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FBI Analyzes DNA from Glove Found Near Guthrie's Home; Congress Remains Deadlocked Over DHS Funding Compromise; Big Week on Tap After Dramatic Weekend on the Ice. Aired 6-6:30a ET

Aired February 16, 2026 - 06:00   ET

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

[06:00:13]

PAMELA BROWN, CNN ANCHOR: Today in the group chat, the desperate search continues. But could a new piece of evidence be the break law enforcement needs to find Nancy Guthrie?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SAVANNAH GUTHRIE, CO-HOST, NBC'S "TODAY SHOW": We still have hope.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: The family's new plea to their mother's kidnapper as the search enters a third week.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. MARKWAYNE MULLINS (R-OK): They're shutting down thousands of workers for nothing but a talking point.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: Congress at a stalemate over DHS funding. Who will be the first to blink? We have been through this rodeo before, haven't we?

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He first said Republicans should take over elections in certain states. That is anti-democracy.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: Is the Trump administration trying to make it harder for you to vote?

Cheating allegations and judging controversies. The biggest headlines from this weekend's competition at the Winter Olympics.

CNN THIS MORNING starts right now.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

GUTHRIE: I wanted to say, to whoever has her or knows where she is, that it's never too late. And you're not lost or alone. And it is never too late to do the right thing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: Never too late to do the right thing. This morning, no suspect, no motive. But the family of Nancy Guthrie, as you just heard there, holding out hope, as the search for the 84-year-old enters a third week.

Good morning, everyone. I'm Pamela Brown, in for Audie Cornish, and we begin here with a new piece of evidence with DNA. Could it be the break investigators have been looking for?

The FBI is analyzing the DNA from a glove that matches the one used by the suspect captured on video at Guthrie's home. That glove was found near Guthrie's property. Those results could come back later today.

And it comes as a source close to this investigation tells CNN that there is still no leading theory as to why Guthrie was taken. Investigators are looking at all possibilities, including a burglary gone wrong, or a targeted abduction.

Joining us now to discuss, Josh Schirard, former police captain in Galveston, Texas, and Vrna (ph) law enforcement director.

Thank you so much for coming on. So, let's just start with the DNA here. I mean, could this be a turning point in this case, in your view?

JOSH SCHIRARD, FORMER POLICE CAPTAIN, GALVESTON, TEXAS: Yes, this could obviously be a huge break in the case, especially understanding that they've matched the glove to the one that the suspect was wearing in those videos.

So, there's several questions that may come back later this afternoon when that DNA return comes back. One, does it have a positive match to somebody already in a law enforcement accessible system? Can we get an identification off the DNA found in this glove?

And two, does it match that DNA that was found inside of Nancy's home that doesn't match a family member? Two big questions here that could really start pointing us in a direction in this case.

BROWN: So, what would happen if they're able to get the DNA, but the suspect, the person this DNA belongs to, isn't already in the law enforcement system? What do you do then?

SCHIRARD: That's where things get a little challenging. So, it would require someone to already have been in a law enforcement accessible system like CODIS for them to get a positive hit on an identification.

So, that means that that person would have needed to to have committed a felony prior to this, or some sort of sexual crime before this, to have been mandated to be in that system.

Now, there is genetic genealogy. So, law enforcement does have access to some of those genetic genealogy websites. But unfortunately, some of the bigger sites don't allow law enforcement unfettered access without warrants or subpoenas.

And even the smaller sites only force people to opt into this program to allow law enforcement to access their DNA, as well.

So, while that may not give them an identification, it may start to point them to possible relatives. People that they can call and give them a direction that they can start to go down to at least start eliminating some other possible suspects that they've already been looking at.

[06:05:12]

BROWN: You know, Josh, sadly, it has been three weeks, and your heart just goes out to the Guthrie family. This is truly a nightmare. I mean, law enforcement still has no leading theory as to who took Nancy Guthrie or why. Do you believe this will be solved?

SCHIRARD: It absolutely will. And the -- it's just a matter of time at this point.

But they continue to pump resources and assets, and we keep making progress. We keep -- we keep closing leads and continuing down pathways of investigations that are producing results.

We found a solid piece of evidence. We keep finding more pieces of evidence. We keep processing tips. The public, the community is the biggest help in this particular case, just like it has been in so many other cases that we've seen over the last several years. And, really, in law enforcement history.

So, as long as the community keeps participating, keeps sending in those tips, keeps helping out law enforcement, they will continue to have viable leads, coupled with the evidence that they're processing, and they continue to find in order to keep moving forward in this case.

