[Wednesday, August 20] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. Domestic Policy, Crime and Border Security

1.1 Federal Crime Initiatives in Washington, D.C.

The Trump administration is executing a major federal crime operation in Washington, D.C., which has so far resulted in 550 arrests along with a significant seizure of illicit guns and drugs [1]. White House reporting on the initiative’s first week indicates that this “federal police control implementation” has coincided with a 22% drop in violent crime in the capital [2]. FBI Director Kash Patel has vowed that the agency will persist with the crime blitz until “every community is safe” [3]. This federal intervention occurs as D.C.’s homicide rate is reported to be over 500% higher than the average U.S. state. Complicating the crime data is a new lawsuit from a D.C. homicide detective alleging that the city’s police department has been deliberately misclassifying deaths as “accidental” to artificially lower its murder statistics [4]. The administration’s direct action has also become a point of media contention, with one report criticizing the New York Times for complaining about the pace of the crime fix just days after one of its reporters allegedly called the crisis “nonexistent” [5].

[1] SCOOP: White House touts guns and drug haul removed from DC streets as Trump’s crime blitz nets 550 arrests, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/scoop-white-house-touts-guns-drug-haul-removed-from-dc-streets-trumps-crime-blitz-nets-550-arrests
[2] Violent crime in the capital drops 22% in first week of Trump federal police control implementation, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/david-marcus-dc-just-had-murder-free-week-yes-dems-trump-did
[3] FBI’s Kash Patel vows agency won’t stop combating DC crime until ’every community is safe’ after 550 arrests, https://www.foxnews.com/us/fbi-kash-patel-vows-agency-wont-stop-combating-dc-crime-until-every-community-safe-after-550-arrests
[4] ‘Danger to Public Safety’: DC Police Misclassified Deaths as ‘Accidental’ To Drive Down Murder Numbers, Homicide Cop Alleges in Lawsuit, https://freebeacon.com/crime/danger-to-public-safety-dc-police-misclassified-deaths-as-accidental-to-drive-down-murder-numbers-homicide-cop-alleges-in-lawsuit/
[5] 6 Days After Calling DC Crime Crisis ‘Nonexistent,’ NYT’s Peter Baker Complains Trump Isn’t Fixing Crime, https://thefederalist.com/2025/08/18/6-days-after-calling-dc-crime-crisis-nonexistent-nyts-peter-baker-complains-trump-isnt-fixing-crime/

1.2 Immigration and Border Enforcement

The administration is moving forward with aggressive border security policies on multiple fronts. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has unveiled what is being described as a “striking new layer” in the administration’s border wall strategy [1]. In a parallel action, a federal appeals court has issued a ruling that permits the administration to terminate temporary humanitarian protections for migrants from both Central America and Nepal [2]. These enforcement policies are reportedly drawing strong political criticism.

[1] Kristi Noem reveals striking new layer in Trump’s border wall strategy, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/kristi-noem-reveals-striking-new-layer-trumps-border-wall-strategy
[2] Appeals court allows Trump to end temporary protections for migrants from Central America and Nepal, https://www.wgbh.org/news/national/2025-08-20/appeals-court-allows-trump-to-end-temporary-protections-for-migrants-from-central-america-and-nepal

1.3 State and Local Governance Issues

Several distinct issues are unfolding at the municipal level. In Chicago, the mayor has made it policy that applicants for city flood relief are not required to disclose their immigration status [1]. In New York City, public health officials have identified the cooling towers at Harlem Hospital as the source of a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease [2]. Meanwhile, the mayor of Boston reportedly “vowed to continue providing sanctuary for illegal rapists,” a direct quote from a headline for which no further context was provided [3].

