[Tuesday, October 07] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-10-07 2194 words 11 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare October 7, 2025

Executive Summary

FBI Under Fire and Reform: Explosive reports allege the FBI under the previous administration spied on eight GOP senators. In response, current FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly fired agents and dismantled an internal unit.
Shutdown Intensifies: The government shutdown is causing major service disruptions, including at airports. The White House now threatens no back pay for federal workers and warns of looming permanent layoffs.
Federal-Local Tensions: Clashes over immigration are escalating, with Chicago establishing ‘ICE-free zones’ and facing riots. The Trump administration is deploying the National Guard to address urban crime in cities like Chicago and Portland.
October 7 Anniversary: The second anniversary of the Hamas terror attacks is marked by a new rocket attack from Gaza, stalled hostage talks, and starkly contrasting observances in the U.S. and Israel.

1. Justice Department and Intelligence Agency Scrutiny

1.1. Allegations of FBI Surveillance on Members of Congress

Reports based on a newly surfaced document allege that the FBI under the previous administration conducted surveillance on eight Republican senators [1]. One headline describes the alleged spying as “arguably worse than Watergate” [1]. The surveillance is reportedly linked to Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the events of January 6, with his team said to have tracked the phone calls of the GOP senators [2]. These revelations have triggered renewed scrutiny of both Jack Smith and former FBI Director Chris Wray [3]. The Congressional response has been sharp, with Senator Josh Hawley described as “ballistic” during a hearing where he accused Democrats of denying the “weaponized” use of government to target conservatives [4].

References:
[1] Biden FBI spied on eight GOP senators, damning new doc claims: ‘Arguably worse than Watergate’, https://nypost.com/2025/10/06/us-news/biden-fbi-spied-on-eight-gop-senators-damning-new-doc-claims-arguably-worse-than-watergate/

[2] Jack Smith tracked calls of GOP senators during Jan. 6 investigation: FBI, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3839645/jack-smith-tracked-calls-gop-senators-jan-6-probe-fbi/

[3] Bombshell document showing FBI snooped on Congress renews scrutiny on Jack Smith, Chris Wray, https://justthenews.com/government/congress/docs-showing-fbi-snooped-congress-january-6-inquiry-brings-more-scrutiny-jack

[4] Senator Hawley goes ballistic over democrats denying Biden weaponized the gov’t targeting conservatives including new wiretapping revelations, https://x.com/GuntherEagleman/status/1975584131409965560

1.2. Internal FBI Reforms and Disciplinary Actions

In a direct response to the surveillance revelations, current FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly initiated significant disciplinary measures. Headlines state that Patel has fired agents and dismantled an internal “corruption squad” that was allegedly involved in the monitoring of the Republican senators [1]. The actions are characterized as the Director bringing “consequences to entire team that spied on Republican Senators” [2], signaling a decisive move to address the controversy internally.

References:
[1] FBI fires agents, dismantles corruption squad after probe unveils monitoring of GOP senators, Patel says, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fbi-fires-agents-dismantles-corruption-squad-after-probe-unveils-monitoring-gop-senators-patel-says

[2] You’re Fired! FBI Director Patel Brings Consequences to Entire Team That Spied on Republican Senators, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/10/07/youre-fired-fbi-director-patel-brings-consequences-to-entire-team-that-spied-on-republican-senators-n2194816

1.3. Investigations into Past Administrations

Attorney General Pam Bondi has confirmed that the FBI is actively investigating bribery evidence related to the Biden family, stating the bureau is “‘working hard’” on the matter [1]. Parallel to this, newly released records suggest that while in office, then-President Biden sought to prevent the dissemination of intelligence that showed “Ukrainian concerns over family’s ‘corrupt’ business ties” [2]. Another report alleges that Biden asked the CIA to “bury” a report on a visit to Ukraine, which dealt with a perceived “corruption ‘double standard’” [3].

