Evening Wire: USA Grabs Gold & Ghislaine Pleads The Fifth | 2.9.26

Summary

Morning Wire: Evening Wire – USA Grabs Gold & Ghislaine Pleads The Fifth | 2.9.26

Podcast: Morning Wire
Hosts: Georgia Howe & John Bickley
Date: February 9, 2026

---

Episode Overview

This episode delivers a rapid-fire roundup of the day's most significant news in politics, sports, justice, and international affairs. Highlights include Team USA’s Winter Olympics golds, Ghislaine Maxwell’s House testimony, an emotional plea in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance, major political shakeups in the UK and Japan, Jimmy Lai’s sentencing in Hong Kong, U.S. military operations, and more. The hosts maintain a tone of urgency and directness, focusing on hard facts, notable developments, and underreported angles.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Winter Olympics: USA’s Gold Medal Wins

[00:18]

• Team USA’s strong start at the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • Breezy Johnson clinched gold in women’s downhill.
  • The American mixed team, including Madison Chock, Evan Bates, Alysa Liu, and Ilia Malinin, won gold in figure skating.
• USA’s all-time Winter Olympic totals: 330 medals (114 gold).
• U.S. currently sits third in gold count, behind Norway and Switzerland.

2. Disappearance of Nancy Guthrie

[00:51]

• Day nine in the search for 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie.
• Latest family video by Savannah is an unscripted, direct plea to the public:
  • Savannah Guthrie [01:21]:

    "We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help...no matter where you are...if you see anything, you hear anything, if there's anything at all that seems strange to you that you report to law enforcement. We are at an hour of desperation and we need your help."

• Family received a 6 million bitcoin ransom demand; deadline expired.
• No suspects identified. Daily Wire’s comprehensive series “Finding Nancy Guthrie” is available for in-depth coverage.

3. Ghislaine Maxwell Invokes the Fifth

[02:20]

• Ghislaine Maxwell, testifying before the House Oversight Committee, invokes the Fifth Amendment "to nearly every question."
• Maxwell offers to testify fully if granted clemency for her 20-year sentence; President Trump is "non-committal."
• John Bickley [02:20]:

  "Maxwell has said she'll give a full account of what she knows if she's guaranteed clemency for her 20 year sentence. But President Trump has been non committal on the issue, saying he, quote, has not thought about it."

4. UK Political Fallout from Epstein Ties

[02:43]

• Morgan McSweeney, British PM Sir Keir Starmer’s Chief of Staff, resigns over links to Jeffrey Epstein uncovered in new files.
  • Peter Mandelson, former UK Ambassador to the U.S., exchanged sensitive information with Epstein and received $75,000 in payments.
• Starmer expresses gratitude in a measured statement.
• British Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden [03:33]:

  "It's a prime Ministerial appointment and prime ministers have to take responsibility for the decisions that they make."

• Creates increased pressure on PM Starmer's leadership.

5. Japan’s Conservative Turn

[03:47]

• Japanese PM Sanai Takei leads a conservative landslide, securing a 3/4 parliamentary majority.
• Clear mandate for bolstering U.S. ties, defense spending, and economic reforms.
• President Trump [04:16] (via Truth Social):

  "Sinai's bold and wise decision to call for an election paid off big time."

6. Jimmy Lai Sentenced in Hong Kong

[04:31]-[05:30]

• Hong Kong publisher Jimmy Lai receives 20 years under the Chinese security law for “conspiracy to collude with foreign forces.”
• Lai has spent over 1,800 days in solitary confinement.
• Donald Trump [05:15]:

  "I feel so badly. I spoke to President Xi about it. I asked to consider his release. He's not well. He's an older man and he's not well. So I did put that request out. We'll see what happens."

• U.S. State Department strongly condemns the sentence.

7. U.S. Navy Captures Venezuelan Oil Tanker

[05:30]

• U.S. captures its eighth Venezuelan oil tanker enforcing the embargo.
• Sec. of War Hegseth:

  "It ran and we followed by land, air or sea, our armed forces will find you and deliver justice. You'll run out of fuel long before you'll outrun us."

