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President Trump yesterday toured the ongoing renovation project at the federal Reserve headquarters with Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. The construction cost has soared from $1.9 billion to $2.5 billion in recent years, becoming a point of contention for the president.During the visit, Trump waved a document, claiming the cost had now reached $3.1 billion.President Trump sparred with Jerome Powell over the final cost of the Federal Reserve‘s renovations during an unusual visit to the central bank.
Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images North America
🎧 Interest rates,which the president has repeatedly said he wants lowered,remained front and center during the tourNPR’s Tamara Keith tells Up First.Trump seemed to be dissatisfied with the construction project, which is very much over budget, in part due to steel tariffs, COVID, inflation and the challenges of retrofitting historic buildings to modern standards. Keith says the last president to visit the Fed was George W. Bush in 2006, making Trump’s appearance there, scolding Powell, pretty remarkable. The big question is whether the focus on the building could be a justification for perhaps firing Powell before his term ends.
House republicans in key swing states have held telephone town halls this week/resize/400/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F97%2F8a9420b54bfbbdd7d19f71a731d2%2Fgettyimages-1732758501.jpg 400w,
https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2121×1193+0+0/resize/600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F97%2F8a9420b54bfbbdd7d19f71a731d2%2Fgettyimages-1732758501.jpg 600w,
https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2121×1193+0+0/resize/800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F97%2F8a9420b54bfbbdd7d19f71a731d2%2Fgettyimages-1732758501.jpg 800w,
https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2121×1193+0+0/resize/900/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F97%2F8a9420b54bfbbdd7d19f71a731d2%2Fgettyimages-1732758501.jpg 900w,
https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2121×1193+0+0/resize/1200/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F97%2F8a9420b54bfbbdd7d19f71a731d2%2Fgettyimages-1732758501.jpg 1200w,
https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2121×1193+0+0/resize/1600/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F97%2F8a9420b54bfbbdd7d19f71a731d2%2Fgettyimages-1732758501.jpg 1600w,
https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/2121×1193+0+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa2%2F97%2F8a9420b54bfbbdd7d19f71a731d2%2Fgettyimages-1732758501.jpg 1800wOver the last century, obesity has become increasingly common in the U.S. and other industrialized nations, while it remains rare among those who maintain traditional lifestyles.A common explanation is that as societies have developed, people have become less active, so they burn fewer calories each day. however, a new major study published in the journal PNAS challenges that notion.
Duke university professor Herman Pontzer led a team of researchers who analyzed data from more than 1,600 people in eight countries. They measured the participants’ total daily energy expenditure – essentially, how many calories they burn – using the “doubly labeled water” method, considered the gold standard for measuring energy expenditure.The researchers found that people in countries with vastly different obesity rates – including the U.S., China, South Africa, and the Netherlands – burn roughly the same number of calories per day, around 2,000 to 2,200. This holds true irrespective of body size or activity levels.
“We were surprised to find that total energy expenditure was remarkably similar across these diverse populations,” Pontzer says. “It suggests that something other than just reduced physical activity is driving the obesity epidemic.”
So,if we’re not burning fewer calories,what’s going on? Pontzer and his colleagues believe the answer lies in how our bodies respond to increased food availability.
“Our bodies seem to have a ‘metabolic set point’ – a level of energy expenditure that’s tightly regulated,” Pontzer explains. “When we eat more, our bodies don’t necessarily burn more calories. Instead, they may become more efficient at storing energy as fat.”
In other words, as food became more abundant, our bodies adapted to extract more energy from each calorie and store it more effectively. This could explain why obesity rates have risen even as activity levels have remained relatively stable.
The study also found that people in less industrialized societies, like the Hadza hunter-gatherers of Tanzania, don’t necessarily burn more calories than people in industrialized nations. However, they do have higher levels of physical activity and lower rates of obesity.
“The Hadza are physically active throughout the day, but their total energy expenditure isn’t dramatically different from ours,” Pontzer says. “What sets them apart is that they don’t have the same constant access to calorie-dense foods.”
