[Thursday, July 24] US News Headlines from r/Conservative

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DAILY BRIEFING

1. Political Investigations and Legal Actions

1.1. Justice Department Launches “Russiagate” Origins Review

The Department of Justice has officially established a “strike force” dedicated to a comprehensive assessment of declassified documents related to the “Russiagate” investigation [1]. Announcing the initiative, Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the scope of the review, stating the team will leave “no stone unturned” in its examination of the Obama administration’s role in the probe’s inception [2]. This action programmatically aligns with recent public assertions by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who has claimed that “deep state actors” deliberately worked to prevent critical information regarding the Trump-Russia investigation from “see[ing] the light of day” [3].

The basis for this renewed investigation is reportedly bolstered by newly available documents. One report, citing these documents, reveals that U.S. intelligence agencies harbored and concealed high-level internal doubts concerning the “Russian interference” narrative, even as it was being actively promoted [4]. Another investigative report alleges that the Obama administration’s initial probe was founded on an “unverifiable” intelligence assessment that was subsequently leveraged as “Russiagate dynamite” [5]. The political rhetoric surrounding these developments is escalating sharply. Commentaries are now calling for the widespread prosecution of officials connected to the original probe and reframing the 2016-2017 transition not as a “peaceful transfer of power,” but as a fundamentally compromised process [6].

References:
[1] DOJ ‘strike force’ to assess declassified Russiagate documents, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/doj-forms-russiagate-strike-force-declassified-obama-era-russiagate-evidence
[2] Bondi: DOJ ‘Strike Force’ Leaving ‘No Stone Unturned’ on Obama, https://www.newsmax.com/politics/pam-bondi-doj-tulsi-gabbard/2025/07/24/id/1219910/
[3] DNI Gabbard claims ‘deep state actors’ didn’t want Trump-Russia information to ‘see the light of day’, https://www.foxnews.com/media/dni-gabbard-claims-deep-state-actors-didnt-want-trump-russia-information-see-light-day
[4] US intel hid high-level doubts about “Russian interference”, docs reveal, https://www.aaronmate.net/p/us-intel-concealed-high-level-doubts
[5] How Obama Admin Turned ‘Unverifiable’ Report Into Russiagate Dynamite, https://www.realclearinvestigations.com/articles/2025/07/24/how_obama_admin_turned_unverifiable_report_into_russiagate_dynamite_1124640.html
[6] There Was No Peaceful Transfer Of Power In 2017, https://thefederalist.com/2025/07/24/there-was-no-peaceful-transfer-of-power-in-2017/

1.2. Renewed Scrutiny in Jeffrey Epstein Case

Congressional and legal focus on the Jeffrey Epstein case is intensifying. A House of Representatives panel has formally voted to issue a subpoena to compel testimony from both Bill and Hillary Clinton regarding their alleged connections to Epstein [1]. This move by the House occurs as Senate Democrats are reported to have objected to a resolution that would have mandated the public release of grand jury transcripts related to the Epstein case, blocking their immediate disclosure [2]. In a parallel development suggesting new information may emerge, Ghislaine Maxwell’s brother has stated that she is actively preparing “new evidence” for a “highly anticipated” meeting with federal authorities [3].

References:
[1] House Panel Votes to Subpoena Bill and Hillary Clinton over Alleged Jeffrey Epstein Links, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/23/house-panel-votes-subpoena-clintons-alleged-jeffrey-esptein-links/
[2] BREAKING: Senate Democrats objected to approving a resolution calling for the release of Epstein grand jury transcripts., https://x.com/LeadingReport/status/1948454954844520731
[3] Ghislaine Maxwell preparing ‘new evidence’ ahead of highly anticipated meeting with feds, her brother explains, https://nypost.com/2025/07/23/us-news/ghislaine-maxwell-preparing-new-evidence-ahead-of-highly-anticipated-meeting-with-feds-her-brother-explains/

2. Executive Branch: Domestic Policy and Governance

2.1. Presidential Executive Orders on Citizenship, Homelessness, and AI

The administration is actively utilizing executive orders to pursue key policy goals, though these are meeting legal resistance. In a significant setback for the administration, a federal appeals court panel has ruled that President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship is unconstitutional, thereby upholding the existing judicial block on its implementation [1]. Separately, the President is reportedly preparing to sign a new executive order with the goal of forcibly removing homeless individuals from America’s public streets [2]. The White House has also formally issued a directive titled “Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government,” which establishes a clear policy framework against certain types of artificial intelligence development and use within federal agencies [3].

