NPR News Now – September 27, 2025, 3PM EDT

Host: Nora Ram
Theme: Key political developments, international tensions, crime perceptions in the US, local recovery, and quirky regional news—all summarized in five minutes.

1. Government Shutdown Looms Over Funding and Health Care

Key Points:

• The US government’s fiscal year ends soon; funding bills not yet passed.
• President Trump seeks a continuing resolution to maintain last year’s spending—a temporary measure to avert shutdown.
• Congressional Democrats demand an extension of expiring healthcare subsidies as a condition.
• Both sides brace for a likely shutdown, each with strategic motives.

Notable Quote:

• “Both sides, at least, seem to have decided to have the shutdown. Trump because he thinks it will empower him... Democrats seem resigned... and have chosen to take a stand over health care spending.”
  — Ron Elving (00:53)

2. Diplomatic Rift: US Cancels Colombian President’s Visa

Key Points:

• US State Department revokes visa for Colombian President Gustavo Petro.
• Move follows Petro’s call for US soldiers to disobey President Trump and “obey humanity” instead, made at a pro-Palestinian rally in New York.
• Earlier, Petro had called for a criminal inquiry into US airstrikes in the Caribbean.

Notable Quote:

• “Disobey the orders of Trump, Petro said. Obey the orders of humanity. Hours later, the State Department called his remarks reckless and incendiary and said it was revoking the Colombian president's visa.”
  — John Otis (01:28)

3. Crime, Perception, and Partisan Division in the US

Key Points:

• Despite crime rates being down since pandemic highs, 7 in 10 Americans remain concerned about crime.
• NPR/Ipsos poll shows limited support for Trump’s tactic of deploying the National Guard in US cities.
• Strong partisan split: Most Republicans support, most Democrats oppose.

Notable Quotes:

• “While the American public largely agrees that crime has increased in the US and in major cities, they don't broadly support the actions taken in the name of stopping crime, like calling in the National Guard.”
  — Mallory Newell, Ipsos Vice President (02:45)
• “About 8 in 10 Republicans supporting Trump’s crime fighting tactics and almost the same number of Democrats opposing.”
  — Debbie Elliott (03:00)

4. Oregon Pushback Against Federal Troop Deployment

Key Points:

• Oregon Governor Tina Kotek asserts there is “no national security threat in Portland.”
• Response follows President Trump’s statement about sending Defense Department troops to protect immigration facilities in the city.

Summary:
No notable quotes, but establishes ongoing federal-state tension over security decisions.
(03:13)

5. Community Healing: Primal Scream Event in Asheville

Key Points:

• Asheville, NC marks the anniversary of Hurricane Helene’s devastation with a unique “primal scream” led by a local librarian.
• Inspired by Chicago’s “scream club,” the event helps residents express collective grief and begin healing.
• Plan to continue as a monthly ritual amid ongoing reconstruction.

Memorable Moment:

• “I think we need to get it out and we need to feel it and we need to be together and know that we're all feeling this and let it resound and be heard.”
  — Francie Gens, first-time participant (04:10)

6. Roadkill Cook-Off at West Virginia Fall Festival

Key Points:

• West Virginia festivals merge traditional music and crafts with unusual fare: squirrel chili, venison stew.
• Tourism officials tout it as “a celebration of regional flavors and resourcefulness.”

Summary:
A lighthearted end noting quirky food traditions in festival culture.
(04:33)

Notable Segments & Timestamps

• Federal Funding & Health Care Standoff: 00:18–01:14
• US-Colombia Diplomatic Fallout: 01:14–02:11
• Crime Perceptions & Polling: 02:11–03:13
• Portland Security Tensions: 03:13–03:30
• Asheville Community Ritual: 03:46–04:33
• West Virginia Roadkill Festival: 04:33–04:56

This concise yet comprehensive episode offers a snapshot of US political struggles, international fallout, public sentiment on crime and security, and lighter community-focused stories—all delivered in NPR’s signature balanced and conversational tone.