[Wednesday, February 18] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 18, 2026

Executive Summary

Today’s top stories:

• U.S. escalates military buildup near Iran, with President Trump signaling readiness for “sustained” strikes.
• A potential DHS shutdown threatens to halt ICE oversight operations amid funding disputes.
• NYC faces a fiscal crisis with a $5.4B budget gap, prompting tax hikes and policy reversals on homeless encampments.
• Federal agencies are under scrutiny, with probes into California’s unemployment fraud, the ATF’s alleged “backdoor gun registry,” and the FBI identifying antifa funding sources.
• In a major policy shift, the VA acts to protect veterans’ Second Amendment rights, undoing a “decades-old wrong.”

1. National Security & Foreign Affairs

1.1. Iran Military Standoff

The Trump administration is executing what sources describe as an “unprecedented” military buildup in the Middle East, escalating tensions with Iran. Reports indicate key assets, including the USS Gerald Ford carrier strike group, F-22s, and F-35s, are being positioned for potential strikes [1]. President Trump has publicly affirmed his readiness to conduct “sustained” military action [2] and has separately noted that the U.S. may use its base on Diego Garcia should diplomatic efforts fail to produce a deal with Iran [3].

[1] Trump sends USS Gerald Ford, F-22s, F-35s toward Iran ahead of possible strikes, https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/world-news/trump-sends-uss-gerald-ford-f-22s-f-35s-toward-iran-ahead-of-possible-strikes
[2] Trump ready for ‘sustained’ strikes on Iran as US military executes ‘unprecedented’ Middle East buildup, https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/world-news/trump-ready-for-sustained-strikes-on-iran-with-massive-middle-east-buildup/
[3] Trump says US may use Diego Garcia if no deal with Iran, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602185255

1.2. Israel, Palestine, and Middle East Diplomacy

The Israeli-Palestinian context is marked by several distinct developments. On the diplomatic front, the Vatican has reportedly rejected a U.S. “Board of Peace initiative for Gaza recovery” proposed by President Trump [1]. Separately, public discourse has intensified following a statement by Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who accused Israel of “genocide” during a visit to Germany, a comment that was immediately criticized as demonstrating “shocking ignorance” [2]. In a related development concerning the informational landscape, reports indicate an organization is actively training Gazans to edit Wikipedia pages related to Israel and Palestine [3].

[1] Vatican rejects President Trump Board of Peace initiative for Gaza recovery, https://www.foxnews.com/world/vatican-declines-join-trumps-gaza-peace-board
[2] AOC accuses Israel of ‘genocide’ while in Germany — the home of the Holocaust: ‘Shocking ignorance’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/14/world-news/aoc-accuses-israel-of-genocide-while-in-germany-the-home-of-the-holocaust-shocking-ignorance/
[3] Org. trains Gazans to edit Israel, Palestine on Wikipedia, https://www.jpost.com/diaspora/antisemitism/article-887007

1.3. U.S.-China Competition & International Scrutiny

The case of Eileen Gu, a U.S.-born Olympian who competes for China, continues to draw high-level political commentary. Vice President JD Vance commented that individuals who have benefited from the United States should want to compete for it [1]. This follows a report where Gu confessed ignorance on the Uyghur genocide, stating, “I don’t think it’s my business,” framing her actions as a point of contention in the U.S.-China relationship [2].

[1] Vance on Eileen Gu: Somebody Who Benefited from U.S Should Want to Compete for the U.S., https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/02/17/vance-on-eileen-gu-somebody-who-benefited-from-u-s-should-want-to-compete-for-the-u-s/
[2] Eileen Gu, U.S.-Born Olympian Competing for China, Confesses Ignorance over Uyghur Genocide: “I don’t think it’s my business.”, https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/02/18/eileen-gu-u-s-born-olympian-competing-for-china-confesses-ignorance-over-uyghur-genocide/

1.4. Developments in Europe

Several distinct events are unfolding across Europe. In the Netherlands, lawmakers have approved a new 36% tax on unrealized gains from volatile assets like cryptocurrency, stocks, and bonds [1]. In Italy, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government is facing a judicial setback after a court blocked the deportation of an Algerian national with 23 convictions, though Meloni has vowed to press forward with her crackdown on illegal migration [2]. In France, a violent political incident has been reported in which a conservative student was allegedly beaten to death by “Far-Left Thugs” [3].

[1] Dutch Lawmakers Approve a 36% Tax on Unrealized Crypto, Stock, and Bond Gains, https://www.imidaily.com/europe/dutch-lawmakers-approve-a-36-tax-on-unrealized-crypto-stock-and-bond-gains/
[2] Meloni Vows to Move Forward with Italy’s Illegal Migrant Crackdown After Court Blocks Deportation of Algerian with 23 Convictions, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/02/18/meloni-vows-to-move-forward-with-illegal-migrant-crackdown-after-court-blocks-deportation-of-algerian-with-23-convictions/
[3] Far-Left Thugs Beat Conservative Student To Death In France, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/17/quentin-deranque-france-lyon-beat-to-death-lfi/

1.5. Other Foreign Affairs & Diplomatic Notes

A minor diplomatic incident reportedly involved Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where a Bloomberg reporter was caught on camera making an obscene gesture toward him in the presence of the Hungarian Prime Minister [1]. Separately, Peru has undergone significant political upheaval, ousting its president just five months before the end of the term, marking the nation’s eighth head of state in ten years [2]. In North America, Canadian authorities intercepted a large shipment of 586 pounds of methamphetamine originating from the U.S. [3].

[1] Bloomberg Reporter Caught on Camera Flipping Off Marco Rubio in Front of Hungarian PM, https://www.rightjournalism.com/bloomberg-reporter-caught-on-camera-flipping-off-marco-rubio-in-front-of-hungarian-pm/
[2] Who’s Next? – Peru Ousts Its President, Nation’s Eighth in 10 Years, 5 Months Before End of Term., https://www.breitbart.com/latin-america/2026/02/18/peru-ousts-its-president-nations-eighth-in-10-years-5-months-before-end-of-term/
[3] Canada intercepts 586lbs of meth coming from the US, https://upnorthlive.com/news/local/truck-inspection-at-us-border-leads-to-discovery-of-nearly-600-pounds-of-drugs?teaserSource=trending

2. Immigration & Border Security

2.1. DHS Shutdown Threat & Federal Enforcement Debate

A potential government shutdown looms over the Department of Homeland Security, with reports indicating it would pause or freeze critical oversight operations for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) [1, 2]. The funding impasse is attributed to Democrats withholding support [1]. This occurs amid an escalating political conflict over ICE’s role, with reports citing growing “Anti-ICE Fury” and efforts to “mobilize kids against ICE,” contrasted by polling suggesting a majority of Americans want immigration laws enforced [3].

[1] DHS shutdown pauses ICE oversight operations as Democrats withhold support, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democrats-dhs-shutdown-halts-ice-oversight-demanded
[2] DHS Shutdown Freezes ICE Oversight the Democrats Crave, https://legalinsurrection.com/2026/02/dhs-shutdown-freezes-ice-oversight-the-democrats-crave/?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=dhs-shutdown-freezes-ice-oversight-the-democrats-crave
[3] While Democrats’ Anti‑ICE Fury Escalates, Americans Show They Want Immigration Laws Enforced, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/18/while-democrats-anti-ice-fury-escalates-americans-show-they-want-immigration-laws-enforced/

2.2. Election Integrity Concerns

Allegations of significant vulnerabilities in the U.S. election system have been raised in two states. In New York City, an undercover investigation at the Board of Elections reportedly captured a worker admitting that non-citizens register to vote and stating he would process an illegal application without reporting it [1]. In a separate report, an individual named Nick Shirley is said to have discovered significant, though unspecified, problems with California’s voter rolls [2].

[1] Muckraker: We went undercover at NYC Board of Elections posing as a non-citizen. The Board of Elections worker we spoke to admitted non-citizens register to vote and said he’d submit our (illegal) application and not report it., https://x.com/realmuckraker/status/2023872062281187707
[2] Nick Shirley Just Took a Look at California Voter Rolls and OMG, https://pjmedia.com/victoria-taft/2026/02/16/nick-shirley-finds-125-year-old-voters-and-people-living-in-po-boxes-on-california-voter-rolls-n4949589

2.3. State-Level Immigration Policies & Incidents

States are pursuing varied approaches to immigration enforcement. In Maryland, Governor Wes Moore has signed a bill officially prohibiting state law enforcement agencies from partnering with ICE [1]. In Georgia, a specific crime is being highlighted where an individual described as an “Illegal Alien” allegedly killed a teacher in a car crash while fleeing from ICE [2]. In the courts, one report indicates an Obama-appointed judge granted a “Free Pass” for an MS-13 gang member to remain in the U.S. [3].

