NPR News Now: February 26, 2025 - Comprehensive Summary

On February 26, 2025, NPR News Now delivered a concise yet comprehensive rundown of the latest national and international news. Hosted by Shea Stevens and featuring reports from various NPR journalists, the episode delved into significant political developments, criminal justice reform, aviation safety incidents, religious recognitions, and landmark Supreme Court decisions. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed.

1. President Trump's Appointment of a "Pardon Czar"

Shea Stevens opened the episode by announcing President Donald Trump's appointment of a figure dubbed the "pardon czar." This individual is empowered to recommend individuals eligible for presidential pardons.

Shonda Lisa Duster provided an in-depth report on this development, focusing on Alice Marie Johnson, who was recently appointed to this role. Johnson, whose life sentence for a nonviolent drug offense was commuted and later pardoned by Trump after serving over two decades, is now tasked with advocating for others in similar situations.

• Alice Marie Johnson stated at [01:40]:

  "From the time I've been working on this nonstop since my release, this is really a continuation of the work that I've already been doing. I've brought many pardon cases before the president in the past."

Johnson collaborates with Pastor Paula White Kane, leader of the White House Faith Office, and Attorney General Pam Bondi to formulate recommendations. Her appointment marks a significant step in Trump's efforts towards criminal justice reform.

2. House Republicans Advance President Trump's Budget Resolution

Jael Snyder reported on the critical House passage of the budget resolution, a pivotal move for President Trump's legislative agenda. The resolution's approval, with a narrow vote of 217 to 215, included all House Democrats and only one Republican dissenting.

This passage paves the way for Republicans to utilize the reconciliation process, enabling them to bypass the Senate filibuster and advance their spending priorities. The deal's details are expected to be refined over the coming weeks.

3. Resignations from Elon Musk's "Doge" Office

Shea Stevens highlighted a significant exodus from Elon Musk's "Doge" office, where over 20 career civil service workers have resigned. The collective resignation letter cited the administration's refusal to maintain essential public services as the primary reason for their departure, indicating a growing rift within the organization.

4. Aviation Safety Incident at Chicago's Midway Airport

An alarming incident unfolded at Chicago's Midway Airport, narrowly avoiding a potential disaster. David Shaper reported that a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 almost collided with a business jet due to a runway crossing error.

• Timestamp [02:28]: Video footage showed the Southwest flight aborting its landing mere moments before a collision.

• Timestamp [02:46]: David Shaper recounted:

  "Moments before, an air traffic controller repeatedly tells the business jet pilot to hold short of the Runway, which the pilot confirms, but then he crosses the active Runway anyway. The FAA is investigating."

The Southwest flight successfully landed without casualties, highlighting both the dangers of runway mismanagement and the effectiveness of real-time communication protocols.

5. President Trump's New Visa Program for Wealthy Foreigners

In a bold move, Shea Stevens reported that President Trump introduced a program allowing foreigners to obtain a U.S. visa for a fee of $5 million. Dubbed the "gold card," this initiative aims to provide a streamlined path to U.S. citizenship for affluent individuals seeking residency.

Trump emphasized that while traditional green cards are available, this premium option caters to those willing to invest significantly in the American dream. The program is slated to launch in approximately two weeks from the episode's release.

6. Father Emil Kapaun's Path to Sainthood

A heartening story emerged about Father Emil Kapaun, a Catholic priest who perished during the Korean War, bringing him one step closer to sainthood. Rose Conlon from KMUW in Wichita detailed Kapaun's heroic actions, including receiving the Medal of Honor for rescuing wounded soldiers before his captivity and eventual death in a prison camp.

• Scott Carter, coordinator for Kapaun's sainthood cause, remarked at [04:03]:

  "But you know, for the men there and for all of us, his story continues to reach out beyond the grave, to be beatified."

For canonization, Kapaun must be recognized for having performed a miracle posthumously. This milestone comes amidst Pope Francis's battle with double pneumonia, highlighting the enduring legacy of Kapaun's bravery and faith.

7. U.S. Supreme Court Blocks Execution of Richard Glossip

In a landmark decision, the U.S. Supreme Court intervened to halt the execution of Richard Glossip, an inmate from Oklahoma who has been on death row for 27 years following a murder conviction. Shea Stevens reported that the Court's ruling cited unreliable witness testimony and prosecutorial misconduct as grounds for ordering a new trial.

This rare judicial action underscores ongoing debates about the death penalty's fairness and application within the American justice system.

8. Market Updates and Economic Indicators

Concluding the episode, Shea Stevens provided a brief overview of the financial markets. U.S. futures showed an upward trend in after-hours trading influenced by the Asia Pacific markets, with Hong Kong shares increasing by 3% amidst broader market fluctuations.

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulated a range of pressing issues, from political maneuvers and legal reforms to human interest stories and economic updates, offering listeners a well-rounded snapshot of current events.