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Ari Redbord is Interviewed about the Guthrie Case; Stacy Taffet is Interviewed about Cocoa Prices; Shiffrin and Johnson Miss Out. Aired 9:30-10a ET

Aired February 10, 2026 - 09:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

[09:30:00]

SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR: Fear and desperation is mounting for the Guthrie family. It has been ten days now since Nancy Guthrie was taken from her home. Her daughter, NBC "Today" show host Savannah, is making a new plea for the public's help in finding her mom, who she says she believes is still out there. In a new statement from the FBI, officials say they have sent additional personnel to Tucson to work on the case.

CNN affiliate KGUN has said it received one of those ransom notes demanding millions of dollars in bitcoin.

Joining me now is Ari Redbord. He is the global head of policy at TRM Labs, a blockchain data company.

Let's talk about crypto. A lot of folks think that crypto is not traceable. But you argue, of course it is. How so?

ARI REDBORD, GLOBAL HEAD OF POLICY, TRM LABS: Absolutely. When cryptocurrency is involved in a case like this, it provides a really powerful investigative tool for law enforcement. They are able to track and trace every transaction on a public ledger. Bitcoin transactions are immutable, meaning they're there forever. So, law enforcement can even go back in time to investigate cases. So, really, you see law enforcement globally, certainly in the U.S., have tools and training, like TRM, to track and trace the flow of funds in real time, in a case like this, hoping to ultimately seize them back and get investigative leads, possibly even make arrests.

SIDNER: If the public knew the number -- we can do it too, can we not? There is a way for the public to do this very thing, correct?

REDBORD: That's what's really extraordinary, right? Law enforcement is using sort of more powerful tools like TRM, where we provide attribution on cryptocurrency addresses, meaning we associate them with real world entities or risk categories. But anyone with open source tools, right, you have crypto twitter sleuths, you know, out there who are tracking and tracing funds in real time because blockchains are public and every transaction is logged and immutable, and you can track and trace those flow of funds. You have the world watching when you have that information around a bitcoin address. SIDNER: I'm also curious about how it is that the person would get the

money, and if that's traceable and trackable. In other words, if they had to, instead of paying for something with bitcoin, which you can't pay for a lot of things with bitcoin, to be able to get that into an account, is that also traceable as to if they were dumping it into some other bank account somewhere?

REDBORD: That's really the most important question. You know, when and if a payment is ultimately made in a case like this, the bad actor will likely need to find an off ramp or a conversion point where they take that cryptocurrency, that bitcoin, and convert it into something more usable, right, cash, fiat currency. And that usually happens at a cryptocurrency exchange. And that exchange is basically like a bank on a blockchain. And they do the same, know your customer information, right?

SIDNER: Right.

REDBORD: They get your name. They get your Social Security Number. They get your address and your phone number. And that's really where we can start to associate that alphanumeric bitcoin address with a user behind it. Law enforcement would serve a subpoena on that cryptocurrency exchange.

And all of a sudden then you're using other tools that great investigators use. You could do a search warrant on the email account that was used to set up the cryptocurrency account. You could get the cell phone records. You can start to triangulate location with cell tower data. So, blockchain intelligence, like TRM, is just one tool that law enforcement has in a toolbox in an investigation like this.

SIDNER: We're ten days into this case, and the ransom deadline has passed. The FBI says it's not aware of any continued communication between the family and these alleged kidnapers. There are no suspects or persons of interest that have been identified so far. You're a former prosecutor. I mean does this tell you that there is a real possibility that potentially the ransom note is not really legitimate? Because if you wanted money, you would, you know, communicate something with the family, at least do what they asked, which is to show proof of life.

REDBORD: It's really hard. And this is -- this is a very strange case. I'm not sure any of us have ever seen sort of a ransom play out this way, right? You want to get the money as fast as you can? If it's in cryptocurrency, you want to move it to those off ramps, you want to convert it and you want to move along. And here this thing has been playing out -- playing itself out for so long.

I think -- I'm not sure I would get too deep into sort of, you know, why things are happening or what's happening. But I would say that law enforcement has the technology today to do so many of these things. And I know they're swarming on this case, right?

