[Tuesday, November 18] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

This is an experimental AI project. We are continuously improving it, but errors can still appear. Feel free to contact us if you spot an error.

DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
November 18, 2025

Executive Summary

• A bipartisan bill forcing the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files has passed both the House and Senate and is now headed to the President’s desk.
• Texas Governor Greg Abbott has designated the Muslim activist group CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations within the state.
• The Trump administration is advancing its plan to dismantle the Department of Education, a move it says has majority public support.
• Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince announced a new investment commitment into the United States valued at nearly $1 trillion.
• A major internet outage impacted critical services like ChatGPT and X.

1. The Epstein Case

1.1. Bipartisan Bill to Release Epstein Files Reaches President’s Desk

A powerful bipartisan and bicameral consensus has culminated in legislative action to compel the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. The House of Representatives passed a measure to force the Department of Justice to unseal the files with what was described as an “overwhelming” majority [1]. The Senate quickly followed, passing the same bill with a unanimous vote and sending it to the White House for final approval [2]. According to one report, President Trump has publicly promised to sign the legislation [3].

The legislative push is amplified by a House Democrat spearheading the effort, who predicted in an exclusive interview that the files’ contents will “shock the conscience of this country” upon their release [4]. The political and personal fallout is already spreading. Larry Summers of Harvard is reportedly “stepping back from public commitments” after his past emails with Epstein were revealed, with Summers stating he is “deeply ashamed” [5]. In the political arena, the White House has publicly accused Democrats of “hiding from their Epstein scandals” [6]. This contrasts with some conservative media commentary framing the Democratic focus on the issue as a “scandalmongering charade” [7].

References:
[1] House votes overwhelmingly to force DOJ to release Jeffrey Epstein files, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-votes-overwhelmingly-force-doj-release-jeffrey-epstein-files
[2] Senate unanimously votes to send bill demanding Epstein file release to Trump’s desk, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/senate-unanimously-votes-send-bill-demanding-epstein-file-release-trumps-desk
[3] House & Senate voted to release Epstein files. Trump promises to sign., https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1990908522549145723
[4] Exclusive | House Democrat pushing for release of full Epstein files predicts contents will ‘shock the conscience of this country’, https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/us-news/rep-ro-khanna-pushing-for-release-of-full-epstein-files-predicts-contents-will-shock-the-conscience-of-this-country?utm_source=nypost&utm_campaign=android_nyp&utm_medium=social
[5] Harvard’s Larry Summers stepping back from public commitments in fallout over Jeffrey Epstein emails: ‘Deeply ashamed’, https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/us-news/harvards-larry-summers-stepping-back-from-public-commitments-in-fallout-over-jeffrey-epstein-emails/
[6] White House: Democrats Hiding From Their Epstein Scandals, https://www.newsmax.com/us/trump-epstein-cover-up/2025/11/17/id/1234919/
[7] Dems’ Epstein obsession is a scandalmongering charade, https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/opinion/dems-epstein-obsession-is-a-scandalmongering-charade/

2. Justice, Law Enforcement & National Security

2.1. Texas Designates CAIR a Terrorist Organization; Other Security Threats Persist

In a significant and unprecedented state-level action, Texas Governor Greg Abbott has designated the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist and criminal organizations [1, 2]. The executive action reportedly includes a ban on these groups owning land within the state of Texas. This move comes as a separate report from the New York Post alleges that CAIR has been providing “$1,000 checks” to anti-Israel activists who faced disciplinary action from their colleges [3].

Other domestic security concerns continue to draw attention. A Michigan man who shares the name JD Vance was sentenced to two years in prison for making threats to kill President Trump and Vice President JD Vance [4]. At the border, a significant security vulnerability was exposed with a report alleging that an illegal immigrant on the terror watchlist had successfully obtained a commercial trucking license in Pennsylvania [5]. In the political sphere, there are calls for further investigation into past events, with Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt quoted demanding that “Americans deserve answers about Thomas Crooks and why he tried to assassinate Trump” [6]. In the judiciary, a group of House Conservatives is reportedly rallying to impeach Judge Boasberg for his alleged role in the Trump investigation [7], while in a separate matter, the DOJ has been granted more time to fight the release of grand jury records related to the James Comey case [8].

