[Tuesday, February 17] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 17, 2026

Executive Summary

• U.S. and Iran report progress on a nuclear deal framework in Geneva amid escalating military threats from Tehran, including a direct warning to U.S. warships.
• A partial government shutdown over ICE funding continues to impact federal services like air travel, with President Trump publicly blaming Democrats for the impasse.
• An armed teenager in tactical gear was arrested after allegedly charging the U.S. Capitol, prompting a major police response and heightening security concerns.
• New allegations link the late Jeffrey Epstein to China’s military-intelligence complex, sparking corporate fallout.
• Civil rights icon Reverend Jesse Jackson passes away at 84.

1. National Security & Foreign Policy

1.1. U.S. and Iran on Brink of Deal and War

Diplomatic talks with Iran in Geneva appear to be yielding significant progress, even as military tensions escalate to a critical level. Reports indicate that U.S. and Iranian negotiators are advancing toward a potential framework for a new nuclear deal [1], with Tehran publicly stating that an agreement on the “guiding principles” of an accord has been reached [2]. These sensitive negotiations are taking place at the same venue as discussions involving Russia and Ukraine, creating a complex diplomatic nexus [3].

This diplomatic track is proceeding against a backdrop of severe military threats. Iran’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, reportedly threatened to sink U.S. warships while taunting President Trump and describing the U.S. as a declining “corrupt, oppressive U.S. Empire” [4]. His rhetoric was amplified by military drills launched in the strategic Strait of Hormuz [5] and a declaration from an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) General that the U.S. is “finished” and its naval power is ineffective, stating even a full carrier fleet “can’t do a damn thing” [6]. In a potential signal of U.S. preparedness, the Navy is reportedly “massing carrier jets and missile tubes off the coast” of Iran [7].

References: [1] US Iran nuclear talks advance toward potential framework in Geneva, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/iran-signals-nuclear-progress-geneva-trump-calls-full-dismantlement
[2] Iran and US agree on ‘guiding principles’ of nuclear deal, Tehran says, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/iran-and-us-agree-guiding-principles-of-nuclear-deal-tehran-says/
[3] Iran, Ukraine Talks Spark Diplomatic Merry-go-round In Geneva, https://www.barrons.com/news/iran-ukraine-talks-spark-diplomatic-merry-go-round-in-geneva-4fcaaba9
[4] Khamenei Taunts Trump, Threatens to Sink Warships — ‘Corrupt, Oppressive U.S. Empire’ in Decline, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/17/khamenei-taunts-trump-threatens-to-sink-warships-corrupt-oppressive-u-s-empire-in-decline/
[5] Iran launches drill in Strait of Hormuz hours before Geneva talks, https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-launches-war-drills-hormuz-strait-us-carrier-flying-missions-24-7-geneva-talks
[6] IRGC General: U.S. ‘Finished’ — Even Deploying Entire Carrier Fleet Against Iran ‘Can’t Do a Damn Thing’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/17/irgc-general-u-s-finished-even-deploying-entire-carrier-fleet-against-iran-cant-do-a-damn-thing/
[7] Countdown: Iran. The US Navy is massing carrier jets and missile tubes off the coast, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/17/us-aircraft-carrier-ford-licoln-iran-strikes-trump-missiles

1.2. Ukraine Conflict: Diplomatic and Technological Fronts

The war in Ukraine is seeing significant developments on both diplomatic and technological fronts. A “crackdown” by Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service is reportedly “crippling” Ukrainian attacks at a time of soaring Russian casualty rates, though the exact nature of the crackdown is unspecified [1]. In trilateral talks between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine, Moscow has reportedly replaced its negotiator with a “hardliner” ahead of the third round of discussions, a move characterized as “not a step toward a solution” [2]. Amid these events, a new analysis in Foreign Affairs argues there are critical strategic lessons “What America Must Learn From Ukraine” [3].

