Texas Plans to Begin Arresting Migrants

Greg Abbott, the governor of Texas, signed into law today a measure empowering the state’s police to arrest migrants who enter the state from Mexico without authorization. The legislation, which takes effect in March, is expected to set up a court fight between Texas and the federal government over immigration enforcement powers.

Abbott, a Republican, and his intraparty allies, who passed the measure through the State Legislature last month, have said that the law is necessary to deal with a surge in migration. Tens of thousands of migrants have crossed into Texas in recent months. Federal agents, Abbott argues, have failed to adequately enforce immigration laws.

Opponents of the law have vowed to file suit to stop it from taking effect. They argue that Texas lacks the authority to enforce immigration laws under the Constitution. Some sheriffs along the border have also opposed the legislation, expressing concern that local jails and courts could be overwhelmed if even a fraction of those who cross the border every day were arrested.

In Washington, hopes dimmed for a quick deal on immigration policy, which Republicans have demanded before approving an aid package for Ukraine.

BP paused Red Sea oil shipments

Global oil prices jumped today after the energy giant BP said it had stopped sending tankers through the Red Sea. The route has become increasingly dangerous since the Houthi group began attacking ships with drones and missiles.

The Houthis, who control much of northern Yemen, have said that they intend to prevent Israeli ships from sailing the Red Sea until Israel stops its war on Hamas. Both the Houthis and Hamas are backed by Iran.

In Israel, the U.S. defense secretary told top Israeli leaders that protecting civilians was a “strategic imperative” for the Israeli campaign in Gaza. Pentagon officials said that Israel’s use of unguided munitions could explain the high death toll.

The Vatican said priests can bless same-sex couples

The Vatican announced today that Pope Francis had allowed priests to bless same-sex couples. It was his most definitive step yet to make the Roman Catholic Church more welcoming to L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics and more reflective of his vision of a more pastoral and less rigid church.

A church official said the blessings amounted to “a real development” that nevertheless did not amend “the traditional doctrine of the church about marriage.” The Vatican specified that the blessing was not the same as a marriage sacrament, a formal ceremonial rite, and that it was not blessing the relationship.

The U.S. fined Southwest Airlines $140 million

The Transportation Department announced a $140 million fine today against Southwest Airlines over a meltdown that disrupted travel for about two million people during last year’s holiday season. The penalty, most of it in the form of frequent-flier points and vouchers to customers, is roughly 30 times the department’s previous largest penalty against an airline for consumer-protection violations.

More top news

The story behind your $105 Christmas tree

By the time you pick out a Christmas tree, it could be about 10 years since it was planted. During that time, it was fertilized, sheared, shaped and harvested by a team of laborers — all of which contributes to its cost.

At one New Jersey farm, the price of its seven-foot tree increased this year to $105, with most of the cost going to labor.

In the holiday spirit? Take our quiz to see if you can identify the location of holiday lights.

Remembering those who died this year

A pioneering Supreme Court justice, a 1950s pop superstar, a significant first lady, a producer who changed the sitcom, one of the most fearsome players in football history and many more remarkable people died in 2023. We looked back and remembered them.

Do you know of someone who died recently who might be a candidate for a Times obituary? Tell us.

Unwind during the holidays

We are asking readers to share tips about the ways they unwind during the holidays. Many of you have written in, and over the coming weeks we will pass along the helpful advice. If you would like to participate, you can fill out this form.

“I played the violin — badly — in elementary school. Now, in middle age, I’ve returned to it and am using YouTube videos to learn to play old-time fiddle. This season, I’m loving squeaking out foot-stomping Christmas songs old-time style. Not so sure my family is enjoying it though? Fortunately, the holidays are a time of forgiveness.” — Mandy Ableidinger from Raleigh, N.C.

Apes don’t forget a face

A 46-year-old bonobo named Louise went 26 years without seeing her sister or her nephew. But an experiment found that she could still recognize images of their faces.

Louise’s facial memory is considered a record among nonhuman species, and a study published today suggested that long-term memory is widespread among apes. Researchers demonstrated that chimpanzees and bonobos can recall faces of other apes that they have not seen for years, suggesting that the ability may have been vital to our own evolution.

Have a familiar evening.

Thanks for reading. I’ll be back tomorrow. — Matthew

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