NPR News Now: March 28, 2025, 7 AM EDT
Host: Korva Coleman
Source: NPR
Description: The latest news in five minutes. Updated hourly.
1. Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar and Thailand
Timestamp: [00:16]
Korva Coleman opens the episode with breaking news about a severe earthquake in central Myanmar. The quake, measuring 7.7 magnitude, struck around 12:50 PM local time, approximately 10 miles northwest of Sagang town. Michael Sullivan reports:
"The U.S. Geological Survey says the 7.7 magnitude quake struck around 12:50pm local time, about 10 miles northwest of the town of Sagang."
— Michael Sullivan, [00:28]
An aftershock of 6.4 magnitude followed 12 minutes later, exacerbating the situation. Social media depicted scenes of devastation, including collapsed buildings and debris at the Mandalay airport. The quake's tremors were felt as far as Chiang Rai in northern Thailand and even Bangkok, nearly 500 miles south, where residents evacuated buildings to the streets.
The Thai government confirmed at least three fatalities resulting from the earthquake. As rescue efforts commence, the international community watches closely, offering support to the affected regions.
2. Legal Actions Against Trump Administration Officials
Timestamp: [01:17]
In Washington, a federal judge has mandated that several officials from the Trump administration preserve text messages containing military plans related to Yemen attacks. This legal move comes after a watchdog group filed a lawsuit to prevent the deletion of these critical communications. The Trump administration contends that the information in question is unclassified.
Adding to the administration's contentious actions, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the revocation of approximately 300 student visas. This measure targets international students at U.S. colleges who have criticized the war in Gaza, with federal agents reportedly detaining some students:
"Rubio is delivering on President Trump's promise to deport noncitizens whose activism he claims supports Hamas terrorism and is anti Semitic."
— Adrian Florido, [01:51]
Secretary Rubio emphasizes that these actions are part of a broader effort to combat radicalism on campuses, aligning with President Trump's stance that universities are "infested with radicalism." Critics, including student activists, argue that these deportations infringe upon free speech and are a form of political repression:
"Student activists say this is all about muzzling dissent and free speech and that these deportation arrests are about spreading terror and punishing students for their political beliefs."
— Adrian Florido, [01:51]
The administration has also imposed funding cuts on schools that do not comply with demands to limit protests, further heightening tensions between the government and educational institutions.
3. Student Loan Borrowers Face Rising Defaults
Timestamp: [02:18]
The financial strain on federal student loan borrowers intensifies as many edge closer to default. Cory Turner reports:
"According to internal Education Department Data obtained by NPR, as of March 7, 9 million student loan borrowers were late on their payments."
— Cory Turner, [02:29]
Of these, 4 million borrowers are 91 to 150 days late. While the COVID-19 pandemic provided temporary relief from loan payments, the suspension ended in October, reigniting the default clock. Consequences of default include significant credit score impacts, and after 270 days, the government may begin garnishing paychecks, tax refunds, and Social Security benefits.
The looming financial burden poses a significant challenge for millions of Americans striving to manage their educational debt amidst economic uncertainties.
4. Israel-Lebanon Tensions Escalate
Timestamp: [03:11]
Israel has reported strikes on terror targets in Lebanon, following rocket fire towards northern Israel. Though the Hezbollah militant group, based in Lebanon, denies responsibility for launching the rockets, the Israeli military remains resolute:
"The Israeli military says it will act with force against any threat."
— Korva Coleman, [03:11]
Officials have issued warnings to civilians in Hezbollah strongholds near Beirut, urging them to evacuate to ensure safety amidst the rising tensions. The situation remains volatile, as both nations navigate the delicate balance of power and regional security.
5. President Trump's Executive Order on Washington, D.C.
Timestamp: [03:47]
President Trump has signed an executive order aimed at transforming Washington, D.C. into a "safe and beautiful" capital. Tamara Keith reports:
"Trump has had an outsized focus on the District of Columbia, complaining Washington suffers from high crime, home and vandalism."
— Tamara Keith, [03:47]
The order establishes a federal task force dedicated to addressing concerns related to crime, cleanliness, and public safety in the capital. However, the move has sparked criticism from local leaders. Eleanor Holmes Norton, D.C.'s delegate in Congress, described the order as "insulting", citing Justice Department statistics that indicate violent crime in D.C. reached its lowest point in over 30 years in 2024.
"The executive order creates a federal task force to address these concerns and others. It doesn't include any local leaders."
— Tamara Keith, [03:47]
The administration's focus on D.C. underscores ongoing debates about federal intervention versus local governance in addressing urban issues.
6. Legal Battle Over Funding for Radio Free Europe
Timestamp: [04:28]
A federal judge has intervened to temporarily halt the Trump administration's plan to terminate federal funding for Radio Free Europe (RFE), also known as Radio Liberty. Korva Coleman reports:
"Radio Liberty, the news agency was launched in 1950 to provide reporting to millions of listeners in countries with repressive governments."
— Korva Coleman, [04:28]
Founded during the Cold War, RFE has been instrumental in delivering independent news to regions under authoritarian regimes. The Trump administration's decision to wind down the organization has raised concerns about the erosion of press freedom and the role of independent media in global information dissemination. The court's order ensures that RFE can continue its operations while legal proceedings determine the future of its funding and mission.
This summary encapsulates the key discussions and developments presented in the NPR News Now episode released on March 28, 2025. For those seeking to stay informed on these critical issues, NPR continues to provide timely and comprehensive coverage.