Good Morning! Today’s edition is 839 words, a 4-minute read.

What’s on tap: 

• Record merger in the works

• Fraud tip program

• Light-bending sculpture

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Big Stories

Russia Frees American

• Russia released retired American teacher Stephen Hubbard Wednesday as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg for talks on ending the war in Ukraine.

• Russian forces detained the 74-year-old Michigan native in the Ukrainian city of Izium in April 2022. A Russian court later sentenced him to nearly seven years in prison for allegedly fighting as a mercenary. His family and lawyer disputed that account and said he had not fought for Ukraine. The U.S. designated him wrongfully detained.

• Putin said he approved the release at President Trump’s request and cited Hubbard’s health. Trump said the U.S. made no concessions. The Kremlin said Putin agreed to resume three-way talks involving Russia and Ukraine alongside the U.S. No date was confirmed.

Toledo Chemical Release

• A chemical tank leak forced nearly 1,000 people from their homes in northern Toledo, Ohio, and prompted officials to advise more than 50,000 others to stay indoors Wednesday. About 30 people were evaluated for potentially related symptoms.

• Ohio’s EPA attributed the release of glycidyl methacrylate to an error during transfer. Used in plastics and coatings, the chemical can irritate the eyes and respiratory system and react explosively. Officials allowed the tank to vent because trying to stop the leak posed a greater danger.

• The evacuations follow another major chemical emergency in Ohio. The 2023 East Palestine train derailment contaminated soil and waterways and led to a $600 million settlement for residents and businesses. Cleanup finished by January 2026, but long-term water monitoring continues.

Record Merger Explored

• SpaceX and Tesla are exploring what could become the largest corporate merger in history, joining businesses worth roughly $3.5 trillion at Tuesday’s stock prices. Elon Musk confirmed that independent committees are discussing a possible deal.

• Their work increasingly overlaps in AI chips and robotics alongside satellite connectivity. Combining the businesses would put those projects under one company and give Tesla investors a stake in SpaceX’s launch and Starlink operations. SpaceX investors would gain exposure to Tesla’s vehicle and energy businesses.

• No terms have been agreed. Musk supports a merger but said his ownership in both companies prevents him from participating in the committees’ discussions. Approval would require support from half of all Tesla shareholders rather than just a majority of those voting.

Quick Stories

U.S. News

• Chiricahua became America’s 64th national park Tuesday after President Trump signed legislation redesignating the southeastern Arizona monument known for its towering volcanic rock formations. (More)

• The administration launched a $25 million program offering rewards of up to $30,000 for tips leading to fraud convictions or significant federal enforcement actions. (More)

• The Energy Department offered to loan up to 315,000 barrels from the emergency heating-oil reserve to ease shortages and high fuel prices. (More)

World

• A drone strike killed more than 150 people at a market in disputed Abyei, local officials said. South Sudanese officials blamed Sudan’s military for Monday’s attack. (More)

• Australian lawmaker Helen Haines had both legs amputated after Monday’s vehicle attack outside her office. Her husband said Wednesday that she remained critically ill. (More)

• The U.S. ordered nonessential diplomats and their families to leave Saudi Arabia Wednesday following deadly Houthi attacks. The U.S. military is also reducing its troop presence at bases across the Middle East. (More)

Business & Economy

• U.S. stock markets closed higher on Wednesday (S&P +0.58%, Nasdaq +1.05%, Dow +0.69%) on the back of climbing tech stocks. (More)

• A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion Wednesday for deceiving Facebook users about data privacy in a case tied to Cambridge Analytica. Meta said it would appeal. (More)

• Salesforce agreed to buy customer-messaging company Braze for about $5.66 billion to expand its marketing software and AI capabilities. (More)

Sports & Entertainment

• Washington receiver Terry McLaurin will miss the rest of the season after tearing the patellar tendon in his left knee during Monday’s loss to San Francisco. (More)

• The Atlanta Dream beat Golden State 97–71 Wednesday to take a 2–1 lead in the WNBA Finals. (More)

• The NFL will proceed with Sunday’s Steelers–Saints game in Paris despite recent riots. Commissioner Roger Goodell said Wednesday he was comfortable with security arrangements. (More)

Science, Health, & Tech

• Arizona State researchers developed a membrane that captures and breaks down PFAS rather than leaving the pollutants in used filters. The approach remains experimental. (More)

• Researchers turned soybean-processing waste into a 3D-printable material that supported wound-repair activity in cell tests. It could inform future dressings but has not demonstrated patient benefits. (More)

• A machine-learning study identified warning signals before polar-vortex disruptions in atmospheric simulations. Researchers hope the findings could eventually improve forecasts of severe cold outbreaks. (More)

Extra Credit

• See the winners from the panoramic photography contest.

• Watch a sculpture turn movement into light.

• Compare a world map that preserves countries’ relative sizes.

• On the hunt for lost fireflies.