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Chapter 1: What is the main topic discussed in this episode?
Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. The Justice Department has opened a criminal probe of the Federal Reserve. NPR's Scott Horsley reports that has drawn an unusually strong response from Fred Chair, Jerome Powell.
The Federal Reserve says it received grand jury subpoenas late last week about the renovation of the Central Bank's headquarters building in Washington.
Chapter 2: What criminal investigation is the Federal Reserve currently facing?
and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's testimony about that project before a Senate committee. Powell says those are mere pretext. He says the threat of criminal charges is part of the administration's broader pressure campaign, designed to force the Fed to move more quickly in lowering interest rates.
The president is getting pushback, however, from some senators who will vote on Trump's nominee to replace Powell when the chairman's term ends in May. Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.
The administration is tightening restrictions on members of Congress visiting ICE facilities. Lawmakers will now be required to submit requests at least one week in advance. We have more from NPR's Elena Moore.
In her memo, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem argued that unannounced visits take ICE officers away from their normal duties. And she argued that visiting lawmakers are creating, quote, circus-like publicity stunts.
The memo was made public on Saturday, but it was filed Thursday, just a day after an ICE agent fatally shot a 37-year-old woman in Minneapolis, sparking intense criticism and nationwide protests. And some Democratic lawmakers have already been turned away from visiting ICE facilities. On Saturday, three House Democrats said they were denied access to an ICE processing center in Minneapolis.
Elena Moore, NPR News.
President Trump says Iran has reached out to negotiate with the United States after Oman, a mediator, dispatched its top diplomat to Tehran for talks. Anti-government protests have been roiling Iran. NPR's Aya Batraoui has the latest.
Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that the US could meet with Iranian officials and that a meeting is being set up. But he cautioned that the military is also looking at, quote, some very strong options. Trump said if Iran attacks US assets in the Mideast, they will be met with a very powerful force.
Iranian authorities have cut off internet across the country for four days now in a bid to stifle protests that they say are being stoked by, quote, terrorists. Rights groups estimate that hundreds of protesters have been killed in the demonstrations that began December 28. Iran says security personnel have also been killed.
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