NPR News Now: March 29, 2025, 1 PM EDT

Hosted by Nora Ramm

Massive Earthquake Devastates Myanmar

Nora Ramm reported from Washington, highlighting the tragic aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck central Myanmar. According to state-run media, the earthquake, measured at 7.7 on the Richter scale by the U.S. Geological Survey, resulted in the loss of over 1,600 lives and injured thousands more.

Michael Sullivan, reporting from neighboring Thailand, detailed the arrival of international aid. The first shipments, originating from China and India, included search and rescue teams, medical personnel, blankets, and essential supplies. However, the earthquake's epicenter was near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, approximately 360 miles north. The airport in Mandalay remains closed, severely hindering rescue efforts. Sullivan noted, "Rescue workers say their efforts have been stymied by a lack of equipment and personnel, with some resorting to digging with their hands" (00:38).

The Myanmar military has now permitted international aid to assist those affected, marking a significant shift in their approach to the disaster response.

Defense Secretary Honors Iwo Jima Veterans

In a solemn ceremony, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth joined Japanese leaders for a memorial service on Iwo Jima, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the brutal World War II battle. Speaking at the event, Hegseth emphasized the enduring bond between allies, stating, "Yesterday's enemy is today's friend" (01:23).

Hegseth continued, "More than 26,000 died here today. We revere their courage" (01:38), honoring the sacrifice of over 80,000 Marines, soldiers, and sailors from both the United States and Japan who fought on the island. This visit marks Hegseth's first trip to Asia as Defense Secretary, underscoring the importance of international military collaborations and historical remembrance.

Legal Battles Over Elon Musk's Voter Incentives in Wisconsin

Nora Ramm shifted focus to American politics, where Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Call is actively attempting to block Elon Musk from distributing $1 million to two voters ahead of a state Supreme Court election scheduled for Tuesday.

In an exclusive report, Chuck Hornbach of W. Democratic detailed the legal maneuvers, noting that Musk has already invested approximately $20 million to support the Supreme Court candidacy of suburban Milwaukee Circuit Judge Brad Schimmel. Despite legal setbacks at the circuit court level, Call is escalating the fight to higher courts (02:00).

Josh Call expressed his concerns, stating, "Attorney General Josh Call wants to halt Musk from promoting million dollar gifts to attendees of a get out the vote speech" (02:25). Meanwhile, Brad Schimmel dismissed the controversy, asserting, "He can do whatever he wants with his money. If there's a problem with this, that's somebody else's problem to work out. It's not mine. It's not my business" (02:49).

Schimmel's opponent, Susan Crawford, criticized Musk's latest efforts as a "last minute, desperate distraction," highlighting the contentious nature of Musk's financial involvement in the election (02:57). The legal battle continues as both sides prepare for the upcoming Supreme Court election.

Wildfires Ravage North Carolina Six Months After Hurricane Helene

Six months post the catastrophic Hurricane Helene, Nora Ramm reported that western North Carolina is grappling with new devastation caused by extensive wildfires. The fires, exacerbated by high winds and dry conditions, have led to the displacement of hundreds once again.

Gerard Albert III of Blue Ridge Public Radio provided on-the-ground insights, stating that "Storm downed trees and washed out roads are making the fires harder to fight" (03:29). The Forest Service has been stretched thin, with 10,000 acres already burned since Governor Josh Stein's visit to Forest Service officials (03:49).

Governor Stein, visibly concerned, remarked, "What we cannot have happen is the pain, the suffering that the people of western North Carolina experience from Hurricane Elaine be compounded by a summer of fires" (03:57). He outlined plans to return to Raleigh to seek additional funding from state legislators to bolster wildfire fighting efforts (04:07).

E.J. Dwiggins of the Forest Service echoed the urgency, highlighting the compounded challenges facing Polk County and surrounding areas. As residents face repeated natural disasters, the state's response and preparedness remain critical to mitigating further tragedies.

FAA Investigates Near-Miss Collision at Reagan National Airport

In aviation news, Nora Ramm reported an alarming incident near Washington, D.C., where a Delta Airlines flight attempting to take off from Reagan National Airport narrowly avoided collision with an Air Force jet. The encounter occurred during a flyover at Arlington National Cemetery, activating the aircraft's collision avoidance system and prompting immediate corrective measures from air traffic controllers.

Reflecting on the severity of such incidents, Ramm referenced a previous tragedy in January, when an Army helicopter collided with a passenger jet near the same airport, resulting in 67 fatalities. The FAA is currently investigating the near-miss to prevent future occurrences and enhance aviation safety protocols (04:17).

Key Takeaways

• A devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar claims over 1,600 lives, with international aid now permitted to assist in rescue and recovery efforts.

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth commemorates the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, reinforcing U.S.-Japan military relations.

• Elon Musk faces legal challenges in Wisconsin over attempts to financially influence voters ahead of a crucial Supreme Court election.

• North Carolina continues to battle severe wildfires six months after Hurricane Helene, with Governor Stein seeking additional state support.

• The FAA investigates a critical near-miss incident at Reagan National Airport, underscoring the importance of stringent aviation safety measures.

This summary provides an overview of the key news stories featured in the NPR News Now episode from March 29, 2025. For more detailed coverage, please listen to the full episode or visit NPR News Now.