BROWN: The Pima County sheriff did an interview with "The New York Times" on Friday and admitted it could take years to find Guthrie saying, quote, "Maybe it's an hour from now. Maybe it's weeks or months or years from now, but we won't quit."

If you are the family, and you're hearing it could take months or years, is that helpful?

SCHIRARD: Really, the biggest thing and the most helpful thing is that they're seeing law enforcement and the community keep working to solve this case.

You know, they keep hope you talk to the Pima County sheriff, and he talks about how he still believes Nancy's alive and him and his deputies and the federal law enforcement agents out there and all of the law enforcement officials out there are going to continue working like they're going to bring her home safe.

That's the exigency that the family wants to see and needs to see. And the community is rallying behind that. This weekend, we had over 30,000 tips come in to try to help find

Nancy. That is the uplifting part. The community, law enforcement working together to continue having that exigency to get Nancy home, no matter the timeline.

BROWN: All right, Josh Schirard. Thank you so much.

And coming up on CNN THIS MORNING, a new round of nuclear talks this week between the U.S. and Iran. But is the U.S. preparing a backup plan if those talks fail?

Plus, should parents be held responsible for their children's crimes? Today, a father of an alleged school shooter goes on trial.

And lawmakers dig in. There is no clear path to end this partial government shutdown as workers go without pay again. The group chat has thoughts next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:12:24]

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

SEN. CHUCK SCHUMER (D-NY): We have a rogue agency. Why don't we rein them in? That's what the American people are asking Republicans. And that's why they're going to have to go along with us.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: Senate Democrats say they are digging in as Congress remains deadlocked over funding for the Department of Homeland Security. But Republicans say this shutdown is only hurting a few agencies inside DHS.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MULLIN: ICE, and the Border Patrol is funded through the One Big, Beautiful Bill up until 2028. And so, the only thing they shut down is the federal agents -- agencies that I named, like FEMA, and the Coast Guard, and TSA. So, they're shutting down thousands of workers for nothing but a talking point.

SEN. CHRIS COONS (D-DE): The outcry from Americans has caused the White House to be willing to negotiate with us on reasonable standards of conduct. That's a positive.

We need to see that get into statute before we vote on this last piece of federal funding.

This isn't a big government shutdown. It is a, hopefully, temporary disagreement over the standards of conduct of the officers who operate under the Department of Homeland Security.

(END VIDEO CLIP) BROWN: All right. Joining us now in the group chat, Zach Wolf, CNN

senior politics writer; Mario Parker, managing editor of economy and government at Bloomberg News; and Seung Min Kim, CNN political analyst and White House reporter for the Associated Press.

Great to have you with us. This is my first time here filling in, so it's fun to be part of the group chat.

So, I just want to start by looking at this list of demands from the Democrats. Why they say that they're holding this up. Here it is on the screen, including no masks and judicial warrants. Those are two of the biggest sticking points.

So, with that in mind, let's take a listen to what the border czar, Tom Homan, said about those demands.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

TOM HOMAN, WHITE HOUSE BORDER CZAR: I think some of the asks are just -- I think they're unreasonable. Because there is no racial profiling. There is identifying marks.

But masks, you know, why don't they talk about maybe passing legislation to make it illegal to dox agents or something like that?

UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Well --

HOMAN: But the masks right now are for officer safety reasons.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: Do you think that that's compelling enough?

MARIO PARKER, MANAGING EDITOR OF ECONOMY AND GOVERNMENT, BLOOMBERG NEWS: I don't think that's compelling enough. Just because the Democratic argument is the fact that law enforcement, writ large across the country, typically abides by such standards, right?

Clearly identifying themselves, not having masks on judicial warrants, particularly on private property, as well. And I think the Democrats feel as though, with those points, they have the moral high ground.

BROWN: What do you think?

SEUNG MIN KIM, CNN POLITICAL ANALYST: Well, I think that right now, they are so far apart on these policy proposals. And I think -- do think masks, particularly, are the sticking point.

[06:15:02]

I did find it really interesting when President Trump, when asked about these negotiations last week, he doesn't often delve into the policy details when he's kind of in these Q&A exchanges with reporters.

But I did find it interesting that he made it a point to emphasize that there was a recent court ruling. He's referring to this court ruling in California that said -- that struck down its mask ban on agents, saying that that was a good ruling for us, and that was very notable.

So, I think that, whether there's a middle ground there is really hard to see, because you either wear masks or you don't. You could allow, for example, agents to wear masks but have other clearly identifying information.

