NPR News: 04-29-2026 8PM EDT

The Federal Reserve left interest rates unchanged, the Supreme Court cleared the way for more aggressive Republican gerrymandering, and the Justice Department indicted former FBI Director James Comey for a second time. Those three developments dominate the news, alongside a new Uber feature, medical guidelines about hemorrhoids, and a Utah town’s new mascot.

Fed Holds Rates as Powell Prepares to Step Down

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announced he will remain on the Fed’s board as a governor for a period of time to be determined after his term as chair ends on May 15. The announcement came the same day the Fed voted to hold its benchmark interest rate steady, despite public pressure from President Trump to cut rates. The vote was divided: one member voted for a rate cut, while three others leaned in the opposite direction, favoring a hike. NPR’s Scott Horsley noted that the split vote “underscores that interest rate policy is not dictated by the Fed Chairman. It is set by a committee of twelve.” Powell described the current environment as tricky and contentious, pointing to the war in Iran and the resulting sharp jump in energy prices as key sources of economic uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Senate committee has already approved Trump appointee Kevin Warsh as Powell’s successor as chair.

Supreme Court Ruling Opens Door for More Republican Gerrymandering