DHS Funding Negotiations, UK Epstein Fallout, Latest On Guthrie Investigation - Up First Recap

Podcast: Up First

Published: 2026-02-10

Duration: 13 minutes

Guests: Barbara Sprunt, Lauren Freyer, Bill Chappell

Summary

The episode covers the looming deadline for DHS funding, controversies surrounding UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's appointment choices, and the ongoing investigation into Savannah Guthrie's missing mother.

What Happened

Congress faces a looming deadline to fund the Department of Homeland Security, with negotiations stalled due to Democratic demands for changes in immigration enforcement. A key issue is the requirement for federal agents to remove masks and wear body cameras, which has bipartisan support but faces opposition over privacy concerns.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under pressure due to revelations about his ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, who allegedly passed sensitive information to Jeffrey Epstein. While Mandelson denies wrongdoing, the police investigation has led to questions about Starmer's judgment.

Despite calls for Starmer's resignation, including from within his own party, he retains the support of his cabinet, reducing the likelihood of his stepping down. The situation highlights the dynamics of a parliamentary system where the ruling party can replace the Prime Minister without an election.

The British royal family is also entangled in the Epstein fallout, with Prince Andrew allegedly involved in leaking sensitive information. The king has distanced himself from Andrew, who has been stripped of royal titles and privileges.

Savannah Guthrie has issued another public plea for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, as a ransom deadline has passed without resolution. The FBI is investigating ransom notes but has not confirmed their authenticity.

The investigation into Nancy Guthrie's disappearance involves multiple agencies, but there have been no breakthroughs. Her physical fragility and need for daily medication add urgency to the search, with authorities appealing for public assistance.

Key Insights

• Congress is stuck in a gridlock over a simple yet controversial request: making federal agents remove masks and wear body cameras. While both parties see the merit for transparency, privacy concerns have turned this seemingly straightforward idea into a political tug-of-war.
• The UK's Prime Minister might be wishing he could rewind time after his U.S. ambassador allegedly shared secrets with Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the scandal, Keir Starmer holds onto his job, thanks to a cabinet that still backs him, showing just how differently power plays out in a parliamentary system.
• In a royal twist, Prince Andrew, once a key figure in the British monarchy, is now sidelined after allegedly leaking sensitive info in the Epstein saga. Stripped of his titles, his fall from grace underscores the royal family's attempt to distance itself from scandal.
• Savannah Guthrie's heart-wrenching plea for her missing mother, who needs daily medication, has captivated public attention as the FBI races against time. With ransom notes under scrutiny and multiple agencies involved, the urgency highlights the complex chase to solve this distressing mystery.