[1] Gov. Wes Moore signs bill banning ICE partnerships with Maryland law enforcement agencies, https://dbknews.com/2026/02/17/wes-moore-bans-ice-partnerships-maryland/
[2] Illegal Alien Flees ICE, Kills Georgia Teacher in Car Crash, https://www.dailysignal.com/2026/02/17/illegal-alien-flees-ice-kills-teacher-in-crash/
[3] An Obama Judge Gives MS-13 Gang Member a Free Pass to Stay in America, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2026/02/17/an-obama-judge-gives-ms-13-gang-member-a-free-pass-to-stay-in-america-n4949629

3. Federal Government & Domestic Policy

3.1. Scrutiny of Federal Agencies (ATF, FBI, DOJ, FCC)

Multiple federal agencies are under intense scrutiny. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is accused of creating a “backdoor gun registry,” prompting lawmakers to demand an official explanation [1]. In a major announcement, FBI Director Kash Patel stated that investigators have successfully identified funding sources for antifa [2]. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is embroiled in a censorship controversy; its chair denied censoring a Stephen Colbert interview, while also confirming a probe into ABC’s “The View” [3]. Separately, Stephen Colbert claimed that CBS barred his interview with Texas political candidate James Talarico, citing an “FCC Crackdown” [4]. Elsewhere, the Department of Justice has issued new subpoenas as part of its ongoing response to Russian election interference [5].

[1] The ATF created a backdoor gun registry. Lawmakers want an explanation., https://reason.com/2026/02/13/the-atf-created-a-backdoor-gun-registry-lawmakers-want-an-explanation/
[2] FBI Director Patel says investigators have found antifa funding sources, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4461949/fbi-patel-antifa-funding-investigation/
[3] FCC chair denies censoring Colbert interview, confirms probe into ABC’s ‘The View’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/media/fcc-chair-denies-censoring-colbert-interview-confirms-probe-into-abcs-the-view/
[4] Stephen Colbert Says CBS Barred James Talarico Interview Amid FCC Crackdown, https://www.foxnews.com/media/colbert-fumes-cbs-says-barred-him-from-interviewing-texas-dem-amid-fcc-crackdown
[5] DOJ Issues New Subpoenas in Russian Election Interference Response, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/trump-russia-brennan/2026/02/17/id/1246477/

3.2. Second Amendment Policy Change at Veterans Affairs

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has reportedly implemented a significant policy change affecting the Second Amendment rights of veterans. According to the VA’s own news service, the action “undoes decades-old wrong and protects Veterans’ Second Amendment rights” [1]. The headline does not provide specific details on the previous policy or the nature of the change.

[1] VA undoes decades-old wrong and protects Veterans’ Second Amendment rights, https://news.va.gov/press-room/va-undoes-decades-old-wrong-and-protects-veterans-second-amendment-rights/

3.3. Trump Administration Strategy and Actions

The Trump administration appears to be focusing its political strategy while also pursuing aesthetic changes. Reports indicate the President’s team is spotlighting the economy as a “Midterm Game-Changer” [1], even as public commentary questions whether the President should “Shake Up His Cabinet” [2]. In a more visible move, the Air Force presidential fleet is being repainted in what is described as “Trump’s signature red, gold and blue color scheme” [3].

[1] New Strategies: Trump Team Spotlights Economy As Midterm Game-Changer, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2026/02/18/new-strategies-trump-team-spotlights-economy-as-midterm-game-changer-n2199289
[2] Should Trump Shake Up His Cabinet?, https://townhall.com/columnists/byronyork/2026/02/17/columnistsbyronyork20260217should-trump-shake-up-his-cabinet-n2671460
[3] Air Force presidential fleet being trаnsformed into Trump’s signature red, gold and blue color scheme, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/air-force-presidential-fleet-being-transformed-into-trumps-signature-red-gold-and-blue-color-scheme/

3.4. Congressional & Electoral Political Dynamics

A complex controversy has emerged in the Texas Senate primary involving candidate James Talarico, with CBS reportedly exposing a “Lie” from Talarico just as early voting began [1]. The situation involves a “Colbert Show Hoax” that had boosted Talarico, to which his Democratic primary opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, has responded [2]. In broader 2028 speculation, a prominent Democratic megadonor has reportedly issued a warning against California Governor Gavin Newsom potentially becoming the party’s nominee [3].

