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[Sunday, February 22] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 22, 2026

Executive Summary

  • An urgent security crisis unfolds in Mexico after a U.S.-trained military team kills cartel leader ‘El Mencho,’ sparking widespread cartel violence and a “shelter in place” alert for Americans.
  • Fears of conflict with Iran rise amid reports of a major U.S. military buildup and warnings that Tehran is a “week away” from bomb-grade material.
  • A lethal security breach at Mar-a-Lago ends with the Secret Service killing an armed intruder.
  • A DHS shutdown suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry.
  • JPMorgan confirms it closed dozens of President Trump’s bank accounts post-January 6.

1. National Security & Foreign Affairs

1.1. Mexico: Cartel Conflict & U.S. Involvement

An urgent security crisis is unfolding south of the border following the death of ‘El Mencho’, a prominent figure identified as both a “drug lord” and “terrorist leader” [1]. His killing was the result of a targeted operation by the Mexican military. Reports indicate the specific team involved was trained by U.S. Navy SEALs, signaling a degree of U.S. support for the mission [2]. The killing has provoked immediate and severe retaliation. Cartels have engaged in what is described as a “rampage” of “widespread violence” across Mexico, with updates confirming the deteriorating situation [3]. The violence has grown so severe that an official warning has been issued for U.S. citizens to “shelter in place,” with the resort city of Puerto Vallarta reportedly “under siege” [4].

  1. Mexican drug lord ‘El Mencho’ killed in military operation, official says, https://news.sky.com/story/mexican-drug-lord-el-mencho-killed-in-military-operation-official-says-13510875
  2. U.S. Navy Seals Trained Mexican Military Team Who Killed Terrorist Leader El Mencho, https://www.breitbart.com/border/2026/02/22/exclusive-u-s-navy-seals-trained-mexican-military-team-that-killed-terrorist-leader-el-mencho/
  3. Mexico Erupts in Violence as Cartels Rampage; Americans Told to Shelter in Place; UPDATED, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2026/02/22/mexico-erupts-in-violence-as-cartels-rampage-everyone-told-to-shelter-in-place-n3812162
  4. Mexican resort town Puerto Vallarta under siege after army kills cartel leader, https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/world-news/mexican-resort-town-puerto-vallarta-under-siege-after-army-kills-cartel-leader/

1.2. Escalating Tensions with Iran

Tensions with Iran are at a critical point, with multiple reports pointing toward potential military action. One source indicates the deployment of the “Largest US Military Buildup Since 2003,” an action that “Raises Prospect of Multi-Week Strike on Iran” [1]. Speculation accompanies this mobilization, including one report suggesting President Trump “could kill Ayatollah’s son and senior mullahs to topple Iranian regime” [2]. The nuclear threat appears immediate, with an individual named Witkoff publicly stating that Iran is only “a week away” from possessing “industrial-grade material” for a bomb [3]. While these threats mount, an exiled Iranian princess asserts the regime has “never been weaker” [4]. Regional proxy conflicts continue, with Hezbollah confirming an Israeli strike killed a senior commander and eight other operatives [5], and Hamas reportedly choosing to “renege” on a Gaza peace plan brokered by President Trump [6].

  1. Largest US Military Buildup Since 2003 Raises Prospect of Multi-Week Strike on Iran, https://themedialine.org/top-stories/largest-us-military-buildup-since-2003-raises-prospect-of-multi-week-strike-on-iran
  2. Trump ‘could kill Ayatollah’s son and senior mullahs to topple Iranian regime’, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/21/trump-could-allow-iran-token-nuclear-enrichment
  3. Iran bomb threat: Witkoff says industrial-grade material ‘a week away’, https://www.foxnews.com/media/witkoff-warns-iran-a-week-away-from-bomb-material-trump-weighs-action
  4. Exiled Iranian princess condemns regime, says it has never been weaker than now, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/exiled-iranian-princess-islamic-regime-has-never-been-close-falling-people-begging-trump-help
  5. Hezbollah confirms 8 operatives, senior commander killed in Israeli strikes, https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/middle-east/artc-hezbollah-confirms-8-operatives-senior-commander-killed-in-israeli-strikes-live-blog
  6. Hamas Appears To Renege On Trump’s Peace Plan In Gaza — Tells International Board To Stay Out Of Our ‘Affairs’ - Harbinger’s Daily, https://harbingersdaily.com/israel-at-war-week-123/

