NPR News: 03-28-2025 8AM EDT

Summary

NPR News Now: March 28, 2025, 8 AM EDT Summary

Earthquake Strikes Myanmar and Affects Thailand

At 00:16, Korva Coleman reports a devastating magnitude 7.7 earthquake has struck Myanmar, causing significant destruction near the epicenter. The quake not only toppled buildings in central Myanmar but was also felt in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, hundreds of miles away.

John Ruich provides detailed coverage at 00:39, stating, "The U.S. Geological Survey says the epicenter was about six miles deep and not far from the city of Mandalay in central Myanmar." Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city with a population of approximately 1.5 million, experienced severe structural damage. Several aftershocks, including a significant 6.4 magnitude quake, have been recorded since the initial event around lunchtime. Ruich adds, "Videos and photos online show a collapsed bridge and buildings and others off kilter in what appears to be the quake zone." In Bangkok, a high-rise under construction crumbled, forcing nearby pedestrians to flee for safety. Thailand's Prime Minister has ordered government departments to brace for casualties and potential further aftershocks. As of the report, Myanmar officials have not released an official statement on the disaster.

Canada Responds to U.S. Auto Tariffs

At 01:22, Korva Coleman shifts focus to international trade tensions, highlighting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney's reaction to President Donald Trump's new 25% tariffs on imported foreign automobiles. Carney emphasizes the severity of the situation, stating at 01:44, "The old relationship we had with the United States, based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperations, is over." While Carney has not specified Canada's exact retaliatory measures, he indicates a strong response is forthcoming, especially with additional Trump tariffs set to take effect next week.

Coleman further elaborates at 01:55 that President Trump defends the tariffs as a strategy to bolster the U.S. economy and reclaim jobs. However, the measure has garnered mixed reactions: it has received support from the United Auto Workers in the U.S. but faces strong opposition from the Canadian Auto Workers union.

Potential Closure of Critical U.S. Atomic Research Group

In a related economic and scientific update, Coleman reports on the Trump administration's proposed closure of a crucial government research group. At 01:55, Coleman introduces the issue, which NPR's Jeff Brumfeld explores further. Elizabeth Goldschmidt, a physicist at the University of Illinois, Urbana, underscores the significance of the Atomic Spectroscopy group at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). At 02:23, Goldschmidt explains, "The Atomic Spectroscopy group is made up of just seven federal scientists... maintaining a catalog of atomic spectra, the unique colors emitted by different elements in the periodic table." These atomic fingerprints are indispensable across various scientific and industrial applications, including GPS technology, medical devices, and microchip manufacturing.

Goldschmidt continues at 02:52, "Having these reliable standards is what allows industries to innovate and make new products." The proposed closure, announced via an email from the group's leader, aims to dismantle the team within weeks. This move has sparked significant backlash, with over 3,000 researchers signing a petition to preserve the group. Goldschmidt emphasizes the potential long-term consequences of losing such a specialized and essential resource.

Vice President's Visit to Greenland Amidst Geopolitical Tensions

At 03:10, Korva Coleman reports on Vice President Vance and his wife's visit to a U.S. Space Force base in northern Greenland. Initially intended as a cultural stop, the visit has been overshadowed by mounting local opposition to increased American military presence. President Trump remains adamant about the U.S. taking control of Greenland, a stance that has further strained relations with local Greenlandic authorities and communities.

Measles Outbreak in Texas Complicated by Vitamin A Toxicity

Coleman then addresses a public health concern in Texas. Texas state health officials have confirmed at least 327 cases of measles, predominantly clustered in West Texas. Complicating the outbreak is a troubling development where a number of infected children are also suffering from toxic levels of vitamin A. At 03:49, Mark Carney (note: this appears to be a misattribution in the transcript and may refer to reporter David Martin Davies) explains, "Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock confirms it's treating children with severe cases of measles who are also suffering from vitamin A toxicity." The hospital has admitted fewer than ten pediatric patients exhibiting elevated vitamin A levels and abnormal liver function.

This issue arises from recommendations by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who advocated for high doses of vitamin A to combat the measles outbreak. However, the hospital warns the public against excessive vitamin A intake, stating, "Excessive consumption of it may result in significant adverse effects." There is currently no evidence supporting the efficacy of vitamin A in preventing measles.