References:
[1] Appeals court panel finds President Trump’s order ending birthright citizenship unconstitutional and upholds the block, https://apnews.com/article/immigration-birthright-citizenship-16658c712cf6a3141f168c7557c0628d?taid=68817d165aa487000121cb40&utm_campaign=TrueAnthem&utm_medium=AP&utm_source=Twitter
[2] Trump to sign executive order forcing homeless off America’s streets, https://nypost.com/2025/07/24/us-news/trump-to-sign-executive-order-forcing-homeless-off-americas-streets/
[3] Preventing Woke AI in the Federal Government, https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/07/preventing-woke-ai-in-the-federal-government/

2.2. Agency Actions: Major University Settlement and IRS Workforce Issues

Executive agencies are pursuing high-profile enforcement actions while also facing internal challenges. The Trump administration has secured what is being described as a “massive win,” a legal settlement with Columbia University, which has agreed to pay a sum in excess of $220 million to resolve allegations that it violated students’ civil rights [1, 2]. While most sources report the “historic” figure at or above $220 million, one outlet has reported the fine as $200 million [3]. In other agency news, a federal watchdog has released a finding that the Internal Revenue Service is facing a critical staffing issue, having lost 25% of its entire IT workforce since President Trump took office [4]. Separately, an inquiry has reportedly been launched into the specific whereabouts of $100 million in fire relief funds designated for Los Angeles, though the responsible agencies are not specified [5].

References:
[1] Columbia University to pay out more than $220M after violating students’ civil rights in massive win for Trump admin, https://nypost.com/2025/07/23/us-news/columbia-university-to-pay-out-more-than-220m-after-violating-jewish-students-civil-rights-in-massive-win-for-trump-admin/
[2] Trump secures $221M Columbia University settlement over alleged civil rights violations, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-secures-columbia-universtiy-settlement-over-alleged-civil-rights-violations
[3] Columbia University Agrees to Pay $200M Fine in Settlement with Trump Admin, https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2025/07/23/columbia-university-agrees-200m-fine-settlement-trump-administration/
[4] IRS has lost 25% of its IT workforce since Trump took office, watchdog finds | FedScoop, https://fedscoop.com/irs-workforce-cuts-it-staff-report/
[5] Where Did $100 Million in LA Fire Relief Money Go?, https://www.thefp.com/p/where-did-100-million-in-la-fire

2.3. Immigration and Homeland Security

On the immigration front, federal authorities have announced a significant development, reporting that 13,000 unaccompanied migrant minors whose whereabouts were unknown have been located under the current administration [1]. Separately, a new report raises security concerns over federal grant distribution, alleging that more than $25 million in Homeland Security grants were awarded to organizations described as “radical groups with terror ties” [2].

References:
[1] 13K unaccompanied migrant minors located under Trump: Feds, https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/immigration/border-coverage/unaccompanied-migrant-minors-located-hhs/
[2] Report: More than $25m in US Homeland Security grants went to radical groups with terror ties, https://www.jns.org/report-more-than-25m-in-us-homeland-security-grants-went-to-radical-groups-with-terror-ties/

2.4. Federal Appointments

Two developments are noted regarding federal personnel. Attorney Alina Habba has announced her appointment as the “acting” U.S. Attorney for the District of New Jersey [1]. In a related congressional matter, Senator Rand Paul’s legislative effort to block the nomination of Mike Waltz for a post at the United Nations has failed. One report claims this failed attempt came at a significant cost, alleging it cost taxpayers $75 million [2].

