NPR News Now – April 29, 2026, 8PM EDT

Episode Overview

This NPR News Now episode, hosted by Ryland Barton, provides a concise roundup of the day's top stories from national politics, business innovations, health guidelines, and human-interest news in just under five minutes. Major topics include the U.S. Supreme Court’s impacts on redistricting, Federal Reserve updates, legal developments involving James Comey, Uber’s strategic expansion, new hemorrhoid treatment guidelines, and Utah’s quirky new city mascot.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Supreme Court Ruling & Tennessee Redistricting

[00:19–01:17]

• The U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision that paves the way for Republican-driven redistricting ahead of the midterms.
• Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee) urges lawmakers to redraw maps, potentially eliminating Memphis’ Democratic-leaning congressional seat.
• Context:
  • Nashville’s Democratic seat was eliminated in 2022; Memphis, a majority-black and Democratic city, had been federally protected from gerrymandering until now.
  • The new proposed district would stretch “roughly 200 miles,” connecting disparate regions.
• Controversy:
  • Democrats claim the redistricting would “dilute the power of black voters.”

Quote:
“Blackburn is proposing maps that would lump Memphis in the western corner of the state with R in the middle of the state, a district spanning roughly 200 miles.” – Mariana Bacall, [00:57]

2. Federal Reserve Leadership Changes & Interest Rates

[01:17–02:12]

• Jerome Powell will remain on the Fed's board for an unspecified period after his chairmanship ends May 15.
• The Fed left its benchmark interest rate unchanged, despite pressure from President Trump.
• Powell’s successor as chair, Kevin Warsh, was confirmed by a Senate committee.
• Committee Divisions:
  • Some push for rate cuts; others oppose, amid economic uncertainty and “the war in Iran causing this sharp jump in energy prices.”

Quote:
“It is set by a committee of 12. And Powell says that can be tricky and contentious when you have an uncertain economy like we do right now with the war in Iran causing this sharp jump in energy prices.” – Scott Horsley, [01:58]

3. New Charges Against Former FBI Director James Comey

[02:12–03:14]

• President Trump renewed attacks on James Comey after the DOJ charged Comey over an Instagram photo of seashells spelling "8647" (interpreted as “remove 47,” referencing Trump as the 47th President).
• Trump publicly alleges Comey’s posts endanger him.
• This marks the second indictment against Comey; the first—on false statements and obstruction—was previously dismissed.
• Notably, Trump’s direct response:

Quote:
“Probably, I don't know, you know, based on what I'm seeing out there. Yeah, the people like Comey have created tremendous danger, I think, for politicians and others.” – Donald Trump, [02:48]

4. Uber Expands Offerings to Hotel Bookings

[03:14–03:33]

• Uber users can now book hotel rooms via the app, as part of the company’s goal to become an “everything app.”
• Hotel listings provided by Expedia; plans to add over 1 million VRBO properties later in 2026.

5. New Hemorrhoid Prevention & Treatment Guidelines

[03:33–04:33]

• Up to half of people experience hemorrhoids by age 50; new guidelines from the American Gastroenterological Association offer best practices:
  • Don’t sit on the toilet for prolonged periods (“stop scrolling”).
  • Avoid straining.
  • Increase dietary fiber:
    • Men: 28–34g/day
    • Women: 25g/day
  • Seek a medical diagnosis before starting treatment.

Quote:
“Stop scrolling on the phone while they're sitting on the toilet. Straining is also a no, no. Instead, focus on boosting the amount of fiber in your diet.” – Maria Godoy, [04:04]

6. Laverkin, Utah, Unveils the “Gherkin” Mascot

[04:33–04:57]

• The city of Laverkin adopted “Gherkin” (a small cucumber/pickle) as its official mascot.
  • Volunteers wear the “coveted pickle suit” at community events; their identities are kept anonymous.
  • Local news outlet KSL News covered the unveiling.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Blackburn is proposing maps that would lump Memphis… a district spanning roughly 200 miles.” – Mariana Bacall [00:57]
• “Interest rate policy is not dictated by the Fed chairman. It is set by a committee of 12.” – Scott Horsley [01:51]
• “Probably, I don't know, you know, based on what I'm seeing out there... people like Comey have created tremendous danger…” – Donald Trump [02:48]
• “Stop scrolling on the phone while they're sitting on the toilet. Straining is also a no, no.” – Maria Godoy [04:04]

Timestamps of Major Segments

• [00:19] Supreme Court Redistricting & Tennessee Commentary
• [01:17] Federal Reserve Announcements & Succession
• [02:12] Trump & DOJ: Comey Instagram Charges
• [03:14] Uber Adds Hotel Booking Feature
• [03:50] Hemorrhoid Guidelines by American Gastroenterological Association
• [04:33] Laverkin, Utah: New “Gherkin” Mascot

End of summary.