[Tuesday, February 24] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare February 24, 2026

Executive Summary

• U.S.-Iran Crisis Escalates: Tensions with Iran have reached a critical point, with President Trump actively “weighing strike options.” The escalation includes a major U.S. military buildup near Iran, the forward deployment of F-22 jets, and the seizure of multiple Iranian oil tankers at sea.
• Epstein Scandal Fallout: The Jeffrey Epstein investigation has triggered major international repercussions, leading to the arrest of Lord Mandelson in the United Kingdom and the resignation of a CBS News contributor over newly discovered emails.
• Landmark Court Rulings: The Supreme Court has shielded the U.S. Postal Service from lawsuits over intentionally undelivered mail, while a D.C. Circuit Court ruling upheld an IRS-DHS data-sharing policy aimed at “boosting deportations.”
• Domestic Political Tensions: President Trump prepares for a high-stakes State of the Union address, which a contingent of Democrats plan to boycott. Meanwhile, high-profile Democratic figures, particularly Governor Gavin Newsom, are facing intense critical scrutiny.

1. Foreign Affairs & National Security

1.1. U.S.-Iran Tensions Mount as White House Weighs Military Strikes

The crisis with Iran has intensified dramatically, with the United States escalating pressure through a significant military buildup and direct interdiction at sea, as President Trump is reportedly “weighing strike options” [1]. According to a Washington Post report, over 150 U.S. military aircraft have been deployed near Iran, a force posture that Israeli intelligence assesses could sustain a multi-day air campaign [2, 3]. In a direct show of force, U.S. military aircraft have landed in Israel [4], and the Pentagon has begun moving advanced F-22 stealth jets toward the region [5]. This follows a stark warning from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Tehran could face a “force they cannot even imagine” [4].

Alongside airpower deployment, the U.S. is tightening its economic blockade. American forces have seized a third Iran-linked oil tanker and intercepted another fugitive tanker in the Indian Ocean, demonstrating a robust effort to disrupt Tehran’s sanctions-evasion operations [6, 7, 8]. The strategic calculus is complicated by an Israeli adviser’s warning that Iran may be pairing its ballistic missiles with chemical warheads [9].

Amid the military posturing, a diplomatic track remains, with reports of new talks scheduled between U.S. and Iranian officials [10]. This occurs as university students inside Iran reportedly revive domestic protests against the regime [11]. The government has responded with force; reports indicate that members of the Basij militia attacked students during a rally and that a drone was deployed over a university in Isfahan to identify protesters [12, 13]. Meanwhile, a U.S. lawmaker has warned against any legislative attempts to limit the President’s authority to order strikes [14]. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is scheduled to brief lawmakers on the situation ahead of the State of the Union address [15].

References:
[1] Trump weighing strike options against Iran, https://www.foxnews.com/video/6389786395112
[2] US deploys more than 150 military aircraft near Iran - Washington Post, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602243813
[3] US could sustain days-long strikes on Iran, FT cites Israeli intelligence, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602245615
[4] U.S. Military Aircraft Land in Israel as Netanyahu Warns Iran of ‘Force They Cannot Even Imagine’, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/02/23/u-s-military-aircraft-land-israel-netanyahu-warns-iran-force-cannot-imagine/
[5] US begins moving F-22 stealth jets toward Middle East, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602241485
[6] US forces seize third Iran-linked sanctioned oil tanker, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602244710
[7] American forces intercept fugitive tanker ship in Indian Ocean, https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-forces-interdict-another-fugitive-tanker-ship-indian-ocean
[8] Iran Efforts to Circumvent the Sanctions by Smuggling Oil, https://www.terrorism-info.org.il/en/iran-efforts-to-circumvent-the-sanctions-by-smuggling-oil
[9] Iran May Be Pairing Ballistic Missiles With Chemical Warheads, Israeli Adviser Warns, https://redstate.com/ben-smith/2026/02/23/iran-may-be-pairing-ballistic-missiles-with-chemical-warheads-israeli-adviser-warns-n2199498
[10] Iran and U.S. Set To Meet for New Talks as University Students Revive Domestic Protests, https://www.fdd.org/analysis/2026/02/23/iran-and-u-s-set-to-meet-for-new-talks-as-university-students-revive-domestic-protests
[11] Iran protests surge at universities amid ongoing nuclear talks, https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-president-vows-defiance-protests-build-against-regime-amid-us-military-build-up.amp
[12] Basij members attack students at Iran University of Science and Technology rally, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602242519
[13] Drone deployed over Isfahan university to identify protesters, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602240806
[14] US lawmaker warns against limiting Trump’s authority on Iran strikes, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602247946
[15] Rubio to brief lawmakers on Iran ahead of State of the Union, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202602246754

1.2. Strain on Russian Military in Ukraine; Unconfirmed Report of Nuclear Proliferation

Four years into the full-scale war in Ukraine, multiple analyses suggest Russia’s military is facing severe strain. Experts assert that President Putin’s “battered war machine” is “beginning to experience real failures” [1]. A separate report quantifies this pressure, alleging that Moscow is losing 40,000 soldiers per month, a rate of attrition that “may yet force the Kremlin to settle for less” in its strategic objectives [2].