[1] Chicago mayor says applicants for flood relief need not reveal if they’re in the US illegally, https://www.foxnews.com/media/chicago-mayor-says-applicants-flood-relief-need-not-reveal-theyre-us-illegally
[2] Harlem Hospital’s cooling towers spread Legionnaires’ disease in deadly NYC outbreak, https://nypost.com/2025/08/19/us-news/harlem-hospitals-cooling-towers-spread-legionnaires-disease-in-deadly-nyc-outbreak
[3] Boston Mayor Vows to Continue Providing Sanctuary for Illegal Rapists, https://www.frontpagemag.com/boston-mayor-vows-to-continue-providing-sanctuary-for-illegal-rapists/

2. National Security and Foreign Affairs

2.1 Intelligence Community Actions

A significant action has been taken at the highest levels of the U.S. intelligence apparatus. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has revoked the security clearances of 37 former intelligence officials. A report on the matter states a key reason was that the officials “abused the public trust” in relation to their role in “Russiagate,” though the specific individuals and their alleged actions were not detailed [1].

[1] Tulsi Yanks Security Clearances Of 37 Intel Officials Over Russiagate: ‘Abused The Public Trust’, https://www.dailywire.com/news/tulsi-yanks-security-clearances-of-37-intel-officials-over-russiagate-abused-the-public-trust?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Tim+Pearce&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Tulsi+Yanks+Security+Clearances+Of+37+Intel+Officials+Over+Russiagate%3A+‘Abused+The+Public+Trust’

2.2 U.S. Foreign Policy and Diplomatic Actions

The administration is pursuing an assertive and multi-faceted foreign policy. In a move to counter cartel activity, U.S. warships have been deployed to patrol international waters near Venezuela [1]. Simultaneously, the administration has escalated its confrontation with the International Criminal Court by imposing new sanctions on its officials [2]. On the diplomatic front, a recent White House summit on the war in Ukraine was characterized by one European outlet as a “humiliation for Europe” [3]. In a separate and unusual report, 70,000 monks are said to have thanked President Trump “for ending the war,” though the specific conflict is not named [4].

[1] U.S. warships to patrol international waters around Venezuela as Trump vows to stop cartels, https://www.foxnews.com/us/u-s-warships-patrol-international-waters-venezuela-trump-vows-stop-cartels
[2] Trump admin imposes sanctions on more International Criminal Court officials, https://www.kten.com/news/politics/trump-admin-imposes-sanctions-on-more-international-criminal-court-officials/article_d25f3c5e-08d3-52c3-8e21-c149dc2f97ff.html
[3] The White House Ukraine summit was a humiliation for Europe, https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/08/19/the-white-house-ukraine-summit-was-a-humiliation-for-europe/
[4] 70,000 Monks Thank President Trump for Ending the War, https://www.independentsentinel.com/70000-monks-thank-president-trump-for-ending-the-war/

2.3 International Relations and Global Events

Reports highlight several points of instability and political friction globally. In Nigeria, a human rights organization alleges that 7,000 Christians have been killed in the country in 2025 alone [1]. In the Indo-Pacific, Australia’s diplomatic relationship with Israel is being described as being “in tatters” [2]. In the United Kingdom, reports suggest that hotels used to house migrants are now facing closure [3].

[1] 7,000 Christians have been killed in Nigeria this year, group says, https://www.newsweek.com/christians-killed-nigeria-religion-2116416?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_main
[2] Australia’s relations with Israel are in tatters, https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/australias-relations-with-israel-are-lying-in-tatters/
[3] Migrant hotels facing closure, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/08/19/epping-hotel-migrant-court-ruling

3. Economic and Energy Policy

3.1 U.S. Fiscal and Monetary Policy

A major leadership change at the Federal Reserve appears imminent. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has announced that the formal interview process to select potential new chairs for the Federal Reserve will begin around Labor Day [1]. This move signals the administration’s intent to reshape leadership at the nation’s central bank.