References:
[1] FBI ‘working hard’ to investigate Biden bribery evidence: Bondi, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3840762/fbi-working-hard-investigate-biden-bribery-evidence-pam-bondi/

[2] Biden didn’t want intel disseminated showing Ukrainian concerns over family’s ‘corrupt’ business ties: records, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/biden-blocked-dissemination-intel-showing-ukrainian-officials-concerns-familys-corrupt-business-ties

[3] Biden Asked CIA to Bury Report on Ukraine Visit, Corruption ‘Double Standard’, https://www.nationalreview.com/news/biden-asked-cia-to-bury-report-on-ukraine-visit-corruption-double-standard/

1.4. Other Legal and Judicial Affairs

Attorney General Pam Bondi is reportedly facing a “Senate grilling” over claims of “political pressure on the DOJ” [1]. In a separate judicial matter, Senator Ted Cruz has publicly called for the impeachment of a “Biden judge” who presided over the case involving the attempted assassination of Justice Kavanaugh [2]. At the local level, the District Attorney in Portland, Oregon, has dropped charges against a conservative journalist who was reportedly attacked by Antifa activists, a move drawing criticism [3].

References:
[1] Trump admin live updates: AG Pam Bondi facing Senate grilling over claims of political pressure on the DOJ, https://nypost.com/2025/10/06/us-news/trump-live-updates-news-oct-6-7/

[2] Cruz calls to impeach Biden judge who oversaw Kavanaugh assassination case, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/3839224/ted-cruz-impeach-biden-judge-kavanaugh-assassination-case/

[3] Portland DA Drops Charges Against Conservative Journalist Who Was Attacked by Antifa, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/cnsnews/craig-bannister/2025/10/06/portland-da-drops-charges-against-conservative-journalist

2. Government Shutdown and Federal Operations

2.1. Federal Worker Pay and Service Disruptions

The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant and tangible consequences. A critical service failure occurred at the Burbank, California airport, which operated “for hours” without air traffic controllers [1]. The Trump administration has issued stern warnings to federal employees, threatening that there will be no back pay [2] and that workers will not receive their “next full paycheck” unless a resolution is reached [3]. Compounding this, the White House has warned of a “looming layoff threat” if the shutdown persists [4].

References:
[1] Burbank, California airport goes without air traffic controllers for hours amid government shutdown, https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/burbank-california-airport-goes-without-air-traffic-controllers-hours-amid-government-shutdown

[2] Trump administration threatens no back pay for federal workers in shutdown, https://apnews.com/article/trump-federal-workers-back-bay-shutdown-785eb776d2312d1f68f7e91961d0a93a?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-10-07-Government+shutdown

[3] White House: Federal Workers Won’t Receive ‘Next Full Paycheck’ Unless Dems End Shutdown Tonight, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/10/06/white-house-federal-workers-wont-receive-next-full-paycheck-unless-dems-end-shutdown-tonight/

[4] White House warns of looming layoff threat as US shutdown continues - US News | The Financial Express, https://www.financialexpress.com/world-news/us-news/white-house-says-no-layoffs-yet-from-shutdown-but-threat-looms/4000737/

2.2. Political Stalemate and Executive Actions

President Trump is escalating pressure to end the shutdown stalemate. He has publicly issued a “deadline for when permanent government firings will begin,” targeting Democrats with the ultimatum [1]. Concurrently, the President has explicitly blamed Democrats for “shutting down” the government and has demanded it be reopened “tonight” [2]. This rhetoric indicates a hardening executive posture aimed at forcing a legislative resolution.

References:
[1] Trump Gives Democrats Deadline For When Permanent Government Firings Will Begin, https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/07/trump-gives-democrats-deadline-for-when-permanent-government-firings-will-begin/

[2] Trump slams Democrats for ‘shutting down’ government, demands it reopen ‘tonight’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-slams-democrats-shutting-down-government-demands-reopen-tonight

3. Domestic Security and Enforcement

3.1. Immigration: Enforcement, Crime, and Federal-Local Tensions

Immigration enforcement and its consequences are at the forefront of domestic security news. The Department of Homeland Security has stated that ICE is on a trajectory to deport 600,000 migrants in 2025, noting a total of two million people “have left the country” under the administration’s policies [1]. This federal push is meeting significant local resistance, most notably in Chicago. The city’s mayor has established ‘ICE-free zones’ and banned federal agents from all city and public property [2]. This follows an incident where city police allegedly withheld backup from ICE agents during a confrontation [3]. A far-left professor, Eman Abdelhadi, has now been charged with violent felonies after riots at a Chicago ICE facility [4]. Meanwhile, several high-profile crimes are being linked to immigration in reports. In Illinois, federal officials announced a Latin Kings gang member was arrested for placing a ‘hit’ on Border Patrol Chief Bovino [5]. In another state, a “previously deported” driver was charged with murdering six people [6].

