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NPR News Now

NPR News: 04-29-2026 5AM EDT

April 29, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

The NPR News Now broadcast covers a range of developments, from U.S. economic policy shifts and a high-profile royal visit to legal troubles, energy market changes, and domestic challenges. These updates reflect ongoing political transitions, international diplomacy, and economic pressures without a single overriding theme.

Federal Reserve Meeting and Chair Transition

The Federal Reserve is set to conclude its latest policy meeting today with U.S. interest rates held steady. NPR's Scott Horsley notes this will probably mark the last rate-setting decision for Chair Jerome Powell, whose term ends in mid-May. President Trump's nominee, Kevin Walsh, appears poised for Senate confirmation ahead of the June meeting. The Senate Banking Committee votes on Walsh this morning after North Carolina Republican Tom Tillis withdrew opposition. This followed the Justice Department's decision to drop its criminal probe into the Fed, which had been viewed as a White House effort to apply pressure.

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What you'll learn

  • 1 (00:01) **Federal Reserve Policy Meeting** - Fed expected to hold US interest rates unchanged at final meeting for Chair Jerome Powell
  • 2 (00:32) **Fed Chair Nomination Vote** - Senate Banking Committee votes on Kevin Walsh today
  • 3 (01:05) **King Charles and Camilla US Visit** - Royals travel to NYC for 9/11 memorial ahead of 25th anniversary
  • 4 (01:27) **King Charles Congressional Speech** - Emphasizes interfaith values, diversity, Ukraine support, NATO post-9/11
  • 5 (02:15) **James Comey Indictment** - Former FBI Director charged with threatening Trump over Instagram seashell photo coded "86 47"
  • 6 (02:49) **UAE Exits OPEC** - United Arab Emirates announces departure from OPEC and OPEC+
  • 7 (03:00) **Fossil Fuel Transition Conference** - Dozens of countries meet in Colombia to plan shift from oil, gas, coal

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Show Notes

NPR News: 04-29-2026 5AM EDT

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