[Thursday, September 18] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 18, 2025

Executive Summary

• Kirk Assassination Aftermath: The nation reels from Charlie Kirk’s assassination. His widow, Erika, now leads TPUSA. As the FBI probes a suspect, President Trump has designated Antifa a terrorist organization.
• Media & Regulation: ABC suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” indefinitely, prompting FCC threats against the network. President Trump suggested revoking licenses from media he deems hostile.
• Major Policy: The administration signed a $350B tech deal with the U.K., is reportedly considering raising the Social Security retirement age, and the Federal Reserve has cut interest rates.
• Domestic Events: A crisis unfolded in Pennsylvania with three police officers fatally shot. The House plans hearings on online radicalization, while its probe into the Biden administration continues.

1. National Crisis: The Assassination of Charlie Kirk

1.1 Investigation, Succession, and Remembrance

The investigation into the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk is escalating, as the organization he founded undergoes a major leadership transition and memorials are formalized. The FBI announced it will investigate an unspecified social media site in connection with the shooting [1]. Unconfirmed reports identify the individual being investigated as the “founder of Armed Queers group” and a “radical trans leftist who advocated violence” [2]. Separately, an unverified social media post claims a person named “Tyler Robinson” received shooting training from an uncle connected to the “azov” unit and “Ukranian military,” though headlines do not connect this name to the primary suspect [3].

In the wake of the assassination, Kirk’s widow, Erika Kirk, has been elected as the new head and CEO of TPUSA [4]. Officially memorializing the event, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution led by Sen. Rick Scott to designate October 14th as the “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk” [5]. The response has also been international, with reports of memorial vigils for Kirk going “global” [6].

References
[1] FBI says social media site will be investigated after Charlie Kirk shooting., /r/Conservative/comments/1nk8yc5/fbi_says_social_media_site_will_be_investigated/
[2] Founder of Armed Queers group investigated in Charlie Kirk shooting is radical trans leftist who advocated violence, https://nypost.com/2025/09/17/us-news/armed-queers-founder-ermiya-fanaeian-is-radical-trans-leftist/
[3] Tyler Robinson’s uncle works with azov, with Ukranian military. That’s also were Tyler got some of his shooting skills, from Uncle Mikey,, https://x.com/MyLordBebo/status/1968053318665846806
[4] Erika Kirk elected head and CEO of TPUSA, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/turning-point-usa-elects-erika-kirk-new-ceo-chair-board-following-charlie-kirks-assassination
[5] Unanimous Passage of Resolution Designating October 14th National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk, https://www.rickscott.senate.gov/2025/9/sen-rick-scott-leads-unanimous-passage-of-resolution-designating-october-14th-national-day-of-remembrance-for-charlie-kirk
[6] Vigils for Charlie Kirk Go Global, https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/from-london-to-seoul-movement-goes-worldwide-as-thousands-march-chanting-we-are-charlie-kirk/articleshow/123872933.cms

1.2 The Media Firestorm: Kimmel, ABC, and the FCC

A monologue by host Jimmy Kimmel regarding the assassination has thrown ABC and its parent company, Disney, into a full-blown crisis, drawing in federal regulators. ABC indefinitely suspended “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” [1]. The move followed pressure from broadcast affiliate owners, most notably Sinclair Broadcast Group, which demanded a “direct apology” to Kirk’s family and a donation to TPUSA [2]. Dozens of Sinclair stations are replacing the show with a “Charlie Kirk tribute special” [3]. Reports indicate the suspension was prompted after an “unrepentant” Kimmel refused to apologize and planned to “double-down on MAGA attacks” [4]. Kimmel is now reportedly “livid” and “looking to get out of” his ABC contract [5, 6].

The controversy has triggered direct intervention from the Federal Communications Commission. FCC Chair Brendan Carr leveled threats against ABC and Disney, stating Kimmel broke FCC rules [7]. Carr praised affiliates for pulling the show, characterizing the moment as a “turning point” for media accountability and warning “there’s more work to go” [8]. President Trump celebrated the suspension as “great news for America” [5], while former President Obama reportedly lamented “cancel culture” over the incident, accusing Trump of taking it to a “new and dangerous level” [9].