References: [1] Elon Musk’s Starlink crackdown cripples attacks on Ukraine as Russian casualty rates soar, https://nypost.com/2026/02/16/world-news/elon-musks-starlink-crackdown-cripples-russian-attacks-on-ukraine-as-casualty-rates-soar/
[2] Russia swaps in hardliner for third round of talks with US, Ukraine: ‘Not a step toward a solution’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/world-news/russia-swaps-in-hardliner-for-third-round-of-talks-with-us-ukraine-not-a-step-toward-a-solution/
[3] What America Must Learn From Ukraine, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/what-america-must-learn-ukraine

1.3. U.S.-China Relations and Other International Developments

President Trump has signaled a new diplomatic avenue with China, indicating a willingness to enter into direct talks regarding American weapons sales to Taiwan [1]. In other developments, the humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders has warned that armed gunmen operating from within a Gaza hospital are posing a direct risk to the safety of patients and medical staff [2]. The U.S. military has also reportedly conducted strikes on “suspected drug boats,” resulting in 11 fatalities, with no further details on the operation’s location or context [3].

References: [1] Trump Signals Talks With China On Taiwan Weapons Sales, https://tippinsights.com/trump-signals-talks-with-china-on-taiwan-weapons-sales/
[2] Doctors Without Borders Says Gunmen Are Using a Gaza Hospital, Posing Risk to Patients and Staff, https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/doctors-without-borders-says-gunmen-are-using-a-gaza-hospital-posing-risk-to-patients-and-staff-eff24746?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqfeD-1hodRxhwQ3WzYsS4dVpr2kIxPtz4Un46vS5qflijNX8NFmhhUD&gaa_ts=69939a81&gaa_sig=1iQvAAOTKt4e59weQFIDb1QE3F2rQxq_QdJIwwOp4P2ITSXuPZTrzYq3nrIq_mrj3XmuO63K-wAFSxWCBq6Ogg%3D%3D
[3] U.S. Military Kills 11 In Strikes On Suspected Drug Boats, https://tippinsights.com/u-s-military-kills-11-in-strikes-on-suspected-drug-boats/

2. Domestic Crises: Government Shutdown & Capitol Security

2.1. Partial Government Shutdown Continues Over ICE Funding

A funding impasse centered on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has resulted in a partial government shutdown, reportedly hitting federal disaster relief and air travel hard [1]. As the shutdown continues, President Trump has publicly framed the situation as a “Democrat shutdown” while simultaneously touting his administration’s performance on “low inflation” and a “falling murder rate” [2]. The shutdown comes amid intense debate over immigration, with one report alleging a “quiet amnesty” for nearly one million immigrants under the previous administration [3].

References: [1] Partial Government Shutdown Over ICE Hits Disaster Relief, Air Travel Hard, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/16/government-shutdown-ice-dhs-tsa/
[2] Trump says ’this is a Democrat shutdown’ as he touts low inflation, falling murder rate, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/trump-says-this-is-a-democrat-shutdown-as-he-touts-low-inflation-falling-murder-rate/
[3] Biden’s ‘quiet amnesty’ for nearly 1 million illegal immigrants, https://nypost.com/2026/02/16/opinion/bidens-quiet-amnesty-for-nearly-1-million-illegal-immigrants/

2.2. Major Security Breach at U.S. Capitol

A significant security incident in Washington D.C. prompted a major police response after a “teen in tactical gear” was arrested for allegedly charging toward the U.S. Capitol with a loaded shotgun. According to the U.S. Capitol Police, a subsequent search of the suspect’s vehicle revealed a Kevlar helmet and a gas mask, indicating a heightened level of preparation for a potential confrontation [1].

References: [1] Teen in tactical gear arrested after allegedly charging toward US Capitol with loaded shotgun - US Capitol Police says suspect had Kevlar helmet, gas mask in vehicle, https://www.foxnews.com/us/us-capitol-police-detain-person-holding-what-appears-gun-near-capitol-building

3. Domestic Politics, Legislation & Elections

3.1. Fierce Partisan Clashes in Congress and Public Sphere

Partisan confrontations are escalating in Washington and the public arena. In the Senate, Majority Leader John Thune has guaranteed a floor vote on a national voter ID bill, acknowledging it faces unified opposition from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and Democrats [1]. This issue has reportedly “tripped up” Senator Schumer, with Senator John Fetterman described as a “lone ‘D’ voice of reason” on the matter [2]. In a competing legislative push, Senator Schumer is reportedly preparing to introduce legislation to make the “Pride Flag a Congressionally Authorized Symbol” [3].

