[Monday, February 23] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 23, 2026

Executive Summary

• Border Crisis: A full-scale cartel war erupts in Mexico following the death of CJNG leader “El Mencho,” with retaliatory violence spreading across a third of the country, trapping U.S. citizens and killing Mexican National Guardsmen.
• National Security: The U.S. military is reportedly positioned for a potential “kinetic” conflict with Iran, with specific plans in place to counter missile and drone attacks.
• Presidential Affairs: A major security incident involving an armed man occurred at Mar-a-Lago. President Trump pursues new election integrity measures and tariffs.
• Domestic Policy: The DOGE has initiated a controversial Medicaid data dump to expose fraud. Scandals surround Rep. Tony Gonzales and Gov. Gavin Newsom.

1. National Security and Border Crisis

1.1 Cartel War Explodes in Mexico Following Killing of “El Mencho”

An unprecedented wave of violence has erupted across Mexico following the government’s confirmation of the death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, the leader of the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) [1]. In retaliation, the cartel has reportedly unleashed a campaign of terror in over a third of Mexico’s 32 states. The conflict has inflicted heavy casualties on Mexican security forces, with a top defense official announcing that 25 national guard members were killed in Jalisco [2].

The scale of the cartel’s military capacity was underscored by the seizure of rocket launchers and other military-grade equipment from the raid that killed Oseguera [3]. The chaos has trapped civilians, with reports of U.S. citizens, including Californians, caught in the violence near the border and tourists unable to leave Puerto Vallarta [4]. Critical infrastructure has been targeted, leading to panic at the Guadalajara airport as the violence continues to spread.

References:
[1] Cartel Terror Erupts in Over One Third of Mexico as CJNG Exacts Revenge – Cartel violence exploded across more than ten of Mexico’s 32 states on Sunday after the government of Mexico confirmed the death of Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) leader Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera., https://www.breitbart.com/border/2026/02/22/cartel-terror-in-third-of-32-mexican-states-as-cjng-exacts-revenge/

[2] Mexico’s top defense official sobs, announces 25 national guard members killed in Jalisco, https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/world-news/mexicos-top-defense-official-sobs-announces-25-national-guard-members-killed-in-jalisco

[3] Rocket launchers among military-grade equipment seized in daring raid that killed notorious Mexican cartel leader ‘El Mencho’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/world-news/rocket-launchers-among-military-grade-equipment-seized-in-daring-raid-that-killed-notorious-mexican-cartel-leader-el-mencho

[4] Californians trapped as cartel unleashes hell near US border over drug kingpin’s killing: ‘Pray for us’, https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/us-news/californians-trapped-as-cartel-unleashes-hell-near-us-border-over-drug-kingpins-killing-pray-for-us

1.2 U.S. Military Positioned for Potential Iran Campaign

The United States military is actively preparing for potential hostilities in the Middle East, with one report stating forces are “positioned for potential ‘kinetic’ Iran campaign” [1]. Specific contingency planning is underway, as U.S. forces have developed operational plans to counter anticipated Iranian tactics, including ballistic missile attacks and “drone swarm” strategies [2]. This positioning indicates a state of heightened alert and readiness for direct military engagement.

References:
[1] US positioned for potential ‘kinetic’ Iran campaign in Middle East, https://www.foxnews.com/world/pentagon-official-warns-us-assets-middle-east-set-highly-kinetic-war

[2] US forces have plans to stop Iran ballistic missiles and drone swarm tactics, https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/ayatollahs-arsenal-vs-american-firepower-irans-top-4-threats-how-we-fight-back

1.3 Counter-Intelligence and Foreign Influence Operations

Federal agencies are addressing multiple foreign threats. A report alleges that a Chinese technology agent based in Hong Kong utilized drones and “Corrupt U.S. Officials to Spy on Americans” [1]. In a separate action concerning foreign influence, the State Department is reportedly working to revoke the visa of an operative from the United Kingdom. This individual is alleged to have participated in a campaign to censor American media outlets, including The Federalist [2].

