[Friday, January 09] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare
January 9, 2026

Executive Summary

• A fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting becomes a national crisis with the release of new video evidence; Vice President Vance asserts “absolute immunity” for the federal agent involved.
• The U.S. and Venezuela are “working well together” following a U.S. intervention, with political prisoners now being released.
• President Trump issues a stark warning to Iran amid deadly protests, proposes purchasing Greenland, and withdraws the U.S. from the UN Climate Treaty and 65 other organizations.
• The administration directed a $200 billion intervention to lower mortgage rates, as the economy added 50,000 jobs in December.

1. Domestic Unrest: Federal Power vs. Local Resistance

1.1. The Minneapolis Crisis: Fatal ICE Shooting Investigations

A fatal shooting in Minneapolis involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent has become a national flashpoint, with its narrative now shaped by newly released video evidence. The deceased, Renee Nicole Good, was reportedly a “‘warrior’” for the anti-ICE activist group ‘ICE Watch’, which is said to have trained members on how to resist federal agents [1]. New video evidence, including body camera footage and a recording from the agent’s phone, provides a multi-angle view of the deadly encounter [2, 3]. Reports state this new footage shows Good “appearing to block road moments before” the shooting, leading to a “fiery confrontation” [4]. In a critical development, a video has emerged in which Good’s wife claims the fatal shooting was her fault [5]. This video evidence is being contrasted with accounts that she “nurtured kindness” [6]. Further context provided in one report notes the ICE officer involved had been the victim of a previous, serious assault in June 2025, during which he was dragged by a car for 100 yards [7].

References:
[1] Exclusive | Renee Nicole Good was Minneapolis ‘ICE Watch’ ‘warrior’ who trained to resist feds before shooting, https://nypost.com/2026/01/08/us-news/renee-nicole-good-was-minneapolis-ice-watch-warrior-who-trained-to-resist-feds-before-shooting/
[2] Body cam footage from the ICE officers that was hit., https://x.com/i/status/2009682748563481061
[3] Officer Phone Video of MN Shooting, https://x.com/AlphaNews/status/2009679932289626385?s=20
[4] New video shows Renee Nicole Good appearing to block road moments before fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting, https://nypost.com/2026/01/09/us-news/renee-nicole-good-appears-to-block-road-before-fatal-minneapolis-ice-shooting-video/
[5] Renee Good’s wife says fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting was her fault, https://www.foxnews.com/us/renee-good-wife-claimed-minneapolis-shooting-my-fault-video-amid-anti-ice-fury
[6] Renee Nicole Good’s ‘Wife’ Claims She ‘Nurtured Kindness’ – New Video Blows That Fantasy to Smithereens, https://redstate.com/terichristoph/2026/01/09/new-video-shatters-becca-goods-narrative-on-minneapolis-mom-to-smithereens-n2197951
[7] ICE Agent Who Killed Renee Good Was Dragged 100 Yards in June, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/ice-minneapolis-shooting/2026/01/08/id/1241374/

1.2. Political and Legal Firestorm

The Minneapolis shooting has ignited a severe political and legal conflict. Vice President JD Vance has forcefully entered the debate, stating the ICE agent involved has “absolute immunity” from prosecution [1]. This claim comes as the incident “ignites debate over federal officer immunity” nationwide [2]. The Vice President also issued a public call for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to resign, accusing him of being “Either Incompetent or In on the Fraud” [3]. The rhetoric from other political figures has been even more stark, with Representative Mary Miller demanding the government “Invoke the Insurrection Act. Arrest Tim Walz” [4].

References:
[1] Vance says ICE agent involved in fatal shooting has ‘absolute immunity’, https://apnews.com/video/vance-says-ice-agent-involved-in-fatal-shooting-has-absolute-immunity-5109e1f2c2504fc5b3249196cc6ba014
[2] Minnesota ICE shooting ignites debate over federal officer immunity, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4411877/minnesota-ice-shooting-ignites-debate-federal-officer-immunity/
[3] Vance on Why Walz Should Resign: He’s Either Incompetent or In on the Fraud, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/08/vance-on-why-walz-should-resign-hes-either-incompetent-or-in-on-the-fraud/
[4] Rep Mary Miller: “Invoke the Insurrection Act. Arrest Tim Walz.”, https://x.com/i/status/2009071448523239456

1.3. Protests and Broader Tensions

In response to the shooting, Governor Walz authorized the “staging” of the National Guard in anticipation of civil unrest [1]. Protests have since materialized near the Minneapolis ICE facility, with some reports describing the scene as a new “Autonomous Zone” exhibiting “Woke Chaos” [2]. Allegations about the organization of these protests have surfaced, with one report claiming they are funded by “far‐left groups” and another featuring a protester allegedly admitting on camera to being paid, stating, “I’m Getting Paid Right Now!” [3, 4]. Amid the turmoil, the Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police issued a formal statement of support, declaring, “FOP Stands with ICE” [5]. Tensions have also reached the private sector, as an unnamed “Blue state governor” has demanded that private airlines stop providing ICE flights nationwide [6].

