[Sunday, September 28] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare September 28, 2025

Executive Summary

Today’s major developments are defined by escalating domestic tensions and significant federal action.

• A deadly mass shooting and arson at a Michigan church has left two dead; the gunman, an Iraq War veteran, was killed by police.
• With a government shutdown looming, President Trump will meet with Democratic leaders Jeffries and Schumer for last-minute negotiations.
• The Trump administration is formally urging the Supreme Court to rule on ending birthright citizenship.
• Internationally, the UN General Assembly reportedly gave a standing ovation to Syria’s new president, identified in a headline as a former ISIS/Al Qaeda leader.

1. Domestic Security & Civil Unrest

1.1. Mass Shooting and Arson at Michigan Church

A deadly attack involving a mass shooting and arson has taken place at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints building in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Police reports confirm two fatalities in the incident [1]. The gunman was later identified by the media as Iraq War veteran Thomas Sanford [2]. According to law enforcement, Sanford drove his vehicle into the church, began shooting at individuals inside, and then set the structure on fire [2, 3]. Reports have highlighted the speed of the law enforcement response, which has been described as “heroic.” Police arrived on the scene within 30 seconds of the emergency call and successfully neutralized Sanford within eight minutes of their arrival [4]. Initial alerts from police confirmed there were multiple shooting victims and that the shooter was “down” [5].

References: [1] Michigan Mormon church ‘on fire’ as multiple victims reported in mass shooting: police, https://nypost.com/2025/09/28/us-news/michigan-mormon-church-on-fire-as-multiple-victims-reported-in-mass-shooting-police/
[2] Iraq War veteran Thomas Sanford ID’d as gunman who attacked Grand Blanc LDS church, killing 2 and setting it ablaze, https://nypost.com/2025/09/28/us-news/iraq-war-veteran-thomas-sanford-idd-as-gunman-who-attacked-grand-blanc-lds-church-killing-2-and-setting-it-ablaze/
[3] Police: Shooter Drove into Michigan Church, Was Killed by Officers, https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2025/09/28/police-40-year-old-man-drove-into-michigan-church-opened-fire-was-shot-dead-by-police/
[4] Hero cops respond to Grand Blanc LDS church shooting in 30 seconds, kill gunman Thomas Sanford within 8 minutes, https://nypost.com/2025/09/28/us-news/hero-cops-responded-to-grand-blanc-lds-church-shooting-in-30-seconds-killed-gunman-thomas-sanford-within-8-minutes/
[5] Multiple people shot at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ building in Michigan and shooter is down, police say, https://ksltv.com/ap/church-shooting-michigan/825301/

1.2. Political and Social Aftermath of Charlie Kirk Assassination

The assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk continues to generate significant social and political reactions. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, in an interview with Newsmax, claimed the event has “Sparked ‘Revival of Faith’” across the country [1]. This sentiment is echoed by another report citing ministers who are witnessing a similar faith revival, a phenomenon now being dubbed “‘The Charlie Kirk Effect’” [2]. Politically, a report from the New York Post suggests that some “disgusted” former Democrats are re-registering as Republicans in response to the murder. One individual who made this switch is quoted as saying, “Evil is walking amongst us” [3]. In a separate but related incident, a school in Tennessee has reportedly created a new administrative position for a head of school who had previously barred students from wearing suits and ties to mourn Kirk’s death, a move that drew local attention from the Tennessee Star [4].

References: [1] Gov. Abbott to Newsmax: Kirk’s Assassination Sparked ‘Revival of Faith’, https://www.newsmax.com/newsmax-tv/greg-abbott-texas-charlie-kirk/2025/09/27/id/1228138/
[2] ‘The Charlie Kirk Effect’: Ministers See Faith Revival in Wake of Turning Point USA Founder’s Assassination, https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2025/09/28/the-charlie-kirk-effect-ministers-see-faith-revival-in-wake-of-turning-point-usa-founders-assassination/
[3] Disgusted ex-Democrats registering Republican after Charlie Kirk murder: ‘Evil is walking amongst us’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/16/us-news/democrats-switch-to-republican-after-charlie-kirk-assassination/
[4] Lipscomb Academy Creates New Position for Head of School Who Barred Students from Wearing Suits, Ties to Mourn Charlie Kirk - Tennessee Star, https://tennesseestar.com/news/lipscomb-academy-creates-new-position-for-head-of-school-who-barred-students-from-wearing-suits-ties-to-mourn-charlie-kirk/tpappert/2025/09/25/

