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Welcome to the Bulletin,

We are back after Memorial Day weekend. Here's a rundown of some stories to get you back in the swing of things: Trump could be facing more legal trouble, according to one legal expert. One of Biden's biggest swing states is not even in America. Greg Abbott is facing a crucial test from his own party in Texas. Spain is sending aid to Ukraine to help in its war against Russia. And finally, advocates are taking a stand against childhood marriage in America. Scroll down to read more on these top stories and more to start your day.

  • Pope Francis criticized: Pope Francis has sparked a backlash after allegedly using a homophobic slur while speaking about why gay men shouldn't be allowed to become priests. Here's what he said.
  • Republican calls for SNAP reform: A Missouri lawmaker said that SNAP benefits must be curbed as the program has "ballooned out of control." Here's why.
  • Trump flag at post office prompts probe: An investigation has been launched after a Donald Trump 2024 flag was seen flying on a New York state post office flagpole on Memorial Day, according to a local media report.
  • United flight aborts over fire: A United Airlines plane had to abort its takeoff after an engine caught fire with 153 people on board on Memorial Day. Find out more.
  • In the ongoing war in Ukraine, videos circulating on social media show a massive using U.S.-supplied missiles.

TL/DR: On May 21, 11 of those indicted in the Arizona case were arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.

Donald Trump might face additional criminal charges in ongoing cases in Arizona and Michigan, according to legal expert Daniel Gielchinsky. Gielchinsky suggests a fifth indictment in Arizona is likely due to another defendant's plea deal. Here's why these potential indictments could be game changers for Trump's legal battles and political future. Subscribe to Trump Trial Watch to learn more about upcoming trial details.

Why it matters: The claim was made by Daniel Gielchinsky, an attorney and founder of Florida-based company DGIM Law, who said a fifth Trump indictment in Arizona would "most likely" be the result of another defendant agreeing to testify against him as part of a plea deal. Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes may indict Trump after plea deals.

Read more in-depth coverage:

Judge's Jury Instructions Could Change Trump Trial Outcome: Jury Consultant

What happens now? Closing arguments in Trump’s hush money trials will begin today. A 12-person jury will begin their deliberations on Wednesday.

TL/DR: Even a successful effort by the Joe Biden administration may not be enough to sway a deep-rooted Saudi shift toward embracing new foreign ties that may run contrary to U.S. interests.

President Biden is vying for influence in Saudi Arabia amid groundbreaking policy changes. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 plan is reshaping Saudi domestic and foreign policies, creating new challenges for U.S.-Saudi relations. Discover how these shifts could impact Biden's strategic goals and the future of Middle Eastern alliances.

Why it matters: Though officials in Riyadh and Washington continue to emphasize the importance of their partnership, recent rifts, and ongoing negotiations have cast doubt on the future of U.S.-Saudi cooperation, a key strategic alliance in the Middle East.

Read more in-depth coverage:

Were Joe Biden's Hopes for a Pre-Convention Peace Deal Just Crushed?

What happens now? Mohammed al-Hamed, a Saudi geopolitical analyst serving as president of the Saudi Elite consultancy, said that "if the U.S. needs to keep its influence in the Middle East, it should ensure collaboration on mutual interests such as regional stability, counterterrorism and security efforts, and energy security.”

TL/DR: School voucher programs have gained steam across the nation. In 2023 alone, ten states passed or expanded school choice laws, and education savings accounts exist in 18 states.

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott faces a critical test as he endorses GOP primary challengers to back his school vouchers program. Despite spending $6.1 million, Abbott failed to pass the bill due to opposition from Democrats and rural Republicans. Find out what's at stake for Abbott's legislative agenda and which candidates are in the runoffs.

Why it matters: This election cycle, Abbott has endorsed 14 GOP primary challengers in hopes of unseating the House Republicans who repeatedly voted against his school vouchers program. The opposition to his school vouchers plan came from a united Democratic coalition and about two dozen Republicans representing rural areas.

Read more in-depth coverage:

Texas Democrat Praises Greg Abbott Amid New Border Wall Construction

What happens now? Texas is holding its primary runoffs for both parties today, when voters will decide the Republican nominees in three more races where the governor has endorsed a primary challenger.

TL/DR: Meanwhile, Russia's military began nuclear-weapon drills on Tuesday in response to "provocative statements and threats of certain Western officials regarding the Russian Federation," according to the country's defense ministry.

Ukraine and Spain signed a security agreement allocating €1 billion in military aid, including anti-aircraft missiles and Leopard tanks. This deal is crucial for Ukraine's defense against Russia's invasion. Here's the full list of weapons Spain is sending and how this aid will impact the conflict.

Why it matters: Reuters reported that the agreement calls for the supply of modern military equipment for ground, aerial, naval and other uses. In addition, it emphasizes protecting Ukraine's food export routes.

Read more in-depth coverage:

Ukraine War Maps Reveal Russian Advances Along Whole Front Line

What happens now? Zelensky will visit the Portuguese capital of Lisbon today, where he is expected to sign a similar 10-year agreement. The 10-year pact also allocates that Spain will send Ukraine 5 billion euros ($5.4 billion) by 2027.

TL/DR: Up until 2018, every state still allowed child marriage. Then, Delaware became the first to end the practice.

Child marriage remains legal in most U.S. states, leaving minors vulnerable to abuse. Despite some states banning the practice, advocates say more action is needed. Learn why child marriage is still a significant issue in the U.S. and what steps are being taken to address it.

Why it matters: Up until 2018, every state still allowed child marriage. Then, Delaware became the first to end the practice. Advocates warn that married minors face unique challenges in breaking out of poverty, are left vulnerable to physical and emotional abuse, and may struggle to gain access to the systems intended to protect abuse victims.

Read more in-depth coverage:

Republicans Want to Kill Their Own Bill to End Child Marriage

What happens now? In 11 years, 8,686 petitions were made to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) involving a child, and some involving large age differences were granted, according to Hayat Bearat, interim director of the Domestic Violence Institute report. Fraidy Reiss, Unchained at Last's founder and executive director, told Newsweek that states should still take action, as the federal government does not appear likely to change immigration law

Today's Front Pages: Flimsy Case Against Trump, US Guns Smuggled to Mexico

Good morning, and welcome to Newsweek's summary of Tuesday's national, regional, and international newspapers.

USA Today

USA Today leads on a story about a massive leak of Mexican military intelligence that shows how tens of thousands of firearms from U.S. gun shops have been smuggled south across the border.

New York Post

The New York Post leads on a write-off from an op-ed it runs by Jonathan Turley, an attorney, who claims Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg has not made a compelling case for convicting Donald Trump. Closing arguments will be heard from today in the former president's hush money trial.

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