Good Morning, and Happy Saturday! Welcome to The Flag's Five, your nonpartisan breakdown of the week’s five most pressing headlines. Dive into what happened, why it matters, and how perspectives from the left and right shape the conversation.

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1. Trump Advisers’ War Plans Leak on Signal

• Here's what happened: The Atlantic published detailed U.S. military strike plans in Yemen that were shared in a Signal group chat including Trump administration officials—plans that were inadvertently sent to The Atlantic’s editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. The chat included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who laid out a timeline for strikes on Houthi targets, including specific forces to be used. The administration has denied that classified information was shared and has downplayed the significance of the leak, with Hegseth insisting operational security was intact. (Jeffrey Goldberg and Shane Harris, The Atlantic)

• Here's why it matters: The breach has sparked concern among national security experts, some of whom see it as a troubling lapse in operational security, while others believe the fallout is overstated due to the absence of explicitly classified data. The incident highlights the risks of using informal communication platforms for sensitive matters and underscores growing tensions over transparency and accountability in national security decision-making. (Damita Menezes, The Hill)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: The Washington Examiner acknowledged the seriousness of the leak but argued that no laws were broken and no actual classified information was exposed. The outlet criticized media coverage as sensational and accused critics of overreacting to a routine, internal planning discussion that was mistakenly shared. (Washington Examiner)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Mother Jones sharply criticized Trump officials for minimizing the incident, highlighting that they described the chat as “deep and thoughtful” and attacked the credibility of the journalist involved. The outlet suggested the administration's response was part of a broader pattern of downplaying potentially damaging information and deflecting accountability. (Julianne McShane, Mother Jones)

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2. Trump Order Requires Citizenship to Vote

• Here's what happened: On Tuesday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring individuals to provide proof of U.S. citizenship to vote in federal elections. The order directs the Election Assistance Commission to mandate this requirement on federal voter registration forms and conditions certain federal election funds on state compliance. It also rolls back several of former President Biden’s executive orders that the Trump administration claims politicized federal agencies. Trump said the order is part of a broader effort to “straighten out” what he called “fake elections.” (Brett Samuels, The Hill)

• Here's why it matters: The executive order intensifies a long-running national debate over voter fraud and voter suppression. Critics argue it could disenfranchise millions who lack easy access to citizenship documentation, particularly low-income and minority voters. Supporters, meanwhile, frame it as a necessary safeguard against illegal voting and a corrective to what they view as lax federal standards. Legal challenges are likely, given that federal law does not currently require proof of citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. (Jane C. Timm, NBC News)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: The Federalist praised the executive order as a vital step to protect election integrity, arguing that the inability of 21 million voters to currently provide proof of citizenship demonstrates the urgent need for reform. The outlet framed the move as essential to advancing the SAVE Act and preventing non-citizens from voting. (Brianna Lyman, The Federalist)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: MSNBC labeled the executive order a “blatant power grab,” with legal scholar Richard L. Hasen warning it could violate federal law and lead to significant disenfranchisement. The article argued the order is part of a larger attempt by Trump to consolidate control over election rules ahead of November and called into question its legal and constitutional foundation. (Richard L. Hasen, MSNBC)

3. ICE Detains Tufts Student Over Hamas Ties

• Here's what happened: Rumeysa Ozturk, a Turkish national and PhD student at Tufts University, was detained Tuesday by DHS agents outside her apartment in Somerville, Massachusetts. She was accused of engaging in “activities in support of Hamas,” and her visa was terminated. Despite a judge’s order to keep her in-state for 48 hours, she was transferred to a federal detention facility in Louisiana. Her lawyer said she lost contact with Ozturk for over 24 hours. The incident follows the arrest of another international student in Alabama and is part of a broader Trump administration effort targeting pro-Palestinian activism among foreign students. (Jennie Taer, New York Post)

