Category: 4-FrequentNewsStreams

The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the Federal Reserve and Chair Jerome Powell, a move Powell has since called "an unprecedented action [that] should be seen in the broader context of the [Trump] administration's threats and ongoing pressure" to lower interest rates. We take a closer look at what’s happening from inside the Fed, and look at the implications for the economy as a whole. 

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Bookstore giant Barnes & Noble is opening new locations in downtown, Hyde Park, Oak Park and Skokie. As the chain continues to see growth since its change in leadership in 2019, some are concerned about the return of the big-box bookstore where small, independent bookstores already exist. In the Loop talks about the Barnes & Noble expansion in Chicago, its impact on local bookshops and how indie bookstores and large booksellers can coexist in the city. We speak with Barnes and Noble CEO James Daunt, Volumes Bookcafe co-owner Rebecca George and Call & Response Books owner Courtney Bledsoe. For a full archive of In the Loop interviews, head over to wbez.org/intheloop.

President Trump’s growing frustration with the Federal Reserve’s commitment to political independence reached fever pitch over the weekend when Fed Chair Jerome Powell annouced the DOJ has opened a criminal investigation into the Fed. Powell called the probe “unprecedented” and said the Fed uses data, not politics, to make interest rate decisions. In this episode, we get context on the situation from economist Julia Coronado — including how the investigation could have an impact on financial markets.

Officially, the Federal Reserve is being investigated by the Justice Department over office building renovations. But in a video statement Sunday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said the investigation, which includes a threat of criminal charges, is “a consequence” of the Fed maintaining its independence from President Trump. Plus, later in the episode, how the Warner Bros. deal could affect moviegoers — at home and in theaters.

From the BBC World Service: Recent college graduates say they’re struggling to find entry-level positions. How much of the job market squeeze can be blamed on AI? Plus: Malaysia and Indonesia block access to Elon Musk's AI chatbot Grok, Meta urges Australia to rethink its youth social media ban, and foreign ministers from Denmark and Greenland will meet with U.S. leaders.

On Jan. 7, 2025, the Eaton and Palisades Fires began, killing 31 people and destroying around 13,00 homes in the Los Angeles area. A year later, residents are looking to rebuild the lives and homes they once had.

Marketplace’s David Branccacio and his wife lost their Altadena home to the Eaton fire, and have yet to break ground on a new building. But as they continue to plan for construction in the new year, they are focusing on fire-resistance for the future.

Branccacio joined “Marketplace Tech” host Meghan McCarty Carino to speak about the technology and building that goes into fire-resistant homes.

In our news wrap Sunday, Tehran warned the U.S. not to intervene as anti-government protests in Iran and the ruling regime's deadly crackdown on them intensified, and Grateful Dead founding member Bob Weir died at age 78. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Many people use social media to document the things we enjoy most in our lives, like vacations, meals or the latest TikTok dance. But it can also be used to influence people to seek better lives, often through dangerous journeys that can have tragic results. This report was produced by students in the University of British Columbia's Global Reporting Program and narrated by Andrea Crossan. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

In our news wrap Saturday, human rights watchers say at least 72 people have been killed in Iran as protests near a second week, the U.S. military conducted several large-scale strikes against ISIS in Syria, Trump moved to tighten U.S. control over revenue from Venezuelan oil sales, and rescuers in the Philippines said there's hope of finding more survivors in a massive garbage avalanche. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

The second phase of elections is underway in Myanmar this weekend. It's the first election since the ruling military regime seized power five years ago, but with major opposition parties barred from participating, leaders jailed and an ongoing civil war keeping many from voting, the process is being widely criticized as a sham. Special correspondent Kira Kay reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy