The Anti-ICE Olympics & Guthrie Family “Will Pay” | 2.9.26

Summary

Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: The Anti-ICE Olympics & Guthrie Family “Will Pay”
Date: February 9, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley & Georgia Howe
Presented by: The Daily Wire

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Overview

This episode covers a tense start to the 2026 Winter Olympics, a major update in the Guthrie kidnapping case, dramatic changes at the Washington Post after mass layoffs, and other key news stories. The hosts break down the media and cultural landscapes, examining outrage over ICE agents at the Olympics, a family's public plea in a high-profile ransom case, and the challenges facing legacy media.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Olympics Overshadowed by Anti-ICE Activism

Segment begins: [02:42]

• ICE Presence Protested:
  U.S. Homeland Security officers (ICE) are present at the Milan Winter Olympics, as is standard for major international events. Their presence has sparked protests by local activists and even athletes.

• Hostility in Milan:

  • Local officials and activists, including alleged Antifa, vilify ICE. Riots escalated, with "rioters firing fireworks and officers responding in force" [03:10, Tim Pierce].
  • Milan’s mayor referred to ICE as "a militia that kills."

• Team USA's Response:

  • In an effort to distance themselves, Team USA renamed their Olympic camp from the “I House” to the "Winter House."
  • Athletes like freestyle skier Hunter Hess, Chris Lillis, and figure skater Amber Glenn used the Olympics spotlight to denounce ICE.
    • Quote:
      "Brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now. I think it's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren't."
      — Hunter Hess [03:27]
  • President Trump shot back at Hess on Truth Social, calling him a “real loser” and stating “it’s too bad he’s on [the team].” [03:37, Tim Pierce]

• Incident Highlight:

  • American ski legend Lindsey Vonn suffered a serious fall during her downhill run, leading to her being airlifted for surgery with a fractured left leg.
    • "She ended up hooking her right arm into a gate on the course and ended up crashing face first into the snow." [04:54, Tim Pierce]

2. Legal Win for Trump on Immigration

Segment begins: [05:15]

• Fifth Circuit Ruling:

  • Federal court upholds Trump's authority to detain illegal aliens without bail during immigration proceedings, supporting accelerated deportations for those present illegally.
  • Attorney General Pam Bondi called it "a crucial legal victory and a significant blow against activist judges who have been undermining our efforts to make America safe again at every turn." [05:51, Tim Pierce]
  • Case expected to reach the Supreme Court.

• Political Threats & Arrests:

  • Two men charged with threatening senior administration officials:
    • Colin Demarco attempted to murder OMB chief Russell Vought, believing Vought to be part of a fascist takeover.
    • Shannon Mather charged after threatening to kill Vice President J.D. Vance with an automatic weapon.
  • "Scary times and again, heightened political rhetoric and political violence we're seeing on multiple levels." [07:20, John Bickley]

3. Guthrie Family Ransom Update

Segment begins: [08:34]

• Ongoing Search for Nancy Guthrie:

  • Nine days since the 84-year-old’s kidnapping; law enforcement activity increased at both her home and her daughter Annie's house.
  • Searches focused on backyard areas, including a septic tank, and a thorough property walkthrough after a second ransom note was sent to local station KOLD.

• Daughter’s Public Plea:

  • Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video, stating their willingness to pay ransom.
    • Ransom demand: $6 million in Bitcoin.
    • Quote:
      “We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.”
      — Guthrie siblings [11:03]
  • Still no proof of life or confirmation about Nancy's required medication.
  • Pima County Sheriff has no press briefings planned; President Trump has sent additional resources to aid the investigation.
    • Quote:
      "I think we’re doing very well. We have some clues, I think, that are very strong and I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon."
      — President Trump [12:19, Tim Pierce]

4. Washington Post Shakeup

Segment begins: [13:09]

• Mass Layoffs & Leadership Change:

  • The Washington Post laid off about 30% of staff (~300 jobs). Following this, publisher Will Lewis stepped down.
    • "The Post announced Saturday that the publisher, Will Lewis, is out. He wrote a short note to staff in which he said all changes he’d helped to make were intended to ensure a sustainable future for the outlet." [13:44, Virginia Cruda]
  • CEO Jeff Bezos continues to advocate for data-driven, sustainable strategy.

