NPR News: 02-26-2025 1AM EST

Summary

NPR News Now: February 26, 2025

Hosted by NPR

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1. House Republicans Celebrate Budget Resolution Passage

In a significant political development, U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that Republicans have successfully passed a budget resolution, marking a pivotal step toward implementing President Donald Trump's legislative agenda. The proposed budget outlines extensive tax cuts totaling $4.5 trillion and allocates increased funding for border security and the military.

Mike Johnson expressed enthusiasm about the achievement, stating at [00:38] "We got it done. We had the requisite number of votes to move this process along. And now passing the budget resolution in the House, it will go to the Senate." This move is intended as the foundation for advancing Trump’s priorities through the legislative process.

However, the plan faces internal resistance from some Republicans who are concerned about the potential backlash from constituents regarding the proposed $2 trillion cuts to social programs, including Medicaid. The House proposal will need to be reconciled with the Senate's version of the budget resolution, which was approved the previous week, to move forward.

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2. Trump Administration Launches Investigation into Copper Imports

The Trump administration has initiated an investigation to determine whether copper imports threaten American national security, mirroring the legal framework used for existing tariffs on steel and aluminum. Asma Khalid reports at [01:18], the White House has not provided specifics regarding the timeline or the potential tariff rates that could result from this investigation.

Copper is a critical component in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, making it a strategic resource. An anonymous White House official conveyed that China is allegedly "flooding world markets with subsidized copper," although the leading global producers remain Chile and Peru. This move could have significant implications for international trade relations and the tech industry's supply chain.

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3. Federal Judge Orders Restoration of USAID Funding Amidst Job Cuts

In a ruling [01:59], U.S. District Judge Amir Ali has compelled the Trump administration to restore funding for thousands of USAID-funded projects worldwide. The administration was given a deadline of midnight Wednesday to comply with the order. This decision comes as USAID and the State Department have filed an appeal against the judge’s directive.

The controversy arises from an executive order that froze funding for processing refugee applications, leading to the termination of thousands of USAID workers. The administration has indicated that it may pursue an appeal to overturn the court’s decision, intensifying the ongoing debate over U.S. foreign aid and refugee policies.

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4. Pope Francis Remains in Critical but Stable Condition

Pope Francis continues to battle health issues following a respiratory emergency that led to his hospitalization last weekend. NPR's Jason DeRose provides an update at [02:30], noting that the 88-year-old pontiff is undergoing regular CT scans to monitor pneumonia in both lungs. Additionally, Pope Francis has exhibited signs of kidney problems, although medical professionals assure that this condition is under control.

The Vatican has described the pope’s prognosis as "cautious due to the complexity of the situation." Despite his health challenges, Pope Francis remains active, having received the Eucharist this morning and continuing to fulfill some of his duties. This hospitalization, which began on February 14th with bronchitis, marks the longest period the pope has been hospitalized since his election in 2013. Worldwide, Catholics and supporters continue to pray for his recovery.

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5. Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Suspension of Refugee Admissions

In another judicial decision, a federal judge in Seattle has temporarily halted efforts to suspend refugee admissions into the United States. U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead ruled that while the president holds significant authority over immigration, Congress also plays a crucial role in determining refugee policies.

This ruling addresses a lawsuit filed by the International Refugee Project and individuals directly impacted by the executive order that halted funding for refugee application processing. The Justice Department has indicated that it may appeal the decision, highlighting the ongoing legal tussle over refugee admissions and the extent of presidential powers in this domain.

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6. WNBA Legend Diana Taurasi Announces Retirement

In sports news, WNBA icon Diana Taurasi has announced her retirement after an illustrious 20-season career with the Phoenix Mercury. Becky Sullivan reports at [04:02] that Taurasi, the league's all-time leading scorer and a six-time Olympic gold medalist, feels it is the right time to embark on the next chapter of her life.

Taurasi reflected on her decision, sharing a heartfelt moment after her final home game: "If it is the last time, it felt like the first time. I love you guys" ([04:31]). Her retirement marks the end of an era for the WNBA, leaving behind a stronger league with increased ratings and attendance. The WNBA is also poised for growth, with three new teams set to join the league this year, ensuring Taurasi’s legacy will inspire future generations of players.

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7. Market Update: Asia Pacific Shares Mixed

In the financial markets, the Asia Pacific region experienced a mixed performance today. While most shares trended lower, the Hong Kong market saw a notable increase, rising by 3%. This fluctuation reflects the ongoing global economic adjustments and investor sentiment in response to recent political and economic developments.

