[Sunday, April 20] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

1. International Affairs

1.1 Middle East & Africa Developments

A Sky News investigation has documented “two hours of terror” during Israel’s attack on aid workers, providing a detailed timeline of this controversial incident [1]. Meanwhile, escalating violence against Christian communities in Nigeria has prompted calls for immediate US intervention, highlighting an urgent humanitarian crisis requiring diplomatic attention [2].

[1] Two hours of terror: Sky News investigation reveals how Israel’s deadly attack on aid workers unfolded, https://news.sky.com/story/two-hours-of-terror-sky-news-investigation-reveals-how-israels-deadly-attack-on-aid-workers-unfolded-13348776
[2] Calls for US action amid growing violence against Christians in Nigeria, https://www.foxnews.com/world/easter-fears-christians-nigeria-being-wiped-out-muslim-extremists

1.2 Global Security Threats

China has tested a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb according to a scientific paper, marking a significant military development with potential implications for regional security dynamics and international arms control agreements [1].

[1] China tests non-nuclear hydrogen bomb, science paper shows, https://www.scmp.com/news/china/science/article/3307059/china-tests-non-nuclear-hydrogen-bomb-science-paper-shows

2. Immigration & Border Security

2.1 Enforcement Technology

ICE has entered a $30 million contract with Palantir to build “ImmigrationOS,” characterized as a surveillance platform [1]. This substantial investment signals a technological expansion of immigration enforcement capabilities under the Trump administration.

[1] ICE Is Paying Palantir $30 Million to Build ‘ImmigrationOS’ Surveillance Platform, https://www.wired.com/story/ice-palantir-immigrationos/

2.2 The Abrego Garcia Case

The deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia has emerged as a focal point of partisan conflict. Oregon Democratic Representative Maxine Dexter traveled to El Salvador regarding Abrego Garcia, described as having MS-13 connections [1]. Media coverage has evolved from initially portraying him as a “Maryland man” to acknowledging alleged criminal ties [2]. Supreme Court Justice Alito issued a dissent stating the court “rushed” its block on a Trump deportation action [3]. Senator Chris Van Hollen has claimed he is “not defending the man” but rather “defending due process” [4], while reportedly avoiding direct questions about Abrego Garcia’s gang affiliations during a CNN appearance [5].

[1] Oregon Democratic Representative Maxine Dexter Flew to El Salvador to Demand the Return of Deported MS-13-Linked Criminal Alien Abrego Garcia to the U.S., https://www.foxnews.com/politics/oregon-lawmaker-latest-democrat-visit-el-salvador-deported-illegal-migrant-abrego-garcia
[2] Media’s ‘Maryland man’ narrative collapses, but Democrats still coddle Abrego Garcia, https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/in_focus/3384910/media-maryland-man-narrative-collapses-democrats-coddle-kilmar-abrego-garcia/
[3] Alito’s Deportation Dissent: Court Rushed Trump Block, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/dissent-justice-scotus/2025/04/20/id/1207575/
[4] Van Hollen on Abrego Garcia: I Am Not Defending the Man, I Am Defending Due Process - Backtracking, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/04/20/van-hollen-on-abrego-garcia-i-am-not-defending-the-man-i-am-defending-due-process/
[5] Sen. Chris Van Hollen sidesteps whether Kilmar Abrego Garcia was MS-13 gangbanger when asked on CNN, https://nypost.com/2025/04/20/us-news/sen-chris-van-hollen-repeatedly-sidesteps-whether-kilmar-abrego-garcia-was-ms-13-gangbanger-when-asked-on-cnn/

2.3 Border Issues

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) has vetoed the Republican-backed Arizona ICE Act, blocking state-level immigration enforcement measures [1]. In a separate incident, authorities in Colorado apprehended Mexican nationals transporting 180,000 rounds of rifle ammunition, raising concerns about cross-border weapons trafficking [2]. Reports indicate Haitian migrants who entered the U.S. illegally are now leaving for Canada due to fears of the Trump administration’s immigration policies [3].