References:
[1] REPOST: Chinese Tech Agent in Hong Kong Used Drones and Corrupt U.S. Officials to Spy on Americans, https://www.thebureau.news/p/repost-chinese-tech-agent-in-hong

[2] State Department Works To Revoke Visa Of U.K. Operative Who Allegedly Censored The Federalist, Other Americans, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/23/state-department-works-to-revoke-visa-of-u-k-operative-who-allegedly-censored-the-federalist-other-americans/

1.4 Immigration and Domestic Security Concerns

Several reports connect immigration to domestic crime and policy debates. An investigation in Minnesota has highlighted the practice of female genital mutilation within the state’s Somali community, describing it as a “hidden” crisis [1]. On the policy front, President Trump has declared a “‘National Angel Family Day’” to honor victims of crimes allegedly committed by illegal immigrants [2]. This action coincides with public commentary criticizing politicians for allegedly “demonizing” ICE while ignoring these victims.

References:
[1] ‘It’s hidden’: Female genital mutilation and the secret shame of Minnesota’s Somalis, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/its-hidden-female-genital-mutilation-secret-shame-minnesota-somalis

[2] WATCH: President Trump Declares ‘National Angel Family Day’ Honoring Victims of Illegal Alien Crime, https://www.breitbart.com/immigration/2026/02/23/watch-president-trump-declares-national-angel-family-day-honoring-victims-of-illegal-alien-crime/

2. Executive Branch and Presidential Affairs

2.1 Security Incidents and Presidential Actions

A major security breach was reported at Mar-a-Lago, involving a shooting and an armed gunman. According to one headline, the individual responsible was “Fixated On Epstein Files” in the week preceding the attack [1]. The report does not contain further details on the incident’s outcome. Separately, President Trump is pursuing a “push for state voter rolls,” an initiative described as significant [2], while another report claims “Trump Has Had Enough of Tucker Carlson,” suggesting a major rift with the media figure [3].

References:
[1] Mar-A-Lago Armed Gunman Fixated On Epstein Files Week Before Shooting, https://www.tmz.com/2026/02/22/mar-a-lago-armed-man-shot-dead-texts-show-epstein-files-fixation/

[2] Why Trump’s push for state voter rolls matters, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/4466017/trump-push-state-voter-rolls-matters-midterms/

[3] Trump Has Had Enough of Tucker Carlson, https://www.thefp.com/p/trump-has-had-enough-of-tucker-carlson

2.2 State of the Union Address Preparations and Politics

Political positioning is underway ahead of the State of the Union address. Democrats have selected Representative Abigail Spanberger, a former CIA case officer, to deliver their response [1]. President Trump has extended an invitation to the address to the gold medal-winning USA Hockey Team. On the other side of the aisle, Senator Adam Schiff has publicly stated he will not be in attendance [2].

References:
[1] Dems will roll out their perfect agent of subterfuge, Abigail Spanberger, in response to SOTU – Spanberger is an expert at subterfuge, having spent eight years as an undercover CIA case officer, aka a spy, under Barack Obama and John Brennan., https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/opinion/miranda-devine-dems-will-roll-out-their-perfect-agent-of-subterfuge-abigail-spanberger-in-response-to-sotu/

[2] Adam Schiff says he will not be attending President Trump’s state of the Union 🤔, https://x.com/TheRicanMemes/status/2025784493756338469?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2025784493756338469%7Ctwgr%5Ef714518205d6d16e771672acf5e38b137b18da1d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_

2.3 Administration Personnel

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is reportedly receiving criticism. A headline suggests the backlash is a direct result of him “Meeting the Standards He Demands of Others,” though the specific context of these standards and the source of the criticism are not provided [1].

