[Monday, December 15] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
December 15, 2025

Executive Summary

• Global Terror: A major terror attack killed 15 at a Sydney Hanukkah event, with attackers linked to an ISIS preacher. Separately, terror plots were foiled in Los Angeles and Germany.
• U.S. Violence: A deadly shooting at Brown University claims the life of a College Republican leader, raising fears of political motivation. In Los Angeles, Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered, reportedly by their son.
• International Politics: Chile elected a conservative president in a landslide, continuing a rightward trend in South America. In Ukraine, a Russian submarine was reportedly destroyed by drones.
• U.S. Policy: The Trump administration promoted its tariff and border security agendas. Senator John Fetterman broke with Democrats over the party’s stance on Palestinian statehood.

1. National Security and Violent Crime

1.1 Major Terror Attack on Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney

A mass-casualty terrorist attack has struck Sydney’s Bondi Beach, where gunmen opened fire on a Hanukkah celebration, claiming 15 lives, including children and Holocaust survivors [1, 2]. One prominent victim was a Holocaust survivor reportedly murdered while shielding his wife from the attackers [2]. The perpetrators have been identified as a father and son, Sajid and Naveed Akram [3, 4]. Despite Australia’s stringent firearms laws, the pair legally owned six guns [3].

Reports on their background indicate Sajid Akram arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998, while his son Naveed was an Australian-born citizen [4]. Naveed Akram was reportedly a follower of a pro-Islamic State preacher and had previously been monitored for being “closely connected” to an ISIS terrorist, though he was later dropped from surveillance [5, 6]. In response to the massacre, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced “immediate” gun control priorities [7]. However, this move has drawn sharp criticism, with sources alleging the Prime Minister is deflecting from the attack’s jihadi motive by shifting public focus to “right-wing extremist groups” and that the government may have ignored prior warnings that could have prevented the tragedy [8, 9].

References: [1] Holocaust survivors and children among the 15 killed after crazed gunmen fire on Sydney Hanukkah celebration, https://nypost.com/2025/12/14/world-news/holocaust-survivors-and-children-among-the-15-victims-of-australia-mass-shooting/
[2] Holocaust Survivor M#rdered By Jihadists While Shielding Wife During Beach Mass Shooting, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/14/holocaust-survivor-alex-kleytman-killed-bondi-beach-hanukkah-shooting/
[3] Bondi Beach terrorists were father and son who legally owned 6 guns — despite tough firearms laws, https://nypost.com/2025/12/14/world-news/bondi-beach-terrorists-were-father-and-son-who-legally-owned-6-guns-despite-tough-firearms-laws/
[4] [Australian Hanukkah shooting] “Sajid Akram arrived in Australia on a student visa in 1998 […] on a resident return visa ever since. Naveed Akram is an Australian citizen born here in 2001.”, https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/bondi-beach-shooting-live-updates-sydney-on-high-alert-for-further-terrorist-acts-as-multiple-people-killed-injured-in-antisemitic-attack-on-chanukah-by-the-sea-celebration-20251214-p5nnm6.html
[5] Bondi Beach shooting gunman Naveed Akram was follower of pro-Islamic State preacher Wisam Haddad, https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-16/video-shows-bondi-beach-shooting-gunman-preaching-islam-to-teens/106145626
[6] Bondi Beach suspect was ‘closely connected’ to ISIS terrorist – but later dropped from monitoring, https://nypost.com/2025/12/15/world-news/bondi-beach-suspect-was-closely-connected-to-isis-terrorist-but-later-dropped-from-monitoring
[7] Albanese sets ‘immediate’ gun control priorities following Bondi Beach terror attack, https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/bondi-beach-gun-laws/ebo6uhgcd
[8] Australia’s PM Now Deflects From Jihadi Attack to ‘Right-Wing Extremists’, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/12/15/australias-pm-now-deflects-from-jihadi-attack-to-right-wing-extremists-n2197140
[9] Ignored Warnings: Australian Government Now Blamed for Beach Massacre, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/12/15/ignored-warnings-australian-government-now-blamed-for-beach-massacre-n2197152

1.2 Deadly Shooting at Brown University

A deadly shooting has occurred at Brown University in Rhode Island, raising immediate concerns about political violence. The first victim identified is Ella Cook, a sophomore student who served as the vice president of the university’s College Republican club [1]. Headlines suggest this detail points to a “politically motivated attack targeting pro-Trump voices” [2]. Adding a contentious element to the event, a social media post alleges the shooter shouted “Allahu Akhbar” and claims that Rhode Island Democratic officials instructed law enforcement not to divulge that information [3]. As the investigation proceeds, a person of interest who was taken into custody is reportedly being released [4]. A second victim from the shooting has also since been identified [5].

