[Tuesday, September 16] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 16, 2025

Executive Summary

• Charlie Kirk Assassination: The primary suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been charged with aggravated murder in Utah and could face the death penalty. The FBI probe has expanded to include over 20 individuals tied to the suspect.
• FBI Under Scrutiny: Amid the investigation, a whistleblower report alleges the FBI under the previous administration targeted Turning Point USA and other conservative groups.
• Venezuela Tensions: President Trump confirmed a second U.S. military strike on a Venezuelan drug-trafficking boat and has not ruled out further military action.
• Major Legal & Policy News: The Georgia Supreme Court has removed prosecutor Fani Willis from the Trump election case. The Trump administration announced a major charter school funding initiative and a proposal to end quarterly corporate earnings reports.

1. The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

1.1. Investigation, Suspects, and Legal Proceedings

The investigation into the assassination of Charlie Kirk is centered on the primary suspect, Tyler Robinson, who has been formally charged in Utah with seven counts, including aggravated murder. If convicted, he could face the death penalty by firing squad [1]. Critical evidence has emerged from court documents which, according to reports, indicate Robinson confessed to the killing in a text message sent to his roommate [2].

The national security implications of the attack are expanding. FBI Director Kash Patel has confirmed that the probe now includes more than 20 individuals who are tied to the suspect [3]. Concurrently, the FBI is analyzing social media accounts that appeared to indicate foreknowledge of the attack, suggesting a potential network of sympathizers or collaborators [4]. The initial hours of the investigation were complicated by a false confession from an elderly man, George Zinn, who reportedly told police he did it to create a diversion for the “real shooter” [5]. Zinn, who is not a suspect in the assassination, has since been charged with unrelated federal child pornography offenses [6].

References:
[1] Tyler Robinson charged with 7 counts including aggravated murder in Charlie Kirk assassination – could face firing squad, https://nypost.com/2025/09/16/us-news/tyler-robinson-charged-with-7-counts-including-aggravated-murder-in-charlie-kirk-assassination-death-penalty-will-be-sought/
[2] Charlie Kirk suspect texted roommate confessing to the killing: Court docs, https://www.newsnationnow.com/crime/charlie-kirk-suspect-confession-court-docs/
[3] Patel: More Than 20 Tied to Kirk Suspect Under Probe, https://www.newsmax.com/us/kash-patel-fbi-charlie-kirk/2025/09/16/id/1226650/
[4] FBI Investigating Social Media Accounts That Appeared To Indicate Foreknowledge of Kirk Assassination, https://freebeacon.com/politics/exclusive-fbi-investigating-social-media-accounts-that-appeared-to-indicate-foreknowledge-of-kirk-assassination/
[5] Old man who falsely claimed he shot Charlie Kirk told cops he did it to ‘draw attention real shooter’: report, https://nypost.com/2025/09/16/us-news/old-man-who-falsely-claimed-he-shot-charlie-kirk-told-cops-he-did-it-to-draw-attention-real-shooter-report/
[6] George Zinn, elderly rabble-rouser who falsely claimed he shot Charlie Kirk, hit with child porn charges, https://nypost.com/2025/09/16/us-news/george-zinn-old-man-who-falsely-claimed-he-shot-charlie-kirk-arrested-on-child-porn-charges/

1.2. Government Response and FBI Scrutiny

The federal response is proceeding on two parallel and potentially conflicting tracks: managing the current assassination investigation while confronting serious allegations about the FBI’s past conduct. FBI Director Kash Patel is currently facing scrutiny on Capitol Hill regarding the agency’s handling of the developing Kirk case [1].

Simultaneously, explosive allegations have surfaced claiming that Charlie Kirk’s organization, Turning Point USA, was targeted by the FBI under the previous administration. A whistleblower report, publicized by Senator Chuck Grassley, alleges TPUSA was one of 92 Republican-affiliated groups targeted under a program codenamed “project Arctic Frost” [2, 3]. In the immediate aftermath of the assassination, the Pentagon drew bipartisan criticism for labeling certain social media posts about Kirk’s death as “domestic terrorism,” a move a Democratic lawmaker reportedly warned was “un-American” [4]. Separately, Stephen Miller publicly vowed to “dismantle and destroy” the “terrorist networks” he believes are responsible for inspiring the assassination [5].