SIDNER: Yes.

REDBORD: We see federal law enforcement out in Arizona, local authorities working on this. So, they're running down every lead. But it -- these cases are hard. And this is a very unique case.

SIDNER: Yes. Ari Redbord, thank you. It's really insightful what you're telling us about how this all could work with the blockchain. Something that the public should know. Appreciate it.

Kate.

KATE BOLDUAN, CNN ANCHOR: New retail sales numbers just in, and they are flat. So, what does that and mixed up with collapsing consumer confidence and ongoing trade wars mean for the country's leading chocolate maker ahead of Valentines Day?

[09:35:06]

Hershey chocolate is here in studio with us.

And the final leg of a 2,300-mile journey. Nineteen Buddhist monks are about to end their months long cross-country walk, sending a message of peace, ending the journey in the nation's capital.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:40:08]

BOLDUAN: New research from the nonpartisan tax foundation finds that President Trump's trade war is hitting Americans maybe even harder than previously thought. Their research shows that tariffs raise taxes for average American household -- an average American household by $1,000 last year, and that is expected to rise to $1,300 this year. The group calls it, their words, the largest U.S. tax increase as a percent of GDP since 1993.

Tariffs, as we know, have hit pretty much all industries, including cocoa. Chocolate prices rose significantly last year due in part to President Trump's tariffs, as well as weather, climate change in key cocoa producing countries in West Africa, which had resulted in a poor harvest. Cocoa was actually one industry that won a reprieve from President Trump late last year when he signed an executive order in November removing reciprocal tariffs on certain products not produced in the United States. Chocolate makers, though, still have felt their impact.

The Hershey Company, the leading chocolate maker in the U.S. a one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in the world, just reported fourth quarter earnings, selling about, get this, $3 billion in product, significantly more than the year prior, but also seeing a real drop in profits after raising prices over the summer. There's a lot to this and we're happy to have, joining me now, is Stacy Taffet, chief growth officer of the Hershey Company.

It's good to have you here. Thanks for coming in.

STACY TAFFET, CHIEF GROWTH OFFICER, THE HERSHEY COMPANY: Thanks for having me.

BOLDUAN: And a perfect time, right, just ahead of one of the major chocolate days of the year, Valentine's Day.

One of the things that I -- we've seen over and over is consumer confidence. How consumers are feeling. It just collapsed last month, kind of across the board. What has that strain that consumers are feeling, what has that meant for chocolate? I mean what does it mean for consumers in their chocolate and candy buying?

TAFFET: Well, there is a lot of uncertainty and consumers are feeling it right now.

BOLDUAN: Yes.

TAFFET: The good news is what we're seeing is that in these times consumers are seeking out products that have an emotional or a functional benefit. And what's more emotional than chocolate? We think it brings joy and little moments of delight. And we're really focused on delivering that and investing in our brands to do so.

BOLDUAN: And part of -- we knew over the summer that Hershey had increased prices. It was double digits due to the high cocoa costs. How did that or did that hurt demand when you kind of mix this all together?

TAFFET: Well, we are very thoughtful and consumer grounded when we do have to tick (ph) price. And we saw unprecedented cocoa inflation, as you mentioned.

BOLDUAN: Yes.

TAFFET: What we do see is, you know, our categories are quite resilient. We're very focused on keeping our products as accessible and affordable as possible. In fact, 75 percent of our portfolio is still under $4. And we're also, again, really investing in our brands that they can deliver what consumers want in the right sizes, portions and expanding our portfolio to new categories and new benefits as well.

TAFFET: One of the things we heard from President Trump and -- as he was putting in place his tariff regime, he's long said that tariffs, his belief is, his tariff campaign is going to help American companies. Is it helping Hershey?

TAFFET: Well, what I can say is, is we do have momentum in our business and we're focused on serving the consumer and growing our category. So, we did have the relief on tariffs and cocoa prices have started to come down, which is enabling us to invest, invest for growth. So, we are investing in our brands. We're investing in R&D. We're expanding our portfolio. And we're setting ourselves up to deliver for the consumer in the future.

BOLDUAN: To say the very least. The statement that came out when that reprieve was announced, Hershey was happy to see tariffs lowered on cocoa.

