Guthrie Case DNA Results Delayed, RFK Fights Processed Foods, Canada Curling Scandal: AM Update 2/17

Summary

The Megyn Kelly Show — AM Update, February 17, 2026

Episode Theme:
A fast-paced AM Update episode covering developments in three headline stories: the delayed DNA results and shifting police statements in the Nancy Guthrie disappearance case; Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s moves to crack down on ultra-processed foods; and controversy as both Canadian Olympic curling teams face cheating allegations.

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1. Guthrie Case: DNA Delays and Sheriff’s Reversal

(Main Segment: 00:32–06:01)

Key Discussion Points:

• Sheriff’s Sudden Shift:
  • Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos, for the first time, publicly ruled out Nancy Guthrie’s family (siblings and spouses) as suspects in her disappearance.
  • “The Guthrie family, to include all siblings and spouses, has been cleared as possible suspects in this case. The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel.” (Sheriff Nanos Statement, 02:38)
  • This statement marked a reversal from earlier declarations—just a day prior, both Nanos and sources speaking to The Megyn Kelly Show said no one had yet been cleared.
• Lack of New Evidence:
  • NBC’s Tom Winter reports there’s no indication this reversal resulted from new evidence. Questions to the sheriff’s office about what changed went unanswered.
  • When asked if DNA evidence helped clear the family, Sheriff Nanos declined to answer: “Not going there. They’re victims and I will not stand quiet when they are revictimized.” (03:58)
  • The DNA from gloves found near Nancy’s home remains in quality control at a Florida lab and hasn’t entered the national CODIS database yet. The reasons for the delay are unclear.
• Analysis from Phil Holloway (True Crime Host, Ex-Law Enforcement):
  • On the wisdom of the sheriff’s public clearing of the family:
    • “It seems like it might be a little premature… to issue a blanket clearance like that until you know who your suspect or suspects in the plural might be.” (Phil Holloway, 04:27)
    • He suggests the move stems from political and media pressure but could backfire: “I think he may have miscalculated because this statement is simply, I think, doing the opposite. It’s drawing more attention to the issue people were trying to make go away.” (04:54)
    • Criticizes Sheriff’s inconsistent messaging:
    • “There’s one thing that’s been consistent with this sheriff’s department from the beginning, and that is that they’re inconsistent in their messaging.” (05:32)
    • Suggests media-savvy professionals should be directing the department’s communications.
• Political Overtones:
  • President Trump tells the New York Post he’ll instruct the DOJ to seek the death penalty for Guthrie’s kidnappers if she is found dead, signaling “very, very severe consequences.” (06:01)

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2. US-Hungary Relations — Rubio’s Budapest Visit

(Segment: 00:49, 06:01–09:05)

Key Discussion Points:

• Rubio’s Focus on Personal Diplomacy:
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in Hungary, reiterates the importance of close ties between leaders as central to national alliances, referencing his strong relationship with Prime Minister Viktor Orban (a polarizing figure in European politics).
  • Notable Quote:
    • “We are entering this golden era of relations between our countries… because of the relationship that you have with the president of the United States. And that relationship’s grown even closer.” (Marco Rubio, 07:05)
  • U.S. to support Hungary in facing “impediments to growth” or financial struggle, emphasizing intertwined interests.
• Handling Ties with China:
  • Rubio is pressed about Hungary’s relationships with China, a major U.S. adversary.
  • He frames differences as normal given national interests, stressing strong relationships let allies work through disagreements.
  • Notable exchange:
    • “It is our expectation that every nation on earth is going to act in their national interest… Where we have some differences, that’s where these deep ties… are so important.” (Marco Rubio, 08:18)
    • “It would be crazy. It’s insane for the United States and China not to have relations and interact with one another.” (Marco Rubio, 08:53)

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3. RFK Jr. & Ultra-Processed Foods Crackdown

(Segment: 09:41, 10:41–13:21)

Key Discussion Points:

• Major Regulatory Petition:
  • The Trump administration, via HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., will act on a high-profile petition calling for stricter regulation of ultra-processed foods.
  • Petition initiated by Dr. David Kessler (former FDA chief under Bush and Clinton), particularly targets highly refined sweeteners, specific flours, and chemical additives.
  • Criticism: The current ‘generally recognized as safe’ (GRAS) standard lets companies self-certify ingredients, leading to thousands of additives in the U.S. food supply, compared to just 400 in Europe.
    • Notable Quotes:
      • “That loophole was hijacked by the industry and it was used to add thousands upon thousands of new ingredients into our food supply… This agency does not know how many ingredients there are in American food.” (Dr. David Kessler, 11:50)
      • “The estimates are between 4,000 and 10,000. We have no idea what they are.” (Dr. David Kessler, 12:12)
      • “There is no way for any American to know if a product is safe if it is ultra processed.” (Dr. David Kessler, 12:22)
  • Dr. Kessler and RFK Jr. link the proliferation of these foods to the U.S.’s rise in chronic illnesses:
    • “Energy dense, highly palatable, rapidly absorbable, ultra processed foods… have resulted in the greatest increase in chronic disease in our history. Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension… heart attacks, stroke, heart failure. From our food, from our food.” (RFK Jr., quoting Dr. Kessler, 12:38)
• Administration Response:
  • HHS working with food companies to voluntarily remove petroleum-based dyes and rolling out a new food pyramid prioritizing whole foods—“flipping the past pyramid literally on its head.” (13:21)
  • RFK Jr. vows a review of food ingredients “using gold standard science,” but offers no specifics.
  • Separately, the FDA will propose a rule (in 2026) requiring companies to formally notify FDA of new GRAS claims.

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4. Canada Curling Scandal — Olympic Cheating Allegations

(Segment: 09:21, 13:21–17:06)

Key Discussion Points:

• Rules & Context:
  • In Olympic curling, players must release the stone handle before it crosses the ‘hog line’ and cannot touch the stone while it’s moving; infractions could see the stone removed from play.
• Canadian Men’s Team Under Fire:
  • Incident in Canada vs. Sweden: Mark Kennedy (Canada) appeared to obey the initial release rule but allegedly touched the granite after release, drawing sharp protest from Team Sweden’s Oskar Eriksson.
    • On-ice exchange:
      • Oskar Eriksson: “Apparently it’s okay touching the rock after the hogline.”
      • Mark Kennedy: “I haven’t done it once. You can off.”
      • Oskar: “You haven’t done it once?”
      • Mark: “I haven’t done it once.”
      • Oskar: “Okay, I’ll show you a video after the game.” (15:11–15:25)
    • The confrontation was heated, with Kennedy and Eriksson trading barbs.
    • No technical penalty was given (only a warning for language), and Canada beat Sweden 8–6.
• Repeat Complaints & More Accusations:
  • The following day, Team Switzerland also accuses Mark Kennedy of a similar “double touch” infraction—this time in a 9–5 Canadian loss. Kennedy contests both accusations and objects to being videotaped by the Swiss defenders.
• Women’s Team Involved:
  • Canada’s Rachel Homan is caught illegally touching her stone during a match against Switzerland; the stone is removed, and Canada narrowly loses 8–7.
• Enforcement & Culture:
  • Olympic curling relies heavily on the honor system and self-policing—there’s no instant replay, so officials only issued warnings.
• Ongoing Competition:
  • Despite the scandals, both Canadian teams are still expected to advance to the medal rounds.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Exchanges

• “It seems like it might be a little premature… to issue a blanket clearance like that until you know who your suspect or suspects in the plural might be.” — Phil Holloway (04:27)
• “There’s one thing that’s been consistent with this sheriff’s department from the beginning, and that is that they’re inconsistent in their messaging.” — Phil Holloway (05:32)
• “We are entering this golden era of relations between our countries, and not simply because of the alignment of our people, but because of the relationship that you have with the president of the United States.” — Secretary Marco Rubio (07:05)
• “This agency does not know how many ingredients there are in American food.” — Dr. David Kessler (11:50)
• “There is no way for any American to know if a product is safe if it is ultra processed.” — Dr. David Kessler (12:22)
• “Energy dense, highly palatable, rapidly absorbable, ultra processed foods… have resulted in the greatest increase in chronic disease in our history… From our food, from our food.” — RFK Jr. via Dr. Kessler (12:38)
• “Apparently it’s okay touching the rock after the hogline.” — Oskar Eriksson (15:11)
• “I haven’t done it once. You can off.” — Mark Kennedy (15:21)