The findings have important implications for how we approach the obesity epidemic. Simply telling people to “exercise more” may not be enough, Pontzer argues.
“We need to focus on the quality of our diets and the environments that promote overeating,” he says. “If our bodies are already operating at a metabolic set point, then reducing calorie intake may be more effective than increasing calorie expenditure.”
A new study shows people in countries with different obesity rates burn about the same number of calories.
PCH-Vector/iStockphoto/Getty Images
Living Better is a special series about what it takes to stay healthy in America.https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/3051×1716+265+0/resize/1800/quality/85/format/webp/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F0f%2Fb0%2Fc4e17dcc4e6b8cc21146046a9da1%2Feah4020-comp-wta-v0336-1127-r.jpgCheck out what NPR is watching, reading and listening to this weekend:
🍿 Movies: The Fantastic Four: First Steps is kicking off the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s “Phase Six,” setting up years of storylines. Here are the other movies hitting theaters this weekend.
📺 TV: NPR critic Linda Holmes says HBO’s two-part documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes highlights Joel’s successful career as a result of his strengths in songwriting, piano playing, and live performance.
📚 Books: Together in Manzanar: The True Story of a Japanese Jewish Family in an American Concentration Camp tells the true story of a family of mixed heritage sent to a Japanese detention facility during World War II.
🎵 Music: Check out some of the top albums out todaywith a playlist of some of the best songs released. Don’t know where to start? Our All Songs Considered hosts shared artists similar to the ones featured.https://npr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com/93/9e/cb56fe6e40adbac0e991ce639884/whitney-amy-sherald-installation.jpg## Navigating Artistic and Corporate Shifts: Recent Developments in Culture and Media
Recent weeks have witnessed significant developments across the cultural and media landscapes, marked by both artistic expression and substantial corporate restructuring. These events highlight ongoing dialogues surrounding depiction and the evolving dynamics of media ownership.
### Artistic Expression and the Boundaries of representation
Renowned artist Amy Sherald, celebrated for her distinctive and impactful portraits exploring the African American experience, has postponed a scheduled exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery [[1]]. This decision stems from a disagreement concerning her depiction of a transgender woman in a recent artwork. The situation underscores the complexities artists face when navigating sensitive subjects and the potential for controversy when challenging conventional norms. Similar debates have emerged in recent years surrounding depictions of marginalized communities, with artists often grappling with issues of authenticity, agency, and potential misrepresentation. For example, the 2023 controversy surrounding a museum exhibit featuring AI-generated art sparked discussions about the ethical implications of representing diverse identities without lived experience. Sherald’s decision to pause the exhibition reflects a broader trend of artists prioritizing thoughtful engagement with these issues and a willingness to address concerns raised by the communities they portray.
### Consolidation in Media: Skydance and Paramount Global
Concurrently, the media industry is undergoing a period of significant consolidation. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has given the green light to skydance Media’s acquisition of Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS [[3]]. This merger represents a major shift in the media landscape, potentially impacting content creation, distribution, and consumer choice. Industry analysts predict that such mergers often lead to cost-cutting measures, including workforce reductions, and a narrowing of content diversity as companies prioritize profitability. The current media environment is characterized by intense competition from streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, driving the need for media giants to scale and consolidate resources. According to a recent report by Deloitte, media and entertainment spending is projected to reach $1.84 trillion globally in 2025, highlighting the immense economic forces at play. the Skydance-Paramount deal is highly likely to accelerate this trend, reshaping the future of entertainment and news consumption.
Meta Title: Federal Reserve & Israel-Hamas Conflict: NPR Insights on Economic Impacts and Global Markets
Meta Description: stay informed on the intersection of Federal Reserve policy and the Israel-Hamas conflict.NPR provides critical updates on economic stability, inflation, and international relations.
