[Tuesday, January 13] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 13, 2026

Executive Summary

• Iran on the Brink: The U.S. is encouraging regime change in Iran and weighing military strikes. Tehran confirms its crackdown has killed 3,000+ protesters, prompting President Trump to seek technical aid and threaten broad economic penalties.
• Immigration Showdown: President Trump set a Feb. 1 deadline to cut federal funds to sanctuary jurisdictions. The move escalates a conflict that sees Minnesota suing the federal government over its enforcement crackdown.
• High-Stakes Investigations: The House is pursuing contempt charges against former President Bill Clinton for defying a subpoena in the Epstein probe. Separately, FBI Director Kash Patel fired agents, and Fed Chair Jerome Powell is under U.S. Attorney scrutiny.
• VP Security Breach: A Secret Service agent on Vice President Vance’s detail allegedly leaked sensitive information to an undercover reporter, pointing to a severe security failure.

1. The Iran Crisis: Uprising, U.S. Escalation, and Global Ramifications

1.1 Tehran Admits to Deadly Crackdown as Uprising Intensifies

The Iranian regime has made a startling admission, confirming that a minimum of 3,000 people have been killed in its violent crackdown on nationwide protests, a figure that drew immediate dismay from the United Nations over the reported “‘horrific violence’” [1]. Sources inside the country allege the policy of lethal force was deliberate and came from the highest levels of government, claiming Supreme Leader Khamenei personally “ordered killings” with the approval of “top state bodies” [2]. As the violence continues, Tehran’s state media has broadcast defiant and hostile rhetoric, taunting a “‘Delusional’ Trump” with warnings of its “‘Overwhelming Firepower’” and challenging the U.S. to “‘Come, Be Burned’” [3].

References:
[1] Iran admits at least 3,000 killed in protest crackdown, UN dismayed by ‘horrific violence’, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-883216
[2] Khamenei ordered killings with approval of top state bodies, sources say, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601132979
[3] Iranian Regime Taunts ‘Delusional’ Trump With ‘Overwhelming Firepower’ in Anti‐U.S. Rant: ‘Come, Be Burned’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/12/iranian-regime-taunts-delusional-trump-with-overwhelming-firepower-in-anti-u-s-rant-come-be-burned/

1.2 U.S. Shifts to Regime Change Posture, Weighs Military Action

The Trump administration has dramatically escalated its involvement, moving from strategic deliberation to openly encouraging regime change. President Trump has cancelled all meetings with Iran and directly addressed the protestors, telling them to “’take over’ the country” and assuring them that “‘Help Is On Its Way’” [1, 2]. This rhetoric is backed by serious threats; the President has warned of “‘very strong action’” should the Iranian regime execute detained protestors [3] and is reportedly considering military strikes as a potential response [4].

The White House is simultaneously pursuing a multifaceted strategy, having been briefed on “military, cyber, [and] psychological options” [5]. In an unconventional move amid an “Iran blаckout,” President Trump is reportedly turning to Elon Musk for technical assistance, an action that also appears to rekindle a working relationship between the two [6]. Economically, the President has threatened a “tariffs hike” on any country that continues to do business with Iran [7]. Diplomatic avenues are also being explored, with reports that U.S. envoy Witkoff met with Reza Pahlavi, the exiled Iranian crown prince, to discuss the protests [8]. Meanwhile, a media dispute has emerged, with Breitbart reporting that the Wall Street Journal refused to correct a story claiming Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio were attempting to deter the President from military action [9].

References:
[1] Trump cancels all meetings with Iran, calls on protesters to ’take over’ the country, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-cancels-all-meetings-iran-calls-protesters-take-over-country
[2] Trump Tells Iranian Protesters ‘Help Is On Its Way’, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/trump-cancels-meetings-with-iran-over-killing-of-protesters-0973aa84?mod=mhp
[3] Trump warns of ‘very strong action’ if Iran executes protesters, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601136211
[4] US warns citizens to leave Iran immediately as Trump considers strikes, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/13/us-tells-citizens-leave-iran-trump-mulls-strikes
[5] Trump briefed on military, cyber, psychological options for Iran – CBS, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601133000
[6] Trump turns to Musk amid Iran blаckout, rekindling ties after months of thawing tension, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-turns-musk-amid-iran-blackout-rekindling-ties-after-months-thawing-tension
[7] Iran latest: Trump threatens tariffs hike on any country doing business with Iran | World News, https://news.sky.com/story/iran-latest-protests-live-13492391?postid=10838708#liveblog-body
[8] US envoy Witkoff, Reza Pahlavi discussed Iran protests - report, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-883267
[9] Wall Street Journal Refuses to Correct False Report That Vance and Rubio Are Deterring Trump from Striking Iran, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/13/wall-street-journal-refuses-to-correct-report-that-vance-and-rubio-are-deterring-trump-from-striking-iran/