References:
[1] Patel faces Hill scrutiny amid feuds over FBI’s handling of Kirk case, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3808640/patel-to-face-scrutiny-on-capitol-hill/
[2] Whistleblower reveals Biden’s politicized FBI targeted 92 Republican groups, including Turning Point USA, under project Arctic Frost, https://x.com/GuntherEagleman/status/1967940081668264137
[3] Grassley Drops Bombshell on Biden FBI Allegedly Targeting Turning Point USA - and That’s Not All, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2025/09/16/grassley-drops-bombshell-about-fbi-targeting-of-turning-point-usa-n2193998
[4] Pentagon calls Charlie Kirk posts ‘domestic terrorism’; Dem warns discipline is ‘un-American’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-calls-charlie-kirk-posts-domestic-terrorism-dem-warns-discipline-un-american
[5] Stephen Miller: We Will Dismantle And Destroy “Terrorist Networks” That Led To Charlie Kirk Assassination, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/09/15/stephen_miller_we_will_uproot_and_dismantle_terrorist_networks_that_led_to_charlie_kirk_assassination.html

1.3. Political Extremism and National Division

The assassination has intensified national focus on political division and the rise of extremism. A new poll from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression indicates a worrying trend among college students, with 34% now stating they support using violence to shut down speech they find objectionable. This is a marked increase from 24% who held the same view in 2021 [1].

In response to the current climate, a group of House Republicans is formally calling for a congressional investigation into what they term the “‘force’ behind left-wing violence” [2]. The political rhetoric surrounding the event is intensely polarized. Eric Trump offered a stark assessment in an interview, stating that “bullets are only flying one way” in America following the attack on Kirk [3]. Some commentary directly blames rhetoric from the left for the violence, with one headline quoting a leftist commentator named ‘Destiny’ who appeared to justify the act, suggesting that if people wanted Kirk alive, they “Shouldn’t Have Elected Trump” [4].

References:
[1] Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression: 34% of College Students Support Using Violence to Shut Down Speech, Up From 24% in 2021, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/09/11/foundation_for_individual_rights_and_expression_34_of_college_students_support_using_violence_to_shut_down_speech_up_from_24_in_2021.html
[2] House Republican Group Wants Probe into ‘Force’ Behind Left-Wing Violence, https://www.breitbart.com/law-and-order/2025/09/12/house-republican-group-wants-probe-into-force-behind-left-wing-violence/
[3] Eric Trump says ‘bullets are only flying one way’ in America after Kirk assassination, https://www.foxnews.com/media/eric-trump-says-bullets-only-flying-one-way-america-after-kirk-assassination
[4] Leftist Commentator ‘Destiny’: If You Wanted Charlie Kirk Alive, You Shouldn’t Have Elected Trump, https://thefederalist.com/2025/09/16/leftist-commentator-destiny-if-you-wanted-charlie-kirk-alive-you-shouldnt-have-elected-trump/

1.4. Public, Media, and Cultural Reactions

Public reaction to the assassination reveals a deeply and chillingly fractured nation. A recent poll indicates that one quarter of young voters believe America is “better off” following Kirk’s death [1]. In stark contrast, Turning Point USA has reported a massive surge in grassroots support, receiving over 37,000 new campus chapter requests since the event [2].

The fallout has included significant professional consequences for individuals who made public comments about the assassination. An Army colonel has been suspended for social media posts celebrating Kirk’s death [3], and the Governor of Texas announced that over 100 teachers in the state face suspension for allegedly inciting violence online [4]. In a separate incident, an Illinois television anchor resigned after being suspended for an on-air tribute to Kirk [5]. As individuals who celebrated the assassination have been fired from their jobs, some media outlets are reportedly decrying these terminations as examples of “cancel culture,” adding another layer to the divisive public discourse [6].