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Segment Timestamps for Key Topics

• Guthrie Case & Sheriff's Statements: 00:32–06:01
• Rubio on U.S.-Hungary Relations: 06:01–09:05
• Ultra-Processed Foods Petition: 10:41–13:21
• Canada Curling Cheating Scandal: 13:21–17:06

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Overall Tone & Takeaway

The episode delivers a brisk, fact-driven update with Megyn Kelly’s signature directness and occasional wry asides. There’s a focus on inconsistencies from officials, political maneuvering, regulatory battles over food safety, and the cultural and procedural drama surrounding Olympic sportsmanship. The episode also features sharp soundbites, insider commentary, and a balance between hard news and lighter moments, making it accessible for both new listeners and regular followers.

Transcript

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[Commercial Announcer]

Good morning everyone.

[Megyn Kelly]

I'm Megyn Kelly. It's Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and this is your AM update. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos for the first time saying some people have been ruled out as suspects in connection with the disappearance of 84 year old Nancy Guthrie.

[Marco Rubio]

It's important to understand how important the relations between leaders are to the relations between countries.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Hungary on strengthening alliances and navigating global rivalries. HHS Secretary RFKJ signaling upcoming action to crack down on ultra processed foods who.

[Mark Kennedy]

I haven't done it once you can.

[Megyn Kelly]

Up and Canada dropping the nice act on the world stage. Both the men's and women's Olympic curling teams facing accusations of cheating. All that and more coming up in just a moment on your AM Update.

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[Megyn Kelly]

In the search for missing 84 year old Nancy Guthrie as Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos says he has ruled out members of Nancy's family as suspects for the first time in a statement released yesterday afternoon. Sheriff Nanos writing quote, to be clear, the Guthrie family, to include all siblings and spouses, has been cleared as possible suspects in this case. The family has been nothing but cooperative and gracious and are victims in this case. To suggest otherwise is not only wrong, it is cruel. The clarification coming just one day after the sheriff told the Daily Mail that no one had been cleared in this case and on the same day as a senior member of law enforcement familiar with this case told the Megyn Kelly show that no one had been ruled out. NBC's Tom Winter reporting. Quote, there's no indication this is the result of any new evidence. We asked the sheriff's department what changed between his first two statements to allow investigators to definitively rule out the Guthrie family, but did not receive a response. Fox News's Matt Finn questioning the department on whether DNA evidence helped clear the family. Sheriff Nonos replying, quote, not going there. They're victims and I will not stand quiet when they are revictimized. News Nation's Libby Dean reporting last night that the DNA from the gloves found about two miles from Nancy's home is still undergoing quality control in the private Florida lab and has not yet been compared against the FBI's Combined DNA Index System, or CODIS. The quality control process typically takes about 24 hours. That glove sent to the lab on the 12th. The reason for the holdup is unclear, but it's yet another delay for the Guthrie family awaiting justice in this case. MK True Crime host Phil Holloway, a lawyer and former law enforcement officer himself, breaking down Sheriff Nanos decision to reverse himself and publicly rule out the family yesterday.

[Phil Holloway]

Well, it seems like it might be a little premature, just generally speaking in any criminal case to issue a blanket clearance like that until you know who your suspect or suspects in the plural might be. I think that this statement is more of a reflection of pressure that the sheriff is undoubtedly receiving because the public has speculated and many have claimed that certain family members might be considered suspect. So I imagine the sheriff is under some political pressure to try to tamp that down. But I think he may have miscalculated because this statement is simply, I think, doing the opposite. It's drawing more attention to the issue that people were trying to make go away.

[Megyn Kelly]

Holloway says that reversal highlights an alarming pattern with this sheriff's department.

[Phil Holloway]

You know, on the one hand, if they say that nobody is going to be cleared until they have a suspect and then they turn around the next day and say all of these people who meet this description and fit in this category, all of those people are cleared because they've been cooperative. It's inconsistent messaging at best. And there's one thing that's been consistent with this sheriff's department from the beginning, and that is that they're inconsistent in their messaging. I think some media savvy folks need to perhaps take over the messaging at the sheriff's department. I'm not sure where it's coming from, but the inconsistent messaging certainly is not helping them.