1.3 International Reactions and Commentary

The crisis has prompted strong reactions globally. France has removed its non-essential diplomatic staff from its Tehran embassy [1], while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a stark condemnation, stating that “Iran’s leadership does not deserve to exist” [2]. Commentary in Western media has focused heavily on a perceived lack of public outcry, with an Iranian dissident criticizing the “American left’s silence” [3] and a Wall Street Journal opinion piece asking, “Iran Cracks Down. Where Are the Western Protests?” [4]. Conversely, historian Niall Ferguson published a piece titled “The Myth of Revolution in Iran,” cautioning against premature conclusions [5].

References:
[1] France removes non-essential staff from Tehran embassy – media, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601127905
[2] Zelenskiy says Iran’s leadership does not deserve to exist, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601135620
[3] Iranian dissident unloads on American left’s silence on deadly protests, https://www.foxnews.com/media/iranian-dissident-unloads-american-lefts-silence-deadly-protests
[4] Iran Cracks Down. Where Are the Western Protests?, https://www.wsj.com/opinion/iran-cracks-down-where-are-the-western-protests-791828d3
[5] Niall Ferguson: The Myth of Revolution in Iran, https://www.thefp.com/p/niall-ferguson-the-myth-of-revolution-in-iran

2. Domestic Flashpoints: Immigration Enforcement and Federal-State Showdown

2.1 Trump Sets Deadline to Defund Sanctuary Jurisdictions

President Trump has announced a major executive action escalating the conflict over immigration enforcement, declaring that all federal funding for designated sanctuary cities and states will be cut off effective February 1, 2026 [1]. The move sets the stage for a significant legal and fiscal battle. The administration’s confidence in its legal standing is underscored by a CNN legal analyst, who was quoted making the broad assertion that “There is no way a judge can say, ‘You, federal law enforcement agency, you are not allowed to execute federal law in a certain state or city’” [2].

References:
[1] Trump announces sanctuary cities and states will lose federal funds on Feb. 1, https://nypost.com/2026/01/13/us-news/trump-says-sanctuary-cities-and-states-will-lose-federal-funds-on-feb-1/
[2] CNN Legal analyst: “There is no way a judge can say, ‘You, federal law enforcement agency, you are not allowed to execute federal law in a certain state or city.’”, https://x.com/rapidresponse47/status/2011070234032308258

2.2 Minnesota Sues Federal Government as Tensions Over ICE Escalate

A direct jurisdictional conflict is deepening in Minnesota, where the state and the Twin Cities have sued the federal government to halt the administration’s “immigration crackdown” [1]. Legal analyst Jonathan Turley has publicly labeled the lawsuit “meritless” [2]. In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is demanding that Minnesota leaders honor ICE detainers, alleging that “hundreds of criminal aliens have been released under Walz” [3]. The tension follows the high-profile death of an individual named Renee Good, with reports indicating the agent involved is “unlikely to face charges” [4]. The outcome has drawn outrage from figures like Ilhan Omar, who called the incident a “‘Clear Murder’ — ‘An Execution’” [5]. This climate of public anger is further exemplified by reports of a St. Paul council Vice President urging citizens to track ICE agents [6], and an opinion piece alleging that “Soccer moms” are becoming “ICE saboteurs” [7]. Separately, the administration has formally ended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for “thousands of Somalis in US” [8].

References:
[1] Minnesota and the Twin Cities sue the federal government to stop the immigration crackdown, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/us-news/minnesota-and-the-twin-cities-sue-the-federal-government-to-stop-the-immigration-crackdown/
[2] Minnesota Files Meritless Lawsuit to Stop Increase in Fraud Investigation and Immigration Enforcement, https://jonathanturley.org/2026/01/13/minnesota-files-meritless-lawsuit-to-stop-increase-in-fraud-investigation-and-immigration-enforcement/
[3] DHS demands MN leaders honor ICE detainers, alleges hundreds of criminal aliens have been released under Walz, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/dhs-demands-mn-leaders-honor-ice-detainers-alleges-hundreds-criminal-aliens-have-been-released-under-walz
[4] ICE agent unlikely to face charges in Renee Good’s death: report, https://nypost.com/2026/01/13/us-news/ice-agent-unlikely-to-face-charges-in-renee-goods-death/
[5] Ilhan Omar: ICE Officer Committed a ‘Clear Murder’ — ‘An Execution’, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/01/12/ilhan-omar-ice-officer-committed-a-clear-murder-an-execution/
[6] St. Paul council VP urges resistance — calls for tracking ICE agents, delivering groceries to illegal aliens, https://www.theblaze.com/news/st-paul-illegal-alien-kim
[7] Soccer moms are taking up a dangerous new hobby — becoming ICE saboteurs, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/opinion/soccer-moms-are-taking-up-a-dangerous-new-hobby-becoming-ice-saboteurs/
[8] Trump administration ends temporary protected status for thousands of Somalis in US, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-administration-ends-temporary-protected-status-thousands-somalis-us