It must be stressed that an unconfirmed report has emerged alleging a plan by the United Kingdom and France to supply Ukraine with nuclear weapons. The headline claims this plan elicited a “chilling reply” from a Russian official named Medvedev, who purportedly warned of a “global disaster” [3]. The details of this alleged plan and the context of the supposed response are not substantiated in the available information.

References:
[1] Putin’s battered war machine ‘beginning to experience real failures,’ experts say, https://www.foxnews.com/world/russias-war-against-ukraine-enters-fifth-year-experts-outline-3-possible-outcomes
[2] Four years on, Moscow’s loss of 40,000 soldiers a month may yet force the Kremlin to settle for less, https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/02/24/the-kill-ratio-that-can-sink-putin-war/
[3] BREAKING: UK & France Reportedly Plan to Give Ukraine Nuclear Weapons – Medvedev’s Chilling Reply Signals Global Disaster, https://www.rightjournalism.com/breaking-uk-france-reportedly-plan-to-give-ukraine-nuclear-weapons-medvedevs-chilling-reply-signals-global-disaster/

1.3. Other International Developments

In Panama, the Supreme Court has nullified a deal for Chinese-operated canal ports, with the government moving to retake possession of the key infrastructure [1]. An exclusive report alleges that multiple U.S. intelligence-funded research projects are “riddled with” researchers who have links to the Chinese government, raising counterintelligence concerns [2]. In the U.K., Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces scrutiny over a report that alleges he allowed suspects in “gr*ooming gang” cases off with “warning letters” during his time as a top prosecutor [3].

References:
[1] DAWG: Panama Supreme Court Annuls Chinese Canal Ports Deal, Country Retakes Possession, https://hotair.com/tree-hugging-sister/2026/02/24/dawg-panama-supreme-court-annuls-chinese-canal-ports-deal-country-retakes-possession-of-both-n3812226
[2] EXCLUSIVE: US Intel Funded Projects Riddled With Chinese Gov’t-Linked Researchers, https://dailycaller.com/2026/02/23/exclusive-us-intel-defense-grants-chinese-researchers
[3] Starmer Let Gr*oming Gang Suspects Off With ‘Warning Letters’: Report, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2026/02/24/starmer-let-suspected-child-sex-rapists-off-with-warning-letters-as-top-prosecutor-report/

2. The Presidency & State of the Union

2.1. Trump Prepares for High-Stakes SOTU Amid Planned Democratic Boycott

President Trump is preparing to deliver a high-stakes State of the Union address on Tuesday night, an event framed as a critical opportunity to “boost polls” and “save GOP majorities” [1]. However, reports warn that political “landmines lurk” [1]. The address has already ignited partisan controversy, as a contingent of Democratic lawmakers has announced a plan to “boycott” the event [2]. The White House has announced that Erika Kirk will be one of the President’s guests in the gallery [3]. In the lead-up, groups of former presidential speechwriters have offered public advice, while a New York Post commentary piece advised the President to adopt the persona of a “Happy Warrior” to maximize the speech’s impact [4, 5].

References:
[1] Trump aims to boost polls, save GOP majorities — as landmines lurk at State of the Union, https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/us-news/trump-aims-to-boost-polls-save-gop-at-state-of-the-union/
[2] Democrats boycott Trump State of the Union address on Tuesday night, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/democrats-skipping-trumps-state-union
[3] Erika Kirk will attend State of the Union as one of Trump’s guests, https://nypost.com/2026/02/24/us-news/erika-kirk-will-attend-state-of-the-union-as-one-of-trumps-guests/
[4] Trump State of the Union: Former presidential speechwriters offer advice, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/speechwriters-from-reagan-biden-agree-trumps-sotu-critical-test-his-second-term
[5] Trump should play the ‘Happy Warrior’ at his State of the Union speech, https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/opinion/trump-should-play-the-happy-warrior-at-his-state-of-the-union-speech-his-stellar-record-justifies-it

2.2. Administration & Executive Branch Affairs

Legal matters related to former presidents continue to develop. In the Mar-a-Lago documents investigation, Judge Aileen Cannon has blocked the public release of a report from Special Counsel Jack Smith [1]. Separately, a new report alleges that “FBI records contradict” claims that former President Biden was “’not aware’” of the FBI raid on Mar-a-Lago [2]. In a separate matter, Representative Seth Moulton has publicly stated that FBI Director Kash Patel “does not love America” [3].

