NPR News: 04-29-2026 3PM EDT
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What recent decisions has the Federal Reserve made regarding interest rates?
Live from NPR News, I'm Lakshmi Singh. The Federal Reserve is opting to hold interest rates steady as the war with Iran continues to put upward pressure on energy prices. NPR's Scott Horsley reports the Fed's rate-setting meeting today was likely the last Chair Jerome Powell would run, but not necessarily the last he'd be a part of since Powell's just disclosed that he plans to stay on with the Board of Governors.
Powell's term as Fed chairman expires in mid-May. This morning, the Senate Banking Committee okayed President Trump's pick to replace Powell, Kevin Warsh. That sets the stage for a confirmation vote by the full Senate. Trump has insisted the central bank should be cutting interest rates, but Powell and most of his Fed colleagues have instead held rates unchanged since December. Inflation climbed to its highest level in 22 months in March. That's thanks in part to soaring gasoline prices after the war in Iran stalled tanker traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Gasoline prices have continued to climb in April, with the average price of regular gas jumping a nickel a gallon overnight.
How much is the U.S. spending on the war with Iran?
Scott Horsley, NPR News, Washington.
Well, the Pentagon's chief financial officials are revealing what it's cost U.S. taxpayers so far to be at war with Iran.
We're spending about $25 billion on Operation Epic Fury.
Jules Hurst III testifying before the House Armed Services Committee today on where the money's been spent.
Most of that is in munitions. There's part of that that's obviously O&M and equipment replacement.
Democratic lawmakers say the strikes initiated by the U.S. and Israel in late February amount to a costly war without congressional approval. Today, they grilled Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth on his handling of the war, as well as his decision to remove highly decorated military leaders. President Trump confirms he had a phone call today with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the Middle East conflict.
Well, we talked about more about the war in Ukraine, but he would like to be of help. I said, before you help me, I want to end your war.
In other news, during arguments today, the Supreme Court appeared sympathetic to the administration's move to end temporary protected status for Haitians and Syrians in the United States. Congress enacted the TPS program to offer protections to migrants fleeing turmoil in their own countries. NPR's Andrea Hsu says people with immigrant caretakers are carefully watching for the ruling.
More than 20,000 Haitians with TPS work as nursing assistants and caregivers, according to the immigration advocacy group Forward.us. Even more work in dining services and other roles in long-term care facilities. Rita Simonala is a resident of Goodwin Living, a retirement community in northern Virginia. She says now is not the time to be forcing willing and able workers out.
What are the implications of the Supreme Court's arguments on temporary protected status?
This has a tremendous impact on American seniors. Hundreds of thousands turn 65 every year. Who's going to care for them? The Trump administration has argued that TPS was always supposed to be temporary and that conditions in many countries have improved. That's despite ongoing warnings of unsafe conditions from the State Department. Andrea Hsu, NPR News. This is NPR.
In Britain today, police say they've arrested a 45-year-old man suspected of carrying out an anti-Semitic attack today in London. Two Jewish men were stabbed and injured on the street. Counterterrorism police are investigating. Pop star Taylor Swift is making legal moves to protect her voice and image. NPR's Netta Ulaby reports this reflects growing concern from entertainers about AI-generated content.
The voice samples Taylor Swift filed to be trademarked are brief. Hey, it's Taylor. And... Hey, it's Taylor Swift.
What recent incidents of anti-Semitic attacks have occurred in Britain?
Both were promotions she made for a recent album. Swift has had to contend with AI-generated videos that wrongly suggested she was selling a line of cookware, as well as more salacious content. She also filed to trademark a photo of herself holding a pink guitar. Historically, trademarks are used more for brand names and logos than individuals' voices and images.
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Chapters
6 chapters
1
What recent decisions has the Federal Reserve made regarding interest rates?
0:01–1:01
2
How much is the U.S. spending on the war with Iran?
1:01–2:34
3
What are the implications of the Supreme Court's arguments on temporary protected status?
2:34–3:34
4
What recent incidents of anti-Semitic attacks have occurred in Britain?
3:34–4:32
5
How is Taylor Swift addressing concerns about AI-generated content?
4:32–4:56
6
What legal issues has Elon Musk faced with California regulators?
4:56–5:04