[Friday, March 13] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare March 13, 2026

Executive Summary

• Iran Conflict Escalates: “Operation Epic Fury” enters day 14. President Trump declares the US is “totally destroying” Iran, deploying thousands of Marines and reporting a 90% reduction in Iran’s missile capacity.
• Domestic Terrorism: An ROTC instructor is killed in a campus attack, and a Michigan synagogue is targeted in an attempted car bombing, influencing DHS funding debates in Congress.
• Judicial vs. Executive: A federal judge blocks DOJ subpoenas targeting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell in a major check on executive power.
• US Casualties & Iran Crisis: Four US service members die in an Iraq aircraft crash. Iran’s new Supreme Leader is reported to be in a coma.

1. National Security and Foreign Affairs

1.1 U.S. Escalates ‘Operation Epic Fury’ Against Iran

The U.S. military conflict with Iran, “Operation Epic Fury,” has intensified significantly as it enters its 14th day. President Donald Trump has made a series of aggressive public statements, declaring that the U.S. is “totally destroying” and “killing” Iran, while issuing a stark warning to “watch what happens to these deranged scumbags today” [1]. He further signaled a sustained campaign, stating the U.S. will hit Iran “very hard” over the next week [2]. In parallel, the U.S. is executing a major military buildup, deploying assets including a Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East. Reports cite the deployment of between 2,200 and 5,000 U.S. Marines and sailors on warships to expand the administration’s strategic options [3, 4].

These military movements are accompanied by highly positive battlefield assessments from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who reports that the operation has reduced Iran’s missile capacity by 90% and its drone attacks by 95% [5]. In a separate incident requiring investigation, Secretary Hegseth has announced a formal Pentagon probe into a deadly strike on an Iranian school [6]. The administration’s aggressive posture is also evident on the diplomatic front. President Trump has reportedly rejected an offer from Russian President Putin for Russia to take custody of Iran’s uranium stocks [7]. Concurrently, the U.S. is offering rewards of up to $10 million, including the right to move to America, for actionable information on ten senior Iranian leaders [8]. Commentary frames this as a historic moment to obliterate past “Iran-appeasement” policies and urges the administration to “finish the job” [9, 10].

References
[1] President Donald Trump said on Friday that the U.S. was “totally destroying” and “killing” Iran, warning to watch “what happens to these deranged scumbags today.” Operation Epic Fury is now in its 14th day., https://www.foxnews.com/live-news/us-iran-israel-war-latest-march-13-live-updates
[2] Trump says US will hit Iran ‘very hard’ over the next week, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603136393
[3] US deploys 5,000 Marines, sailors to Mideast to expand options in Iran war, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603130800
[4] US orders 2,200 Marines on three warships to Middle East, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603131206
[5] Iran’s missiles ‘down 90%’, drone attacks down 95%, Hegseth says, https://nypost.com/2026/03/13/us-news/irans-missiles-down-90-drone-attacks-down-95-hegseth-says/
[6] Hegseth announces Pentagon probe into deadly strike on Iranian school, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/hegseth-announces-pentagon-probe-deadly-strike-iranian-school
[7] Trump rejects Putin’s offer to move Iran uranium stocks to Russia - Axios, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603130445
[8] US offers $10M reward, right to move to America for information on 10 Iranian leaders, https://nypost.com/2026/03/13/us-news/us-offers-10m-reward-right-to-move-to-america-for-information-on-10-iranian-leaders/
[9] Trump is obliterating Obama’s Iran-appeasement plan — to America’s benefit, https://nypost.com/2026/03/13/opinion/trump-is-obliterating-obamas-iran-appeasement-plan-to-americas-benefit
[10] Trump’s decision to fight Iran is historic – but he needs to finish the job, https://nypost.com/2026/03/12/opinion/trumps-decision-to-fight-iran-is-historic-but-he-needs-to-finish-the-job/

1.2 Iran’s Internal Crisis and Asymmetric Response

As the external conflict intensifies, Iran is facing a significant internal leadership crisis. The new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, remains “conspicuous by his absence” from public life, with his first statement released amid widespread reports that he is in a coma or required a leg amputation [1, 2]. The regime’s credibility has been further damaged by analysis suggesting a recently released photograph of Khamenei was manipulated with artificial intelligence [3]. One unverified report even claims Khamenei is “unaware there is a war on and has no idea he is supreme leader” [4].

In response to U.S. military pressure, Iran is reportedly deploying asymmetric tactics. Intelligence suggests the use of explosive “suicide skiffs” disguised as fishing boats in the Strait of Hormuz, posing a threat to both military and commercial shipping [5]. Strategic analysis has already begun to focus on the critical military objective of how to reopen this vital global chokepoint [6]. The Iranian regime is also reportedly orchestrating large street rallies, raising fears among observers that it could be using its own citizens as “human shields” [7].