References:
[1] Quarter Of Young Voters Think America ‘Better Off’ After Kirk Assassination: Poll, https://dailycaller.com/2025/09/15/quarter-of-young-voters-think-america-better-off-after-kirk-assassination-poll/
[2] ‘This is the turning point:’ TPUSA says campus chapter requests surge over 37,000 after Kirk’s assassination, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/this-turning-point-tpusa-says-campus-chapter-requests-surge-over-37000-after-kirks-assassination.amp
[3] Army colonel suspended after social media posts about Charlie Kirk death | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/pentagon-suspends-army-colonel-celebrating-charlie-kirk-death
[4] Over 100 Texas Teachers Face Suspension For Inciting Violence After Charlie Kirk Assassination, Governor Says | The Daily Caller, https://dailycaller.com/2025/09/15/over-100-texas-teachers-face-suspension-for-inciting-violence-after-charlie-kirk-assassination-governor-says/
[5] Illinois TV anchor resigns after suspension over on-air Charlie Kirk tribute | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/media/tv-anchor-resigns-after-suspension-over-non-partisan-charlie-kirk-tribute
[6] Media decries ‘cancel culture’ as those celebrating Charlie Kirk’s assassination online continue getting fired, https://www.foxnews.com/media/media-decries-cancel-culture-those-celebrating-charlie-kirks-assassination-online-continue-getting-fired

2. Trump Administration: Executive Actions and Policy

2.1. Foreign Policy and National Security

The administration is escalating military and rhetorical pressure against Venezuela. President Trump has now publicly confirmed that the U.S. military has conducted strikes against at least two separate Venezuelan drug-trafficking boats [1]. Describing one incident, the President announced that three individuals aboard a vessel were killed, labeling them as “terrorists” [2]. When asked directly by the press about the possibility of a direct military strike on Venezuela amid these “rising tensions,” President Trump stated, “we’ll see what happens,” signaling that further military options may be under consideration [3].

References:
[1] Trump Reveals U.S. Military Conducted Strike on Second Venezuelan Drug-Trafficking Boat, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/15/trump-reveals-u-s-military-conducted-strike-on-second-venezuelan-drug-trafficking-boat/
[2] Trump announces 3 ’terrorists’ killed in second US strike on Venezuela-based drug traffickers, https://nypost.com/2025/09/15/us-news/trump-announces-3-terrorists-killed-in-second-us-strike-on-venezuela-based-drug-traffickers/
[3] Trump says ‘we’ll see what happens’ when asked about possibility of striking Venezuela amid rising tensions, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-says-well-see-what-happens-when-asked-about-possibility-striking-venezuela-amid-rising-tensions.amp

2.2. Domestic and Economic Policy

The administration has announced several significant domestic policy initiatives across various sectors. On the economic front, President Trump has proposed a fundamental change to corporate financial reporting, stating the U.S. “should do away with quarterly earnings reports” for publicly traded companies [1]. In a significant domestic security action, he signed an order to deploy the National Guard to Memphis; the headlines did not specify the reason for the deployment [2]. In education policy, the administration unveiled a $500 million funding boost for charter schools, presenting the move as a direct response to a perceived national “education decline” [3].

In policies with both foreign and domestic implications, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem granted visa-free travel status to citizens of Hungary [4], while on Capitol Hill, the administration is reportedly receiving assistance in its ongoing efforts to formally designate Antifa as a terrorist organization [5]. The administration was also “applauded” by a pro-life group for defunding medical research that utilizes “aborted baby parts” [6].

References:
[1] Trump says the US should do away with quarterly earnings reports, https://apnews.com/article/trump-quarterly-earnings-reports-sec-semiannual-cd5fbed69b72e7525848bc11109d0d35
[2] Trump signs order to deploy National Guard to Memphis, https://www.livenowfox.com/news/trump-order-deploy-national-guard-memphis.amp
[3] Trump Administration Unveils Historic $500 Million Boost for Charter Schools Amid Education Decline, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/09/16/president-trump-makes-500-million-investment-in-charter-schools-n2663400
[4] Kristi Noem Grants Visa-Free Travel to Hungary’s Citizens, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/09/16/noem-grants-visa-free-travel-to-hungarys-citizens/
[5] Trump’s Efforts to Designate Antifa Get an Assist From Capitol Hill, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2025/09/16/trumps-efforts-to-designate-antifa-get-an-assist-from-capitol-hill-n2663435
[6] Trump Admin Applauded for Defunding Research With Aborted Baby Parts, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/09/16/trump-admin-applauded-for-defunding-research-with-aborted-baby-parts/

2.3. Presidential Appointments and Legal Maneuvers

President Trump has initiated a major legal battle against a prominent media outlet, filing a $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times [1]. Separately, the administration faced a setback in its efforts to influence the Federal Reserve’s composition. A federal appeals court rejected the President’s bid to unseat Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook from her position on the board. The attempt to remove her came ahead of an important interest rate vote, a move that would have had significant economic implications [2].

