NPR News Now – September 27, 2025, 5AM EDT

Host: Jael Snyder
Episode Overview:
In this concise five-minute news update, NPR delivers a roundup of the morning’s most pressing national and international headlines. Stories covered include the return of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" to all ABC affiliates, the developing Hurricane Umberto, diplomatic strife over Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. visa action against Colombia’s President, a break in the 1991 Austin yogurt shop murders, listeria concerns in pasta products, and a unique path to healing in post-flood Asheville, NC.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Returns to All ABC Stations

• Segment Begins: [00:11]
• After a days-long standoff, the late-night show is once again aired on all ABC affiliates—ending a blackout by Nexstar and Sinclair-owned stations.
• Quote:
  • Chris Kochas, a fan: "It's about time everybody started falling in line. Just a weird, a really weird situation out here right now with the free speech and all that." [00:48]
• The show's ratings are up, drawing more than 6 million viewers on Tuesday.
• Reporting: Steve Futterman, Los Angeles

2. Hurricane Umberto Intensifies

• Segment Begins: [01:05]
• The hurricane reaches Category 4 status, with winds up to 145 mph, threatening the Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico, and Bermuda with hazardous surf and rip currents.
• Matt Bloom reports imminent risk of heavy rainfall for coastal Georgia, the Carolinas, and the southern Mid-Atlantic next week.
• Preparations:
  • South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster declares a state of emergency.
  • Crews in Charleston prepare sandbags and other protective measures.

3. Rising Diplomatic Tensions over Iran’s Nuclear Program

• Segment Begins: [01:50]
• Iran’s foreign ministry dismisses diplomacy with the U.S. as a “pure dead end”—reacting to Europe’s push to reimpose U.N. sanctions.
• Reporter: Michelle Kellerman
• Russia and China failed to stop the reimposition of sanctions.
• Iranian Foreign Minister Saeed Abbas Arachi blames U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal and European inaction.
• Quote:
  • Saeed Abbas Arachi: "Today's crisis is the direct result of U.S. withdrawal and Europe's inaction. The U.S. betrayed diplomacy." [02:31]
• Arakchi cites "a terrible experience" negotiating with the U.S. and points to recent bombings of nuclear sites by the U.S. and Israel.

4. U.S. Visa Revoked for Colombian President

• Segment Begins: [02:53]
• Trump administration to revoke President Gustavo Petro’s visa, following Petro’s comments at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in New York.
• Petro urged U.S. soldiers to disobey presidential orders.
• The State Department calls his remarks “reckless and incendiary.”

5. Update on the 1991 Austin “Yogurt Shop Murders”

• Segment Begins: [03:24]
• Police in Austin announce DNA evidence points to Robert Eugene Brashers, who died in 1999, as a suspect in the case of four murdered teenage girls.
• More details to be released on Monday.

6. Listeria Warning for Pasta Meals

• Segment Begins: [03:45]
• Federal officials warn of possible listeria contamination in pasta meals sold by Walmart and Trader Joe’s.
• The outbreak has led to three deaths and at least 17 illnesses.

7. Emotional Healing After Last Year’s North Carolina Floods

• Segment Begins: [04:05]
• In Asheville, locals mark the anniversary of deadly floods with a “primal scream” event led by Aaron Parcells, a local librarian.
• The event reflects collective grief and resilience as the community rebuilds.
• Quotes:
  • Francie Gens, first-time participant:
    "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." [04:28]
• Inspired by Chicago’s weekly “scream club,” Asheville hopes to make this a monthly healing ritual.
• Reporting: Laura Hackett, Asheville, NC

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Chris Kochas on Kimmel Broadcast Disputes:
  "Just a weird, a really weird situation out here right now with the free speech and all that." [00:48]
• Saeed Abbas Arachi on Iran/U.S. Nuclear Talks:
  "Today's crisis is the direct result of U.S. withdrawal and Europe's inaction. The U.S. betrayed diplomacy." [02:31]
• Francie Gens on Asheville’s Primal Scream:
  "We need to be together and know that we're all feeling this and let it resound and be heard." [04:28]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:11] Jimmy Kimmel Live returns to all ABC affiliates
• [01:05] Hurricane Umberto threatens U.S. coastal states
• [01:50] Iran slams U.S. and Europe on nuclear sanctions
• [02:53] U.S. revokes Colombian President’s visa
• [03:24] New suspect in Austin yogurt shop murders
• [03:45] Listeria warning for pasta meals
• [04:05] Asheville marks flood anniversary with a community scream

This tightly curated news episode provides a rapid yet thorough sweep of political, cultural, environmental, and community resilience stories, encapsulating the headlines Americans are waking up to on September 27, 2025.