[Wednesday, January 14] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare January 14, 2026

Executive Summary

• Iran Crisis: The Iranian regime has reportedly issued a direct assassination threat against President Trump amid a brutal crackdown on protesters that has left hundreds dead and all dissent criminalized. In response, the U.S. is realigning military assets in the Middle East, though President Trump has issued varied statements, threatening “strong action” while also claiming the killing has stopped.
• Immigration Clampdown: The Trump administration froze visa processing for 75 countries, citing welfare concerns, and will cut funding to “sanctuary cities” next month. The policy coincides with emerging details about a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis.
• High-Profile Probes: Former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reportedly face criminal contempt of Congress charges for defying subpoenas in the Jeffrey Epstein probe. Separately, the FBI raided a Washington Post journalist’s home over alleged classified leaks.
• SCOTUS & Politics: The Supreme Court heard a landmark case on transgender athletes in women’s sports. At the state level, the Minnesota House has initiated impeachment proceedings against Governor Tim Walz.

1. The Iran Crisis

1.1 Regime Crackdown and Escalation

The Iranian regime is intensifying a violent crackdown on widespread anti-government protests, with reports of mass casualties and a formal move to criminalize all dissent. Iran’s Justice Minister has officially declared that “All protesters are now criminals,” legally recategorizing demonstrators and signaling a new phase of state persecution [1]. This follows horrific scenes on the ground, with reports of “rivers of blood” and chilling video capturing sustained gunfire and screaming [2, 3]. Death toll estimates vary significantly; one report cites a figure of at least 646 dead, while uncorroborated accounts suggest a toll as high as 12,000 [4, 5]. A first-person account describes the on-the-ground reality as a “bloodthirsty, murderous crackdown,” detailing the “horrible truth” of events [6].

[1] Iran Justice Minister: All protesters are now criminals, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-883366
[2] ‘There are rivers of blood’: The true horror of Iran’s protest massacres, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/13/true-horror-of-irans-hidden-massacres/
[3] Chilling video captures 6-straight minutes of shooting, screaming during Iran protests, https://nypost.com/2026/01/13/world-news/chilling-video-captures-6-straight-minutes-of-shooting-screaming-during-iran-protests/?utm_source=twitter&utm_sf_cserv_ref=17469289&utm_sf_post_ref=650812612&utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=social
[4] Trump says Iran wants to negotiate as the death toll in protests rises to at least 646 - Free IRAN, https://buzzzingo.com/trump-says-iran-wants-to-negotiate-as-the-death-toll-in-protests-rises-to-at-least-646/
[5] 12,000 Dead? America Might Be Getting Ready to Strike Iran, https://www.19fortyfive.com/2026/01/12000-dead-america-might-be-getting-ready-to-strike-iran/
[6] I’m living through Iran’s bloodthirsty, murderous crackdown — the horrible truth about what’s really happening, https://nypost.com/2026/01/13/world-news/im-living-through-irans-bloodthirsty-murderous-crackdown-the-horrible-truth-about-whats-really-happening/

1.2 U.S. Response and Direct Threats

The U.S. and Iran are trading increasingly hostile public statements, including a direct assassination threat from Tehran against President Donald Trump. One report details an “ominous new threat” aired by Iran aimed at the President [1], with another quoting a “sickening” message: “This time it will not miss the target” [2]. President Trump’s public response has been multifaceted. He threatened “‘very strong action’” should the regime hang protesters and told Iranians, “HELP IS ON ITS WAY” [3]. However, he has also projected confidence, claiming Iran now “wants to negotiate” and that the “Killing in Iran has stopped, executions have stopped” [4, 5]. This has prompted commentary urging the President to enforce a “‘red line’” and avoid the perceived mistakes of the Obama administration, while other outlets have criticized what they describe as silence on the crisis from “the Left” [6, 7].