References:
[1] Habba announces she has been appointed ‘acting’ U.S. attorney in NJ, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/alina-habba-defiant-after-judges-oust-her-new-jersey-i-dont-cower-pressure
[2] Rand Paul Costs Taxpayers $75 Million With Failed Effort To Block Trump UN Nominee Mike Waltz, https://freebeacon.com/national-security/rand-paul-costs-taxpayers-75-million-with-failed-effort-to-block-trump-un-nominee-mike-waltz/

3. Economic and Fiscal Policy

3.1. White House Increases Direct Pressure on the Federal Reserve

The executive branch is taking unusually direct action in an attempt to influence monetary policy. President Trump is scheduled to personally visit the headquarters of the Federal Reserve [1]. Reports explicitly state the purpose of the visit is to again pressure Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to lower interest rates [2]. This direct engagement with the central bank follows administration messaging that credits a “big, beautiful bill” passed under President Trump for a recent, notable surge in business investment across the United States [3]. This pressure is mirrored in public discourse, with some commentators arguing that Chair Powell’s current policies are actively “killing Gen Z’s shot at the American Dream” [4].

References:
[1] Trump to Visit Federal Reserve Headquarters, https://www.newsmax.com/finance/streettalk/trump-federal-reserv/2025/07/24/id/1219858/
[2] Trump To Visit Fed Reserve, Pressures Powell Again To Lower Interest Rates, https://www.dailywire.com/news/trump-to-visit-fed-reserve-pressures-powell-again-to-lower-interest-rates?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=Daniel+Chaitin&category=News&elementPosition=0&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Trump+To+Visit+Fed+Reserve%2C+Pressures+Powell+Again+To+Lower+Interest+Rates
[3] Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ sparks investment surge across American businesses, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/trumps-one-big-beautiful-bill-sparks-investment-surge-across-american-businesses
[4] Jerome Powell Is Killing Gen Z’s Shot At The American Dream, https://www.dailywire.com/news/jerome-powell-is-killing-gen-zs-shot-at-the-american-dream?topStoryPosition=undefined&author=CJ+Pearson&category=Opinion&elementPosition=2&row=1&rowHeadline=Top+Stories&rowType=Top+Stories&title=Jerome+Powell+Is+Killing+Gen+Z%E2%80%99s+Shot+At+The+American+Dream%C2%A0

3.2. Domestic Labor Market and Corporate Hiring Tensions

Macroeconomic data provides a positive signal for the labor market, with newly filed jobless claims reportedly dropping for a sixth consecutive week, suggesting a market showing “no signs of stress” [1]. This optimistic data point, however, is contrasted by high-level political tension over corporate labor practices. Vice President JD Vance has publicly and forcefully criticized Microsoft for replacing American workers with H-1B visa holders. He dismissed the company’s justification as a “bullsh*t story” and stated, “I DO NOT want companies to fire 9,000 American workers, then go and say they cannot find workers in America" [2, 3].

References:
[1] Jobless claims drop for sixth straight week, as labor market is showing no signs of stress, https://www.marketwatch.com/story/jobless-claims-drop-for-sixth-straight-week-as-labor-market-is-showing-no-signs-of-stress-9ac9ba85
[2] ‘Bullsht Story:’ JD Vance Blasts Microsoft for Replacing Americans with H-1B Visa Workers, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/07/24/bullsht-story-jd-vance-blasts-microsoft-for-replacing-americans-with-h-1b-visa-workers/
[3] VP Vance - “I DO NOT want companies to fire 9,000 American workers, then go and say they cannot find workers in America. Thats a bullsht story”, https://x.com/MAGAVoice/status/1948232062840062111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1948232062840062111%7Ctwgr%5Ed205b386cd2737368e2ecf91a6389c3a7964782d%7Ctwcon%5Es1_

3.3. Developments in the Technology Sector

Administration policy on artificial intelligence is receiving attention from top industry leaders. The CEO of Nvidia has publicly projected that President Trump’s AI plan will “fundamentally change” the international standing of the U.S. in the coming years [1]. In corporate governance, reports have emerged that Skydance is outlining major changes for CBS post-merger, including a “comprehensive” review of editorial bias, the installation of an ombudsman to ensure “accountability,” and the complete elimination of all DEI initiatives [2]. Separately, pro-Trump tech billionaire Palmer Luckey is reportedly considering a new business venture to offer laptops that are made in the USA [3].