[1] CBS Exposes James Talarico’s Lie Just As Early Voting Begins, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/josephchalfant/2026/02/17/cbs-exposes-james-talaricos-lie-just-as-early-voting-begins-n2671455
[2] Dem Jasmine Crockett Responds to Colbert Show Hoax That Boosted TX Senate Primary Opponent James Talarico, https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2026/02/18/jasmine-crockett-is-essentially-calling-james-talarico-and-stephen-colbert-liars-now-n2425132
[3] Trouble in Paradise: Longtime Dem Megadonor Warns Against Newsom Potentially Becoming 2028 DNC Nominee, https://redstate.com/levon/2026/02/18/trouble-in-paradise-longtime-dem-megadonor-warns-against-newsom-potentially-becoming-2028-dnc-nominee-n2199282

4. State & Local Government Issues

4.1. New York City Fiscal Crisis and Mayoral Actions

New York City is facing a severe fiscal crisis under Mayor Zohran Mamdani, with reports citing a “$5.4 Billion Budget Gap” [1]. In response, the mayor announced he is “forced to raid the rainy day fund, retiree benefit trust reserve, and to increase property taxes” to keep the city financially stable [2]. This budget has been characterized as a “political bomb” for New York Governor Hochul. In a significant policy reversal, Mayor Mamdani is also bringing back sweeps of homeless encampments, a departure from a campaign promise, which reportedly follows backlash over deaths during cold weather [3].

[1] NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani Looking at $5.4 Billion Budget Gap and Higher Taxes for the Ultra-Wealthy, https://twitchy.com/brettt/2026/02/17/nyc-mayor-zohran-mamdani-looking-at-54-billion-budget-gap-and-two-paths-n2425120
[2] New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announces he is “forced to raid the rainy day fund, retiree benefit trust reserve, and to increase property taxes” in order to keep the city on “firm financial footing”, https://x.com/america/status/2023871871062864277
[3] Mamdani brings back homeless encampment sweeps — turning on campaign promise after backlash over cold weather deaths, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/mamdani-brings-back-homeless-encampment-sweeps-turning-on-campaign-promise-after-backlash-over-cold-weather-deaths/?utm_campaign=nypost&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter

4.2. California Scandals, Fraud Probe, and Budget Issues

California is contending with multiple high-profile crises. Federal authorities have launched a formal investigation into the state’s failure to prevent massive unemployment fraud [1]. Concurrently, a major political scandal has emerged, with reports alleging that a California Democratic Mayor’s fiancé was just sentenced as a Chinese spy after having helped her win her election [2]. On the fiscal front, California schools are facing “soaring insurance costs” after a state law lifted the statute of limitations for sex abuse lawsuits, resulting in a large increase in payouts [3].

[1] Feds launch probe into California’s ‘blind eye’ on unemployment fraud, https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/us-news/feds-launch-investigation-into-california-unemployment-fraud/
[2] California Dem Mayor’s Fiancé Just Sentenced as a Chinese Spy—And He Helped Her Win Office, https://twitchy.com/justmindy/2026/02/18/mayor-california-fiance-campaign-manager-chinese-spy-n2425167
[3] California schools face a new budget hit: Soaring insurance costs after sex abuse lawsuits - A recent state law lifted the statute of limitations on sex abuse lawsuits, driving a huge increase in payouts, https://calmatters.org/education/2026/02/sex-abuse-california-2/

4.3. Other State-Level Developments

In Illinois, the U.S. Department of Transportation has warned Governor Pritzker that the state is at risk of losing $128 million in federal funding over the issuance of “illegal foreign CDLs” (Commercial Driver’s Licenses) [1]. In Minnesota, a review of the state’s Medicaid program has identified $1 billion in potential savings [2]. Meanwhile, Maryland Governor Wes Moore is facing media scrutiny that questions his credibility and suggests his potential 2028 presidential ambitions are “Drowning in River of Bullshit” [3].

[1] USDOT warns Pritzker Illinois could lose $128M over illegal foreign CDLs, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/duffy-gives-illinois-30-day-ultimatum-after-audit-finds-1-5-noncitizen-truck-licenses-issued-illegally
[2] Minnesota Medicaid review finds $1 billion in potential savings, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/heavily-redacted-audit-finds-minnesota-medicaid-had-widespread-vulnerabilities
[3] Wes Moore 2028 Drowning in River of Bullshit, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/wes-moore-2028-drowning-in-river-of-bullshit/

5. Economic & Fiscal Affairs

5.1. FDA Reversal on Moderna Vaccine Review

In a significant regulatory development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reversed a previous decision and will now proceed with a review of Moderna’s new flu vaccine [1]. The headlines do not provide details on the reason for the initial refusal or the subsequent reversal.

