Republican Representative Eric Burlison of Missouri has introduced a new bill, the Life at Conception Act, which proposes a federal ban on abortion. The full text of the bill is not yet available, but a press release this week from his office notes, This landmark legislation declares that unborn children are persons under the 14th Amendment to the United States Constitution, allowing their right to life to be legally recognized and protected.At a time when Republicans are seeking to narrow the definition of who is a citizen under the 14th Amendment by eliminating birthright citizenship, they are also using the 14th Amendment to extend personhood to fetusesan indication of who is and isnt considered a person with rights according to GOP philosophy.I am proud to introduce the Life at Conception Act, which reaffirms the original intent of the 14th Amendment by declaring that the term person includes all human beings from the moment of conception . . . It is a scientific fact that life begins at conception, Burlinson wrote on his Facebook page.Personhood for a fetus, however, may come at the cost of personhood for a mother. Abortion bans have been linked with delays in medical treatment for women who are miscarrying, deaths in cases of risky pregnancies, as well as the increased criminalization of pregnant women.Even in cases where a mothers life is not at stake, abortion bans can impact the quality of medical carefor both women and the communities they live in. According to a 2023 study, states with abortion bans are seeing fewer applications from medical students for residency programs, particularly OB/GYN residency programs.Applications for OB/GYN residencies dropped by 6.7% in states with abortion bans but increased by 0.4% in states without restrictions. In a 2024 study, 11% of oby-gyns said they left states with abortion bans, while their colleagues who stayed described struggling with larger workloads and to hire replacements.Burlison bill currently has 68 cosponsors. It would need a majority of votes to pass (218 of 435) and move to the Senate. If it were to move to the Senate, it would need 51 votes out of 100 to pass. However, if the bill got filibustered, it would need 60 out of 100 votes to pass. Currently, Republicans hold 53 out of 100 votes in the Senate.

President Donald Trump may want lower interest rates, but the Federal Reserve will almost certainly keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged at its two-day policy meeting that ends Wednesday.It is likely to be a quiet start to an eventful year for the central bank. Trump said last week in Davos, Switzerland, that he would bring down energy prices, then demand that the Fed lower borrowing costs.Later, when asked by reporters if he expected the Fed to listen to him, he said, yes. Presidents in recent decades have avoided publicly pressuring the Fed out of deference to its political independence.Outside of a U.S. President bending norms, the Fed also faces challenges in achieving its economic objectives. Inflation remains above its 2% target: Its preferred measure is at 2.4%, though core pricesconsidered a better gauge of where inflation is headedrose 2.8% in November from a year ago.Fed officials, led by Chair Jerome Powell, want to thread a moving needle: By keeping borrowing costs higher, the Fed hopes to slow borrowing and spending enough to reduce inflation, but without causing a painful recession.Powell said in December that the central bank has entered a new phase, in which it expects to move more deliberately after cutting its key rate to 4.3%, from 5.3% in the final three meetings of 2024. In December, Fed officials signaled they may reduce their rate just twice more this year. Goldman Sachs economists believes those cuts wont happen until June and December.A cut in March is still possible, though financial markets futures pricing puts the odds of that happening at just one-third.As a result, American households and businesses are unlikely to see much relief from high borrowing costs anytime soon. The average rate on a 30-year mortgage slipped to just below 7% last week after rising for five straight weeks. The costs of borrowing money have remained high economy-wide even after the Fed reduced its benchmark rate.That is because investors expect healthy economic growth and stubborn inflation will forestall future rate cuts. They recently bid up the 10-year Treasury above 4.80%, its highest level since 2023.Another reason for caution among Fed policymakers this year is that they will want to evaluate any changes in economic policy by the Trump administration. Trump has said he could slap tariffs of 25% on imports from Canada and Mexico as early as February 1. During his presidential campaign he threatened to impose taxes on all imports.The Trump administration has also said it will carry out mass deportations of migrants, which could push up inflation by reducing the economys ability to produce goods and services. At the same time, some economists say Trumps promises to deregulate the economy could lower prices over time.When Trump imposed tariffs on a limited number of imports in 2018 and 2019, Fed economists expected the biggest impact to fall on economic growth, with the inflationary impact being relatively minor. As a result, when growth did slow, the Fed ended up cutting its key rate in 2019, rather than raising it to fight off any inflationary impact.On Wednesday, Fed officials could also change the statement that they release after each meeting to upgrade their assessment of the labor market, a signal that rate cuts may be delayed.In December, the statement included a mildly pessimistic take: Labor market conditions have generally eased, and the unemployment rate has moved up but remains low. In the summer and fall, employers slowed their hiring. The rise in the unemployment rate had unnerved Fed officials and was a big reason they reduced their key rate by an unusually large half-percentage point in September.Earlier this month, Fed governor Chris Waller cited weaker hiring as evidence that the Feds key rate is restrictive, meaning it is acting as a brake on the economy and should bring down inflation over time. If rates are restrictive, that means the Fed would have more room to cut them if inflation were to decline further.Yet this month, just a few days after Wallers remarks, the December jobs report showed that hiring accelerated and the unemployment rate slipped to a low 4.1% from 4.2%.The healthier employment numbers suggested that hiring has at least levelled off. If it stays as strong as last month, the improved job gains would suggest the Feds rate isnt restrictive at all, and few, if any, rate cuts are needed.Christopher Rugaber, AP Economics Writer

