NPR News Now: March 10, 2025, 7 PM EDT

Host: Jack Spear
Produced by: NPR
Duration: Approximately 5 minutes

I. Wall Street’s Worst Trading Day

Overview:
In today’s episode, Jack Spear reports on a significant downturn in the U.S. stock markets. Major indices—the Dow Jones, Nasdaq, and S&P 500—all plunged by 2% or more, marking the worst trading day of the year so far. Since reaching its peak last month, the S&P 500 alone has seen a staggering reduction of approximately $4 trillion in wealth.

Key Insights:

• Economic Analysis:
  Economist and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers attributes much of the market’s decline to the Trump administration’s trade policies. In an interview with CNN, Summers stated, “All of the ambiguity and uncertainty created about tariffs has ironically both chilled demand, made businesses not invest, made consumers think they should hold off before making big spending commitments” (00:18).

• Potential Recession:
  President Trump recently hinted at the possibility of the U.S. entering a recession, declining to rule it out over the weekend. Summers further commented that the market downturn could be a “self-inflicted wound” due to these policies (00:18).

II. Supreme Court to Hear Colorado Conversion Therapy Case

Overview:
Hailey Mae reports on an upcoming Supreme Court case challenging Colorado’s ban on conversion therapy for LGBTQ children. This case could have nationwide implications, as over 20 states currently prohibit the practice.

Key Perspectives:

• Legal Arguments:
  Attorney Jim Campbell argues that Colorado's minor conversion therapy law infringes upon the free speech rights of Christian counselors. He stated, “Colorado censors Kaylee from speaking words her clients want to hear because the government does not like the views she expresses” (01:39, 01:46).

• Support for the Ban:
  Democratic State Senator Daphne Michaelson Genay emphasizes the law’s protective intent, saying, “We know that children have died from this type of treatment, and we know that it is not in the best interest of the child” (01:55, 01:59).

• Professional Consensus:
  The American Psychological Association has condemned conversion therapy as “harmful pseudoscience,” aligning with the state's protective measures (02:08).

III. Removal of D.C.’s Black Lives Matter Street Mural

Overview:
Sarah Y. Kim reports on the commencement of efforts to dismantle the Black Lives Matter (BLM) street mural in Washington, D.C., originally established in 2020 amid widespread protests following George Floyd’s murder.

Community Reactions:

• Public Sentiment:
  Karen George, a D.C. native, expressed her distress over the removal: “It's painful to see it go, but that it won't be forgotten” (02:34).

• Administrative Pressures:
  Mayor Muriel Bowser has ordered the mural’s removal to avoid jeopardizing federal funding. Sarah Y. Kim notes, “The city has to remove the mural or risk losing federal funds” (02:34).

• Timeline:
  The removal process is expected to take up to eight weeks, as mentioned by Kim (03:03).

IV. U.S.-Canada Electricity Tariffs and Harriet Tubman on U.S. Currency

A. Electricity Tariffs Impacting U.S. Consumers

Overview:
Despite a brief reprieve from tariffs against Canada and Mexico, Ontario’s increased electricity charges are set to affect approximately 1.5 million Americans in Minnesota, New York, and Michigan.

Economic Implications:

• Consumer Costs:
  Ontario’s decision to enforce a 25% tariff translates to an estimated additional $69 per month on electricity bills for each affected American (03:15).

• Provincial Stance:
  Ontario maintains that the tariff will stay in effect despite the temporary pause, citing ongoing uncertainty (03:15).

B. Harriet Tubman’s Recognition on U.S. Currency

Overview:
Today marks Harriet Tubman Day, with New Hampshire lawmakers renewing efforts to place Tubman’s image on U.S. money—a movement spearheaded by Senator Jeanne Shaheen.

Advocacy Efforts:

• Legislative Push:
  Shondalyse Duster highlights that the “Harriet Tubman Tribute Act of 2025” seeks to feature Tubman on all $20 bills printed after December 31, 2030 (04:02).

• Personal Appeals:
  Ernestine Tina Martin, Tubman’s great-great-grandniece, urged Congress to act: “You don't have to like us. You don't have to not even want to support us or anything like that. But just do the right thing. Think about what God would want you to do” (04:02).

• Senatorial Commitment:
  Senator Shaheen affirmed her dedication to the cause, stating she will “pursue all avenues to ensure Tubman will be recognized on the currency” (04:02).

V. Market Numbers Summary

Overview:
Concluding the episode, Jack Spear provides the latest figures on the day’s market performance.

Statistics:

• Dow Jones Industrial Average:
  Fell nearly 900 points, closing at 41,911 (04:46).

• Nasdaq Composite:
  Dropped by 727 points (04:46).

Conclusion:
These significant declines underscore the volatile economic climate influenced by recent trade policies and ongoing uncertainties in the market.

Notable Quotes:

• Larry Summers:
  “All of the ambiguity and uncertainty created about tariffs has ironically both chilled demand, made businesses not invest, made consumers think they should hold off before making big spending commitments” (00:18).

• Jim Campbell:
  “Colorado censors Kaylee from speaking words her clients want to hear because the government does not like the views she expresses” (01:46).

• Senator Jeanne Shaheen:
  “I will pursue all avenues to ensure Tubman will be recognized on the currency” (04:02).

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions and insights from the March 10, 2025, episode of NPR News Now, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the day’s most impactful news stories.