TAFFET: Well, we can't make cocoa in the U.S. So, we were happy about that. BOLDUAN: I was -- probably. You're -- the CFO, last week, offered a

very -- a rosy projection for the coming year. And one of the things that he said caught my attention. Here's part of -- he said the forecast, "incorporates prudent assumptions of potential demand headwinds, including accelerated health and wellness trends and increasing GLP-1 adoption, government policy changes, and ongoing consumer financial strain."

Are GLP-1 a new challenge that chocolate needs to contend with?

TAFFET: Well, we're watching it very closely. There are a lot of movements, again, a lot of uncertainty, a lot of volatility we're looking at. GLP-1 is one. We are seeing confection is pretty resilient so far as consumers are eating a little bit less but still reaching for treats and still seeking those moments of indulgence. So, we're very focused on portion control and having the right types of packages for those moments. We're also investing in protein, gum and mint categories that have outsized growth for those consumers. And we're, again, we're keeping a close eye and learning as we go.

BOLDUAN: With that, are you seeing evidence of this k-shaped economy from your perspective?

TAFFET: We're focused on meeting all consumer needs as much as we can, having a range of prices, a range of products, and offering as much choice for all snacking needs that we can.

[09:45:01]

BOLDUAN: So, zoom out, guys, if you haven't yet. This is part of a new ad -- a new brand -- the brand's first new advertising campaign in eight years that I saw.

TAFFET: Correct.

BOLDUAN: So, this just launched. And what I saw is you -- you're jumping on and capitalizing, smartly, on moments like the Olympics with a medal you can actually eat and should be -- we were joking in the break -- should actually be broken up, versus the reporting we had on what's happening to the medals overseas right now.

Also, I saw that it includes leaning into influencer -- you know, influencers online and TikTok campaigns.

Talk to me, why? What's the motivation behind the first new advertising campaign in eight years? Because why do people need -- why does one of the tastiest things on earth need a -- need a refresh?

TAFFET: Yes, well, let me take a step back for a second, then I'll get to that.

As we -- a big part of our growth strategy is to invest in our brands, as I talked about.

BOLDUAN: Yes. TAFFET: And so what we're doing is we're increasing our marketing investment double digits this year and we're also modernizing the way that we speak to consumers. This is a very modern way to advertise our brand. And the first brand out of the gate on our new model is Hershey's, and the campaign's called "It's Your Happy Place." And we think what a better time than now when people really need a little bit of happiness is to reintroduce the brand to the world in a -- in a very modern way. And so we love the Olympic stage. And to use that to celebrate that winning is not just about being on the podium, but it's about the happiness that happens in between all of those moments. And the chocolate medals and the brand are a way to celebrate that.

BOLDUAN: It's really -- is there a new target audience? I mean, that -- for Hershey's?

TAFFET: Hershey's is for everyone.

BOLDUAN: Yes.

TAFFET: But we love that it's multigenerational. Parents share with their kids, with their grandchildren. Friends share with each other. And it really brings a little spark of joy to everyone's lives.

BOLDUAN: I would only say, in my household it's more generation stealing from one another when it comes to chocolate.

TAFFET: We love it.

BOLDUAN: That definitely occurs in our household.

It's good to have you here. Thank you very much. Appreciate your time.

TAFFET: Thank you very much.

BOLDUAN: John.

BERMAN: All right, chaos on the court. What caused this NBA brawl? How did it end? And what happens next for the players who threw the punches?

And how do you get a manatee out of a storm drain? The answer, very carefully.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[09:51:39]

BERMAN: New this morning, we are learning the cause of death for actress Catherine O'Hara. A death certificate says it was a pulmonary embolism, which happens when a blood clot blocks an artery in the lungs. O'Hara was also being treated for rectal cancer. She was 71.

A team from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission rushed to rescue a manatee from a storm drain. How'd they get it out? Well, ultimately, they used a crane, which I wish we had pictures of. It's a much better story if you see the manatee being lifted. Officials say the manatee is showing no signs of stress at this point.