References:
[1] Trump files $15 billion defamation lawsuit against The New York Times, https://apnews.com/article/trump-lawsuit-new-york-times-b2a615192ebe2dcec859eb883368dfbb
[2] Appeals court rejects Trump’s bid to unseat Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook ahead of rate vote, https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-cook-trump-56e36badb0d1e9752e306fd6609747bd

3. Justice System and Major Legal Cases

3.1. Georgia 2020 Election Case

A final and definitive decision has been rendered regarding prosecutor Fani Willis’s role in the Georgia 2020 election case. The Georgia Supreme Court has declined to hear her appeal, a decision that formally upholds a lower court’s ruling removing her from the prosecution of the case against President Trump [1]. This ruling effectively concludes Willis’s involvement in the high-profile matter.

References:
[1] Georgia Supreme Court declines to hear Fani Willis’ appeal of her removal from Trump election case, https://apnews.com/article/fani-willis-appeal-georgia-supreme-court-trump-7be50feee272612484490b53592e7e08

3.2. Other Notable Federal and State Cases

Several other major legal cases are developing nationwide. In New York, a judge has thrown out the top terrorism charges against defendant Luigi Mangione in a state case, a decision described as a “massive blow” to the District Attorney’s office; this ruling coincided with a new warning from the NYPD about “increased assassination risks” in the city [1]. At the federal level, the Department of Justice announced a nationwide takedown of a healthcare fraud scheme, charging 324 defendants—including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists—in connection with over $14.6 billion in alleged fraud [2].

In Colorado, it was reported that a teen school shooter had posted White supremacist content on TikTok before the attack. A group that monitors extremism had reportedly flagged the shooter’s online activities to the FBI in July, well before the attack occurred [3]. Finally, regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a report in the Washington Times claims the FBI has no evidence he trafficked girls to other individuals [4].

References:
[1] Mangione sees top charge dropped as NYPD warns of increased assassination risks, https://www.foxnews.com/us/luigi-mangione-faces-judge-police-warn-business-leaders-rising-assassination-risks
[2] National Health Care Fraud Takedown Results in 324 Defendants including Doctors, Nurses, and Pharmacists Charged in Connection with Over $14.6 Billion in Alleged Fraud, https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/national-health-care-fraud-takedown-results-324-defendants-charged-connection-over-146
[3] Group monitoring extremism told FBI in July of posts, activities now tied to Evergreen school shooter, https://www.9news.com/article/news/crime/evergreen-colorado-school-shooting-fbi-tip/73-9e393167-b4b1-4aaa-ab04-ae1442730367
[4] FBI has no evidence Epstein trafficked girls to others, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/sep/16/fbi-no-evidence-jeffrey-epstein-trafficked-girls-others/

4. U.S. Politics and Governance

4.1. Congressional Affairs and Oversight

Capitol Hill is experiencing heightened partisan tensions, marked by both procedural maneuvers and direct confrontation. Senate Republicans are advancing a “major rule change” that would permit them to fast-track President Trump’s nominees for confirmation. The proposed change would allow nominees to be approved in batches this week, accelerating the staffing of the administration [1]. Tensions boiled over in a Senate hearing where FBI Director Kash Patel engaged in a direct and personal confrontation with Senator Adam Schiff, calling him a “’liar’ and ‘political buffoon’” during sworn testimony [2]. On the House floor, partisan division was starkly illustrated when nearly 200 Democrats voted against a bill designed to increase criminal penalties for felons who are also undocumented immigrants [3].