References:
[1] Pete Hegseth Comes Under Fire for Meeting the Standards He Demands of Others. Yes, You Read That Right, https://redstate.com/streiff/2026/02/22/pete-hegseth-comes-under-fire-for-meeting-the-standards-he-demands-of-others-yes-you-read-that-right-n2199449

3. Economy, Finance, and Fiscal Policy

3.1 Corporate-Political Pressures and Fraud Oversight

The administration is engaged on multiple economic fronts. JPMorgan Chase has confirmed it “Did Debank Trump — in a Huge Way,” signaling a significant action by a major financial institution against the President [1]. In a public call to action, President Trump has demanded that Netflix remove former National Security Advisor Susan Rice from its corporate board [2].

Simultaneously, the administration is focusing on fiscal oversight. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has initiated a “Medicaid data dump” aimed at exposing widespread fraud, though the effort faces potential legal and privacy challenges [3]. This move comes as a “US regulator” identified as Dr. Oz claims New York’s $124 billion Medicaid program is “riddled with fraud, waste” [4].

References:
[1] JPMorgan Chase: Actually, Yeah, We Did Debank Trump — in a Huge Way, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/02/22/jp-morgan-chase-actually-yeah-we-did-debank-trump-in-a-huge-way-n2199446

[2] Trump Tells Netflix to Drop Susan Rice From Board, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/trump-netflix-susan-rice/2026/02/22/id/1247021/

[3] DOGE’s Medicaid data dump aims to expose fraud — but privacy and legal hurdles loom, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doges-medicaid-data-dump-aims-expose-fraud-privacy-legal-hurdles-loom

[4] Democrat-led New York’s monster, $124 billion taxpayer-funded Medicaid program riddled with fraud, waste: US regulator Dr. Oz, https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/us-news/nys-monster-124b-taxpayer-funded-medicaid-program-riddled-with-fraud-waste-us-regulator-dr-oz/

3.2 Trade Policy

President Trump is reportedly undertaking a major new phase of trade policy. A headline indicates, “Now Trump Is Tearing It Up on Tariffs” [1]. The report does not offer specifics on the goods, countries, or scope of these new tariff actions.

References:
[1] Now Trump Is Tearing It Up on Tariffs, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2026/02/23/now-trump-is-tearing-it-up-on-tariffs-n2199470

4. U.S. Domestic Politics

4.1 Political Scandals and Controversies

Several prominent political figures are facing significant personal and professional controversies. Representative Tony Gonzales is confronting an “alleged affair scandal,” with texts allegedly showing him asking a staffer for “‘a sexy pic’” [1] and polling data indicating his political support is “crumbling” as a result. In Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz is accused of “stonewalling” a key investigation into widespread fraud within the state’s Somali community [2].

Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom has been accused of racism following recent public remarks. He has since defended his comments by attributing the gaffe to his dyslexia [3], a defense that drew sharp public criticism.

References:
[1] Rep. Tony Gonzales asked staffer who set herself on fire for ‘a sexy pic’ in racy 2024 texts, https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/us-news/rep-tony-gonzales-asked-staffer-who-later-set-herself-on-fire-for-a-sexy-pic-in-racy-2024-texts/

[2] SCOOP: Tim Walz Accused Of Stonewalling Key Probe As Somali Fraud Sweeps His State, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/23/scoop-tim-walz-accused-of-stonewalling-key-probe-as-somali-fraud-rocks-his-state/

[3] Newsom Defends Racist Comments: ‘Talking About My … Dyslexia’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/23/nolte-newsom-defends-racist-comments-as-talking-about-my-lifelong-struggle-with-dyslexia/

4.2 State-Level Legislation and Democratic Party Outlook

State legislatures are advancing new laws concerning firearm ownership. In Minnesota, Democratic lawmakers are pushing a bill that would grant police authority to enter private homes specifically to inspect gun storage compliance [1]. A new Colorado law will soon allow residents to voluntarily place themselves on a list prohibiting them from owning firearms [2].

On the national stage, attention is turning to the Democratic Party’s future. Governor Gavin Newsom addressed a potential 2028 primary against former Vice President Kamala Harris, stating that “‘fate’ will decide” the contest [3]. This comes as a former Democratic strategist publicly attributes national polarization to the party moving “far left” and “pandering to online activists” [4].