References: [1] The first victim of the deadly school shooting at Brown University has been identified as a sophomore student and vice president of the school’s college Republican club, Ella Cook, https://nypost.com/2025/12/14/us-news/ella-cook-idd-as-first-victim-in-brown-university-shooting/
[2] One of the Victims of Brown Shooting Was Identified – And It Seems This Could Be a Politically Motivated Attack Targeting Pro-Trump Voices!, https://www.rightjournalism.com/one-of-the-victims-of-brown-shooting-was-identified-and-it-seems-this-could-be-a-politically-motivated-attack-targeting-pro-trump-voices/
[3] Surprise? Mass shooter at Brown shouted Allahu Akhbar. RI Democrat officials instructed not to divulge that, https://x.com/lauraloomer/status/2000206483913400742
[4] BROWN Shooting person of interest is being released., https://nypost.com/2025/12/14/us-news/person-of-interest-idd-in-brown-university-shooting-that-killed-two-injured-9/
[5] Second Brown University Shooting Victim Identified, https://www.newsmax.com/us/brownuniversity-massshooting-uzbekistan/2025/12/15/id/1238358/

1.3 Foiled Terror Plots and Extremist Activity

The FBI and DOJ have thwarted what is described as a “horrific” New Year’s Eve terrorist plot in Los Angeles, arresting four individuals from a group described as a “pro-Palestinian cell” [1], a “left-wing, pro-Palestinian group” [2], and “far-left extremists” [3]. The group also allegedly planned to attack or “take out” ICE agents [3]. This domestic plot coincides with news from Germany, where police arrested five Muslim migrants for planning an Islamist-motivated attack on a Christmas market [4]. Separately, an incident being treated as a hate crime occurred in California, where a gunman fired 20 bullets into a family’s home that was decorated for Hanukkah [5]. On the financial-crime front, a major fraud scandal in Minnesota is raising national security alarms over “vulnerable money pipelines to extremists,” with reports suggesting that fears of being labeled “racist” provided “cover” for the scheme to operate [6].

References: [1] FBI stops planned New Year’s Eve Los Angeles terror attack by pro-Palestinian cell, https://nypost.com/2025/12/15/us-news/fbi-stops-planned-new-years-eve-los-angeles-terror-attack-by-pro-palestinian-cell/
[2] DOJ thwarts ‘horrific’ terrorist plot in Los Angeles by left-wing, pro-Palestinian group, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/3917869/doj-thwarts-new-years-eve-terrorist-plot-los-angeles-left-wing-group/
[3] Far-left extremists who allegedly planned LA New Year’s Eve terror attack also wanted to ’take out’ ICE agents, https://nypost.com/2025/12/15/us-news/far-left-extremists-who-allegedly-planned-la-new-years-eve-terror-attack-also-wanted-to-take-out-ice-agents
[4] Germany: 5 Muslim migrants arrested for planning an Islamist-motivated attack on a Christmas market in southern Germany, https://www.dw.com/en/germany-5-arrested-for-suspected-christmas-market-plot/a-75148071
[5] Gunman fires 20 bullets into family’s Hanukkah-decorated home in California | The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-880301
[6] How fears of being labeled ‘racist’ helped ‘provide cover’ for the exploding Minnesota fraud scandal, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/how-fears-of-being-labeled-racist-helped-provide-cover-for-the-exploding-minnesota-fraud-scandal

1.4 High-Profile Homicide of Rob Reiner and Wife

Rob Reiner and his wife have been murdered in their Los Angeles home [1]. Initial reports indicate they were killed by their son [2]. In one of his final interviews, given shortly before his death, Reiner had expressed “absolute horror” at the recent assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk [3]. Following news of the murders, President Trump released a statement suggesting that Reiner’s “TDS” (Trump Derangement Syndrome) might have “drove his attacker crazy” [4].