References:
[1] Judge Cannon blocks release of special counsel Jack Smith’s report on Mar-a-Lago docs case, https://justthenews.com/government/courts-law/judge-cannon-blocks-release-special-counsel-jack-smiths-report-mar-lago-docs
[2] FBI records contradict claims Biden was ’not aware’ of Mar-a-Lago raid, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4468114/fbi-records-contradict-claims-biden-was-not-aware-of-mar-a-lago-raid/
[3] Rep Seth Moulton says FBI Director Kash Patel ‘does not love America’, https://www.foxnews.com/media/dem-lawmaker-claims-kash-patel-does-not-love-america-when-asked-fbi-head-cheering-team-usa-olympics

3. Justice, Law, & Immigration

3.1. Epstein Scandal Sparks International Arrest and Resignation

The Jeffrey Epstein investigation continues to produce significant international repercussions. In the United Kingdom, Lord Mandelson has been arrested in connection with an “Epstein Leak Probe,” a development reportedly destabilizing the government of Prime Minister Keir Starmer [1]. A video showed the former minister leaving the police station following questioning [2]. In the U.S., CBS News Contributor Peter Attia has resigned after “disturbing emails” between him and Epstein were discovered in newly released files related to the case [3].

References:
[1] ARRESTED: Lord Mandelson Taken Into Custody in Epstein Leak Probe as Starmer Government Teeters, https://www.thebureau.news/p/arrested-lord-mandelson-taken-into
[2] Mandelson arrest: Watch moment former minister leaves police station, https://news.sky.com/video/mandelson-arrest-watch-moment-former-minister-leaves-police-station-13511366
[3] CBS News Contributor Peter Attia has just RESIGNED after disturbing emails between he and Jeffrey Epstein were discovered in the newly-released files, https://x.com/nicksortor/status/2026012495177990366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2026012495177990366%7Ctwgr%5E2ea505f9a6c8769f393c38b2dfb567b64a3b2a16%7Ctwcon%5Es1_

3.2. Key Rulings Impact Federal Power and Immigration Enforcement

Federal courts have issued two major rulings with significant policy implications. In a 5-4 decision, the Supreme Court ruled that the U.S. Postal Service has sovereign immunity and “can’t be sued for intentionally not delivering mail” [1]. Separately, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a data-sharing policy between the IRS and the Department of Homeland Security, shooting down a bid to block it [2]. The ruling, which allows taxpayer data to be used for immigration enforcement, was described in headlines as being “aimed at boosting deportations” [3].

References:
[1] Postal Service can’t be sued for intentionally not delivering mail, Supreme Court rules in 5-4 split, https://www.foxnews.com/us/postal-service-cant-sued-intentionally-not-delivering-mail-supreme-court-rules-5-4-split
[2] DC Circuit upholds IRS data sharing with DHS for immigration enforcement, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/4469546/irs-dhs-data-sharing-upheld/
[3] D.C. Circuit Court Shoots Down Bid To Block IRS Data-Sharing Policy Aimed At Boosting Deportations, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/24/d-c-circuit-court-shoots-down-bid-to-block-irs-data-sharing-policy-aimed-at-boosting-deportations/

3.3. Immigration Enforcement Clashes with State-Level Politics

The Trump administration’s immigration and border policies are producing results and facing state-level pushback. Reports indicate President Trump quietly secured an agreement with Mexico to extradite 100 cartel leaders, a move that came before Mexican forces reportedly killed drug lord “El Mencho” [1]. This followed a direct warning from Senator Ted Cruz that the President would “act for them” if Mexico did not get serious about fighting cartels [2]. As part of the crackdown, Sinaloa Cartel leader Fidel Felix-Ochoa has been formally charged with fentanyl trafficking [3]. In a related symbolic action, President Trump has officially designated a “National Angel Family Day” to honor victims of crimes committed by illegal immigrants [4]. On the state level, California is reportedly allocating $35 million to support illegal immigrants in a direct response to what is described as “Trump’s mass deportation agenda” [5]. California Governor Gavin Newsom has also pardoned a “convicted attempted murder illegal alien,” a move that shields the individual from deportation [6].