[1] FDA reverses decision not to review Moderna’s new flu vaccine, https://nypost.com/2026/02/18/business/fda-reverses-decision-not-to-review-modernas-new-flu-vaccine

5.2. Comparative Government Spending: NYC vs. Florida

A stark fiscal comparison is being drawn between the proposed budgets of New York City and the state of Florida. NYC Mayor Mamdani’s budget for a population of 8.5 million is reported at $127 billion, while Florida Governor DeSantis’s budget for a population of 23 million is set at $117 billion [1, 2]. This data point is being used to frame NYC’s per-capita spending as disproportionately high.

[1] Mayor Mamdani’s budget for New York City, population 8.5 million, is $127 billion. Governor DeSantis’s budget for the state of Florida, population 23 million, is $117 billion., https://x.com/dominicjpino/status/2023878946849439882
[2] ‘Warmth of Collectivism’ Update: DeSantis Puts Mamdani’s NYC $127B Budget Into Mind-Numbing Perspective, https://redstate.com/mike_miller/2026/02/18/warmth-of-collectivism-update-desantis-put-mamdanis-nyc-127b-budget-into-mind-numbing-perspective-n2199288

5.3. Business and Tax Policy Debates

The entertainment industry is facing new legal pressure, with Netflix reportedly facing a consumer lawsuit as a potential merger with Warner Bros. comes under increased scrutiny [1]. On tax policy, NYC Mayor Mamdani’s proposed tax increases are being blamed for worsening the “exodus” of jobs from New York to Texas [2].

[1] Netflix faces consumer lawsuit as Warner Bros. merger scrutiny mounts, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/business/4461616/netflix-warner-bros-merger-lawsuit/
[2] NY is losing jobs to Texas — and Mamdani’s tax push will worsen exodus, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/ny-is-losing-jobs-to-texas-and-mamdanis-tax-push-will-worsen-exodus-report/

6. Media, Culture, & Education

6.1. Controversies in U.S. Education System

Multiple controversies have emerged from the U.S. education system. In Portland, a “Black Student Excellence center” is now under a Title VI federal civil rights investigation [1]. Separately, numerous schools have canceled contracts for class pictures with the company Lifetouch following online claims alleging a connection to Jeffrey Epstein [2]. In Nashville, a teacher has claimed his job was threatened for refusing to read a book about same-sex marriage to his elementary school students [3].

[1] Portland’s Black Student Excellence center under Title VI investigation, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/education/4461490/portland-public-schools-investigation-black-student-excellence/
[2] Schools cancel class pictures after online claims surrounding Lifetouch, Jeffrey Epstein, https://www.foxcarolina.com/2026/02/15/schools-cancel-class-pictures-after-online-claims-surrounding-lifetouch-jeffrey-epstein/
[3] A teacher at a Nashville elementary school claimed his job was threatened after he refused to read a book about same-sex marriage to his young students. | Fox News, https://www.foxnews.com/media/nashville-teacher-allegedly-threatened-termination-refusing-read-lgbtq-book-first-graders

6.2. Media Criticism and Political Commentary

Media outlets and political figures are facing sharp criticism. The BBC is being accused of acting as a “propaganda outlet for Iran’s regime” [1]. Apple News is also facing scrutiny for potential bias after an “ex-liberal mag editor” was tasked with curating stories for its users [2]. A recurring subject of commentary is Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose recent appearance in Munich is widely described as “disastrous,” though she has defended her performance as “well-received” by Europeans [3].

[1] The BBC is letting itself be used as a propaganda outlet for Iran’s regime, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/02/15/bbc-letting-itself-be-used-propaganda-outlet-iran-regime
[2] Apple News bias: ex-liberal mag editor tasked to curate stories for iPhone users, https://www.foxnews.com/media/alleged-bias-apple-news-ex-liberal-mag-editor-tasked-handpick-stories-millions-iphone-users
[3] AOC claims gaffe-filled Munich performance ‘well-received’ by Europeans: ‘Distract from the substance’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/17/us-news/aoc-claims-her-gaffe-filled-munich-performance-was-well-received-by-europeans-distract-from-the-substance/

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