References
[1] New Iranian supreme leader issues 1st statement, but he was conspicuous by his absence | CBC News, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/iran-supreme-leader-health-9.7126597
[2] Iran’s new impotent Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei releases first statement — after reports he’s in coma, had leg amputated, https://nypost.com/2026/03/12/world-news/irans-new-impotent-supreme-leader-releases-first-statement-after-reports-emerge-he-is-in-coma-had-leg-amputated/
[3] Iran used AI on newly released photo of Iran’s no-show supreme leader Khamenei, https://nypost.com/2026/03/12/us-news/iran-used-ai-on-newly-released-photo-of-irans-no-show-supreme-leader-khamenei/
[4] ‘Comatose’ Mojtaba Khamenei ‘is UNAWARE there is a war on and has no idea he is supreme leader’, https://i.redd.it/dwbe76x1iuog1.jpeg
[5] Iran deploys explosive ‘suicide skiffs’ disguised as fishing boats in Strait of Hormuz, https://www.foxnews.com/world/iran-deploys-explosive-suicide-skiffs-disguised-fishing-boats-strait-hormuz
[6] How to Reopen the Strait of Hormuz, https://www.thefp.com/p/how-to-reopen-the-strait-of-hormuz
[7] Iran raises ‘human shield’ fears by rallying supporters to the streets, https://www.iranintl.com/en/202603136931

1.3 U.S. Casualties in Iraq and International Resistance

A significant combat-zone incident has been confirmed with a report that four U.S. service members have been killed in a refueling aircraft crash in Iraq [1]. Further details about the cause of the crash and the identities of the deceased have not yet been released. On the diplomatic front, the U.S. is facing headwinds in its efforts to build a global consensus against Iran. Both China and Russia have reportedly reacted negatively after a recent United Nations resolution condemned Iran for its attacks on neighboring countries, highlighting a fracture in the Security Council [2]. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil that was “stranded at sea,” a move whose strategic rationale and duration have not been detailed [3].

References
[1] 4 US service members killed in refueling aircraft crash in Iraq, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/us-kc135-crash-iraq-us-service-members-killed
[2] China and Russia Whine After U.N. Condemns Iran’s Attacks on Neighbors, https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2026/03/12/china-and-russia-whine-after-u-n-condemns-irans-attacks-on-neighbors/
[3] Trump admin temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil ‘stranded at sea’, https://nypost.com/2026/03/12/us-news/trump-admin-temporarily-lifts-sanctions-on-russian-oil-stranded-at-sea/

1.4 Broader Foreign Policy Shifts

Beyond the Middle East, several major international developments are underway. A potentially historic breakthrough with Cuba is being reported, with leader Miguel Díaz-Canel said to have announced on national television that his government has “yielded to pressure” and is entering official negotiations with the United States amid severe economic strain [1, 2]. In a separate development, Venezuela has reportedly opened its valuable gold and rare earths sectors to U.S. mining companies [3]. In Asia, Taiwan’s parliament has given final approval to a major arms deal with the U.S., significantly bolstering the island’s defense capabilities against potential threats [4].

References
[1] “The historic moment when Cuban dictator Miguel Díaz-Canel announced on national television that they had yielded to pressure and were officially in negotiations with the United States. The Cuban regime completely surrendered, on the verge of collapse.”, https://x.com/BowTiedMara/status/2032435354469277700
[2] Cuba Enters Direct Talks With Trump as US Embargo Pushes Economy to the Brink, https://united24media.com/latest-news/cuba-enters-direct-talks-with-trump-as-us-embargo-pushes-economy-to-the-brink-16861
[3] Venezuela Opens Its Gold and Rare Earths to U.S. Mining, https://www.riotimesonline.com/venezuela-opens-its-gold-and-rare-earths-to-u-s-mining/
[4] Taiwan parliament approves major arms deal with US, https://www.dw.com/en/taiwan-parliament-approves-major-arms-deal-with-us/a-76345053

2. Domestic Terrorism and Homeland Security

2.1 Deadly Attacks Fuel National Security Concerns

Two serious domestic terrorist attacks have occurred, demanding immediate federal attention. In Virginia, an Army ROTC instructor was killed in a campus shooting at Old Dominion University. The victim has been identified as the chair of the military science department [1]. The perpetrator has been identified in different reports as a “convicted ISIS terrorist” and an “ex-National Guard member” [1, 2]. According to the FBI, the attack was halted when students subdued the suspect and “rendered him no longer alive” [3].

In a separate incident in Michigan, a man attempted a car bombing at the Temple Israel preschool by ramming the building [4]. Federal authorities have identified the suspect as a Lebanese national who was granted U.S. citizenship during the Obama administration [4, 5]. In the wake of the attack, armed FBI agents were seen carrying out a search warrant at a location believed to be connected to the suspect [6]. These incidents are compounded by other threats, including a call for “jihad” by a scholar at a seminary event and a vile threat made against a GOP lawmaker [7, 8].

