Savannah Guthrie Posts Tearful Video, Trump’s ‘Softer Touch’ on Immigration, Teen Battling Cancer Heads to Super Bowl and more

Summary of Savannah Guthrie Posts Tearful Video, Trump’s ‘Softer Touch’ on Immigration, Teen Battling Cancer Heads to Super Bowl and more

by CNN Podcasts

7m•February 5, 2026
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Overview of Savannah Guthrie Posts Tearful Video, Trump’s ‘Softer Touch’ on Immigration, Teen Battling Cancer Heads to Super Bowl and more

A CNN Podcasts episode (host Erica Hill) that summarizes five top stories for the morning of Thursday, February 5. Coverage includes a missing-person plea from Savannah Guthrie’s family, President Trump’s comments about immigration enforcement in Minneapolis, widespread layoffs at The Washington Post, the Supreme Court allowing California’s new congressional map, a tech/gambling podcast plug, and a human-interest Super Bowl trip for a teen cancer survivor.

1) The family’s plea — Nancy Guthrie missing

  • Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted an emotional video asking for information about their mother, Nancy Guthrie, now missing for five days.
  • Family message: they want unequivocal proof Nancy is alive and are imploring anyone with information to reach out.
  • Investigative details:
    • A local anchor reported a purported ransom note with a dollar amount, a deadline and details only an abductor might know.
    • Nancy’s pacemaker last signaled to her iPhone around 2 a.m. Sunday; her phone was left at the house.
    • Authorities are looking into a possible trespassing report near her home from about a month ago and other nearby reports.
    • Guthrie’s home has been returned to the family.
    • Officials are denying reports that a suspect has been identified.

2) The drawdown — Trump on immigration enforcement in Minneapolis

  • President Trump said his administration may need “a little bit of a softer touch” on immigration enforcement as 700 federal agents begin leaving Minneapolis; he also emphasized toughness against criminals.
  • He defended DHS Secretary Kristi Noem and acknowledged public relations could improve.
  • Public reaction and oversight:
    • Two polls show public opinion shifted against the federal response after agents shot and killed Alex Freddi/Preddy (named inconsistently in reporting):
      • Ipsos: 55% viewed the shooting as excessive force.
      • Quinnipiac: 62% said the shooting was not justified.
    • Republicans showed the largest shift against the government’s actions.
  • Policy changes and demands:
    • Some federal agents remaining in Minneapolis will now wear body cameras.
    • Democrats released 10 demands tied to any DHS funding deal, including:
      • Ban on masks for agents,
      • Required visible ID,
      • Prohibitions on raids in schools, hospitals and churches.

3) Mass layoffs at The Washington Post

  • The Washington Post cut roughly one-third of its staff, including about 300 newsroom positions.
  • Major impacts:
    • Metro desk dramatically reduced.
    • Sports section "basically" eliminated.
    • Books section closed; daily podcast canceled.
    • Foreign coverage reduced—Mideast team and the Ukraine bureau chief were among those cut.
    • Several tech reporters—including the Amazon beat reporter—were let go.
  • Ownership and motive:
    • Owner Jeff Bezos is said to remain committed, but the cuts follow his push for the paper to return to profitability.
    • The Post states remaining focus areas: politics, national security, science, health, business and technology.
    • No immediate comment from Bezos.

4) California congressional map — Supreme Court allows it to stand

  • The Supreme Court allowed California’s new congressional map to remain in effect.
  • Political implications:
    • The map gives Democrats a potential path to flip five GOP-held seats, affecting control of the U.S. House.
  • Legal context:
    • Republicans argued the map was race-based rather than political—an argument similar to one in a Texas challenge.
    • The Court did not explain its reasoning.
    • California’s redrawn map was approved by voters (64% in a referendum), unlike Texas changes which were passed in the legislature.

5) Tech/gambling segment and podcast plug

  • CNN tech reporter Claire Duffy highlighted an episode of the podcast Terms of Service exploring sports betting apps.
  • Key point: Americans wagered an estimated $150 billion on sports in 2024; mobile apps make gambling instantly accessible and potentially more addictive.
  • Guest: Harry Levant, gambling counselor and director of gambling policy at Northeastern University’s Public Health Advocacy Institute, discussed normalization and rapid delivery of an addictive product through partnerships between gambling, sports leagues, media and tech.

6) Super Bowl human-interest story — Avery McNair

  • 15-year-old Avery McNair, a leukemia survivor from Portland, Maine, received a massive airport send-off as he heads to the Super Bowl via Make-A-Wish.
  • Avery, a big New England Patriots fan, is traveling with his brother Skyler and other Make-A-Wish kids to see the Patriots vs. Seahawks.
  • Personal context: Avery finished two years of cancer treatment; his father was recently diagnosed with cancer, making the trip especially meaningful.
  • Avery’s prediction: Patriots will win 23–20.

Notable quotes

  • Savannah Guthrie: “We need to know without a doubt that she is alive and that you have her. We want to hear from you and we are ready to listen.”
  • President Trump: “I learned that maybe we can use a little bit of a softer touch but you still have to be tough.”

Key takeaways and what to watch next

  • Missing-person case: expect ongoing developments and official statements as investigators pursue leads (ransom note, pacemaker data, prior trespassing reports).
  • Minneapolis immigration enforcement: negotiations over DHS funding and proposed oversight measures (body cameras, ID rules, raid restrictions) may shape federal tactics going forward.
  • Media landscape: The Washington Post’s deep cuts will likely change national and international coverage—watch reporting gaps (sports, Mideast, Ukraine).
  • Political map impact: California’s map could materially affect House control; follow subsequent campaign strategies and special races.
  • Consumer caution: Sports-betting apps are increasingly accessible—consider the public health and personal-risk perspectives discussed on Terms of Service.
  • Human-interest: Avery McNair’s story highlights Make-A-Wish impact and broader stories of resilience around the Super Bowl.

Next episode drops at noon ET.