[1] Treasury’s Bessent says interviews for potential Fed chairs will start around Labor Day, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/treasurys-bessent-says-interviews-potential-fed-chairs-start-around-labor-day

3.2 Corporate, Business and Trade

The administration is reportedly considering a significant intervention in the domestic technology sector. A plan is said to be under discussion for the U.S. government to acquire a direct financial stake in the Intel Corporation [1]. In other corporate news, Marcus Lemonis, the executive chairman of a revitalized Bed Bath & Beyond, has stated the company will not open any new stores in California [2]. On the trade front, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is being credited with securing a “big win for American consumers” in a trade dispute with the United Kingdom, though the specifics of the agreement were not provided [3].

[1] Trump Administration Said to Discuss US Taking Stake in Intel, https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-08-14/trump-administration-is-said-to-discuss-us-taking-stake-in-intel?embedded-checkout=true
[2] Bed Bath & Beyond won’t open new stores in California: Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis, https://www.newsnationnow.com/business/bed-bath-beyond-stores-california/
[3] Tulsi Stares Down UK, Scoring Another Big Win for American Consumers, https://pjmedia.com/vodkapundit/2025/08/20/tulsi-stares-down-uk-in-another-big-win-for-american-consumers-n4942872

3.3 Energy and Land Use Policy

The administration has launched concrete initiatives to bolster domestic energy production and secure agricultural land. The Department of the Interior established a new schedule for offshore energy leasing, implemented under a new law called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” [1]. In a parallel policy move, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has issued a directive stating that U.S. farmland is not to be sold for the development of Chinese-owned solar panel projects [2]. This pro-domestic energy push occurs amid commentary suggesting “America’s nuclear industry is so back” [3].

[1] Interior Department Sets Offshore Energy Leasing Schedule Under One Big Beautiful Bill Act, https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/interior-department-sets-offshore-energy-leasing-schedule-under-one-big-beautiful
[2] Secretary Brooke L. Rollins: Our Farmland Is Not for Chinese Solar Panels, https://www.newsweek.com/agriculture-secretary-brooke-l-rollins-american-farmland-not-chinese-solar-panels-opinion-2115999
[3] America’s Nuclear Industry Is So Back, https://www.thefp.com/p/americas-nuclear-industry-is-so-back

4. White House and Executive Branch

4.1 Federal Directives and Funding

The executive branch is actively re-directing federal funds away from specific organizations and causes. Following a watchdog report, the Department of Homeland Security has revoked federal funding from groups that were found to have “alleged terrorist ties” [1]. The administration has also issued a directive to end the use of taxpayer money for funding student political work on university campuses [2]. Concurrently, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin has publicly alleged that a “$20 billion climate slush fund” was used to benefit political allies of the previous two Democratic administrations [3].

[1] DHS pulls funding from groups with ‘alleged terrorist ties’ after watchdog report, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dhs-pulls-funding-from-groups-alleged-terrorist-ties-after-watchdog-report
[2] Trump admin ends taxpayer funding for student political work on campuses, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-bans-federal-work-study-funds-from-supporting-political-activism-college-campuses
[3] Lee Zeldin tells ‘Pod Force One’ how Stacey Abrams and Obama, Biden allies cashed in on $20 billion climate slush fund, https://nypost.com/2025/08/20/us-news/lee-zeldin-tells-pod-force-one-how-stacey-abrams-and-obama-biden-allies-cashed-in-on-20-billion-climate-slush-fund/

4.2 Cabinet and Agency Initiatives

Senior administration officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, were seen visiting the National Guard in D.C. alongside Stephen Miller. When questioned by reporters about protesters in the city, Miller delivered a sharp rebuke, stating, “We are going to ignore these stupid white hippies and get back in the business of protecting the American people” [1, 2].

[1] Stephen Miller responds to reporters about protesters in D.C. “We are going to ignore these stupid white hippies and get back in the business of protecting the American people”, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1958226653492224386?s=46
[2] ‘Ignore These Stupid White Hippies’ Who Need a Nap: Vance, Hegseth, and Miller Visit Nat’l Guard in D.C., https://redstate.com/chase-jennings/2025/08/20/ignore-these-stupid-white-hippies-who-need-a-nap-vance-hegseth-and-miller-visit-natl-guard-in-dc-n2193034

4.3 Presidential Commentary

Commentary on President Trump’s leadership style continues, with one op-ed arguing that his “unique talents” have established him as a “true leader” and have ultimately redefined the modern role of commander in chief [1].