References
[1] Old Dominion ROTC instructor killed by convicted ISIS terrorist ID’d as chair of military science department who served in the Middle East, https://nypost.com/2026/03/12/us-news/old-dominion-rotc-instructor-killed-by-convicted-isis-terrorist-idd-as-chair-of-military-science-department/
[2] Army ROTC instructor killed by ex-National Guard member in campus shooting, https://www.armytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/03/13/army-rotc-instructor-killed-by-ex-national-guard-member-in-campus-shooting/
[3] Heroic students subdued suspected terrorist at Old Dominion attack and ‘rendered him no longer alive,’ says FBI, https://www.theblaze.com/news/old-dominion-students-subdue-threat
[4] Michigan’s Temple Israel wannabe car bomber who rammed into preschool ID’d as Lebanese American granted citizenship under Obama, https://nypost.com/2026/03/12/us-news/explosive-laden-vehicle-that-rammed-through-michigans-temple-israel-preschool-registered-to-lebanon-born-citizen-report/
[5] Report: Michigan Synagogue Attacker a Lebanese National, https://www.breitbart.com/2nd-amendment/2026/03/12/report-michigan-synagogue-attacker-a-lebanese-national/
[6] Armed FBI agents carry out search warrant believed to be in connection to synagogue attacker, https://www.foxnews.com/us/armed-fbi-agents-carry-out-search-warrant-believed-connection-synagogue-attacker
[7] Scholar calls for ‘jihad,’ praises murder of ‘Zionists’ at Union seminary students’ event, https://www.thecollegefix.com/scholar-calls-for-jihad-praises-murder-of-zionists-at-union-seminary-students-event/
[8] ‘Cuts Off Your F*cking Head’: GOP Lawmaker Receives Vile Threat, https://dailycallernewsfoundation.org/2026/03/12/cuts-off-your-fcking-head-jewish-gop-lawmaker-receives-vile-threat/

2.2 Terrorist’s Early Release and Political Fallout on DHS Funding

Adding to domestic security concerns, reports have emerged that Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a convicted terrorist, has been granted early release from prison despite a prior conviction for plotting an attack against the U.S. [1]. He has been labeled in some headlines as the “Old Dominion terrorist,” creating a separate point of concern related to the university.

These security events are directly influencing legislative debates in Washington. The recent synagogue attack in Michigan has reportedly prompted Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) to reconsider her position on funding levels for the Department of Homeland Security [2]. Commentary suggests a critical threshold may have been reached “to get Democrats to blink on DHS funding” [3]. In parallel, the administration is moving to reshape immigration enforcement, with the Department of Justice appointing 42 new immigration judges with enforcement records reportedly aligned with President Trump’s policies [4].

References
[1] Old Dominion terrorist Mohamed Bailor Jalloh was released from prison early — despite admitting to helping plot attack against US, https://nypost.com/2026/03/13/us-news/old-dominion-terrorist-mohamed-bailor-jalloh-was-released-from-prison-early-despite-admitting-to-helping-plot-attack-against-us
[2] Elissa Slotkin Changes Tune On DHS Funding After Migrant Attacks Synagogue In Her State, https://dailycaller.com/2026/03/13/elissa-slotkin-changes-tune-dhs-funding-synagogue-attack/
[3] We Now Know How Many Terrorist Attacks It Takes to Get Democrats to Blink on DHS Funding, https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2026/03/13/we-now-know-how-many-terrorist-attacks-it-takes-to-get-democrats-to-blink-on-dhs-funding-n2200185
[4] DOJ adds 42 new immigration judges with Trump-aligned enforcement records, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4491196/doj-42-new-immigration-judges-trump-enforcement-records/

3. Administration, Law, and Partisan Politics

3.1 Judge Blocks DOJ Investigation of Federal Reserve Chairman

A major confrontation between the judicial and executive branches has been reported. Federal Judge James Boasberg has issued a ruling that blocks Department of Justice subpoenas targeting Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell [1]. This action directly halts a DOJ investigation into the head of the nation’s central bank. The headlines provide no context on the nature of the DOJ’s probe or the legal basis for Judge Boasberg’s decision, making the judicial intervention to check executive investigative power a significant and opaque development.

References
[1] Judge James Boasberg blocks DOJ subpoenas against Jerome Powell, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/justice/4491530/judge-boasberg-blocks-doj-subpoenas-jerome-powell/

3.2 High-Stakes Legal and Economic Battles

In a high-profile corporate legal fight, a judge is reportedly weighing a “$135 billion damages theory” in the lawsuit between Elon Musk and the artificial intelligence company OpenAI, signaling the potential for a monumental financial judgment that could reshape the AI industry [1]. In a separate legal challenge to administration policy, a group of food stamp recipients has filed a lawsuit to block new SNAP restrictions forbidding the use of benefits for junk foods, sugary sodas, and energy drinks [2].