[1] Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs (D) vetoes Republican-backed Arizona ICE Act, https://www.kjzz.org/politics/2025-04-19/gov-hobbs-vetoes-republican-backed-arizona-ice-act
[2] Mexican Nationals Busted in Colorado Carrying 180,000 Rounds of Rifle Ammo, https://redstate.com/wardclark/2025/04/20/mexican-nationals-busted-in-colorado-carrying-180000-rounds-of-rifle-ammo-n2188079
[3] Trump-fearing illegal Haitian migrants fleeing across border from US to Canada, https://nypost.com/2025/04/19/world-news/surge-in-haitian-migrants-scared-of-deportation-head-to-canada/

3. Trump Administration Actions

3.1 Executive Branch Operations

The White House has declared it will “defeat ‘meritless legislation’” following a Supreme Court ruling, signaling continued tension between branches of government [1]. President Trump is reviewing a potential State Department restructuring, suggesting significant organizational changes may be forthcoming in the diplomatic corps [2].

[1] WH: Will Defeat ‘Meritless Legislation’ After High Court Ruling, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/supreme-court-immigration-alien-enemies-act/2025/04/19/id/1207548/
[2] Trump Reviews State Department Restructuring, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/statedept-trump-restructure/2025/04/20/id/1207574/

3.2 Presidential Communications

President Trump combined Easter greetings with criticisms of political opponents, including “radical left lunatics,” judges, and “Sleepy Joe Biden” [1]. His approach to justice has been analyzed through a “‘Dirty Harry’ theory,” suggesting “people reject law when it fails the majority” [2]. An analysis examines “How Trump Can Make Baseball Great Again,” connecting the President’s political messaging to American cultural institutions [3].

[1] Trump Blends Easter Greetings With Barbs For ‘Radical Left Lunatics,’ Judges, And ‘Sleepy Joe Biden’, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-blends-easter-greetings-with-barbs-for-radical-left-lunatics-judges-and-sleepy-joe-biden?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Daniel+Chaitin&category=News&elementPosition=1&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Trump+Blends+Easter+Greetings+With+Barbs+For+'Radical+Left+Lunatics%2C'+Judges%2C+And+'Sleepy+Joe+Biden'
[2] Trump’s ‘Dirty Harry’ theory of justice — People reject law when it fails the majority, https://unherd.com/2025/04/trumps-dirty-harry-theory-of-justice/
[3] How Trump Can Make Baseball Great Again, https://www.city-journal.org/article/trump-executive-order-baseball

4. Democratic Party Dynamics

4.1 Democratic Opposition Tactics

Senator Elizabeth Warren has criticized Trump for asking the Federal Reserve to lower rates [1], with reports highlighting an apparent contrast with her position during Biden’s presidency. An anti-Trump “Resistance” leader’s campaign is reportedly being funded by a “Dem power broker” with alleged ties to a Chinese intelligence agency [2], raising questions about foreign influence in domestic political opposition.

[1] Liz Warren Blasts Trump For Asking Fed To Lower Rates. Here’s What She Said When Biden Was President, https://www.dailywire.com/news/liz-warren-blasts-trump-for-asking-fed-to-lower-rates-heres-what-she-said-when-biden-was-president?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Tim+Pearce&category=News&elementPosition=2&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Liz+Warren+Blasts+Trump+For+Asking+Fed+To+Lower+Rates.+Here%E2%80%99s+What+She+Said+When+Biden+Was+President
[2] Anti-Trump ‘Resistance’ Leader’s Campaign Bankrolled By Dem Power Broker Tied To Chinese Intel Agency, https://dailycallernewsfoundation.org/2025/04/14/exclusive-anti-trump-resistance-leaders-campaign-bankrolled-by-dem-power-broker-tied-to-chinese-intel-agency/

4.2 Democratic Officials’ Activities

Vice President Kamala Harris paid LeBron James’ entertainment company $50,000 for “campaign event production,” according to financial records [1]. Representative Jamie Raskin has warned countries supporting Trump that they will not be looked upon “kindly” when Democrats “come back to power” [2]. Senator Chris Van Hollen faced questions about funding for his trip during what was characterized as a difficult appearance on Sunday political shows [3]. A profile describes Stacey Abrams’ journey as a “remarkable rags-to-riches story” [4].