• Here's why it matters: Ozturk’s sudden arrest has reignited debate over civil liberties, immigration enforcement, and the limits of political expression for visa holders. Critics fear the administration’s actions may suppress dissent and disproportionately target students based on their political views. Supporters argue national security concerns justify stricter scrutiny, particularly with foreign nationals. The incident also raises legal questions about due process, interstate transfer, and transparency in immigration enforcement. (Russell Contreras and Steph Solis, Axios)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Fox News noted that top Democrats, including members of Congress, are demanding answers from ICE, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Governor Kristi Noem. While the report outlined criticisms of the arrest, it emphasized the administration’s stance that visa holders are not entitled to the same rights as citizens and that foreign nationals may be removed if linked to extremist activities. (Greg Norman, Fox News)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Vox framed Ozturk’s arrest as part of a broader assault on civil liberties, arguing that Trump’s immigration enforcement policies are designed to intimidate political opponents. The outlet warned that the crackdown on pro-Palestinian student activists represents a threat not just to migrants, but to the constitutional rights of all Americans. (Zack Beauchamp, Vox)

4. Trump Targets ‘Ideology’ in Smithsonian

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at eliminating what his administration calls “improper, divisive, or anti-American ideology” across all Smithsonian Institution entities. The directive affects museums, research centers, and the National Zoo, with specific criticism directed at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) for promoting narratives the administration deems harmful. The order also prohibits the American Women’s History Museum from including transgender-related content in its exhibitions. (The White House, Executive Orders)

• Here's why it matters: The order intensifies the national culture war over how American history is taught and represented in public institutions. Critics say it risks censoring historical facts and marginalizing certain communities, while supporters see it as a defense of patriotic education. The Smithsonian’s autonomy and reputation as a nonpartisan educational institution could be tested as it navigates compliance with the new directive. (Hillel Italie and Aaron Morrison, Associated Press)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Fox News framed the order as part of Trump’s broader mission to “restore truth in American history,” highlighting his previous proposal to establish a National Garden of American Heroes. The outlet emphasized Trump’s opposition to DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs and his claim that museums like the NMAAHC push ideologies that divide rather than unite Americans. (Jasmine Baehr, Fox News)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Politico reported that Senator J.D. Vance, a key ally of Trump, is leading the effort to implement the order and reshape the Smithsonian’s approach to history and inclusion. The outlet described the initiative as a political move targeting institutions that conservatives believe promote progressive ideologies, noting concerns about censorship and erasure of marginalized voices. (Irie Sentner, Politico)

Sponsored by Geneva

The Science City You Didn’t Know You Needed to Visit

Did you know that the World Wide Web was born in Geneva, Switzerland? Indeed, the first version of the Internet cropped up at CERN in 1989. Today the world-renowned center is home to the largest particle accelerator and to the CERN Science Gateway – a must-see hub for science enthusiasts that features hands-on exhibits, immersive virtual reality experiences, and live demonstrations.

Plan your visit and explore the cutting-edge world of physics and innovation at the CERN Science Gateway!

5. Senate Votes to End Cap on Overdraft Fees

• Here's what happened: The U.S. Senate passed a resolution to overturn a Biden-era Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) rule that capped bank overdraft fees at $5. Led by Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), the resolution permits banks to charge higher fees when customers overdraw their accounts. While most Republicans supported the move, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) broke ranks and voted with Democrats against the resolution. The CFPB rule was set to take effect in October, but now faces an uncertain future pending a House vote and President Trump's signature. (Hugh Cameron, Newsweek)

• Here's why it matters: The rollback could have significant financial consequences for low-income Americans, who often bear the brunt of overdraft charges. Consumer advocates argue the CFPB cap would have saved individuals hundreds annually, while critics of the rule claim it restricts banks' ability to manage risk. Major banks stand to gain significantly if the cap is eliminated, with some already generating billions in overdraft revenue each year. (Reed Alexander, Business Insider)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: The Washington Examiner framed the Senate vote as a rejection of excessive regulation under the Biden administration. It highlighted Republican arguments that the CFPB rule was overly restrictive and could reduce access to banking services for those who rely on overdraft protection. The article noted the rule’s rollback is part of a broader deregulatory push under Trump. (Zach Halaschak, Washington Examiner)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: The New Republic sharply criticized the vote, accusing Republicans of siding with banks over consumers. The article argued that repealing the fee cap would disproportionately hurt low-income Americans and enable predatory banking practices. It portrayed the resolution as a clear rollback of consumer protection efforts. (Edith Olmsted, The New Republic)

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