[1] Amid Protests, Iran Airs Ominous New Threat Aimed at President Trump, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2026/01/14/amid-protests-iran-airs-ominous-new-threat-aimed-at-president-trump-n2198133
[2] Iran issues sickening assassination threat against Trump: ‘This time it will not miss the target’ | New York Post, https://nypost.com/2026/01/14/world-news/iran-issues-sickening-assassination-threat-against-trump-this-time-it-will-not-miss-the-target/
[3] Trump threatens ‘very strong action’ against Iran if regime hangs protesters, https://nypost.com/2026/01/13/us-news/trump-threatens-very-strong-action-against-iran-if-regime-hangs-protesters/
[4] Trump says Iran wants to negotiate as the death toll in protests rises to at least 646 - Free IRAN, https://buzzzingo.com/trump-says-iran-wants-to-negotiate-as-the-death-toll-in-protests-rises-to-at-least-646/
[5] Trump: ‘Killing in Iran has stopped, executions have stopped’, https://v.redd.it/l363k3i1mddg1
[6] Don’t make the mistake Obama did, Mr. President, enforce your Iran ‘red line’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/13/opinion/dont-make-the-mistake-obama-did-mr-president-enforce-your-iran-red-line
[7] The silence of the luvvies on Iran exposes the Left’s war on the West, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/14/silence-luvvies-iran-exposes-left-war-on-west-middle-east

1.3 Military Realignment and International Reaction

In response to the crisis, the U.S. is adjusting its military posture in the Middle East. A U.S. official confirmed that some American military personnel have been instructed to depart from regional bases [1]. In a concurrent move, the U.S. and its partners have launched a new joint air defense operations cell in Qatar [2]. These actions come as the United Kingdom has reportedly withdrawn its military personnel from a key U.S. base in the same country [3]. The instability is also impacting Iran’s international partnerships, with analysis from Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty suggesting that “China’s Ties With Iran Show Their Limits Amid Protests And US Threats” [4]. This is underscored by a separate report that China is fuming at “Trump’s Iran Tariffs After Losing Access to Venezuelan Oil” [5].

[1] Some US military personnel told to leave Middle East bases, US official confirms, https://www.foxnews.com/world/some-us-military-personnel-told-leave-middle-east-bases-us-official-confirms
[2] US, regional partners launch air defense operations cell in Qatar, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202601141771
[3] UK withdraws military personnel from US base in Qatar, https://news.sky.com/story/iran-latest-protests-live-13492391?postid=10849016#liveblog-body
[4] China’s Ties With Iran Show Their Limits Amid Protests And US Threats, https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-china-protests-oil-sanctions-technology-energy-trump/33648024.html
[5] China Fumes at Trump’s Iran Tariffs After Losing Access to Venezuelan Oil, https://www.breitbart.com/asia/2026/01/14/china-fumes-at-trumps-iran-tariffs-after-losing-access-to-venezuelan-oil/

2. Immigration and Domestic Security

2.1 New Administration Immigration Policies

The Trump administration has enacted two major new policies aimed at curbing immigration and pressuring local jurisdictions. The State Department has paused visa processing for nationals from 75 countries, including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea, citing “public charge” concerns over welfare dependency [1]. This move is based on the likelihood of an individual becoming dependent on government benefits upon arrival [2]. Separately, President Trump announced that the federal government “Will Halt ‘Any Payments’ to Sanctuary Cities Starting February 1st,” a significant fiscal measure designed to enforce cooperation with federal immigration law [3].

