Overview of Up First (Guthrie Investigation, Ghislaine Maxwell Deposition, Seahawks Win Super Bowl LX)
This episode of NPR's Up First (hosts Leila Fadil and Michelle Martin) covers three main stories: the ongoing disappearance and apparent kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie (mother of Today show co‑host Savannah Guthrie); a closed‑door, virtual deposition of Ghislaine Maxwell for House Republicans about Jeffrey Epstein and his network; and the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots. The show also notes related developments, context, and reactions.
1) Guthrie investigation — key developments and context
- What happened
- Nancy Guthrie, 84, last seen after returning home around 9:50 p.m. last Saturday in the Catalina Foothills north of Tucson. She did not show up for church the next morning, prompting a welfare check and then a large search.
- Nancy has limited mobility and requires daily medication.
- Family statement and response
- Savannah Guthrie and her siblings posted a short Instagram video saying, “We received your message … we beg you now to return our mother to us,” and urging whoever took her to bring her home.
- The family says they are willing to pay to get her back; captions on family videos repeatedly end with “bring her home.”
- Evidence and investigation status
- Police found drops of blood on the front porch; a doorbell camera was disconnected; her pacemaker disconnected from its phone app around 2:30 a.m.
- Local TV station KGUN reported receiving a ransom note demanding $6 million (deadline reportedly Monday evening); police have not publicly confirmed ransom details.
- FBI is assisting and advising the family; authorities have not identified suspects, persons of interest, or connected vehicles.
- Authorities warn proof‑of‑life materials can be faked using AI, complicating ransom/proof‑of‑life issues.
- Takeaway
- Active, high‑profile missing person case with family public appeals and limited publicly confirmed leads. Authorities ask anyone with information to contact the Pima County Sheriff’s Department.
2) Ghislaine Maxwell deposition — what to expect and why it matters
- Background
- Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20‑year federal sentence for helping Jeffrey Epstein traffic minors for sex. She continues to challenge her conviction.
- The DOJ recently released final batches of documents related to Epstein; many names show up in those files, but presence in documents ≠ proof of wrongdoing.
- Today's deposition
- Maxwell will be deposed virtually and behind closed doors by Republicans on the House Oversight Committee about Epstein, his crimes, and people in his orbit.
- Lawmakers want details, including the identities of 25 men Maxwell said were part of a secret settlement (and not previously part of the Epstein probe).
- Likely outcome and legal constraints
- Maxwell is expected to use the Fifth Amendment extensively; because she’s appealing her conviction, she’s unlikely to provide testimony that would jeopardize appeals.
- Previous DOJ interaction: Deputy AG Todd Blanche visited Maxwell in prison last year (transcripts show Maxwell denying illegal conduct by Donald Trump); she was subsequently transferred to a minimum‑security facility in Texas, attracting political criticism.
- Takeaway
- The deposition may yield limited new public information due to closed proceedings and Maxwell’s legal protections, but it is part of congressional efforts to probe Epstein’s network and unresolved questions from the document releases.
3) Seahawks win Super Bowl LX — game highlights and narratives
- Result and style of game
- Seattle Seahawks defeated the New England Patriots, 29–13 (Super Bowl 60/LX).
- The game was defense‑dominated and low‑scoring for long stretches; Patriots were held scoreless through three quarters.
- Seattle struggled to convert red‑zone drives into touchdowns early, settling for four field goals before scoring a touchdown early in the fourth quarter (19–0 at that point).
- Key narratives and reactions
- Seahawks celebrate a second Super Bowl title; coach Mike McDonald praised team confidence: “We never wavered … we believed in each other.”
- QB Sam Darnold’s redemption story: once deemed a draft bust, he led the team and was emotional in victory, crediting family and belief in himself.
- Many fans and observers called the game not a classic — some described it as one of the weaker Super Bowls in terms of excitement — but Seattle fans remain ecstatic.
- Patriots turnaround noted: from 4 wins last season to 17 this year and an appearance in the Super Bowl, signaling a promising trajectory despite the loss.
- Takeaway
- A championship earned on strong defense and timely scoring; notable for Seattle’s narrative of belief and Darnold’s comeback rather than for offensive fireworks.
Notable quotes
- Savannah Guthrie (family video): “We received your message … we beg you now to return our mother to us.”
- Seahawks coach Mike McDonald (trophy presentation): “I had 100% confidence. We got the best teams. We got the best fans in the world … We never wavered.”
- QB Sam Darnold: He credited his parents and said he was emotional after proving doubters wrong.
Production notes and context
- Episode hosts: Leila Fadil and Michelle Martin.
- Reporters featured: Bill Chappell (Guthrie case), Scott Newman (Maxwell/Epstein coverage), Steve Futterman (Super Bowl).
- The show includes several sponsor messages; final production credits listed at the episode close.
What listeners should know / next steps
- Guthrie case: authorities continue to investigate; anyone with relevant information should contact Pima County law enforcement. Families are urging the return of Nancy Guthrie and have raised ransom claims that remain unconfirmed by police.
- Maxwell deposition: expect limited immediate public revelations because testimony is closed‑door and Maxwell likely to invoke her right against self‑incrimination.
- Sports: Seattle’s title and narratives (Darnold comeback, Patriots resurgence) will shape offseason storylines; game was notable more for outcome than spectacle.