[Thursday, November 13] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare November 13, 2025

Executive Summary

• The record 43-day government shutdown has ended after President Trump signed a funding bill passed by the House. A partisan blame game has erupted in its wake.
• A major controversy over released Jeffrey Epstein documents has ignited, with Republicans and Democrats accusing each other of selective leaks and creating politically motivated “hoaxes.”
• Significant legal actions are targeting political figures, including a federal indictment against Governor Newsom’s former chief of staff and a mortgage fraud referral to the DOJ for Representative Eric Swalwell.
• Federal immigration enforcement faces a major challenge in Chicago after a judge ordered the release of hundreds of previously arrested criminal illegal aliens.
• The Dow Jones Industrial Average is approaching the 50,000 milestone, while major employers warn of a critical shortage of skilled manual labor.

1. Congressional & Executive Actions

1.1. Government Shutdown Resolution

The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has formally concluded after President Trump signed a new government funding bill into law, ending a record 43-day disruption of federal services [1]. The legislative resolution came after the U.S. House of Representatives gave its final passage to a measure to reopen the government, sending the bill to the President’s desk after a protracted and unprecedented standoff [2]. The final vote in the House was 222-209, a narrow margin reflecting the deep partisan divisions over the preceding conflict [3]. In a notable break from party leadership, six House Democrats voted with the Republican majority to end the shutdown, providing a critical margin for the bill’s passage and signaling internal friction within the Democratic caucus over the shutdown strategy [4].

References

[1] President Trump signs government funding bill, ending shutdown after a record 43-day disruption, https://apnews.com/article/government-shutdown-reopen-update-house-returns-5771f2befb15f4ab45e327369f2e98d9
[2] House votes to end unprecedented government shutdown after 43 days, sending funding bill to Trump’s desk, https://nypost.com/2025/11/12/us-news/house-votes-to-end-unprecedented-government-shutdown-after-42-days/
[3] U.S. House gives FINAL PASSAGE to reopen the federal government, now en route to the desk of PRESIDENT TRUMP. 222-209, https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1988779456165519746?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1988779456165519746%7Ctwgr%5E2654dbb3aa922c81d5a07d81013e490125ff3576%7Ctwcon%5Es1_
[4] 6 House Democrats explain breaking with party to end shutdown, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/6-house-democrats-explain-breaking-party-end-shutdown

1.2. Political Blame & Commentary On The Shutdown

In the immediate aftermath of the 43-day shutdown, political figures have moved quickly to assign blame and frame the narrative. President Trump characterized the event as a “Democrat Shutdown” and stated unequivocally, “We Will Never Give in to Extortion, Because that’s What It Was” [1]. Within the Democratic party, signs of internal tension have become public. Senator John Fetterman issued a challenge to Senator Bernie Sanders, demanding he explain his role in allowing “42 million Americans face mass food insecurity” during the standoff [2]. In a contrasting view, Democratic Representative Dean reportedly described the shutdown as “Very Successful,” arguing that it effectively made the public “Focus” on health care [3]. From a Republican-aligned viewpoint, Stephen Miller offered a blunt assessment, declaring that Democrats “got NOTHING!” for their efforts [4].

References

[1] Trump Reopens Government After 43 Days of Democrat Shutdown: ‘We Will Never Give in to Extortion, Because that’s What It Was’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/12/trump-signs-bill-to-reopen-government-after-43-days-of-democrat-shutdown/
[2] Fetterman says Sanders should explain letting ‘42 million Americans face mass food insecurity’ during shutdown, https://www.foxnews.com/media/fetterman-says-sanders-should-explain-letting-42-million-americans-face-mass-food-insecurity-during-shutdown
[3] Dem Rep. Dean: Shutdown Made People ‘Focus’ on Health Care, ‘Very Successful’, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/11/13/dem-rep-dean-shutdown-made-people-focus-on-health-care-very-successful/
[4] Stephen Miller goes scorched earth on Democrats over the government shutdown. “They got NOTHING!”, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1988822008231031088?s=46

1.3. Other Executive Actions

President Trump has signed an Executive Order with the stated goal of providing assistance to older children currently within the foster care system [1]. The provided news headline does not offer any specific details on the mechanisms, funding, or scope of this new executive action.