References:
[1] Trump’s ICE on track to deport 600K migrants in 2025, 2 million have left the country, DHS says, https://nypost.com/2025/10/07/us-news/trumps-ice-on-track-to-deport-600k-migrants-in-2025-2-million-have-left-the-country-dhs-says/

[2] Chicago mayor creates ‘ICE-free zones’ to block federal agents from city property, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/chicago-mayor-creates-ice-free-zones-block-federal-agents-from-city-property

[3] Chicago Bans ICE From Public Areas After Withholding Police Backup From Battered ICE Agents, https://thefederalist.com/2025/10/07/chicago-bans-ice-from-public-areas-after-withholding-police-backup-from-battered-ice-agents/

[4] Far-left professor Eman Abdelhadi charged with violent felonies after Chicago ICE facility riots, https://nypost.com/2025/10/07/us-news/professor-eman-abdelhadi-charged-after-violent-chicago-ice-riots/

[5] Latin Kings Gang Member Arrested in Illinois After Placing Hit on Commander at Large Border Patrol Chief Bovino, https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/10/06/latin-kings-gang-member-arrested-illinois-after-placing-hit-commander-large-border

[6] Previously deported blue state driver charged with murdering six people in crash: report, https://www.foxnews.com/us/previously-deported-blue-state-driver-charged-murdering-six-people-crash-report

3.2. Federal Intervention in Urban Crime

The Trump administration is deploying federal assets to combat crime in major cities. President Trump has ordered 400 National Guard troops to Chicago, a decision that a report claims drew a positive response from Pope Leo XIV [1]. The deployment comes as an unnamed “blue city” reported 22 shootings and four murders in a single weekend amid a “feud with feds” [2]. In Portland, business owners are raising alarms over a “crime crisis” as they anticipate a similar National Guard intervention in their city [3].

References:
[1] When Asked About President Trump’s Decision to Send 400 National Guard Troops to Chicago, Pope Leo XIV’s Response Is What a Real Pope Sounds Like! (Video), https://www.rightjournalism.com/when-asked-about-president-trumps-decision-to-send-400-national-guard-troops-to-chicago-pope-leo-xivs-response-is-what-a-real-pope-sounds-like-video/

[2] Blue city records 22 shootings and four murders over the weekend amid feud with feds, https://www.foxnews.com/us/blue-city-records-22-shootings-four-murders-over-weekend-feud-feds

[3] Portland business owners sound alarm over crime crisis amid National Guard push, https://www.foxnews.com/media/portland-business-owners-plead-help-trump-pushes-keep-troops-city

4. Foreign Affairs and National Security

4.1. Second Anniversary of the October 7 Attacks

Today marks two years since the October 7 terror attacks, with tensions remaining exceptionally high. Gazan terrorists fired a rocket toward southern Israel today, coinciding with the anniversary [1]. Hamas has publicly celebrated the date, with one report quoting the group calling the attack a “glorious day” [2]. Hostage negotiations are reportedly stalled, as Hamas is balking at the talks and demanding the release of “top terrorists” in exchange for a remaining hostage [3]. The human toll continues to be a focus, with one account detailing the starvation and abuse suffered by released hostage Eli Sharabi [4]. In the U.S., the anniversary is being marked by planned pro-Hamas celebrations at American universities, creating a stark and divisive contrast with the solemn mourning in Israel [5].

References:
[1] Gazan terrorists fire rocket toward southern Israel on second anniversary of Oct. 7, https://nypost.com/2025/10/07/world-news/gazan-terrorists-fire-rocket-at-israel-on-second-anniversary-of-oct-7/

[2] Hamas celebrates two years since October 7, calls terror attack a ‘glorious day’, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-869653

[3] Hamas balks at truce talks, demands release of top terrorists in exchange for hostage, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/s16vg6mtgg

[4] Hostage Eli Sharabi was starved and beaten by Hamas. But even worse cruelty came after he was released, https://nypost.com/2025/10/07/world-news/eli-sharabi-was-beaten-by-hamas-but-the-worse-was-yet-to-come/

[5] October 7 Second Anniversary: Israel Mourns While Pro-Hamas Celebrations Planned at American Universities, https://redstate.com/john-doe/2025/10/07/october-7-second-anniversary-israel-mourns-while-pro-hamas-celebrations-planned-at-american-universities-n2194800

4.2. Russia/NATO Tensions and U.S. Foreign Aid

A single report from a British tabloid claims Russian President Vladimir Putin is “discussing attack on NATO” and that a warning has been “issued to all of Europe” [1]. The specifics and origin of this warning are not detailed further in the headline. Separately, when asked about military aid, President Trump stated he is “‘Sort Of’ Ready to Send Tomahawks to Ukraine, NATO” [2]. The quote’s ambiguity suggests a conditional or undecided stance, with no further specifics provided.