References: [1] Rob Reiner and wife murdered in LA home, https://apnews.com/article/rob-reiner-home-investigation-ed88cfde7c41be55803fa0c792f55cdc?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-12-14-Breaking+News
[2] Rob Reiner and wife killed by their son, https://people.com/rob-reiner-wife-michele-were-killed-by-son-sources-11868856
[3] Rob Reiner said he felt ‘absolute horror’ at Charlie Kirk’s assassination in one of his final interviews, https://nypost.com/2025/12/15/us-news/rob-reiner-said-he-felt-absolute-horror-at-charlie-kirks-assassination-in-one-of-his-final-interviews
[4] Trump Suggests Rob Reiner’s ‘TDS’ Drove His Attacker Crazy – ‘Very Sad’, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2025/12/15/rump-suggests-rob-reiners-tds-drove-his-attacker-crazy-very-sad/

2. U.S. Domestic Policy and Politics

2.1 Trump Administration Policy Initiatives

The Trump administration is actively promoting its core policy agenda. On the economic front, President Trump has promised that his tariff-based strategy will usher in a “golden age” of American manufacturing, with results to be seen within the year [1]. In national security, a legal argument is being advanced through a Fox News report that the President possesses the constitutional authority to “strike the narco-states” that are contributing to the U.S. drug crisis [2]. Defending a recent assertive military action, a Federalist article frames the administration’s seizure of an oil tanker as an act that, while drawing criticism, “isn’t shocking or unprecedented” [3]. On domestic appointments, there are public calls for President Trump to appoint new Republican members to the USPS Board, which is described as being “currently run by a mail-in voting activist” [4].

References: [1] Trump promises tariff-led ‘golden age’ of manufacturing within the year, https://nypost.com/2025/12/14/us-news/trump-promises-tariff-led-golden-age-of-manufacturing-in-six-months-to-a-year/
[2] Trump has the authority to strike the narco-states poisoning the US, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/morning-glory-trump-has-authority-strike-narco-states-poisoning-us
[3] Trump’s Oil Tanker Seizure: Another Shocking And Unprecedented Act That Isn’t Shocking Or Unprecedented, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/15/trumps-oil-tanker-seizure-another-shocking-and-unprecedented-act-that-isnt-shocking-or-unprecedented/
[4] Trump Must Appoint Republicans To USPS Board Currently Run By Mail-In Voting Activist, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/15/trump-must-appoint-republicans-to-usps-board-currently-run-by-mail-in-voting-activist/

2.2 Partisan and Intra-Party Tensions

A significant public fissure has appeared within the Democratic party over foreign policy. Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) has broken sharply with his party’s establishment, slamming its growing support for Palestinian statehood as an “absolute betrayal” of Israel. Fetterman warned that “hostile language toward the Jewish state” is becoming a fixed part of the Democratic party platform [1]. Further political friction is evident with the launch of a federal investigation into a Democratic-led city’s alleged “race-based” housing strategy [2]. In South Carolina, intra-party conflict among Democrats has escalated, with a candidate for governor arguing her arrest was unlawful and accusing fellow Democrats of corruption [3].

References: [1] John Fetterman breaks with Democrats, slams party’s Palestinian statehood stance as ‘absolute betrayal’ - The senator says hostile language toward Jewish state becoming part of Democratic party platform, https://www.foxnews.com/media/john-fetterman-breaks-democrats-slams-partys-palestinian-statehood-stance-absolute-betrayal
[2] Democratic-led city’s alleged ‘race-based’ housing strategy prompts federal investigation, https://www.theblaze.com/news/democratic-led-city-s-alleged-race-based-housing-strategy-prompts-federal-investigation
[3] Democrat running for SC governor argues arrest unlawful, accuses fellow Democrats of corruption, https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democrat-running-sc-governor-argues-arrest-unlawful-accuses-fellow-democrats-corruption

2.3 Developments on Legal and Judicial Fronts

The U.S. Supreme Court has issued a decision with major implications for the cannabis industry. The justices rejected a challenge from marijuana companies against federal prohibition by declining to grant certiorari in the case of Canna Provisions v. Bondi. This refusal to hear the case leaves the federal law criminalizing marijuana fully intact [1]. Separately, public confidence in the high court appears fragile. A recent I&I/TIPP Poll found that while a majority of voters trust the Supreme Court to do what’s best for the country, it is “but just barely” [2].

References: [1] U.S. Supreme Court Rejects Marijuana Companies’ Case Challenging Federal Prohibition: The case, Canna Provisions v. Bondi, failed to receive the needed votes from four justices to grant certiorari., https://x.com/i/status/2000577226056552703
[2] Do Voters Trust Supreme Court To Do What’s Best For U.S.? Yes, But Just Barely: I&I/TIPP Poll, https://issuesinsights.com/2025/12/15/do-voters-trust-supreme-court-to-do-whats-best-for-u-s-yes-but-just-barely-ii-tipp-poll/

3. International Affairs and Foreign Policy

3.1 Conservative Victory in Chile and Venezuelan Developments

South America is experiencing a significant political realignment. In Chile, conservative José Antonio Kast has won the presidential race in a landslide, giving the nation its “most right-wing president in decades” [1, 2]. Commentators are framing his victory as the completion of a regional “Swinging Right’ Trifecta” [3]. In nearby Venezuela, opposition leader Corina Machado has voiced “absolute” support for President Trump’s recent seizure of an oil vessel, viewing it as necessary pressure on the Maduro regime [4]. Machado also projected that “hundreds of thousands” of expatriates will return to Venezuela once Maduro is removed from power [5].