We've selected six positions at lifestyle and retail brands currently available on Dezeen Jobs, including roles at IKEA, Harrods and Tatjana von Stein. Technical architectural designer at HarrodsHarrods is hiring a technical architectural assistant to join its interior design team in London, UK, with requirements for strong proficiency in AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, SketchUp and Microsoft Office.As a 12-month fixed-term contract, the role provides the opportunity to work on varied luxury interior architecture projects, from concept design to on-site completion.View more architecture jobs Furniture designer/developer at Aman InteriorsLondon-based brand Aman Interiors is seeking a furniture designer/developer to join its team, with over three years of experience designing and developing luxury-level furniture.With an established identity as a hotel, resort and residence brand, the ideal candidate will ensure their designs align with Aman Interior's ethos and aesthetic standards.View more interior design jobs Studio manager and sales support at Tatjana von SteinTatjana von Stein is looking for a studio manager and sales support in London, UK, working closely with its sales and design teams.The luxury interior design and furniture studio operates across multiple locations including New York, Paris and Mallorca, and the role requires high levels of organisation and attention to detail.View more furniture design roles BIM associate at Conran and PartnersThe ideal candidate for Conran and Partners' BIM Associate role will have experience with Navisworks, Enscape and a strong understanding of client BIM requirements.Responsibilities include supporting the studio's London and Hong Kong teams and overseeing BIM strategy and delivery across projects.View more jobs in Hong Kong Museum of Furniture Studies project leaderSwedish Furniture brand IKEA seeks a project leader for its Museum of Furniture Studies in lmhult, Sweden.The role includes leading and facilitating projects and initiatives, and playing a key role in internal and external collaborations.View more jobs in Sweden Hospitality senior interior designer at Rockwell GroupFor this role in Madrid at the Rockwell Group, candidates should be fluent in English and Spanish whilst holding a minimum of ten years' experience in hospitality and high-end residential design.Reporting to the project manager, responsibilities will include coordination with clients and revising project schedules.View more jobs in Madrid See all the latest architecture and design roles on Dezeen Jobs The post Six roles at lifestyle and retail brands featured on Dezeen Jobs appeared first on Dezeen.

Mexican architect Fernando Romero has announced plans to restore the La Cuadra estate in Mexico City, designed by famed architect LuisBarragn,while adding pavilions by renowned architects such as Japan-based Kengo Kuma.After he purchased the property in 2017, Romero made plans to restore and conserve the 1960s property and convert it into a campus for the arts in Mexico City.The architect's foundation, Fundacin Fernando Romero, plans to execute a multi-year project to create infrastructure for public tourism at the site, including a permanent gallery showcasing Barragn's work, as well as a library, gift shop and event venue.Architect Fernando Romero will restore and expand an estate designed by Luis Barragn"It is a great honor to begin this work by envisioning La Cuadra as a dynamic cultural hub that encourages new possibilities at the intersection of art and architecture," said Romero."Through a range of programming, we aim to catalyze the power of architecture for the visiting public and celebrate the enduring cultural influence of Luis Barragn."Barragn, revered internationally for his colourful take on modern architecture, designed the property in the 1960s as a residence, with stables, outbuildings, pools for horses and people and a grand courtyard.Read: Kengo Kuma builds blackened-wood chicken coop at Casa Wabi artist retreatAccording to the foundation that promotes the architect's legacy, the estate was an early example of Barragn's attempts to give urban residences a country-like feel.Romero and his team will use the expansive, 6.7-acre walled property to install pavilions and installations, including an all-timber pavilion to be designed by Kuma. No details have been released about the size or nature of the pavilion.The permanent Barragn exhibition will be designed by Mexican architect Jorge Covarrubias, known for his restoration of other Barragn properties, such as Casa Prieto Lpez and Fuente del Bebedero.It will include a permanent gallery as well as pavilionsThe cultural centre will open up with interventions and lectures by artist Marina Abramovi during Mexico City's art week in early February.Romero is the founder of the architecture studio FR-EE. He has worked on significant architectural projects in Mexico City, such as the sculptural Museo Soumaya, which had architect Frank Gehry as a consultant.Romero also won a commission in 2017 to design a Hyperloop for Mexico City, which has not been realized.The photography is courtesy of Fundacin Fernando Romero.The post Kengo Kuma pavilion planned for restored Luis Barragn house appeared first on Dezeen.