8. Anthony Aguilar Campaigns Despite Disproved Claims

[07:06]

• Former Green Beret Anthony Aguilar runs for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional seat as a Green Party candidate.
• Previously claimed to witness the killing of a Gazan boy at a U.S.-backed aid site—story exposed as false; child is alive, video disproved account.
• Aguilar continues to leverage "whistleblower" status in campaign despite public refutation.

9. U.S.–Armenia Civil Nuclear Agreement

[08:05]

• Vice President J.D. Vance becomes highest ranking U.S. official to visit Armenia.
• Signs $9B deal, including drone shipments, shifting Armenia’s energy alliances from Russia to the U.S.
• Vance [08:56]:

  "We're also creating real prosperity for Armenia and the United States together. I really do believe that tonight marks a new beginning for Armenia and the United States and the partnership that our country can have together."

10. Brooklyn Power Outage & NYC Controversy

[09:08]

• Thousands in Brooklyn without power in subzero temperatures; city opens warming centers.
• NYC Mayor Zoran Mamdani criticized for defending a schizophrenic, knife-wielding man shot by police after charging them.
• John Bickley [10:27]:

  "Jabez needs mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution by a district attorney."

11. HIMS Drops Unapproved Weight Loss Pill

[10:41]

• Telehealth company HIMS halts online sales of compounded, pill-form GLP1 weight loss medication after FDA warning.
• FDA to restrict compounded alternatives due to safety and legal concerns.

12. F-22 Raptors Pulled from Super Bowl Flyover

[11:33]

• F-22 fighter jets rerouted from the Super Bowl to operational assignments amid increased U.S. military activity globally.
• Recent use in Syria strikes (Operation Midnight Hammer), Venezuela (Operation Absolute Resolve).

13. TPUSA All-American Halftime Show Success

[12:37]

• TPUSA's alternative Super Bowl halftime show draws over 7 million viewers, promoted as a family-friendly, patriotic option.
• Featured artists: Kid Rock, Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, Gabby Barrett.
• Aired in direct competition with mainstream Super Bowl 60 show (featuring Bad Bunny).

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Savannah Guthrie on mother’s abduction [01:21]:

  "We are at an hour of desperation and we need your help."

• John Bickley on Maxwell case [02:20]:

  "The Fifth Amendment shields individuals from answering questions that may incriminate them..."

• President Trump on Jimmy Lai [05:15]:

  "I feel so badly... I asked to consider his release. He's not well."

• Vice President Vance on U.S.–Armenia deal [08:56]:

  "I really do believe that tonight marks a new beginning for Armenia and the United States..."

• Sec. of War Hegseth on oil tanker capture [05:30]:

  "You’ll run out of fuel long before you’ll outrun us."

---

Timestamps for Major Segments

• USA Olympics Golds: [00:18]
• Nancy Guthrie Search Plea: [00:51]–[01:56]
• Ghislaine Maxwell Testimony: [02:20]
• UK Epstein Fallout: [02:43]
• Japan Election Victory: [03:47]
• Jimmy Lai Sentencing: [04:31]–[05:30]
• Venezuelan Oil Tanker Incident: [05:30]
• Anthony Aguilar’s Campaign: [07:06]
• U.S.–Armenia Agreement: [08:05]
• Brooklyn Power Outage & NYC Mayor Controversy: [09:08]
• HIMS Fat Loss Pill Pulled: [10:41]
• F-22s Rerouted from Super Bowl: [11:33]
• TPUSA Halftime Show Viewership: [12:37]

---

Conclusion

This episode of Evening Wire combines rapid headline reporting with deeper context on high-impact political, legal, and cultural events both in the U.S. and abroad. The editors balance factual summaries with direct, sometimes emotional, firsthand remarks—making it an accessible but comprehensive news digest for listeners seeking timely, reliable coverage.