[1] Kamala Harris paid LeBron James’ entertainment company $50,000 for ‘campaign event production,’ records show, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/kamala-harris-paid-lebron-james-entertainment-company-50000-campaign-event-production-records-show
[2] High-ranking Dem Jamie Raskin threatens countries that support Trump: ‘When we come back to power … we are not going to look kindly’, https://nypost.com/2025/04/20/us-news/dem-rep-jamie-raskin-threatens-countries-that-support-trump/
[3] Van Hollen Trainwrecks on the Sunday Shows, Reveals Who’s Paying for His Trip, https://redstate.com/nick-arama/2025/04/20/van-hollen-hits-the-sunday-shows-n2188071#google_vignette
[4] The Remarkable Rags-to-Riches Story of Stacey Abrams, https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2025/04/16/the_remarkable_rags-to-riches_story_of_stacey_abrams_1103954.html

5. Justice System & Legal Developments

5.1 Firearms Legislation

Iowa has enacted legislation allowing 18-year-olds to own and carry handguns, expanding gun rights in the state [1]. This change represents significant movement on Second Amendment issues at the state level during the Trump administration.

[1] New Iowa legislation signed Friday changes state law to allow 18-year-olds to own and carry handguns., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1914090527256961423?s=46

5.2 Public Safety Concerns

An unnamed California mayor has reportedly expressed a desire to give homeless people “all the fentanyl they want” [1], suggesting extreme discord in approaches to addressing homelessness and drug addiction. A discussion of the “vital role of the United States Secret Service” emphasizes the agency’s commitment to maintaining high standards [2]. In a troubling incident, Austin Metcalf’s grieving mother was subjected to “swatting” [3], highlighting the growing problem of harassment via false emergency reports.

[1] CA mayor says he wants to give homeless people ‘all the fentanyl they want’, https://ktla.com/news/california/a-southern-california-mayor-says-he-wants-to-give-homeless-people-all-the-fentanyl-they-want/
[2] The Vital Role Of The United States Secret Service. Refusing to lower the standard., https://x.com/tpantheman/status/1914061242634850581?s=46
[3] Austin Metcalf’s Grieving Mother Swatted, /r/Conservative/comments/1k3axq5/austin_metcalfs_grieving_mother_swatted/

5.3 Legal Challenges

A legal expert has characterized New York Attorney General Letitia James as “reaping what she sows” after bringing what is described as a “laughable” case against Trump [1]. Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s administration in Michigan faces litigation over requirements for “implicit bias” training to maintain medical licenses [2]. Another suspect in alleged Tesla bombing attempts has been charged, with the headline noting the individual “looks like a girl” [3].

[1] Letitia James reaps what she sows after leveling ’laughable’ case at Trump: expert, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/letitia-james-reaps-what-she-sows-after-leveling-laughable-case-trump-expert
[2] Gretchen Whitmer’s bureaucrats sued for requiring ‘implicit bias’ training to keep medical license, https://justthenews.com/politics-policy/health/whitmers-bureaucrats-sued-requiring-implicit-bias-training-keep-medical
[3] Another Alleged Tesla Bomber Is Charged—Aaaaand He Looks Like a Girl, https://pjmedia.com/victoria-taft/2025/04/19/another-tesla-bomber-is-charged-aaaaand-he-looks-like-a-girl-n4939063

6. Religion & Cultural Issues

6.1 Religious Engagement

A global church network has promoted “climate justice” during Holy Week, framing environmental action as a “moral imperative” [1]. Evangelical leader Franklin Graham stated that “Jesus Christ became the sacrifice to God for the sins of mankind” [2]. Senator JD Vance met with Pope Francis on Easter Sunday following what was described as a “flap over migration” [3]. Publication of arguments for “Why It’s Logical to Believe in God” indicates continuing engagement with faith-based perspectives in public discourse [4].

