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.

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.