NPR News Now — September 27, 2025, 7PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst
Main Theme:
A concise update on major national and international news, covering U.S. federal and local political tensions, national park concerns, escalating sanctions on Iran, a North Carolina community’s creative response to disaster, and a quirky autumn festival in West Virginia.

Key News Segments & Insights

1. Tensions Over Federal Troops in Oregon

• President Trump's Announcement [00:18]:
  • President Trump declared via social media an intent to send troops to Portland, Oregon, to "protect ICE facilities" against “antifa and other domestic terrorists.”
• Oregon’s Response — Gov. Tina Kotek Pushes Back [00:35]:
  • “Pushing back, any deployment would be an abuse of power and a misuse of federal troops.”
    — Tina Kotek, Governor of Oregon [00:35]
  • Kotek asserts there is no insurrection or threat to national security, and federal troops are not needed.
    • “There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security and there is no need for military troops in our major city.”
      — Tina Kotek [00:45]
• Pentagon Position [00:54]:
  • Pentagon states readiness to send troops at the president’s direction.
• Birthright Citizenship Executive Order [00:54]:
  • Trump asks the Supreme Court to uphold his order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen or undocumented parents.
  • Lower courts have so far blocked the order, citing likely violation of the 14th Amendment.

2. National Parks Amid Potential Government Shutdown

• Retired Superintendents Urge Complete Park Closures [01:34]:
  • 40+ former superintendents of parks (including Denali, Big Bend, Shenandoah) wrote to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, advocating closure of all parks if Congress cannot pass a budget.
  • Cited consequences of previous partial park openings: vandalism, habitat destruction, public safety risks.
  • “Past shutdowns in which parks stayed open with a skeleton staff resulted in increased vandalism and habitat destruction and other public safety risks.”
    — Kirk Siegler [01:34]
• Context:
  • Trump administration has cut ~25% of permanent staff at national parks despite record visitation.

3. Sanctions on Iran & Diplomatic Fallout

• Iran Recalls Ambassadors Over ‘Snapback’ Sanctions [02:17]:
  • Iran withdraws ambassadors from Britain, France, and Germany after those nations move to reinstate UN sanctions over nuclear activities.
  • “The Iranian regime called the decision to restore UN Security Council sanctions against Tehran irresponsible.”
    — Terry Schultz [02:33]
  • Sanctions include weapons embargo, asset freeze, and travel bans for Iranian officials.
  • China and Russia’s attempts to extend sanction moratorium fail.
  • Recap: US, under Trump, withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement in 2018.

4. Community Healing Post-Hurricane in Asheville, NC

• Asheville’s ‘Primal Scream’ for Healing [03:32]:
  • One year after Hurricane Helene, Asheville residents (led by librarian Erin Parcells) gather to scream in unity, marking the trauma and resilience after destructive floods.
  • Inspiration came from Chicago’s weekly “scream clubs.”
  • “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, local resident [03:55]
  • Locals hope to make this a monthly tradition as the community faces long-term rebuilding.

5. Seasonal Festival: West Virginia’s Roadkill Cook-Off

• Autumn Festivals Highlight Regional Quirks [04:20]:
  • In West Virginia, the season is celebrated with a “roadkill cook-off,” requiring participants to use uncommon wild meats (like snake or squirrel, but not actual roadkill).
  • Emphasizes resourcefulness and unique local flavors.
  • “West Virginia tourism officials call it a celebration of regional flavors and resourcefulness that intrigues and satisfies.”
    — Jeanine Herbst [04:50]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Governor Tina Kotek on troop deployment:
  “There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security and there is no need for military troops in our major city.” [00:45]
• Retired park superintendents’ plea:
  “Past shutdowns in which parks stayed open with a skeleton staff resulted in increased vandalism and habitat destruction and other public safety risks.” [01:34]
• Francie Gens, Asheville resident, on the ‘primal scream’:
  “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.” [03:55]
• On the roadkill cook-off:
  “A celebration of regional flavors and resourcefulness that intrigues and satisfies.” [04:50]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Oregon/Federal Troops: 00:18 – 01:13
• National Parks Shutdown: 01:14 – 02:17
• Iran Sanctions: 02:17 – 03:13
• Asheville’s Healing Event: 03:32 – 04:20
• West Virginia Cook-Off: 04:20 – 04:57