This edition of The Takeout with Major Garrett surveyed a wide array of global and domestic developments, from the Munich Security Conference to local tragedies and cultural moments that shaped the week.
Munich Security Conference and transatlantic tensions
At the Munich Security Conference, Senator Marco Rubio sought to reassure European leaders of continued U.S. commitment to the transatlantic alliance while warning that the United States would act unilaterally if necessary. Rubio criticized what he called the strains of mass migration and globalization and urged Europe to address an erosion of shared values. European officials remained guarded, noting Rubio’s remarks steered clear of direct mention of Russia even as the conference focused on worrying activity from Moscow.
Several European governments reported toxic substances in samples taken from opposition figure Alexei Navalny and described the findings as consistent with a prohibited chemical weapons use; Russia denied the claims. The lack of firm commitments from American officials on additional support for Ukraine left many European leaders anxious, as described by Elliott Abrams, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, who said attendees wanted clearer assurances about Washington’s approach to Russia and the war in Ukraine.
Domestic breaking news: Rhode Island shooting
A shooting at a high school hockey game at the Dennis Lynch Arena in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, left multiple people dead, including the apparent shooter. Authorities said the incident, which was live-streamed, appeared to arise from a family dispute rather than a targeted student attack. Several communities and schools were affected as investigators worked to account for attendees and understand the precise circumstances.
Tucson missing-persons investigation
In Tucson, investigators continued an intensive search in the high-profile disappearance of Nancy Guthrie. Law enforcement officials said they had ruled out family members as suspects and were using a helicopter-mounted antenna to search for electronic signals that might indicate a pacemaker. Forensic work at the Guthrie home yielded a glove with a male DNA profile being entered into the FBI’s CODIS database, and officials were exploring genetic genealogy as a lead. Authorities reported more than 13,000 tips had been submitted and were under review; former FBI agent Lance Leising highlighted the importance of those forensic developments.
Immigration enforcement and DHS funding talks
Debate over immigration enforcement featured high-profile criticism from former President Barack Obama, who condemned what he described as rogue behavior by immigration agents in Minneapolis and warned against tactics that create chaos when officers act without clear guidance. The Trump administration defended enforcement operations and pushed back against critiques.
Funding talks for the Department of Homeland Security were ongoing amid a partial shutdown. Democrats pressed for reforms to Immigration and Customs Enforcement that would include requirements such as visible identification, body cameras, warrants for certain operations, limits on masking, and stronger prohibitions on racial profiling. The White House countered that some protections, like masks for agents, were necessary for officer safety, and negotiators raced to resolve differences before the State of the Union address.
Public health, food systems, and politics
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., speaking as a public commentator on health, drew attention to the nation’s diet, saying many Americans are simultaneously obese and malnourished and blaming ultra-processed foods for worsening public health. Panelists observed bipartisan interest in addressing food systems and affordability of whole foods but noted regulatory and political hurdles, and cautioned that controversial positions in other areas could complicate building broad coalitions for change.
Sports and culture
On the sports front, the U.S. women’s hockey team advanced to the Olympic gold-medal game after a 5–0 win over Sweden, while veteran bobsledder Elana Meyers Taylor won monobob gold, adding to her decorated Winter Games résumé. Curling drew scrutiny amid allegations of rule violations and heated exchanges caught by players’ microphones, prompting discussion among officials and commentators.
Media and politics
Commentator Stephen A. Smith said he was not ruling out a presidential run in 2028, describing himself as fiscally conservative and socially liberal. Political analysts on the program suggested celebrity candidates can be competitive in open nomination fields and that Smith’s profile might resonate with a broad swath of voters.
Closing notes: leadership and teamwork
The show ended with Republican strategist Terry Sullivan recounting recent expeditions to Mount Everest and Antarctica, reflecting on fear, teamwork, and trust in high-risk environments and drawing parallels between expedition leadership and political campaigns or public service—where coordination and mutual reliance are essential.
Across segments, Major Garrett emphasized themes of international diplomacy, national security, law enforcement accountability, the role of forensic investigation in missing-person cases, public-health debates, and how public figures shape political conversations. The Takeout blended breaking reporting with analysis and human-interest storytelling to give viewers a broad picture of current events and their implications.