References
[1] ABC Suspends ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ “Indefinitely” Over Charlie Kirk Comments, https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/abc-suspends-jimmy-kimmel-live-charlie-kirk-1236374150/
[2] Local TV giant Sinclair demands Jimmy Kimmel make ‘direct apology’ to Charlie Kirk’s family, donate to TPUSA, https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/media/sinclair-demands-jimmy-kimmel-apologize-to-charlie-kirks-family/
[3] ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ Replaced With Charlie Kirk Tribute Special By Sinclair ABC Affiliates, https://deadline.com/2025/09/jimmy-kimmel-live-replaced-charlie-kirk-tribute-sinclair-1236547662/
[4] Unrepentant Jimmy Kimmel refused to apologize after Charlie Kirk outrage — and planned to double-down on MAGA attacks: report, https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/media/ujimmy-kimmel-refused-to-apologize-after-charlie-kirk-outrage/
[5] Jimmy Kimmel reportedly ‘f–king livid’ over ABC pulling ‘Live!’ — as Trump cheers ‘great news for America’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/17/entertainment/jimmy-kimmel-f-king-livid-over-abc-pulling-live-report/
[6] Report: Jimmy Kimmel Looking to Get Out of ABC Contract, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/kimmel-abc-contract/2025/09/18/id/1226886/
[7] FCC chair levels threat against ABC, Disney after Kimmel suggested Charlie Kirk assassin was ‘MAGA’, https://www.foxnews.com/media/fcc-chair-levels-threat-against-abc-disney-after-kimmel-suggested-charlie-kirk-assassin-maga.amp
[8] Jimmy Kimmel’s ‘unprecedented’ rejection by broadcasters a ‘turning point’ in media, FCC chair Brendan Carr: ‘There’s more work to go’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/17/entertainment/jimmy-kimmels-unprecedented-rejection-by-broadcasters-turning-point-in-media-fcc-chair-brendan-carr/
[9] Obama Whines About ‘Cancel Culture’ over Jimmy Kimmel: Trump Has ‘Taken It to a New and Dangerous Level’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/18/obama-whines-cancel-culture-jimmy-kimmel-trump-has-taken-it-new-dangerous-level/

1.3 Executive and Legislative Response

In a swift executive action, President Trump announced that Antifa will be designated a “major terrorist organization,” describing the group as “sick” and “dangerous” [1]. On Capitol Hill, James Comer announced that the CEOs of Reddit, Twitch, and Discord will be invited to testify before Congress for a hearing on the “Radicalization of Online Forums” [2]. Separately, a Republican-led effort to censure Rep. Ilhan Omar for her comments on Charlie Kirk failed on the House floor. The measure was blocked after four House Republicans voted with Democrats against it, with one report claiming Rep. Cory Mills “cut a deal with Democrats to save Ilhan Omar” [3, 4]. President Trump had previously called for Omar to be removed from Congress [5].

References
[1] Trump announces ‘sick, dangerous’ Antifa will be designated ‘a major terrorist organization’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/17/us-news/trump-announces-antifa-will-be-designated-a-major-terrorist-organization/
[2] Reddit and Twitch CEOs Called to Testify on Radicalization, https://time.com/7318082/tyler-robinson-reddit-twitch-charlie-kirk/
[3] 4 House Republicans vote with Dems to block resolution censuring Ilhan Omar for Charlie Kirk comments, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-republicans-vote-dems-block-resolution-censuring-ilhan-omar-charlie-kirk-comments
[4] Cory Mills Cuts Deal With Democrats To Save Ilhan Omar | The Daily Caller, https://dailycaller.com/2025/09/18/cory-mills-nancy-mace-greg-casar-ilhan-omar-censure-donald-trump/
[5] President Trump calls for Somali Rep. Ilhan Omar to be removed from Congress., https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1968735599927419118?t=djETukOmSkOlF4_-rJ5eyA&s=19

1.4 A Polarized Society: Public Reaction and Political Violence

The assassination has exposed and deepened raw societal divisions. Reports have documented open celebrations of Kirk’s death, including a John Carroll University lab director quoted as saying, “F*ck That Guy. He’s a Fascist” [1]. One Oberlin student was quoted saying we “need to bring back political assassinations” [2]. In response, Florida authorities have launched a formal probe into educators who cheered the death [3]. Actor George Takei accused President Trump of using a “‘Nazi Playbook’ to Exploit Charlie Kirk’s Assassination,” illustrating the intensely polarized narratives [4]. The debate over political rhetoric’s role is also fierce, with Rep. Jasmine Crockett reportedly dismissing critics who connect “Hitler” and “fascist” comparisons to violence [5]. Amid the turmoil, TPUSA claims to have received 54,000 requests for new chapters nationwide since the assassination [6].

