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1. Judge Halts Plan to Dismantle Education Dept.

Here’s what happened: On May 22, U.S. District Judge Myong Joun issued a preliminary injunction blocking the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle the Department of Education. The ruling mandates the reinstatement of over 1,300 employees who were laid off and prohibits the transfer of student loan responsibilities to other agencies. (Peter Charalambous, ABC News)

Here’s why it matters: The decision underscores the limits of executive power in unilaterally altering or eliminating federal departments established by Congress. Critics argue that dismantling the department could disrupt essential services, including student loan management and civil rights enforcement in education. The ruling may set a precedent for future challenges to executive overreach. (Nate Raymond, Reuters)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: The Federalist calls the injunction “another rogue move by an activist judge,” arguing voters mandated downsizing a “bloated, indoctrinating bureaucracy.” It warns the ruling entrenches union interests and thwarts parental control. (Breccan F. Thies, The Federalist)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: The Nation applauds the ruling as a vital check on what it calls Trump’s broader assault on higher-ed independence, noting parallel threats to Harvard and other schools. It says dismantling the department would gut civil-rights enforcement and student-loan relief. (Sasha Abramsky, The Nation)

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2. Supreme Court Blocks Religious Charter School

Here’s what happened: On May 22, the U.S. Supreme Court reached a 4-4 deadlock in a case concerning the establishment of the nation's first publicly funded religious charter school in Oklahoma. The tie leaves in place a lower court ruling that denied public funding to the proposed Catholic virtual school. (Josh Gerstein and Juan Perez Jr., Politico)

Here’s why it matters: The decision maintains the status quo regarding the separation of church and state in public education. While the deadlock does not set a national precedent, it signals the Court's current division on issues of religious freedom and public funding. The case reflects ongoing debates about the role of religion in publicly funded institutions. (David G. Savage, Los Angeles Times)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: On the right, some lament that “judicial gamesmanship” denied parents needed options, arguing Roberts’ presumed swing vote undercuts the Court’s recent trajectory favoring faith-based schooling. Commentators predict future cases will restore “equal access” for religious charters. (Samuel Chamberlain and Ryan King, New York Post)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: The Atlantic contends the Founders would never have sanctioned a church-run public school, calling the deadlock a “historic reprieve” that upholds church-state boundaries. It argues funneling public funds to sectarian curricula erodes civic unity. (Adam Laats, The Atlantic)

3. House Passes Trump's 'Big, Beautiful Bill'

Here’s what happened: After an all-night session, the House passed Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” on May 22 by 215-214. The 1,000-page package extends 2017 tax cuts, raises the SALT cap, adds border-wall funding, and tightens Medicaid/SNAP rules. (Kevin Freking et al., PBS NewsHour)

Here’s why it matters: The bill advances Trump’s economic agenda but faces a Senate gauntlet amid deficit warnings. Analysts note provisions curbing court contempt powers and pre-empting AI regulation, framing a clash over separation of powers and executive reach. (Elena Moore & Claudia Grisales, NPR)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: A New York Post editorial cheers the vote as proof Republicans can still “cut taxes and red tape,” but faults holdouts for watering down deeper spending cuts and warns the Senate could “inflate the price tag.” (Editorial Board, New York Post)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: The Daily Beast brands the legislation a “power grab,” spotlighting buried language limiting courts and insulating agencies from injunctions. It argues the bill undermines judicial oversight and democracy while slashing social safety nets. (Sarah Ewall-Wice, The Daily Beast)

4. Netanyahu: Israel Will Control All of Gaza

Here’s what happened: On May 21, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would establish security control over the entire Gaza Strip. He also stated that Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar was "probably" killed in a recent airstrike, though confirmation is pending. (Will Gretsky and Leah Sarnoff, ABC News)

Here’s why it matters: Netanyahu's declaration marks a significant shift in Israel's approach to Gaza, suggesting a long-term military presence in the region. The potential death of a key Hamas leader could impact the group's operations and morale. These developments may influence future negotiations and the broader Middle East geopolitical landscape. (BBC News Staff, BBC)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying about this: A New York Post op-ed argues Israel “has no choice” but to seize Gaza fully, contending that international calls for restraint ignore Hamas’s continued rocket fire and hostage-taking. The writer praises Netanyahu for “finally matching rhetoric with strategy,” insisting that only total victory will deter Iran-backed militias and safeguard Israeli civilians. Critics of the plan, the column says, are “addicted to endless diplomacy that leaves terrorists intact.” (Editorial, New York Post)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying about this: A Guardian commentary brands the pledge a step toward “permanent occupation,” warning it could entrench apartheid-like rule and spark a regional backlash. The author urges foreign governments to leverage sanctions and arms embargoes to stop what he calls the “West Bank-isation of Gaza.” He argues that killing Sinwar, even if confirmed, will not end Hamas’s insurgency if underlying grievances remain unaddressed. (Ahmad Ibsais, The Guardian)

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5. Israeli Diplomats Shot in D.C. Attack

Here’s what happened: Federal prosecutors charged Chicago activist Elias Rodriguez with murder and terrorism after he fatally shot two Israeli embassy staffers outside Washington’s Capital Jewish Museum on May 21, shouting “Free Palestine.” (Jasper Ward & Emily Rose, Reuters)

Here’s why it matters: The killings heighten fears of imported Middle East violence and add urgency to the administration’s campus-antisemitism crackdown. Diplomats call it the most serious attack on Israeli personnel on U.S. soil in decades. (Nathan Ellgren, AP)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: In the New York Post, author David Bernstein says the shooting proves that “woke antisemitism” rooted in academia is normalizing violence, urging policymakers to confront radical ideology cloaked as social justice. (David Bernstein, New York Post)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Guardian columnist Kenneth Roth condemns the murders as indefensible while stressing that Israel’s Gaza campaign cannot excuse retaliation against civilians. He cautions against conflating criticism of Israel with antisemitism. (Kenneth Roth, The Guardian)

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