References:
[1] MN Dems Push Bill Allowing Police to Enter Homes to Check Gun Storage, https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/02/23/minnesota-dems-push-bill-allowing-law-enforcement-enter-homes-check-gun-storage/

[2] Coloradans Will Soon Be Able to Ban Themselves From Owning Guns, https://bearingarms.com/camedwards/2026/02/22/coloradans-will-soon-be-able-to-ban-themselves-from-owning-guns-n1231642

[3] Newsom says ‘fate’ will decide if he faces off against Harris in 2028 presidential primary, https://www.foxnews.com/media/newsom-says-fate-decide-he-faces-off-against-harris-2028-presidential-primary

[4] Fmr Democrat Strategist: Country Polarized Due to Party Moving Far Left, Pandering to Online Activists, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2026/02/22/fmr-democrat-strategist-country-polarized-due-to-party-moving-far-left-pandering-to-online-activists/

5. Judicial, Legal, and Investigative Issues

5.1 Trump-Related Legal Cases and the Epstein Investigation

There has been a major ruling in a legal case involving President Trump. A judge has ordered to “permanently block” the release of a classified documents report related to the President [1]. The specific nature of the report and the judge’s reasoning are not detailed in the headline.

In developments related to the Jeffrey Epstein case, a new report alleges Epstein maintained secret files in storage units across the U.S., which may contain “unseen evidence” [2]. Separately, media personality Tucker Carlson has issued a public apology for linking Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Epstein [3].

References:
[1] Judge permanently blocks release of Trump classified documents report, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4467511/judge-permanently-blocks-release-trump-classified-documents-report/

[2] Jeffrey Epstein stashed secret files in storage units across US that may include unseen evidence: report, https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/us-news/jeffrey-epstein-stashed-secret-files-in-storage-units-across-us-that-may-include-unseen-evidence-report/

[3] Tucker Carlson apologizes for Isaac Herzog Epstein accusation, https://www.jpost.com/international/article-887524

5.2 Application of Law and Judiciary

Legal and property rights issues are in focus. Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro is being accused of claiming “squatters’ rights over neighbors’ land” in a local dispute [1]. Separately, there is media speculation about potential changes to the Supreme Court, with one headline questioning whether one or two vacancies might emerge this summer [2].

References:
[1] Gov. Shapiro Claims Squatters’ Rights Over Neighbors’ Land, https://hotair.com/john-s-2/2026/02/23/gov-shapiro-claims-squatters-rights-over-neighbors-land-n3812191

[2] Will We See a Supreme Court Vacancy (or Two) This Summer?, https://hotair.com/josh-hammer/2026/02/22/will-we-see-a-supreme-court-vacancy-or-two-this-summer-n3812121

6. Foreign Affairs and International Relations

6.1 Israel-Hamas Conflict and China Relations

Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Israeli members of “Trump’s Board of Peace” have asserted that Hamas will be disarmed “‘one way or another’” [1]. On a related financial note, a Dutch investigation has reportedly found that humanitarian funds from the Netherlands may have been illegally diverted to Hamas [2].

In relations with China, an analysis concludes that the economy of Germany, a key U.S. and NATO ally, is now “too reliant on China” [3]. On a cultural note, U.S.-born athlete Eileen Gu was reported to be “proudly” singing the Chinese Communist national anthem [4].

References:
[1] Israeli members of Trump’s Board of Peace vow Hamas will disarm ‘one way or another’, https://www.ynetnews.com/article/hyamhvodzl

[2] Dutch humanitarian funds may have been diverted to Hamas, report finds, https://nltimes.nl/2026/02/21/dutch-humanitarian-funds-may-diverted-hamas-report-finds

[3] Germany’s economy is too reliant on China, https://unherd.com/newsroom/germanys-economy-is-too-reliant-on-china/

[4] U.S.-Born Eileen Gu Proudly Sings Chinese Communist Anthem ‘March of the Volunteers’, https://www.breitbart.com/sports/2026/02/23/u-s-born-eileen-gu-proudly-sings-chinese-communist-anthem-march-of-the-volunteers/

7. Media, Culture, and Society

7.1 Social Trends and Media Criticism

A report claims that a $30 billion national investment to replace textbooks with laptops has led to “the first generation less cognitively capable than their parents” [1]. This has corresponded with public advocacy for a U.S. ban on social media for individuals under 16. Concurrently, a new survey shows that Gen-Z adults are more likely than previous generations to be childless and living with their parents [2].

