President Donald Trump visited the Federal Reserve headquarters yesterday, where he inspected the ongoing renovation project that has seen its costs balloon from an initial estimate of $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion in recent years. The president expressed his concern over the escalating expenses, which he claimed had now reached $3.1 billion according to a document he displayed during the tour.
Interest rates were a key focus of the visit, with President Trump reiterating his desire for a reduction. NPR’s Tamara Keith reported that he appeared displeased with the project’s cost overruns, attributing the excessive budget to several factors including steel tariffs, the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and the complexity of retrofitting historic buildings to modern standards.
Notably, Trump’s visit marked the first time a sitting president has toured the Fed since George W. Bush in 2006, adding significance to his admonishments directed at Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. Observers speculate whether the spotlight on the Fed’s renovation could pave the way for Trump’s potential dismissal of Powell before his term concludes.
Meanwhile, House Republicans in crucial swing states have been engaging constituents through telephone town halls this week, responding to mounting inquiries regarding Jeffrey Epstein. After a tumultuous period among GOP leaders over the release of Epstein-related records, House Speaker Mike Johnson opted to send lawmakers home early for summer recess, thereby heightening interest in this sensitive topic.
Rep. Scott Perry of Pennsylvania, who won his district by a narrow margin, voiced his support for increased transparency regarding the Epstein files during these town halls. Similarly, fellow Pennsylvania Congressman Ryan Mackenzie echoed that sentiment. Representatives from other states, including Arizona, have also been advocating for a clearer understanding of the Epstein case.
Political expert Sam Chen remarked that while scrutiny often skews towards the president, many congressional candidates could face severe consequences as they campaign in the current climate.
In international news, ceasefire negotiations involving Israel and U.S. representatives in Qatar faced significant setbacks yesterday, exacerbating the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza. An alarming statement from over 100 human rights organizations condemned Israel’s ongoing siege, highlighting issues of chaos, starvation, and death in the region.
NPR’s Emily Feng reported that crucial points of contention in the negotiations include the future Israeli military presence in Gaza. Following an impasse in the talks for a proposed 60-day ceasefire, Israeli negotiators departed Qatar for further consultations with their leadership. The U.S. team also exited the discussions, with Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff expressing concerns about Hamas’s apparent lack of coordination during the negotiations.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has rapidly deteriorated, with reports indicating that parents are resorting to giving their children salt water due to food scarcity, according to NPR’s Anas Baba, who has been providing regional updates to Feng.
In a related segment, the ongoing Living Better series looks at the rise of obesity in the U.S. and globally, citing a new study from Duke University that examines calorie burn patterns across diverse cultures. This research challenges the prevailing narrative that insufficient physical activity is the primary factor driving weight gain.
Professor Herman Pontzer and his international team noted strong correlations between diet—specifically the intake of ultra-processed foods—and obesity rates. The findings suggest that the cultures relying heavily on such foods exhibit higher body fat percentages and obesity rates.
In lighter news, NPR offered its weekend picks, highlighting fresh entertainment options. The much-anticipated movie, ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps,’ launches the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Phase Six, while HBO’s documentary ‘Billy Joel: And So It Goes’ celebrates the iconic musician’s storied career.
In literature, the book ‘Together in Manzanar: The True Story of a Japanese Jewish Family in an American Concentration Camp’ recounts the real-life experiences of a family of mixed heritage during World War II.
Music enthusiasts can explore new albums released today, with curators from NPR’s All Songs Considered sharing insights on akin artists to the featured tracks.
Gamers may be intrigued by ‘Shadow Labyrinth,’ a novel sci-fi adaptation of the classic Pac-Man character, which maintains its family-friendly appeal despite its unique reimagining.
Finally, a quiz offers a challenge to test knowledge and compete for a perfect score.
In the arts community, renowned artist Amy Sherald has decided to cancel an upcoming exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery due to disputes concerning her portrayal of a trans woman.
Additionally, the Federal Communications Commission has greenlit Skydance Media’s acquisition of Paramount Global, which includes commitments to combat alleged biases in news coverage and to discontinue diversity initiatives.
Lastly, the wrestling icon Hulk Hogan has passed away at the age of 71, following a cardiac arrest incident, as confirmed by authorities in Clearwater, Florida.
As these developments unfold, they encapsulate a blend of domestic political maneuverings, significant international crises, and evolving cultural narratives that continue to shape public discourse.
image source from：npr
