[Saturday, December 13] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

2025-12-13 2190 words 11 minutes

Contents

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare December 13, 2025

Executive Summary

Public Safety Crisis: An active shooter situation is ongoing at Brown University.
National Security: U.S. forces seized a Chinese ship carrying military cargo to Iran. After an ISIS ambush in Syria killed 2-3 U.S. personnel, President Trump has vowed retaliation.
Domestic Investigations: Massive welfare fraud schemes allegedly involving Somali migrants are reported in Minnesota and Ohio. The DOJ sued Fulton County over 2020 election records.
Policy & Legislation: The Trump administration ended two specific immigration programs. Illinois has legalized physician-assisted suicide. House Republicans unveiled a healthcare plan.

1. National Security & Foreign Affairs

1.1 U.S. Military Casualties in Syria and Presidential Response

An attack in Syria attributed to ISIS has resulted in U.S. casualties. The Pentagon confirmed the deaths of two U.S. Army soldiers and a U.S. national interpreter [1]. Another report refers to the incident as a “terrible ambush that killed 3 US troops” [2]. In a direct response, President Trump has publicly stated to ISIS, “we will retaliate,” and has vowed what sources call a “very serious retaliation” against the perpetrators [2, 3].

Cited Articles: [1] 2 US Army soldiers, interpreter killed in Syria attack, Pentagon says, https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-syrian-troops-come-under-fire-while-patrol-report
[2] Trump tells ISIS, ‘we will retaliate’ after ‘terrible’ ambush that killed 3 US troops in Syria, https://nypost.com/2025/12/13/us-news/president-trump-responds-to-terrible-ambush-that-killed-3-us-troops-in-syria-we-will-retaliate/
[3] Trump vows ‘very serious retaliation’ after ISIS kills US soldiers in Syria, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-vows-very-serious-retaliation-against-isis-after-deadly-syria-ambush-kills-us-soldiers

1.2 U.S. Interdiction of Chinese Military Cargo Bound for Iran

In a significant counter-proliferation action, U.S. forces have reportedly conducted a raid on a Chinese cargo vessel [1]. According to an exclusive report, the ship’s cargo, described as military equipment, was seized while the vessel was en route from China to Iran [2, 3]. This direct interdiction of military-grade material transiting between China and Iran marks a notable flashpoint in U.S. foreign policy and enforcement actions in the region.

Cited Articles: [1] US raids Chinese vessel on its way to Iran | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-880196
[2] Exclusive | U.S. Forces Raid Ship, Seize Cargo Headed to Iran From China, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/u-s-forces-raid-ship-seize-cargo-headed-to-iran-from-china-35a1e2ac
[3] US forces seize Chinese cargo ship delivering military equipment to Iran, https://indiashippingnews.com/us-forces-raided-ship-headed-to-iran-from-china-in-indian-ocean-wsj-says/

1.3 Developments in Venezuela, Iran, and Ukraine

Geopolitical tensions are highlighted across several regions. In the ongoing standoff with Venezuela, opposition figure Machado has reportedly appeared in Norway at the same time President Maduro is publicly calling for her arrest [1]. Maduro’s open defiance of U.S. threats has been characterized by one outlet as “his biggest gamble yet” [2]. Separately, Iranian Nobel Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi has reportedly been arrested in Iran [3]. In the Ukraine conflict, President Zelenskyy is being praised for taunting Moscow by visiting a city that Russia had claimed to control [4].

Cited Articles: [1] Machado appears in Norway amid Maduro’s calls for her arrest, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6386394436112
[2] Maduro’s carefree brush-off of U.S. threats could be his biggest gamble yet, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/maduro-venezuela-regime-change-9.7010924
[3] Iranian Nobel Prize Laureate Narges Mohammadi Arrested, https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-nobel-prize-laureate-narges-mohammadi-detainment/33621765.html
[4] Zelensky is praised for ‘b*lls of steel’ as he taunts Putin in city Moscow claimed to control, https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15378701/Zelensky-praised-b-lls-steel-taunts-Putin-stands-mile-Russian-guns-city-Moscow-claimed-control.html

1.4 Report of Covert U.S. Rescue Mission in Venezuela

A single headline reports that the leader of a U.S. covert team undertook a “‘dangerous’ mission to rescue” an unnamed Venezuelan opposition leader [1]. The available information does not provide any further details regarding the timing, operational success, or specific individuals involved, leaving the scope of the mission unclear.