But the talk right now from Democrats and Republicans isn't really towards that kind of policy compromise. They're really dug in on each of their sides.

BROWN: And we saw this -- them digging in during the last shutdown, the full shutdown. Right, Zach? And ultimately, Democrats caved. I mean, that's -- that's sort of what happened there.

And when you look at what's the dynamic right now with this partial government shutdown, you have agencies like FEMA, the Coast Guard, TSA. Those -- those agents are working without pay right now.

ZACH WOLF, CNN SENIOR POLITICS WRITER: Yes.

BROWN: I mean is this a good thing for the Democrats to be doing?

WOLF: Well, I think that the Democrats would look at how the last shutdown brought the issue of health care into the political conversation in a way that it wasn't, and focused people at a time that, you know, when the -- when -- when costs were rising. I think they would say that that was a political win for them, definitely.

Now, this is their one way to get this White House to do pretty much anything. The power of the purse. That's what Congress has. So, this is their only lever.

I think that they probably don't see an option to do anything but this in order to make it happen.

And then just one little personal peccadillo. We all call this a shutdown. It's not.

BROWN: It's partial.

WOLF: People are working.

BROWN: Yes.

WOLF: You know, they're doing these things. They just might not be paid. They're borrowing money to pay the ICE, you know, people you know, through 2028, according to Markwayne Mullin there.

So, it's like, you know, we need to reevaluate how we -- how we phrase this, because the government is still going. People just aren't being paid. Some people.

BROWN: Right. I mean, and for those people not getting paid, that's a big deal for them. And we saw what happened last time.

And it is true, like Senator Markwayne Mullin pointed out, that the agencies that are at issue here, right, ICE and CBP, they are funded because of the so-called Big, Beautiful Bill that was passed.

And our Elex Michaelson actually asked Bill Maher about that. Here's what he said.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

BILL MAHER, HOST, HBO'S "REAL TIME WITH BILL MAHER": I think ICE and the border people already have the money.

ELEX MICHAELSON, CNN ANCHOR: Right.

MAHER: So -- so no. So that -- so, I would guess that's not a great way to do it.

MICHAELSON: Yes.

MAHER: Because it's not going to --

MICHAELSON: They say that's the only leverage that they have.

MAHER: Yes. I mean, again, the leverage they have is to win the next election.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

PARKER: But it's -- when you speak to Republicans and Democrats alike, but I put the emphasis on Republicans. They feel as though this -- the messaging on Minneapolis, for example, just got out of control, that they lost the plot in some ways.

That American voters coming out of 2024 were largely on Donald Trump's side with immigration. But the heavy-handed approach and what the images that they saw in Minneapolis. One GOP lawmaker mentioned the five-year-old, right, and said that that was a particular turning point.

We saw some of the alarm bells, politically, at least in Texas, right? A couple of weeks ago with the Senate, the state Senate seat flipped 14 points. We're seeing some fraying with Hispanic voters, suburban women, independents, et cetera, as well.

So, again, when I say Democrats feel as though they have the moral high ground, what I mean there is they feel like they have the winning argument right now.

BROWN: All right. Group chat, stay with us. We've got much more to discuss.

After the break on the -- CNN THIS MORNING, the Justice Department is naming names, sending a list to Congress of prominent people in the Epstein files, while some say it's not helpful.

Plus, the ups and downs for Team USA in Milan.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[06:23:26]

BROWN: A big week on tap on the ice at the Winter Olympics. Gold is still in sight for Team USA's men's hockey team as they advance to the quarterfinals.

The undefeated U.S. women's hockey team faces Sweden in the semifinals this morning. So, can they continue their dominant shutout streak?

Sports analyst Christine Brennan joins us live from Milan to break it all down. Hi, there, Christine.

So, U.S. -- USA hockey. Let's talk about that. Today, U.S. Women's Hockey is in the semifinals. What are you looking forward to with this game?

CHRISTINE BRENNAN, SPORTS ANALYST: You're right, Pamela. The U.S. women's team has been so dominant, easily defeating Canada. Obviously, the nemesis. The rivalry is one of the greats in sports -- USA, Canada -- over the last 20, 25 years.

But right now, the U.S. looks terrific. They play Sweden in the semifinals. Canada will play Switzerland. The winners -- I'm going to just guess that that will be the U.S. and Canada -- will play for the gold medal.

There have been seven Olympic women's tournaments prior to this. This is the eighth. And all seven have been won by either Canada or the U.S.

