Trump escalates clash with Zelenskyy as Russia continues deadly attacks on Ukraine

Russia freed an American imprisoned for the last four years. Stephen Hubbard was captured in Eastern Ukraine and convicted of fighting against Russia. The 74-year-old retired teacher was reportedly freed without a swap. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff greeted Hubbard in St. Petersburg. He also met with the Russian president and praised Putin in unusually glowing terms. Nick Schifrin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

According to reports, Elon Musk ordered the slowdown of Ukraine's Starshield defense systems. Nick Schifrin reports, and Amna Nawaz discusses how the world's richest man gained such power over U.S. security interests with Charles Galbreath, a retired Air Force colonel who focused on space operations during his 30-year military career and is now at the Air Force Association's Mitchell Institute. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Wednesday, a major cybersecurity threat prompted a scramble to protect websites around the world, 1,000 people were ordered to evacuate their homes in Toledo, Ohio, following a chemical tank explosion and the Supreme Court is blocking the Trump administration from enforcing new restrictions on gender-affirming care for transgender prisoners. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The campaign is in its final stretch and the attacks are getting increasingly personal. In Ohio, Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy's campaign is behind an ad featuring the estranged mother of his Democratic opponent, Amy Acton, disputing Acton's account of her childhood. For analysis, Geoff Bennett spoke with Democratic strategist Faiz Shakir and Republican strategist Whit Ayres. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

This November, voters in Virginia, Nevada, Missouri and Idaho will decide on the future of reproductive rights. In deeply red Idaho, a citizen-led initiative faces an uphill battle to restore some abortion rights. Special correspondent Sarah Varney reports on whether the fallout from the overturning of Roe v. Wade and frustration over the current law will be enough to sway conservative Idahoans. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy