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1. Biden signs bill to protect same-sex marriage
2. Russia launches new offensive in eastern Ukraine
3. Brittney Griner released from Russian prison

Biden signs bill to protect same-sex marriage

President Biden signed the Respect for Marriage Act into law on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. The bill repeals the Defense of Marriage Act and requires states to recognize same-sex marriages performed in other states. It also provides federal protections for same-sex couples in areas such as health care, housing, and employment.

"This law is a historic step forward for equality in our country," Biden said. "It sends a clear message that love is love and that all families deserve to be treated with dignity and respect."

The Respect for Marriage Act passed the House of Representatives with a vote of 258-169 and the Senate with a vote of 61-36. It was supported by Democrats and a majority of Republicans in both chambers.

Russia launches new offensive in eastern Ukraine

Russian forces launched a new offensive in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday, December 14, 2022. The offensive is focused on the city of Bakhmut, which has been a key target for Russian forces for months.

Ukrainian forces have been able to repel the Russian advance so far, but the fighting has been intense. Russian forces have been using artillery and airstrikes to support their ground troops.

"The situation in Bakhmut is very difficult," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said. "The enemy is trying to break through our defenses, but our soldiers are fighting back bravely."

The battle for Bakhmut is part of a larger Russian offensive in eastern Ukraine that began in April. Russian forces have been trying to capture the entire Donbas region, which includes the cities of Donetsk and Luhansk.

Brittney Griner released from Russian prison

Brittney Griner, the American basketball star who was detained in Russia for 10 months, was released on Thursday, December 15, 2022, in a prisoner swap. Griner was swapped for Viktor Bout, a Russian arms dealer who was serving a 25-year sentence in the United States.

"I'm so glad to be home," Griner said. "I want to thank everyone who worked so hard to bring me home. I'm especially grateful to President Biden for making this possible."

Griner was arrested at a Moscow airport in February 2022 after customs officials found cannabis oil in her luggage. She was sentenced to nine years in prison in August 2022.

The prisoner swap was negotiated by the Biden administration and the Russian government. The swap was a major diplomatic victory for the United States and a significant relief for Griner and her family.