• What’s Cut:

  • International reporting and the entire sports department eliminated; “Post Reports” podcast axed; newsroom restructuring to focus on national news and investigations. [14:48, Virginia Cruda]

• Employee Reactions:

  • Former staff protested, chanting "Who makes the Post? We do," holding Bezos responsible for prioritizing financials over journalism.
    • "Democracy dies in darkness sounds great, but you gotta be able to keep your own lights on in the first place."
      — John Bickley [15:57]
    • "Reality always wins."
      — Virginia Cruda [16:01]

5. Other Stories

Segment begins: [16:07]

• Super Bowl 60:
  • Seattle Seahawks win; Pro-life group Live Action's adoption-themed ad garners significant online attention.
    • "The voices and the anger are so loud, but you deserve to know adoption is an option." [Georgia Howe, 16:17]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now. I think it's a little hard."
  — Hunter Hess, Freestyle Skier [03:27]

• "He called Hess a real loser who, quote, shouldn’t have tried out for the team. And it’s too bad he’s on it."
  — Tim Pierce, quoting President Trump [03:37]

• "We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay."
  — Guthrie siblings [11:03]

• "Democracy dies in darkness sounds great, but you gotta be able to keep your own lights on in the first place."
  — John Bickley [15:57]

• "Reality always wins."
  — Virginia Cruda [16:01]

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• Anti-ICE Protests at the Olympics: 02:42
• Lindsey Vonn’s Crash: 04:40
• Trump’s Immigration Legal Win: 05:15
• Kidnapping / Guthrie Ransom Case: 08:34
• Washington Post Layoffs & Leadership Shakeup: 13:09
• Super Bowl & Live Action’s Ad: 16:07

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Tone & Style Notes

The episode maintains a brisk, journalistic tone, integrating direct quotes and on-the-ground reporting with moments of commentary and perspective. The hosts and correspondents remain focused on factual developments while highlighting the personal and political reasons behind the headlines.

Transcript

[Tim Pierce]

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[John Bickley]

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[Georgia Howe]

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[John Bickley]

Riots erupt at the Olympics amid anti ice rhetoric including from members of Team usa.

[Tim Pierce]

I feel heartbroken about what's happened in the United States.

[Georgia Howe]

Politics affect us all.

[Lyndon Blake]

It is something that I will not.

[Georgia Howe]

Just be quiet about.

[John Bickley]

I'm Daily Wire Executive Editor John Bickley with Georgia Howe. It's Monday, February 9th. This is Morning Wire.

[Lyndon Blake]

We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us.

[Georgia Howe]

One week after Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, her family says they will pay ransom money for her return.

[John Bickley]

And a seismic shakeup in leadership rattles the Washington Post following mass layoffs.

[Tim Pierce]

Billionaires only get rich by stealing from.

[Lyndon Blake]

Us and what they're doing with these layoffs is so shameful.

[Georgia Howe]

Thanks for waking up with Morning Wire. Stay tuned. We have the news you need to know.

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[Virginia Cruda]

The.

[Georgia Howe]

2026 Winter Olympics kicked off in Milan and they've already become a stage for anti ice demonstrations by both protesters and athletes.

[John Bickley]

Daily Wire reporter Tim Pierce is here to talk about the anti ice Olympics and a US Court ruling that may be a big win for the Trump administration. Hey, Tim, so the Olympics supposed to be a time where we set politics aside. Not the case this year at all. What have we seen so far on the anti ice front?

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah, there's been some unrest and some performative activism in Italy over ICE agents assigned to the Olympic Games. Now, Homeland Security officers are routinely posted at major international events such as the Olympics to help out with security and protect Americans. But ICE's presence this year has been met with protests from local left wing activists. Local officials have been upset as well. Milan's mayor referred to ICE as a militia that kills. And we should note that at least one protest in Italy from alleged antifa members has devolved into violence with rioters firing fireworks and officers responding in force. Now, the opposition to ICE went beyond local Italians and found its way into the Olympic Village as well. Team USA actually renamed its camp from the I House to the Winter House to distance itself from the agency. And several of the athletes use their platforms to condemn ICE to the world. Here's Freestyle skier Hunter Hess last week brings up mixed emotions to represent the US Right now. I think it's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren't. Hess was joined by others as well, such as freestyle skier Chris Lillis and figure skater Amber Glenn. In denouncing ice. President Trump actually responded to Hess directly over truce social. He called Hess a real loser who, quote, shouldn't have tried out for the team. And it's too bad he's on it.

[John Bickley]

Real loser. Yikes. Now one rather harrowing moment from the weekend came during an actual event. It was Lindsay Von's fall. What is the latest for Von? Right.

[Tim Pierce]

She was airlifted after she crashed just a few seconds into her downhill run yesterday. Vaugh was trying for one last Olympics run, but she had ruptured her ACL in her left knee a week prior. So there was a lot of concern coming into the event. She ended up hooking her right arm into a gate on the course and ended up crashing face first into the snow. About 13 minutes later, a helicopter arrived to transport her out. She ended up in surgery with a fracture in her left leg.

