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. TikTok sale order moves ahead at $14B

Here’s what happened:
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Sept. 25 approving a framework for the sale of TikTok’s U.S. operations valued at about $14 billion. The plan gives American investors majority ownership, requires U.S. retraining of TikTok’s recommendation algorithm, and sets new rules for data storage. Trump said Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to allow the plan, though Chinese regulators have not confirmed this. (Jeff Mason et al., Reuters)

Here’s why it matters:
The $14 billion valuation is far lower than many analysts expected, raising questions about how much ByteDance is really giving up and how secure the U.S. entity will be. The outcome could set precedent for how the U.S. handles Chinese-linked tech firms in the future, especially in sensitive areas like social media and data privacy. (Jennifer Saba, Reuters Breakingviews)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying:
Right-leaning coverage describes the move as a national-security win, ensuring U.S. control over Americans’ data while avoiding a TikTok shutdown. Commentators highlight Oracle’s central role and Trump’s insistence on U.S. oversight of algorithms, though some caution that ByteDance’s influence isn’t completely erased. (Mabinty Quarshie, Washington Examiner)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying:
Left-leaning reporting points to concerns over foreign involvement, noting Abu Dhabi’s MGX fund will take a stake in the new entity. Analysts also stress that the arrangement may prioritize political optics over real safeguards, leaving unresolved questions about content moderation and data security. (Dan Milmo, The Guardian)

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2. Comey indicted for alleged false statements

Here’s what happened:
On Sept. 25, a federal grand jury indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges of making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding tied to his 2020 testimony. Prosecutors allege Comey denied authorizing certain leaks to the press. The indictment comes just before the statute of limitations expired, and Comey says he will fight the charges. (Eric Tucker et al., AP News)

Here’s why it matters:
The case highlights ongoing battles over the FBI’s handling of politically sensitive investigations and raises new questions about Justice Department independence under Trump. Analysts note that prosecuting contested testimony could set a new bar for accountability — or politicization — in congressional oversight. (Sarah N. Lynch, Reuters)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying:
Right-leaning outlets frame the indictment as overdue accountability for an official they say damaged public trust. Trump and his allies praised the move, with supporters emphasizing that “no one is above the law.” Some commentary stresses that the case could restore confidence in congressional oversight. (Brooke Singman and Greg Wehner, Fox News)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying:
Left-leaning coverage portrays the indictment as politically motivated and a troubling sign of retaliatory justice. Writers emphasize reported resistance within the DOJ to bringing charges, framing the case as an abuse of executive power. (Michael Tomasky, The New Republic)

3. ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ returns to ABC

Here’s what happened:
After being pulled from several ABC affiliates for four nights, Jimmy Kimmel Live! returned to the air on Sept. 26. The suspension followed controversy over Kimmel’s comments referencing Charlie Kirk’s assassination, which prompted Sinclair and Nexstar to drop the show temporarily. Disney and the affiliates later agreed to restore the program. (Dawn Chmielewski, Reuters)

Here’s why it matters:
The flap underscores how late-night political humor can spark real business and political consequences, particularly when tragedy is invoked. The return also highlights the influence station groups have in shaping national programming. Analysts are watching whether advertisers or viewers react long-term. (Wyatte Grantham-Philips, AP News)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying:
Right-leaning coverage calls the reinstatement a double standard, arguing that a conservative host would face harsher punishment for similar remarks. They also highlight Republican criticism of ABC, framing its support for Kimmel as political favoritism. (Christina Shaw, Fox News)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying:
Left-leaning outlets characterize the blackout as an overreaction that chilled free speech and drew ridicule abroad. The show’s quick return is portrayed as a defeat for censorship and an affirmation of media independence. (Robert McCoy, The New Republic)

4. New $100,000 H-1B visa fee proposed

Here’s what happened:
On Sept. 22, the Trump administration proposed imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B petitions, alongside rules narrowing eligibility for outsourcing firms. Officials said the changes are meant to protect U.S. jobs and direct visas to “truly specialized” roles. Tech and higher-education groups warn the plan could devastate recruiting pipelines. (Dan Wiessner, Reuters)

Here’s why it matters:
The H-1B program supports major industries including tech, healthcare, and research. A six-figure filing fee would reshape access to foreign talent, potentially pricing out smaller companies and startups. Industry groups say lawsuits and legislative pushback are likely. (Stephen Nellis, Reuters)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying:
Right-leaning commentary praises the fee as a way to deter abuse by outsourcing firms and better protect American workers’ wages. Supporters frame the shift as long overdue immigration reform aligned with national interest. (Editorial Board, Wall Street Journal)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying:
Left-leaning outlets warn the proposal could “effectively end” H-1B access for many firms and worsen shortages in critical industries. They emphasize potential damage to medical staffing and academic research, calling the move ideological overreach. (Robert McCoy, The New Republic)

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5. Tylenol–autism claims spark backlash

Here’s what happened:
On Sept. 24, President Trump publicly claimed that Tylenol use during pregnancy may cause autism, citing disputed studies, and urged women to avoid the medication. Medical experts quickly pushed back, noting there is no proven causal link between acetaminophen and autism. Groups such as the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reaffirmed acetaminophen’s safety when used as directed. (Ali Swenson and Lauran Neergaard, AP News)

Here’s why it matters:
The remarks highlight the risks of politicizing emerging research and sending mixed public-health messages. Experts note that fever itself can pose dangers in pregnancy, meaning discouraging acetaminophen could inadvertently cause harm. The episode also underscores how contested science can be amplified far beyond the evidence. (Matthew Herper, STAT News)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying:
Right-leaning commentary urged caution but also criticized federal health agencies for failing to provide clear, unified guidance. Fox segments featured physicians calling for more rigorous study while echoing skepticism of establishment reassurances. (Guy Benson, Fox News Radio)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying:
Left-leaning outlets stressed that the overwhelming scientific consensus does not support a Tylenol–autism link. Reports highlighted statements from WHO and ACOG affirming its safe use in pregnancy and warned that politicized claims could erode trust in health care. (Miles Klee, Rolling Stone)

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