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 ends Harris’ USSS protection

Here’s what happened: President Donald Trump revoked former Vice President Kamala Harris’ extended Secret Service protection, reversing a previously undisclosed Biden-era directive that had continued her coverage beyond the standard six-month window after leaving office. The change takes effect September 1, 2025, just ahead of Harris’ scheduled book tour for “107 Days.” Harris’ adviser thanked the Secret Service for its service; California officials criticized the move as dangerous. (Grace Panetta, The 19th).

Here’s why it matters: The revocation highlights how discretionary security decisions for former senior officials can become political flashpoints, particularly when those officials have faced credible threats. It also fits a broader pattern of Trump curtailing protection for some Biden-era figures, raising questions about the criteria used to extend or end such coverage. (Anna Betts, The Guardian).

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: Right-leaning coverage emphasizes that former vice presidents are typically protected only for six months and portrays Trump’s action as a lawful correction of an unusual Biden extension. Reports also note the White House view that extensions should not be automatic, even for high-profile figures planning public tours. Some commentary frames Democratic criticism as partisan theater rather than a security-based objection. (Greg Norman et al., Fox News).

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning coverage underscores the proximity to Harris’ book tour and her history of threats, casting the move as retaliatory and heightening safety concerns. It situates the decision alongside other security rollbacks affecting critics and ex-officials, arguing it risks normalizing political retribution. Some pieces stress the symbolic impact on women of color in public life. (April Rubin, Axios).

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2. Minneapolis Catholic school shooting debate

Here’s what happened: Authorities say a 23-year-old former student opened fire during morning Mass at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, killing two children and injuring others before dying by suicide. Police described the shooter’s fascination with mass killers and said a motive remains under investigation; the FBI is probing the case as domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics. (R.J. Rico, AP News).

Here’s why it matters: Early reporting documents a detailed plan, writings, and scheduled videos linked to the suspect, offering rare real-time insight into premeditation and ideology. The case is already fueling national arguments over guns, extremism, and identity, and officials warn against premature conclusions as evidence is reviewed. (Chad de Guzman, TIME).

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: Right-leaning commentary focuses on the suspect’s reported transgender identity and broader cultural messaging, arguing that ideologies and mental-health issues—not gun policy alone—should be central to the debate. Some writers caution against simplistic narratives while contending that activist rhetoric and institutional failures can exacerbate instability. (Colin Wright, City Journal).

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning reporting stresses verified facts and warns against scapegoating transgender people, highlighting officials’ calls for restraint and community solidarity. Coverage emphasizes locked-door protocols that prevented greater loss of life and quotes leaders condemning efforts to weaponize the tragedy against trans communities. (Lucy Campbell, The Guardian).

3. Chicago braces for Guard/ICE role

Here’s what happened: Chicago officials briefed City Council members and community leaders as the city prepares for potential federal deployments, including National Guard support and expanded ICE operations tied to a broader Trump crackdown. Local leaders, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, criticized the plan and questioned its legality and necessity given recent crime declines. (Craig Wall et al., ABC7 Chicago).

Here’s why it matters: Illinois officials argue a federal troop presence would test state authority and could escalate tensions, while proponents say it’s needed to address crime and immigration enforcement. The debate previews possible court fights over presidential powers and the Insurrection Act, and how far the federal government can go without state consent. (Ben Szalinski, Capitol News Illinois).

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: Right-leaning coverage frames the plan as a necessary response to violent crime and immigration challenges, highlighting discussions to use Naval Station Great Lakes as a logistical hub. It amplifies Trump allies who say blue-state leaders refuse federal help and underscores administration claims that deployments would be sizeable and swift. (Molly Parks, Washington Examiner).

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning commentary likens the threatened deployments to creeping authoritarianism and argues the moves are politically targeted at Democratic-led, often majority-minority cities. Writers also point to falling violent-crime trends to question the stated rationale and warn of dangerous precedents for domestic military use. (Jonathan Freedland, The Guardian).

4. ICE detains Abrego Garcia again

Here’s what happened: Kilmar Abrego Garcia—whose case drew national attention after a wrongful deportation to El Salvador and subsequent return—was detained by ICE during a Baltimore check-in as the government outlined plans for renewed removal, potentially to Uganda. A federal judge ordered that he remain within 200 miles of the Maryland court while due-process issues proceed; asylum filings could complicate removal. (Jeremy Roebuck, The Washington Post).

Here’s why it matters: The case sits at the intersection of executive power over immigration courts, due-process protections, and high-profile enforcement priorities. With new asylum claims and a judge monitoring procedural rights, the outcome could set a practical marker for how far the administration can go in contested removals. (Michael Kunzelman et al., AP News).

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: Right-leaning coverage highlights administration arguments that Abrego Garcia entered unlawfully and is removable, noting officials’ contention that earlier proceedings still allow deportation to third countries. Reporting underscores the government’s broader crackdown and skepticism toward claims that legal challenges should forestall removal. (Adam Shaw, Fox News).

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning reporting stresses due-process concerns, the unusual proposal to deport to Uganda, and advocates’ claims of retaliation after prior legal victories. It focuses on the humanitarian stakes for Abrego Garcia’s family and the broader implications for asylum seekers amid firings of immigration judges and expedited enforcement. (Jeremy Roebuck, The Washington Post).

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5. Gaza hospital strike kills 5 journalists

Here’s what happened: Israel struck the area of Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, killing at least 20 people, including five Palestinian journalists working for outlets such as Reuters, AP, and Al Jazeera. Israel acknowledged striking near the hospital and opened an inquiry; officials said a camera used by Hamas to surveil troops was the intended target. (Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters).

Here’s why it matters: News organizations and press-freedom groups demanded answers, arguing the strike fits a deadly pattern for journalists in Gaza. The incident intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s rules of engagement around medical facilities and press activity, and of accountability mechanisms for wartime incidents. (Sara Fischer, Axios).

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: Right-leaning and pro-Israel coverage centers the IDF’s preliminary finding that a Hamas-operated surveillance device on the roof was the intended target and that journalists were not deliberately targeted. These reports stress the purported military necessity in dense combat zones and frame the deaths as an unintended consequence of legitimate operations. (CBS News Staff, CBS News).

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Left-leaning outlets emphasize the “double-tap” nature of the incident alleged by witnesses and the broader toll on media workers, portraying the strike as part of a pattern of unlawful attacks on journalists. They highlight calls for independent investigations and accountability measures beyond internal military probes. (Samara Baboolal, JURIST).

Sunday Sneak Peak

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