[John Bickley]

It was a tough crash to watch. Glad she is okay and getting treatment now, back in the US Related to ICE in the immigration debate, Trump received better news from the 5th Circuit regarding his agenda.

[Tim Pierce]

What happened there? Right. The 5th Circuit ruled on Friday in favor of Trump's authority to detain illegal aliens without bail as they go through immigration proceedings. Now this is in regards to a novel approach the administration has taken to expedite deportations of people in the country illegally, whether they've been here for two days or 20 years. They all fall under the label applicants for admission to the U.S. under the Immigration and Nationality Act. In other words, aliens present within the United States who have not been admitted by lawful means. Since the Trump administration has expedited deportations under the ina, it has been brought to court hundreds of times over due process claims of illegal aliens. Attorney General Pam Bondi on Friday called the decision a crucial legal victory and a significant blow against activist judges who have been undermining our efforts to make America safe again at every turn. But the legal battle isn't over and this case is expected to land at the Supreme Court.

[John Bickley]

Now before you go, one more White House related question. Officials announced the arrest of two men charged with threatening top officials in the administration with what can you tell us about these cases?

[Tim Pierce]

Yeah, we found out last week that Arlington county Police arrested Colin Demarco on January 22nd after he allegedly attempted to murder Trump's OMB chief, Russell Vogt. Authorities save Demarco went as far as to show up outside Vote's house in Virginia when Demarco was caught on votes ring doorbell camera. Prosecutors said Demarco targeted Vote in part because the defendant feared a fascist takeover of the US by the Trump administration. A few days after we learned of demarco's arrest, news broke of another man who has been charged with attempting killed Vice President J.D. vance. Authorities arrested and charged Shannon Mather after he allegedly said, I am going to find out where he, meaning the vice president, is going to be and use my M14 automatic gun to kill him. Prosecutors also said he took concrete steps to carry out that threat.

[John Bickley]

Scary times and again, heightened political rhetoric and political violence we're seeing on multiple levels. Tim, thanks so much for joining us.

[Tim Pierce]

Thanks for having me.

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[John Bickley]

The search for Nancy Guthrie enters its ninth day with an active weekend at both the 84 year old's home and her daughter Annie Guthrie's nearby house.

[Georgia Howe]

Daily Wire reporter Lyndon Blake joins us now with the latest. So Lyndon, we had a few developments over the weekend in Nancy's case. What have we learned?

[Lyndon Blake]

Yeah. So the latest is on Sunday afternoon authorities were back at the 84 year old's home. There were two Pima County Sheriff officials there searching back on the ground, focusing on her backyard area and it looked like they were digging around in a septic tank and that was the latest action there on the ground. But overall, an active weekend. There was law enforcement for three hours at Annie Guthrie's home. We know that Nancy ate dinner at Annie, her daughter's home on Saturday night before going back home and ultimately kidnapped during the night into Sunday. So those are two things that makes me think that they are they are following something where as officials haven't given anything away. They don't have any suspects, any persons of interest. We still don't know much about the crime scene. These searches have ramped up since a second ransom note was sent to a local outlet. Kold, a Tucson based TV station got the second ransom note Friday. And we don't know too much about the details, but it was enough to make the station think that the person that sent that ransom note had something to do with the first. And within hours of that news coming out that that station received another ransom note. You saw authorities back at Nancy's house on Friday up on the roof Just doing another full thorough walkthrough around her property. So still no answers, but it looks like their searching is. Is ramping up.

[Georgia Howe]

So very interesting that they're paying so much attention to the family members home. They also, the family put out another statement to the writer of the ransom note. What did they say?

[Lyndon Blake]

Yeah, so this happened Saturday night. And it was Savannah Guthrie and her two siblings, Annie and Cameron, on camera again. And they were saying that they will pay ransom. We will pay. We now know that ransom in the first ransom letter was $6 million of Bitcoin. And it was an emotional video and they were saying that they want their mother back, they want to have peace and they want to celebrate with her. But the big news out of that where in previous statements they've asked, we need proof of life. We need proof of life. We want to communicate this kind of took it to the next step and said, hey, we got your message and we will pay now.

[Georgia Howe]

It's hard to watch, but here's some of that.

[Lyndon Blake]

We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her. This is the only way we will have peace. This is very valuable to us and we will pay.

[Georgia Howe]

Several days ago, there was an indication that she needed some sort of medication that she could pass away if she didn't have. Have we gotten any more information about that?