Media outlets are facing sharp criticism for alleged bias. One outlet claims Sunday news programs largely ignored the “latest Trump assassination attempt” [3]. The Huffington Post received public backlash for an article expressing “‘discomfort’ rooting for USA” [4].

References:
[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] Gen-Z are more likely to be childless and living with parents than previous generation, survey reveals, https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/genz-childless-living-with-parents-milennials-cost-of-living-survey-mcs-b1272081.html

[3] OMISSION: Sunday Shows Mostly Ignore Latest Trump Assassination Attempt, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/jorge-bonilla/2026/02/22/omission-sunday-shows-mostly-ignore-latest-trump-assassination

[4] HuffPost faces backlash over article about feeling ‘discomfort’ rooting for USA, https://www.foxnews.com/media/get-hell-out-gop-lawmakers-blast-suggestion-olympic-patriotism-causes-shame

7.2 USA Hockey Olympic Victory and Cultural Reaction

The victory of the U.S. Men’s Hockey Team at the Olympics has triggered a wave of national sentiment and political reaction. Team member Matthew Tkachuk called it an “honor” to hear from President Trump and represent the country [1]. The White House used the victory to “troll” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on social media [2]. However, the event was met with some controversy, as commentator Keith Olbermann labeled the team “‘self-absorbed scumbag misogynists’” [3]. In a satirical take on current events, The Babylon Bee published an article titled, “Report: Trump Just One More Assassination Attempt Away From A Free Third Term” [4].

References:
[1] Team USA’s Matthew Tkachuk: “It was an honor hearing from the President of the United States, hearing he was supporting us… We’re honored to represent him and the hundreds of millions across the country, and bring the Gold Medal back.", https://x.com/greg_price11/status/2026039321728295230?s=20

[2] White House trolls Canada, Justin Trudeau with savage post after USA hockey takes Olympic gold, https://nypost.com/2026/02/22/sports/white-house-trolls-canada-with-savage-post-after-usa-hockey-takes-olympic-gold/

[3] Keith Olbermann: US Men’s Hockey Team Are ‘Self-Absorbed Scumbag Misogynists’, https://twitchy.com/brettt/2026/02/23/keith-olbermann-us-mens-hockey-team-are-self-absorbed-scumbag-misogynists-n2425340

[4] Report: Trump Just One More Assassination Attempt Away From A Free Third Term, https://babylonbee.com/news/report-trump-just-one-more-assassination-attempt-away-from-a-free-third-term

8. Miscellaneous

8.1 Noteworthy Commentary

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez reportedly had an “Instagram Meltdown” [1]. Separately, Jeff Bezos is unlikely to save The Washington Post, according to an analysis [2]. In a piece of political commentary, an author argues that a series of leftist decisions are “neutering” laws and leading toward tyranny [3].

References:
[1] AOC Has Instagram Meltdown. It’s a Sight to Behold., https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2026/02/22/aoc-has-instagram-meltdown-its-a-sight-to-behold-n4949820

[2] eff Bezos could save The Washington Post, but he won’t. Here’s why, https://www.fastcompany.com/91486852/jeff-bezos-could-save-the-washington-post-but-he-wont-heres-why

[3] Kurt Schlichter: When the Law Is Optional, You Have Tyranny – What we have today is the neutering of laws through the process of a bunch of leftists getting together and deciding what they want and trying to jam it down our collective throat., https://townhall.com/columnists/kurtschlichter/2026/02/23/when-the-law-is-optional-you-have-tyranny-n2671687

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