References

[1] Trump Signs EO to Help Older Foster Kids, https://redstate.com/katie-jerkovich/2025/11/13/trump-signs-melania-led-executive-order-which-could-change-the-lives-of-older-foster-kids-n2196180

2. Justice, Investigations, and Crime

2.1. The Epstein Documents Controversy

A significant political and media battle has erupted over the public release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Republican-aligned media sources allege that Democrats first blocked the full release of the Epstein files [1] and subsequently disseminated “three cherrypicked Epstein emails.” This action reportedly prompted a GOP counter-move to release a trove of 20,000 documents [2]. One of the newly released emails reportedly shows a biographer encouraging Epstein to publicly criticize then-private citizen Donald Trump in order to create “political cover” for himself [3]. The White House has mounted a strong counter-narrative, highlighting an Epstein victim who allegedly “spent hours” with Trump and consistently stated that he “never did anything wrong” [4]. In response to the initial limited release, Republicans have slammed the Democratic effort as a “hoax” designed to “create a fake narrative” around the President [5].

References

[1] This Says It All: Democrats Block the Release of the Epstein Files, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/11/13/democrats-block-release-of-the-epstein-files-gee-i-wonder-why-n4945944
[2] Democrats Released Three Cherrypicked Epstein Emails… So the GOP Released 20,000, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/11/12/democrats-released-three-cherrypicked-epstein-emails-so-the-gop-released-20000-n4945930
[3] Biographer urged Epstein to bash Trump for ‘political cover’ in newly released emails, https://www.foxnews.com/us/biographer-urged-epstein-bash-trump-political-cover-newly-released-emails
[4] Furious White House reveals Jeffrey Epstein victim who ‘spent hours’ with Trump — and she always said he never did anything wrong, https://nypost.com/2025/11/12/us-news/jeffrey-epstein-claimed-donald-trump-knew-about-the-girls-in-2019-email/
[5] ‘Hoax’: Republicans slam Democrats for sharing altered Epstein documents to ‘create a fake narrative’ around Trump, https://www.theblaze.com/news/hoax-democrats-caught-altering-epstein-documents-to-create-a-fake-narrative-around-trump

2.2. Investigations of Political Figures (Federal & State)

Several public officials and high-profile figures are facing serious legal scrutiny. In a major development out of California, the Department of Justice announced that Dana Williamson, former chief of staff to Governor Gavin Newsom, has been indicted in an FBI-led public corruption probe on charges of “conspiring to defraud the United States” [1]. At the federal level, a criminal referral has been made to the DOJ against Representative Eric Swalwell, who is accused of mortgage fraud [2]. Separately, questions are surfacing about past federal investigations. One report claims that DOJ officials with ties to Special Counsel Jack Smith “appeared to nix” a probe into the Clinton campaign’s funding of the Steele dossier [3]. In another ongoing matter, the DOJ is reportedly arguing against the dismissal of cases involving “Comey, James” over what is described in a headline as a “paperwork error” [4].

References

[1] The Justice Department (DOJ) on Wednesday announced California Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson, has been indicted and accused of corruption and conspiring to defraud the United States, https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/justice-department-announces-indictment-former-newsom-chief-staff-over
[2] Eric Swalwell criminally referred to DOJ, accused of mortgage fraud, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-doj-opens-mortgage-fraud-probe-eric-swalwell-congressman-vows-keep-fighting-back
[3] DOJ brass tied to Jack Smith appeared to nix probe into Clinton campaign funding of Steele dossier, https://justthenews.com/government/federal-agencies/doj-leaders-tied-jack-smith-shut-down-fbi-inquiry-clinton-campaign
[4] DOJ says don’t toss Comey, James cases over ‘paperwork error’, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3886117/doj-urges-judge-not-toss-comey-letitia-james-cases-paperwork-error-lindsey-halligan/

2.3. Law Enforcement and Public Safety Incidents

Several notable public safety and law enforcement incidents have been reported across the country. The Department of Justice has confirmed it is actively searching for a suspect following an attack on the office of Alina Habba [1]. In California, an active shooter event at a college resulted in at least one person being shot; details remain limited [2]. In Massachusetts, state and local authorities have concluded a three-day sting operation targeting child pornography, which resulted in 56 arrests [3]. In civil aviation, an American Airlines flight that was carrying four members of Congress was diverted after a passenger became disruptive and reportedly began shouting about living in a “fascist state” [4].

