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- 🇺🇸 The Flag's Five: Israel Revises Gaza Medics Story, Trump Faces Insider-Trading Accusations
🇺🇸 The Flag's Five: Israel Revises Gaza Medics Story, Trump Faces Insider-Trading Accusations
Plus: A unanimous Supreme Court reverses a mistaken deportation, and RFK Jr. stuns supporters with an unexpected vaccine endorsement.

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. Israel revises Gaza paramedic death account
Here's what happened: On March 23, Israeli soldiers in southern Gaza opened fire on what they described as suspicious, uncoordinated vehicles near their troops. At first, officials said nine “terrorists” had been using ambulances for cover, but a video later emerged appearing to show Palestinian aid workers responding to what they believed was an accident. Israel has since acknowledged its initial statement was “mistaken” and that at least six of the 15 killed were believed to be Hamas operatives. (James Mackenzie, Reuters)
Here's why it matters: The new Israeli admission intensifies scrutiny of military conduct and raises questions about potential violations of international law or the targeting of civilians, especially if the victims included genuine aid workers. Meanwhile, the updated account underscores how challenging it is for the international community to verify conflicting narratives in real-time conflict reporting in one of the world’s most contested regions. (Bethan McKernan, The Guardian)
Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Some right-of-center commentators note that Israeli authorities at least partially acknowledged an error and that evidence from a phone video may support allegations of ambulances coming under direct fire. They emphasize that investigations are ongoing and that the Israeli military still claims it killed Hamas operatives among the group. (Kieran Kelly, The Telegraph)
Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning outlets focus on newly released audio and video capturing the distress of aid workers who believed they were responding to an accident when they came under fire. They point to interviews with the lone survivor and recordings that seemingly confirm their role as medics, rather than combatants. (Yahya Abou-Ghazala et al., CNN)
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2. US teen’s death stirs outcry in West Bank shooting
Here's what happened: On Sunday, Israeli forces shot and killed 14-year-old Palestinian-American Amir Mohammed Rabee near Turmus Aya in the West Bank, according to Palestinian officials. The teen, originally from Saddle Brook, New Jersey, was laid to rest on Monday. Israel’s military claims the boy and two others who survived were “terrorists” throwing rocks at civilians on a nearby highway. (Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR)
Here's why it matters: The U.S. State Department confirmed awareness of the incident, underscoring broader concerns over the safety of American citizens in conflict zones. It also highlights rising tensions in the West Bank, where civilians, including minors, have increasingly been caught up in clashes and military operations. (Daphne Psaledakis and Kanishka Singh, Reuters)
Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Reports highlight that Rabee, an American teen who had moved back to the West Bank, was shot by Israeli troops who say he posed a threat to passing motorists. Some right-leaning outlets focus on the military’s stance that the boys were engaged in dangerous behavior, noting that investigations are still ongoing. (Isabel Keane, New York Post)
Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning coverage emphasizes the personal story of Rabee as a teenager with strong ties to the United States, casting doubt on Israel’s claims that he posed a severe threat. They also spotlight calls for greater accountability and an independent investigation into the circumstances of the fatal shooting. (Sanjana Karanth, HuffPost)
3. Trump’s tariff pause ignites insider-trading accusations
Here's what happened: President Donald Trump announced a 90-day pause on his “reciprocal tariff” policy for nearly every country except China, resulting in a 3,000-point jump in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Prominent Democrats, including Senators Adam Schiff and Ruben Gallego, have called for an investigation into potential insider trading. Tesla’s share price soared by 23%, contributing to Elon Musk’s $36 billion gain as he serves as cost-cutting advisor for the Department of Government Efficiency. In a video posted to X, Trump name-checked Charles Schwab and Roger Penske, touting their multi-million-dollar and multi-million-dollar gains from the market surge. (Maria Span, NPR)
Here's why it matters: Scrutiny has intensified over whether the tariff pause gave advance notice to certain allies or business leaders, fueling the suspicion of potential insider trading. The controversy also underscores how shifts in U.S. trade policy can reverberate through global markets and significantly impact high-profile investors. (Rebecca Schneid, TIME Magazine)
Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Right-leaning outlets generally applaud the tariff pause as beneficial for the U.S. economy, highlighting the potential for business growth and market stability. They regard the insider trading allegations as politically motivated, emphasizing that Trump was transparent about his interest in boosting American companies. (The Editors, National Review)
Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning outlets raise concerns that Trump’s references to wealthy figures benefitting from the market rally show a disregard for ethical boundaries and reinforce suspicions of improper stock manipulation. They argue the significant gains realized by insiders close to the administration warrant an in-depth investigation into potential exploitation of privileged information. (Lauren Almedia, The Guardian)
4. Supreme Court orders return of deported Maryland father
Here's what happened: On Thursday, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld a lower court’s order instructing the Trump administration to expedite the return of Kilmar Abrego Garcia to the United States. Although the government admitted Garcia’s deportation to El Salvador was an administrative mistake, it appealed the district court’s directive to bring him back. The justices left the ruling unsigned, but their 9-0 decision compels the administration to “facilitate” Garcia’s return. (Ali Abbas Ahmadi, BBC)
Here's why it matters: The decision underscores the judiciary’s stance on ensuring government accountability, especially in cases where deportation errors may violate due process. It also raises broader questions about transparency, as the Department of Justice previously told a judge it was “unable to provide” specific details on Garcia’s case. (Melissa Quinn and Jacob Rosen, CBS News)
Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Right-leaning outlets focus on the Supreme Court’s unanimous message, insisting the administration has no choice but to correct its acknowledged error. While critics note Garcia’s alleged gang ties, they concede the ruling affirms that basic procedural norms should not be set aside in immigration enforcement. (Victor Nava, New York Post)
Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning commentators emphasize the Trump administration’s defiance of earlier court orders and praise the high court for intervening. They argue this ruling highlights a pattern of disregard for judicial directives on immigration matters, even after officials acknowledged the deportation was illegal. (Ian Millhiser, Vox)
Sponsored by Masterworks
Retail investors are sitting on the most cash since 2020, and the Fed recently declined to cut rates. Some are probably wondering: are we on the verge of another financial downturn?
The ultra-wealthy don’t wait to find out. By next year they’ve been projected to be investing in alternative assets more than ever - including fine art and collectibles, which Deloitte predicts could make up 11% of UHNW portfolios. As an asset class, it’s overall outpaced the S&P 500 in appreciation by 32% since 1995, according to Masterworks data.
Masterworks has opened access to this historically exclusive market, allowing everyday investors to invest in shares of blue-chip art offerings featuring legends like Picasso and Banksy, with 450+ offerings already in the Masterworks collection. Their track record? Every one of their 23 exits has turned a profit, with returns like 17.6%, 17.8%, and 21.5% annualized.
Investing involves risk. Past performance is not indic
5. RFK Jr. endorses MMR vaccine, drawing backlash
Here's what happened: Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., once a prominent vaccine skeptic, announced his support for the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. He called it “the most effective way to prevent the spread of measles,” drawing anger from his former allies in the MAHA movement and vaccine skeptic circles. Kennedy previously led the Children’s Health Defense, which has challenged vaccine safety. (Sara Ashley et al., The Wall Street Journal)
Here's why it matters: His endorsement comes amid a broader debate over vaccine safety and efficacy, with some of Kennedy’s supporters now feeling betrayed by his policy reversal. The move is significant because it underscores a shift in rhetoric from a previously skeptical figure who holds a key public health position. (Geoff Brumfiel, NPR)
Here's what right-leaning sources are saying: Kennedy’s recent trip to Texas to meet a family who lost their 6-year-old daughter to measles has been highlighted, reinforcing his message on the vaccine’s importance. These outlets underscore that, despite Kennedy’s past doubts, his current stance is focused on preventing further tragedies. (Greg Wehner, Fox News)
Here's what left-leaning sources are saying: Some left-leaning media point out Kennedy’s mixed messages, noting that he also claimed the measles vaccine’s protection “wanes very quickly” despite endorsing its use. Critics argue such statements could erode public trust by downplaying the vaccine’s long-term effectiveness while simultaneously encouraging people to adopt it. (Aria Bendix, NBC News)
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