The global economic landscape is perpetually influenced by geopolitical events, and the ongoing conflict between israel and Hamas is no exception. Understanding how these developments intersect with the policies of central banks, particularly the U.S. Federal Reserve, is crucial for investors, policymakers, and the general public alike.NPR’s reporting often sheds light on these complex relationships, offering valuable insights into the potential impacts on markets, inflation, and global financial stability.
The Federal Reserve’s Mandate in Times of Geopolitical Uncertainty
The Federal Reserve, often referred to as the “Fed,” operates under a dual mandate: to promote maximum employment and maintain stable prices. These objectives are challenged by various factors, including international conflicts that can disrupt supply chains, influence energy prices, and create broader economic uncertainty. When significant geopolitical events unfold, the fed closely monitors their potential effects on the U.S. economy.
Monetary Policy Considerations
The Fed’s primary tools for managing the economy include adjusting interest rates, engaging in open market operations, and setting reserve requirements for banks. In the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the Fed would be considering:
Inflationary Pressures: Conflicts can lead to spikes in commodity prices, particularly oil and gas, due to supply chain disruptions and increased geopolitical risk premiums. Higher energy costs can ripple through the economy, contributing to broader inflation. The Fed would analyze whether these pressures are likely to be transitory or more persistent when formulating its monetary policy decisions.
Economic Growth: Geopolitical instability can dampen consumer and business confidence, leading to reduced spending and investment. This can negatively impact economic growth. The Fed would weigh the potential for slower growth against its inflation objectives.
financial Market Stability: Volatility in global financial markets is a common response to major conflicts. The Fed, as the U.S.central bank, plays a role in ensuring the stability of the financial system.It monitors market liquidity and may intervene through various mechanisms if systemic risks emerge.
NPR’s news coverage frequently enough features interviews with economists and Federal Reserve officials, providing accessible explanations of how these considerations influence policy decisions. Such as, NPR might report on statements from Fed Chair Jerome Powell detailing the committee’s assessment of imported inflation from global events and its implications for future interest rate hikes or cuts.
impact of the Israel-Hamas Conflict on Global Markets
The ramifications of the Israel-Hamas conflict extend far beyond the immediate region,influencing global financial markets significantly. NPR’s reporting often touches upon these broader economic impacts, helping listeners understand the interconnectedness of global finance.
Energy Markets
The Middle East is a critical region for global energy production. Any escalation or prolonged instability in the area can lead to:
Oil Price Volatility: Disruptions to oil supply or fears of such disruptions can cause crude oil prices to surge. This directly impacts gasoline prices for consumers and increases operating costs for businesses that rely on transportation.
Natural Gas Prices: Similar to oil, natural gas markets can also be affected, especially if shipping routes or production facilities are compromised.
NPR’s business and economics segments frequently provide updates on oil prices and the factors driving them,often referencing “geopolitical risk” as a key component of market fluctuations.Understanding these dynamics is essential for grasping the broader economic implications of the conflict.
Currency Markets
Geopolitical events can also influence currency exchange rates. For instance, a heightened sense of global risk might lead investors to seek out perceived safe-haven currencies, such as the U.S. dollar. Conversely, currencies of countries directly involved in or heavily impacted by the conflict may experience depreciation. NPR’s reporting on international finance can definitely help explain these currency movements and their potential effects on trade and investment.
Equity Markets
Stock markets are sensitive to uncertainty. The Israel-Hamas conflict can introduce volatility into equity markets due to:
Investor Sentiment: Fear and uncertainty can lead to sell-offs as investors de-risk their portfolios.
Corporate Earnings: Companies with significant operations or supply chains in the affected region may see their earnings impacted, leading to stock price declines.
Sector-Specific Impacts: Defense stocks might see increased interest, while sectors reliant on global stability or specific regional markets coudl face headwinds.
NPR often features market analysis from financial experts who break down these trends,making complex market movements more understandable for a general audience.
NPR’s Role in Providing Updates and Analysis
National Public Radio (NPR) plays a vital role in disseminating information about complex global events and their economic consequences. Through its