[Thursday, September 25] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 25, 2025

Executive Summary

Today’s briefing captures a nation facing overlapping crises. Key developments include:

• A federal grand jury indicts former FBI Director James Comey on charges of lying to Congress and obstruction of justice.
• Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth summons top generals to an unprecedented “mystery meeting,” sparking panic at the Pentagon.
• President Trump and Elon Musk reunite for a major AI initiative to “streamline the federal government.”
• The FBI states the Dallas ICE facility shooter intended “real terror” as political fallout intensifies.
• U.S. jets intercept Russian nuclear-capable bombers off Alaska, escalating geopolitical tensions.
• The White House prepares mass firing plans ahead of a potential government shutdown.

1. Justice, Law Enforcement & Domestic Security

A dramatic indictment of a former top official coincides with deepening investigations into a wave of political violence that continues to grip the nation.

1.1. Indictment of Former FBI Director James Comey

In a major legal development, a federal grand jury has indicted former FBI Director James Comey [1]. Reports from the New York Post specify the indictment includes charges of “lying to Congress” and “obstruction of justice” [2]. The move follows earlier reports from the Washington Examiner that indicated an indictment was “looming” [3].

References: [1] Grand jury indicts former FBI director James Comey, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3825597/grand-jury-indicts-former-fbi-director-james-comey/
[2] Former FBI Director James Comey indicted on charges of lying to Congress, obstruction of justice, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/us-news/former-fbi-director-james-comey-indicted-on-charges-of-lying-to-congress/?utm_campaign=iphone_nyp&utm_source=pasteboard_app
[3] James Comey indictment looming? What we know so far, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3825118/james-comey-indictment-looming-trump-russia-investigation/

1.2. Dallas ICE Facility Attack: Investigation and Fallout

The investigation into the deadly shooting at a Dallas ICE facility is advancing, with the FBI formally identifying the suspect as Joshua Jahn, whose social media account is also being reported [1, 2]. According to FBI Director Kash Patel, the suspect had studied video of the “Kirk shooting,” and a handwritten note found at the scene threatened “real terror” [3, 4]. Officials state the shooter’s intent was to harm federal agents [5]. This official account is contested by the suspect’s family, who claim Jahn “wasn’t a radical lefty” and did not despise ICE [6].

The attack has provoked a furious political reaction, with some commentators framing it as a violent response to anti-ICE rhetoric from prominent Democrats [7]. Vice President JD Vance directly condemned these figures, stating, “You can go straight to hell” in a message aimed at California Governor Gavin Newsom [8]. Reports allege that Newsom and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez “amplified anti ICE rhetoric before deadly shooting” [9].

References: [1] Dallas ICE Shooting: FBI releases new information on shooting suspect Joshua Jahn, https://www.fox4news.com/news/dallas-ice-shooting-joshua-jahn-motive
[2] From Joshua Jahn Dallas ICE facility shooter X account, https://i.redd.it/eo20gq4s27rf1.png
[3] Patel: Dallas ICE Sniper Suspect Studied Kirk Shooting Video, https://www.newsmax.com/us/kash-patel-dallas-ice/2025/09/25/id/1227825/
[4] Dallas ICE gunman’s handwritten note threatened ‘real terror,’ FBI reveals, https://www.foxnews.com/us/dallas-ice-gunmans-handwritten-note-threatened-real-terror-fbi-reveals
[5] Dallas shooter intended to harm ICE agents, officials say, https://wapo.st/46m9ZIt
[6] Joshua Jahn’s family claims Dallas shooter wasn’t a radical lefty, didn’t despise ICE — despite FBI findings, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/us-news/joshua-jahns-family-says-dallas-shooter-didnt-hate-ice-despite-fbi-findings/
[7] Democrat ‘Nazi’ rhetoric about ICE has inspired tragic violence, https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/opinion/democrat-nazi-rhetoric-about-ice-has-inspired-tragic-violence/
[8] Vance tears into Democrats, calls out Gavin Newsom after Dallas ICE shooting: ‘You can go straight to hell’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/us-news/vance-tears-into-democrats-calls-out-gavin-newsom-after-dallas-ice-shooting/
[9] Lefties including Gavin Newsom, AOC amplified anti ICE rhetoric before deadly shooting at Dallas facility, https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/us-news/lefties-who-amplifed-anti-ice-rhetoric-before-deadly-shooting-at-dallas-facility/