[1] Global church network pushes ‘climate justice’ narrative during Holy Week: ‘Moral imperative’, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/global-church-network-pushes-climate-justice-narrative-during-holy-week-moral-imperative
[2] Franklin Graham: ‘Jesus Christ Became the Sacrifice to God for the Sins of Mankind’, https://www.breitbart.com/clips/2025/04/19/franklin-graham-jesus-christ-became-the-sacrifice-to-god-for-the-sins-of-mankind/
[3] JD Vance Meets Pope Francis on Easter Sunday after Flap over Migration, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/pope-vance-us-migration/2025/04/20/id/1207555/?ns_mail_uid=fd327749-6369-446a-a5eb-ed0baad7a79a&ns_mail_job=DM781500_04202025&s=acs&dkt_nbr=01050201o4zj
[4] Why It’s Logical to Believe in God, https://www.thefp.com/p/ross-douthat-why-its-logical-to-believe-in-god

6.2 Cultural Controversies

The United Church of Canada has removed Jesus from its imagery and featured a “spiritual drag clown” in what it terms a “bold reimagining” of the Last Supper [1]. Austin Metcalf’s father reported being “disrespected” and “thrown out” of a press conference with Karmelo Anthony, noting he had hoped to pray with the “accused killer’s family” [2].

[1] United Church of Canada removes Jesus, features ‘spiritual drag clown’ in ‘bold reimagining’ of Last Supper, https://www.westernstandard.news/news/united-church-of-canada-removes-jesus-features-spiritual-drag-clown-in-bold-reimagining-of-last-supper/64158
[2] Austin Metcalf’s dad reveals he was ‘disrespected’ after being thrown out of Karmelo Anthony press conference, hoped to pray with accused killer’s family, https://nypost.com/2025/04/19/us-news/austin-metcalfs-dad-breaks-silence-after-crashing-karmelo-anthony-press-conference-quits-job-amid-backlash/

7. Media & Political Discourse

7.1 Partisan Rhetoric

A report from Jonathan Turley highlights concerning language at George Mason University, where a student allegedly documented “growing violent ideation on the left” with rhetoric questioning “when must we kill them?” [1]. An opinion piece advocates making “Democrats choke on a big dose of their own medicine” [2]. A comparison notes that while a congresswoman reportedly traveled to El Salvador to “demand the release” of a “Maryland man,” “not a single democrat went to Gaza to demand the release of American hostages” [3].

[1] “When Must We Kill Them?”: George Mason Student Captures the Growing Violent Ideation on the Left, https://jonathanturley.org/2025/04/19/when-must-we-kill-them-george-mason-phd-student-captures-the-growing-violent-ideation-on-the-left/
[2] Time To Make Democrats Choke On A Big Dose Of Their Own Medicine, https://townhall.com/columnists/derekhunter/2025/04/20/time-to-make-democrats-choke-on-a-big-dose-of-their-own-medicine-n2655795
[3] Congresswoman Says She’ll Travel to El Salvador to ‘Demand the Release’ of Maryland Man — Not a single democrat went to Gaza to demand the release of American hostages, https://twitchy.com/brettt/2025/04/19/congresswoman-says-shell-travel-to-el-salvador-to-demand-the-release-of-maryland-father-n2411636

7.2 Media Analysis

NBC’s Chuck Todd has reportedly admitted that “media’s attempt to cancel Trump was a mistake” [1], suggesting reassessment within mainstream media. A critique characterizes the Associated Press as “left-leaning” and “out of step with the rest of the US” [2]. A separate article declares “sanity returns to the appliance aisle” [3], likely referencing regulatory changes affecting consumer products.

[1] Chuck Todd Admits Media’s Attempt to Cancel Trump Was a Mistake, https://pjmedia.com/matt-margolis/2025/04/20/chuck-todd-admits-medias-attempt-to-cancel-trump-was-a-mistake-n4939061
[2] Left-leaning AP is out of step with the rest of the US, https://nypost.com/2025/04/19/opinion/michael-goodwin-left-leaning-ap-is-out-of-step-with-the-rest-of-the-us/
[3] Sanity Returns To The Appliance Aisle, https://issuesinsights.com/2025/04/16/sanity-returns-to-the-appliance-aisle/