News Wrap: Germany says Ukraine can use its long-range weapons on targets in Russia

Geoff Bennett:

In the day's other headlines: Germany has given Ukraine the green light to use long-range weapons supplied by Berlin on targets inside Russia.

The Biden administration gave a similar approval yesterday. In both instances, the use of the weapons is limited to defending against Russian attacks on the border region of Kharkiv. Meantime, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Stockholm today concluding long-term security agreements with Sweden and Norway. Kyiv has now signed such deals with 15 Western nations.

And Secretary of State Antony Blinken today said the upcoming NATO summit in July will bring more Western support, as well as a path to membership in the alliance.

Antony Blinken, U.S. Secretary of State: And our purpose now is to put in place the bridge to bring Ukraine closer to and then ultimately into NATO. And, as I have said, it's a bridge that I think you will see emerge at the summit that's both very strong and very well lit.

Geoff Bennett:

Against the backdrop of diplomacy, there was a moment of relief on the front lines today as Russia and Ukraine took part in a prisoner exchange; 75 Russians and 75 Ukrainians were involved in the swap, the first since February.

And a passing of note tonight. Marian Robinson, mother of former first lady Michelle Obama, has passed away, according to the family. She was a fixture in the Obama White House, having moved from Chicago to Washington with the Obamas to help with her young granddaughters.

The family said in a statement — quote — "She passed peacefully this morning, and, right now, none of us are quite sure how exactly we will move on without her."

Marian Robinson was 86 years old.

Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia has registered as an independent. The longtime Democrat has long flirted with leaving a party he thinks is far too liberal. In a video statement today, Manchin cited his dedication to putting country before party as a reason for the switch.

Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV):

My commitment to my great country has been doing everything I can to make sure that we can survive as a representative form of democracy, a government that we have that the people are in control of, not the party systems. And, today, for me to be able to fulfill that, I have changed my registration to being a no party affiliation independent.

Geoff Bennett:

Manchin said in November he would not seek reelection, but the move today raises fresh questions about his future political aspirations. A Manchin spokesperson tells the "NewsHour" he will continue to caucus with Democrats in the Senate.

The Texas Supreme Court has rejected a challenge to that state's strict abortion ban. More than 20 women with serious pregnancy complications had filed a lawsuit seeking clarity on cases when a mother's life is in danger. In its decision, the court wrote that the procedure is permitted if the mother has a — quote — "life-threatening physical condition that places her at risk of death or serious physical impairment," but refused to specify further.

Critics say the confusion means that most doctors won't risk performing an abortion. They face fines and even jail time if they do.

Vermont has become the first state to require oil companies to pay for damage caused by climate change. It comes after widespread flooding soaked Vermont's capital in nearby areas last summer. The new law would assess the impacts of climate change on matters like public health and economic development, calculate the total climate change-related cost to Vermonters from 1995 to the end of this year, and use awarded funds to improve drainage, railway and roadway infrastructure.

Maryland, Massachusetts and New York are all considering similar legislation.

On Wall Street today, stocks ended the month on solid footing after a measure of inflation came in as expected. The Dow Jones industrial average jumped more than 570 points to close at 38686. The Nasdaq ended mostly flat at 16735. The S&P 500 added 42 points.

And the Kansas City Chiefs visited the White House today to celebrate their second straight Super Bowl win. President Biden briefly donned a Chiefs helmet as he congratulated the team on the South Lawn saying that he likes the idea of winning back to back. He then turned around to shake the team members' hands, including star players Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. Kelce's girlfriend, music superstar Taylor Swift, did not make an appearance.