U.S. has won two gold medals; Canada, five. The way the U.S. is playing so dominant, I would be -- I think the U.S. might get that third overall gold medal in the women's hockey tournament.

It's -- but those games are terrific and, really, one of the highlights of the Olympics to watch.

BROWN: Yes.

BRENNAN: If in fact, it does end up being USA and Canada.

BROWN: All right. Well, you also have the men's team, right? The U.S. men's team is undefeated going into the quarterfinals after beating Denmark and Germany.

Let's talk about a viral moment that saw a pair of fans raise Greenland's flag during warmups ahead of the U.S.-Denmark game. Tell us more about how politics has played a role in this game -- in the games this year?

[06:25:17]

BRENNAN: Yes, Pam. Who would have thought that the Greenland story would be a big deal at the Olympics a couple of years ago, but here we are.

And always, politics plays a role in the Olympics. The idea that we're taking politics out of the Olympics is ridiculous. That goes back decades.

And so, in this case, I was not at the game. But I understand from CNN reporting that, in fact, there were cheers from the Americans for Greenland. The Americans in the audience and in the stands.

And so, it seems as if whatever political repercussions there were, were all treated in a very positive way by American fans toward Greenland, which, of course, would also be Denmark. And obviously, the players really had nothing to do with it, as the U.S. did defeat Denmark.

So, in the stands, yes, politics. On the ice, sports and a U.S. victory by the NHL players. So, you know, on the U.S. moves and looking strong, as well.

But I don't think that will be the end of the political conversation around this U.S. team. We've seen it throughout the Olympics, including the -- the significant booing of J.D. Vance at the opening ceremony.

So, that's just another part of it. But it appears it was a very pro- Greenland display by the U.S. fans.

BROWN: All right. We've got to turn to figure skating. And the big talker about Ilia Malinin. I mean, everyone thought, look, he's going to -- he's going to get the gold medal. He's the favorite. That did not happen. He finished eighth after multiple mistakes. And this is what he said after the competition.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ILIA MALINI, U.S. FIGURE SKATER: I blew it. That's honestly the first thing that came into my mind, was there's no way that just happened. Like, I mean, I was preparing the whole season. You know, I felt so confident with my program, so helpful with everything, and just go out and that happened was -- I have no words, honestly.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BROWN: And he just posted on his social media writing this: "On the world's biggest stage, those who appear the strongest may still be fighting invisible battles on the inside. Even your happiest memories can end up tainted by the noise. Vile online hatred attacks the mind, and fear lures it into the darkness, no matter how hard you try to stay sane through the endless, insurmountable pressure. It all builds up as these moments flash before your eyes, resulting in an inevitable crash. This is that version of the story."

And you know, Christine, it's just a reminder these athletes, they're human beings, right? They make mistakes, and they're subjected to just pressure that a lot of us can't even imagine. BRENNAN: That's -- that's for sure. Ilia Malinin is 21 years old. I

have known him and covered him for four years. I actually covered his mom --

BROWN: Oh, wow.

BRENNAN: -- when she competed at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. Yes, in fact, she finished eighth, as well, although that was a fine result for her. When Michelle Kwan and Tara Lipinski were battling it out for gold.

So, you know, this is a skating family. And they understand the pressures.

But what -- what Ilia Malinin went through was just devastating, as the huge gold medal favorite. We've never seen anyone, Pamela, be that big of a gold medal favorite, have that terrible of a skate, of a performance. It was just so difficult to watch. I was there, of course.

But then his reaction. I wrote a column about this in "USA Today." Remarkable. He answered every question. He did exactly what -- what we just showed there over and over again for a half hour. Kind, calm, polite, respectful, measured.

You know, we think of NFL players throwing helmets against lockers and -- and tennis players breaking rackets. And here this young man, who has to wait four years, not just a week for another game, how he handled himself was remarkable.

No surprise that he's bringing up the issue of mental health here. And I think it will be a very interesting discussion over the next few days here at the Olympic Games.

BROWN: For sure. And it is really impressive that that's how he handled it. And what a smart point to make. He's got to wait four years, right? It's not like he can just make it up next weekend at the next game. And yet, he really handled all of that with grace.

Christine Brennan, thank you so much.

Straight ahead on CNN THIS MORNING, ICE officers placed on leave over questions about whether they lied about what led up to a shooting in Minnesota. Is this proof that the agency needs more oversight?

Plus, we still have hope. Nancy Guthrie's family putting out another desperate plea to the person who took their mother as the search enters a third week.

And on this Presidents Day, a live look at the Lincoln Memorial.

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[06:30:00]