[1] State Department pauses visas for 75 countries over public charge, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-freezes-all-visa-processing-75-countries-including-somalia-russia-iran
[2] State Dept Freezes Visas for Welfare-Dependent Migrants from 75 Countries – “The pause impacts dozens of countries – including Somalia, Haiti, Iran, and Eritrea – whose immigrants often become public charges on the United States upon arrival.”, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/14/state-department-freezes-visas-for-welfare-dependent-migrants-from-75-countries/
[3] Trump: Feds Will Halt ‘Any Payments’ to Sanctuary Cities Starting February 1st, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/01/13/trump-feds-will-halt-any-payments-to-sanctuary-cities-starting-february-1st/

2.2 ICE Operations: Security Threats and Violent Confrontations

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is at the center of a major security breach and a high-profile fatal incident. A whistleblower has reportedly leaked the personal data of 4,500 DHS and ICE agents to a doxxing website, posing a direct threat to the agents and their families [1]. Concurrently, new details have emerged about the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent in Minneapolis. DHS officials report that the agent suffered “internal bleeding to the torso” and was hospitalized after being struck by Good’s vehicle during the confrontation, a detail described by one outlet as critical context that many had not heard [2, 3].

[1] Report: Whistleblower leaks personal data of 4,500 DHS and ICE agents to doxxing website, https://fox11online.com/news/nation-world/report-whistleblower-leaks-personal-data-of-4500-dhs-and-ice-agents-to-doxxing-website-anti-ice-prtotesters
[2] ICE agent who shot Renee Good suffered internal bleeding, was hospitalized after she clipped him with car: DHS, https://nypost.com/2026/01/14/us-news/ice-agent-who-shot-renee-good-suffered-internal-bleeding-was-hospitalized-after-she-clipped-him-with-car-dhs/
[3] The Detail Nobody Wanted to Hear: ICE Agent Suffered Internal Bleeding After Good Struck Him, https://pjmedia.com/david-manney/2026/01/14/the-detail-nobody-wanted-to-hear-ice-agent-suffered-internal-bleeding-after-good-struck-him-n4948277

2.3 Political Division and Public Reaction to Enforcement

The administration’s immigration agenda and ICE’s actions are fueling intense political and public debate. Democratic Senator Tina Smith voiced opposition to providing more agency funding during a government shutdown debate, calling ICE “‘Completely Out of Control’” [1]. In Minnesota, the site of the shooting, Representative Ilhan Omar stated, “We want ICE out of our state. We want this terror to stop” [2]. The incident has been framed as a symptom of a larger “Blue State Problem” where local policies are seen as hindering federal enforcement [3]. Public figures like Joe Rogan have called ICE “villains,” while reports allege that activist groups “harassing ICE agents in Minnesota” are funded by “the Left’s Premier Foundations and Dark Money Networks” [4, 5].

[1] Dem Sen. Smith on Gov’t Shutdown Over ICE: Can’t ‘Provide More Funding to an Agency That Is Completely Out of Control’, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/01/13/dem-sen-smith-on-govt-shutdown-over-ice-cant-provide-more-funding-to-an-agency-that-is-completely-out-of-control/
[2] Ilhan Omar meltdown: “We want ICE out of our state. We want this terror to stop.” Hey Ilhan, ICE is there to stay, CRY MORE., https://x.com/GuntherEagleman/status/2011399942213181508
[3] It’s Not A Minnesota Problem, It’s A Blue State Problem, https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/14/its-not-a-minnesota-problem-its-a-blue-state-problem/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=its-not-a-minnesota-problem-its-a-blue-state-problem
[4] Joe Rogan: ‘ICE Are Villains’ After Fatal Minneapolis Shooting; ‘Are We Really Going to Be the Gestapo?’, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/01/14/joe-rogan-ice-are-villains-after-fatal-minneapolis-shooting-are-we-really-going-to-be-the-gestapo/
[5] Who Funds the Groups Harassing ICE Agents in Minnesota? The Left’s Premier Foundations and Dark Money Networks Have Given Millions, Records Show., https://freebeacon.com/trump-administration/who-funds-the-groups-harassing-ice-agents-in-minnesota-the-lefts-premier-foundations-and-dark-money-networks-have-given-millions-records-show/

3. U.S. Governance and Federal Investigations

3.1 High-Profile Contempt Charges and FBI Actions

Federal law enforcement and congressional oversight bodies are pursuing several high-profile actions. Reports indicate that former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are staring down “criminal contempt charges” after defying House subpoenas related to the ongoing congressional investigation into Jeffrey Epstein [1]. Meanwhile, the FBI has raided the home of a Washington Post journalist [2]. Attorney General Pam Bondi later stated that the search warrant was executed because the journalist had allegedly reported on classified information [3].