[1] Michael Goodwin: Trump’s unique talents make him a true leader – and have redefined what it means to be commander in chief, https://nypost.com/2025/08/19/opinion/michael-goodwin-trumps-unique-talents-make-him-a-true-leader-and-have-redefined-what-it-means-to-be-commander-in-chief

5. Judicial and Legal Affairs

5.1 Investigations of Public Officials

Senator Adam Schiff is a focus of mounting legal pressure. A whistleblower has reportedly brought forward a new leak claim against the California senator [1]. In what his office calls a response to President Trump “weaponizing” the justice system, Senator Schiff has launched a formal legal defense fund [2]. In a separate high-profile matter, former Attorney General William Barr has reportedly testified under oath that, during his tenure, he was not presented with any information that linked former President Trump to Jeffrey Epstein [3].

[1] New Schiff leak claim from whistleblower echoes years of similar accusations, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/new-schiff-leak-claim-from-whistleblower-echoes-years-similar-accusations
[2] Schiff launches legal defense fund in response to claims Trump is ‘weaponizing’ justice system, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/schiff-launches-legal-defense-fund-response-claims-trump-weaponizing-justice-system
[3] Former Attorney General Barr testified under oath that he did not see information linking Trump to Epstein, https://voz.us/en/politics/250819/27996/former-attorney-general-barr-testified-under-oath-that-he-did-not-see-information-linking-trump-to-epstein.html

5.2 Doxxing and Threats Against Officials

A specific, targeted threat against a federal law enforcement officer has been reported. A social media account described as belonging to a “radical leftist” allegedly posted the personal information of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent and his wife. The post reportedly included a direct threat and a call for followers to “catch him alone” [1].

[1] Radical leftist just doxxed an ICE agent and his wife, telling followers to “catch him alone” and give him the “call one treatment.”, https://x.com/ImMeme0/status/1958198839459946845?t=sr3O-neb647b8d3aSzqgyg&s=19

5.3 Criminal Justice and Court Rulings

Recent headlines highlight several severe and unusual criminal cases across the country. In Kentucky, a judge has allegedly been murdered by a sheriff amid reports that the judge was operating a “sex ring” from his judicial chambers [1]. In Colorado, a former Space Force sergeant named Orest Schur has been sentenced to 54 years in prison for the fatal shooting of a teenager he suspected of trying to steal his car [2]. In Cincinnati, a case is developing where the white victim of a reported “beat down” has now been criminally charged in relation to the incident [3].

[1] Kentucky judge gunned down by sheriff allegedly ran sex ring in his chambers: report, https://nypost.com/2025/08/20/us-news/kentucky-judge-gunned-down-by-sheriff-allegedly-ran-sex-ring-in-his-chambers-report/
[2] Ex-Space Force sergeant Orest Schur sentenced to 54 years in prison for fatally shooting suspected teen car thief in Colorado, https://nypost.com/2025/08/20/us-news/ex-space-force-sergeant-orest-schur-sentenced-to-54-years-in-prison-for-fatally-shooting-suspected-teen-car-thief-in-colorado/
[3] White victim in Cincinnati beat down now charged, https://www.foxnews.com/us/victim-viral-cincinnati-street-brawl-now-charged-case-police-say.amp

6. Politics and Elections

6.1 Party Dynamics and Voter Trends

A significant potential realignment is being reported in the landscape of political funding and voter affiliation. Elon Musk is said to have soured on the idea of backing a third-party ticket and is now reportedly “looking to fund Republican in 2028 White House Race” [1]. This development coincides with reports, including one from the New York Times, of a “voter registration crisis” for the Democratic party, which is described as “hemorrhaging voters across the map” and causing panic among left-leaning commentators [2, 3].

