Overview of NPR News: 09-27-2026 3PM EDT
This NPR News update covers escalating tensions between Iran and the U.S./Israel, a legal dispute over President Trump’s withholding of federal funds, severe weather in the Northeast and near Hawaii, a closely watched New Jersey congressional debate, and new medical research linking Epstein-Barr virus to multiple sclerosis flare-ups. The broadcast highlights a mix of international diplomacy, domestic politics, weather impacts, and health science.
Iran, the U.S., and Israel: Diplomacy Stalemate
- Iran said only diplomacy can end the war with the U.S. and Israel.
- The statement came after President Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for stopping the fighting.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran had seen Trump’s rejection and still wants “negotiated solutions”.
- Trump called the Iranian plan “not acceptable” and suggested Iran was desperate and “losing so badly.”
- The Strait of Hormuz remains a major concern because its disruption has significantly affected global oil supplies.
Trump’s Use of “Pocket Rescission” Faces Legal Criticism
- NPR reports that President Trump is again withholding hundreds of millions of dollars that Congress directed to specific programs.
- The Government Accountability Office says this tactic, known as a pocket rescission, is illegal.
- Funds being withheld include:
- $560 million for refugee and immigrant services
- $15 million for a Justice Department team focused on resolving racial tensions
- $70 million for grants and fellowships supporting foreign students and faculty
- Additional money for programs related to climate change and racial/gender minority initiatives
- The segment emphasizes the constitutional principle of Congress’s power of the purse.
Severe Weather Impacts the Northeast and Hawaii
Northeast Nor’easter
- A slow-moving nor’easter caused dangerous conditions along the East Coast.
- One person died in Brooklyn when a tree fell during the storm.
- The storm brought:
- Heavy rain
- High winds
- Flooding
- Thousands of power outages
- A Jersey Shore store owner described water building up around the property during high tide and strong winds.
Hurricane Nolo Near Hawaii
- Hurricane Nolo is skirting Hawaii but could still bring:
- Flash flooding
- Dangerously strong winds
- The National Hurricane Center said the storm may strengthen into a major hurricane later in the day or early the next morning.
New Jersey House Race Brings First Debate
- The only scheduled debate in New Jersey’s congressional race is set for tonight.
- Incumbent Republican Tom Kean Jr. will face Democrat Rebecca Bennett.
- Kean previously missed months of House activity and later said he was being treated for depression.
- The district includes President Trump’s Bedminster golf club, making the race especially notable.
- Republicans are trying to protect their narrow U.S. House majority.
New Research on Multiple Sclerosis
- About 1 million people in the U.S. live with multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that attacks the nervous system.
- Researchers at Mass General Brigham found evidence of active Epstein-Barr virus in the months before MS attacks.
- Dr. Tanuja Chitnis said the virus lives in B cells and appears to reactivate before flare-ups.
- The study suggests:
- Better ways to predict MS attacks
- Possible development of more targeted treatments
- The research was published in Nature Medicine.
Key Takeaways
- Iran says diplomacy is still possible, but talks remain stalled after Trump rejected its Hormuz proposal.
- Trump’s funding cuts are drawing legal pushback over separation of powers.
- Severe weather continues to threaten both the Northeast and Hawaii.
- The New Jersey congressional race is drawing attention because of Kean’s absence and the district’s political importance.
- New MS research could help explain and eventually prevent disease flare-ups.