All right, today, 19 monks are completing a 2,300-mile march for peace. They began their journey in Fort Worth, Texas, in October. It ends today in Washington, D.C. They crossed ten states on foot to spread a message of, quote, "healing, unity and compassion." Right now they're participating in an event at American University. And they will hold an interfaith ceremony later today. And tomorrow they walk to the Capitol.

All right, this explains why I am so freaking whip smart. A new study from researchers at Harvard found caffeine can protect your brain against dementia. The study suggests two to three cups of coffee or one to two cups of tea per day can be effective. I am at four already.

All right, the NBA expected to hand down suspensions following a brawl between the Detroit Pistons and Charlotte Hornets. It all started midway through the third quarter. You can see Jalen Duren there headbutting with Moussa Diabate. They were starting to butt heads and there were punches thrown. Isaiah Stewart and Miles Bridges. The coaches all defended their own players. The Pistons coach said they did not initiate the fights. But I predict suspensions all around.

I will tell you, whatever did happen was enough to end the Charlotte Hornets' winning streak. One of the hottest teams in the NBA. They just won nine games before losing to Detroit last night.

Kate

BOLDUAN: And more sports. Right now a big day unfolding at the Olympics in Milan. Nine golds to be awarded this morning for Team USA. Superstar duo Mikaela Shiffrin and Breezy Johnson just missed out on the team medal in the women's combined. Later, in curling -- oh, yes, curling, Americans will face the Sweden for gold after knocking out the defending Olympic champs from Italy.

Let's get over to CNN's Amanda Davies, joining us from Milan with more.

Where are we now?

AMANDA DAVIES, CNN SPORTS ANCHOR: Well, good morning. Plenty more on the curling to come. But I'm afraid I've got some bad news because hopes have been so high this morning around the most successful female alpine skier of all time, Mikaela Shiffrin, getting her Milan Cortina games underway. The chance of another gold medal for Team USA, team Breezy is how they were dubbed. She and Sunday's downhill champion, Breezy Johnson, tackling the new team combined event. Friends since the age of 11. They were in the gold medal position after the downhill section, which Johnson skied. But after Shiffrin's slalom, ultimately they were left disappointed, finishing in fourth. So, Shiffrin's wait for a first Olympic medal since 2018 goes on.

It wasn't all bad news, though, for Team USA. A bronze medal thanks to Jackie Wiles and Paula Moltzan.

[09:55:03] It was the Austrian pair of Ariane Raedler and Katharina Huber who took gold.

Down here in Milan, as Olympic rivalries go, the USA-Canada one in women's hockey is very much up there and that is what we're looking forward to later on Tuesday. It's a rematch of the 2022 final that Canada won. They're meeting in the group stage this time. So, although they both know that they're through, they're fighting for seeding places in the knockout round for this two tier system of this Olympic women's hockey. Canada have won five golds since Nagano in 1998. Every world championship, an Olympic gold, has gone to one of these two sides. Canada, of course, the defending champions. But the U.S. reigning world champions, and they took the victory in their latest rivalry series between the pair. So, there's no hiding what this match means.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

HILARY KNIGHT, FOUR TIME OLYMPIC MEDALIST: It's the most beautiful rivalry in sport.

CAROLINE HARVERY, SECOND-TIME OLYMPIAN: It's the most competitive game I think I've ever been in. It's just -- from the whole 60 minutes back and forth, there's no letup.

KNIGHT: It is so spicy out there.

LAILA EDWARDS, FIRST-TIME OLYMPIAN: It's just something about it. The intensity level goes up. You know, the want, the hunger, it just spikes.

KENDALL COYNE SCHOFIELD, THREE TIME OLYMPIC MEDALIST: We bring out the best in each other. And that's why they're the greatest hockey games to watch.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

DAVIES: History will be made in the mixed curling. A first medal, either gold or silver, for the USA in the mixed events here at an Olympic games. That's later on.

Back to you.

BOLDUAN: Later on. So much to come. Amanda, thank you so much. Really appreciate it.

SIDNER: I've won my medal. Best chocolate eater in the world.

BERMAN: Very good.

SIDNER: I got it today.

BERMAN: Very good. Congratulations. You must be proud.

SIDNER: I am so proud.

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