The Women’s World Cup’s kissing scandal has evolved into a criminal investigation.

#SeAcabó

The Story

The Women’s World Cup’s kissing scandal has evolved into a criminal investigation.

Kick us off.

Yesterday, Spanish prosecutors announced they’re opening an investigation into whether or not Luis Rubiales should be charged with sexual aggression. The investigation follows an unwanted kiss Rubiales planted on star player Jenni Hermoso during their World Cup victory earlier this month. Over the weekend, FIFA suspended Rubiales for 90 days. Now, Spanish prosecutors gave Hermoso 15 days to file a sexual assault complaint against Rubiales — which they need to move forward with a case against him.

How are people reacting?

Rubiales has refused to resign and vowed to “fight to the end.” Rubiales’ mother locked herself in a church in southern Spanish and is on a hunger strike. She said she plans to strike “day and night” over the inhumane “hunt” against her son. Meanwhile, in Madrid, hundreds gathered in support of Hermoso as Spain's Sports Tribunal and the Spanish Football Federation met. They discussed Rubiales’ future and asked him to resign. They said, “The unacceptable behavior has caused great damage to the image of Spanish soccer.”

theSkimm

Shortly after winning its first Women’s World Cup title, La Roja found itself at the center of a scandal that put sexism at the forefront of a sport that’s struggling to overcome it. Now, players and fans are saying #SeAcabó (it's over) and calling for Rubiales’ resignation.

Who’s booked and busy…

Former President Trump. Yesterday, a district judge decided that Trump’s federal election interference case will begin on March 4, 2024. The date comes two years earlier than what Trump requested — and puts it right in the middle of the Republican primaries, a day before Super Tuesday. The March date could conflict with the three other trials Trump is facing, related to: allegedly mishandling classified docs, attempting to overturn Georgia's 2020 election results (similar to the federal case), and paying hush money illegally — the last of which is also scheduled for March of 2024. Trump called it election interference and said he would appeal.

Whose stock went flying…

Hawaiian Electric Company’s. Yesterday, the electric utility company’s stock price went up more than 40%. The jump comes after the company defended itself against a lawsuit filed by Maui County blaming them for the deadly wildfires that spread through the island. The company said its power lines that were knocked down by high winds caused a morning brush fire. But that their power lines were off when a second fire sparked later that day. Now, shares of the utility company were up to $13.56 — their largest jump ever. Still, the stock fell about 70% this month — putting it on track for its worst month yet.

What has people's attention...

A new CTE study. Yesterday, researchers from Boston University found that younger athletes can also develop symptoms of the disease. CTE is a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated blows to the head. It’s been linked to memory loss, aggression, depression, and suicidal behavior. The study looked at 152 brains donated from people between 13 to 29 years old. They mostly looked at the brains of amateur athletes who played in youth, high school, and college sports. Turns out, 41% had autopsy-confirmed CTE. It also included one confirmed case from a female college player — the first for a woman amateur soccer player. Most of the donors played football, as well as soccer, ice hockey, wrestling, and rugby. One of the authors said it “clearly shows that the pathology of CTE starts early.”

What's getting the axe...

“The Idol.” Yesterday, HBO announced that the show was done and won't be back for a second season. The controversial show was created by Euphoria creator Sam Levinson and starred Abel Tesfaye (aka The Weeknd) and Lily-Rose Depp. The show was filled with scandal before it hit the small screen. From its original female director leaving the show to behind-the-scenes reports of sexism on set. Some critics even called it the "the worst TV show of the year."

...Oh and speaking of The Weeknd, Selena Gomez shut down rumors that her latest song "Single Soon" is about her ex of 2017.

What's got a new start date...

“Dune: Part Two.”