References
[1] F*ck That Guy. He’s a Fascist:’ John Carroll U. Lab Director Celebrates Assassination of Charlie Kirk, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/09/17/fck-that-guy-john-carroll-u-lab-director-celebrates-assassination-of-charlie-kirk/
[2] Oberlin student says we ‘need to bring back political assassinations’ in wake of Charlie Kirk murder, https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/us-news/radical-oberlin-student-called-for-return-of-assassinations/
[3] Florida to Probe All Educators Cheering Kirk Death, https://www.newsmax.com/us/charlie-kirk-political-violence-anastasios-kamoutsas/2025/09/18/id/1226951/
[4] George Takei: Trump Employing ‘Nazi Playbook’ to Exploit Charlie Kirk’s Assassination, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/09/17/george-takei-trump-employing-nazi-playbook-to-exploit-charlie-kirks-murder/
[5] Crockett dismisses critics who think ‘Hitler’ and ‘fascist’ comparisons contribute to political violence, https://www.foxnews.com/media/crockett-dismisses-critics-who-think-hitler-fascist-comparisons-contribute-political-violence
[6] Turning Point USA says 54,000 requests for new chapters have come in nationwide, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6379713272112

2. Trump Administration: Policy and National Security

2.1 Foreign Policy & National Security

The administration announced a landmark $350 billion technology deal signed by President Trump and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, aimed at spurring joint development in AI, nuclear energy, and quantum computing [1]. On Ukraine, Trump stated publicly that Vladimir Putin “’let me down’ on Ukraine peace talks” [2]. Regarding Afghanistan, the President made a “Little Breaking News” announcement, stating a desire to reacquire Bagram Air Base [3]. The U.S. also “‘ups the ante’” by designating Iran-backed groups in Iraq as terrorist organizations [4]. Domestically, FBI Director Kash Patel has identified the U.S. northern border as a “new terrorism threat” [5]. Separately, Israel is facing new international pressure, with the EU reportedly preparing tariffs and sanctions over the Gaza war and the UK planning to recognize a Palestinian state “by week’s end” [6, 7].

References
[1] Trump, Starmer sign $350B tech deal to spur AI, nuclear energy and quantum computing, https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/us-news/trump-starmer-sign-tech-prosperity-deal-to-spur-ai-nuclear-energy-and-quantum-computing-advances-as-part-of-350b-investment/
[2] Trump admits Putin ‘let me down’ on Ukraine peace talks as UK PM Keir Starmer says dictator ‘has shown his true face’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/us-news/trump-admits-putin-let-me-down-on-ukraine-peace-talks/
[3] Trump: ‘Little Breaking News,’ We Want Bagram Back, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/bagram-china-nuclear/2025/09/18/id/1226906/
[4] US ‘ups the ante,’ designates Iran-backed groups in Iraq terrorist organizations, https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-ups-ante-designates-iran-backed-groups-iraq-terrorist-organizations
[5] FBI’s Patel says northern border is new terrorism threat, https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/sep/17/fbi-director-kash-patel-says-northern-border-new-terrorism-threat/
[6] EU to hit Israel with tariffs, sanctions over Gaza war, https://nypost.com/2025/09/17/world-news/eu-to-hit-israel-with-tariffs-sanctions-over-gaza-war/
[7] Report: UK to recognize ‘Palestine’ by week’s end | Israel National News, https://www.israelnationalnews.com/news/415119

2.2 Domestic and Economic Policy

On the economic front, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell cut interest rates in a move one headline described as coming “‘Too Late’” [1]. The Trump administration is also reportedly considering raising the retirement age as a measure to “save Social Security from insolvency” [2]. In a direct intervention in the ongoing media crisis, President Trump suggested he may seek to revoke the TV licenses of networks that are “‘against’ him” [3]. Separately, a Census Bureau report is being cited which claims that during Trump’s first term, “Income Rose, Poverty Shrank More… Than Under Biden” [4].

References
[1] ‘Too Late’ Powell Finally Cuts Interest Rates, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/09/17/federal-reserve-cuts-interest-rates-n2663513
[2] Trump administration considers raising retirement age to save Social Security from insolvency, https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/trump-administration-considers-raising-retirement-age-save-social-security-from-insolvency
[3] Trump suggests revoking TV licenses from networks ‘against’ him after Jimmy Kimmel pulled off air, https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/media/trump-suggests-revoking-tv-licenses-from-networks-against-him/
[4] Census: Income Rose, Poverty Shrank More in Trump’s First Term Than Under Biden, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/18/census-income-rose-poverty-shrank-more-in-trumps-first-term-than-under-biden/

3. Congressional Activity and Oversight

The House Oversight Committee is moving forward with its investigation into the previous administration. Jeff Zients, former White House Chief of Staff under President Biden, provided testimony [1]. A source cited in one report claims Zients told lawmakers that Hunter Biden “weighed in on pardons dad Joe signed” [2]. His appearance is being described by another outlet as the “most damning testimony yet in autopen probe,” though details of this probe remain sparse in the headlines [3]. In the Senate, “dozens” of President Trump’s nominees were confirmed in the “first test of new nuclear rules” designed to speed up the process [4]. Separately, Sen. Rand Paul reportedly “grill[ed]” former CDC director Susan Monarez over past recommendations for “Jabbing Babies with COVID, Hep-B Vaccines” [5].