[1] Hillary, Bill Clinton stare down criminal contempt charges after defying House subpoenas in Epstein probe, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bill-hillary-clinton-risk-criminal-contempt-charges-after-defying-house-subpoenas-epstein-probe
[2] Washington Post reporter’s home raided by FBI, https://www.foxnews.com/media/washington-post-reporters-home-searched-by-fbi
[3] Bondi: DOJ, FBI Execute Search Warrant of Washington Post Journalist Who Reported Classified Information, https://www.breitbart.com/national-security/2026/01/14/bondi-doj-fbi-execute-search-warrant-of-washington-post-journalist-who-reported-classified-information/

3.2 State-Level Political Conflicts and Executive Actions

Political turmoil is intensifying at the state level in Minnesota, where the House has reportedly initiated proceedings to “Impeach Tim Walz,” the state’s governor [1]. In a separate action, Minnesota is also facing a Department of Justice lawsuit that alleges “discrimination and DEI hiring practices” [2]. At the federal level, the administration announced that President Trump will “tear up Obama-era school lunch rules” to reverse a ban on whole and 2% milk in schools [3].

[1] Minnesota House Moves to Impeach Tim Walz, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/josephchalfant/2026/01/13/tim-walz-articles-of-impeachment-n2669416
[2] Minnesota faces DOJ lawsuit alleging discrimination and DEI hiring practices, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/4418636/minnesota-faces-doj-lawsuit-alleging-discrimination-dei-hiring-practices/
[3] Trump to tear up Obama-era school lunch rules blocking whole, 2% milk, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-tear-up-obama-era-school-lunch-rules-blocking-whole-2-milk.amp

4. Judicial and Legal Affairs

4.1 Supreme Court Tackles Transgender Athletes and Election Law

The Supreme Court is contending with major social and political cases. The court heard oral arguments in a landmark case concerning transgender athletes, described as a potential “turning point in the culture war over men in women’s sports” [1]. A key moment occurred when Justice Samuel Alito asked an attorney for a definition of a man or a woman for equal protection purposes, and the attorney replied, “We do not have a definition for the court” [2]. In a separate case with potential “2028 election implications,” the Supreme Court ruled to allow a Republican Representative from Illinois to proceed with a challenge to the state’s mail-in ballot regulations [3].

[1] Inside the SCOTUS hearing bound to be a turning point in the culture war over men in women’s sports, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/inside-scotus-hearing-bound-turning-point-legal-cultural-conversation-trans-athletes
[2] Justice Samuel Alito: “For equal protection purposes, what does it mean to be a boy or a girl or a man or a woman?” Attorney Hartnett: “We do not have a definition for the court.”, https://x.com/RedWave_Press/status/2011160294446322097
[3] Supreme Court rules Illinois GOP rep can challenge state mail-in ballot rules in case with 2028 election implications, https://nypost.com/2026/01/14/us-news/supreme-court-rules-illinois-gop-rep-can-challenge-state-mail-in-ballot-rules-in-case-with-2028-election-implications/

5. International Affairs and Geopolitics

5.1 Americas Policy: Venezuela and The Arctic

U.S. strategic interests in the Americas are highlighted by developments concerning Venezuela and the Arctic. In Venezuela, “multiple American citizens” were reportedly freed from prison “following a military operation” [1]. This comes as the U.S. continues to seek warrants “to seize dozens more tankers linked to Venezuelan oil trade” [2]. Separately, a new Danish Intelligence Report is said to warn of threats from both China and Russia toward Greenland, underscoring the strategic importance of the Arctic region [3].