References:
[1] Nvidia CEO says Trump’s AI plan will ‘fundamentally change’ US’ position in years to come, https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/nvidia-ceo-says-trumps-ai-plan-fundamentally-change-us-position-years-come
[2] Skydance Outlines Post-Merger Moves at CBS: ‘Comprehensive’ Editorial Bias Review, Ombudsman To Ensure ‘Accountability,’ and Elimination of All DEI, https://freebeacon.com/media/skydance-outlines-post-merger-moves-at-cbs-comprehensive-editorial-bias-review-ombudsman-to-ensure-accountability-and-elimination-of-all-dei/
[3] Pro-Trump Tech Billionaire Palmer Luckey Considers Offering Laptops Made in the USA, https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2025/07/24/pro-trump-tech-billionaire-palmer-luckey-considers-offering-laptops-made-in-the-usa/

4. Foreign Affairs and International Relations

In foreign policy, President Trump has signed a bill into law that cancels $9 billion previously designated for foreign aid [1]. On the trade front, the administration is claiming a diplomatic victory after the government of Australia reversed a previous policy and lifted its import ban on U.S. beef [2]. In a development concerning international bodies, the United Nations is reportedly encouraging nations to pursue legal action against one another over climate-related damage, a directive one outlet critically frames as the UN encouraging countries to “sue each other over the weather” [3]. Separately, one analysis piece in the media is focused on the growing political influence of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and the direction in which she is leading Europe [4].

References:
[1] Trump signs bill to cancel $9 billion in foreign aid, public broadcasting funding, https://www.opb.org/article/2025/07/24/trump-signs-bill-to-cancel-dollar9-billion-in-foreign-aid-public-broadcasting-funding/
[2] Trump Wins Again: Australia Backflips and Lifts Import Ban on U.S. Beef, https://www.breitbart.com/europe/2025/07/24/trump-wins-again-australia-backflips-and-lifts-import-ban-on-u-s-beef/
[3] UN Encourages Countries to Sue Each Other Over the Weather, https://www.frontpagemag.com/un-encourages-countries-to-sue-each-other-over-the-weather/
[4] Where Giorgia Meloni Is Leading Europe, https://time.com/7304882/giorgia-meloni-interview/

5. Social and Cultural Issues

5.1. Legal Battles Over Abortion and Religious Liberty

Contentious social issues continue to be fought in the legal arena. The Attorney General of Missouri has officially filed a lawsuit against Planned Parenthood [1]; a related report on the suit specifies that it alleges the organization “misled on abortion drug risks” [2]. In a separate matter concerning religious freedom, a legal battle has ensued after an unnamed state allegedly told Christian bookstore owners that they must “violate their beliefs or be shut down,” prompting the owners to fight the order [3].

References:
[1] Missouri Attorney General files lawsuit against Planned Parenthood, https://www.liveaction.org/news/missouri-attorney-general-files-lawsuit-against-planned-parenthood/
[2] Mo. Suit: Planned Parenthood Misled on Abortion Drug Risks, https://share.google/4jvocbKzkf9cWlkaC
[3] This State Told Christian Bookstore Owners to Violate Their Beliefs or Be Shut Down – They Chose to Fight, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/jeff-charles/2025/07/24/christian-bookstore-sues-state-for-forcing-it-to-adhere-to-gender-ideology-n2660848

5.2. Education System Controversies

Local education policies are the subject of public controversy. A school district has reportedly paid a cash settlement and issued a formal apology to a student who had been suspended for using the term “illegal aliens” in a classroom setting [1]. In a separate district-level policy change, a Tennessee school district has announced it will no longer accept a doctor’s note as a valid excuse for student absences [2].

