Lawmakers in the House have voted to end the COVID-19 vaccine mandate for members of the U.S. military before passing a much more controversial bill that redefines marriage, the alleged gunman in a mass shooting at a Colorado nightclub was arrested in June of last year, Iran executed a person arrested during nationwide protests, WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner will be home for Christmas while former Marine Paul Whelan sits behind bars, Incoming Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is asking for more time to form a new ruling government

Plus: keeping celebrities at an arm’s length, and puberty blockers as a rite of passage

BACKGROUNDER | Expectations for Congress’ upper chamber for the next two years