3. High-Stakes Investigations: Congress, DOJ, and the Executive Branch

3.1 House Moves for Contempt Charges Against Clintons in Epstein Probe

A constitutional conflict is brewing between the House of Representatives and former President Bill Clinton. After defying a congressional subpoena to testify in the ongoing investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, Representative Comer announced that the House is “moving ahead” with contempt of Congress charges against the former president [1, 2]. Both Bill and Hillary Clinton reportedly failed to appear for their scheduled depositions before the investigative committee, indicating a coordinated refusal to cooperate with the congressional inquiry [3].

References:
[1] Bill Clinton defies congressional subpoena, Comer says contempt charges moving ahead, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bill-clinton-defies-congressional-subpoena-appear-jeffrey-epstein-probe
[2] Bill Clinton defies congressional subpoena to appear in Jeffrey Epstein probe, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bill-clinton-defies-congressional-subpoena-appear-jeffrey-epstein-probe?fbclid=IwY2xjawPTTeNleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8yNzM0NjU0MTYxODQwODAAAR44SvBI9GNDKoQ_PzpbToawOB6RarWvgCl0WxXFde0D7DZ68WAMfoI2y1Y5Ng_aem_mC5lWXlgWd_DEEb49x_z0A
[3] Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton skip House depositions in Epstein investigation | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2026/01/13/us-news/bill-clinton-hillary-clinton-skip-house-depositions-in-epstein-investigation/

3.2 Probes Target Federal Reserve Chair and FBI Personnel

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is facing an unusual inquiry from a U.S. Attorney’s office regarding his congressional testimony. A “US Attorney Pirro” issued a statement claiming the Federal Reserve “‘ignored’” official inquiries “‘on multiple occasions’” [1]. The statement added a pointed clarification: “The word “indictment” has come out of Mr. Powell’s mouth, no one else’s,” suggesting Powell may have publicly raised the possibility of an indictment himself [2]. In separate agency news, FBI Director Kash Patel has reportedly fired agents connected to the “anti-Trump Arctic Frost inquiry,” whom he described as “‘corrupt’,” stating that law enforcement had been “‘weaponized’” in the probe [3]. In other oversight matters, it has been reported that Jack Smith is scheduled to testify at a public House Judiciary Committee hearing next week [4].

References:
[1] Federal Reserve ‘ignored’ US attorney’s office inquiries into Powell’s congressional testimony ‘on multiple occasions’: Pirro, https://nypost.com/2026/01/13/us-news/federal-reserve-ignored-inquiries-into-powells-congressional-testimony-pirro/
[2] Statement US Attorney Pirro: “The word “indictment” has come out of Mr. Powell’s mouth, no one else’s. None of this would have happened if they had just responded to our outreach”, https://x.com/usattypirro/status/2010886969518170452?s=61
[3] Patel fired ‘corrupt’ FBI agents in antiTrump Arctic Frost inquiry who ‘weaponized’ law enforcement, https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/patel-fired-corrupt-fbi-agents-anti-trump-arctic-frost-inquiry-who-weaponized
[4] Jack Smith to testify next week at a public House Judiciary Committee hearing, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/jack-smith-testify-next-week-public-house-judiciary-committee-hearing

4. National Security and Geopolitical Developments

4.1 Vice President’s Security Detail Breached

A major national security failure has been alleged within the Vice President’s protective detail. A breaking news report claims that a U.S. Secret Service agent assigned to Vice President JD Vance’s security team has leaked sensitive information to an undercover reporter [1]. The source, a post on X.com, does not specify the nature, content, or classification level of the information compromised, but the allegation points to a severe counterintelligence breach at the highest levels of government.

References:
[1] BREAKING: US Secret Service Agent for JD Vance Leaks Sensitive Information to Undercover Reporter, https://x.com/JamesOKeefeIII/status/2011134376307016039

4.2 Greenland Rebuffs U.S. Overtures; Other Foreign Policy Notes

Discourse surrounding the potential U.S. acquisition of Greenland prompted a firm diplomatic rebuttal. Following speculative commentary pieces such as one in The Telegraph titled, “How Trump can take Greenland without firing a shot” [1], Greenland’s Prime Minister Nielsen issued a definitive public statement: “We choose Denmark over US” [2]. In other foreign policy news, the Trump administration is reportedly moving to “choke off oil lifeline” to Cuba, which drew a “defiant” response from Cuba’s president, who said no negotiations are scheduled [3]. In Europe, both Denmark and Sweden are reportedly experiencing “historic low migration” as a direct result of stricter national immigration policies [4].