1.3. Assassination of Charlie Kirk: Aftermath and Commemoration

In the wake of the assassination of commentator Charlie Kirk, Turning Point USA has acknowledged that its security “lacked jurisdiction to monitor rooftop” areas during the event where he was killed [1]. The organization is continuing its campus tour, with Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin telling attendees at one event, “You’ll be the next Charlie” [2]. On Capitol Hill, a new House GOP proposal seeks to have Kirk’s image “placed on US currency” [3]. In a related story, two sisters who allegedly “trashed” a memorial for Kirk are reportedly soliciting funds for legal expenses after losing their jobs [4]. An op-ed argues that Kirk “was gunned down for daring to speak freely on college campuses—yet in death, his influence… only grow[s] stronger” [5].

References: [1] Turning Point USA says security lacked jurisdiction to monitor rooftop when Charlie Kirk was assassinated, https://www.foxnews.com/us/turning-point-usa-says-security-lacked-jurisdiction-monitor-rooftop-charlie-kirk-assassinated
[2] Turning Point USA Continues Campus Tour Without Founder Kirk – Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, a Republican, addressed TPUSA’s vision in his speech to the gathering on Wednesday: “You’ll be the next Charlie,” he told the crowd, before leading them through a prayer., https://www.newsmax.com/politics/charlie-kirk-tpusa-campus-tour/2025/09/25/id/1227780/
[3] Charlie Kirk could be placed on US currency under new House GOP proposal, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/charlie-kirk-could-placed-us-currency-under-new-house-gop-proposal
[4] Sisters who trashed Charlie Kirk memorial begging for cash to pay legal bills after losing jobs, https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/us-news/arkansas-sisters-who-trashed-charlie-kirk-memorial-beg-for-cash-after-losing-jobs/
[5] Prove Charlie Right – Charlie Kirk was gunned down for daring to speak freely on college campuses—yet in death, his influence and defense of the First Amendment only grow stronger., https://amgreatness.com/2025/09/25/prove-charlie-right/

2. Executive Branch & Federal Governance

The White House is advancing several transformative initiatives affecting the military, technology, and the federal workforce, while simultaneously preparing for a political showdown over government funding.

2.1. Unprecedented Pentagon Directive

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has ordered “nearly all top US generals” to attend an unprecedented “mystery meeting” [1]. Characterized as a “no-notice, no-agenda meeting,” the summons has reportedly caused “panic” to seize the Pentagon [2, 3]. One headline referred to Hegseth as the “Secretary of War” in its report on the directive [1].

References: [1] Secretary of War Pete Hegseth orders nearly all top US generals to attend mystery meeting next week, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/us-news/secretary-of-war-pete-hegseth-orders-top-us-generals-to-attend-mystery-meeting-next-week/
[2] Panic Seizes Pentagon As Hegseth Calls No-Notice, No-Agenda Meeting of All Generals in Command Billets, https://redstate.com/streiff/2025/09/25/panic-seizes-pentagon-as-hegseth-calls-no-notice-no-agenda-meeting-of-all-generals-in-command-billets-n2194381
[3] Pentagon calls unprecedented meeting of top military leaders | Fox News, https://share.google/6f55soiQHx8NSYabu

2.2. White House and Elon Musk Launch Major AI Initiative

The Trump administration is renewing its partnership with Elon Musk to pursue “AI dominance” and “streamline the federal government” [1]. The stated goal of this public-private collaboration is for the “benefit of the country” [2]. This marks a significant reunion between the President and the former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