References:
[1] Gov Walz-authorizes-national-guard-staging-following-fatal-ice-shooting-minneapolis, https://www.foxnews.com/us/gov-walz-authorizes-national-guard-staging-following-fatal-ice-shooting-minneapolis
[2] Come Check Out The New Autonomous Zone Libs Constructed In Minneapolis – Woke Chaos on Full Display! (Videos), https://www.rightjournalism.com/come-check-out-the-new-autonomous-zone-libs-constructed-in-minneapolis-woke-chaos-on-full-display-videos/
[3] Report claims far‐left groups are behind the funding of anti‐ICE protests in Minnesota, https://foxbaltimore.com/news/nation-world/far-left-groups-are-behind-the-funding-of-anti-ice-protests-in-minnesota-report-new-york-post-renee-good-immigration-dc
[4] WATCH — Leftist Admits Protesting at Minneapolis ICE Facility Is Her Job: ‘I’m Getting Paid Right Now!’, https://www.breitbart.com/social-justice/2026/01/09/watch-leftist-admits-protesting-at-minneapolis-ice-facility-is-her-job-im-getting-paid-right-now/
[5] Minnesota Fraternal Order of Police Statement: ‘FOP Stands with ICE’, https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/01/09/minnesota-fraternal-order-of-police-statement-fop-stands-with-ice/
[6] Blue state governor demands private airlines stop providing ICE flights after deadly Minneapolis shooting, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/blue-state-governor-demands-private-airlines-stop-providing-ice-flights-after-deadly-minneapolis-shooting

1.4. The Portland Incident: Federal Agents vs. ‘Tren de Aragua’

A second significant violent confrontation involving federal agents took place in what one headline describes as “Democrat-led, crime-ridden Portland, Oregon” [1]. Federal agents shot individuals identified as members of the “Tren De Aragua” gang, who allegedly attempted to “run over U.S. Border Patrol agents” by “‘weaponizing’ [their] Vehicle” during a felony stop [1, 2]. A follow-up report from the New York Post claims the individuals involved were “illegal criminals released into US by Biden admin” [3]. In the aftermath, a “candlelight vigil of 400” was held near Portland City Hall to protest the shooting [4].

References:
[1] Tren de Aragua gangbangers were shot after attempting to run over U.S. Border Patrol agents during a felony stop in Democrat-led, crime-ridden Portland, Oregon, https://www.12onyourside.com/2026/01/09/2-wounded-shooting-with-federal-immigration-officers-oregon/
[2] Report: Federal Agents Shoot Two in Portland, Driver ‘Weaponized’ Vehicle, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/08/report-u-s-federal-agents-shoot-2-in-portland-driver-weaponized-vehicle/
[3] Illegal criminals released into US by Biden admin ID’d as Portland Tren de Aragua gangbangers shot while trying to mow down feds, https://nypost.com/2026/01/09/us-news/illegal-criminals-released-by-biden-admin-idd-as-portland-tren-de-aragua-gangbangers-shot-while-trying-to-mow-down-feds/
[4] Candlelight vigil of 400 surrounds Portland City Hall after Border Patrol shooting, https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/2026/01/candlelight-vigil-surrounds-portland-city-hall-as-protesters-decry-border-patrol-shooting.html

2. Foreign Policy & Geopolitics

2.1. U.S.-Venezuela Relations: From Intervention to Cooperation

A dramatic diplomatic realignment appears underway with Venezuela. President Trump announced via social media that “Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners” in what he termed a gesture of “Seeking Peace,” adding that the “U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together” [1]. Reports corroborate that prisoners are being freed from a “brutal jail in Caracas,” signaling that Venezuela is taking “steps to rebuild US relationship” [2, 3]. This rapid de-escalation follows a recent U.S. intervention that reportedly resulted in the capture of Nicolás Maduro [4]. After that operation, President Trump had stated the U.S. would not conduct further attacks because of emerging “cooperation” [5]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also noted allied support, thanking Argentina and Ecuador for their “collaboration in the fight against narcoterrorism” [6].