Cited Articles: [1] US covert team leader describes ‘dangerous’ mission to rescue Venezuelan opposition leader, https://www.foxnews.com/media/us-covert-team-leader-describes-dangerous-mission-rescue-venezuelan-opposition-leader

2. Justice, Law Enforcement & Public Safety

2.1 Active Shooter at Brown University and Other Major Violent Crimes

A critical public safety emergency is unfolding at Brown University in Rhode Island, where police are responding to an active shooter situation [1]. Reports confirm a gunman is “on the loose” on the campus [2]. This incident is part of a broader stream of reported violent crimes drawing media attention. In New York, a tourist was stabbed multiple times in the back at the iconic Macy’s department store “during the holiday shopping rush” while she was changing her baby [3]. In Georgia, a woman named Ashley Wasielewski suffered severe burns after being doused with a toxic chemical in what is described as a “random park attack” [4].

Cited Articles: [1] Police respond to active shooter situation at Brown University in Rhode Island, https://www.courant.com/2025/12/13/police-respond-to-active-shooter-situation-at-brown-university-in-rhode-island/
[2] Gunman on the loose as active shooter targets Brown University: report, https://nypost.com/2025/12/13/us-news/active-shooter-at-brown-university-ivy-league-campus-on-lockdown/
[3] Tourist changing baby stabbed multiple times in the back at iconic NYC Macy’s during holiday shopping rush, https://www.foxnews.com/us/tourist-stabbed-multiple-times-nycs-iconic-macys-during-holiday-shopping-rush
[4] Georgia woman Ashley Wasielewski suffered severe burns after being doused with toxic chemical in random park attack | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2025/12/13/us-news/georgia-woman-ashley-wasielewski-suffered-severe-burns-after-being-doused-with-toxic-chemical-in-random-park-attack/

2.2 Federal Investigations into Russian Hacking and 2020 Election

The U.S. has unsealed a California grand jury indictment that reportedly exposes how hackers from Russia’s GRU military intelligence agency targeted critical infrastructure within the United States [1]. Concurrently, the Department of Justice has sued Fulton County, Georgia, to obtain the county’s records related to the 2020 election [2]. On the congressional front, Representative James Comer has issued a public warning to the Clintons regarding the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, stating they must appear for depositions or face contempt of Congress charges. He is quoted as saying, “Time’s Up” [3]. A related report on newly unredacted Epstein files notes that photos show President Trump with adult models, with a source quoted as observing, “He was very gentlemanly” [4].

Cited Articles: [1] The U.S. has unsealed a California grand jury indictment exposing how Russian GRU hackers targeted critical infrastructure in the U.S., https://x.com/michaeldweiss/status/1999162469554495527
[2] Justice Department sues Fulton County to obtain records related to 2020 election, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3916626/justice-department-sues-fulton-county-obtain-records-2020-election/
[3] James Comer Warns Clintons Must Appear for Epstein Depositions or Face Contempt of Congress: ‘Time’s Up’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/13/james-comer-warns-clintons-must-appear-for-epstein-depositions-or-face-contempt-of-congress-times-up/
[4] Unredacted Trump photos from Epstein files dump reveal glamorous group of adult models: ‘He was very gentlemanly’, https://nypost.com/2025/12/12/us-news/unredacted-trump-photos-from-epstein-files-dump-reveal-glamorous-adult-women/

2.3 Significant Judicial Rulings

A U.S. Appeals Court has issued a unanimous decision overturning a lower court ruling that had barred the Trump administration from pulling federal funding from Planned Parenthood. The headline characterizes the initial ruling as having come from an “activist judge” [1]. Separately, a headline with minimal context states, “Judge order release of illegal gang member,” providing no additional information on the jurisdiction, individuals, or legal grounds for the decision [2].

Cited Articles: [1] “A US Appeals Court has UNANIMOUSLY decided to OVERTURN an activist judge’s ruling that BARRED President Trump from pulling federal funding from Planned Parenthood” (X/@nicksortor), https://x.com/nicksortor/status/1999626865775116402?s=20
[2] Judge order release of illegal gang member, /r/Conservative/comments/1pl9c8a/judge_order_release_of_illegal_gang_member/

3. Immigration & Border Security

3.1 Administration Ends Two Immigration Programs

The Trump administration has officially terminated two specific immigration initiatives. According to a Fox News report, the programs that have been ended are the Family Reunification Parole program and the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) designation for Ethiopia [1].