1.3. Civil Unrest and Political Rhetoric

Tensions surrounding political violence and civil unrest appear to be escalating, with official responses and charged rhetoric drawing significant attention. The Department of Homeland Security has issued an official statement declaring that the agency “is Fighting Back Against Antifa Violence,” though the headline does not provide specifics on the nature or location of these actions [1]. This comes as a former Brigadier General was reported to be supporting an “insurrection” during a press conference held by the mayor of Portland, a city also seeing federal troop deployment [2]. Concurrently, charged rhetoric from national political figures is under scrutiny. A post on X.com accused former Vice President Kamala Harris of fanning “the flames of leftist violence” with a quote attributed to her: “We MUST fight FIRE with FIRE” [3].

References: [1] DHS is Fighting Back Against Antifa Violence | Homeland Security, https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/09/26/dhs-fighting-back-against-antifa-violence
[2] Former Brigadier General supports insurrection at Portland mayor’s news conference, https://x.com/amuse/status/1972227415981367701
[3] Kamala Harris decided to FAN THE FLAMES of leftist violence in the United States. “We MUST fight FIRE with FIRE.”, https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1972269316797329654?t=ElKsqLcpso5wxJWb8_eeAg&s=19

2. Immigration and Border Security

2.1. Trump Administration Urges Supreme Court to Rule on Birthright Citizenship

The Trump administration is advancing a major legal challenge to a foundational aspect of U.S. immigration law. According to SCOTUSblog, a prominent legal affairs site, President Trump is formally urging the Supreme Court to take up a case with the explicit goal of deciding “whether to end birthright citizenship” [1]. This action seeks a definitive ruling from the nation’s highest court on the interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, a move with profound implications for constitutional law and immigration policy.

References: [1] Trump urges Supreme Court to decide whether to end birthright citizenship - SCOTUSblog, https://www.scotusblog.com/2025/09/trump-urges-supreme-court-to-decide-whether-to-end-birthright-citizenship/

2.2. Widespread Friction in Federal Immigration Enforcement

Friction between federal immigration authorities, local entities, and protesters is apparent across the country. In Portland, headlines report that the Trump administration is “Sending Troops To Portland To Protect ICE Facilities Amid Antifa” activities, a move the city’s mayor has publicly condemned while also claiming that videos of recent anti-ICE riots were from years ago [1, 2]. Elsewhere, reports describe “Chaotic scenes” at a Chicago ICE facility as protesters clashed with border patrol [3]. Legal actions and personnel issues involving ICE are also prominent. A jury has indicted women who allegedly “Hunted ICE Agent and Posted His Address Online” [4]. A school superintendent in Tennessee was arrested by ICE, with DHS claiming he had fled from agents and that a gun was recovered from his vehicle [5]. In a separate matter, one police chief in Broadview has been criticized online for “making excuses for not assisting ICE” [6].

References: [1] Trump Sending Troops To Portland To Protect ICE Facilities Amid Antifa, https://dailycaller.com/2025/09/27/donald-trump-deploys-troops-portland-immigration-customs-enforcement-ice-antifa/
[2] Portland mayor condemns federal intervention, claims videos of anti ICE riots were from years ago, https://nypost.com/2025/09/28/us-news/portland-mayor-keith-wilson-condemns-federal-intervention-claims-videos-of-anti-ice-riots-were-from-years-ago/
[3] Chaotic scenes at Chicago ice facility as protesters clash with border patrol., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1972113246107980217?s=46
[4] Jury Indict Women Who Hunted ICE Agent and Posted His Address Online, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2025/09/27/three-women-indicted-for-doxxing-ice-agent-after-livestreamed-pursuit-n2664080
[5] School Superintendent Allegedly Fled ICE Prior to Immigration Arrest, DHS Claims to Recover Gun from Vehicle, https://tennesseestar.com/education/school-superintendent-allegedly-fled-ice-prior-to-immigration-arrest-dhs-claims-to-recover-gun-from-vehicle/tpappert/2025/09/26/
[6] Broadview PD chief making excuses for not assisting ICE, https://x.com/Chicago_Goofies/status/1972290035891552519