References:
[1] Abbott Designates Muslim Brotherhood, CAIR as Terrorist, Criminal Organizations — Bans Land Ownership in Texas, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/11/18/abbott-designates-muslim-brotherhood-cair-as-terrorist-criminal-organizations-bans-land-ownership-in-texas/
[2] Gov. Abbott declares CAIR, Muslim Brotherhood terrorist groups, https://www.tpr.org/news/2025-11-18/gov-abbott-declares-cair-muslim-brotherhood-terrorist-groups
[3] Muslim group CAIR cutting $1,000 checks for antiIsrael agitators who have been disciplined by colleges, https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/us-news/muslim-group-cair-cutting-1000-checks-for-anti-israel-agitators-who-have-been-disciplined-by-colleges/
[4] Michigan man JD Vance sentenced to 2 years in prison for threatening to kill Trump and JD Vance, https://x.com/BNODesk/status/1990606763985363043
[5] Illegal Immigrant On Terror Watchlist Received Pennsylvania Trucking License, https://www.dailywire.com/news/illegal-immigrant-on-terror-watchlist-received-pennsylvania-trucking-license
[6] Americans deserve answers about Thomas Crooks and why he tried to assassinate Trump: Karoline Leavitt, https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/us-news/americans-deserve-answers-about-thomas-crooks-trump-assassination-attempt-leavitt/
[7] House Conservatives rally behind push to impeach Judge Boasberg over role in Trump investigation, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/house-conservatives-rally-behind-push-impeach-judge-boasberg-over-role-trump-investigation
[8] Judge gives DOJ more time to fight release of Comey grand jury records, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3890367/judge-gives-doj-time-fight-release-james-comey-grand-jury-records/

2.2. Heightened Immigration Enforcement and State-Level Actions

The administration is preparing for a more aggressive immigration enforcement posture, particularly in Democratic-led cities. Tom Homan, identified in reports as “Trump’s border czar,” has publicly warned that New York City will experience a “boost in ICE enforcement” before the city’s new progressive mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, takes office [1]. This federal signal coincides with aggressive state-level action in Texas, where a law enforcement raid targeting the Tren de Aragua gang resulted in the arrest of 140 illegal immigrants at a nightclub [2]. That raid drew a sharp rebuke from a group calling itself “Texas Socialists,” which claimed on social media that 150 people were “kidnapped” by authorities [3]. In a separate incident, a staffer for Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth was reportedly terminated after allegedly posing as a lawyer at an ICE facility in an attempt to assist an illegal alien [4].

References:
[1] Trump’s border czar Tom Homan warns NYC will see boost in ICE enforcement ahead of Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani taking office, https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/us-news/trumps-border-czar-tom-homan-warns-ny-will-see-boost-in-ice-enforcement-ahead-of-mayor-elect-zohran-mamdani-taking-office/
[2] Texas raid targeting Tren de Aragua gang leads to arrest of 140 illegal immigrants, https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/us-news/texas-raid-targeting-tren-de-aragua-gang-leads-to-arrest-of-140-illegal-immigrants/
[3] Texas Socialists Rage Against FBI Raid on Tren de Aragua Nightclub — Claim 150 ‘Kidnapped’, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/11/18/texas-socialists-rage-against-fbi-raid-on-tren-de-aragua-nightclub-claim-150-kidnapped/
[4] Senator Duckworth Staffer Fired After Allegedly Posing As Lawyer at ICE Facility, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/amy-curtis/2025/11/17/duckworth-fires-staffer-n2666583

3. Foreign Affairs & International Relations

3.1. Major Diplomatic and Economic Developments in Middle East Policy

The administration has reportedly achieved a series of significant victories at the United Nations related to its Middle East policy. According to the Associated Press, the UN has approved the administration’s plan for the “future of Gaza” [1]. Separately, the UN Security Council has reportedly backed President Trump’s Gaza cease-fire proposal [2]. A report from Breitbart makes the extraordinary claim that a Security Council resolution was passed that named President Trump as “Chairman of ‘Board of Peace’” [3], though this specific detail is not reported in other available headlines.