Cited Articles: [1] Trump Ends Family Reunification Parole and TPS for Ethiopia, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-cuts-family-reunification-programs-seven-countries-citing-fraud-security-concerns

3.2 National Security Vetting Concerns from 2021

A significant national security concern has been raised in a report quoting an unnamed “Official,” who claims that the U.S. admitted approximately “18,000 known and suspected terrorists from Afghanistan in 2021” [1]. The headline does not identify the official’s agency or provide further context to substantiate or detail the claim.

Cited Articles: [1] US admitted 18,000 known and suspected terrorists from Afghanistan in 2021: Official, https://www.denvergazette.com/2025/12/11/us-admitted-18000-known-and-suspected-terrorists-from-afghanistan-in-2021-official/

Multiple reports detail allegations of a massive welfare fraud scheme in Minnesota explicitly linked by headlines to Somali immigrants. The fraud is reported to involve sums from $250 million—used for luxury purchases like “mansions and Mercedes” [1]—up to a potential $1 billion, investigated by Fox News [2]. A separate whistleblower has also come forward with allegations of “Massive Welfare Fraud by Somali Migrants in Ohio” [3]. In an unrelated criminal matter, the Department of Homeland Security reports that an illegal immigrant in Louisiana bit an ICE officer and drew blood while resisting arrest [4].

Cited Articles: [1] Minnesota welfare fraud scheme netted $250M for mansions and Mercedes, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/see-it-feeding-our-future-fraudsters-bought-mansions-mercedes-250m-stolen-meal-funds
[2] Minnesota $1 billion fraud scheme used fake addresses, Fox finds, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/inside-minnesotas-1b-fraud-fake-offices-phony-firms-and-a-scandal-hiding-in-plain-sight
[3] Whistleblower: Massive Welfare Fraud by Somali Migrants in Ohio, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2025/12/12/whistleblower-massive-welfare-fraud-by-somali-migrants-in-ohio/
[4] Illegal immigrant bites ICE officer, draws blood while resisting arrest in Louisiana: U.S Department of Homeland Security, https://www.foxnews.com/us/illegal-immigrant-bites-ice-officer-gross-attack-while-resisting-arrest-dhs

4. Domestic Policy & Federal Governance

4.1 Healthcare and End-of-Life Legislative Developments

In Congress, House Speaker Mike Johnson has unveiled a healthcare plan as a Republican alternative to Obamacare, as a key federal subsidy deadline approaches and the GOP is described as “scrambling” for a consensus plan [1]. At the state level, Democrat Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has signed a bill into law legalizing physician-assisted suicide for terminally ill patients [2]. Some commentary headlines characterize the move as Illinois welcoming “state-sanctioned suicide” [3].

Cited Articles: [1] Speaker Johnson Unveils Healthcare Plan as Divided GOP Scrambles for Alternative, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/republican-house-health-care-plan-obamacare-subsidies/2025/12/12/id/1238140/
[2] Democrat Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker Signs Bill Legalizing Assisted Suicide for Terminally Ill, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/12/democrat-illinois-gov-jb-pritzker-signs-bill-legalizing-assisted-suicide-for-terminally-ill/
[3] Pritzker Signs Law Welcoming State-Sanctioned Suicide To Illinois, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/12/pritzker-signs-law-welcoming-state-sanctioned-suicide-to-illinois/

4.2 Energy, Infrastructure, and Climate Policy Conflicts

The Trump administration is reportedly in the process of “gradually refilling” the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve [1]. In infrastructure policy, headlines report “Federal Fury” over what is being called a “Safety Crisis” related to claims that Governor Newsom’s California has become the number one hub for illegal Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) issuance [2]. Meanwhile, a group identified as a “Taxpayer-Funded ‘Pipeline Safety’ Group” is accused of actively working to “Thwart Trump’s Pipeline Policies” [3]. A separate commentary piece argues that ongoing “Climate Litigation Harms America” and “Hands China a Strategic Victory” [4].

Cited Articles: [1] Trump administration gradually refilling Strategic Petroleum Reserve, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gas-prices-falling-so-why-isnt-trump-refilling-oil-reserve-faster-wh-blames-biden-era-damage
[2] Newsom’s California Exposed: #1 Hub for Illegal CDL Licensing — Safety Crisis Ignites Federal Fury, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/12/13/newsoms-california-exposed-1-hub-for-illegal-cdl-licensing-safety-crisis-ignites-federal-fury/
[3] Taxpayer-Funded ‘Pipeline Safety’ Group Works To Thwart Trump’s Pipeline Policies, https://freebeacon.com/energy/taxpayer-funded-pipeline-safety-group-works-to-thwart-trumps-pipeline-policies/
[4] Climate Litigation Harms America, Hands China a Strategic Victory, https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/12/12/climate-litigation-hands-china-a-strategic-victory-while-harming-america/?utm_source=TDS_Email&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=europe-is-angry-trump-told-it-the-truth&_bhlid=a7959b2884a5cbd9ef0eb0a8d209f928147f3536