References:
[1] Trump quietly got Mexico to hand over 100 cartel leaders before El Mencho raid, https://nypost.com/2026/02/23/us-news/trump-quietly-got-mexico-to-hand-over-100-cartel-leaders-before-el-mencho-raid
[2] Ted Cruz warned Mexico to get serious — or President Trump would act for them, https://www.foxnews.com/world/cruz-warned-mexico-officials-president-trump-going-to-act-didnt-fight-cartels
[3] Sinaloa Cartel leader Fidel Felix-Ochoa charged with fentanyl trafficking, https://www.foxnews.com/us/sinaloa-cartel-leader-faces-life-prison-massive-fentanyl-trafficking-operation
[4] Trump designates ‘National Angel Family Day’ to honor victims of illegal alien crime, https://www.oann.com/newsroom/trump-designates-national-angel-family-day-to-honor-victims-of-illegal-alien-crime/
[5] California allocating $35M to support illegal immigrants amid Trump’s mass deportation agenda, https://nypost.com/2026/02/24/us-news/california-allocating-35m-to-support-illegal-immigrants-amid-trumps-mass-deportation-agenda/
[6] Newsom Pardons Convicted Attempted Murder Illegal Alien, Shields Him From Deportation, https://californiaglobe.com/fl/newsom-pardons-convicted-attempted-murder-illegal-alien-shields-him-from-deportation/

4. Domestic Politics & Media

4.1. Democratic Figures Face Intense Scrutiny

Several high-profile Democratic figures are facing a wave of critical media coverage. The sharpest focus is on California Governor Gavin Newsom, who is reportedly “doubling down” on recent remarks characterized by headlines as “racist” [1]. He is quoted as dismissing the backlash as “‘Fake F**king Outrage’” [2]. A CNN analyst reportedly “torched” Newsom’s 2028 presidential ambitions, stating the governor is “‘DEFINITELY Flailing’” [3]. Other reports detail critique of Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her “Munich performance” and “nostalgia for workerist politics” [4], as well as what is being called the “‘Implosion of Ro Khanna’” [5].

References:
[1] First There Was Newsom’s Implosion Over His GA Remarks, Now His Team Is Making It Worse, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2026/02/24/more-newsom-team-implosion-n2199510
[2] Gavin Newsom Doubles Down on His Racist Comments: It’s ‘Fake F**king Outrage’, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/dmitri-bolt/2026/02/23/newsoms-fiery-response-to-people-calling-him-out-on-his-racist-statements-n2671751
[3] ‘He’s DEFINITELY Flailing’: CNN’s Harry Enten Just TORCHED Gavin Newsom’s 2028 Ambitions and OOF (Watch), https://twitchy.com/samj/2026/02/24/hes-definitely-flailing-cnn-just-torched-gavin-newsoms-2028-ambitions-and-oof-watch-n2425374
[4] AOC’s Ignorance Is No Laughing Matter › Ocasio-Cortez’s Munich performance was laughable—but her nostalgia for workerist politics ignores a century of Marxist failure, revisionism, and the authoritarian wreckage that followed, https://amgreatness.com/2026/02/23/aocs-ignorance-is-no-laughing-matter/
[5] The Implosion of Ro Khanna Is Complete, https://hotair.com/david-strom/2026/02/24/the-implosion-of-ro-khanna-is-complete-n3812234

4.2. Media and Pundit Controversies

Prominent commentators have become the center of public controversies. Tucker Carlson is facing backlash for a trip to Saudi Arabia, where he allegedly “trashed President Trump as ‘self interested and unwise,’” bashed Israel, and argued against a potential U.S. strike on Iran [1]. A “fact check” article has been published aiming to debunk Carlson’s specific claims about Israel [2]. Concurrently, commentator Candace Owens has “ignited backlash” with an “explosive investigative series” titled “‘Bride of Charlie’,” which is reported to be “targeting Erika Kirk” [3]. In broader media commentary, one report alleges the “Corporate Media” has downplayed an “Apparent Assassination Attempt Against Trump,” while another claims a “Soros-Funded Fake News Outfit” is co-hosting the anti-Trump SOTU boycott, labeling it a “publicity stunt” [4, 5].

References:
[1] Tucker trashed President Trump in Saudi Arabia as “self interested and unwise”, and then went on to bash Israel during the interview in addition to attacking possible US strikes on Iran., https://x.com/lauraloomer/status/2026157729539109302?s=61
[2] Fact check: Debunking Carlson’s claims on Israel - Claims on Netanyahu’s family, the USS “Liberty” and Christian populations in Qatar are contradicted by historical and official records., https://www.jns.org/fact-check-debunking-carlsons-claims-on-israel/
[3] “Bride of Charlie”: Candace Owens ignites backlash with explosive investigative series targeting Erika Kirk, https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us-streamers/bride-of-charlie-candace-owens-ignites-backlash-with-explosive-investigative-series-targeting-erika-kirk/articleshow/128738672.cms
[4] Corporate Media Downplay Another Apparent Assassination Attempt Against Trump, https://thefederalist.com/2026/02/23/corporate-media-downplay-another-apparent-assassination-attempt-against-trump/
[5] PUBLICITY STUNT: Soros‐Funded Fake News Outfit Co‐Hosting Anti‐Trump SOTU Boycott, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/business/joseph-vazquez/2026/02/23/publicity-stunt-soros-funded-fake-news-outfit-co-hosting

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