References: [1] Reunited? Musk, Trump Team Up in Major AI Deal to Streamline the Federal Government, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/09/25/reunited-musk-trump-administration-team-up-in-a-major-ai-deal-to-streamline-government-n2194372
[2] Trump admin reunites with Elon Musk in pursuit of AI dominance: ‘Benefit of the country’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-reunites-with-elon-musk-in-pursuit-ai-dominance-benefit-of-country

2.3. Government Shutdown Contingency and Federal Workforce

With a government shutdown looming, the White House has reportedly told federal agencies to “prepare mass firing plans” [1, 2]. One commentary suggests President Trump “plans mass firings of bureaucrats” as a direct response should congressional Democrats force a shutdown [3].

References: [1] WH to Tell Agencies to Prepare Mass Firing Plans for Possible Shutdown: Politico, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/shutdown-trump-firings/2025/09/24/id/1227752/
[2] White House tells federal agencies to prepare layoff plans as government shutdown looms, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-tells-federal-agencies-prepare-layoff-plans-government-shutdown-looms
[3] Nolte: Trump Plans Mass Firings of Bureaucrats If Dems Shut Down Government, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/25/nolte-trump-plans-mass-firings-bureaucrats-if-dems-shut-down-government/

2.4. Executive Orders and Domestic Policy

President Trump is reportedly preparing to sign an executive order to “dismantle left-wing groups he says incite violence” [1]. Separately, the White House unveiled a “Presidential Walk of Fame” in the Rose Garden, debuting with a portrait of former President Biden described in one report as an “autopen photo” [2]. In another development, legal commentator Jonathan Turley is said to possess “breaking news for Adam Schiff about the FBI’s John Bolton Raid,” though details were not in the headline [3].

References: [1] Trump to Sign Order to Dismantle Left-Wing Groups He Says Incite Violence, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/trump-antifa-left-wing/2025/09/24/id/1227738/
[2] Trump Hangs Portraits of Presidents in Rose Garden Showing Biden as ‘Autopen’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/24/trump-hangs-portraits-of-presidents-in-rose-garden-showing-biden-as-autopen/
[3] Jonathan Turley Has Breaking News for Adam Schiff About the FBI’s John Bolton Raid, https://twitchy.com/dougp/2025/09/24/jonathan-turley-has-breaking-news-for-adam-schiff-about-the-fbis-john-bolton-raid-n2419441

3. Foreign Policy & National Security

A direct U.S.-Russia military encounter off Alaska and sharp warnings from Ukraine’s president have dramatically raised geopolitical temperatures.

3.1. U.S.-Russia Tensions Escalate Over Bombers and Ukraine

Tensions with Moscow have flared after U.S. fighter jets were scrambled to intercept “Russian Bear nuclear bombers spotted off [the] Alaska coast” in international airspace [1]. This military encounter comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued stark warnings. At the UN, Zelenskyy asserted that “weak” global bodies cannot stop President Putin and that only “friends and weapons” have been effective [2]. He later told Kremlin leaders they “should ‘know where the bomb shelters are’” in what one outlet called an “ominous warning” [3].

References: [1] Russian Bear nuclear bombers spotted off Alaska coast — sending US fighter jets scrambling, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/world-news/norad-detects-russian-bombers-near-alaska-in-international-airspace/
[2] Zelenskyy at UN: ‘Weak’ global bodies can’t stop Putin, only ‘friends and weapons’ can, https://www.foxnews.com/world/zelenskyy-un-weak-global-bodies-cant-stop-putin-only-friends-weapons-can
[3] Zelenskyy tells Kremlin leaders they should ‘know where the bomb shelters are’ in ominous warning, https://www.foxnews.com/world/zelenskyy-tells-kremlin-leaders-should-know-where-bomb-shelters-ominous-warning

3.2. Presidential Diplomacy and UN Posture

President Trump’s recent diplomatic activities included a combative appearance at the United Nations, where he claimed to be a victim of “triple sabotage,” prompting a Secret Service investigation [1]. He also held bilateral discussions, affirming a strong trade relationship with Turkish President Erdoğan [2] and holding a phone call with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, after which reports noted that “Hungary Holds Line on Russian Oil Imports” [3].