1.3. Global Diplomatic and Security Briefs

U.S. diplomacy faces friction after a statement by an unnamed U.S. ambassador claiming “Israel has a right to much of the Middle East” caused an “uproar” [1]. On the trade front, the European Union is demanding the U.S. “Honor [its] Trade Deal” following a Supreme Court tariff ruling [2]. Elsewhere, Eileen Gu has issued a public plea for “mercy” for her father, Jimmy Lai [3]. In Canada, protests have erupted in Brampton, where two million temporary migrants facing expiring visas are demanding permanent residency [4]. In other global security incidents, a Russian strike reportedly hit a factory owned by American business Mondelez in Ukraine [5], and Pakistan conducted airstrikes across the Afghan border that reportedly killed 28 TTP fighters [6].

  1. US ambassador causes uproar by claiming Israel has a right to much of the Middle East, https://apnews.com/article/israel-ambassador-huckabee-middle-east-arab-muslim-e88a235c48bfb904f0ee7f8a72edf250
  2. EU Says U.S. Must Honor Trade Deal After Supreme Court Tariff Ruling, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/02/22/eu-says-us-must-honor-trade-deal-after-supreme-court-tariff-ruling/
  3. Eileen Gu: PLEASE be a ‘force for good’ to win mercy for my dad, Jimmy Lai, https://nypost.com/2026/02/21/opinion/eileen-gu-please-be-a-force-for-good-to-win-mercy-for-my-dad-jimmy-lai/
  4. Two million temporary migrants to lose status: Protesters in Brampton demand permanent residency as visas expire, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/rest-of-world/two-million-temporary-migrants-to-lose-status-protesters-in-brampton-demand-permanent-residency-as-visas-expire/articleshow/128645505.cms
  5. Russian strike hits Mondelez factory in Ukraine, US business caught in attack, https://newsukraine.rbc.ua/news/russian-strike-hits-mondelez-factory-in-ukraine-1771721278.html
  6. Pakistan Conducts Airstrikes Across Afghan Border, 28 TTP Fighters Dead | World News - News18, https://www.news18.com/world/pakistan-launches-airstrikes-in-eastern-afghanistan-targets-districts-in-paktika-nangarhar-report-9922552.html

2. Executive Branch & Presidential Affairs

2.1. Lethal Security Breach at Mar-a-Lago

A significant security incident at President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence resulted in the death of an armed intruder. The Secret Service shot and killed the man after he broke through the property’s secure perimeter [1, 2]. The individual was reportedly armed with a shotgun and was also carrying a fuel can [3]. Subsequent reporting identified the deceased as a “North Carolina golf course artist” [4]. An FBI agent quoted in one story characterized the intruder’s attempt as that of a “complete amateur” [5].

  1. Armed man shot and killed after ‘unauthorized entry’ into Mar-a-Lago: Secret Service, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/armed-man-shot-killed-after-unauthorized-entry-mar-a-lago-secret-service
  2. Secret Service kills shotgun-wielding man at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago after he broke through security perimeter, https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/us-news/secret-service-kills-armed-man-at-trumps-mar-a-lago/
  3. “The US Secret Service SHOT AND KlLLED an armed intruder who penetrated the secure perimeter at Mar-a-Lago this morning. The man in his 20s was carrying a shotgun and a fuel can.” (X/@nicksortor), https://x.com/nicksortor/status/2025572009434812794?s=20
  4. Mar-a-Lago shotgun-wielding madman ID’d as North Carolina golf course artist, https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/us-news/mar-a-lago-shotgun-wielding-madman-idd-as-north-carolina-golf-course-artist
  5. FBI agent says Mar-a-Lago assassin was a ‘complete amateur’, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6389718478112

2.2. Presidential Directives, Policies, and Financial Dealings

The administration has issued several notable directives and faced scrutiny over its economic policies. President Trump reportedly told Netflix to fire Susan Rice or face “consequences” [1]. In a separate action, the President ordered a US military hospital ship to Greenland to provide medical care [2]. Following a favorable Supreme Court “tariffs ruling,” the President publicly called Justice Brett Kavanaugh his “new hero” [3]. This tariff policy, however, has drawn sharp criticism from business figure Kevin O’Leary, who termed it a “nightmare” [4]. One report notes that Walmart does not intend to pass any potential tariff refunds on to customers [5]. Separately, a bombshell report confirms a long-standing complaint from the President about “debanking,” as JPMorgan has now admitted to closing “over 50” of his bank accounts following the January 6 Capitol riot [6].

