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 Revives 1798 Deportation Law

• Here's what happened: Last Saturday, President Donald Trump invoked the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 to deport immigrant street gangs, specifically targeting Venezuela's Tren de Aragua (TdA). The Act grants the president extensive authority to detain and deport individuals from designated "enemy" nations without standard immigration procedures, a power last used during World War II. So far, 137 out of 261 Venezuelans deported to a facility in El Salvador were expelled under this Act, drawing criticism from human rights groups. (Tim Sullivan and Elliot Spagat, AP)

• Here's why it matters: The invocation of the Alien Enemies Act represents a significant expansion of presidential power regarding immigration and national security. Critics argue this precedent poses a broader threat, potentially undermining constitutional protections for all individuals, immigrant or otherwise. (Leila Fadel and Obed Manuel, NPR)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservatives criticized a judicial decision to halt Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act, claiming it interferes with the president’s ability to address threats from violent gangs. Former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the court's ruling as prioritizing criminals' rights over national security. (Jack Birle, Washington Examiner)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressive critics accuse Trump of dangerously expanding executive authority by resurrecting a law historically associated with controversial actions like Japanese internment during WWII. They argue the use of this law to deport Venezuelans sets a troubling precedent for civil liberties. (Malcolm Ferguson, The New Republic)

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2. Gaza Ceasefire Collapses Amid Deadly Strikes

• Here's what happened: On Saturday, Israeli airstrikes killed over 400 people in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, marking the end of a fragile ceasefire. Israel launched the strikes after Hamas refused demands to alter the ceasefire terms, specifically rejecting the release of additional Israeli hostages. This escalation comes after Hamas previously freed 25 living Israeli hostages and eight deceased individuals in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. (James Mackenzie et al., Reuters)

• Here's why it matters: The renewed Israeli strikes signify a return to active conflict, threatening regional stability and raising concerns about a broader escalation. The breakdown of the ceasefire also highlights persistent challenges in diplomatic negotiations over hostage exchanges and peace agreements. (Louis Casiano et al., Fox News)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen defended the renewed airstrikes, asserting Israel acted only after Hamas breached ceasefire terms by refusing to release hostages. Conservatives emphasized Israel’s right to defend its citizens from ongoing threats. (David Zimmermann, National Review)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: International advocacy groups and progressive commentators strongly condemned the Israeli strikes as disproportionate and highlighted the high civilian casualties. They called for immediate intervention by the international community to prevent further escalation. (Jennifer Rankin and Oliver Holmes, The Guardian)

3. Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Quickly Unravels

• Here's what happened: Hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to halt attacks on Ukrainian energy and infrastructure on Tuesday, Russia and Ukraine accused each other of conducting airstrikes on civilian infrastructure. Despite Putin's limited ceasefire agreement made during a call with President Trump, hostilities continued, resulting in drone strikes on hospitals and an oil facility. Both countries, however, still plan to exchange 175 prisoners as agreed. (Tamsin Paternoster, EuroNews)

• Here's why it matters: The immediate breakdown of the partial ceasefire underscores the difficulty of achieving lasting peace and reveals continuing mistrust between Ukraine, Russia, and Western nations. Conflicting statements from Moscow and Washington regarding ceasefire terms complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts. (Colin Meyn, The Hill)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative commentators questioned whether Putin's limited ceasefire reflects a diplomatic victory for Trump, or merely Russian strategic maneuvering, urging caution against premature conclusions. (Lisa Haseldine, The Spectator)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: European leaders expressed skepticism about the ceasefire, arguing it is insufficient to achieve meaningful peace. They emphasized continued humanitarian suffering and demanded stronger international pressure on Russia. (Sam Jones, The Guardian)

4. Trump Escalates Conflict with Judges

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump intensified his public confrontation with federal judges and political opponents, openly calling for impeachment proceedings against judges who issued unfavorable rulings against his administration. Trump's actions have amplified tensions between his administration and the judiciary during his second term in office. (Alex Gangitano, The Hill)

• Here's why it matters: Trump’s calls for impeachment are provoking rare public criticism from the judiciary itself, raising concerns about judicial independence and the separation of powers. Legal experts suggest this confrontation could weaken public trust in the judicial system. (Josh Gerstein and Erica Orden, Politico)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservatives argue federal judges' anti-Trump sentiments compromise judicial impartiality, damaging public perception and trust in the courts. (Glenn H. Reynolds, New York Post)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressives assert Trump openly defies court rulings, undermining the rule of law, and criticize Republicans for failing to oppose Trump’s actions. (Dace Potas, USA Today)

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Geneva, Switzerland is famous for luxury watches and international summits, but it’s also a hub of scientific innovation. At CERN, you’ll find the world’s largest particle accelerator and the cutting-edge CERN Science Gateway.

Designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano, the Science Gateway offers hands-on exhibits, immersive VR, and live demos that bring the mysteries of the universe to life. Whether exploring particle physics or experiencing the Big Bang, it’s an unforgettable journey for visitors of all ages.

Next time you're in Geneva, go beyond the scenic lake and charming Old Town—dive into the future at CERN’s Science Gateway.

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5. Judges Halt Trump's Mass Worker Firings

• Here's what happened: President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Thursday instructing Education Secretary Linda McMahon to initiate steps aimed at closing the U.S. Department of Education, transferring educational authority back to states and local communities. Although only Congress can formally abolish a federal agency, Trump's order explicitly restricts remaining federal funds from being used to promote diversity, equity, inclusion, or "gender ideology" in schools. Trump indicated that the issue might eventually reach Congress, urging Democrats to support the potential legislative move. (The White House)

• Here's why it matters: Critics warn that dissolving the Department of Education could disproportionately harm low-income and rural schools, which rely heavily on federal funding for essential resources. The cuts could exacerbate educational inequalities by depriving vulnerable student populations of support and services currently coordinated at the federal level. (Jonaki Mehta, NPR)

• Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Conservative voices praised Trump's decision, suggesting that eliminating the Education Department would benefit students by decentralizing educational decisions. They argue this move primarily threatens teachers' unions, which conservatives claim prioritize union interests over student outcomes. (Post Editorial Board, New York Post)

• Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressive commentators strongly criticized Trump's executive order, describing it as a severe blow to public education and federal protections. They argue the order undermines diversity initiatives and strips away crucial federal oversight, posing a significant risk to equitable education. (Sarah Szilagy, Mother Jones)

Sunday Sneak Peak

🧥 No coat, no gloves, and no time—William Henry Harrison delivered history’s longest inaugural speech, then became the first president to die in office. Explore the mystery in The Flag! Subscribe today.