References:
[1] Student suspended for saying ‘illegal aliens’ in class gets cash, apology from school, https://www.foxnews.com/politics/student-suspended-saying-illegal-aliens-class-gets-cash-apology-from-school
[2] Doctor’s note no longer excuse for absences at TN school district, https://www.wsmv.com/2025/07/22/doctors-note-no-longer-excuse-absences-tn-school-district/

6. Media, Political Discourse, and Notable Events

6.1. Death of Terry Bollea (Hulk Hogan)

Terry Bollea, the professional wrestling icon professionally known as Hulk Hogan, has died at the age of 71 [1]. President Trump issued a statement mourning his passing, in which he noted that Bollea was “MAGA All the Way” [2].

References:
[1] Pro wrestling icon Hulk Hogan dead at 71, https://www.foxnews.com/sports/pro-wrestling-icon-hulk-hogan-dead
[2] Trump Mourns Hulk Hogan: ‘MAGA All the Way’, https://www.newsmax.com/us/donald-trump-hulk-hogan-tribute/2025/07/24/id/1219960/

6.2. Public Figure Disputes and Political Commentary

The political discourse remains intensely personal and contentious. In an international dispute, French President Emmanuel Macron is reportedly suing American commentator Candace Owens for defamation over claims she made regarding his wife [1]. Domestically, Jasmine Crockett has been quoted stating that the Democratic Party will utilize “dark money” in its strategic effort to win back Congress in the upcoming midterm elections [2]. In another example of the heated climate, former acting ICE Director Tom Homan is described as going “scorched earth” on New York Attorney General Letitia James [3].

References:
[1] French president sues Candace Owens for defamation over claim that his wife is a dude, https://notthebee.com/article/french-president-emmanuel-macron-is-suing-candace-owens-for-defamation-over-claims-his-wife-is-a-guy
[2] Jasmine Crockett Says Democrat Party will Use ‘Dark Money’ to Win Back Congress in Midterm Elections – Twitchy, https://twitchy.com/warren-squire/2025/07/24/jasmine-crockett-says-democrats-will-use-dark-money-to-try-to-win-back-congress-in-the-midterms-n2416127
[3] Tom Homan Goes Scorched Earth on Letitia James, https://townhall.com/tipsheet/katiepavlich/2025/07/24/tom-homan-goes-scorched-earth-on-latitia-james-n2660893

6.3. Criticism of Media and Entertainment

The entertainment industry and news media are facing direct criticism. The Trump administration has issued an official statement criticizing a recent satirical episode of the television show “South Park” [1]. A study published by a conservative media watchdog group alleges that in the first part of 2025, 99 percent of all guests featured on late-night comedy shows were “left-wing” [2]. On a related note, there is a report that the television show “The View” is “apparently going on ‘hiatus’” [3]. Commentator Miranda Devine is also quoted criticizing the “elite media” for allegedly ignoring DNI Gabbard’s recent “bombshell” statements and describing the current political situation on the Democratic side of the aisle as a “cracked out clown show” [4].

References:
[1] Trump Admin. Slams ‘South Park’ Over Satire Episode, https://www.newsmax.com/newsfront/donald-trump-south-park-paramount/2025/07/24/id/1219979/
[2] STUDY: Late Night Comedy Shows Begin 2025 With 99 Percent Of Guests Being Left-Wing, https://www.newsbusters.org/blogs/nb/alex-christy/2025/07/01/study-late-night-comedy-shows-begin-2025-99-percent-guests-being?fbclid=IwQ0xDSwLvit9leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgsi-0jfomYtlNXEcQFb3SjOfhveGLqtwaWTbLeIDt_FAPYQvHzJR7o8AFtZ_aem_5H500K7YkXzW9MATKIxrPg
[3] The TV show, “The View” apparently going on “hiatus”…, https://www.reddit.com/r/Conservative/comments/1m89sux/the_tv_show_the_view_apparently_going_on_hiatus/
[4] Miranda Devine: The country deserves better than the Dems ‘cracked out clown show,’ ’elite’ media ignoring Gabbard’s bombshell, https://nypost.com/2025/07/23/opinion/miranda-devine-the-country-deserves-better-than-the-dems-cracked-out-clown-show-elite-media-ignoring-gabbards-bombshell/

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