The Fifth Newsletter
It's Friday, February 7, 2025, and here are this week's top stories. But first, the big picture: Themes for This Week * Major government overhaul: The administration shut down an entire federal agency and has plans to dismantle more—all without the required Congressional oversight. * Lack of
The Fifth Newsletter
Trump's second-week actions showcase an effort to replace the federal government with loyalists who will enact his most egregious policies without question.
The Fifth Newsletter
Well, this week has been a doozy. On Monday, President Donald Trump was inaugurated, and it didn’t take long for things to spiral. While we had some idea of what to expect in his first days, nothing could truly prepare you for watching democracy being dismantled piece-by-piece before your
Palestine
Israeli settler violence in the Occupied West Bank has skyrocketed since Trump took office. According to the UNHCR, at least 10 Palestinians, including a child shot in the chest by Israeli security forces, have been killed. Dozens more are injured. But here’s the thing—this isn’t just random
Here is a list of some of the executive orders Trump signed this week. Please note that an EO does not mean it will happen, that it’s legal, or that the President has the authority to do so. But it does mean the Trump Administration will sure as hell
The Fifth Newsletter
Here's what to know for the week ending January 17, 2025. And parents, take note of a new ban on red food colorant that affects many children's products, including cough syrups and candy. More on that below. But first, Gaza. ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu'
Gaza
President Biden announced a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas on Wednesday, though Israel has not yet publicly agreed. Prime Minister Netanyahu said "unresolved points" will be "finalized tonight." While many hope this could bring some relief to Palestinians in Gaza, there's concern.
The Fifth Newsletter
Meta will no longer fact-check posts and instead rely on community notes — similar to X. This means anything goes – including half-truths and outright misinformation.
California wildfires are fueled by dry conditions, climate change, strong Santa Ana winds, and human activity.
The Fifth Newsletter
It's Friday, December 13, 2024. Today marks the 21st anniversary of U.S. forces capturing Saddam Hussein, who was found hiding in a small hole on a farm near Tikrit. It’s also the 24th anniversary of Vice President Al Gore conceding the presidential election to George W.
The Fifth Newsletter
HAPPENING TONIGHT In Syria Syrian rebels, known as Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), are advancing toward the capital, Damascus, in a renewed effort to topple President Bashar al-Assad. The rebels' latest push began the day after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah was brokered. Since then, the rebels have captured
The Fifth Newsletter
THE MIDDLE EAST For months, Israel has claimed Hamas is looting humanitarian aid trucks, justifying a months-long denial of aid to Northern Gaza, where people face famine and hospitals are barely functioning. However, human rights groups on the ground say this isn't the case. According to The Washington