[Megyn Kelly]

Meanwhile, President Trump telling the New York Post he will instruct the Justice Department to seek the death penalty for Nancy Guthrie's kidnappers if she is found deceased, warning that those responsible would face, quote, very, very severe consequences. Secretary of State Marco Rubio touching on a range of topics at a press briefing yesterday in Budapest. The secretary signing a nuclear cooperation agreement with Hungary, then appearing alongside Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a close ally of President Trump. Orban criticized by some on the left over moves to clamp down on the media and the judiciary, while some on the right praise his hardline stance against mass immigration and his pro family policies. Secretary Rubio yesterday reiterating themes from his much praised weekend address at the Munich Security Conference, highlighting the strength of U. S. Hungary ties and pressing Orban's close working relationship with President Trump. Mr. Rubio highlighting the tremendous advantages to forging a strong working relationship with the US And President Trump.

[Marco Rubio]

We are entering this golden era of relations between our countries, and not simply because of the alignment of our people, but because of the relationship that you have with the president of the United States. And that relationship's grown even closer. And it's important to understand how important the relations between leaders are to the relations between countries. I can say to you with confidence that President Trump is deeply committed to your success, because your success is our success, because this relationship we have here in Central Europe through you is so essential and vital for our national interests in the years to come that, you know, if you face financial struggles, if you face things that are impediments to growth, if you face things that threaten the stability of your country, I know that President Trump will be very interested because of your relationship with him and because of this importance of this country to us, just finding ways to provide assistance if that moment ever were to arise.

[Megyn Kelly]

One reporter pressing the secretary on Hungary's ties to China, asking why closer US Cooperation is not conditioned on Hungary cutting ties with a top US Adversary. The secretary continuing the theme that strong trusting relationships are what allow nations to manage differences when priorities do not fully align.

[Marco Rubio]

Under President Trump, it is our expectation that every nation on earth is going to act in their national interest. That's what nations are supposed to do. So in those instances in which our national interest and some other countries national interests are aligned. That is an opportunity for extraordinary partnership where they're not aligned and where we have some differences. That's where these deep ties to one another are so important because that's where you can find accommodation. That's where you can hear each other out. That's where maybe you can work together on. But as an example, the United States, we have trade and relations with China. The president is going to travel in April to China.

[Dr. David Kessler]

Why?

[Marco Rubio]

Because China's a big country. It's got a billion something people, second largest economy in the world. They have nuclear weapons. It would be crazy. It's insane for the United States and China not to have relations and interact with one another.

[Megyn Kelly]

Secretary Rubio departing from Hungary shortly after the press briefing. Coming up, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Says the administration will act on a major petition targeting ultra processed foods and cheating.

[Commercial Announcer]

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[Megyn Kelly]

Tensions boiling over on the Olympic ice as the Canadian men's and women's curling teams face accusations of breaking the rules.

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[Megyn Kelly]

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Signaling the Trump administration will act on a major petition targeting ultra processed foods started by former FDA commissioner under Presidents H.W. bush and Clinton, Dr. David Kessler. The announcement coming Sunday night on CBS's 60 Minutes. Dr. Kessler submitting the 66 page petition to Health and Human Services last August calling for a regulatory crackdown on industrial food ingredients that dominate the modern American diet. The petition focusing on highly refined sweeteners like corn syrup and certain refined flours used in mass produced food products, not food, as well as some chemical additives. Dr. Kessler arguing these substances were allowed into the food supply under the federal generally recognized as safe standard or GRAS standard, which permits companies to self certify certain ingredients as safe without full FDA approval. That standard originally applying to basic ingredients like salt, dairy and eggs. Secretary Kennedy Sunday on CBS saying food companies now exploit the rule well beyond its original intent.

[Dr. David Kessler]

That loophole was hijacked by the industry and it was used to add thousands upon thousands of new ingredients into our food supply in Europe. There's only 400 legal ingredients. This agency does not know how many ingredients there are in American food.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

We do not know.

[Dr. David Kessler]

They do not know. The estimates are between 4,000 and 10,000. We have no idea what they are.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

How do we know what is safe to eat?

[Dr. David Kessler]

There is no way for any American to know if a product is safe if it is ultra processed.