4.3 Economic and Fiscal Policy Considerations

President Trump has publicly urged that the next Chair of the Federal Reserve should seek his opinion on interest rate decisions [1]. In a separate potential policy shift, the President is reportedly set to “mull” a proposal that would end the federal tax on winnings from sports gambling [2]. In other economic news, a headline notes that it has been “A Bad Year for Non-profits,” though no specific data or reasons are provided in the title to elaborate on this claim [3].

Cited Articles: [1] Trump urges next Federal Reserve chair to seek his opinion on interest rates, https://justthenews.com/government/white-house/trump-urges-next-federal-reserve-chair-seek-his-opinion-interest-rates
[2] Trump to Mull Ending Tax on Sports Gambling Wins, https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2025/12/12/trump-to-mull-ending-tax-on-sports-gambling-wins/
[3] A Bad Year for Non-profits, https://www.powerlineblog.com/archives/2025/12/a-bad-year-for-nonprofits.php

5. U.S. Politics & Public Discourse

5.1 Political Events & Public Appearances

President Trump attended the annual Army-Navy football game in Baltimore [1]. His appearance at the event occurred after he publicly condemned the deadly attack on American service members in Syria, and reports indicate his visit was targeted by protesters [1, 2].

Cited Articles: [1] Trump attends annual Army-Navy game after condemning attack that killed 3 Americans in Syria, https://nypost.com/2025/12/13/us-news/trump-attends-annual-army-navy-game-after-condemning-attack-that-killed-3-americans-in-syria/
[2] Baltimore protesters target Trump during Army-Navy football game visit, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/protests-erupt-outside-army-navy-game-amid-trumps-attendance

5.2 State & Federal Political Developments

In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz is facing public scrutiny over his response to the state’s welfare fraud scandal. One headline, spelling his name “Waltz,” quotes the Governor as stating, “The majority of crime committed by WHITE men” in the context of the fraud allegations [1]. Another report, using the spelling “Walz,” criticizes him, claiming he “Wont Admit That Somalians Have Robbed Minnesota” [2]. On the national level, a report notes that some Democrats are re-embracing the “Abolish ICE” movement less than a year out from the midterm elections [3].

Cited Articles: [1] Gov. Tim Waltz on the welfare fraud in Minnesota. “The majority of crime committed by WHITE men”, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1999651450062864867?s=46
[2] Tim Walz Wont Admit That Somalians Have Robbed Minnesota, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2025/12/12/tim-walz-wont-admit-that-somalians-are-robbing-minnesota-n2667834
[3] Less Than One Year Out From Midterms, Some Democrats Embrace ‘Abolish ICE’ Movement, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/13/democrats-abolish-ice-movement-midterms/

5.3 Media, Culture & Ideological Debates

Allegations of political bias in major media platforms are prominent. A Media Research Center (MRC) report claims to have “receipts” showing that “Wikipedia Cites Leftist Outlets Nearly 20x More Often than Right” [1]. In another instance, PBS is accused of labeling President Trump’s language as “Overtly Racist Rhetoric” [2]. In academia, a professor at the University of Arkansas has reportedly been fired over alleged support for the Iranian regime and an anti-Israel stance [3]. Separately, a proposed “Hate Speech” bill in Canada is drawing criticism from those who feel it targets citizens’ freedom of speech and religion [4].

Cited Articles: [1] MRC Has Receipts: Wikipedia Cites Leftist Outlets Nearly 20x More Often than Right, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/free-speech/michael-morris/2025/12/11/mrc-has-receipts-wikipedia-cites-leftist-outlets-nearly
[2] PBS Accuses Trump Of ‘Overtly Racist Rhetoric’, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/alex-christy/2025/12/13/pbs-accuses-trump-overtly-racist-rhetoric
[3] University of Arkansas prof. canned over alleged support Iranian regime, anti‐Israel stance, https://nypost.com/2025/12/13/world-news/university-of-arkansas-prof-canned-over-alleged-support-iranian-regime-anti-israel-stance/
[4] New ‘Hаte Speech’ Bill Targets Canadians’ Freedom of Speech and Religion, https://www.dailysignal.com/2025/12/13/new-hate-speech-bill-targets-canadians-freedom-of-speech-and-religion/