Up First - NPR
Episode Date: February 9, 2026
Hosts: Leila Fadel, Michel Martin
Main Stories: Guthrie Investigation, Ghislaine Maxwell Deposition, Seahawks Win Super Bowl LX
Episode Overview
This episode covers three of the day's biggest headlines:
- The urgent investigation into the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, mother of TODAY show host Savannah Guthrie.
- The upcoming congressional deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell regarding Jeffrey Epstein and his powerful connections.
- The Seattle Seahawks’ defense-heavy victory in Super Bowl LX.
The hosts and NPR reporters break down developments, context, and implications to start listeners’ days with meaningful updates.
1. Guthrie Investigation: New Message, Grim Evidence
[02:00] Case Updates & Family Plea
- Savannah Guthrie and her siblings released an emotional video after receiving a message from Nancy Guthrie’s kidnapper.
- The message, posted on Instagram, was addressed directly to the abductor(s), expressing pain and making a direct plea for Nancy's safe return.
Key Points:
- Ransom Note: Reports confirm a ransom demand (KGUN TV station received a note demanding $6 million by Monday night). FBI involved, but the decision to pay is left to the family.
- Proof of Life Concerns: Law enforcement worries about possible use of AI-generated media to fake evidence that Nancy is alive.
- Circumstances of Abduction: Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday evening. Her disappearance was noted the next morning when she didn’t arrive for church. Evidence includes blood on the front porch, a disconnected doorbell cam, and her pacemaker’s phone app going offline at 2:30 AM. Nancy lives alone and has limited mobility, needing daily medication.
- Police Investigation: No suspects or vehicles of interest have been identified as of this episode. The search is ongoing with drones, tracking dogs, and helicopters. Every family video repeats the simple plea: “bring her home.”
Notable Quotes:
- Savannah Guthrie (video message; paraphrased by Bill Chappell):
“We received your message and we understand. We beg you now to return our mother to us so that we can celebrate with her.” [02:37] - Bill Chappell (NPR Reporter):
“This has taken a massive toll on the family... the siblings were holding hands.” [03:04] - Bill Chappell:
“The Guthrie’s captions end with the same plea. And to quote, it just says bring her home.” [05:12]
2. Ghislaine Maxwell Congressional Deposition
[05:39] Allegations, Information, and Political Pressure
- Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking minors for Jeffrey Epstein, is scheduled to be deposed (virtually and behind closed doors) before the House Oversight Committee.
Key Points:
- Scope of Deposition: Lawmakers seek insight into Epstein’s network, focusing on politicians, business figures, academics, and entertainers, including former presidents Trump and Clinton. Many names appear in DOJ documents, but largely as casual connections or unsubstantiated allegations.
- Maxwell’s Position: She maintains her innocence, continues to appeal her conviction, and is expected to invoke her Fifth Amendment right.
- Background Events: DOJ released its final batch of Epstein-related documents. Maxwell was transferred to a minimum security facility after an interview with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, a former Trump attorney—a move that drew political criticism.
- Key Unanswered Questions: Lawmakers want to press Maxwell for the identities of 25 men who settled with her but weren’t included in the Epstein investigation.
Notable Quotes:
- Scott Newman (NPR):
“What we know is that a lot of powerful people appeared in these documents, but in many cases, it’s Epstein and someone else making only casual reference.” [06:36] - Scott Newman:
"Simply appearing in the documents is not an indication of wrongdoing." [07:19] - Scott Newman:
“She’s expected to make liberal use of her Fifth Amendment right against self incrimination.” [08:53]
3. Seahawks Win Super Bowl LX
[09:31] Defensive Slugfest; Emotional Victory
- The Seattle Seahawks topped the New England Patriots, 29–13, in Super Bowl LX, securing their second NFL championship.
Key Points:
- Game Flow: Seattle’s defense stifled the Patriots, holding them scoreless for three quarters; the Seahawks’ offense also struggled, settling for four field goals before breaking the game open in the fourth.
- Atmosphere: The game was widely regarded as lacking in excitement, but for Seattle fans and the team, victory swept those concerns aside.
- Coach & Quarterback Reactions: Coach Mike Macdonald and quarterback Sam Darnold celebrated an emotional turnaround. Darnold, once dismissed as a “bust,” credited his parents’ support for his comeback.
- Patriots Season Recap: From four wins last year to a Super Bowl appearance, the Patriots are seen as a team on the rise, but “a lot of things need to go right” for another shot at the title.
Notable Quotes:
- Leon Wexler (Seahawks fan):
“It will go down in Super Bowl history as one of the worst Super Bowls in history. Despite the positive outcome for our Seahawks fans, it’s an unbelievable win. We’re over the moon, ecstatic. But at the end of the day, this was not a great game.” [11:03] - Coach Mike Macdonald:
“I had 100% confidence. We got the best teams. We got the best fans in the world. 12s. We never wavered, man. We believed in each other. We loved each other. And now we’re world champions.” [11:27] - QB Sam Darnold:
“Me and my dad don’t really cry very often. … Some people call me crazy throughout my career for believing in myself so much… but it was because of my parents.” [12:04]
Timestamps of Interest
- Guthrie Family Plea, Ransom Evidence: [02:00]–[05:29]
- Maxwell/Epstein Documents & Deposition: [05:39]–[09:23]
- Super Bowl Recap and Reactions: [09:31]–[12:44]
This episode delivers a sobering look at the Guthrie kidnapping case, key developments in the fallout from the Epstein scandal, and a landmark (if not spectacularly played) victory in the sports world. It provides rapidly updated context, direct testimony, and palpable emotion from all involved.