Current 5 Big News Stories Overnight - Wednesday, April 29, 2026

U.S. - U.K.: King urges Trump not to abandon NATO

The Telegraph reports:

The King praised NATO and said that the alliance between America and Europe was “more important than it’s ever been” in a historic speech to Congress.

The address, aimed at smoothing over tensions between Britain and the United States, touched on several topics that have been the cause of rifts in the special relationship in recent months.

His Majesty reminded the president of Britain’s role in the alliance defending America after 9/11, and referred to the war in Iran, the need to support Ukraine in its war with Russia and the need to protect the environment and America’s natural wonders.

PHOTO: White House Feed

U.S.: Gas Prices Up and Up

Bloomberg reports:

US gasoline prices hovered near highs not seen since the start of the Iran war, and Brent crude rose to $110 a barrel, delivering a 5% price spike this week as the Trump administration mulled a response to Iran’s latest proposal.

The Islamic Republic has signaled it may be willing to accept an interim deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for Washington ending its blockade of Iranian ports, while postponing more complex negotiations over the country’s nuclear program. Tehran is insisting on keeping some control over shipping through the strait, a point likely to be contested by the White House.

Foreign leaders, meanwhile, are increasingly frustrated with the diplomatic impasse and the continued closure of the waterway, which has led to fuel rationing across much of Asia and Africa and fears of a global economic slowdown. In addition to candid criticism from Europe, a new Reuters poll shows President Donald Trump facing record low domestic approval in his second term.

U.S.: Comey Indicted Again

CNN reports:

Former FBI Director James Comey was indicted Tuesday over a photo of seashells officials said threatened President Donald Trump, marking the administration’s second attempt to prosecute one of his biggest political opponents, three sources first told CNN.

The charges, approved by a grand jury in the Eastern District of North Carolina where Comey allegedly took the photo, include making a threat against the president and transmitting a threat in interstate commerce, according to court documents.

Comey responded to the indictment Tuesday in a video posted to his Substack account.

“I’m still innocent. I’m still not afraid,” Comey said. “And I still believe in the independent federal judiciary, so let’s go.”

Middle East: UAE leaves OPEC in blow to oil cartel during war on Iran

Al Jazeera reports:

The United Arab Emirates has announced its decision to quit OPEC and OPEC+ to focus on “national interests”, dealing ⁠a heavy ⁠blow to the oil-exporting groups at a time when the US-Israel war on Iran has caused ⁠a historic energy shock and rattled the global economy.

The move, which will take effect on Friday, reflects “the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile”, a statement carried by state media said on Tuesday.

“During our time in the organisation, we made significant contributions and even greater sacrifices for the benefit of all,” it added. “However, the time has come to focus our efforts on what our national interest dictates.”

France: Fast-food ‘chicken war’ sparks political cockfight in Paris suburb

France 24 reports:

An emerging figure in France’s Socialist Party, Saint-Ouen’s mayor Karim Bouamrane has been described as a future contender for the Élysée Palace – a notion he himself has entertained. 

But for now, the 53-year-old is locked in a highly-publicised tussle with a fast-food outlet selling grilled chicken, located just a stone’s throw from his town hall on the northern edge of Paris.  

Bouamrane has tried everything in his power – and beyond – to prevent the popular fast-food chain Master Poulet (Master Chicken) from opening a store on Saint-Ouen's busiest junction, including by placing large concrete blocks in front of its entrance.

PHOTO: Chantel Lim, Unsplash