Transcript

[Georgia Howe]

Team USA grabs more golds, Ghislaine Maxwell invokes the Fifth Amendment and TP USA's halftime show racks up big numbers. I'm Georgia Howe with Daily Wire executive editor John Bickley. It's Monday, February 9th, and this is Evening Wire.

[John Bickley]

The US is off to a strong start at the 2026 Winter Olympics with some gold medals already secured in the women's downhill and alpine skiing. Breezy Johnson got the gold and the American Mix team captured gold in figure skating. They're led by skaters including Madison Chalk, Evan Bates, Alyssa Liu and ilia Malinin. Since 1924, Team USA has won a total of 330 medals in the Winter Olympics, including 114 golds. The US is currently in third place for gold medals for the Milan Games overall, behind Norway and Switzerland.

[Georgia Howe]

We're on day nine of the search for Nancy Guthrie. Daily Wire reporter Lyndon Blake has the latest.

[Lyndon Blake]

Monday afternoon, Savannah Guthrie released a new video pleading for her mother's return. This was the fourth video from the family and the first video that appears to be unscripted. This video is more of a plea for the public's help in finding 84 year old Nancy Guthrie instead of a direct message to the alleged author of a ransom note. Here's a little bit of what Savannah said.

[Savannah Guthrie]

We believe our mom is still out there. We need your help. Law enforcement is working tirelessly around the clock trying to bring her home, trying to find her. So I'm coming on just to ask you, not just for your prayers, but no matter where you are, even if you're far from Tucson, if you see anything, you hear anything, if there's anything at all that seems strange to you that you report to law enforcement. We are at an hour of desperation and we need your help.

[Lyndon Blake]

The deadline for the 6 million bitcoin ransom was Monday at 5 mountain time. this time, the Pima County Sheriff's Office say they do not have a suspect or person of interest in this case. We're breaking down every detail of this case in the Daily Wire series Finding Nancy Guthrie, a Daily Wire true crime investigation. It's on Spotify, Apple and the Daily Wire platforms.

[John Bickley]

Jeffrey Epstein's longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell invoked the Fifth Amendment today in response to nearly every question by the House Oversight Committee. The Fifth Amendment shields individuals from answering questions that may incriminate them. Maxwell has said she'll give a full account of what she knows if she's guaranteed clemency for her 20 year sentence. But President Trump has been non committal on the issue, saying he, quote, has not thought about it.

[Georgia Howe]

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer's chief of staff fell on his sword over the weekend, resigning over alleged Epstein links. Here's Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce with the story.

[Tim Pierce]

The Prime Minister's chief of staff resigned on Sunday amid increasing pressure on Starmer to step aside. This comes after the latest trove of Epstein files and emails linked one of his former ambassadors to the late convicted pedophile. Emails show that former UK Ambassador to the US Peter Mandelson appeared to share confidential information with Epstein during 2008 financial crisis. Other files revealed that Epstein paid Mandelson $75,000 between 2003 and 2004. In a statement, Starmer's chief of staff, Morgan McSweeney took responsibility for Mandelson's appointment. Starmer also released a statement showing appreciation for McSweeney's work, saying, quote, our party and I owe him a debt of gratitude and I thank him for his service. British Cabinet Minister Pat McFadden said that blaming McSweeney for Mandelson's appointment is a mistake, saying, quote, it's a prime Ministerial appointment and prime ministers have to take responsibility for the decisions that they make.

[John Bickley]

Conservative Japanese Prime Minister Sanai Takei has led her party to a landslide victory in this week's elections. She now has a clear mandate from the people to strengthen ties with the us, Increase defense spending and kickstart Japan's economy. The Prime Minister took a major gamble, calling national elections just three months into her tenure. She was hoping to capitalize on a growing conservative movement in Japan and it paid off. Her coalition won overwhelmingly, now holding 354 of the 465 seats in the lower house of Parliament. That's more than a 3/4 majority. President Trump congratulated Takechi in her victory, posting to Truth Social, quote, sinai's bold and wise decision to call for an election paid off big time.