[1] Venezuela releases multiple American citizens from prison following military operation, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/venezuela-releases-four-american-citizens-from-prison-following-military-operation
[2] US seeks warrants to seize dozens more tankers linked to Venezuelan oil trade, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-883280
[3] Well looky here: New Danish Intelligence Report Warns About Chicom and Putin Threat To Greenland, /r/Conservative/comments/1qcsb82/well_looky_here_new_danish_intelligence_report/

5.2 Asia-Pacific Tensions

Significant security and political events are unfolding in the Asia-Pacific. The discovery of an “underground chamber” at the Chinese embassy in London has “spark[ed] espionage concerns” [1]. Meanwhile, South Korea is experiencing a major political crisis after a prosecutor reportedly requested the “death sentence” for the country’s former President, Yoon Suk-yeol, in connection with a “martial law decree,” signaling severe instability in a key U.S. ally [2].

[1] China embassy London underground chamber sparks espionage concerns, https://www.foxnews.com/world/secret-room-built-chinese-embassy-near-cable-lines-sparking-widespread-espionage-fears
[2] South Korean prosecutor wants death sentence for ex-President Yoon over martial law decree | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/world/south-korean-prosecutor-seeks-death-penalty-ex-president-yoon-over-martial-law-declaration-self-coup

6. Economic, Cultural, and Media Discourse

6.1 Economic Developments and State Fiscal Issues

Reports touch on economic performance and fiscal debates at the federal and state levels. One outlet favorably claims that “2025 Inflation Was Lowest Since Last Time Trump Was President” [1]. In California, Governor Gavin Newsom is reportedly deflecting responsibility for a “Wealth Tax Fiasco,” telling reporters “Don’t Blame Me” [2]. Separately, a report alleges a San Francisco NGO received “$16 million per year for 5 years” to run a “Managed Alcohol Program” for the homeless but has “ONLY SERVED 55 CLIENTS” [3].

[1] 2025 Inflation Was Lowest Since Last Time Trump Was President, https://thefederalist.com/2026/01/13/2025-inflation-was-lowest-since-last-time-trump-was-president/
[2] Newsom: Don’t Blame Me for the Wealth Tax Fiasco, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2026/01/13/newsom-dont-blame-me-for-the-wealth-tax-fiasco-n3810809
[3] California NGO called Community Forward SF is running San Francisco’s Managed Alcohol Program -The NGO is supposed to provide free alcohol shots for homeless alcoholics - They’ve got $16 million per year for 5 years and have ONLY SERVED 55 CLIENTS, https://x.com/WallStreetApes/status/2011407954520481891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2011407954520481891%7Ctwgr%5Ee5a0560dd8df263da74bc3bda2fa36b605a26fcf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_

6.2 Cultural Flashpoints and Media Criticism

The current political and cultural environment is marked by sharp rhetoric and media critique. During a Senate hearing, a witness reportedly refused to directly answer Senator Josh Hawley’s question, “Can men get pregnant?” [1]. Separately, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. is said to be baffled by President Trump’s health despite a diet “full of poison,” remarking that the president has the “constitution of a deity” [2]. Multiple reports allege media bias, with one accusing CNN of a “Naked Double Standard on Inflation” by contrasting its coverage of inflation under President Biden with its coverage under President Trump [3].

[1] Sen Josh Hawley: ‘Can men get pregnant?’ Watch the answer, https://x.com/EricLDaugh/status/2011485172768632969
[2] RFK Jr. baffled over how Trump is alive with diet ‘full of poison,’ says prez has ‘constitution of a deity’, https://nypost.com/2026/01/14/us-news/rfk-jr-baffled-over-how-trump-is-alive-with-diet-full-of-poison-says-prez-has-constitution-of-a-deity/
[3] CNN’s Naked Double Standard on Inflation: ‘Falling’ for Biden, ‘Persistent’ for Trump, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/business/joseph-vazquez/2026/01/14/cnns-naked-double-standard-inflation-falling-biden

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