These diplomatic developments are paralleled by a monumental economic announcement from a key regional ally. The Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia has publicly committed to a new investment into the United States valued at “nearly $1 trillion” [4]. On other foreign policy matters, Senator Lindsey Graham has stated that the Senate intends to “move forward on [a] Russia sanctions bill,” signaling continuing pressure on Moscow [5].

References:
[1] UN approves the Trump administration’s plan for the future of Gaza, https://apnews.com/article/united-nations-gaza-ceasefire-us-resolution-russia-107e44e276fe04a5365ff6d914545718
[2] UN Security Council backs Trump’s Gaza cease-fire, https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/world-news/un-security-council-backs-trumps-gaza-cease-fire?utm_source=nypost&utm_campaign=android_nyp&utm_medium=social
[3] U.N. Security Council Resolution on Gaza Passes, Trump Named Chairman of ‘Board of Peace’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/17/un-security-council-resolution-gaza-passes-trump-named-chairman-board-peace/
[4] Saudi Crown Prince announces nearly $1 trillion investment into US, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/saudi-crown-prince-bin-salman-hikes-committed-us-investment-nearly-1t
[5] Senate to move forward on Russia sanctions bill, Sen. Lindsey Graham says, https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/us-news/congress-to-vote-on-more-russia-sanctions-sen-lindsey-graham/

4. Executive Branch & Domestic Policy

4.1. Administration Advances Plan to Dismantle Department of Education

The Trump administration is advancing its long-stated goal of eliminating the U.S. Department of Education. According to a Fox News report, a recent, unspecified move has “stripped” power from the federal agency as part of this effort [1]. Education Secretary Linda McMahon reinforced the administration’s position following a recent government shutdown, publicly stating that the event “proved just how little [the] department will be missed” [2]. Multiple conservative media outlets are reporting that an official announcement from President Trump about the “long overdue dismantling” of the department is imminent [3]. This policy appears to have significant public backing, with a Townhall.com report on a recent poll indicating that a majority of voters support the plan once the details of the transition of power to state and local levels are explained to them [4].

References:
[1] Power stripped from Education Department in latest Trump administration move to dismantle it, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/power-stripped-from-education-department-latest-trump-administration-move-dismantle
[2] Education Secretary Linda McMahon Says Shutdown ‘Proved Just How Little Department Will Be Missed’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/17/education-secretary-linda-mcmahon-says-shutdown-proved-just-how-little-department-will-be-missed/
[3] Nolte: Report Says Trump to Announce Long Overdue Dismantling of Education Dept., https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/11/18/nolte-report-says-trump-to-announce-long-overdue-dismantling-of-education-dept/
[4] Trump’s Plan to Close the Education Department Has Majority Support, Once Voters Hear the Details, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2025/11/17/closing-the-dept-of-education-is-popular-when-people-learn-these-details-ny-post-n2666564

5. Domestic Politics & Elections

5.1. Intensifying Partisan Conflicts and Intra-Party Rifts

Political tensions are escalating dramatically on multiple fronts. One report from the Daily Caller makes the serious allegation that Democrats are “explicitly” telling “spy agencies [and the] military to disobey Trump,” a claim of potentially immense constitutional significance [1]. Within the Democratic party itself, internal fissures are becoming more apparent. A “far-left” ally of New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has launched a primary challenge against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, signaling a growing divide between the party’s establishment and its progressive wing [2]. In response, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has publicly distanced herself from that primary challenger [3]. The Republican party is not immune to internal conflict; a headline from The Free Press suggests a dispute is brewing with the simple but provocative title “Trump vs. MTG,” referring to Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. However, no details of the specific conflict are provided in the headline [4]. Looking ahead, early signs of the 2028 presidential race are also emerging, with reports of a “trial balloon” for a potential Ted Cruz candidacy garnering online attention and reviews [5].