References

[1] DOJ searching for suspect who attacked Alina Habba’s office, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3886241/doj-searching-suspect-attacked-alina-habba-office-pam-bondi/
[2] At least 1 shot after gunman opens fire at California college, https://www.foxnews.com/us/least-1-shot-after-gunman-opens-fire-california-college
[3] Authorities Arrest 56 People In 3-Day Child Porn Sting Sweeping Massachusetts, https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/12/56-arrested-massachusetts-child-porn-sting-operation-firewall/
[4] American Airlines flight carrying 4 congressmen diverted over disruptive passenger who shouted about ‘fascist state’, https://nypost.com/2025/11/13/us-news/american-airlines-flight-carrying-4-congressmen-diverted-over-disruptive-passenger-who-shouted-about-fascist-state/

3. Immigration & Border Security

3.1. Federal and State Enforcement Actions

A significant immigration-related enforcement action has taken place in California, where the state has revoked 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses that had been issued to migrants. A news release on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s official website attributes this move directly to an exposé by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, which revealed California had “Illegally Issued” the licenses [1]. In a public statement, however, California Governor Gavin Newsom has denied that the individuals’ immigration status was the reason for the mass revocation [2]. In a separate federal incident, the Department of Homeland Security has alleged that a Democratic Senate staffer was captured on video while posing as a lawyer for a “four-time deported illegal” alien during an encounter with authorities [3].

References

[1] NEWSOM CAUGHT REDHANDED: Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Exposes California Illegally Issued 17,000 Commercial Driver’s Licenses, Gets Them Canceled, https://www.transportation.gov/briefing-room/newsom-caught-redhanded-trumps-transportation-secretary-sean-p-duffy-exposes
[2] California revokes 17K commercial licenses given to migrants — but Gavin Newsom denies that immigration was the reason, https://nypost.com/2025/11/12/us-news/california-revokes-17k-commercial-licenses-given-to-migrants-but-gavin-newsom-denies-that-immigration-was-the-reason/
[3] Democrat Senate Staffer Caught On Video Posing As Lawyer For Four-Time Deported Illegal, DHS Alleges, https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/12/tammy-duckworth-staffer-edward-york-jose-ismeal-ayuzo-sandoval/

3.2. Legal and Local Challenges to Immigration Policy

Federal immigration enforcement efforts are encountering direct judicial and political opposition in the city of Chicago. A judge in the city has issued an order mandating the release of hundreds of “criminal illegal aliens” who were previously arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [1]. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a sharp public rebuke, blasting the “‘ACTIVIST’ Biden judge” for a decision that will “pause deportations” in the area [2]. The DHS also directed pointed criticism at Chicago’s mayor, accusing the local leader of comparing an immigration “raid leader” to “segregationists” and of engaging in “terror” [3].

References

[1] Chicago Judge Orders Release of Hundreds of Criminal Illegal Aliens Arrested by ICE, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/11/13/chicago-judge-orders-release-of-hundreds-of-criminal-illegal-aliens-arrested-by-ice/
[2] DHS blasts ‘ACTIVIST’ Biden judge’s order to cut loose hundreds of illegal aliens in Chicago, pause deportations, https://www.theblaze.com/news/dhs-blasts-activist-biden-judges-order-to-cut-loose-hundreds-of-illegal-aliens-in-chicago-pause-deportations
[3] DHS blasts Chicago mayor for comparing raid leader to segregationists, accusing him of ’terror’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dhs-blasts-chicago-mayor-accusing-raid-leader-racist-terror-comparison-segregationist-governors

4. Foreign Policy & National Security

4.1. Counter-Terrorism and International Relations

The Trump administration’s counter-terrorism policy is reportedly creating new friction with European allies. The State Department has officially designated four European groups as “Global Terrorists,” a move that one conservative outlet suggests is a precursor to “Coming for Antifa” [1]. This development appears to be linked with a sharp response from Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is said to have “torched” European Union officials for their claims that recent U.S. “narco-terrorist strikes” are in violation of international law [2]. On a separate domestic national security matter, a group of GOP senators has reportedly won a procedural victory in federal court, gaining the “right to sue over Biden’s ‘Arctic Frost’ spying” program. The headlines provide no further context on this initiative or its origins [3].