In the House, Democrats are calling for the censure of Rep. Randy Fine (R-FL) for a tweet stating “America Will Choose Pet Dogs over Muslim Supremacy” [4]. The aftermath of the Munich Security Conference has also fueled conflict. President Trump publicly ripped Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Governor Gavin Newsom, who attended the conference, as “incompetent” and a “bad look for our country” [5]. Rep. Ocasio-Cortez has reportedly become “Big Mad” about the negative press coverage from the trip, with one outlet stating she has “never been more exposed” [6].

References: [1] Thune guarantees voter ID bill to hit the Senate despite Schumer, Dem opposition: ‘We will have a vote’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/thune-guarantees-voter-id-bill-hit-senate-despite-schumer-dems-opposition-we-have-vote
[2] Schumer Gets Tripped Up Over Voter ID Question As Fetterman Remains Lone ‘D’ Voice of Reason, https://redstate.com/sister-toldjah/2026/02/16/schumer-and-fetterman-on-voter-id-n2199235
[3] Chuck Schumer to Introduce ‘Federal Legislation’ Making ‘Pride Flag a Congressionally Authorized Symbol’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/16/schumer-pushes-pride-flag-congressionally-authorized-symbol/
[4] Democrats Call to Censure Rep. Randy Fine for Saying America Will Choose Pet Dogs over Muslim Supremacy, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/02/17/democrats-trigger-progressives-by-slamming-randys-fines-dog-comments/
[5] Trump rips AOC and Gavin Newsom as ‘incompetent’ after the Munich Security Conference: ‘Bad look for our country’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/16/us-news/trump-rips-aoc-and-gavin-newsom-as-incompetent-after-the-munich-security-conference-bad-look-for-our-country/
[6] AOC Gets Big Mad at Press Coverage of Her Munich Disaster, and She’s Never Been More Exposed, https://redstate.com/bonchie/2026/02/17/aoc-gets-big-mad-at-press-coverage-of-her-munich-disaster-and-shes-never-been-more-exposed-n2199247

3.2. Election Integrity and 2028 Outlook

Legal and political battles over election administration continue. The NAACP is reportedly seeking to block the Department of Justice from using election data obtained from Fulton County, Georgia [1]. Meanwhile, Republican activist Harmeet K. Dhillon is reportedly preparing a new wave of challenges related to voter rolls in several states [2]. The debate over photo ID is also contextualized by an analysis noting it is a standard requirement in most other countries [3]. Looking toward 2028, several potential Democratic presidential hopefuls reportedly used the Munich conference as an “anti-Trump soapbox” [4].

References: [1] NAACP seeks to block DOJ use of Fulton County election data, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4460247/fulton-county-election-data-doj-naacp-motion/
[2] And Here We GO! Harmeet K. Dhillon Shares Her New, Shiny List of States About to FAFO With Voter Rolls, https://twitchy.com/samj/2026/02/17/harmeet-suing-states-voter-rolls-heres-the-list-n2425098
[3] Virtually All Countries Support Voter Photo ID – So Why the Filibuster?, https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2026/02/17/virtually_all_countries_support_voter_photo_id__so_why_the_filibuster.html
[4] Democrat presidential hopefuls turn decades-old Munich Security Conference into anti-Trump soapbox, https://justthenews.com/world/democratic-presidential-hopefuls-turn-decades-old-munich-security-conference-anti-trump

4. Immigration: Policy, Legal Battles, and Enforcement

4.1. Policy Debates, Legal Rulings, and Enforcement Incidents

Immigration remains a flashpoint of policy debate, legal action, and public controversy. A new report is calling for an end to free public education for illegal aliens [1], while a former acting ICE Director from the Trump administration urged the current government to target employers for immigration enforcement [2]. The political climate around the issue is further inflamed by a report that a former top aide to New York’s attorney general helped funnel funds to facilitate “anti‐ICE trainings” [3].

