NPR News Now – September 27, 2025, 8PM EDT

Summary of Key News Stories

Overview

This NPR News Now episode, anchored by Jeanine Herbst, presents concise updates on major stories in U.S. politics, international affairs, natural disasters, education policy, and a deadly incident in India. In just under five minutes, listeners are briefed on significant developments influencing both national and global landscapes.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Federal Troop Deployment to Portland, Oregon

(00:20–01:18)

• Announcement: President Trump stated on social media that federal troops will be sent to Portland to "protect ICE facilities" amidst ongoing protests.
• Context: The city has seen frequent demonstrations, particularly outside the Portland ICE facility, which peaked in June.
• Local Reaction:
  • Mayor Keith Wilson called the deployment "a big show" at a Friday press conference.
    • Quote (00:58): Keith Wilson: "We have no tolerance for anyone in... Portland who uses this difficult moment to... hurt others or our home."
  • There is uncertainty regarding the number of troops or the agencies involved.
  • At least one protest is planned for Sunday outside the ICE facility.

2. U.S. Cuts to Humanitarian Aid

(01:18–02:11)

• Background: The Trump administration dismantled the leading U.S. aid agency, causing ripples among international humanitarian organizations.
• Consequences:
  • Jan Eglin, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, conveyed the profound impact on refugee camps.
    • Quote (01:42): Jan Eglin: "It has consequences to the smallest refugee camp. I've seen water towers not being filled anymore with drinking water to refugee camps because the one group that... was responsible for that lost all U.S. funding overnight."
  • Other countries have mirrored the U.S. in cutting aid and closing borders, compounding the crisis.
    • Quote (02:00): "A double blow for the world's refugees."

3. Flash Flooding and Hurricane Updates

(02:11–03:06)

• Arizona Floods:
  • At least three people died in Globe, Arizona due to flash flooding, forcing residents to seek refuge on rooftops.
  • In suburban Phoenix, another fatality occurred near a flooded vehicle.
  • Globe is under a state of emergency—hazards include unstable buildings and hazardous materials from 1,000 propane tanks swept downstream.
• Atlantic Hurricanes:
  • Hurricane Umberto: Now a Category 5 storm, threatening the Southeast U.S. coast with surges, heavy rain, and flooding potential.
    • South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster (02:54): "Should be ready, pray and hope for the best and prepare for the worst and the time to prepare is now and not when the wind's blowing and the rain is falling down and things are getting shoved around."
  • Tropical Depression Nine: Expected to become a tropical storm soon, possibly reaching hurricane strength early the next week.

4. Suspension of Students with Disabilities in U.S. Schools

(03:37–04:18)

• Issue: Students with disabilities, nationwide, are suspended at much higher rates than their non-disabled peers.
• Personal Story:
  • Shanae, mother of a 13-year-old son with ADHD, shares her frustration with frequent suspensions stemming from his impulsivity.
    • Quote (03:52): Shanae: "Why is he getting in trouble for what ADHD looks like?"
    • Her son missed at least 10 days of school due to suspensions last year.
    • Quote (04:01): Shanae: "I don't want him to get even further behind."
  • School officials say strict discipline policies uphold academic focus, despite concerns about their impact on disabled students.

5. Deadly Stampede in Southern India

(04:18–04:58)

• Incident: At least 36 people died and dozens more were injured in a stampede at a political rally in Tamil Nadu, India.
• Details:
  • The event was for Vijay, a prominent actor-turned-politician; tens of thousands attended under extreme heat.
  • Vijay reportedly arrived late; the stampede started when fans surged to approach his bus.
  • Local reports indicate the chaos began when a group fell and were trampled.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Keith Wilson, Portland Mayor (about troops):
  "We have no tolerance for anyone in... Portland who uses this difficult moment to... hurt others or our home." (00:58–01:05)

• Jan Eglin, Norwegian Refugee Council (on U.S. aid cuts):
  "I've seen water towers not being filled anymore with drinking water to refugee camps because the one group... lost all U.S. funding overnight." (01:42–02:00)

• Gov. Henry McMaster, South Carolina (on hurricane prep):
  "Should be ready, pray and hope for the best and prepare for the worst..." (02:54–03:06)

• Shanae, parent of a student with ADHD:
  "Why is he getting in trouble for what ADHD looks like?" (03:52–03:55)
  "I don't want him to get even further behind." (04:01)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Federal troops to Portland: 00:20–01:18
• Humanitarian aid agency closure: 01:18–02:11
• Arizona flooding & hurricane update: 02:11–03:06
• School suspensions for disabled students: 03:37–04:18
• India stampede: 04:18–04:58

This episode delivers rapid yet impactful reporting on pressing issues across the U.S. and globally. Each segment brings listeners up to date on developments with lasting implications, stripping away commentary and editorial, focusing tightly on facts and firsthand voices.