References

[1] Coming for Antifa: State Department Officially Designates 4 Euro Groups As ‘Global Terrorists’, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2025/11/13/its-official-state-department-designates-euro-antifa-groups-as-global-terrorists-n2196166
[2] Marco Rubio Torches EU Officials Who Claim That U.S. Narco-Terrorist Strikes Violate International Law, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/11/13/marco-rubio-claps-back-at-eu-critics-who-say-military-strikes-violate-international-law-n2666384
[3] GOP senators win right to sue over Biden’s ‘Arctic Frost’ spying, https://mxmnews.com/article/12fca50b-c6a6-4603-a950-cf8c6d184a4f?gop-senators-win-right-to-sue-over-biden-s-arctic-frost-spying

4.2. Strategic Competition with China & Russia

Reports are tracking technological, economic, and law enforcement developments related to U.S. strategic competitors. An analysis in the Wall Street Journal asserts that “China’s Green Energy ‘Revolution’ Is Powered by Coal,” questioning the environmental basis of its rapid industrial expansion in the sector [1]. In a U.S. law enforcement action, a Chinese scientist is slated for deportation from the U.S. after pleading guilty in what reports describe as a “fungus smuggling case” [2]. Concurrently, Russia has reportedly unveiled a new “AI-powered, human-like walking robot,” signaling continued advances in its robotics and artificial intelligence programs [3].

References

[1] China’s Green Energy ‘Revolution’ Is Powered by Coal, https://www.wsj.com/opinion/chinas-green-energy-revolution-is-powered-by-coal-8af17c4a
[2] Chinese scientist to be deported after pleading guilty in fungus smuggling case, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/watch/2400517/
[3] Russia just unveiled its AI-powered, human-like walking robot…, https://www.reddit.com/r/Conservative/comments/1ow95on/russia_just_unveiled_its_aipowered_humanlike/

4.3. International Diplomacy (UK & Middle East)

Tension has been noted in the U.S.-UK relationship over a key energy contract. The U.S. government has officially expressed that it is “disappointed” that British firm Rolls-Royce will be the company to build the United Kingdom’s first small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) [1]. In the Middle East, President Trump has made a direct diplomatic appeal concerning an internal Israeli legal matter. He has reportedly asked the President of Israel to issue a pardon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describing Netanyahu’s ongoing trial as “unjustified” [2].

References

[1] US ‘disappointed’ that Rolls-Royce will build UK’s first small modular reactors, https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/nov/13/us-disappointed-that-rolls-royce-will-build-uks-first-small-modular-reactors
[2] Trump Asks Israel’s President to Pardon Netanyahu, Calls Trial Unjustified, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/12/trump-formally-asks-israels-president-to-fully-pardon-netanyahu-calls-trial-a-political-unjustified-prosecution/

5. The Economy, Fiscal Policy & Labor

5.1. Government Spending, Welfare, and Fraud

The Trump administration and independent watchdogs are drawing significant attention to allegations of massive fraud within federal welfare and entitlement programs. The administration is reportedly taking action to recover over $1 billion in Medicaid funds that it claims were provided to illegal immigrants [1]. This effort coincides with a new report from a watchdog group that has identified “hundreds of millions” in improper Medicaid payments that were directed to deceased or so-called “‘Walking Dead’ enrollees” [2]. Furthermore, the Secretary of Agriculture has reportedly exposed a “huge EBT fraud scandal,” which one outlet characterized as evidence of a system that is “Broken And Corrupt” [3].

References

[1] Trump admin. works to recover over $1 billion in Medicaid money; says given to illegal immigrants, https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/trump-admin-works-to-recover-over-1b-in-medicaid-money-says-given-to-illegal-immigrants-blue-states-cms-health-care-hhs-state
[2] EXCLUSIVE: Watchdog Sounds Alarm On Hundreds Of Millions In Medicaid Payments To ‘Walking Dead’ Enrollees, https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/13/exclusive-watchdog-sounds-alarm-on-hundreds-of-millions-in-medicaid-payments-to-walking-dead-enrollees/
[3] “Broken And Corrupt”: Ag Secretary Exposes Huge EBT Fraud Scandal - The American Tribune.com, https://theamericantribune.com/broken-and-corrupt-ag-secretary-exposes-huge-ebt-fraud-scandal/

5.2. Economic Indicators & Labor Market Conditions

A major U.S. stock market milestone is on the horizon, with one financial news outlet noting, “The Dow Is Close to 50,000,” and questioning the rapid pace of its ascent [1]. In the labor market, a critical skills shortage is impacting the automotive industry. The CEO of Ford has stated there is a national “shortage of manually skilled workers,” leaving his company with 5,000 unfilled mechanic jobs offering six-figure salaries. He warned, “We are in trouble in our country” [2]. In another labor development, the union for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) has voiced outrage over a “shocking” and “callous” demand for staff to return to in-person work [3].

