NPR News Now: February 26, 2025, 5AM EST
On the February 26, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, host Dave Mattingly delivers a comprehensive overview of the latest developments in Washington, aviation safety, health care policy, and economic indicators. Below is a detailed summary of the key topics discussed, enriched with notable quotes and structured for clarity.
1. House Passes Multi-Trillion Dollar Budget Blueprint
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly approved a significant multi-trillion dollar budget blueprint aimed at advancing President Trump's legislative agenda. The vote stood at 260 to 215, with a pivotal Republican lawmaker, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, voting alongside Democrats in opposition.
House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized the administration’s commitment to its agenda:
“We have a lot of hard work ahead of us, but we are going to deliver the America first agenda. We're going to deliver all of it, not just parts of it. And this is the first step in that process.”
[00:48]
The budget measure includes substantial fiscal adjustments, proposing $4.5 trillion in tax cuts and $2 trillion in spending cuts. Additionally, it allocates over $100 billion for immigration enforcement and the Pentagon, reflecting the administration's priorities in national security and border control.
2. President Trump Suspends Security Clearances of Lawyers Representing Jack Smith
In a notable move, President Trump signed a memorandum targeting the legal representation of former special counsel Jack Smith, who led the investigation into Trump’s activities. The memorandum directs the Attorney General and agency heads to suspend any active security clearances held by attorneys at the law firm Covington & Burlington, which provided pro bono legal services to Smith.
Ryan Lucas of NPR reports:
“In a memorandum, Trump directed the attorney general and the heads of other agencies to suspend any active security clearances held by attorneys at the law firm of Covington and Burlington, who provided legal services to Jack Smith.”
[01:24]
Covington & Burlington responded by clarifying their role:
“The firm, which represents Smith on a pro bono basis, had no role in Smith's investigation of Trump and has no contracts with the federal government.”
[02:03]
This action is part of a series of measures by the Trump administration aimed at limiting the influence of Smith and his team of federal prosecutors, signaling heightened tensions between the executive branch and legal investigators.
3. Runway Incident at Chicago’s Midway International Airport Raises Safety Concerns
An alarming aviation incident at Chicago’s Midway International Airport has prompted a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation. A private jet unexpectedly entered an active runway while a Southwest Airlines flight was attempting to land. The quick-thinking Southwest pilot successfully aborted the landing and executed a go-around maneuver, preventing a potential collision.
David Shaper of NPR details the event:
“Video of the incident shows the Southwest Airlines 737 coming in for a landing and just about to touch its wheels down when it abruptly pulls up, narrowly avoiding a business jet that was crossing the Runway in front of it.”
[02:26]
Live air traffic control communication captured moments of tension:
“Southwest 2504 going around 2504. Roger. That's coming 3000.”
[02:39]
Despite repeated instructions to hold short, the private jet's pilot proceeded onto the active runway:
“That's audio from liveatc.net of the Southwest pilot telling air traffic control he would go around the commercial jet later landed safely with no one getting hurt.”
[02:44]
This incident marks the latest in a series of aviation safety concerns, highlighting the need for stringent runway protocols and enhanced pilot training.
4. Trump Signs Executive Order on Health Care Price Transparency
President Trump has taken decisive action to address soaring health care costs by signing an executive order aimed at increasing price transparency across the sector. The order mandates that hospitals and health insurers disclose actual prices rather than estimates, facilitating easier comparison for consumers.
Dave Mattingly introduces the segment:
“President Trump has signed an executive order designed to make health care prices in the US more transparent.”
[03:10]
Noam Levy from KFF Health News expounds on the shifting political landscape:
“Not long ago, it would have been rare to hear a Republican voter calling for more government regulation. But attitudes are changing as Americans grow frustrated with a health care system many see as unfair and unaffordable.”
[03:48]
Reflecting voter sentiment, retired auto mechanic Charles Milliken shares his expectations:
“I think he's going to put a cap on what they, you know, what insurance companies can charge, what doctors can charge, what hospitals can charge.”
[04:15]
Supporting this shift, a recent poll revealed that 75% of Trump voters favor government regulation of hospital prices, indicating broad support for the administration’s new measures.
5. US Consumer Confidence Drops Sharply
Economic indicators show a notable decline in consumer confidence across the United States. The Conference Board reported that confidence fell this month by the largest margin in over four years, signaling potential concerns among consumers regarding the economic outlook.
Dave Mattingly notes:
“Consumer confidence in the US is down sharply. The Conference Board says confidence fell this month by the largest amount in more than four years. Wall street futures are higher this morning.”
[04:34]
This downturn in consumer sentiment may have implications for future economic activity, influencing market trends and policy decisions.
Conclusion
The February 26, 2025, episode of NPR News Now provides listeners with a succinct yet thorough briefing on pivotal national issues, from legislative developments and executive actions to aviation safety and economic trends. By highlighting significant quotes and offering clear attributions, the episode ensures that even those who did not tune in receive a comprehensive understanding of the day's news.