FBI Denies Report Claiming 3 Nancy Guthrie Ransom Notes Were Fake: Some May Be ‘Legitimate’

An FBI spokesperson is shutting down a viral report claiming that three ransom notes pertaining to the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s missing mom, Nancy Guthrie, are fake.
“The FBI and its task force partners have received several ransom notes over the course of this investigation. Some have been deemed to be extortion attempts without legitimacy,” an official statement from FBI Phoenix shared via X on Wednesday, July 1, reads in part. “Other ransom demands may potentially be legitimate and are still being investigated as such.”

The statement continued, “This case continues to be investigated as a kidnapping for ransom case. The FBI has and will continue to offer all assistance possible in the investigation — however local authorities remain the lead.”
FBI Phoenix pushed back on the Tuesday, June 30, Reuters report claiming investigators believe three notes sent to TMZ and local media outlets had no real connection to Nancy, 84, going missing.
Related: Savannah Guthrie Gets Emotional After Ransom Note Claims Mom Nancy Is Dead
Today show host Savannah Guthrie got emotional while pleading with viewers on Tuesday, June 23, after reports emerged that her missing mom, Nancy Guthrie, may be dead. “I love you guys, and I love this place, and this is unusual and unprecedented, to say the least, to be sitting here.” Savannah, 54, told her cohosts […]The report cited an anonymous FBI source, claiming two ransom notes reported in early February, and a more recent third message from someone claiming to know the kidnappers’ identities, were all proven to be counterfeit.
“None of the ransom notes are believed to be genuine,” the official alleged to Reuters. (The second ransom note allegedly stated that Nancy was “buried in nature” following her supposed death, reporter Briana Whitney exclusively told Us Weekly in June.)
After reviewing the first and second ransom notes, Whitney told Us that the second note’s “verbiage” caught her eye.
Related: Reporter Details 'Red Flags' in Alleged Ransom for Savannah Guthrie's Mom
New details are emerging about an alleged ransom note received in the case for Savannah Guthrie‘s missing mother, Nancy Guthrie. During an appearance on CNN on Wednesday, February 4, Mary Coleman, an anchor for Arizona’s KOLD 13 News, described the alleged note sent via email, claiming it was “clear after a couple sentences” that it […]“I thought it was interesting that the term ‘we’ was used, and that it could be somebody trying to fool people that it’s more than one person,” the journalist told Us. “But that’s how it was written. It [was] kind of offbeat and odd … not a way that we would typically write something. That stuck out.”
In yet another update on Wednesday, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department released their own statement, noting “every tip and lead is taken seriously and is forwarded directly to our detectives, who continue to work in coordination with the FBI.” They added, “Any questions regarding alleged ransom notes should be directed to the FBI.”
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Stop Scrolling! This 46%-Off Floral Bikini Looks Like a Resort Boutique Find View DealNancy was last seen at her home in Tucson, Arizona, on January 30 after grabbing dinner with family members.
Security footage from her doorbell camera showed a masked figure wearing a black Ozark Trail Hiker Pack backpack approaching her door on the night she is believed to have vanished. Authorities described the suspect as a “male, approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall, with an average build.”
Ever since Nancy’s disappearance, Today show host Savannah, 54, as well as her sister, Annie Guthrie, and brother, Camron Guthrie, have pleaded for their mother’s safe return.
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Spain vs. Austria odds, prediction, time: 2026 World Cup Round of 32 picks from expert on 12-5 roll
Spain looks to continue their march towards their second World Cup championship since 2010 when they battle Austria in a 2026 World Cup Round of 32 matchup on Thursday. Spain, who are third in the FIFA rankings, won Group H by outscoring opponents 5-0. Austria, meanwhile, finished second in Group J. They defeated Jordan 3-1, lost to Argentina 2-0 and played to a 3-3 draw with Algeria. Austria is looking for its best World Cup finish since taking third in 1954.
Kickoff for Spain vs. Austria is 3 p.m. ET from Inglewood, Calif. The latest Spain vs. Austria odds from FanDuel Sportsbook list Spain at -300 (risk $300 to win $100) on the 90-minute money line, with Austria at +900 and a draw at +425. The over/under for total goals is 2.5. Spain are -950 to advance, with Austria at +610. Before locking in any Spain vs. Austria picks or World Cup 2026 predictions, check out the Spain vs. Austria predictions from SportsLine's Jon Eimer.
