NPR News Now: March 29, 2025, 5PM EDT

Host: Jeanine Herbst | Source: NPR

Major Earthquake Devastates Myanmar

Timestamp: 00:13

Jeanine Herbst opens the episode with a tragic report from Myanmar, where a powerful earthquake has struck the heart of the country. The US Geological Survey has confirmed the quake's magnitude at 7.7, resulting in the loss of over 1,600 lives and leaving thousands more injured.

Key Developments:

• International Aid Arrival: Michael Sullivan reports that the first international aid shipments have landed in Yangon, Myanmar's former capital. These shipments, originating from China and India, include essential search and rescue teams, medical personnel, blankets, and other vital provisions.

• Challenges in Rescue Efforts: The earthquake's epicenter is located near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, approximately 360 miles north by road. The Mandalay airport remains closed, severely hampering rescue operations. Rescue teams are struggling due to a shortage of equipment and personnel, with some being forced to dig manually.

• Regional Impact: In Thailand, rescue teams are utilizing heavy machinery to free dozens of construction workers trapped in the rubble of a 33-story skyscraper that collapsed during the earthquake.

Notable Quote:

“Rescue workers say their efforts have been stymied by a lack of equipment and personnel, with some resorting to digging with their hands.” — Michael Sullivan (00:39)

Mass Firings at the US Institute of Peace

Timestamp: 01:25

Jeanine Herbst transitions to a political upheaval in the United States, highlighting significant personnel changes at the US Institute of Peace (USIP).

Key Developments:

• Mass Terminations: Starting late Friday night, the USIP Human Resources Department informed the majority of its employees that their positions have been terminated. This action follows the takeover by the Trump administration's government efficiency team, despite the institute being a Congress-funded think tank with its own building and substantial endowment.

• Legal Actions and Deadlines: Board members ousted by the Trump administration are pursuing legal action against the administration. Employees have been given until early April to return their badges and company equipment. Notifications were sent via private email addresses due to restricted access following the administration transition.

Notable Quote:

“Though the institute owns its own building and has a large endowment funded in part by private donors, the Trump administration is trying to take it over.” — Michelle Kellerman (01:40)

Severe Wildfires Rage Across the Carolinas

Timestamp: 02:22

Jeanine Herbst reports escalating wildfires that are currently enveloping the Carolinas, with a focus on the severe situation in South Carolina.

Key Developments:

• Table Rock Fire: The Table Rock fire has become the largest in upstate South Carolina's history, burning vast expanses despite extensive firefighting efforts.

• Active Wildfires: Lieutenant Governor Pamela Evitt confirms there are three active fires in the state:

  “We have three active fires going on in the state right now.” — Pamela Evitt (02:38)

• Firefighting Efforts: Air crews have deployed hundreds of thousands of gallons of water, yet containment remains elusive. The month has already seen 388 wildfires scorch over 18,000 acres in South Carolina alone.

• Statewide Burn Ban: In response to the rampant fires, a statewide burn ban has been enacted in western North Carolina to curb further wildfires.

• Contributing Factors: High winds, dry conditions, and downed trees are exacerbating the fire situation, making firefighting operations increasingly challenging.

Notable Quote:

“We have three active fires going on in the state right now. That fire, the Forestry Commission is still fighting.” — Pamela Evitt (02:38)

College Basketball Highlights and Records

Timestamp: 03:26

Shifting to sports, Jeanine Herbst covers the latest in college basketball, highlighting record-breaking performances and upcoming pivotal matches.

Key Developments:

• Alabama's Historic Victory: Pat Duggans reports that Alabama has made NCAA history by achieving 25 successful three-point shots in a single game against Brigham Young, surpassing the previous record of 24 set by Loyola Marymount in 1990.

• Star Performance: Alabama forward Mark Sears was instrumental in this achievement, sinking 10 three-pointers and amassing 34 points. Sears attributes the success to his team's trust and support:

  “And you know, that's just show trust in them, that even though when I'm not at my highest peak, that they still trust me and want me to shoot the ball. So you know, it's a big shout out to them.” — Mark Sears (03:43)

• Upcoming Matches: Alabama is set to face Duke, while other notable games include Florida vs. Texas Tech and Houston, Auburn, Tennessee, and Michigan State battling for a spot in the Final Four.

Women's NCAA Basketball and Figure Skating Triumph

Timestamp: 04:01

Jeanine Herbst continues with updates on women's NCAA basketball and a remarkable achievement in figure skating.

Key Developments:

• NCAA Women's Basketball: South Carolina secured a victory over Maryland and is scheduled to face Duke the following day. The winner of this match will advance to the women's Final Four in Tampa.

• Figure Skating World Championship: After a two-year hiatus, Alyssa Liu clinched the gold medal at the World Championships in Boston. This victory marks the first time in nearly 20 years that an American woman has won the title.

  Notable Factors:

  • Absence of Russian Competitors: The competition did not feature Russian athletes, who typically dominate the sport.

  • Personal Journey: At 19 years old, Liu made a significant comeback after stepping away from figure skating at 16, following her participation in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing. She cited a lack of joy and the feeling that it was "just a job" as reasons for her hiatus.

Notable Quote:

“It's a big comeback for the 19 year old who stepped away from the sport when she was just 16, just after competing in the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, saying it felt like it didn't bring her joy and it felt like just a job.” — Jeanine Herbst (04:01)

Conclusion

In this episode of NPR News Now, hosts provided comprehensive updates on significant global and national events, including the devastating earthquake in Myanmar, political shifts within the US Institute of Peace, severe wildfires in the Carolinas, and notable achievements in college and women's sports. Additionally, a heartening story highlighted Alyssa Liu's triumphant return to figure skating, marking a historic moment for American athletes on the world stage.

For more detailed updates, listen to the full episode on NPR.org or your preferred podcast platform.