AI Summary
5 min readThis NPR News Now update from April 24, 2026, rounds up key developments including a shift in the Federal Reserve leadership probe, ongoing US naval actions against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, Tennessee's aggressive immigration legislation, an International Criminal Court case against former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, and smaller US stories on an airline bailout and a soldier's betting scandal.
Federal Reserve Investigation Dropped
The Justice Department has ended its probe into Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, redirecting scrutiny of the Fed's Washington headquarters building costs to the Federal Reserve's Inspector General. This office has already reviewed the matter twice and found no wrongdoing each time. The decision clears obstacles for the Senate to confirm President Trump's nominee, Kevin Walsh, as the next Fed Chair. This move avoids further delays in the leadership transition at the central bank, which influences monetary policy amid economic pressures like rising commodity prices.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:00) **Justice Department Drops Fed Probe** - Investigation into Jerome Powell ended, referred to Fed IG on headquarters costs; clears path for Kevin Walsh confirmation as next Fed Chair
- 2 (00:26) **Hegseth on Iran Blockade** - Defense Secretary says US Navy blockade of Iranian ships/ports continues "as long as it takes"; urges Europe to contribute
- 3 (00:58) **Trump on Iran Standoff** - President not rushing deal, directs Navy to shoot Iranian mine-laying boats; minesweepers start slow clearance process
- 4 (01:45) **Gulf Shortages and Price Spikes** - Blockade causes industry/farming disruptions and rising costs (Jackie Northam report)
- 5 (01:47) **Mine Clearance Timeline Confirmed** - Defense officials tell lawmakers privately it could take months to clear Strait of Hormuz
- 6 (01:57) **Tennessee's Immigration Push** - State House passes White House-coordinated bills deputizing local police, restricting jobs/schools for undocumented (Mariana Bacayao report)
- 7 (03:00) **Duterte ICC Trial** - Ex-Philippines president to face crimes against humanity charges over drug war killings (Michael Sullivan report)
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