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. Mahmoud Khalil v. Trump Administration

Here'Here’s what happened: Pro-Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil, recently freed after a 100-day immigration detention, has filed a $20 million Federal Tort Claims Act suit saying the Trump administration targeted him for protected speech and violated his civil-rights. Jack Queen and (Jonathan Allen, Reuters)

Here’s why it matters: The case puts a dollar figure on alleged abuses of the administration’s “ideological-deportation” policy. If successful, it could chill future efforts to penalize political speech and open the government to similar claims from other activists. (Cory Sampson, Washington Post)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: Commentators call the claim “absurd,” arguing DHS acted within its mandate and warning that large payouts would encourage “lawfare” against immigration enforcement. (Alex Nitzberg, Fox News)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressive outlets frame Khalil as a free-speech bellwether, noting civil-rights groups view the suit as a chance to restrain an administration they say equates pro-Palestinian protest with extremism. (The Guardian Staff, The Guardian)

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2. Planned Parenthood Sues Over Medicaid Cut

Here’s what happened: Planned Parenthood filed suit in federal court to block a budget-bill clause that strips its Medicaid reimbursements, warning up to 200 clinics could close. (Brendan Pierson, Reuters)

Here’s why it matters: Medicaid is the largest U.S. payer of family-planning services; losing access could leave 1 million low-income patients without preventive care—an early legal test of Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill.” (David Crary, AP News)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: Pro-life voices hail the cut as a long-sought victory, claiming taxpayer money should never flow to “abortion giants” and predicting the court will uphold Congress’s power of the purse. (Danielle Wallace, Fox News)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Progressive analysts argue the move weaponizes health funding to punish political opponents and disproportionately harms rural women, framing the suit as vital to preserving broader reproductive-health infrastructure. (Abby Vesoulis, The Week)

3. Was the Weather Service Ready for the Texas Floods?

Here’s what happened: After flash floods killed more than 100 along the Guadalupe River, local officials questioned whether the National Weather Service’s sparse Hill Country gauges gave enough warning. (Paul Cobler, Texas Tribune)

Here’s why it matters: A Washington Post analysis shows U.S. flood deaths hit a 25-year high in 2024 and are trending upward as storms grow wetter—spotlighting how budget and staffing cuts can turn extreme rainfall into mass-casualty events. Hannah (Bensen et al., Washington Post)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: National Review argues critics are scapegoating the NWS; personal responsibility and ignoring road-closure signs, not federal forecasting, caused the heavy toll. (Editors, National Review)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: A Center for American Progress brief ties the disaster to Trump-era NOAA layoffs, contending slashed science budgets left forecasters “flying blind” and communities defenseless. (Margaret Cooney and Cody Hankerson, Center for American Progress)

4. Epstein Findings Still Doubted by MAGA—and Beyond

Here’s what happened: A Justice Department review reiterated there’s no evidence of murder or a hidden “client list,” confirming Jeffrey Epstein’s 2019 death was a suicide, but sparking backlash from some Trump supporters. (Sarah N. Lynch, Reuters)

Here’s why it matters: The enduring distrust underscores how conspiracy theories survive official debunks and complicate DOJ attempts to close high-profile cases, potentially eroding public confidence in future investigations. (Aaron Blake, Washington Post)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: The Daily Wire notes grassroots conservatives feel “betrayed” by former heroes Bondi and Patel, insisting unanswered questions remain and vowing to crowd-source new probes. (Zach Jewell, Daily Wire)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: Guardian writers say the outcry shows the movement’s appetite for scandal even when evidence is lacking, arguing it reflects a broader ecosystem that monetizes distrust. (Chris Stein et al., The Guardian)

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5. Musk Launches the “America Party”

Here’s what happened: In a post-Trump feud, Elon Musk announced a new “America Party,” pledging to back deficit hawks, gun rights and crypto, while President Trump dismissed the idea as “ridiculous.” (Nandita Bose, Reuters)

Here’s why it matters: Analysts say Musk’s wealth could let him shape key House races, yet third-party bids face daunting ballot-access hurdles and often end up spoilers, not winners. (Aaron Mak, Politico)

Here’s what right-leaning sources are saying: Fox News highlights Republican worries that Musk will siphon anti-Democratic votes, ultimately helping Democrats; commentators urge Musk to push reform within the GOP instead. (Brooke Singman, Fox News)

Here’s what left-leaning sources are saying: The New Yorker contends Musk’s bid reveals cracks in the two-party system but notes his polarizing persona and unclear platform make long-term success unlikely. (Jon Allsop, New Yorker)

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