SAME SEX MARRIAGE (Shutterstock).

President Joe Biden on Tuesday signed a federal law protecting same-sex marriage and interracial matrimony as well.

According to the Associated Press, Biden said, “This law and the love it defends strike a blow against hate and all its forms. And that’s why this law matters to every single American.”

The “Respect for Marriage” law, which passed Congress with some bipartisan support, is intended to offer protection for such unions if the conservative majority on the U.S. Supreme Court overturns a 2015 ruling supporting gay marriage.

The courts ruling to reverse Roe v. Wade’s creation of a national abortion right has raised concern about other liberal decisions.

Patriot missiles for Ukraine?

FLAG OF UKRAINE

The advanced Patriot surface to air anti-missile system may soon be headed to Ukraine to help defend that nation against Russian missile strikes.

According to The New York Times, the Defense Department is poised to send one MIM-104 battery with others a possibility. Ukraine has been hit by repeated missile strikes, which have knocked out power and heat for millions of people in Ukrainian cities. The Kyiv government has pleaded with the U.S. for help against the attacks.

Also in the news … An historic breakthrough was announced Tuesday by the Energy Department, as the first controlled fusion experiment produced more energy than required to ignite it has been achieved. Such a process could revolutionize the world’s power needs, reduce pollution and enhance U.S. defenses, according to United Press International

Sports: Argentina is in the final

Lionel Messi led the Argentina team to a 3-0 win over Croatia in the soccer World Cup semifinal Tuesday in Qatar. He scored one goal and got the assist on another.

The other semifinal is today (Wednesday) when France takes on Morocco, the winner facing Argentina for the title on Sunday.

PRO HOCKEY: A bad night for area NHL teams. The Buffalo Sabres whipped the Los Angeles Kings 6-0 and the Anaheim Ducks were plucked 7-0 by the Toronto Maple Leafs.

PRO BASKETBALL: The Los Angeles Lakers lost 122-118 to the Boston Celtics in overtime.

Weather:  Mostly sunny, mostly cloudy

The outlook for the West Orange County area is one full of change. On Wednesday the forecast is for a daytime high of 64 under mostly sunny skies and an overnight low of 41. But on Thursday, it’s “mostly cloudy” with 64 (45) temps. Things will heat up on Friday with a high of 71 (41) with “mostly sunny” conditions. Then, on Saturday, things cool off to 66 (43) as we get back to “mostly cloudy.”