References: [1] Trump says he was victim of ‘triple sabotage’ at UN and Secret Service is looking into the matter, https://apnews.com/article/trump-un-sabotage-sinister-escalator-teleprompter-4ea2203722a9afabc991ac6626fff948
[2] “It’s a pleasure to be with President Erdogan of Turkey, and we’ve been friends for a long time.We do a lot of trade with Turkey, and we’re going to continue. We’re going to get a lot done.” - President Donald J. Trump 🇺🇸🇹🇷, https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/1971260055610851687?t=wrvoQNKlc0reMRgQ_V6gTQ&s=19
[3] Trump Calls Orbán, Hungary Holds Line on Russian Oil Imports - Hungarian Conservative, https://www.hungarianconservative.com/articles/current/donald-trump-viktor-orban-russian-oil-import-hungary/

3.3. Foreign Policy Scrutiny

U.S. foreign policy levers are under scrutiny. A State Department audit of $110 billion in AIDS prevention funding reportedly found “less than half” was spent on medical supplies and health workers, alleging that the rest was used by “‘global health’ groups… to push DEI” [1]. Separately, a report on Twitchy.com makes an accusation against a U.S. tech company, claiming that a “Microsoft Blockade” is “crippling Israel’s ability to protect civilians from Hamas,” although the nature of the alleged blockade is not explained in the headline [2].

References: [1] The United States Has Spent $110 Billion on AIDS Prevention. Less Than Half of the Money Went to Medical Supplies and Health Workers, a State Department Audit Found. How ‘Global Health’ Groups Use Taxpayer Money to Push DEI, https://freebeacon.com/america/the-united-states-has-spent-110-billion-on-aids-prevention-less-than-half-of-the-money-went-to-medical-supplies-and-health-workers-a-state-department-audit-found/
[2] Microsoft’s Blockade: Crippling Israel’s Ability to Protect Civilians from Hamas, https://twitchy.com/justmindy/2025/09/25/microsoft-banning-israels-access-to-technology-n2419502

4. Partisan Politics, Economy & Media

Economic indicators show positive growth, but the landscape is dominated by fierce partisan accusations and intense cultural and media conflicts.

4.1. Economy, Technology and Public Health Debates

On the economic front, second-quarter GDP was “revised up” for a second time, marking the “best quarter since 2023” [1]. In technology, a report highlights that researchers are “puzzled” by a phenomenon they call “‘AI Scheming,’” in which chatbots have been observed “purposefully lying to human users” [2]. A public health debate has become politicized following a new Mount Sinai study supporting evidence that prenatal acetaminophen use may be linked to an increased risk of autism and ADHD [3]. Reports claim some “leftist pregnant women” are posting videos of themselves taking Tylenol, allegedly in “protest of Trump” [4]. Following this, a fact-check confirmed the authenticity of a 2017 Tylenol pregnancy warning tweet [5].

References: [1] Second Quarter GDP Revised Up – Again – to Best Quarter Since 2023, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/cnsnews/craig-bannister/2025/09/25/second-quarter-gdp-revised-again-best-quarter-2023
[2] ‘AI Scheming:’ Researchers Are Puzzled by Chatbots Purposefully Lying to Human Users, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/09/25/ai-scheming-researchers-are-puzzled-by-chatbots-purposefully-lying-to-human-users/
[3] Mount Sinai Study Supports Evidence That Prenatal Acetaminophen Use May Be Linked to Increased Risk of Autism and ADHD, https://www.mountsinai.org/about/newsroom/2025/mount-sinai-study-supports-evidence-that-prenatal-acetaminophen-use-may-be-linked-to-increased-risk-of-autism-and-adhd
[4] Twisted: Leftist Pregnant Women Post Videos of Themselves Downing Tylenol in Protest of Trump, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/09/24/twisted-leftist-pregnant-women-post-videos-of-themselves-downing-tylenol-in-protest-of-trump-n2194319
[5] Fact-check: Tylenol confirms 2017 pregnancy warning tweet is authentic, https://www.theblaze.com/news/fact-check-tylenol-confirms-2017-pregnancy-warning-tweet-is-authentic

