WSJ What’s News – Detailed Summary
Episode: Powerful Earthquakes Rock Myanmar, Thailand
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Host: The Wall Street Journal

1. Devastating Earthquakes Strike Myanmar and Thailand

The episode opens with a report on a series of powerful earthquakes that have recently impacted Myanmar and Thailand. One of the earthquakes reached a magnitude of 7.7, causing significant destruction and human suffering.

• Impact in Myanmar: In Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar’s capital, numerous individuals suffered injuries and were rushed to hospitals for treatment.

• Tragic Collapse in Bangkok: A particularly devastating earthquake triggered the collapse of an apartment block under construction in Bangkok, Thailand. The National Institute of Emergency Medicine confirmed that 50 people were hospitalized, and sadly, one person lost their life due to the collapse.

Luke Vargas [01:04]: “Thailand's National Institute of Emergency Medicine said 50 people had been transferred to hospital and one person died in the collapse.”

For continuous updates on this developing story, listeners are directed to visit WSJ.com.

2. Israel Provides Sensitive Intelligence to the U.S.

In an exclusive report, the podcast reveals that Israel supplied sensitive intelligence regarding a Houthi military operative targeted in a U.S. strike in Yemen. This intelligence sharing has become a focal point in the current political turmoil.

• Intelligence Details: National Security Adviser Mike Waltz texted that a key Houthi missile expert was identified entering a building that was subsequently destroyed. This intelligence reportedly originated from an Israel-linked human source on the ground in Yemen.

• Political Fallout: Israeli officials have expressed concern over Waltz's texts becoming public, although Trump administration officials maintain that the texts did not contain classified information.

Pam Bondi [02:42]: “Deflected, well, first it was sensitive information, not classified and inadvertently released. And what we should be talking about is it was a very successful mission. Our world is now safer because of that mission.”

Waltz has taken responsibility for initiating the signal chat, while the Israeli prime minister's office declined to comment on the matter.

3. U.S. Economic Demands on Ukraine Intensify

The U.S. is placing new economic pressures on Ukraine, demanding that Kyiv relinquish profits from various projects to compensate for American financial and military aid. The latest proposal includes:

• Resource Demands: Profits from Ukrainian oil and gas resources.

• Omissions in the Agreement: The updated draft lacks provisions for American security guarantees, a significant departure from the original agreement set to be signed before the late February incident at the White House.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the new proposal requires detailed study, highlighting the complexities faced by Ukraine amid ongoing U.S.-Russia peace talks.

4. Vice President J.D. Vance’s Tense Visit to Greenland

Vice President J.D. Vance is visiting Greenland, a move that has sparked controversy and anger on the island, perceived as an act of aggression. This visit occurs amidst rising tensions between the U.S. and Europe, largely influenced by Vance's recent comments.

Dan Michels, Brussels bureau chief, provides insight into Vance's diplomatic approach:

Dan Michels [04:47]: “All indications are that this visit did not follow standard international diplomatic protocol. And that seems to be Vance's approach to kind of toss out the standard traditional niceties of diplomacy and just be very blunt about what he thinks and what he believes other countries should do and how the United States should approach them.”

Further Insights:

• Perception in Europe: While Vance maintains that his stance is one of “tough love,” aiming to encourage European allies to contribute more significantly within NATO and address cultural issues, many in Europe perceive his actions and comments as hostile and aggressive.

Dan Michels [05:25]: “He actually likes Europe and thinks that Europeans are US Allies, but that the Europeans haven't been pulling their weight within the Western alliance.”

This strained relationship is compounded by actions such as the cutting of USAID and the termination of the Voice of America broadcasts, which Europeans interpret as the U.S. retreating from its traditional leadership role in supporting liberal democracy.

5. U.S. Executive Orders Targeting Unionized Federal Workers and Law Firms

President Trump has issued two significant executive orders that signal a crackdown on both federal unions and major law firms connected to his administration’s investigations.

• Targeting Federal Unions: The administration aims to end collective bargaining with workers at agencies involved in intelligence and national security. The only exemptions are for police and firefighters. This move affects employees across departments like State, Defense, and Veterans Affairs.

  Trump cited the 1978 Civil Service Reform Act as the legal basis for this action. The American Federation of Government Employees Union is preparing to challenge this decision legally.

• Crackdown on Law Firms: The second executive order specifically targets Wilmer Hale, stripping it of security clearances and restricting its access to federal buildings. Wilmer Hale had previously lobbied against the order, leveraging its ties to the administration.

  Other Firms Affected: Firms such as Scadden are in talks to avoid similar repercussions, while Perkins Coie has initiated a lawsuit challenging the president's actions.

Erin Mulvaney and Dana Mattioli provide additional context in their reporting, highlighting how these orders are disrupting the U.S. legal industry and stirring client concerns.

6. Australian Elections Set Amid Economic and Global Uncertainties

Australians are gearing up for elections in early May, as Prime Minister Antony Albanese calls for a vote of confidence amidst a backdrop of economic recovery and an unpredictable global environment.

• Campaign Highlights:

  • Labor Government: Emphasizes falling interest rates, stronger wage growth, and tamed inflation as indicators of their successful governance.

  • Opposition Liberal National Coalition: Proposes tax changes to lower fuel costs and advocates for building nuclear power plants to replace coal, addressing energy and environmental concerns.

Pam Bondi [08:29]: “Over the last few years, the world has thrown a lot at Australia in uncertain times. We cannot decide the challenges that we will face, but we can determine how we respond.”

Additionally, the Trump White House’s imposition of tariffs on Australian steel and aluminum has added another layer of complexity to the election landscape, with global issues and leadership likely to be pivotal campaign themes.

7. European Economic Indicators Show Signs of Recovery

Despite the looming threat of tariffs that could undermine the already sluggish growth within the Eurozone, fresh economic data from Europe presents a more optimistic outlook.

• Inflation Trends: Countries like France and Spain are experiencing low inflation, indicating slower price rises and setting the stage for potential interest rate cuts in the near future.

• Consumer and Business Confidence: German factories are showing an upbeat outlook, with increased consumer confidence suggesting that Germany is moving past what was perceived as maximum economic gloom.

Paul Hannan, Economics Editor, explains:

Paul Hannan [11:24]: “Lower borrowing costs are a boon for businesses and consumers in particular.”

These positive indicators suggest that the European economy may be on the cusp of a recovery, fostering a more optimistic future outlook.

Conclusion

This episode of WSJ What’s News delves into a diverse array of global and political developments, from natural disasters in Southeast Asia to intricate diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Europe. It also covers significant shifts in U.S. domestic policy affecting federal workers and legal institutions, upcoming elections in Australia, and encouraging economic signs within Europe. Notable quotes and expert analyses provide listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the intricate issues shaping today's world.

Produced by Daniel Bach with supervising producer Sandra Kilhoff. For more detailed stories, visit WSJ.com and explore the show notes for additional links.