References
[1] Judge weighs $135 billion damages theory in Musk OpenAI lawsuit, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/technology/4490444/judge-135-billion-dollars-damages-theory-elon-musk-lawsuit-openai/
[2] Food stamp recipients file lawsuit against SNAP restrictions on junk foods, sugary sodas, and energy drinks, https://www.theblaze.com/news/snap-lawsuit-restrictions-candy-soda

3.3 Partisan Conflicts and Party Dynamics

Partisan tensions and internal party frictions are evident across the political landscape. A new report claims senior Democrats are formulating plans to launch investigations into private sector companies that have worked with President Trump [1]. On the other side, the Republican party is showing signs of both consolidation and dissent. President Trump issued a key endorsement in a Texas race, but a separate report indicates nine Republican members have “bucked” a policy he champions [2, 3]. In a sign of lingering friction, Senator Lindsey Graham is facing renewed criticism for having “declared Joe Biden legitimately elected” after the 2020 election [4].

Meanwhile, prominent Democrats are also facing scrutiny. A report details alleged connections between Representative Ilhan Omar, a family clinic, a Somali health company, and an “alleged Brother-Husband” [5]. In California, Democrats are reportedly alarmed by “red flags” related to the residency of Representative Eric Swalwell in the state’s governor’s race [6].

References
[1] Report: Democrats Plot Investigations of Companies that Worked with Trump, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/03/13/report-democrats-plot-investigations-companies-colleges-that-worked-trump/
[2] Trump endorses Brandon Herrera for pivotal Texas race after incumbent drops out over infidelity-suicide scandal, https://www.theblaze.com/news/trump-herrera-gonzales-staffer-immolation
[3] Nine Republicans Buck Trump On Policy He Champions, https://dailycaller.com/2026/03/12/nine-republicans-housing-package-trump-senate/
[4] Paul Dans: Lindsey Graham believes Trump lost in 2020. When it came time to Fight for Trump, Graham betrayed South Carolina and declared Joe Biden legitimately elected., https://x.com/DansForSenate/status/2032161249354473652
[5] Exposed: Ilhan Omar’s Ties to Sister’s Minneapolis Health Clinic, Somali Health Company, and Alleged Brother-Husband, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/03/12/exposed-ilhan-omars-ties-to-sisters-minneapolis-health-clinic-somali-health-company-and-alleged-brother-husband/
[6] Eric Swalwell’s California residency ‘red flags’ alarm Democrats in governor’s race, https://nypost.com/2026/03/12/us-news/eric-swalwells-california-residency-red-flags-alarm-democrats-in-governors-race/

4. State and Local Flashpoints

Contentious policy and political battles are unfolding at state and local levels. In New York, a GOP senator has drawn backlash for stating “the enemy is inside the gates,” a direct reference to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani [1]. The mayor’s administration is also facing a “negative” fiscal outlook from Moody’s, and he is being criticized for celebrating a “Hamas sympathizer” under the banner of free speech [2, 3]. In California, a convicted pedophile originally sentenced to 355 years is scheduled for parole under a law signed by Governor Gavin Newsom [4]. Elsewhere, school districts in Minnesota are drawing fire for offering “race-based incentives for teachers,” a policy critics have dubbed “‘immoral and anti-American’” [5].

References
[1] GOP senator earns Dem backlash for ’enemy is inside the gates’ comment about NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-senator-earns-dem-backlash-enemy-inside-gates-comment-about-nyc-mayor-zohran-mamdani
[2] Bond Market May Be a Last Guardrail on Far-Left Mayors as Moody’s Goes ‘Negative’ on Mamdani’s New York, https://freebeacon.com/democrats/bond-market-may-be-a-last-guardrail-on-far-left-mayors-as-moodys-goes-negative-on-mamdanis-new-york/
[3] Mr. 1st Amendment: Mamdani Claims He Fêted Hamas Sympathizer Because Suddenly Free Speech Is Important, https://redstate.com/bobhoge/2026/03/13/mr-1st-amendment-mamdani-claims-he-feted-hamas-sympathizer-because-he-suddenly-cares-about-free-speech-n2200172
[4] CA Pedophile Sentenced to 355 Years to Be Paroled Under Law Signed by Gavin Newsom, https://www.breitbart.com/crime/2026/03/13/california-pedophile-sentenced-355-years-to-be-released-under-law-signed-gavin-newsom/
[5] ‘Immoral and Anti‐American’: Minnesota School Districts Allow Taxpayer Money for Educator ‘Race-Based’ Programs, https://www.breitbart.com/education/2026/03/13/immoral-and-anti-american-minnesota-school-districts-allow-taxpayer-money-for-educator-race-based-programs/

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