References: [1] Conservative Landslide in Chile: José Antonio Kast Wins Presidential Race, https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2025/12/15/conservative-landslide-chile-jose-antonio-kast-wins-presidential-race/
[2] Major win for ultra-conservative gives Chile its most right-wing president in decades, https://fox59.com/news/ap-top-headlines/ap-chile-holds-an-election-that-could-deliver-its-most-right-wing-president-since-dictatorship/
[3] Chile Completes the ‘Swinging Right’ Trifecta, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2025/12/15/chile-completes-the-swinging-right-trifecta-n3809887
[4] Venezuelan opposition leader ‘absolutely’ backs Trump’s oil boat seizure, pressure on Maduro, https://nypost.com/2025/12/14/us-news/venezuelan-opposition-leader-absolutely-backs-trumps-oil-boat-seizure-pressure-on-maduro/
[5] Venezuelan Opposition Leader Corina Machado: “Hundreds Of Thousands” Will Return To Venezuela Once Maduro Goes, https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2025/12/15/maria-corina-machado-says-hundreds-of-thousands-venezuelans-will-return-home-once-maduro-goes/

3.2 Russia-Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Foreign Engagements

There are two key developments in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Militarily, the Security Service of Ukraine has reportedly achieved a historic first, using naval drones to blow up a Russian submarine, with photo and video evidence emerging [1]. Diplomatically, the prospect of a negotiated settlement remains difficult, as a new poll shows 75% of Ukrainians oppose any “peace plan” that would require a troop withdrawal from the Donbas region [2]. In a related strategic development, the U.S. and Ukraine are reportedly collaborating to target a “dark fleet” of approximately 1,000 rogue oil tankers used to evade international sanctions, a critical component of Russia’s war economy [3].

References: [1] Russian submarine blown up by Ukrainian Security Service drones for first time in history – photo, video, https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/15/8011942/
[2] 75% of Ukrainians oppose “peace plan” that would include troop withdrawal from Donbas, https://www.pravda.com.ua/eng/news/2025/12/15/8011851/
[3] US and Ukraine target 1,000-vessel dark fleet of rogue oil tankers, https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-ukraine-target-massive-vessel-dark-fleet-smuggling-sanctioned-oil-worldwide

4. Immigration and Border Control

4.1 U.S. Immigration Enforcement and Legal Challenges

The Trump administration continues to publicly promote its border security posture, holding an event to “tout efforts to secure the border” and present a newly created “Mexican Border Defense Medal” [1]. However, these federal enforcement efforts may soon face significant judicial obstruction. A report from The Federalist warns that a Wisconsin court is threatening moves that would directly obstruct the work of federal immigration enforcement agencies, setting up a potential clash between state-level judiciary and federal executive power [2].

References: [1] LIVE COVERAGE: Trump admin touts efforts to secure border, presents Mexican Border Defense Medal, https://www.foxnews.com/video/5614615980001
[2] Wisconsin Court Threatens To Obstruct Immigration Enforcement, https://thefederalist.com/2025/12/15/wisconsin-supreme-court-threatens-to-obstruct-immigration-enforcement/

4.2 Immigration-Related Criminal and Social Issues

Several reports link immigration status to crime and highlight friction between state and federal policies. In Minnesota, a major operation resulted in the arrest of 400 “criminal aliens,” with one report labeling them the “worst of the worst” and placing blame on Governor Walz’s “sanctuary policies” [1]. In a separate incident, a “criminal illegal alien” who did not have a commercial driver’s license crashed an 18-wheeler into a school bus; the report notes this occurred after the “Democrat-led Washington State” refused an ICE detainer request for the individual [2]. On a different front, a report alleges a widespread scheme by Chinese billionaires, such as gaming executive Xu Bo, to exploit U.S. birthright citizenship laws by using surrogacy to have “dozens” or even “more than 100” U.S.-born babies [3].