References:
[1] “Venezuela is releasing large numbers of political prisoners as a sign of “ ‘Seeking Peace.’ This is a very important and smart gesture. The U.S.A. and Venezuela are working well together…” - President Donald J. Trump, https://x.com/WhiteHouse/status/2009590847768277392
[2] Political prisoners are being freed from a brutal jail in Caracas. It’s a significant development | US News, https://news.sky.com/story/political-prisoners-are-being-freed-from-a-brutal-jail-in-caracas-its-a-significant-development-13492254
[3] Venezuela takes steps to rebuild US relationship | World News, https://news.sky.com/story/venezuela-latest-tanker-seized-us-oil-trump-greenland-maduro-latest-13489831?postid=10823639#liveblog-body
[4] Trump captures Maduro, but here’s how he can fix Venezuela going forward, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/mike-pompeo-trump-can-win-all-venezuela-stop-maduro-like-sequel
[5] President Trump says the US will not attack Venezuela again due to ‘cooperation’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/president-trump-says-wont-second-wave-attacks-against-venezuela-due-cooperation
[6] Venezuela: Rubio thanks Argentina and Ecuador for collaboration in the fight against narcoterrorism, https://english.adnkronos.com/2026/01/07/venezuela-rubio-thanks-argentina-and-ecuador-for-collaboration-in-the-fight-against-narcoterrorism

2.2. U.S. Posture on Iran Amid Protests

The U.S. has adopted a direct and confrontational public stance toward Iran as deadly protests spread across that country. Demonstrations have reportedly resumed in Tehran and included “arson attacks” on regime symbols [1, 2]. The Iranian government has responded by cutting “nationwide internet access” and phone service, with the death toll from the crackdown reportedly reaching at least 44 across major cities [3]. In response, President Trump has delivered a direct warning to the regime: “You Start Shooting, ‘We’ll Start Shooting’” [4]. Supporting this tough line, U.S. Senator Bill Hagerty stated, “The American people are standing with Iranians” [5].

References:
[1] Tehran protesters resume nighttime rallies despite crackdown, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601095691
[2] Arson attacks on regime symbols as protests escalate in Iran; phone lines cut to curb unrest, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/syl1mpanwg#autoplay
[3] Iran regime cuts nationwide internet access as protests claim 44 lives across major cities, https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-regime-cuts-nationwide-internet-access-protests-claim-44-lives-across-major-cities
[4] Trump’s Iran Warning: You Start Shooting, ‘We’ll Start Shooting’, https://www.newsmax.com/us/donald-trump-iran-protesters/2026/01/09/id/1241534/
[5] “The American people are standing with Iranians, US Senator Bill Hagerty told Iran International, as nationwide civil unrest gripped Iran. Hagerty said Iran’s cleric-ruled government has long oppressed its citizens, adding Iranians alone should decide their political future.”, https://x.com/IranIntl_En/status/2009687537011277845

2.3. Major Unilateral Executive Actions: Greenland and Treaty Withdrawals

The Trump administration has undertaken two major unilateral actions on the world stage. First, reports indicate the president “will offer ‘$100k to every Greenlander’” as part of a renewed bid to purchase the autonomous Danish territory [1]. This comes as Greenland’s government is reportedly considering “bypassing Denmark” to meet directly with the U.S. about a possible acquisition [2]. Second, a PJ Media report claims President Trump has pulled the U.S. “Out of [the] UN Climate Treaty and 65 Other Organizations,” a move that allegedly caused a strong negative reaction from “Globalists” [3]. In the wake of this, the UN is demanding the U.S. “Fulfill ‘Legal Obligation’ to Fund Globalist Agencies After Trump Withdrawal” [4].

References:
[1] Trump will offer ‘$100k to every Greenlander’, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/09/trump-buy-greenland-100k-every-citizen/
[2] BREAKING: Greenland considers bypassing Denmark, meeting with U.S. about possible acquisition of the country., https://x.com/Polymarket/status/2009685273102389483
[3] Globalists Blow a Gasket After Trump Pulls America Out of UN Climate Treaty and 65 Other Organizations, https://pjmedia.com/tim-o-brien/2026/01/09/globalists-are-blowing-a-gasket-after-trump-pulls-america-out-of-un-climate-treaty-n4948094
[4] U.N. Demands U.S. Fulfill ‘Legal Obligation’ to Fund Globalist Agencies After Trump Withdrawal, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/09/u-n-demands-u-s-fulfill-legal-obligation-to-fund-globalist-agencies-after-trump-withdrawal/

3. Trump Administration: Domestic Agenda & Governance

3.1. Economic and Departmental Initiatives

The administration has announced two significant domestic initiatives. President Trump directed a “$200 BILLION” purchase of mortgage bonds and debt by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac with the stated goal of pushing “mortgage rates down immediately” [1]. Separately, Vice President JD Vance announced the formation of a “New DOJ Division” helmed by a new Assistant Attorney General, which will be tasked to “Lead National Fraud Crackdown” [2].

