Jonathan Majors, Catholic blessings, and a quadruple rainbow.

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Actor Jonathan Majors guilty of harassment and assault

Actor Jonathan Majors has been found guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment in connection with an incident involving his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari.

• Verdict: Majors was found guilty of two of the four counts brought against him - misdemeanor assault and harassment. The judge issued a new protection order against the actor following the trial. Majors' sentencing is scheduled for February 6. The verdict has immediate repercussions on Majors' Hollywood career, including his role in the Marvel superhero franchise.

• Background: The charges stem from a March 25 incident between Majors and Jabbari. During the trial, Jabbari testified that she was "scared" of Majors throughout their relationship. Prosecutors alleged that Majors slapped Jabbari and fractured her finger, while Majors denied striking her and claimed to be the victim after suffering scratches.

• Looking Ahead: Despite being acquitted of intentional harm, the outcome has already had a big impact on Majors' career. Marvel Studios had casted him as the villain Kang the Conqueror in its superhero franchise. But sources close to the situation said he won’t appear in 2026’s “Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.” Other projects have also been affected. A bodybuilding film called “Magazine Dreams” starring Majors has been scrubbed from the fall movie calendar.

Pope Francis approves Catholic blessings for same-sex couples, but not for marriage

Pope Francis has granted formal approval for Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples, a departure from the Vatican's previous stance.

• What's Happening: The decree, titled "Fiducia Supplicans: On the Pastoral Meaning of Blessings," permits blessings as long as they don't appear to endorse the marriage. This marks a more permissive stance compared to the 2021 decision stating God "cannot bless sin."

• Fine lines: The declaration is a significant change in how the Vatican views LGBTQ issues. It allows blessings for same-sex couples, but the Vatican still says marriage should only be between a man and a woman. The document explains when and how priests can give blessings, saying it shouldn't be connected to civil unions or anything like a wedding. It also outlines the right places for blessings like in meetings with priests or visits to shrines.

• Impact: While Pope Francis has consistently advocated for LGBTQ inclusivity, the Vatican's declaration maintains a balance by not altering the Church's teaching on marriage. Yet, the document shows an evolving approach within the Catholic Church and provides a framework for blessings in same-sex partners, as well as other couples in "irregular situations," such as those who are divorced or remarried without annulments.

Gov. Abbot signs law criminalizing illegal border crossings

Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new immigration bill making unauthorized border crossings a state crime.

• Why it matters: The legislation grants Texas law enforcement the authority to arrest individuals suspected of illegally crossing the Mexican border into the state. It’s scheduled to take effect in March of 2024.

• Penalties and concerns: The law will put first-time offenders in jail for up to six months and a second offense comes with 20 years in prison. However, people who are convicted can have their sentences waived by agreeing to be deported to Mexico. Critics are voicing concerns about potential racial profiling by police and are urging people who are unsure of their immigration status to consult an attorney to get their documents in order to guard against profiling.

• Legal challenges and opposition: Opponents plan to sue Texas to challenge the law, which could delay its debut. Across the border, the Mexican government has already pushed back, saying it “rejects measures allowing state or local authorities to detain and return individuals to Mexican territory.” The new law has sparked a discussion about whether states should have a say in immigration issues. Some think it undermines the federal government's control, while others are open to court challenges to review past decisions on how states can handle immigration enforcement.

Little Stories

U.S. News

• A state audit found that Tennessee prisons face severe staffing issues, with a 61% vacancy rate in one facility. The shortages are affecting key prisoner services, including therapy, substance abuse treatment, education and re-entry assistance. (More)

• A powerful storm hit the mid-Atlantic coast, affecting 59 million people from Virginia to Maine with heavy rain and thunderstorms. Almost 700,000 homes and businesses lost power, leading to flight delays and cancellations for holiday travelers. Storm alerts will be in effect through this evening. (More)

• Ruby Franke, a Youtuber who gave parenting advice, pleaded guilty to four felony counts of second-degree aggravated child abuse. The charges stemmed from the discovery of one of her children with open wounds and another suffering from malnourishment at the home of Franke's business partner, Jodi Hildebrandt. Franke and Hildebrandt were arrested in August. (More)

World

• Israel said it will move towards lower intensity combat to reduce harm to civilians after talks with U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that Gazans will likely be able to return to the northern part of the territory but didn’t give a timeframe. (More)

• Media tycoon Jimmy Lai is on trial in Hong Kong for allegedly breaching national security and colluding with foreign forces. Lai, a pro-democracy figure, denies all charges. He was arrested in December 2020 under a security law criticized for stifling dissent and faces life in prison if convicted. (More)

• The Pentagon announced plans to create a new force to guard commercial ships traveling the Red Sea that have been attacked by Houthi rebels in Yemen. A few large companies have stopped operating in the area because of the risks. (More)

Business & Economy

• U.S. stock markets closed higher on Monday (S&P +0.45%, Nasdaq +0.61%, Dow +0.00%). (More)

• U.S. Steel has been acquired by Nippon Steel for $14 billion. The acquisition will make the combined company one of the top three steel-producing companies in the world. (More)

• The U.S. Department of Transportation handed out a $140 million fine to Southwest Airlines for its operational meltdown during the 2022 holiday travel season. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• HBO's "Real Sports" is ending its 29-year run, with the final episode airing tonight at 10 p.m. EST. Led by Bryant Gumbel, the show was known for in-depth sports journalism, covering issues like corruption at the International Olympic Committee, labor abuses in Qatar, and concussions in sports. (More)

• Georgia quarterback Carson Beck announced he will return for his senior year after leading the Bulldogs to a 12-1 record in his first season as a starter. Beck completed 72.4% of his passes for 3,738 yards, 22 touchdowns, and six interceptions in 2023. (More)

• Purdue returned to the No. 1 spot in the AP men’s college basketball poll after beating undefeated Arizona 92-84 this weekend. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• Scientists from the University of California, Berkeley, discovered that great apes and chimpanzees can remember family and friends they haven't seen in over 20 years. It is believed to be the longest-lasting nonhuman memory ever recorded. (More)

• A new study shows an increase in severe obesity among young U.S. children. Previously the obesity rate had dropped when the last study was done in 2010 but has since ticked back up to 2.5% in the 1.2 million that were surveyed. (More)

• Apple is stopping sales of some Apple Watch models in the U.S. due to a dispute with Masimo over a patent violation. (More)

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