March 31, 2021 - PBS NewsHour full episode

College basketball’s “March Madness,” which reaches its crescendo this weekend, reminds us that big-time college athletics can look like big business. As John Yang reports, it was a fitting backdrop Wednesday for a well-timed Supreme Court argument over compensation for college players.

Senator Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, made headlines recently when she threatened to block President Joe Biden's cabinet nominations until Asian Americans had more representation in the administration. She joins Judy Woodruff now to speak about the administration's response, racism against Asian Americans, and the stories behind her new book, "Every Day Is a Gift."

The Pentagon announced new rules Wednesday allowing transgender military members to serve openly. It fulfills an early pledge from President Joe Biden, restoring an Obama-era policy that was overturned by President Donald Trump. Ali Rogin spoke to transgender service members who have been waiting for this day.

People with intellectual and developmental disabilities like Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy and Autism often have underlying health conditions that make them more susceptible to COVID-19. Plus, many receive care in group living facilities, putting them at further risk. But despite the elevated risks for those with IDD, they face an uphill vaccination battle. William Brangham reports.

In our news wrap Wednesday, Pfizer said its COVID-19 vaccine can be administered safely to children as young as 12. The CDC said COVID was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. last year, and the global death toll is at over 2.8 million. Police in New York City arrested a suspect in Monday's attack on an Asian-American woman, and New York state legalized recreational marijuana.

The Biden administration on Wednesday set in motion its next big campaign in congress: A $2 trillion infrastructure plan to rebuild roads, bridges, power grids and other projects. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the plan.

He’s not a magician, but artist Shen Wei is very good at disappearing — losing himself as he creates, conjuring ethereal lands and reimagining the human body. His work is now on view at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston through June 20. Special correspondent Jared Bowen of PBS station "GBH Boston" has the story for our arts and culture series, CANVAS.

He was part political provocateur, part ruthless operator. Best known for his role in the Watergate break-in, which ultimately led to the downfall of President Richard Nixon. Lisa Desjardins has the story of G. Gordon Liddy, who died Tuesday not far from Washington.