March 19, 2025 - PBS News Hour full episode

Ukraine and Russia agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure following a call between President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and a day after Trump held similar talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. The 30-day agreement could provide a much needed respite to millions of Ukrainians who have often spent their nights in darkness, and without heating. Nick Schifrin reports.

Federal Judge James Boasberg granted the administration additional time as he determines whether it ignored his order regarding deportation flights over the weekend. President Trump called Boasberg a ‘radical left’ judge and has escalated his criticism of the federal judiciary. Laura Barrón-López reports.

Democrats have few options for challenging President Trump and GOP majorities in Congress. Some on the left say they had a chance last week, but top Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer voted with the GOP and supplied the needed votes to pass a funding bill, angering many in his party. Geoff Bennett spoke with Schumer about that criticism and his new book, “Antisemitism in America: A Warning."

Five years after the pandemic, the impacts on our politics, public health and civic life continue to be felt across communities. Judy Woodruff spoke to community members in Southeastern Michigan to explore how divisions that emerged during the public health emergency continue to play out today. It's part of her ongoing series, America at a Crossroads.

Significant changes will be coming for Social Security recipients. Millions will no longer be able to verify their identity over the phone, creating a challenge for older Americans and those with disabilities. Advocates are raising concerns about the burden this could place on an already vulnerable population. Stephanie Sy discussed more with Kathleen Romig.

Despite a rare rebuke from Chief Justice John Roberts earlier this week, President Trump's criticisms of the judiciary continue. Amna Nawaz spoke with Steve Vladeck, a constitutional law professor at Georgetown University, to explore the legal ramifications of the president’s showdown with the courts.

In our news wrap Wednesday, Israel launched a ground operation in Gaza after abruptly ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas, a judge moved the case of Mahmoud Khalil to New Jersey, the White House suspended $175 million in federal funding for the University of Pennsylvania over a transgender athlete and the Federal Reserve held its benchmark interest rate steady for the second meeting in a row.