References: [1] WORST OF THE WORST: 400 Criminal Aliens Busted in Minnesota – Walz’s Sanctuary Policies Blamed, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2025/12/14/worst-of-the-worst-400-criminal-aliens-busted-in-minnesota-walzs-sanctuary-policies-blamed/
[2] Criminal Illegal Alien Without CDL Crashes 18-Wheeler Into School Bus After Democrat-led Washington State Refuses ICE Detainer, https://dallasexpress.com/crime/criminal-illegal-alien-without-cdl-crashes-18-wheeler-into-school-bus-after-wa-refuses-ice-detainer/
[3] Chinese billionaires are having dozens of U.S. born babies via surrogate to exploit U.S. birthright citizenship laws— Online Gaming executive Xu Bo said to have more than 100 children, https://x.com/JChengWSJ/status/2000038283380670823

4.3 European Migration Policy and Enforcement

European nations are continuing to adopt and enforce stricter migration and asylum policies. Hungary has launched a “damages action” against the EU Court of Justice in response to what it calls an “unprecedented” fine related to its tough stance on migration [1]. In a similar move, Switzerland has reportedly declined to grant citizenship to any asylum seekers who are receiving state welfare benefits, linking naturalization to economic self-sufficiency [2]. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom continues to face a high volume of illegal crossings, with reports indicating that over 40,000 migrants have landed on British shores since the start of the year [3].

References: [1] Hungary Launches Damages Action Against EU Court Over “Unprecedented” Migration Fine, https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/hungary-sues-ecj-damages-2024-migration-fine-tuzson/
[2] Switzerland has declined to grant citizenship to asylum seekers who are in receipt of state welfare., https://youtu.be/ahhx7Sjg_IM?si=SpY9DoLYVgPX9e8y
[3] Over 40,000 Illegals Have Landed on British Shores Since Start of Year, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/12/15/channel-crisis-over-40000-illegals-have-landed-on-british-shores-since-start-of-year/

5. Economic, Commentary and Cultural Issues

5.1 Economic Debates and Corporate Conduct

A new report from Breitbart accuses Mark Zuckerberg’s company, Meta, of having knowingly “tolerated rampant ad fraud from China to protect profits,” raising significant questions about the tech giant’s business practices and their impact on the digital marketplace [1]. Shifting to the broader political-economic debate, former Vice President Kamala Harris recently called for an “honest reality check” of the Trump economy. The comment drew immediate criticism from opponents, who argued she was overlooking the “affordability crisis” that occurred during the previous administration [2].

References: [1] Report: Mark Zuckerberg’s Meta Tolerated Rampant Ad Fraud from China to Protect Profits, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/12/15/report-meta-report-mark-zuckerbergs-meta-tolerated-rampant-ad-fraud-from-china-to-protect-profits-rampant-ad-fraud-from-china-to-safeguard-billions-in-revenue/
[2] Kamala Harris Floats ‘Honest’ Reality Check Of Trump Economy, Seemingly Forgetting Biden Admin’s Affordability Crisis, https://dailycaller.com/2025/12/13/kamala-harris-reality-check-donald-trump-economy-joe-biden-administration-affordability-crisis-democratic-national-committee/

5.2 Political Commentary and Culture

The current political discourse features sharp commentary reflecting the nation’s cultural divides. In a Townhall column, commentator Kurt Schlichter makes the provocative argument that the weekend’s gun tragedies demonstrate precisely why law-abiding citizens “must buy (even more) guns” for self-defense [1]. In media criticism, a segment on PBS is highlighted where Christiane Amanpour expressed it was “very disappointing” that most Americans oppose slavery reparations [2]. Separately, commentator Joe Scarborough drew criticism for stating America is “Doing Better Than Ever,” a comment that was contrasted with his past comparisons of President Trump to Hitler [3]. Satire also entered the discourse, with the Babylon Bee publishing a piece suggesting that, to halt violence, Australia’s government might ban Hanukkah [4].

References: [1] Kurt Schlichter: The Weekend’s Gun Tragedies Show Why You Must Buy (Even More) Guns, https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2025/12/15/the-weekends-gun-tragedies-show-why-you-must-buy-even-more-guns-n2667868
[2] Amanpour on PBS: ‘Very Disappointing’ Most Americans Oppose Slavery Reparations, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/clay-waters/2025/12/14/amanpour-pbs-very-disappointing-most-americans-oppose-slavery
[3] Trump=Hitler Scarborough Now Says America’s ‘Doing Better Than Ever’!, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/mark-finkelstein/2025/12/15/trumphitler-scarborough-now-says-americas-doing-better-ever
[4] To Halt Violence Against J*ws, Australia Bans Hanukkah, https://babylonbee.com/news/vowing-to-stop-violence-australia-bans-hanukkah

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