References:
[1] How Trump can take Greenland without firing a shot, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/13/how-trump-can-take-greenland-without-firing-a-shot/?WT.mc_id=tmgoff_reddit_greenland-without-firing-a-shot/
[2] We choose Denmark over US, says Greenland PM Nielsen, https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/we-choose-denmark-over-us-says-greenland-pm-nielsen
[3] Cuba’s president defiant, says no negotiations scheduled as Trump moves to choke off oil lifeline, https://www.foxnews.com/world/cubas-president-defiant-says-no-negotiations-scheduled-trump-moves-to-choke-oil-lifeline
[4] Denmark, Sweden: Stricter immigration policies lead to historic low migration, https://www.infomigrants.net/en/post/69166/denmark-sweden-stricter-immigration-policies-lead-to-historic-low-migration

5. Other Domestic Developments: Legal, Political, and Cultural

• Supreme Court Hears Gender-in-Sports Case: The Supreme Court has heard oral arguments in a highly contentious case concerning the participation of “men in women’s sports.” The headline from Townhall.com suggests the arguments were notably dramatic, but provides no further details on the specific legal questions or litigants [1].
• Synagogue Arson in Mississippi: An official has confirmed that Mississippi’s largest synagogue was deliberately “Torched,” and that a suspect in the alleged arson has been arrested [2]. In a subsequent and widely reported public statement, President Trump addressed antisemites, declaring, “You’re not welcome in MAGA” [3].
• California Wealth Tax Battle: Governor Newsom has come out strongly against a proposed state wealth tax, labeling it “‘really damaging’” and predicting it “will be defeated.” He reported that billionaires are already moving money and businesses out of the state in anticipation of the measure [4].
• Death of ‘Dilbert’ Creator Scott Adams: Scott Adams, the cartoonist who created the ‘Dilbert’ comic strip and later became a podcaster and commentator, has died at the age of 68 [5]. His death followed recent reports that he had entered hospice care [6].
• State and Local Issues: In Maryland, whistleblowers have alleged a “‘Wrong and corrupt’” scheme was used to help the state government avoid federal penalties related to the SNAP program [7]. In Michigan, the Macomb County Clerk reports that “non-citizens are being summoned for jury duty at an alarming rate” [8]. In Ohio, former MLB pitcher John Rocker is reportedly investigating alleged “Somali daycare fraud” in Columbus [9].

References:
[1] Supreme Court Hears Oral Arguments on Men in Women’s Sports…and Hoo Boy, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2026/01/13/scotus-oral-arguments-men-in-womens-sports-n2669399
[2] Official: Mississippi’s Largest Synagogue Torched, Suspect Arrested, https://www.breitbart.com/faith/2026/01/11/official-mississippis-largest-synagogue-torched-suspect-arrested/
[3] Trump to antisemites: You’re not welcome in MAGA, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/us-news/trump-to-antisemites-youre-not-welcome-in-maga/?fbclid=PAVERFWAPSbMVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xMjQwMjQ1NzQyODc0MTQAAaeufEJtJvHu5j7yWt-QThgrtMD8bqcMJOmCbjtxw0oPt4z4ZXzLHTlf4yWJKw_aem_cxrPR8N21nQA6rRomGtszw
[4] Newsom says California wealth tax ‘really damaging’ as billionaires move money, businesses out of state - California’s governor predicts the one-time 5% wealth tax ‘will be defeated’, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/newsom-says-california-wealth-tax-really-damaging-billionaires-move-money-businesses-out-of-state
[5] ‘Dilbert’ Creator Scott Adams Dead at 68, https://www.tmz.com/2026/01/13/scott-adams-dead/
[6] ‘Dilbert’ creator Scott Adams in hospice with only days left to live, https://nypost.com/2026/01/12/entertainment/dilbert-creator-scott-adams-in-hospice-with-only-days-left-to-live/
[7] ‘Wrong and corrupt’: Whistleblowers allege Md. scheme to avoid federal SNAP penalties, https://foxbaltimore.com/spotlight-on-maryland/wrong-and-corrupt-whistleblowers-allege-md-scheme-to-avoid-federal-snap-penalties
[8] Macomb County Clerk says non-citizens are summoned for jury duty at an alarming rate | FOX 2 Detroit, https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/macomb-county-clerk-says-non-citizens-summoned-jury-duty-alarming-rate
[9] Former MLB pitcher John Rocker investigates Somali daycare fraud in Columbus Ohio, https://x.com/tpantheman/status/2010905815092445684?s=46

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