[Lyndon Blake]

Yeah. So we know that early on they were saying she couldn't go 24 hours without this medication that she needed to survive. And we don't know now if whoever has her is giving medication. We don't know if the medication was found at the house. But there's been no indication again, or proof of life as we are. We've been saying from these ransom notes that she's still alive or even being given these medications. At least the public, we don't know that.

[Georgia Howe]

So a lot of unknowns. Are we expecting to get more information from the sheriff anytime soon?

[Lyndon Blake]

On Sunday, Pima county sheriff officials said that they have no planned press briefings after they announced they still had no suspect or person of interest. So it seems like the next time we're going to hear from officials as if something big breaks in this case. So we're going to continue to follow that. I will say, though, on Friday, aboard Air Force One, President Trump was asked about the situation. We know that he's talked to Savannah and he sent extra forces out to help with this investigation.

[Tim Pierce]

I think we're doing very well. We have some clues, I think, that are very strong and I think we could have some answers coming up fairly soon.

[Lyndon Blake]

Hopefully we get some answers and a break in this case.

[Georgia Howe]

Linden, thanks for reporting.

[Lyndon Blake]

Thanks so much. We're going to continue to look at this case in depth on Daily Wire series finding Nancy Guthrie.

[Georgia Howe]

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[John Bickley]

Who makes the Post?

[Tim Pierce]

We do.

[Virginia Cruda]

Who makes the Post? We do.

[John Bickley]

Who makes the Post?

[Georgia Howe]

That was a group of former Washington Post employees protesting the mass layoffs that have left them now looking for jobs. Over the weekend, the company saw another high profile departure. Its CEO has now stepped down days after the media company cut nearly 30% of its staff.

[John Bickley]

Joining us to discuss is Daily Wire senior editor Virginia Cruda. Morning, Virginia. So we're seeing possibly the biggest shakeup we've seen yet to one of these true legacy media powerhouses. First, tell us about this latest departure this weekend.

[Virginia Cruda]

Right. Well, this is a pretty remarkable shakeup even in the context of the last few years. The Post announced Saturday that the publisher, Will Lewis, is out. He wrote a short note to staff in which he said all changes he'd helped to make were intended to ensure a sustainable future for the outlet. He also made a point of praising Jeff Bezos, who is being slammed right and left by many of the fired employees. Bezos has been hammering the same sustainability message and framing this moment as an extraordinary opportunity to fulfill the Post's essential journalistic mission. He said, I quote each and every day our readers give us a roadmap to success. The data tells us what is valuable and where to focus. So the sweeping cuts, as Georgia said, about 30% of the staff, some 300 employees, he says is being decided by data. And so appropriately, in some ways, the man who is stepping up to fill the role of publisher for now is the chief financial officer, Jeff d'. Onofrio.

[John Bickley]

So again, the numbers are dictating these changes and the next steps exactly remind us what exactly has been cut down or even cut out at the paper.

[Virginia Cruda]

So again, roughly 300 people were let go. And in the areas that leadership says were simply not profitable. Executives say that the outlet has just failed to adapt to a changing media landscape and must make tough decisions to stay relevant and competitive. The major cuts include the newsroom's international reporting and sports department. In fact, the sports department was completely dissolved. The paper has shrunk its international coverage but will keep reporters on the ground in about a dozen countries. It's also restructuring the Metro section and completely shutting down the Post Reports podcast. The outlet will focus on national news, investigations and health and wellness.

[John Bickley]

Finally, we heard at the top some of the protests from fired employees, and frankly, there hasn't been a lot of sympathy for them online, at least. What have we heard from the former WaPo staff?

[Virginia Cruda]

Well, we've heard a lot of what you might expect claims that they are the Washington Post, that Bezos is driving the publication into the dirt, and that money is overriding what should be the true priority of the paper. But yeah, anecdotally at least, most people seem to understand that the financial realities matter more than the idealistic or activist visions for the company.

[John Bickley]

Right. Democracy dies in darkness sounds great, but you gotta be able to keep your own lights on in the first place.

[Virginia Cruda]

Reality always wins.

[John Bickley]

It does. Virginia, thank you so much for reporting.

[Virginia Cruda]

Thank you for having me.

[Georgia Howe]

Another story. We're tracking the nation's most watched televised event. Super Bowl 60 brought all the action and the advertising we've come to expect. In the end, it was the Seattle Seahawks winning on the field. But on the airwaves, one of the biggest winners was Pro Life group Live Action, which released its pro Adoption super bowl ad online ahead of the event and generated a lot of buzz. The voices and the anger are so loud, but you deserve to know adoption is an option. Thanks for waking up with us. And for those of you listening to the show now, you can watch for free on Daily Wireless us. We'll be back later this evening with more news you need to know.