Cheat Sheet - Pope Hope for the GOP

Today: 'Polar Vortex' Slams U.S. , SCOTUS Halts Utah Gay Marriage , Dennis Rodman's Sponsor for North Korea Trips Decides Working With a Homicidal Tyrant Was a Bad Idea January 06, 2014 SAVVY 1. Pope Hope for the GOP The pope says that the Catholic Church should be more welcoming to the children of gay couples. It's a softer tone than any previous pontiff has offered to the gay community, and it suggests that the Catholic Church has finally figured out something the Republican Party hasn't: it's time to address some of the institution's outdated beliefs. The Daily Beast's Sally Kohn on how the GOP became more out of touch than the Catholic Church. Read it at The Daily Beast BRR 2. 'Polar Vortex' Slams U.S. Time to renew that Netflix subscription, because you most likely won't be leaving your house anytime soon. Subzero temperatures caused by a "polar vortex" slammed much of the U.S. on Monday, with frigid air sweeping from the Dakotas through Minnesota. Temperatures in the Midwest and the Plains states dropped as low as 30 below zero, with the wind chill making it seem as cold as -50 degrees. Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn advised people not to go outside unless absolutely necessary, while meteorologists warned there is the threat of frostbite in "minutes or even seconds."  Thousands of flights were canceled, and passengers on an Amtrak train traveling from Detroit to Chicago were stranded after the train's engine froze. No wonder Michelle Obama stayed behind in Hawaii—how many of us can she take in for this party? Read it at NBC News STEP BACKWARD 3. SCOTUS Halts Utah Gay Marriage The Supreme Court put a hold on a Utah judge's decision to strike down the state's ban on same-sex marriage, which effectively halts gay marriage in the state. The Court's decision will remain in place until a federal appeals court takes up the case. More than 900 gay and lesbian couples have married in Utah since December 20, when U.S. District Judge Robert Shelby ruled that the state's ban on same-sex marriage was unconstitutional. Read it at SCOTUS Blog TERRORIST 4. Jihad Jane Gets 10 Years Colleen R. LaRose, the American-born woman known as Jihad Jane, was sentenced Monday to 10 years in prison for her role in planning a failed al Qaeda plot to kill a Swedish artist who depicted the head of the Prophet Muhammad on a dog. LaRose apologized for her actions at her sentencing hearing Monday, saying she was "in a trance." LaRose had traveled to Europe in 2009 to help carry out the plot, but apparently became frustrated with the other militants after six weeks and returned to Philadelphia, where she was arrested. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Arbittier Williams had sought "decades behind bars" for LaRose, but the defense argued that she was easily manipulated. Read it at Reuters ON SECOND THOUGHT 5. Saying No to North Korea Dennis Rodman's ex-NBA players left for North Korea on Monday, but they've lost their corporate sponsor, Paddy Power. The Irish bookmakers announced on Christmas Eve that they would be withdrawing their support after the brutal murder of Kim Jong Un's uncle, Jang Song Thaek. The Daily Beast's Tom Sykes talks to Paddy Power and asks them what they were thinking in the first place. Read it at The Daily Beast OUCH Angela Merkel Breaks Her Pelvis During a ski accident. NO JUSTICE Steubenville Defendant Released Was convicted less than a year ago. Duped North Korea Dog Story Was Fake Kim Jong Un's uncle was not eaten alive by 120 dogs. TIGER BLOOD Sheen: Marriage Tweet a Joke Said he wanted to give ex-wife "a stroke." JELENA Bieber, Gomez Back On? Post Instagram shot cuddling. Rolling Stone The WikiLeaks Mole PopSugar Kim Kardashian's Butt Contest GQ Make Your Doctor Earn That Co-pay GET The Cheat Sheet A speedy, smart summary of news and must-reads from across the Web. You'll love the featured original stories on politics, entertainment, and more from The Daily Beast's diverse group of contributors. GET Culture Beast Weekly cultural recommendations from The Daily Beast. Reel Numbers: 'Jack Ryan' At least three Americans have passed polygraph tests while spying on the U.S. Check out more spy stats connected to 'Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit,' the reboot of Tom Clancy's brainy hero. More Videos How to Be Cameron Diaz by Abby Haglage Henry Ford's Genius Wage Hike by Daniel Gross Destroying Washington's Tavern by Jacob Siegel

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