  1. President Trump tells Netflix to fire Susan Rice or ‘pay consequences’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/president-trump-tells-netflix-fire-susan-rice-pay-consequences
  2. Trump sending US military hospital ship to Greenland to ’take care’ of sick, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-sending-us-military-hospital-ship-greenland-take-care-sick
  3. Trump reveals his ’new hero’ Supreme Court justice after tariffs ruling: Justice Brett Kavanaugh, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-reveals-his-new-hero-supreme-court-justice-after-tariffs-ruling
  4. Kevin O’Leary calls the Tariff decision a “nightmare”, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/kevin-oleary-supreme-court-trump/2026/02/20/id/1246908/
  5. Axios Reporter: Walmart Won’t Pass Tariff Refunds to Consumers — Competition: Hello?, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/mark-finkelstein/2026/02/21/axios-reporter-walmart-wont-pass-tariff-refunds-consumers
  6. Bombshell Report Confirms Longstanding ’Debanking’ Complaint by POTUS – JPMorgan Admits to Closing Over 50 Trump Bank Accounts, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/21/jpmorgan-chase-admitted-that-it-closed-more-than-50-of-president-donald-trumps-bank-accounts-after-his-first-term-as-president-concluded/

3. Domestic Policy & Governance

3.1. DHS Shutdown Halts Key Traveler Programs

An ongoing shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security is causing significant disruptions for American travelers. The agency has suspended enrollment and operations for its trusted traveler programs, including TSA PreCheck and Global Entry [1]. The sudden halt to these widely used programs, which expedite airport security screening for pre-vetted passengers, has prompted at least two U.S. airlines to issue warnings about the potential for operational impacts and travel delays [2].

  1. Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs, https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/us-news/homeland-security-suspends-tsa-precheck-and-global-entry-airport-security-programs/
  2. 2-US Airlines Warn over Pause in Two Key Travel Programs amid DHS Shutdown - DHS to Pause TSA PreCheck as Shutdown Continues, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/dhs-precheck-shutdown/2026/02/22/id/1246973/?ns_mail_uid=fd327749-6369-446a-a5eb-ed0baad7a79a&ns_mail_job=DM924704_02222026&s=acs&dkt_nbr=01010468dvka

3.2. Federal Agency Actions and Reports

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has intervened in a major education lawsuit, joining a case that alleges “Anti-White Discrimination” is taking place within the nation’s second-largest school district [1]. In a separate regulatory move, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced its intention to shut down “hundreds” of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) schools found to be in violation of federal regulations [2]. Meanwhile, a report on federal spending alleges the Pentagon is “So Awash With Cash It Doesn’t Even Know How To Spend It” [3].

  1. DOJ Joins Lawsuit Alleging Anti‐White Discrimination In Nation’s Second Largest School District, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/21/doj-lawsuit-anti-white-discrimination-nations-second-largest-school-district-los-angeles-lausd/
  2. U.S. DOT to shut down hundreds of CDL training schools violating federal regulations, https://www.kttc.com/2026/02/20/us-dot-shut-down-hundreds-cdl-training-schools-violating-federal-regulations/
  3. Pentagon Reportedly So Awash With Cash It Doesn’t Even Know How To Spend It, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/21/pete-hegseth-pentagon-war-department-half-trillion-dollars-increase-military-spending-donald-trump-administration/

4. Crime, Law Enforcement, & Immigration

4.1. High-Profile Criminal Incidents & Investigations

Law enforcement agencies are investigating several notable criminal incidents. In New York, authorities are probing a “possible terrorist attack” after an armed man allegedly rammed his vehicle into a power station [1]. In Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center was vandalized in what is described as a “targeted” attack that occurred amid political backlash over President Trump’s renaming of the institution [2]. In federal cases, a Ukrainian national has been charged with selling stolen identities to overseas IT workers through a dedicated website [3], while separately, Colombian nationals are accused of impersonating federal judges and running a fake law firm to defraud migrants out of $100K [4].

