NPR News Now: March 29, 2025

Host: Dale Willman
Reporter Highlights: Michael Sullivan, Franco Ordonez, Maria Godoy

Devastating Earthquake in Myanmar Claims Over 690 Lives

[00:16] Dale Willman opens the episode with breaking news about a powerful earthquake striking the center of Myanmar. Authorities report over 690 fatalities as of Friday, with numbers expected to rise. The earthquake registered a magnitude of 7.7, followed by a potent 6.7 aftershock minutes later, as per the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Casualties have also been recorded in neighboring Thailand.

[00:40] Michael Sullivan provides an on-the-ground perspective from Chiang Rai, Thailand. He notes that Mandalay, just 10 miles from the earthquake's epicenter and home to approximately 1.5 million people, is facing severe devastation. Sullivan highlights USGS modeling that anticipates the death toll could exceed 10,000, with potential for even higher numbers.

Key Insights:

• Extensive Damage in Mandalay: "Images trickling out of Mandalay show extensive damage, with pancaked buildings everywhere," Sullivan reports, emphasizing the scale of destruction.
• Rescue Challenges: Efforts are hindered by a lack of manpower and machinery necessary to clear debris.
• Foreign Aid Dynamics: Notably, the Myanmar military junta has invited foreign assistance, a significant shift from past refusals. However, the closure of Mandalay's airport raises concerns about the timely arrival of aid.

Vice President J.D. Vance Advocates for U.S. Control Over Greenland

[01:26] Dale Willman transitions to international relations, highlighting Vice President J.D. Vance's visit to a U.S. military base in Greenland. Vance suggests that Greenland, a semi-autonomous Danish territory, would benefit significantly if incorporated into the United States.

[01:43] In his remarks, J.D. Vance states:

"Greenland has a right to self-determination, but Greenlanders would be safer and richer under the US security umbrella." [01:43]

[01:51] Vance continues:

"Our message to Denmark is very simple. You have not done a good job by the people of Greenland. You have underinvested in the people of Greenland and you have under invested in the security architecture of this incredible, beautiful landmass filled with incredible people." [01:51]

[02:07] He clarifies his stance:

"I did not anticipate the US would forcibly annex the territory, but that the US taking control was a matter of national security." He cites geopolitical tensions, specifically Russia's and China's interests in Arctic and Antarctic passageways and naval routes as motivating factors.

Franco Ordonez provides additional context, explaining that this move aligns with the Trump administration's broader strategy to assert control over strategic regions.

South Carolina Faces Escalating Wildfires Amid Prolonged Fire Season

[02:25] Dale Willman reports on a large wildfire in the mountains of South Carolina, which has doubled in size over the past three days. Firefighters are prioritizing the protection of property and lives, employing strategies such as digging firebreaks to contain the blaze.

[02:39] Scott Phillips, the state forester, comments on the situation:

"Long range forecasts show that we don't see significant condition changes that will decrease the wildfire threat during the month of April or potentially into May. So this is going to be a long season for us as we move forward." [02:39]

Key Points:

• Extended Fire Season: South Carolina is only 28 days into its fire season, yet already facing significant challenges.
• Firefighting Efforts: Limited resources and the rapid spread of fires necessitate difficult decisions to safeguard communities.

Measles Outbreak Surges in West Texas and Several States

[02:55] Continuing with public health news, Dale Willman highlights a measles outbreak in West Texas, which has reached 400 confirmed cases since January. The outbreak has expanded to New Mexico, Kansas, Oklahoma, Ohio, and 15 other states.

[03:27] Maria Godoy elaborates on the outbreak:

"The number of new cases reported this week shows just how contagious the measles virus is. Texas health officials say they are expecting more cases." [03:27]

Current Statistics:

• Texas: 400 confirmed cases with 41 hospitalizations. Recently, 77 new cases were reported since Tuesday.
• New Mexico: 44 cases.
• Kansas: 23 cases.
• Oklahoma: 7 confirmed cases, 2 suspected.
• Ohio: 10 cases.

Godoy notes that:

• The majority of infections are among individuals unvaccinated against measles.
• The U.S. has recorded over 480 measles cases this year across 20 states, surpassing the total number reported in 2024.

Public Health Implications:

• Vaccination Status: Emphasis on the importance of vaccination in preventing the spread.
• Hospitalizations: The strain on healthcare facilities due to increased measles cases.

Legal Victory for Voice of America and Migrant Deportation Challenges

[04:10] Dale Willman updates on significant legal developments affecting the Voice of America (VOA) and U.S. immigration policies. A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction halting the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle VOA, a government-funded news service with an eight-decade history.

Key Details:

• Judge's Ruling: Labelled the administration's decision as a "classic case of arbitrary and capricious decision making."
• Impact on Staff: Over 1,200 employees stand to lose their jobs due to the proposed funding cuts made two weeks prior.
• Supreme Court Involvement: The Trump administration is appealing to the Supreme Court to override the temporary halt.

Migrant Deportations:

• The administration has sought to resume deportations of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador, invoking an 18th-century wartime law as justification.
• This appeal follows an appeals court decision that maintained a temporary ban on these deportations.

Implications:

• Freedom of the Press: The protection of VOA underscores the judiciary's role in safeguarding journalistic integrity against executive actions.
• Immigration Policy: The legal tussle highlights ongoing debates over immigration enforcement and human rights considerations.

Conclusion

This episode of NPR News Now provides a comprehensive overview of pressing global and national issues, ranging from natural disasters and international relations to public health crises and legal battles over governmental operations. Notable figures like Vice President J.D. Vance and experts such as Scott Phillips and Maria Godoy offer in-depth insights, underscoring the multifaceted challenges facing the world today.