References:
[1] Democrats Explicitly Tell Spy Agencies, Military To Disobey Trump, https://dailycaller.com/2025/11/18/democrats-military-intellegence-community-trump-elissa-slotkin-mark-kelly/
[2] Far-Left Mamdani Ally Launches Primary Challenge Against Hakeem Jeffries, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/far-left-mamdani-ally-launches-primary-challenge-against-hakeem-jeffries/
[3] AOC distances herself from Hakeem Jeffries primary challenger, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/aoc-distances-herself-from-hakeem-jeffries-primary-challenger
[4] Trump vs. MTG, https://www.thefp.com/p/trump-vs-mtg-epstein-scandal
[5] The early social media reviews of Cruz’s 2028 POTUS trial balloon are in, https://www.theblaze.com/news/the-early-social-media-reviews-of-cruzs-2028-potus-trial-balloon-are-in

5.2. Court Blocks Texas Redistricting; Drive for Mail-In Ballot Law Continues

A major legal battle over election integrity and congressional representation is escalating in Texas. A panel of federal judges has issued an injunction blocking the state from using a newly redrawn congressional map for the next election cycle [1]. The map was highly consequential, as it would have reportedly created an additional five Republican-leaning House seats (+5 red seats), potentially altering the balance of power in the U.S. House [2]. It is reported that Texas Republicans are expected to appeal the ruling to a higher court. Concurrently, at the federal level, congressional Republicans are renewing a legislative push to pass a law that would require proof of citizenship for any American voting by mail, a long-sought goal for the party [3].

References:
[1] Federal judges block Texas from using redrawn congressional map, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/federal-judges-block-texas-from-using-redrawn-congressional-map
[2] Republicans are expected to appeal the ruling that BLOCKED Texas’ new 2026 Congressional map that would’ve added +5 red House seats., https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/1990861001239978160
[3] Republicans revive bid to require proof of citizenship for mail-in voting, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/senate/3890430/republicans-revive-bid-require-proof-citizenship-mail-voter-registration/

6. Economy & Technology

6.1. Economic Conditions & Fiscal Policy Debates

The administration is moving forward with a key fiscal policy proposal to issue “$2,000 tariff dividend checks,” with reporting now focused on clarifying when “‘moderate income’ Americans can expect them” [1]. At the state level, a proposed “one time” wealth tax in California, which would take 5% of the assets of the state’s billionaires, is drawing sharp criticism. A HotAir.com article reports that The Washington Post’s editorial board has called the proposal a “terrible idea” [2]. Meanwhile, the national debate over economic conditions continues. CNN’s Fareed Zakaria is quoted asserting that if an “affordability crisis” exists in America, it “tends to be in places Democrats govern,” linking high costs of living to local Democratic policies [3]. Despite these concerns, other reporting from Just The News suggests that “America’s Main Street is still optimistic heading into years’ end” [4].

