March 19, 2025

Zelenskyy to talk with Trump; March Madness begins

22 minutes

On today's episode: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says President Vladimir Putin’s vow not to attack energy infrastructure was “very much at odds with reality” following an overnight barrage of drone strikes; a judge blocks a Trump administration policy banning transgender people from military service; President Donald Trump takes issue with judges striking down his policies; Turkish police arrest Istanbul's mayor; and violent attacks on Tesla dealerships spike.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams return to Earth after 9 months stuck in space.

Rep. Mike Flood of Nebraska is the latest GOP member of Congress to face angry crowds back home.

Woman who had sought protection from deportation in Colorado churches is detained, advocates say.

Judge blocks Trump administration from terminating $14 billion in 'green bank' grants.

Judge rules DOGE's USAID dismantling likely violates the Constitution.

Trump calls for impeachment of judge who has tried to stop deportations.

Trump and Putin agree to an immediate ceasefire for energy and infrastructure in Ukraine war.

Pentagon aims to cut up to 60,000 civilian jobs. About a third of those took voluntary resignations.

White House says Trump, Putin are to seek limited ceasefire on energy, infrastructure in Ukraine war.

Trump's funding freeze leaves US allied Afghan refugees struggling for the basics.

Harvard is offering free tuition for families that make less than $200K.

Google to buy cybersecurity firm Wiz for $32 billion, the largest deal in company history.

Trial begins for Nadine Menendez, wife of former US Sen. Bob Menendez.

Louisiana puts man to death in state's first nitrogen gas execution.

Stock market today: Back down goes Wall Street as Big Tech resumes its slide.

UNC and Alabama State prevail in the First Four, Auburn and Duke stars headline the AP All-America first team, Indiana hires a new men’s hoops coach, a multi-time Super Bowl winner retires and the defending champion Dodgers win in Tokyo.

Pope pens letter to the editor while in hospital as Buckingham Palace announces King Charles' visit.

Hungary’s parliament passes a law banning Pride events, in a new assault on LGBTQ+ rights.

Mediator Qatar condemns Israel’s resumption of war in Gaza.

—The Associated Press

About this program

Host Terry Lipshetz is managing editor of the national newsroom for Lee Enterprises. Besides producing the daily Hot off the Wire news podcast, Terry conducts periodic interviews for this Behind the Headlines program, co-hosts the Streamed & Screened movies and television program and is the former producer of Across the Sky, a podcast dedicated to weather and climate.

Theme music

The News Tonight, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: ZR2MOTROGI4XAHRX

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