[Megyn Kelly]

Dr. Kessler on the same program describing the relationship between the introduction of these ingredients and the rise in chronic disease.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

Over the last 40 years. The United States has been exposed to something that our biology was never intended to handle. Energy dense, highly palatable, rapidly absorbable, ultra processed foods that have altered our metabolism and have resulted in the greatest increase in chronic disease in our history. Type 2 diabetes, prediabetes, hypertension, abnormal lipids, fatty liver heart attacks, stroke, heart failure. From our food, from our food.

[Megyn Kelly]

The Trump administration focusing heavily on revamping nutrition standards in the U.S. hHS, working with food companies to voluntarily remove and replace certain petroleum based food dyes and rolling out a new food pyramid promoting whole foods, flipping the past pyramid literally on its head. RFKJ telling CBS the administration will use what he calls gold standard science to review ingredients, but not specifying which parts of Dr. Kessler's petition regulators may ultimately adopt. Earlier this month, the FDA declaring that in 2026 it will publish a proposed regulation requiring companies to formally notify the FDA when claiming new ingredients are, quote, generally recognized as safe. Controversy rocking both the Canadian men's and women's Olympic curling teams in Milan after accusations of cheating. Stay with me in curling players must release the handle atop the stone before it crosses the hog line. That's the boundary line marking the point where the stone must be let go. Once released, a curler may not touch any part of the moving stone. Not the handle, not the stone. In fact, a curler is prohibited from touching the granite stone as opposed to the handle at any time that it's in forward motion. Violations can result in a stone being Removed from gameplay, which we don't totally understand, but sounds bad. The dispute beginning Friday during Canada's preliminary men's match against Sweden. Canada's Mark Kennedy appearing to release the handle before the hogline. That's good. But then Kennedy appears to poke the granite side of the stone as it was crossing the hogline. That's bad. The move drawing complaints from Team Sweden, leading to a dramatic confrontation between Kennedy and Sweden's Oskar Eriksson.

[Oskar Eriksson]

Apparently it's okay touching the rock after the hogline.

[Phil Holloway]

I don't know.

[Oskar Eriksson]

Or touching the rock.

[Mark Kennedy]

Who's doing it?

[Oskar Eriksson]

You don't know it.

[Robert F. Kennedy Jr.]

Who?

[Megyn Kelly]

It's a couple. It's a couple.

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Who?

[Mark Kennedy]

I haven't done it once. You can off.

[Oskar Eriksson]

You haven't done it once.

[Mark Kennedy]

I haven't done it once.

[Oskar Eriksson]

Okay, I'll show you a video after the game.

[Mark Kennedy]

How about you walking around on my peel on the last day and dancing.

[Marco Rubio]

Around the house here. How about that?

[Mark Kennedy]

Come on, Oscar.

[Megyn Kelly]

Just in. Olympic curling teams are largely expected to self police on the honor system. There is no instant replay to review. Possible penalties and calls ultimately come down to the judgment of on ice officials who in this case offered a warning to Canada for bad language but did not impose any double touch penalties. Canada ultimately winning the match 86 scandal. The following day, Team Canada receiving similar complaints from Team Switzerland in another preliminary round. A Swiss player overheard on broadcast telling his coach he witnessed double touching or touching beyond the hogline. After release, Switzerland was not neutral. According to the Mirror, the Swiss player reported the double touch once again accusing Mark Kennedy expressing frustration that officials failed to act. Team Canada ultimately losing that one 9 to 5. Kennedy later complaining that he was videotaped by the Swiss. Oh, and also denying that he cheated. Later that Saturday, Canada's women's team facing a similar accusation during their match against Switzerland. Officials ruling Canada's Rachel Homan did indeed illegally touch her stone by making contact with the granite, removing it from gameplay. The bad thing, Canada narrowly losing that match eight to seven. The teams play round robin style with the top four advancing to a medal round. Both Canada's men's and women's teams expected to advance.

[Commercial Announcer]

We will have more on whether they.

[Megyn Kelly]

Cheat their way to gold on the Megyn Kelly show later today. And that'll do it for your AM Update. I'm Megyn Kelly. Join me back here for the MK show live on SiriusXM's the Megyn Kelly Channel 111 at noon east on YouTube.com megankelley and on all podcast platforms.

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