References:
[1] $2,000 tariff dividend checks: When ‘moderate income’ Americans can expect them, https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/us-news/2000-tariff-dividend-checks-when-moderate-income-americans-can-expect-them/
[2] Washington Post: California’s Wealth Tax Is a Terrible Idea - “one time” wealth tax which would take 5% of whatever the state’s billionaires, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2025/11/17/washington-post-californias-wealth-tax-is-a-terrible-idea-n3808984
[3] Fareed Zakaria: ‘If America Has An Affordability Crisis, It Tends To Be In Places Democrats Govern’, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/video/2025/11/17/fareed_zakaria_if_america_has_an_affordability_crisis_it_tends_to_be_in_places_democrats_govern.html
[4] America’s Main Street is still optimistic heading into years’ end, https://justthenews.com/government/white-house/americas-main-street-overwhelmingly-profitable-under-trump-20

6.2. Major Internet Outage Highlights Tech Sector Vulnerabilities

A significant, widespread internet outage caused by issues with the network service provider Cloudflare has highlighted systemic technological vulnerabilities. The disruption was global and affected numerous major websites and services, including the prominent AI service ChatGPT and the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) [1]. This technical failure occurs amid growing skepticism from some financial analysts about the long-term stability of the tech industry’s current boom. Prominent historian and commentator Niall Ferguson is reported to have described the current excitement around artificial intelligence as a “house of cards,” suggesting underlying fragility in the market despite its high valuations [2].

References:
[1] Cloudflare down: ChatGPT, X among sites affected by global network issues, https://www.foxbusiness.com/technology/cloudflare-chatgpt-x-among-sites-affected-global-network-issues?cmpid=FNC_app
[2] Niall Ferguson: The AI Boom Is a House of Cards, https://www.thefp.com/p/niall-ferguson-the-ai-boom-is-a-house-of-cards

7. Social & Cultural Issues

7.1. Health, Science, & Campus Life Developments

Several disparate events are shaping social and scientific conversations. In a major medical development, Israeli scientists have reported a “world first” by successfully using an RNA-based gene therapy to stop the physical deterioration associated with ALS [1]. On a more somber note, the famed dancing duo known as the Kessler twins have reportedly died by assisted suicide at the age of 89 [2]. In the world of higher education and campus politics, the student court at Loyola University New Orleans has reversed a prior decision, thereby permitting the establishment of a Turning Point USA chapter on campus after it had previously been barred [3].

References:
[1] In world first, Israeli scientists use RNA-based gene therapy to stop ALS deterioration, https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-world-first-israeli-scientists-use-rna-based-gene-therapy-to-stop-als-deterioration/
[2] Dancing duo the Kessler twins die by assisted suicide at age 89 | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2025/11/18/entertainment/dancing-duo-the-kessler-twins-die-by-assisted-suicide-at-age-89/
[3] Loyola New Orleans student court overturns previous decision barring Turning Point chapter, https://www.foxnews.com/us/loyola-new-orleans-student-court-overturns-previous-decision-barring-turning-point-chapter

7.2. Ideological Debates and Social Commentary

Current cultural debates are flaring up across multiple domains. The ongoing conflict over gender identity and women’s rights continues, with singer Tish Hyman quoted protesting policies that allow biological men who identify as transgender to be incarcerated in women’s prisons. She stated, “Women need protection from men. They should not be in the prisons with us, the locker rooms with us, the sports with us. They are men!” [1]. Separately, a report in the New York Post highlights a fringe but growing discussion, noting that some “experts” are now suggesting that parents should “ask babies for ‘consent’ before changing their diapers” [2]. On the political commentary front, Bill Maher is quoted using an analogy to criticize Democratic Socialism, comparing it to a “dating profile” that looks good “until you meet up in the real world” [3].

References:
[1] Watch: Singer Tish Hyman Protests Prisons Allowing Men to Be Jailed with Women – “Women need protection from men. They should not be in the prisons with us, the locker rooms with us, the sports with us. They are men!”, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/11/18/watch-singer-tish-hyman-protests-prisons-allowing-men-to-be-jailed-with-women/
[2] Parents should ask babies for ‘consent’ before changing their diapers: experts, https://nypost.com/2025/11/17/lifestyle/parents-should-ask-babies-for-consent-before-changing-their-diapers-experts/
[3] Flirting with Socialism | Real Time with Bill Maher - Democratic Socialism is like a dating profile: things look great until you meet up in the real world, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a3S-oSf3uk

==