What Will It Take?

Good evening, The horrific conditions in Gaza—driven by Israel’s blockade of life-sustaining aid and incessant bombardment—show no signs of improvement as President Donald Trump returns from the Middle East tonight, more personally enriched and no closer to a peace deal. After 18 months of bombs, starvation, and

Weekly Newsletter

Pope Rhymes With Hope

Good evening, This week made one thing painfully clear: politics is no longer just how we govern—it’s how we see the world. Even God is now filtered through a partisan lens. Nothing seems sacred anymore. Not science. Not education. Not even basic morality. When the Catholic Church named

Weekly Newsletter

ICE in the Hot Seat

This week: ICE deported three U.S. citizen kids — including a child with Stage 4 cancer. The economy shrank, Trump targeted NPR, PBS and the ICJ held hearings on whether Israel is unlawfully blocking all aid to Gaza.

The Fifth Newsletter

How to Lose a Country in 100 Days

This week fears of a financial meltdown pushed Trump to walk back some of his attacks on economic policy. Meanwhile, federal judges handed the administration a string of defeats that — at least for now — show the judiciary is still willing to check executive power. Tuesday marks Trump's 100th

The Fifth Newsletter

Gettin' Yippy With It

Na Na Na Na Nana. Don't think Trump was channeling Will Smith when he said people were getting "yippy." And yes, that is a word.

The Fifth Newsletter

The People (and Penguins) Dissent

More than one thousand rallies across the country calling on the Trump Administration to back off controversial and unconstitutional policies took place Saturday.

The Fifth Newsletter

This is What Fascism Looks Like

Trump is targeting academic institutions, students, law firms, lawyers, the press and political opponents. This isn't just a constitutional crisis anymore, it's full-on fascism.

The Fifth Newsletter

No Order in the Courts

The Trump Administration is playing fast and loose in courtrooms--and judges are not having it. Will the judiciary save democracy? Plus, Israel breaks ceasefire and kills hundreds more Gaza. How will it end?

The Fifth Newsletter

Stand Out.

History is shaped by those who, against all odds, spoke truth to power—often at great personal cost—until society could no longer ignore their heroism: Rosa Parks. Harriet Tubman. Susan B. Anthony. Frederick Douglass. Their journeys began with small, quiet acts that unknowingly sparked movements, inspiring others to fight

The Fifth Newsletter

Tariff Trouble, Musk's Power Shift & a SCOTUS Ruling Against Trump

Plus: "Crypto Bros" may be increasing their influence in American politics.

The Fifth Newsletter

Trump & Vance Embarrass U.S. in Spectacular Fashion

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was berated in the Oval Office during a meeting with the president and vice president before being asked to leave.

The Fifth Newsletter

MAGA Goes Global & Trump Backs Down on Gaza Ethnic Cleansing

Last week, we talked about the U.S. teetering on the edge of a constitutional crisis. We may now be on the brink of a moral one, too.

The Fifth Newsletter

Why This Political Moment Feels Different

Hint: Because it is.

The Fifth Newsletter

How to Dismantle a Democracy

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, Week Two.

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

Trump Week One, Brace Yourself

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

Meet the People Fueling West Bank Violence

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

Trump: The First Week

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

Biden's Final Warning, a Ban on Red Food Coloring & Hope for Gaza

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

Biden Says Israel & Hamas Have Agreed to Ceasefire

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

The Pursuit of Truth Is About to Get Harder

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 Devastation

California wildfires are fueled by dry conditions, climate change, strong Santa Ana winds, and human activity.

The Fifth Newsletter

Syria Rejoices, WTF is Flying Over NJ & the Year in Photos

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

Healthcare CEO Assassinated, Gaza's Tragedy Deepens, TikTok Ban Nears

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

Israel Aids Looting in Gaza, More Controversial Cabinet Picks + Complicated Thanksgiving Weather

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