2.3. United Kingdom Announces Digital ID to Curb Illegal Immigration

The United Kingdom is planning to implement a new immigration control measure under its new leadership. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has unveiled a plan to create a “Compulsory Digital ID to Curb Illegal Immigration” [1]. The headlines do not offer further details on the mechanism, privacy implications, or timeline of this proposed system.

References: [1] Keir Starmer Unveils Compulsory Digital ID to Curb Illegal Immigration, https://www.visaverge.com/news/keir-starmer-unveils-compulsory-digital-id-to-curb-illegal-immigration/

3. Federal and State Governance

3.1. Trump to Meet with Democratic Leaders on Looming Government Shutdown

With a government shutdown imminent, the White House is engaging in last-minute, high-stakes negotiations with congressional Democratic leadership. President Trump has reportedly agreed to a “last-minute meeting” with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to directly address the funding crisis [1]. The outcome of this meeting will be critical in determining whether federal operations are halted in the coming days.

References: [1] Trump agrees to last-minute meeting with Jeffries, Schumer on government shutdown, https://nypost.com/2025/09/28/us-news/president-trump-agrees-to-last-minute-meeting-with-hakeem-jeffries-chuck-schumer-on-government-shutdown/

3.2. Executive Branch Actions and Agency Oversight

The administration’s actions and oversight of federal agencies continue to draw intense media attention. The New York Post reports that President Trump “plans to crash” what is described as a “‘very nice’ mystery meeting” between Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and top military generals; the purpose of the original meeting is not specified [1]. In a separate matter concerning federal law enforcement, FBI Director Kash Patel has publicly alleged that his predecessor, Christopher Wray, “lied to Congress” about the role and number of FBI agents present during the events of January 6th [2]. Additionally, the Department of Justice is reportedly seeking the travel records of Fani Willis, though the context for this request is not specified in the headline [3].

References: [1] Trump plans to crash Hegseth’s ‘very nice’ mystery meeting with top generals, https://nypost.com/2025/09/28/us-news/trump-plans-to-crash-hegseths-mystery-meeting-with-generals/
[2] FBI’s Patel clarifies role of hundreds of agents on Jan 6, says Wray lied to Congress, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fbis-patel-clarifies-role-hundreds-agents-jan-6-says-wray-lied-congress
[3] DOJ Wants Fani Willis’ Travel Records, https://dailycaller.com/2025/09/27/doj-subpoenaed-fani-willis-travel-records/

3.3. National Political Discourse and State-Level Disputes

The national political climate remains highly contentious, marked by sharp personal attacks and policy standoffs. California Governor Gavin Newsom has reportedly spent an entire day defending his remark in which he called Stephen Miller a “fascist” [1]. This joins a report from the San Diego Union-Tribune containing “rare criticism” of Newsom, further highlighting divisions within his state [2]. From another political corner, a headline reports that former Vice President Kamala Harris has recalled her “stun” over what is described as “Biden’s botched debate response” concerning fallen service members in Afghanistan; the reference to “Biden” does not include a current title [3]. At the state level, an “exclusive” report claims that a state’s DHS commissioner informed GOP senators that “she won’t rescind [a] ‘racist’ hiring policy,” indicating deep policy friction, though the specific state is not named [4].

