NPR News Now: August 27, 2025, 1AM EDT

Host: Dale Willman
Duration: 5 minutes
Episode Overview:
This episode delivers concise updates on pressing national and international news, focusing on the possible deployment of National Guard troops in US cities, calls for action to protect journalists in Gaza, a controversy over LGBTQ crosswalk murals in Florida, an arrest in a German stabbing incident, the suspension of a chikungunya vaccine, and a branding reversal at Cracker Barrel.

Key Stories & Discussion Points

1. National Guard Deployment and Legal Complications

[00:18–01:14]

• Context: President Trump has sent National Guard troops to Washington D.C. and suggests similar actions in other Democratic-led cities such as Chicago.
• Legal Analysis:
  • Steve Ladock (Georgetown University law professor) explains the legal restrictions on using National Guard troops in states vs. D.C.:
    • In D.C., the President has broad command and control over the National Guard.
    • In states like California, Illinois, and New York, federalizing the National Guard is more legally complex and would require finding specific conditions on the ground, potentially exposing the federal government to litigation.
• Notable Quote:
  • “In D.C. the National Guard has much broader power than it has almost anywhere else in the country because in D.C. it is always federal, it's always active under the command and control of President Trump.” (Steve Ladock, [00:38])
  • “...that would expose whatever he would try to, I think, a significant risk of litigation.” (Steve Ladock, [01:11])

2. Reporters Without Borders Calls Out Israeli Army Over Journalists' Deaths

[01:14–02:13]

• Incident: Five Palestinian journalists were killed by Israeli tank fire in Gaza, bringing the reported total of journalists killed by Israeli forces there to over 200 in two years.
• International Reaction:
  • Thibaut Bruton (Director General, Reporters Without Borders) condemns Israel for allegedly attempting to “eliminate information coming from Gaza” and accuses the army of violating international humanitarian law.
  • The group urges the UN Security Council to hold an emergency session and demands “concrete measures” to protect journalists and allow press access to Gaza.
• Notable Quote:
  • “How far will the Israeli armed forces go in their gradual effort to eliminate information coming from Gaza?” (Thibaut Bruton via Eleanor Beardsley, [01:32])

3. Florida Governor DeSantis Orders Removal of LGBTQ Murals

[02:13–03:14]

• Action: Governor Ron DeSantis intensifies plans to remove street murals—especially LGBTQ rainbow crosswalks—after an Orlando memorial was painted over overnight.
• Government Justification:
  • DeSantis frames the removal as ensuring public safety and not allowing messaging via commandeered roads.
  • The Florida Department of Transportation issued removal notices earlier in the summer.
• Local Response:
  • Some cities (Delray Beach, Key West) challenged the removal but found their appeal denied.
  • St. Petersburg’s mayor advocated “good trouble” as a response, but no legal action was taken.
• Notable Quote:
  • “We're not doing the commandeering of the roads to put up messaging.” (Governor DeSantis, [02:40])
  • “St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch encouraged, quote, good trouble, but no legal action was taken...” (Chris Young, [03:02])

4. Stabbing on German Train: American Intervenes, Suspect Arrested

[03:14–03:28]

• Incident: In Dresden, a 20-year-old American man was stabbed and slashed in the face after trying to stop two men harassing a woman on a train.
• Suspect: A 21-year-old Syrian man is now in investigative custody.

5. FDA Suspends Chikungunya Vaccine License

[03:28–04:32]

• FDA Decision: The vaccine Icschick against chikungunya, made by Valneva, is suspended due to reports of the vaccine causing symptoms of the disease itself in older adults.
• Details:
  • Suspension follows a previous, temporary recommendation to halt use in older adults.
  • Valneva maintains adverse events are consistent with earlier findings.
• Notable Quote:
  • “In May, FDA and the European Union equivalent recommended a pause... after reports of the vaccine causing symptoms of the disease itself.” (Jonathan Lambert, [03:50])

6. Cracker Barrel Reverts to Old Logo After Backlash

[04:32–04:57]

• Backstory: After protests following a logo update (removing the iconic man in a rocking chair), Cracker Barrel reinstates its traditional branding.
• Intent: The change was originally aimed at appealing to younger customers.
• Notable Quote:
  • “Officials say the change was part of an effort to appeal to a younger audience.” (Dale Willman, [04:48])

Memorable Moments & Quotes (w/ Timestamps)

• “In D.C. the National Guard has much broader power... because in D.C. it is always federal...”
  (Steve Ladock, [00:38])
• “How far will the Israeli armed forces go in their gradual effort to eliminate information coming from Gaza?”
  (Thibaut Bruton via Eleanor Beardsley, [01:32])
• “We're not doing the commandeering of the roads to put up messaging.”
  (Governor DeSantis, [02:40])
• “St. Petersburg Mayor Ken Welch encouraged, quote, good trouble, but no legal action was taken...”
  (Chris Young, [03:02])
• “FDA ... recommended a pause ... after reports of the vaccine causing symptoms of the disease itself.”
  (Jonathan Lambert, [03:50])

Episode Flow and Tone

• The reporting is brisk, objective, and focuses on immediate, factual information, providing both national and global context in clear, authoritative language.
• Quotes from officials and subject-matter experts, as well as on-the-ground reporting, deliver nuance and credibility to the short-form news.