References

[1] The Dow Is Close to 50,000. How the Heck Did We Get Here So Fast?, https://www.barrons.com/articles/dow-jones-industrial-average-50000-stocks-1ecaf2b4?st=kLBdCm
[2] Ford CEO says he has 5,000 open mechanic jobs with 6-figure salaries from the shortage of manually skilled workers: ‘We are in trouble in our country’, https://fortune.com/2025/11/12/ford-ceo-manufacturing-jobs-trade-schools-we-are-in-trouble-in-our-country/
[3] DNC union erupts in outrage over ‘shocking’ and ‘callous’ demand to work in-person, https://nypost.com/2025/11/13/us-news/dnc-union-erupts-in-outrage-over-shocking-and-callous-demand-to-work-in-person/

6. U.S. Politics, Media & Culture

6.1. Internal Party Politics and Electoral Commentary

Political rhetoric appears to be escalating, with multiple reports referencing the term “civil war.” Prominent commentator Joe Rogan is quoted warning that “leftist celebrations” of the assassination of pundit Charlie Kirk are pushing the U.S. closer to that outcome [1]. In a separate report, a headline claims a “Democrat civil war erupts” after a moderate party member accused a progressive colleague of working to undermine “free and fair elections” [2]. In a specific electoral contest, a Michigan Senate candidate, Abdul El-Sayed, is alleged to have previously helped lead an “anti-police group” that organized a Detroit protest which ultimately turned into a “deadly riot” [3].

References

[1] Joe Rogan Warns Leftist Celebrations of Charlie Kirk’s Assassination Brings U.S. Closer to ‘Civil War’, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/11/12/joe-rogan-warns-leftist-celebrations-of-charlie-kirks-assassination-brings-u-s-closer-to-civil-war/
[2] Democrat civil war erupts after moderate accuses progressive of undermining ‘free and fair elections’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democrat-civil-war-erupts-after-moderate-accuses-progressive-undermining-free-fair-elections
[3] Michigan Senate Candidate Abdul El-Sayed Helped Lead AntiPolice Group as It Organized Detroit Protest Turned Deadly Riot, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/michigan-senate-candidate-abdul-el-sayed-helped-lead-anti-police-group-as-it-organized-detroit-protest-turned-deadly-riot/

6.2. Media Conduct and Allegations of Bias

Several media organizations and figures are facing scrutiny and accusations of biased conduct. According to one headline, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is “ready to apologise to Trump” [1]. The source provides no specific details on the reasons for this potential apology. In California, a new film is said to assert that Governor Gavin Newsom and “Karen Bass abandoned LA as it burned” during a crisis [2]. In media commentary, one outlet has accused major news networks of deliberately pivoting to what it terms “Epstein Slop” as a means of distracting the public from the “Failed Shutdown,” suggesting a manipulative shift in the news cycle [3].

References

[1] BBC ready to apologise to Trump, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/12/bbc-ready-apologise-trump-doctoring-speech-sue-capitol-riot/
[2] New film leaves no doubt: Gavin Newsom, Karen Bass abandoned LA as it burned, https://nypost.com/2025/11/12/opinion/gavin-newsom-karen-bass-abandoned-la-as-it-burned-and-new-film-proves-it/
[3] Angry Nets, Eager to Pivot From Failed Shutdown, Lead With Epstein Slop, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/jorge-bonilla/2025/11/13/angry-nets-eager-pivot-failed-shutdown-lead-epstein-slop

6.3. Cultural Debates and Social Trends

New polling data indicates a significant and potentially unprecedented social trend among young American women. According to reports, a record number of this demographic now wish to permanently leave the United States. One Gallup poll specified this sentiment is particularly strong among “Affluent White Female Liberals,” finding that 40 percent of those aged 15 to 44 “would like to flee America permanently” [1]. In a notable development at the intersection of culture and technology, the current number one song on the country music charts was reportedly created entirely by artificial intelligence, from composition to performance [2].

References

[1] Record Number of Young Women Want to Flee America – Gallup reports that 40 percent of AWFLs (Affluent White Female Liberals) aged 15 to 44 would like to flee America permanently., https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/13/nolte-record-number-young-women-want-flee-america/
[2] The Top Country Song on the Charts Was Written and Performed by AI, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2025/11/12/the-top-country-song-on-the-charts-was-written-and-performed-by-ai-n3808835

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