References: [1] Newsom Spends Entire Day Defending ‘Fascist’ Attack on Miller, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/09/28/newsom-spends-entire-day-defending-fascist-attack-on-miller/
[2] Rare criticism of CA governor Gavin Newsom from the San Diego Union-Tribune., /r/Conservative/comments/1nsr5e0/rare_criticism_of_ca_governor_gavin_newsom_from/
[3] Harris recalls stun over Biden’s botched debate response about fallen service members in Afghanistan, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/harris-recalls-stun-over-bidens-botched-debate-response-about-fallen-service-members-afghanistan
[4] EXCLUSIVE: State DHS commissioner tells GOP senators she won’t rescind ‘racist’ hiring policy, https://alphanews.org/exclusive-state-dhs-commissioner-tells-gop-senators-she-wont-rescind-racist-hiring-policy/

4. Foreign Policy & International Relations

4.1. Developments in Middle East Diplomacy and Conflict

Several significant, and in one case highly unusual, events have occurred concerning Middle East diplomacy at the United Nations and beyond. A leaked 21-point document reportedly detailing President Trump’s “full…Gaza peace plan” was said to have been “met with fanfare from Arab allies,” suggesting a potential new diplomatic path in the region [1]. In a startling event at the UN, a headline reports that the General Assembly gave a standing ovation to Ahmed al-Sharaa, who was further described in the headline as “Syria’s recent President and former ISIS/Al Qaeda leader” [2]. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used his address to the UN to deliver a stark message, stating that “Israel cannot be forced to destroy itself with a Palestinian state” [3].

References: [1] Leak reveals Trump’s full 21-point Gaza peace plan that was met with fanfare from Arab allies, https://nypost.com/2025/09/27/us-news/leak-reveals-trumps-full-21-point-gaza-peace-plan-that-was-met-with-fanfare-from-arab-allies/
[2] United Nations gives standing ovation to Syria’s recent President and former ISIS/Al Qaeda leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, https://news.un.org/en/story/2025/09/1165940
[3] Michael Goodwin: Netanyahu’s message to the UN is clear — Israel cannot be forced to destroy itself with a Palestinian state, https://nypost.com/2025/09/27/opinion/michael-goodwin-netanyahus-message-to-the-un-is-clear-israel-cannot-be-forced-to-destroy-itself-with-a-palestinian-state/

4.2. U.S. to Revoke Visa of Colombian President

The U.S. is taking direct and public diplomatic action against a Latin American head of state. A report from the New York Post indicates that the government intends “to revoke Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa” [1]. The stated reason for this punitive measure is reportedly Petro’s participation in a protest in New York City alongside activist Roger Waters.

References: [1] US to revoke Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s visa after NYC protest with Roger Waters, https://nypost.com/2025/09/27/us-news/us-to-revoke-colombian-president-gustavo-petros-visa-after-nyc-protest-with-roger-waters/

5. Economic & Fiscal Policy

5.1. Department of Energy Returns $13 Billion to Treasury

The Department of Energy has announced a significant return of unused federal funds to the U.S. Treasury. In an official statement from energy.gov, the department confirmed it is returning “$13 Billion in Unobligated Wasteful Spending to American Taxpayers” [1]. A separate report specifies that these funds were originally “intended for Joe Biden’s climate agenda,” indicating a major reversal of a previous administration’s spending priorities [2].

References: [1] Energy Department Returns $13 Billion in Unobligated Wasteful Spending to American Taxpayers, https://www.energy.gov/articles/energy-department-returns-13-billion-unobligated-wasteful-spending-american-taxpayers
[2] U.S. Department of Energy will return $13 billion intended for Joe Biden’s climate agenda to American taxpayers., https://x.com/LeadingReport/status/1972315059755081781?t=Ba2yfXf_MwAF0InExFbB5Q&s=19

5.2. Eric Adams Drops Out of NYC Mayoral Race

The landscape of the New York City mayoral race has shifted dramatically. Incumbent Mayor Eric Adams has announced he is dropping out, stating, “I know I cannot continue my campaign” amid what the media describes as “increasing pressure” [1]. This withdrawal has immediately altered the political calculus, with at least one report suggesting that a potential mayoral bid by a figure named Cuomo “has life now that Adams has bowed out” [2]. The headline does not specify a first name for the potential Cuomo candidacy.

References: [1] Eric Adams drops out of NYC mayoral race amid increasing pressure: ‘I know I cannot continue my campaign’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/28/us-news/eric-adams-drops-out-of-nyc-mayoral-race-amid-increasing-pressure-i-know-i-cannot-continue-my-campaign/
[2] Cuomo’s mayoral bid has life now that Adams has bowed out, https://nypost.com/2025/09/28/opinion/cuomos-mayoral-bid-has-life-now-that-adams-has-bowed-out-but-he-has-more-work-to-do-to-topple-mamdani/

6. Society, Culture, & Media

6.1. Threats to Freedom of Speech and Religion

Incidents of violence and disruption targeting religious acts have been reported both domestically and abroad, highlighting ongoing tensions over freedom of expression. In Texas, three people have been arrested after a youth baseball coach was shot while saying a pregame prayer on a ballfield, an attack on a public religious expression [1]. Internationally, a report indicates “Islamic radicals” disrupted church services in Karawaci, Indonesia [2]. These specific incidents occur alongside broader debates, with one commentary from Spiked-Online pointedly asking if it is a crime in the current climate to use profane language about a religion [3].

References: [1] Three Arrested After Youth Baseball Coach Shot While Saying Pregame Prayer on Texas Ballfield, https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2025/09/25/three-arrested-after-youth-baseball-coach-shot-while-saying-pregame-prayer-on-texas-ballfield/
[2] INDONESIA Karawaci: Islamic radicals disrupt services at Bethel Indonesia Church, https://www.asianews.it/news-en/Karawaci:-Islamic-radicals-disrupt-services-at-Bethel-Indonesia-Church-63949.html
[3] Is it a crime to say ‘F*** Islam’?, https://www.spiked-online.com/2025/09/26/is-it-a-crime-to-say-f-islam/

6.2. Organizations Reportedly Honoring Convicted Killers of Police

Two separate reports allege that political organizations are honoring individuals convicted of murdering police officers. The first, from the Washington Free Beacon, claims that an entity referred to as “Mamdani’s Political Party” is publicly mourning “Convicted Cop Killer Assata Shakur” [1]. The second report, from FrontPage Magazine, alleges the “Chicago Teachers’ Union Hails Terrorist Who Murdered Police Officer” [2]. The headlines do not provide further context on the individuals being honored or the specific actions taken by the organizations.

References: [1] Mamdani’s Political Party Mourns Convicted Cop Killer Assata Shakur, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/mamdanis-political-party-mourns-convicted-cop-killer-assata-shakur/
[2] Chicago Teachers’ Union Hails Terrorist Who Murdered Police Officer, https://www.frontpagemag.com/chicago-teachers-union-hails-terrorist-who-murdered-police-officer/

6.3. Cultural Debates and Social Commentary

Prominent cultural figures are weighing in on the nation’s deep political and social divisions. Political commentator Bill Maher is reportedly calling for ideological de-escalation, urging a “return to ‘old America’” and telling the left to “scale back radical ideology” and its “smug self-righteousness” [1]. He has also floated the idea of a “‘Grand Bargain’ Between Conservatives and Liberals” to broker peace [2]. In a separate cultural dispute, a Pro-Life group has publicly condemned a Catholic-affiliated award given to Senator Dick Durbin, arguing, “You Can’t be Catholic and Pro-Abortion” [3].

References: [1] Bill Maher calls for a return to ‘old America,’ tells left to scale back radical ideology: ‘Smug self-righteousness’, https://nypost.com/2025/09/27/media/bill-maher-calls-for-a-return-to-old-america-tells-left-to-scale-back-progressive-ideology/
[2] What Do You Think About Bill Maher’s ‘Grand Bargain’ Between Conservatives and Liberals?, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2025/09/28/what-do-you-think-about-bill-mahers-grand-bargain-between-conservatives-and-liberals-n2664067
[3] Pro-Life Group Slams Award for Dick Durbin: You Can’t be Catholic and Pro-Abortion, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/09/26/pro-life-group-slams-award-for-dick-durbin-you-cant-be-catholic-and-pro-abortion/