Eimer is a high-volume bettor who has vast knowledge of leagues and players across the globe. Since joining SportsLine, he has covered the English Premier League, Champions League, Serie A, the FA Cup, and much more. He's been red-hot on his soccer betting picks in 2026, posting a 31-13-2 record and returning over $1,200 of profit on his Champions League picks. He's also off to a fast start in the World Cup and is on an 25-15-2 run (63%) on WC picks. Anyone wanting to follow his World Cup betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could see big returns.
Now, Eimer has studied Spain vs. Austria and just revealed his 2026 World Cup picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see his picks. Here are several World Cup odds and soccer betting lines for Austria vs. Spain:
Spain vs. Austria 90-minute money line | Spain -320, Austria +950, Draw +420 |
Spain vs. Austria over/under: | 2.5 goals |
Spain vs. Austria to qualify for next round: | Spain -950, Austria +610 |
Spain vs. Austria picks: | |
Spain vs. Austria streaming: | Fubo (Try for free) |
Top Spain vs. Austria predictions
After examining Spain vs. Austria from every angle, Eimer is leaning Under 2.5 total goals (+106). Eimer sees Spain as being the much more talented side, but hasn't played at their best yet. Austria, meanwhile, are taking part in the World Cup for the first time since 1998 and have been one of the more exciting teams so far.
"This is one of the harder to predict Round of 32 matches for me," Eimer said. "If Spain was playing how they should be playing it would be easy, but right now it's a coin-flip of which Spain side shows up." With all of the uncertainties entering the match, Eimer is taking the Under. See Eimer's best bets for Spain vs. Austria at SportsLine, and you can bet the Under in Spain vs. Austria at FanDuel here:
How to make Spain vs. Austria picks
After studying the Spain vs. Austria matchup from every angle, Eimer has found a critical x-factor and locked in two plus-money best bets. You can head to SportsLine to see what they are.
So what are the best bets for Spain vs. Austria? Visit SportsLine now to see the best bets for Spain vs. Austria, all from expert on a 25-15 roll on World Cup picks, and find out.
Add CBS Sports on GoogleTwins top prospect Walker Jenkins carries young fan off field after collapse during national anthem
Story byMinnesota Twins minor leaguer Walker Jenkins stepped up before Tuesday's St. Paul Saints game in a way that had nothing to do with his top prospect status.
Jenkins, the No. 14 overall prospect in baseball, according to MLB Pipeline, went viral on Wednesday via a video that showed him taking care of a young fan who collapsed while standing with the players during the national anthem.
AdvertisementAdvertisementJenkins noticed the fan wobbling and was soon carrying him off the field, eventually giving him to a staff member at the dugout.
The Saints, the Twins' Triple-A affiliate, confirmed Wednesday morning that the boy, named Lincoln, is doing well and has received some team merchandise.
After helping Lincoln, Jenkins proceeded to go 3-for-5 with a double, triple and three runs scored in a 12-6 win over the Buffalo Bisons. He was a home run shy of the cycle.
The Twins selected Jenkins fifth overall out of South Brunswick High School in North Carolina in the 2023 MLB Draft. He quickly developed into one of the best prospects in the minors, showcasing five-tool talent while playing well above his age at each level.
AdvertisementAdvertisementThis season, Jenkins, 21, is slashing .273/.394/.436 in 30 games with the Saints.
Philadelphia 76ers among teams expressing interest in LeBron James: Source
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6 Potential Landing SpotsBest Place To Sign?Record 24th SeasonLA LegacyWarriors Make SensePhiladelphia 76ers among teams expressing interest in LeBron James: Source

LeBron James and Joel Embiid shake hands after a February game between the Lakers and Sixers. Adam Pantozzi / Getty Images
By Tony JonesJuly 1, 2026 8:39 pm EDT UpdatedThe Philadelphia 76ers have expressed interest in acquiring free agent forward LeBron James, a league source who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe ongoing deliberations told The Athletic.
On the heels of Wednesday night’s blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown — which sent Paul George and multiple draft picks to the Boston Celtics — the Sixers have thrown their hat into the proverbial ring for the star forward, who became an unrestricted free agent after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Philadelphia makes sense from a basketball perspective. The 76ers have enough scoring, depth and ballhandling at the top of the roster to allow James to ease into a role. And with James — or even without him — Philadelphia projects as a championship contender. The Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers and Miami Heat are also considered among the frontrunners for James’ services.
James, 41, remains an All-Star-caliber player and one of the league’s most impactful talents. The 76ers were eliminated in the second round of last season’s playoffs by the New York Knicks, who went on to win the NBA championship.
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