February 28, 2024 - PBS NewsHour full episode

The Supreme Court says it will hear arguments over whether Donald Trump is immune from prosecution for his efforts to overturn the 2020 presidential election. The justices set oral arguments for the week of April 22. Trump’s pending trial in a federal court in Washington will remain on hold until then. William Brangham reports.

It was a swirl of news at the Capitol Wednesday where the top four leaders in Congress agreed on a deal to avert a government shutdown for at least a week. That came after GOP Senate leader Mitch McConnell announced he will step down from leadership this fall. House Republicans also made headlines by questioning Hunter Biden behind closed doors. Lisa Desjardins reports.

President Biden's and former President Trump's victories in Michigan further shored up an election rematch. Trump won with 68% of the GOP vote while Biden locked down 81% with some Democratic voters casting uncommitted ballots in protest of the handling of the war in Gaza. Geoff Bennett discussed the results with Republican strategist Kevin Madden and Democratic strategist Faiz Shakir.

The Congressional funding deal reached Wednesday will avert a government shutdown for at least a week. Amna Nawaz discussed those negotiations. the overall state of the economy and aid for Ukraine with Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.

In our news wrap Wednesday, high winds pushed wildfires across the Texas Panhandle and one grew into the second largest in state history, the Supreme Court will decide whether to uphold a ban on bump stocks, the leader of Hamas claims his group will consider making concessions in the Gaza cease-fire talks and loved ones of Alexei Navalny will hold a funeral for him on Friday in Moscow.

The rhythm of mariachi music is known worldwide and becoming even more so. Music teacher Susana Diaz-Lopez shares her insights on its growth and impact in the Austin area. From cultural connections to musical exploration, her students find their place in and out of school. Our Student Reporting Labs academy fellows produced this story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.