On the legal front, a federal judge described as an “Obama Judge” has ruled that the Trump administration cannot re-detain an individual named Abrego Garcia ahead of a scheduled hearing [4]. The issue has also taken a tragic turn, with reports that an “illegal alien” killed a teacher in Georgia while fleeing from ICE agents [5]. Anti-ICE sentiment has also manifested in popular culture, with ‘White Lotus’ star Natasha Rothwell going “off script to yell ‘F**k ICE’ at an awards show” [6].

References: [1] New Report Calls for End to Free Public Education for Illegal Aliens, https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/17/exclusive-heritage-foundation-calls-for-end-to-free-education-for-illegal-alien-k-12-students/
[2] Exclusive – Former Acting ICE Director: Trump Administration Ought to Target Employers for Immigration Enforcement, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/02/17/exclusive-former-acting-ice-director-trump-administration-ought-to-target-employers-for-immigration-enforcement/
[3] Former top Letitia James aide helps funnel money for anti‐ICE trainings via lefty philanthropic group, https://nypost.com/2026/02/16/us-news/former-top-letitia-james-aide-helps-funnel-money-for-anti-ice-trainings-via-lefty-philanthropic-group/
[4] Obama Judge Rules Trump Admin Cannot Re-Detain Abrego Garcia, https://ijr.com/obama-judge-rules-trump-admin-cannot-re-detain-abrego-garcia/
[5] Illegal Alien Kills Georgia Teacher While Fleeing From ICE, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/17/oscar-vasques-lopez-guatemalan-illegal-immigrant-car-accident-ice-savannah-linda-davis/
[6] ‘White Lotus’ Star Natasha Rothwell Goes Off Script to Yell ‘F**k ICE’ at Awards Show, https://www.breitbart.com/entertainment/2026/02/17/white-lotus-star-natasha-rothwell-goes-off-script-to-yell-fk-ice-at-awards-show/

5. Justice, Crime & Major Scandals

5.1. New Epstein Allegations Link Financier to Chinese Intelligence

Explosive new allegations have surfaced in the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, connecting the late financier to foreign intelligence. A report titled “The CITIC Files” alleges Epstein was introduced to “China’s Military-Intelligence Complex” through a network launched by British political figure Lord Peter Mandelson [1]. The continued fallout from the scandal has led to corporate repercussions, with Thomas Pritzker reportedly leaving his role with Hyatt Hotels over documented ties to Epstein [2]. The affair continues to draw in public figures, with Whoopi Goldberg addressing her name’s appearance in related documents by claiming she was “too old” for him [3], and Hillary Clinton reportedly laughing when questioned about photos of Bill Clinton with alleged Epstein victims, characterizing his actions as “philanthropic and charitable” [4].

References: [1] The CITIC Files: Epstein Introduced to China’s Military-Intelligence Complex Through a Network Launched by Lord Peter Mandelson, https://www.thebureau.news/p/the-citic-files-epstein-introduced
[2] Thomas Pritzker Leaves Role with Hyatt Hotels over Ties to Epstein, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/16/thomas-pritzker-leaves-role-hyatt-hotels-ties-epstein/
[3] Whoopi Shrugs Off Appearance In Epstein Docs, Claims She Was ‘Too Old’ For Him, https://www.dailywire.com/news/whoopi-shrugs-off-appearance-in-epstein-docs-claims-she-was-too-old-for-him
[4] Nick Sortor: WTF?! Hillary Clinton LAUGHED when asked about creepy photos taken of Bill Clinton in a hot tub with possible Epstein victims, saying he was being “philanthropic and charitable”. What a scumbag., https://x.com/nicksortor/status/2023813196638023889

5.2. Judicial Appointments and High-Profile Criminal Cases

A new federal judicial appointment has sparked concern among Republican Senators after a former Biden administration official, noted as the architect of the “Disinformation’ Board,” was appointed as an adviser to the FISA Court [1]. In criminal justice news, more details have emerged about the Rhode Island “hockey shooter,” identified as Robert Dorgan, who also went by the name “Roberta” [2]. “Disturbing online posts” made by Dorgan have been publicized, and it was reported that his ex-wife cited his “reassignment surgery” as a reason for their divorce [3]. In a separate case, the head of California’s troubled High-Speed Rail project has been arrested on charges of domestic violence [4].

References: [1] Biden Official Who Created ‘Disinformation’ Board Appointed as FISA Court Adviser, Sparking Concern From Republican Senators, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/biden-official-who-created-disinformation-board-appointed-as-fisa-court-adviser-sparking-concern-from-republican-senators/
[2] Rhode Island hockey shooter ID’d as Robert Dorgan, who went by female name, https://nypost.com/2026/02/16/us-news/robert-dorgan-idd-as-rhode-island-hockey-shooter/
[3] Mass shooter Robert Dorgan’s ex-wife cited ‘reassignment surgery’ as reason for divorce, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/transgender-mass-shooter-robert-dorgans-ex-wife-cited-gender-reassignment-surgery-as-reason-for-divorce/
[4] Head of California High-Speed Rail arrested for domestic violence, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/head-of-california-high-speed-rail-arrested-for-domestic-violence/

6. Society, Culture & Tributes

6.1. In Memoriam: Reverend Jesse Jackson (1941-2026)

Reverend Jesse Jackson, an iconic leader of the American civil rights movement, has passed away at the age of 84 [1]. In a statement, President Donald Trump remembered Jackson, calling him a “good man” and a “force of nature” [2].

References: [1] Civil rights icon Rev. Jesse Jackson dead at 84, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/civil-rights-icon-rev-jesse-jackson-dead-at-84/
[2] Trump remembers Jesse Jackson as ‘good man,’ ‘force of nature’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-remembers-jesse-jackson-good-man-force-nature

6.2. Contentious Debates on Euthanasia and Social Issues

Intense ethical debates are surfacing in multiple arenas. “Grieving parents” in Canada are demanding changes to the country’s euthanasia law after their 26-year-old son, who had diabetes, blindness, and a history of mental illness, was granted Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) [1]. In the U.S., pro-life groups in Michigan have filed a lawsuit to fight a state mandate compelling them to hire staff who may oppose their foundational mission [2]. In a separate cultural commentary, transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney is quoted as declaring, “Womanhood Trumps Passport Rules” [3].

References: [1] Grieving parents demand changes after 26-year-old son euthanized under controversial law - Margaret Marsilla says doctors helped their son Kiano, who suffered from diabetes and blindness, to meet criteria for MAID in Canada despite history of mental illness, https://www.foxnews.com/media/grieving-parents-demand-changes-after-26-year-old-son-euthanized-under-controversial-law
[2] Michigan pro-life groups sue over mandate to hire staff who may oppose their mission, https://www.liveaction.org/news/michigan-prolife-groups-sue-mandate-oppose-mission
[3] Dylan Mulvaney Declares “Womanhood Trumps Passport Rules”. Will this nonsense ever end?, https://x.com/i/trending/2023841320310087951

6.3. Media Credibility and Political Discourse

Media credibility remains a subject of intense scrutiny from various critics. The New York Times published a piece criticizing online political content it describes as “‘Slopulism’ That Becomes Trump Policy” [1]. Conversely, CNN is accused of being “obsessed” with advancing negative economic coverage of the Trump administration, which one outlet labels “scare porn” [2]. In another instance, a local NPR affiliate is reportedly facing backlash from listeners threatening to cancel their memberships after the station interviewed three Trump supporters [3].

References: [1] NY Times Rips Nick Shirley and His Copycats for Posting ‘Slopulism’ That Becomes Trump Policy, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/tim-graham/2026/02/16/ny-times-rips-nick-shirley-and-his-copycats-posting-slopulism
[2] CNN Is Obsessed With Eking Out A Win on Its Dumb Trump Economy Scare Porn, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/business/joseph-vazquez/2026/02/16/cnn-obsessed-eking-out-win-its-dumb-trump-economy-scare
[3] A local NPR station interviewed three Trump supporters. Angry listeners are threatening to cancel their memberships., https://www.kcur.org/podcast/up-to-date/2026-02-16/trump-voters-kansas-city-up-to-date

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