[1] Sanity Prevails? Elon Musk Sours on Third-Party Idea, Looking to Fund Republican in 2028 White House Race, https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2025/08/20/sanity-prevails-elon-musk-sours-on-third-party-idea-looking-to-fund-republican-in-2028-white-house-race-n2193010
[2] NYT: Democrats Are Hemorrhaging Voters Across the Map, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/08/20/nyt-democrats-are-hemorrhaging-voters-n2662083
[3] Leftists Panic: Even NYT Says Democrats Face ‘Voter Registration Crisis’, https://www.dailywire.com/news/leftists-panic-even-nyt-says-democrats-face-voter-registration-crisis

6.2 Election Integrity and Law

Legislative action on election administration is proceeding at the state level. In Texas, the State House of Representatives passed a new GOP-drawn redistricting map that would reportedly establish five new Republican-leaning congressional districts; the bill has been sent to the state Senate for a final vote [1]. This legislative maneuvering occurs as the national debate over voting methods continues, with one report contrasting media assurances about the security of mail-in ballots with a recent incident in Michigan where a ballot box was allegedly “stuffed” [2].

[1] “Texas House passes GOP redistricting map, adding five Republican-leaning seats; bill now moves to Senate for final vote.” - (X/@disclosetv), https://x.com/disclosetv/status/1958296345938415868
[2] Media Say Mail Voting Is Secure Days After MI Ballot Box Is Stuffed, https://thefederalist.com/2025/08/19/media-insist-mail-voting-is-secure-days-after-mi-councilman-investigated-for-stuffing-ballot-boxes/

7. Social and Cultural Issues

7.1 Abortion Policy and Pro-Life Movement

Action on abortion access continues at the state level. The Texas Senate has passed legislation aimed at preventing abortion-inducing pills from being delivered through the mail into the state [1]. In South Dakota, an existing abortion ban is being credited with the state reporting zero abortions, an outcome a pro-life news source frames as “saving babies” [2]. Separately, an abortionist was reportedly seen “disoriented” and wearing a full arm cast immediately before they were scheduled to perform surgical abortions [3].

[1] Texas Senate passes bill to block abortion pills from being mailed into the state, https://www.liveaction.org/news/texas-senate-passes-bill-abortion-pills-mailed-into-state/
[2] South Dakota Reports 0 Abortions as Abortion Ban Saves Babies, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/08/19/south-dakota-reports-0-abortions-as-abortion-ban-saves-babies/
[3] Abortionist Caught Disoriented, Wearing Full Arm Cast Before Doing Surgical Abortions, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/08/19/abortionist-caught-disoriented-wearing-full-arm-cast-before-doing-surgical-abortions/

7.2 Freedom of Speech and Religion

A legal battle over religious freedom is being reported in Washington state. One outlet frames the situation as a “war on faith,” citing a legislative or judicial effort that would force Catholic priests to violate the sanctity of the confessional seal [1].

[1] Washington’s war on faith: Forcing priests to betray the confessional seal, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/washington-states-radical-new-law-turns-priests-government-informants

7.3 Identity and Societal Debates

Several ongoing cultural debates are making headlines. A sports policy headline declares that “World Boxing ends woke insanity,” suggesting a recent rule change, though the specifics of the change are not detailed [1]. At Yosemite National Park, a park ranger was reportedly fired for raising a pride flag display [2]. In public discourse, an opinion piece makes the direct argument that “anti-Zionism is anti-Semitism” [3].

[1] World Boxing Ends Woke Insanity, https://redstate.com/katie-jerkovich/2025/08/20/world-boxing-ends-woke-insanity-competitors-will-face-sex-testing-n2193032
[2] Park ranger fired after raising pride flag display at Yosemite Park, https://www.foxnews.com/media/yosemite-national-park-ranger-reportedly-fired-after-draping-massive-trans-pride-flag-across-el-capitan
[3] Yes, antiZionism is antiSemitism, https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/08/20/yes-anti-zionism-is-anti-semitism/

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