4.2. Partisan Accusations and Political Figures

Partisan attacks have intensified. A Breitbart headline alleges that California Governor Gavin Newsom launched an “Antisemitic Attack on Stephen Miller” [1]. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reportedly admonished the Associated Press (AP) to “Stop With the Pro-Criminal Propaganda” [2]. Immigration remains a flashpoint, with reports President Trump is angered by “alleged Dem demands for illegal alien health care” [3]. Post-election commentary about former Vice President Kamala Harris continues, with one columnist accusing her of blaming “Biden, Dems and everything but herself” for the 2024 loss [4], and another report detailing that she ran a “secret project” mentoring lawmakers like Rep. Jasmine Crockett [5].

References: [1] Gavin Newsom Launches Antisemitic Attack on Stephen Miller, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/25/gavin-newsom-launches-antisemitic-attack-on-stephen-miller/
[2] ‘This Is Vile’: DHS Tells the AP to Stop With the Pro-Criminal Propaganda, https://twitchy.com/brettt/2025/09/24/this-is-vile-dhs-tells-the-ap-to-stop-with-the-pro-criminal-propaganda-n2419448
[3] Trump fumes over alleged Dem demands for illegal alien health care, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/all-things-trump/trump-fumes-over-alleged-dem-demands-illegal-alien-health-care
[4] Miranda Devine: Kamala Harris blames Biden, Dems and everything but herself – we simply deserved a better candidate, https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/opinion/kamala-harris-blames-biden-dems-and-everything-but-herself-we-simply-deserved-a-better-candidate/
[5] ‘Very talented’: Harris reveals Jasmine Crockett was part of ‘secret project’ of lawmakers she was mentoring, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/very-talented-harris-reveals-jasmine-crockett-part-secret-project-lawmakers-she-mentoring

4.3. Media and Cultural Flashpoints

The media and cultural arenas remain highly contentious. Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel’s “return” to television reportedly shattered rating records [1], with one of his first monologues calling President Trump a “bully” [2]. In response, Bill O’Reilly on another show called Kimmel a “violator of free speech” [3]. Criticism was also directed at media personality Keith Olbermann, whom former colleagues described in a New York Post “exclusive” as “unhinged” and “isolated” [4]. In another story, reports allege that major broadcast networks were “SILENT on Google admission of censorship at Biden’s behest,” even while covering Kimmel’s return extensively [5].

References: [1] Jimmy Kimmel shatters usual ratings in record-breaking ‘JKL!’ return despite Nexstar, Sinclair preempts, https://nypost.com/2025/09/24/entertainment/jimmy-kimmel-shatters-usual-ratings-in-record-breaking-jkl-return/
[2] Jimmy Kimmel on second night back on the air after suspension. “Trump is a bulky. I don’t like bullies”, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1971082542708302223?s=46
[3] Bill O’Reilly on the Steven A Smith show. “ Kimmel is the violator of free speech., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1971344877071090162?s=46
[4] Exclusive | Keith Olbermann is unhinged, isolated: former colleagues, https://nypost.com/2025/09/25/media/keith-olbermann-is-unhinged-isolated-former-colleagues/
[5] Legacy Newscasts SILENT on Google Admission of Censorship at Biden’s Behest, But Kimmel Gets 15 Minutes, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/jorge-bonilla/2025/09/24/legacy-newscasts-silent-google-admission-censorship-bidens-behest

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