Overview of ‘Weaponization Working Group’, Target’s Trouble, Savannah Guthrie’s Mom is Missing and more
This CNN Five Things episode (hosted by David Rind) summarizes the top national and international headlines for Monday, February 2. The five items covered: a Justice Department review dubbed the “weaponization working group,” a looming partial government shutdown and a short-term funding deal, Target’s CEO change amid retail and political pressures, shifting U.S.–Iran tensions and nascent diplomacy, and the disappearance of Today show anchor Savannah Guthrie’s mother.
Top headlines (quick bullets)
- Justice Department “weaponization working group” begins daily meetings to review investigations into President Trump; created by AG Pam Bondi and expected to produce findings in the coming months.
- Federal government is partially shut down; a short-term DHS funding deal plus a yearlong spending framework is on the table—Speaker Mike Johnson is urging GOP acceptance; President Trump has endorsed it.
- Target names Michael Fidelke as CEO while facing stagnant sales, a nearly 30% stock decline over three years, and protests in Minneapolis calling for ICE out of Minnesota.
- U.S.–Iran tensions: talk of possible U.S. strikes has shifted toward renewed diplomatic efforts and a potential meeting between Iranian officials and U.S. envoy Steve Wyckoff; mediators include Qatar, Turkey, and Egypt.
- Nancy Guthrie (84), mother of NBC’s Savannah Guthrie, is missing in Arizona; search-and-rescue dispatched, concerns about her health and the scene at her home.
Detailed item summaries
1) Justice Department “weaponization working group”
- Background: Attorney General Pam Bondi created the group last year to examine alleged politicized law enforcement actions under the Biden administration, particularly probes involving President Trump.
- Current development: After little public output, the group is now expected to meet daily with the aim of producing investigatory results in the next few months. Pressure from President Trump is cited as a motivating factor.
- Why it matters: Findings could influence public perceptions of DOJ impartiality and affect ongoing or future accountability actions related to politically sensitive investigations.
2) Partial government shutdown and funding negotiations
- Status: The federal government is partially shut down.
- Proposed deal: A temporary extension of Department of Homeland Security funding for two weeks paired with a broader, full-year spending deal to leave longer-term immigration enforcement negotiations open.
- Political dynamics: House Speaker Mike Johnson is pushing House Republicans to accept the package. President Trump endorsed it as “the best that we can do.” Some GOP hardliners object—particularly to Democrats’ demand that immigration enforcement rely on judicial warrants—raising the prospect of another extended shutdown if the package is rejected. A House vote could come as soon as tomorrow.
3) Target’s new CEO and company pressures
- Leadership: Michael Fidelke officially became Target’s CEO (announcement made Sunday and public letter on Monday). He emphasizes restoring Target’s reputation for stylish, affordable fashion and home goods.
- Business challenges: Sales growth has stagnated; Target’s stock is down nearly 30% over three years; intense competition from Amazon, Walmart, and Costco.
- Political/PR pressure: Protests in Minneapolis over immigration enforcement and calls for Target to take a stance on ICE presence at Twin Cities stores (Target operates 50+ stores in the area).
4) U.S.–Iran tensions and diplomacy
- Military threat vs. diplomacy: President Trump has signaled U.S. military presence and readiness near Iran, but diplomats and mediators (Qatar, Turkey, Egypt) are pressing for a negotiated solution to avoid escalation.
- Possible developments: Reports of efforts to set up a meeting between Iranian officials and U.S. envoy Steve Wyckoff later in the week; Iran’s foreign minister expressed confidence about reaching a new nuclear deal. Iran’s supreme leader warned that any U.S. attack would spark a regional war.
- Why it matters: Diplomatic progress could avert military conflict; failure to reach a deal risks significant regional instability.
5) Nancy Guthrie missing
- Facts: Nancy Guthrie, 84, was last seen Saturday night at her Arizona home; family reported her missing Sunday. She is reported to be in poor health.
- Response: Pima County search-and-rescue teams have been dispatched; investigators have not ruled out foul play and expressed concern about the scene. Savannah Guthrie thanked the public for support and asked for focus on her mother’s safe return.
Notable quotes
- On the funding package: President Trump — “this is the best that we can do.”
- On Iran: President Trump — “We have the biggest most powerful ships in the world over there. Very close, couple of days, and hopefully we'll make a deal. If we don't make a deal, then we'll find out whether or not he was right.”
- On missing person case: Pima County Sheriff — expressed concerns about Nancy Guthrie’s health and the condition of the scene, saying they’re doing “all we can to try to locate her.”
What to watch next (actionable items)
- Expect regular updates from the DOJ about the weaponization working group’s findings; watch for any announced reports or referrals.
- Monitor the House vote on the temporary DHS funding and the broader spending bill—its passage or failure will determine whether the partial shutdown continues.
- Follow Target’s earnings/strategy announcements and reactions from investors and activists after the new CEO’s statements.
- Track diplomatic developments around Iran: any confirmed meeting between Iranian officials and the U.S. envoy would be a major de-escalation sign.
- For the Guthrie family case: local law enforcement updates and any public appeals for information.
Bottom line
This brief touches on political and national security developments with potential near-term consequences (DOJ review, federal funding vote, Iran diplomacy), a notable corporate leadership change under pressure (Target), and a sensitive missing-person case involving a public figure that remains active and unresolved.