[Georgia Howe]

Hong Kong's Jimmy Lai has been sentenced to 20 years in prison, adding friction to US China ties. Daily Wire's senior editor Joel Niedler has the story.

[John Bickley]

Lai is the publisher behind the popular Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily. The sentence was justified under a national security law widely used to crack down on critics of the Chinese Communist party. Lai, a 78 year old Chinese born British citizen, was convicted in December of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces and publish seditious material. Lai was accused of supporting the massive pro democracy protests that broke out in Hong Kong in 2019 and has been detained since August of 2020, spending more than 1,800 days in solitary confinement. In December, President Trump said this about the case.

[Donald Trump]

I feel so badly. I spoke to President Xi about it. I asked to consider his release. He's not well. He's an older man and he's not well. So I did put that request out. We'll see what happens.

[John Bickley]

6 Former Apple Daily employees were also sentenced Monday, receiving prison terms ranging from six to 10 years. The U.S. state Department condemned the sentencing and called for Lai's release. U.S. forces captured a Venezuelan oil tanker in the Indian Ocean after a month long pursuit. That's the eighth tanker captured since the Trump administration began enforcing the embargo. In January, Secretary of War Hegseth issued a statement on social media saying, quote, it ran and we followed by land, air or sea, our armed forces will find you and deliver justice. You'll run out of fuel long before you'll outrun us.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

This episode is sponsored by Brickhouse Nutrition. You've probably heard about those weight loss injections that everyone's been talking about, and for good reason. The results can be pretty incredible. They work by helping regulate blood sugar and keeping your appetite in check. But here's the thing. Not everyone wants to deal with weekly injections, especially when you start hearing about some of the side effects that can come with them. That's where Lean comes in. It's a weight loss supplement developed by doctors, and people are seeing some really impressive results. The ingredients in Lean are backed by research showing that they can help lower blood sugar, turn stored fat into energy, and reduce those constant cravings that make dieting so hard. This stuff is no joke. I am one of those people that eats sometimes a lot when I'm stressed. But once Lean came into the picture, I was able to rein in my cravings. Let's get you started with 20% off and free rush shipping so you can add Lean to your healthy diet and exercise plan. Visit takelean.com and enter wire for your discount. That's promo code [e-mail] today.

[Georgia Howe]

Anthony Aguilar is now running for political office as a Green Party candidate. Daily Wire foreign affairs reporter Cassia Kiva has the story.

[Breckah Stoll]

The former Green Beret went viral last July with his claim that he saw a young Gazan boy named Amir, quote, gunned down by Israel's military at a Trump administration backed Gaza Humanitarian foundation aid site. His detailed story landed him spots on major media outlets like NBC News and prominent podcasts, including twice on the Tucker Carlson Show. However, reporting from the Daily Wire later confirmed that the incident never happened Most importantly, the child he claims was shot dead in front of him is alive. Video from that day contradicts virtually all the details from Aguilar's story, prompting NBC News to take down the reporting. Despite the public implosion of the story, Aguilar is now touting his whistleblower status as a reason to vote for him. He is competing to represent North Carolina's 13th congressional district.

[John Bickley]

Vice President J.D. vance is in Armenia today. Daily Wire reporter Zach Jewell has the details.

[Tim Pierce]

Vance became the highest ranking US Official to ever visit Armenia while in office, joining Armenian Prime Minister Nicole Pashinyan to sign a civil nuclear agreement as part of the Trump administration's efforts to secure peace in the south caucuses. The agreement promises $9 billion in potential US investment in Armenia, including an $11 million shipment of US drones to the South Caucasus country. Vance called the agreement a win win that will provide additional energy exports for the United States as well as economic development and security for Armenia. The civil nuclear agreement marks a major shift for Armenia, which has long relied on Russia for its energy and security. Here's Vance speaking earlier today alongside Pashinyan.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

We're not just making peace for Armenia.

[Cameron Arkham]

We'Re also creating real prosperity for Armenia.

[Sponsor/Ad Voice]

And the United States together. I really do believe that tonight marks a new beginning for Armenia and the United States and the partnership that our.