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Conclusion

Today's NPR News Now provided a comprehensive overview of significant political maneuvers in the U.S. Congress, trade policy investigations under the Trump administration, crucial court rulings affecting foreign aid and refugee admissions, updates on the health of Pope Francis, and notable developments in the sports world with Diana Taurasi's retirement. Additionally, market movements in the Asia Pacific region were highlighted, offering listeners a broad spectrum of current events shaping the global landscape.

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This summary is based on the NPR News Now episode released on February 26, 2025.

Transcript

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[Shea Stevens]

In Washington, I'm Shea Stevens. U.S. house Speaker Mike Johnson says Republicans are celebrating passage of a budget resolution. The proposal calls for $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and higher spending on border and the military. Johnson calls it a first step toward delivering President Trump's legislative priorities.

[Mike Johnson]

We got it done. We had the requisite number of votes to move this process along. And now passing the budget resolution in the House, it will go to the Senate.

[Shea Stevens]

The House plan faced some opposition from Republicans worried about how their constituents will respond to the proposed $2 trillion in cuts to social programs like Medicaid. The proposal must be reconciled with the Senate plan that was approved last week. US Tariffs on imported aluminum and steel are poised to go into effect next month. And President Trump has signed a new executive order that launches an investigation that could lead to tariffs on copper. NPR's Asma Khalid has more.

[Asma Khalid]

The Trump administration is launching an investigation into whether imports of copper pose a risk to American national security. It's using the same legal justification it's used for steel and aluminum tariffs. The White House did not specify how quickly the investigation would happen or what the potential tariff rate might be. Copper is key for emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. A White House official, speaking on the condition of anonymity ahead of the announcement, told reporters that China has been flooding world markets with subsidized copper. But the top copper producers in the world are actually Chile and Peru. Asma Khalid, NPR News, the White House.

[Shea Stevens]

For the second time in two weeks, a federal judge is ordering the Trump administration to restore funding for thousands of aid projects around the world. Judge Amir Ali is giving the administration until midnight Wednesday to comply. Usaid, which funds the projects, and the State Department have filed an appeal. Meanwhile, thousands of USAID workers are being fired. The Vatican says Pope Francis remains in critical but stable condition. As NPR's Jason DeRose reports, that's been the case since a respiratory emergency last weekend.

[Jason DeRose]

The pope continues to get CT scans to monitor the pneumonia he has in both lungs. The Vatican press office says the prognosis remains cautious due to the complexity of the situation. It says Francis continues to do some work and received the Eucharist this morning. The 88 year old Pope has also been showing signs of kidney problems, but doctors say that condition is under control around the world. Catholics and others have been praying for Francis health since he was admitted to the hospital with bronchitis on February 14th. This is his longest hospitalization since being elected pope in 2013. Jason DeRose, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

U.S. futures are higher in after hours trading on Wall Street. This is npr. A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked efforts to suspend refugee admissions. US District Judge Jamal Whitehead says the president has broad authority over who gets to enter the United but that Congress also has a say in the matter. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by the International Refugee Project and individuals affected by an executive order that froze funding for processing refugee applications. An attorney for the Justice Department says the administration may file an appeal. WNBA star Diana Taurasi is retiring. The all time leading scorer and six time Olympic gold medalist played 20 seasons with the Phoenix Mercury. As NPR's Becky Sullivan reports, Taurassi says it's time for next chapter.

[Becky Sullivan]

Three time WNBA champion, six time Olympic gold medalist, three national titles with her college team, Connecticut. It was quite a career for Diana Taurasi, who's 42 now. She told Time magazine she made the decision to retire last month, but it was on her mind before then, evident as she spoke to fans after the final Mercury home game of last season.

[Diana Taurasi]

And if it is the last time.

[Becky Sullivan]

She paused, smiled, thanked her fellow players.

[Diana Taurasi]

If it is the last time, it felt like the first time. I love you guys.

[Becky Sullivan]

Taurasi leaves a healthier WNBA than when she began. Ratings and attendance were up big last year and three new teams are set to join the league over this year.

[Shea Stevens]

Next.

[Becky Sullivan]

Becky Sullivan, NPR News.

[Shea Stevens]

On the Asia Pacific market, shares are mostly lower, but up 3% in Hong Kong. This is NPR News.

[Pemco Mutual Insurance Company]

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