Overview of NPR News: 09-27-2026 6PM EDT
This NPR News bulletin covers a mix of major political, weather, international, and lighter human-interest stories. The biggest headline is a constitutional fight between Congress and the White House over the administration’s use of a “pocket rescission” to withhold funds already approved by lawmakers. Other top stories include elevated fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict, storm impacts across Hawaii and the Northeast, Pope Leo XIV’s remarks in France opposing assisted-dying legislation, the arrival of two giant pandas at Zoo Atlanta, and President Trump’s appearance at a golf tournament in Illinois.
Congress vs. the White House Over Withheld Funds
- Lawmakers are angry that the administration is refusing to release hundreds of millions of dollars allocated by Congress.
- The Government Accountability Office says the tactic, known as a pocket rescission, is illegal.
- NPR says the White House withheld $800 million from programs related to:
- immigrant services
- racial and sexual minority work
- climate change initiatives
- Key reactions:
- Sen. Susan Collins called it another attempt to undermine Congress’s constitutional power over spending.
- Sen. Patty Murray described it as “theft.”
- Rep. Brendan Boyle said the administration is trying to make cuts “through the back door” because it cannot pass them through Congress.
Fuel Prices, Diesel Costs, and the War in Iran
- Diesel prices have eased slightly, but the broader fuel picture remains tight because of the war in Iran.
- Farmers are still facing high costs for operating:
- combines
- tractors
- trucks
- NPR notes the ripple effects could continue to affect household bills, especially because:
- diesel and home heating oil share a tight supply
- winter demand is approaching
- U.S. fuel inventories are low
- A small decline in diesel prices offers only limited relief, and the administration has not announced any immediate measure to lower prices.
Hawaii Hurricane Watch Lifted, but Recovery Continues
- A hurricane watch was lifted for Hawaii’s Big Island as conditions began to improve.
- Hurricane Nolo caused:
- several inches of rain
- flooding on roads
- widespread power outages, especially on the Big Island and Maui
- The storm is still south of the islands and is expected to strengthen again into a major hurricane before weakening later in the week.
Flooding and Travel Disruptions in the Northeast
- Heavy rain continued to soak the northeastern U.S.
- More flooding hit low-lying areas in New York and New Jersey.
- The storms caused additional power outages and disrupted travel by both land and air over the weekend.
Pope Leo XIV Speaks Against Assisted-Dying Legislation
- During a visit to Lourdes, France, Pope Leo XIV criticized laws in France and elsewhere that would allow adults with incurable illnesses to receive lethal medication.
- He emphasized that people in extreme pain still have an inherent dignity that no law can erase.
- The Mass drew about 150,000 people, including many wheelchair users.
Two Giant Pandas Arrive at Zoo Atlanta
- Zoo Atlanta received two new giant pandas from China:
- Pingping, a 6-year-old male
- Fu Shuang, a 5-year-old female
- They arrived on a specially branded FedEx “Panda Express” jet.
- The pandas will remain in quarantine for about a month before being introduced to the public.
- They are part of a 10-year conservation agreement between Zoo Atlanta and the China Wildlife Conservation Association.
- NPR notes the panda loan is part of China’s broader diplomacy program.
President Trump at the Presidents Cup
- President Trump attended the Presidents Cup golf tournament in Medina, Illinois.
- It was his fourth golf tournament appearance this year.
- Trump said the PGA Tour made him honorary chairman, which is a customary role for the head of state in the host country.
Closing Note
- The broadcast ended with a promo for NPR/WAMU’s politics podcast “If You Can Keep It”, which focuses on major political stories and their significance for democracy.