References:
[1] Senate Republicans push major rule change to fast-track Trump nominees in batches this week, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-republicans-push-major-rule-change-fast-track-trump-nominees-batches-week.amp
[2] Patel calls Schiff a ’liar’ and ‘political buffoon’ at Senate hearing, https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/patel-calls-schiff-a-liar-and-political-buffoon-at-senate-hearing-247690309572
[3] Nearly 200 House Dems vote against hiking criminal penalties for illegal immigrant felons, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/nearly-200-house-dems-vote-against-hiking-criminal-penalties-illegal-immigrant-felons

4.2. Political Commentary and Public Opinion

Political commentary and recent polling data continue to reflect deep, and in some cases hardening, ideological divides. A new poll from Free Beacon-Echelon Insights indicates that young supporters of the “MAGA” movement remain strongly pro-Israel, challenging some narratives about the movement’s foreign policy leanings [1]. In a public statement reflecting the nation’s polarization, Marjorie Taylor Greene renewed her call for a “’national divorce’ from ’the left’” [2]. Meanwhile, opinion pieces in conservative-leaning outlets are actively pushing back against criticism of the administration. Headlines assert that “Donald Trump’s US is far from a dictatorship” [3] and criticize what they describe as “the hysterical entitlement of the Stop Trump protests” [4].

References:
[1] The MAGA Youth Are Still Pro-Israel, Free Beacon-Echelon Insights Poll Shows, https://freebeacon.com/israel/the-maga-youth-are-still-pro-israel-free-beacon-echelon-insights-poll-shows/
[2] Marjorie Taylor Greens calls for ’national divorce’ from ’the left’, https://thenationaldesk.com/news/americas-news-now/marjorie-taylor-greens-calls-for-national-divorce-from-the-left
[3] No, liberals, Donald Trump’s US is far from a dictatorship, http://www.thetimes.com/comment/columnists/article/no-liberals-donald-trump-us-dictatorship-09n72dgd7
[4] The hysterical entitlement of the Stop Trump protests, https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/09/16/the-hysterical-entitlement-of-the-stop-trump-protests/

4.3. State-Level Politics

In New York state politics, Governor Kathy Hochul is facing political backlash after an endorsement exchange went awry. After Governor Hochul endorsed a progressive politician, Zohran Mamdani, he reportedly refused to return the favor and endorse her the very next day [1]. This has led to sharp criticism in some media, with at least one outlet labeling the governor a “red-hot hypocrite” over the incident and her subsequent reaction [2].

References:
[1] Hochul Endorses Mamdani. The Very Next Day, He Refuses To Endorse Her., https://www.dailywire.com/news/hochul-endorses-mamdani-the-very-next-day-he-refuses-to-endorse-her
[2] Kathy Hochul is a red-hot hypocrite over Zohran Mamdani, https://nypost.com/2025/09/15/opinion/kathy-hochul-is-a-red-hot-hypocrite-over-zohran-mamdani/

5. Media and Community Sentiment

5.1. Media Criticism and Subreddit Sentiment

Criticism of media coverage from a conservative viewpoint is focused on allegations of both present-day bias and historical collusion. A RealClearInvestigations report, citing newly revealed “Russiagate” documents, claims to expose “Media/Government Collusion” through the use of “Weaponized Scoops” [1]. This deep distrust is also evident in reactions to the Charlie Kirk assassination. Fox News’s Greg Gutfeld declared on air, “‘The Media Is Dead to Us,’” reflecting a broader sentiment that mainstream reporting on the event is untrustworthy [2]. Other commentary criticizes the media for what is perceived as an overly sympathetic portrayal of the shooting suspect [3]. Content from the r/Conservative subreddit, the source of these headlines, largely consists of internal discussion and expressions of frustration, such as one post asserting conservatives have not rioted because they “respect the rule of law” [4], offering a gauge of sentiment within this specific online political community.

References:
[1] Weaponized Scoops: New Russiagate Documents Expose Media/Government Collusion, https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2025/09/16/weaponized_scoops_new_russiagate_documents_expose_mediagovernment_collusion_1134958.html
[2] Gutfeld: ‘The Media Is Dead to Us’ on Charlie Kirk Assassination Story, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/cnsnews/craig-bannister/2025/09/16/gutfeld-media-dead-us-charlie-kirk-assassination-story
[3] The MSM is “touched” by the shooter’s love for his partner, https://x.com/greg_price11/status/1968034202592698700
[4] The reason we have not rioted after the Charlie Kirk Assassination is that we respect the rule of law, /r/Conservative/comments/1nimgm7/the_reason_we_have_not_rioted_after_the_charlie/

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