Flash Flood Warnings Issued for Southern Texas

Finally, at 04:38, Coleman alerts listeners to severe weather conditions as the National Weather Service has issued flash flood warnings for the tip of southern Texas. Meteorologists predict that up to 10 inches of rain may have already fallen in the region, posing significant risks of flooding and related hazards.

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This summary encapsulates the key news segments from the NPR News Now episode aired on March 28, 2025, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of major events ranging from natural disasters and international trade tensions to public health emergencies and severe weather warnings.

Transcript

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[Korva Coleman]

In Washington, I'm Korva Coleman. A major earthquake has struck the isolated Southeast Asian nation of Myanmar. The magnitude 7.7 earthquake toppled buildings near the epicenter and it rattled neighboring Thailand's capital, Bangkok, hundreds of miles away. NPR's John Ruich reports. Thai officials say that at least three people have been killed in that country.

[John Ruich]

The U.S. geological Survey says the epicenter was about six miles deep and not far from the city of Mandalay in central Myanmar. Mandalay is the country's second biggest city after Yangon, with a population of around a million and a half people. USGS says there have been several aftershocks since the initial quake around lunchtime, including one with a magnitude of 6.4. Videos and photos online show a collapsed bridge and buildings and others off kilter in what appears to be the quake zone. In one video from Bangkok, a high rise under construction crumbles to the ground, sending people in nearby streets running for their lives. Thailand's prime minister ordered government departments to prepare for casualties and further aftershocks. There's been no word from the Myanmar government. John Ruich, NPR News, Shanghai.

[Korva Coleman]

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says that his country will respond forcefully to President Trump's new 25% tariffs on imports of foreign automobiles. Carney would not say exactly what response Canada will take. He's waiting for next week when a raft of additional Trump tariffs will take effect as well. Carney does say things have changed.

[Mark Carney]

The old relationship we had with the United States, based on deepening integration of our economies and tight security and military cooperations, is over.

[Korva Coleman]

President Trump says his new tariffs will strengthen the U.S. economy and bring back jobs. Trump has won support from the United Auto workers in the U.S. the Canadian Auto Workers union strongly opposes the U.S. tariffs. Scientists say the Trump administration's proposed closure of a little known government research group could have far reaching consequences. As NPR's Jeff Brumfield reports, the lab maintains a crucial catalog of atomic properties.

[Elizabeth Goldschmidt]

The Atomic Spectroscopy group is made up of just seven federal scientists at the National Institute of Standards and technology for 120 years had a really important job maintaining a catalog of atomic spectra, the unique colors emitted by different elements in the periodic table. These atomic fingerprints are used throughout science and industry for things like GPs, medical devices and microchip manufacturing. Elizabeth Goldschmidt is a physicist at the University of Illinois, Champaign, Urbana.

[Korva Coleman]

Having these reliable standards is what allows industries to innovate and make new products.

[Elizabeth Goldschmidt]

According to an email from the group's leader, the administration plans its closure in a matter of weeks. More than 3,000 researchers have signed a petition to try and save it. Jeff Brumfiel, NPR News.

[Korva Coleman]

You're listening to NPR News from Washington. Vice President Vance and his wife are visiting a US Space Force base in northern Greenland today. The visit was originally a cultural stop for Mrs. Vance, but that changed this week after growing local opposition. President Trump continues to insist the US Will take over Greenland. Texas state health officials say at least 327 cases of the measles have been reported so far in the state. There's a cluster in West Texas. Now there's a related complication. Texas Public Radio's David Martin Davies reports a small number of children with measles are also being treated for toxic levels.

[Mark Carney]

Of vitamin A. Covenant Children's Hospital in Lubbock confirms it's treating children with severe cases of measles who are also suffering from vitamin A toxicity. According to the hospital, they've admitted fewer than 10 pediatric patients who were all initially hospitalized due to measles complications but have elevated levels of vitamin A and thus resulting in abnormal liver function. U.S. health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Has been recommending to take high doses of vitamin A to counter the measles outbreak. But the hospital is informing the public to reduce using the vitamin and warning that excessive consumption of it may result in significant adverse effects. There is no evidence that using vitamin DNA will prevent measles. I'm David Martin Davies in San Antonio.

[Korva Coleman]

The National Weather Service has posted flash flood warnings for the tip of southern Texas. Weather forecasters say that up to 10 inches of rain may already have fallen in the region. I'm Korva Coleman, NPR News, in Washington.

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