NPR News Now: February 26, 2025

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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