NPR News Now: March 10, 2025, 4PM EDT – Detailed Summary

Host: Lakshmi Sang | Author: NPR

1. Stock Markets Plunge Amid Upcoming Tariffs

Timeframe: [00:13] - [01:06]

The episode opens with Lakshmi Sang reporting a significant downturn in the stock markets as investors brace for economic uncertainty. Scott Horsley elaborates on the factors driving this decline:

• Tariffs Announcement: The Trump administration is set to implement a 25% tariff on imported steel and aluminum starting Wednesday.

• Inflation Concerns: The timing coincides with the Labor Department's upcoming inflation report, raising fears that tariffs may exacerbate price increases.

• Potential Recession: In a weekend interview with Fox News, President Donald Trump did not dismiss the possibility of a recession this year, adding to investors' apprehension.

• Impact on Tesla: The electric car giant, Tesla, led the day's losses on Wall Street. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, has been at the forefront of the administration's aggressive cost-cutting measures, which have resulted in significant layoffs of federal employees.

Notable Quote:

“The tariffs could put more upward pressure on prices.” – Scott Horsley [00:33]

2. NASA’s Chief Scientist Faces Layoff

Timeframe: [01:06] - [01:59]

Lakshmi Sang transitions to news about NASA, highlighting substantial staffing reductions:

• Layoffs: Dr. Kate Calvin, NASA's chief scientist since 2022, was among 23 employees let go. Her role involved advising senior leadership on scientific missions and serving as the agency's senior advisor on climate change.

• Reasoning: NASA cited her position as redundant amidst broader cuts aimed at complying with a Trump executive order.

Notable Quote:

“Her position was deemed redundant as part of larger staffing cuts at the agency.” – Jeff Brumfield [01:23]

3. Dismantling of Black Lives Matter Plaza Near White House

Timeframe: [01:59] - [02:50]

The conversation shifts to the ongoing deconstruction of Black Lives Matter Plaza, a significant site near the White House:

• Historical Context: Five years prior, a massive yellow lettering of "Black Lives Matter" was painted across two city blocks, serving as a tribute to George Floyd and symbolizing global racial justice protests.

• Removal Efforts: Under pressure from the Trump administration and certain congressional Republicans, authorities began dismantling the plaza this morning.

4. Los Angeles District Attorney Declines to Resentence Menendez Brothers

Timeframe: [02:50] - [03:00]

Lakshmi Sang reports on a high-profile legal case involving the Menendez brothers:

• Background: Lyle and Eric Menendez gained notoriety after murdering their parents in Beverly Hills in 1989. They have been incarcerated for decades, claiming sexual abuse as a motive and seeking release based on these allegations.

• DA’s Stance: Nathan Hockman, the new District Attorney for Los Angeles, announced he will not support any efforts to resentence the brothers, labeling their claims as repeated lies. He acknowledged that the final decision rests with Governor Gavin Newsom.

Notable Quote:

“He has unilateral constitutional power to commute the Menendez's sentences if he chooses and release them today.” – Jeff London [02:50]

5. Tornado Devastates Central Florida

Timeframe: [03:00] - [03:30]

A powerful tornado wreaked havoc in central Florida, particularly along the I4 corridor in Lake Mary and Longwood:

• Damage Reported: The twister caused significant destruction, including the partial collapse of a home and the flipping of vehicles.

6. Rocket Companies to Acquire Redfin in $1.6 Billion Deal

Timeframe: [03:30] - [04:08]

In corporate news, Rocket Companies, a leading mortgage lender, is set to acquire Redfin through an all-stock transaction valued at $1.6 billion:

• Strategic Benefits: This acquisition will integrate Redfin's extensive network of over 2,000 real estate agents across more than half the United States and incorporate Redfin's popular home and rental listings platform into Rocket's services.

7. Johann Strauss II’s Blue Danube to Be Beamed into Space

Timeframe: [04:08] - [04:50]

Concluding with a unique collaboration between the arts and space exploration:

• Anniversary Tribute: To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Johann Strauss II, his most renowned piece, "The Blue Danube", will be transmitted into space.

• Collaboration Details: The European Space Agency and the Vienna Symphony Orchestra will perform the waltz live on May 31. The performance will be sent via electromagnetic waves from a deep space antenna in Cebrero, Spain, reaching NASA's Voyager 1 in deep space 23 hours later.

Notable Quote:

“Now it's becoming a reality.” – Jeff London [04:08]

This episode of NPR News Now encapsulates a range of critical updates, from economic concerns and significant layoffs to high-profile legal cases and innovative cultural projects. Each segment provides listeners with timely information and insightful analysis, ensuring a comprehensive overview of current events.