runoff special election and former representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, Georgia district Greene resigned from her position on January 5 after a public falling out with President Donald Trump over the Epstein files despite once being close allies. The special election comes as Speaker Mike Johnson's Republican majority remains extremely slim as Representative Kevin Kiley announced that he would still caucus with Republicans but would leave the party. This leaves only 217 registered Republicans in the House. A 34 year old woman has been charged with shooting a gun at Rihanna's house on Sunday. Daily Wire Entertainment reporter Amanda Harding reports.

[John Bickley]

Rihanna, her three children and two staff members were in the home at the time and her partner ASAP Rocky, was also on the premises in another building. Ivana Lizette Ortiz has been charged with attempted murder along with 13 other firearm related charges. Ortiz allegedly drove from her home in Orlando, Florida and investigators are now trying to determine if she crossed state lines with the intent to kill. Ortiz did post multiple threatening videos on social media referencing Rihanna. Here's a clip from one video posted in January.

[Jordan Schroeder]

Listen Rihanna, when you die, God is taking me to my future.

[Cabot Phillips]

You want to kill me?

[Georgia Howe]

Shut the up.

[John Bickley]

Ortiz reportedly used an AR style firearm and fired on at least two other homes on the same block in addition to the famous singer's home. None of the bullets penetrated the interior of any of the homes. She faces up to life in prison if convicted.

[Georgia Howe]

The White House and several Jewish advocates slammed New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani for hosting accused Hamas sympathizer Mahmoud Khalil at Gracie Mansion. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has more.

[Brendan Steinhauser]

The backlash came after Mamdani posted about the Ramadan gathering on social media, where he said he and his wife welcomed Khalil, his wife and their son to break the fast. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said Khalil built his profile through anti American and anti Semitic campus protests, while Jewish leaders argued the mayor was elevating someone hostile to the Jewish community. Khalil, a former Columbia graduate student, was arrested by ICE last year and still faces deportation after the Trump administration accused him of green card fraud.

[Georgia Howe]

And a Honduran national was arrested yesterday after pushing an 83 year old man and a younger man onto some New York City subway tracks. Cell phone footage shows 34 year old Byron Hernandez casually walking away after committing what appears to be an unprovoked attack on Sunday. He was later arrested at a homeless shelter. Grandfather and Air Force veteran Richard Williams sustained critical injuries and is currently fighting for his life at a hospital. According to family. The younger victim did not sustain serious injuries and thankfully both men were assisted off the tracks by bystanders before the train arrived. Hernandez faces multiple charges, including attempted murder and reckless endangerment.

[Cabot Phillips]

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 the Pentagon cranking up the pressure on Iran, how Trump plans to take care of Cuba, and the administration's latest moves to change gender identity laws. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of Morning Wire.

[Georgia Howe]

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[Jenny Terre]

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[Georgia Howe]

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[Jenny Terre]

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[Georgia Howe]

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