I thought I had seen every possible object that could incorporate a carabiner, but once again I've underestimated the EDC market. Nestout, a Japanese manufacturer of ruggedized power banks designed for the outdoors, has released this Carabiner Battery. "Designed to withstand the elements, it features IP44 water and dust resistance and a shock-absorbing silicone cushion, protecting it from unexpected drops and light rain. Its integrated metal carabiner clip allows you to conveniently attach it to your backpack or belt, ensuring you're hands-free and mobile." The 5000mAh battery weighs 6.4 oz and runs $45.

Even if I was filthy rich, I probably would not buy as many designer bags as expected from people on my supposed social status. Thats because I find most of the designs too boring, staid, and sometimes not even that functional. I dont want to use a bag just because of the name attached to it but would rather use something that can either be really functional or the design is something eye-catching. This new bag from Bao Bao Issey Miyake though is making me think twice about designer bags (although I still cant afford it in this lifetime anyway). Designer: Bao Bao Issey MiyakeFor their Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Bao Bao Issey Miyake has come up with a design that pays tribute to the world of Japanese and western comics. Manga is a unisex tote bag that pays tribute to the famous Japanese comics as well as the Western version that is inspired by that tradition as well. The graphical tote bag plays around with the shapes that we find in comics and graphic novels. Most of the design uses different combinations of 90-degree and 45-degree lines of the isosceles right triangle. While the front part of the bag plays around with shapes and colors, the back is just plain. This means you can use either side depending on your mood on that day. If youre feeling creative and playful, then put the printed one in front. But if youre feeling more formal, the plain side will be the main character. The Manga has two versions: a monotone color one that is more reminiscent of the traditional Japanese manga, and a multicolor version that is inspired by Western comics. Each bag has a different background pattern and color palette so you can choose which one matches your personality. The short video they made to show off the bag uses some sound effects that manga readers may find familiar, particularly DON. The animation for the tote bags lets you imagine manga characters and animals playing around in your bag. I will still not be able to afford this but in case youre someone who can buy one, the bag will be available starting February 1 at stores and their online stores. The post Bao Bao Issey Miyake tote bags inspired by Japanese manga and western comics first appeared on Yanko Design.

Theres a lot one can do with LEGO and 3D printing, but creating a working laptop with a mouse and keyboard (that are as good as the real thing) is another level of DIYing. YouTube channel Brick Machines is all about crafting intricate builds using just LEGO bricks, and this time, the creative builder has gone a step further with this advanced DIY.Taking an assortment of LEGO bricks, getting your idea together, and then proceeding with stacking the bricks is something most DIYers can do. This builder takes it to another level with the added step of actually creating the LEGO bricks painstakingly one brick at a time using a Bambulab 3D printer. The only prefabricated parts used here are the Technic MOCs, discontinued Mindstorm kits, electronic parts, wires, display screen, and other components that can in no way be 3D printed.Designer: Brick MachinesI would call this a well-rounded LEGO build thats done from scratch, having the option of replacing existing parts with upgraded design variants or replacing any chipped parts that need replacement over a period of time. Of course, theres always the freedom to 3D-print the bricks in other colors for a more appealing design. Interestingly the LEGO laptop can do most of the tasks any other normal laptop can do including playing games, browsing the internet, creating Word documents, watching your favorite Netflix show, or simply listening to music.The keyboard and mouse use a magnetic X/Y track for precise movement and a Hall Effect sensor to detect the accurate positioning of the mouse pointer and the button clicks. Both of these come with RGB lighting, so the designer has left nothing to nitpick about. The same level of detail follows in the operating mechanism of this laptop for complete authenticity. Theres a built-in biometric authentication system, the display is touchscreen to keep up with modern requirements, and a large trackpad with cool RGB lighting for the custom-built mouse.DIYer admits that the mouse design can be improved further if there is a ground connection to the whole thing. For this, a commenter proposes connecting the ground connections to the same wire, and itll be an easier fix. That being said, the working LEGO laptop is a project any avid geek needs to follow completely to get an idea for creating a similar intricate design. I just wished the creator explained a bit more about the step-by-step process in detail, as the video doesnt have any transcript or spoken words for a better understanding of the advanced build using electronics.The post 3D-printed LEGO laptop with a biometric authenticator, touchscreen display and RGB mousepad beat that! first appeared on Yanko Design.

This rugged smartphone is seriously tough (and affordable).

A White House memo ordered a halt to federal assistance and a review to align spending with Donald Trumps priorities. Many legal experts say the order is unconstitutional.

Thanks to a unique recycling process, the secret to this high-performance puffer is repurposed climbing kit