References:
[1] Vladimir Putin ‘discussing attack on NATO’ as warning issued to all of Europe - The Mirror, https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/world-news/warning-vladimir-putin-discussing-attack-36023754

[2] Trump: ‘Sort Of’ Ready to Send Tomahawks to Ukraine, NATO, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/donald-trump-tomahawks-nato/2025/10/06/id/1229257/

5. Economic and Domestic Policy

5.1. New Economic Policies on Trade and Student Loans

President Trump has announced a new trade action, imposing a “25% tariff on medium- and heavy-duty trucks” [1]. In a separate policy development, the administration is reportedly exploring the possibility of selling portions of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio [2]. This suggests a potential move toward privatizing parts of the nation’s student debt.

References:
[1] Trump announces 25% tariff on medium- and heavy-duty trucks, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trump-announces-25-tariff-medium-heavy-duty-trucks

[2] Trump Admin Reportedly Floats Selling Parts Of $1.6 Trillion Federal Student Loan Portfolio, https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/07/trump-admin-reportedly-considering-selling-part-of-student-loan-debt/

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments regarding state-level bans on “‘conversion therapy’ for LBGTQ+ kids.” Early reports suggest the Court “seems skeptical” about the constitutionality of such bans [1]. On a separate social issue, reports on abortion rates are conflicting; one headline states that abortions have declined in Ohio [2], while another analysis argues that, contrary to media claims, abortions have likely not dropped nationwide in 2025 [3].

References:
[1] Supreme Court seems skeptical about state bans on ‘conversion therapy’ for LBGTQ+ kids, https://apnews.com/article/supreme-court-lgbtq-conversation-therapy-transgender-1b10b8e959e2e9284724f4f65efe5f7d

[2] Abortions Decline in Ohio as More Babies are Saved, https://www.lifenews.com/2025/10/06/abortions-decline-in-ohio-as-more-babies-are-saved/

[3] Despite media claims, abortions likely haven’t dropped in 2025. Here’s why., https://www.liveaction.org/news/despite-media-claims-abortions-havent-dropped-2025

6. U.S. Politics and Domestic Threats

6.1. Foiled Attack at Supreme Court Event

A major security incident was thwarted outside a church hosting a Supreme Court event, where police arrested a man possessing “200 explosives and a leftist manifesto” [1]. According to documents cited in another report, the individual was “anti ICE and SCOTUS” and had also threatened to “blow up a Catholic church” [2]. This arrest highlights a direct and severe threat against government institutions and religious sites.

References:
[1] Man With 200 Explosives And Leftist Manifesto Arrested Outside Supreme Court Event At Church: Police, https://www.dailywire.com/news/man-with-200-explosives-and-leftist-manifesto-arrested-outside-supreme-court-event-at-church-police

[2] Man Who Allegedly Threatened To Blow Up Catholic Church Was Anti ICE And SCOTUS, Docs Say, https://dailycaller.com/2025/10/07/threats-blow-up-catholic-church-anti-ice-scotus-jews-dc/

6.2. Media Leadership and Political Commentary

A significant leadership change at CBS News is causing internal turmoil. The appointment of Bari Weiss as the new head has reportedly led to a “meltdown” among some news staffers [1]. In political commentary, an ex-MSNBC analyst has named Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as “losers of the week,” a development one headline describes as “not good for Dems” [2].

References:
[1] ‘What the F—?’: CBS News Staffers Melt Down Over New Boss Bari Weiss, https://freebeacon.com/media/what-the-f-k-cbs-news-staffers-melt-down-over-new-boss-bari-weiss/

[2] An Ex-MSNBC Analyst Named These Two Losers of the Week. It’s Not Good for Dems. (Chuck and Hakeem), https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2025/10/07/an-ex-msnbc-analyst-named-these-two-the-losers-of-the-week-its-not-good-for-dems-n2664564?utm_source=thdaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=nl&bcid=423032bd82cdd267a80be66cf5bf343ed2f50ca9016941957148e16543575711&lctg=21821382