References
[1] Former Biden chief of staff arrives for House Oversight Committee interview, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3813395/former-biden-chief-of-staff-arrives-for-house-oversight-autopen-investigation/
[2] Hunter Biden weighed in on pardons dad Joe signed, ex-WH chief of staff Jeff Zients tells lawmakers: source, https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/us-news/hunter-biden-weighed-in-on-pardons-dad-joe-signed-ex-wh-chief-of-staff-jeff-zients-tells-lawmakers-source/
[3] Biden’s chief of staff gave most damning testimony yet in autopen probe, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3814797/biden-chief-of-staff-gave-most-damning-testimony-autopen-probe/
[4] Senate confirms dozens of Trump nominees in first test of new nuclear rules, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-confirms-dozens-trump-nominees-first-test-new-nuclear-rules
[5] Rand Paul Grills Former CDC Director over Jabbing Babies with COVID, Hep-B Vaccines, https://www.breitbart.com/health/2025/09/17/rand-paul-grills-former-cdc-director-over-jabbing-babies-with-covid-hep-b-vaccines/

4. Law Enforcement and Domestic Incidents

A major law enforcement tragedy is ongoing in Pennsylvania, where three police officers were fatally shot while serving a stalking warrant. Authorities identified Matthew James Ruth as the suspect in the ambush [1]. An investigation is underway to determine if the shooter’s ex-girlfriend was the intended target [2]. In other actions, the DEA announced it had dismantled an MS-13 cell in Nashville [3]. In Texas, Ken Paxton’s office announced an arrest related to an “illegal ballot harvesting scheme” [4]. Federally, an immigration judge ordered the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil to Algeria or Syria for committing green card fraud [5].

References
[1] Matthew James Ruth ID’d as suspect in fatal shooting of 3 Pennsylvania cops as they served stalking warrant, https://nypost.com/2025/09/18/us-news/matthew-james-ruth-idd-as-suspect-in-fatal-shooting-of-3-pennsylvania-cops/
[2] matthew james ruth: Matthew James Ruth wanted to target his ex-girlfriend? Shooter’s action in Pennsylvania shooting under radar - The Economic Times, https://m.economictimes.com/news/international/us/who-was-matthew-james-ruth-pennsylvania-gunman-who-killed-3-officers-identified-was-his-ex-girlfriend-the-real-target/articleshow/123980435.cms
[3] DEA Dismantles MS-13 Cell in Nashville, https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2025/09/16/dea-dismantles-ms-13-cell-nashville
[4] Paxton Announces Arrest in Starr County for Illegal Ballot Harvesting Scheme, https://texasborderbusiness.com/paxton-announces-arrest-in-starr-county-for-illegal-ballot-harvesting-scheme/
[5] Federal judge orders Mahmoud Khalil deported for green card fraud, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/immigration-judge-orders-mahmoud-khalil-deported-syria-algeria

5. Political and Cultural Discourse

Attention has also turned to reflections on the 2024 presidential campaign. In an interview, former Vice President Kamala Harris revealed she had “‘first choice’” for her running mate but concluded that “America wasn’t ready for it” [1]. A separate, unsourced report made the more specific claim that Harris stated it was “‘Too Big of a Risk’ to Pick Buttigieg as Running Mate Because He’s Gay,” creating conflicting narratives from the last election cycle [2]. In other political commentary, a report surfaced that Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has been silent after a Muslim mayor allegedly told a resident he was “’not welcome’” for making a “slam on terrorist sympathizer” [3].

References
[1] Harris reveals ‘first choice’ for running mate but says America wasn’t ready for it, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/harris-reveals-first-choice-running-mate-says-america-wasnt-ready?link_source=ta_first_comment&taid=68cc3e88f36baf000129f403&fbclid=IwY2xjawM5HsdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHuA6BB_vjjBN001uGT6MvrQuINkPadkmRB2sfSpY9wJbqXVZl-SaX5z6dx5N_aem_CWiVLFM_3nnfjb8E5Dt5iA
[2] Harris: ‘Too Big of a Risk’ to Pick Buttigieg as Running Mate Because He’s Gay, https://legalinsurrection.com/2025/09/harris-too-big-of-a-risk-to-pick-buttigieg-as-running-mate-because-hes-gay/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=harris-too-big-of-a-risk-to-pick-buttigieg-as-running-mate-because-hes-gay
[3] Whitmer silent on Muslim mayor telling resident he’s ‘not welcome’ for slam on terrorist sympathizer, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/whitmer-silent-muslim-mayor-telling-resident-hes-not-welcome-slam-terrorist-sympathizer

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