  1. Armed New York Man Rammed Car Into Power Station In Possible Terrorist Attack, Police Say, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/21/armed-man-dawson-maloney-rams-nevada-power-station-terrorism-police/
  2. Kennedy Center Vandalized In ‘Targeted’ Attack Amid Left-Wing Backlash Over Trump Renaming, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/21/kennedy-center-vandalized-targeted-attack-trump-renaming/
  3. Ukrainian Man Ran ‘Upworksell.com’ to Sell Stolen Identities for Overseas IT Workers, Court Docs Say, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/scott-mcclallen/2026/02/21/ukrainian-man-ran-upworksellcom-to-sell-stolen-identities-for-overseas-it-workers-court-docs-say-n2671677
  4. Colombian nationals allegedly ran fake law firm, impersonated federal judges to defraud migrants out of $100K, https://www.foxnews.com/us/colombian-nationals-allegedly-ran-fake-law-firm-impersonated-federal-judges-defraud-migrants-100k

4.2. Law Enforcement and Immigration Incidents

Controversy over inter-agency cooperation has emerged in Detroit, where two police officers were suspended for “Cooperating with Border Patrol” [1]. On the immigration front, a headline describes a “dramatic moment” where an “80-year-old attorney is floored by ICE agents after meddling with [an] operation” [2]. In a separate development, a judicial official described as New York’s “Most Lenient Immigration Judge” has reportedly been removed from their post [3].

  1. Detroit: 2 Officers Suspended for Cooperating with Border Patrol, https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/02/21/detroit-two-officers-suspended-for-violating-department-policy-by-cooperating-with-border-patrol/
  2. Dramatic moment 80-year-old attorney is floored by ICE agents after meddling with operation, https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/us-news/attorney-80-shoved-pepper-sprayed-by-ice-agents-in-santa-barbara/
  3. Report: NY’s Most Lenient Immigration Judge Gets Culled, and DOJ’s Reaction Is Chef’s Kiss, https://redstate.com/beccalower/2026/02/21/report-nys-most-lenient-immigration-judge-culled-by-trump-20-and-dojs-reaction-is-chefs-kiss-n2199414

5. Political Discourse & Societal Issues

5.1. Partisan Commentary and Polling

The political climate remains highly polarized. An ABC poll indicates that Americans “STILL Trust Trump More Than the Dems” across “Every Category” [1]. Amid this environment, former Obama administration official Susan Rice has reportedly joined a call for a “Revenge Purge” to be enacted when Democrats eventually retake power [2]. In Congress, Democrats have called for the censure of Rep. Randy Fine over comments he made regarding “Muslim Supremacy” [3]. Other commentary included Senator John Kennedy delivering a “hilarious assessment” of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez [4] and a critique of Senator Bernie Sanders’ views after he was “asked about growth — and his socialism fell apart” [5].

  1. ABC Poll Stunner: Americans STILL Trust Trump More Than the Dems — and in Every Category, Too!, https://pjmedia.com/scott-pinsker/2026/02/22/abc-poll-stunner-americans-still-trust-trump-more-than-the-dems-and-in-every-category-too-n4949814
  2. “It’s Not Going to End Well for Them”: Susan Rice Joins Call for a Revenge Purge After Democrats Retake Power, https://jonathanturley.org/2026/02/21/its-not-going-to-end-well-for-them-susan-rice-joins-calls-for-a-revenge-purge-after-democrats-re-take-power/
  3. 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
  4. Sen. Kennedy Delivers a Hilarious Assessment of AOC As She Has Epic Meltdown Over Munich Criticism, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2026/02/22/kennedy-and-aoc-remarks-n2199423
  5. Bernie Sanders Was Asked About Growth — and His Socialism Fell Apart, https://redstate.com/ben-smith/2026/02/22/bernie-sanders-was-asked-about-growth-and-his-socialism-fell-apart-n2199440

5.2. Education Debates: Technology and Ideology

A Fortune report raises serious concerns about technology in schools, claiming a $30 billion national effort to replace textbooks with laptops and tablets has produced “the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents” [1]. At the local level, a New York teacher was “ousted” after helping students establish a Turning Point USA (TPUSA) club, sparking “outrage” [2]. In another school-related incident, a student received a two-day suspension for punching another student who was holding a “pro-ICE sign” [3].