[Cameron Arkham]

Country can have together.

[Georgia Howe]

Big news from the Big Apple as hundreds are without power in Brooklyn. Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani is being blasted for defending a knife wielding suspect. Daily Wire reporter Breckah Stoll has the story.

[Breckah Stoll]

Brooklyn residents supplied with electricity by ConEd found themselves in the dark and cold late Saturday all the way through this morning with time to restore being pushed back repeatedly. It's currently 3 degree weather in the city with wind chill making it feel closer to negative 14 degrees in Bushwick alone. Over a thousand residents are affected, with many seeking shelter in hotels or one of the city's warming centers. But that's not the only issue New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani is forced to defend this week. Mamdani is also facing criticism for siding with a knife wielding suspect who allegedly charged police. The family of 22 year old Jabez Chakraborty called 911 when he was having a mental health episode, hoping to have him involuntarily removed from the home. Chakraborty has schizophrenia, the family said. Two officers arrived and were let into the home where Chakraborty walked out from his room and grabbed a large kitchen knife. He then ignored warnings and approached an officer who opened fire, hitting him four times. Mamdani visited Chakraborty in the hospital and later said this at a press conference.

[John Bickley]

Jabez needs mental health treatment, not criminal prosecution by a district attorney. Men's Telehealth company HIMSS has dropped a fat loss pill from their catalog after an FDA warning. Here's Daily Wire political reporter Cameron Arkham.

[Cameron Arkham]

With the details online. Telehealth company HIMS and Hers has reversed course on selling a compounded pill form of the WeGovy GLP1 weight loss drug following warnings from the FDA. With a proposed price tag of $49, HIM's compounded drug would have been the cheapest GLP1 on the market, but the FDA has never tested or approved the drug in pill form. Compounding, in which pharmacies mix ingredients for specialized medicines or to copy a drug but at different dos, has flourished as Americans chase cheaper prices for drugs. The practice is legal under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic act in certain circumstances, but the FDA and HHS under RFK Jr have expressed their intention to restrict GLP1 ingredients used in compounded drugs, citing concerns over quality, safety and potential violations of federal law.

[Georgia Howe]

F22 fighter planes were pulled from the super bowl flyover and rerouted at the last moment for operational assignments. Daily Wire reporter Amanda prestigiacomo has more.

[Amanda Prestigiacomo]

F22 Raptors, which were originally slated to participate in this weekend's super bowl flyover, were polled last minute for operational assignments, while officials declined to provide specifics. The decision comes amid heightened US Military activity across multiple theaters. American aircraft have conducted recent strikes against ISIS targets in Syria, and F22s played a critical role last year in Operation Midnight Hammer, the B2 bomber led campaign against Iranian nuclear facilities. The F22 also participated in Operation Absolute Resolve in Venezuela, establishing US dominance in the airspace over Caracas. Officials also emphasized that super bowl flyovers do not require additional taxpayer funding. The flights are conducted as part of scheduled training, which allows aircrews to participate. Precise timing, coordination and maintenance, recovery under.

[John Bickley]

Real world conditions and the TPUSA All American Halftime show outperformed expectations, with 6.1 million people tuning in to watch on the YouTube live stream, another 1 million watching on Charlie Kirk's YouTube, plus unspecified numbers on the other partner sites including Rumble and Daily Wire. Plus the lineup for the show included Kid Rock, Brantley, Gilbert, Lee Bryce and Gabby Barrett. The show aired at the same time as Super Bowl 60s official halftime show featuring Bad Bunny and and advertised a patriotic, family friendly alternative.

[Georgia Howe]

Those are your Drive Home updates this evening. To learn more about these stories, go to dailywire.com and in case you missed it, earlier today, we covered some major stories, including anti ice protests reaching the Winter Olympics, Nancy Guthrie's family offering to pay her $6 million ransom, and a dramatic downsizing at the Washington Post. Thanks for tuning in. We'll be back tomorrow morning with another full edition of MORNING Wire.