References:
[1] President Trump announces a $200 BILLION purchase of mortgage bonds to push mortgage rates down immediately, https://x.com/bennyjohnson/status/2009378734898291186?s=61 y n
[2] JD Vance Announces New DOJ Division, Assistant AG to Lead National Fraud Crackdown, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/08/jjd-vance-announces-new-doj-division-assistant-ag-to-lead-national-fraud-crackdown/

3.2. Executive-Legislative Clashes and Political Scandals

Tensions between the White House and Congress are apparent, with one report stating President Trump “blasted Republican rebels” following a congressional “rebuke on his war authority in Venezuela” [1]. In a separate security matter, a “far-left” Wisconsin man has pleaded guilty to homicide charges after he was accused of killing his parents as part of a plan to “fund a Trump assassination plot” [2]. In another matter, a former bodyguard for Vivek Ramaswamy is facing federal charges for allegedly dealing “fentanyl, meth and steroids” [3].

References:
[1] Trump blasts Republican rebels after rebuke on his war authority in Venezuela | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-blasts-gop-war-powers-defectors-says-should-never-elected-office-again
[2] Far-left Wisconsin man accused of killing parents to fund Trump assassination plot pleads guilty to homicide, https://www.newindianexpress.com/world/2026/Jan/09/wisconsin-man-accused-of-killing-parents-to-fund-trump-assassination-plot-pleads-guilty-to-homicide-2
[3] Vivek Ramaswamy’s bodyguard hit with federal drug trafficking charges – was allegedly dealing fentanyl, meth and steroids, https://nypost.com/2026/01/08/us-news/vivek-ramaswamys-bodyguard-hit-with-federal-drug-trafficking-charges-was-allegedly-dealing-fentanyl-meth-and-steroids/

4. U.S. Economy

4.1. National Employment Data

The latest U.S. jobs report for December indicates the economy “added 50,000 jobs” [1]. According to the data, the national unemployment rate concurrently declined to 4.4% [1].

References:
[1] US employers add 50K jobs in December as unemployment rate drops to 4.4%, https://nypost.com/2026/01/09/business/us-employers-add-50k-jobs-in-december-as-unemployment-rate-drops-to-4-4/

4.2. State-Level Economic Pressures

California’s tax policy is reportedly impacting its wealthiest residents. A New York Post report claims the state’s “wealth tax threat” has prompted “at least six billionaires to cut ties” with California, with “about 20 more” considering an exit [1]. On federal policy, a headline notes that Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent “Drops a Remittance Bomb,” but provides no details on the nature of this development, requiring a direct check of the source for clarification [2].

References:
[1] Wealth tax threat prompts at least six billionaires to cut ties with California, as about 20 more mull exit: report, https://nypost.com/2026/01/08/business/wealth-tax-threat-prompts-at-least-six-billionaires-to-cut-ties-with-california-with-about-20-more-mulling-exit-report/?utm_social_handle_id=17469289&utm_source=twitter&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=social&utm_social_post_id=646104107
[2] Bessent Drops a Remittance Bomb Last Night, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2026/01/09/bessent-drops-a-remittance-bomb-last-night-n3810647

5. U.S. Politics and Congress

5.1. Congressional Activity

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation to “extend health care subsidies.” Reports characterize the vote as an act of “defiance of GOP leaders,” suggesting a significant bipartisan crossover, though specific vote counts are not provided [1].

References:
[1] House votes to extend health care subsidies in defiance of GOP leaders, https://apnews.com/live/donald-trump-news-updates-1-8-2026

5.2. Partisan Disputes and Legal Issues

Intra-party and inter-party disputes continue to draw headlines. In California, a Democratic lawmaker is reportedly voicing “Outrage” over what she calls a “Pedophile Get-Out-Of-Jail Free Card” that her “Party Created” [1]. Meanwhile, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene “slams” a report that the White House had contacted the Secret Service about her [2]. Legal issues involving political figures also persist. The former treasurer of the Michigan Democratic Party was reportedly brought to court on accusations of embezzling from a “brain-damaged elderly woman” [3].

References:
[1] California Democrat Outraged Over Pedophile Get-Out-Of-Jail Free Card Her Party Created, https://dailycaller.com/2026/01/08/california-democrat-pedophile-free-mental-health-diversion-policy-newsom-woke/
[2] MTG slams report White House contacted Secret Service over her | Just The News, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/mtg-slams-report-white-house-contacted-secret-service-over-her
[3] Former Michigan Democratic Party treasurer hauled into court this week, suspected of embezzling a brain-damaged elderly woman, https://enjoyer.com/the-democrat-treasurer-allegedly-ripped-off-an-old-lady-the-media-ignored-the-scandal/

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