  1. The U.S. spent $30 billion to ditch textbooks for laptops and tablets: The result is the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents, https://fortune.com/2026/02/21/laptops-tablets-schools-gen-z-less-cognitively-capable-parents-first-time-cellphone-bans-standardized-test-scores/
  2. Outrage as NY teacher is ousted after helping students start a TPUSA club at school, https://nypost.com/2026/02/21/us-news/outrage-as-ny-teacher-is-ousted-after-helping-students-start-a-tpusa-club-at-school/
  3. Student who punched another student holding pro-ICE sign at Lake Zurich High School received 2-day suspension, https://www.lakemchenryscanner.com/2026/02/20/student-who-punched-another-student-holding-pro-ice-sign-at-lake-zurich-high-school-received-2-day-suspension/

5.3. Cultural and Commemorative Notes

In sports, the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey team won the gold medal in an “overtime epic” against Canada, with Jack Hughes scoring the winning “golden goal” [1]. Hughes subsequently delivered what was described as a “patriotic message” [2]. Today also marks the 294th birthday of George Washington [3].

  1. Team USA vs. Canada live updates: JACK HUGHES SCORES THE GOLDEN GOAL FOR THE U.S. MEN’S OLYMPIC HOCKEY TEAM IN OVERTIME EPIC OVER CANADA, https://www.nbcolympics.com/news/live/2026-usa-vs-canada-olympic-mens-hockey-live-updates-sun-feb-22-highlights-scores-results
  2. Team USA’s Jack Hughes gives patriotic message after winning Olympic gold, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/team-usas-jack-hughes-shares-patriotic-message-after-olympic-thriller
  3. George Washington, America’s first President, born today, 294 years ago., https://i.redd.it/1w72bt36lxkg1.jpeg

6. State & Local Politics

6.1. California: Gubernatorial Race and Political Climate

California’s political landscape shows signs of a potential Republican resurgence. Early polling in the state’s jungle primary for governor shows GOP candidates, including Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton, in the lead [1]. This development has reportedly sparked “panic” among Democrats, who fear that “zombie campaigns” could result in a surprise Republican victory [2]. This political dynamic is set against a backdrop of ongoing challenges for the state, with billionaire Democratic donor Steven Spielberg reportedly “Fleeing High-Tax California” [3] even as Governor Newsom publicly defends the state on CNN amid criticism of its high cost of living [4].

  1. Bianco says ‘Democrat policy is indefensible’ as GOP candidates top California governor polling - Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and former Fox News host Steve Hilton top early polling in state’s jungle primary system, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/bianco-says-democrat-policy-indefensible-gop-candidates-top-california-governor-polling
  2. Panicked Dems fear ‘zombie campaigns’ will see California elect a Republican governor, https://nypost.com/2026/02/21/us-news/california-democratic-party-convention-in-san-francisco/
  3. Bad Investment? Billionaire Democrat Donor Steven Spielberg Fleeing High-Tax California, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/business/joseph-vazquez/2026/02/21/bad-investment-billionaire-democrat-donor-steven-spielberg
  4. Newsom defends California amid high cost of living criticism on CNN, https://www.foxnews.com/media/newsom-confronted-california-being-highest-cost-living-state-us-amid-affordability-crisis

6.2. New York City: Mayoral Controversies and Policies

The administration of New York City Mayor Mamdani is facing heavy criticism. The Mayor was “blasted” for a new policy requiring emergency snow shovelers to produce multiple forms of identification—a sharp contrast to the lack of ID requirements for voting in the city [1, 2]. This occurs as the Mayor has also declared a “Budget Crisis” for NYC [3]. At the same time, the NYC Council is advancing a bill that would aim to “prevent ‘young people’ from getting arrested” [4].

  1. Mamdani blasted for requiring 5 forms of ID to shovel while DSA opposes Voter ID, https://nypost.com/2026/02/21/us-news/mamdani-blasted-for-requiring-5-forms-of-id-to-shovel-while-dsa-opposes-voter-id/
  2. NYC seeks emergency snow shovelers for blizzard, requires IDs not needed to vote - Emergency workers must bring 2 photos, 2 forms of ID and Social Security card while most registered voters need no identification, https://www.foxnews.com/us/nyc-seeks-emergency-snow-shovelers-blizzard-requires-ids-not-needed-vote
  3. Mayor Mamdani Declares That New York Has A “Budget Crisis”, https://www.manhattancontrarian.com/blog/2026-2-18-qwgbdtzxorv0zk2k9iyya8xp8rew01
  4. NYC Council bill would prevent ‘young people’ from getting arrested, https://nypost.com/2026/02/21/us-news/minor-loophole-nyc-council-bill-would-prevent-young-people-from-getting-arrested/

==

Updated on 2026-02-22
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