Russia first occupied the Ukrainian city of Melitopol in March 2022. After the persecution of pro-Ukrainian activists, former government officials, human rights defenders and journalists, Russian secret services turned its attention to churches, their pastors and congregations. With the support of the Pulitzer Center, special correspondent Simon Ostrovsky and videographer Yegor Troyanovsky report. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Ukrainian Christian groups face violent crackdown from Russian forces

Learn more about your world through in-depth analysis and on-the-ground reports. (Updated periodically) PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

News & Politics

In our news wrap Thursday, officials announced rebuilding the Key Bridge in Baltimore will take four years and cost nearly $2 billion, Hamas is sending a delegation back to Egypt for talks on a Gaza cease-fire with Israel, U.S. intelligence says Iran's allies have paused attacks on American troops for now and Donald Trump stepped up threats to reject November's election results if he does not win. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

News Wrap: Rebuilding Baltimore bridge will take 4 years and cost $2 billion

Among the more than 100 hostages still held captive by Hamas in Gaza are five American captives believed to be alive and the bodies of three Americans confirmed dead. Israeli American Keith Siegel has been missing from his home in southern Israel since October. Amna Nawaz spoke with his niece, Hanna Siegel, about the status of hostage negotiations and the relentless work to bring them home. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Niece of American held hostage in Gaza updates efforts to bring him home

In our news wrap Wednesday, Secretary of State Blinken is in Israel and insisting the "time is now" for a cease-fire, Prime Minister Netanyahu's office insisted Israel still means to assault the city of Rafah, the Federal Reserve left its key interest rate unchanged as inflation remains stubbornly high and a Florida ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy took effect. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

News Wrap: Blinken says "time is now" for a Gaza cease-fire

The Biden Administration calls the People's Republic of China the only country with the will, intent and military strength to change the world order. The U.S. military officer responsible for China and the vast area from Hawaii to India is stepping down this week after three years and a 40-year career. Nick Schifrin spoke with Adm. John Aquilino in Honolulu. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Outgoing U.S. Indo-Pacific commander urges more action to counter China's military power

Africa faces challenges as varied as its vast landmass. But one that's shared by all 54 countries is how to feed a population of 1.2 billion that's expected to double by 2050. Fred de Sam Lazaro reports on one attempt to build a foundation.  It's part of his series, Agents for Change. PBS NewsHour is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Ukrainian Christian groups face violent crackdown from Russian forces

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