The United Arab Emirates announced it will leave OPEC, the group of oil-producing countries, on May 1 after more than 50 years as a member. The decision comes after reviewing its oil plans and concerns about global political problems that affect oil supplies.
Key Facts
The UAE has been a member of OPEC since 1967 through Abu Dhabi, continuing after the UAE formed in 1971.
The UAE’s exit follows a full review of its oil production plans and future capacity.
Geopolitical issues, including the ongoing conflict involving Iran, have affected oil supplies and prices.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for about 20% of the world’s oil, remains blocked due to the conflict.
Experts say the UAE wants to produce more oil and leaving OPEC will give it more freedom to do so.
Until now, the UAE has sometimes produced more oil than allowed under OPEC rules, which other members have overlooked.
The decision signals a shift in the UAE’s strategy in global oil markets.
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Ukraine has accused Israel of receiving grain shipments taken from areas in Ukraine controlled by Russia. Ukrainian officials say Israel is allowing these ships to unload grain that Ukraine calls stolen, while Israeli leaders deny the claims and say Ukraine has not given proof. The dispute has caused tension between the two countries.
Key Facts
Ukraine says a ship with grain from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territory is about to unload in Israel.
Ukrainian President Zelensky claims the grain was stolen by Russia and warns Israel against accepting it.
Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejects the accusations and says Ukraine has not provided evidence.
A Russian-flagged ship called Abinsk unloaded grain at an Israeli port in April despite Ukraine’s protests.
Another ship, Panormitis, is waiting to enter Haifa port, but has not yet submitted required documents.
Ukraine summoned the Israeli ambassador to protest Israel’s handling of grain shipments.
Israel’s officials say legal procedures must be followed and dismiss Ukraine’s public complaints on social media.
The dispute highlights tensions over grain exports amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
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A Ukrainian military robot helped rescue a 77-year-old woman from a dangerous area near the eastern town of Lyman, which has seen heavy fighting between Ukrainian and Russian forces. Ukraine is increasingly using ground robots, called unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs), to protect people and carry out missions in the war against Russia.
Key Facts
The elderly woman was found walking near a damaged road and bodies in the east of Ukraine and was safely moved by a Ukrainian military robot.
The rescue took about four hours and included the robot carrying the woman and soldiers escorting others nearby to safety.
Ukraine and Russia have both been developing drones and ground robots for use in the conflict since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022.
These ground robots help with dangerous tasks like evacuating injured people, planting mines, and attacking targets to keep soldiers safe.
The town of Lyman, an important railway hub, has changed hands between Russian and Ukrainian forces during the war.
Russia claims control over much of the Donbas region, including Lyman, but Ukraine and international observers dispute some of these claims.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently noted that Ukrainian robots caused Russian soldiers to surrender during combat missions.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry reported that ground robots carried out over 9,000 military and support missions in March 2024, a large increase from previous months.
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Iraq’s largest Shia political bloc, the Coordination Framework, has chosen businessman Ali al-Zaidi as the new prime minister-designate after months of political deadlock. Al-Zaidi, a 40-year-old with no prior government experience, was appointed by Iraq’s president to form a new government and avoid a constitutional crisis.
Key Facts
Ali al-Zaidi is a multimillionaire businessman with no previous political office experience.
He was chosen by the Coordination Framework, Iraq’s largest Shia parliamentary group, as a compromise candidate.
Al-Zaidi holds degrees in law, finance, and banking, and leads the National Holding Company with interests in multiple sectors.
He also chairs the board of Shaab University and the Ishtar Medical Institute.
Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki was rejected due to opposition from US President Donald Trump.
The US pressured Iraq by suspending cooperation and funding for Iraqi security forces to block candidates linked to Iran.
The decision to choose al-Zaidi came quickly after a final coordination meeting, resolving the political stalemate.
Al-Zaidi’s appointment aims to balance internal political factions and international concerns.
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One year ago, Spain and much of Portugal experienced a large blackout caused by a series of failures in the electricity grid. Since then, Spain has continued to expand its use of renewable energy like solar power, and investigations showed the blackout was due to voltage problems, not because of renewable energy itself.
Key Facts
On April 28, 2025, Spain and Portugal had a major power outage affecting traffic lights, phone networks, fuel stations, and subway systems.
Initial media reports blamed renewable energy for the blackout, but later reports cleared renewables of causing the issue.
The blackout occurred due to a "perfect storm" of governance failures, especially related to voltage management on the grid.
Spain has increased its solar power capacity, adding 13.8 gigawatts in 2025, surpassing the previous year’s 12.3 gigawatts.
After the blackout, Spain used more gas-fired power plants temporarily to help stabilize the grid voltage.
The grid operator has recently allowed renewable energy sources to help control grid voltage, a change made after the blackout.
Experts highlight the need for better battery storage and technology to support grid stability as Spain moves away from fossil fuels.
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Colombia is offering a $1.4 million reward to capture Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo, nicknamed "Marlon," who is accused of ordering a deadly bombing on a highway that killed 21 people and injured many others. The attack is linked to armed groups that split from the former guerrilla organization FARC and comes ahead of Colombia’s presidential election.
Key Facts
A bombing on April 25 in Cauca, Colombia, killed 21 people, including at least 15 women, and injured dozens more.
The explosion created a large crater on a busy motorway and damaged multiple vehicles.
Iván Jacob Idrobo Arredondo, aka "Marlon," is accused of ordering the bombing.
Marlon is part of a group led by Iván Mordisco, also known as Néstor Gregorio Vera Fernández, a dissident from the former FARC guerrillas.
The Colombian government offered $1.4 million for information leading to Marlon’s arrest.
The attack followed 26 other violent actions targeting public infrastructure in two days in the same region.
President Gustavo Petro called the attackers "terrorists" and asked the military to confront them.
This violence is occurring shortly before Colombia's national elections on May 31, where candidates differ on how to handle armed groups.
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Ragnar Jónasson is an Icelandic writer known for Nordic Noir crime novels. He began by translating Agatha Christie's books at 17 and now writes slow-paced mysteries set in Iceland, focusing on atmosphere and psychology. His Hulda Hermannsdóttir series features a unique detective character and has been adapted into a TV show.
Key Facts
Ragnar Jónasson started translating Agatha Christie novels into Icelandic at age 17.
He is a leading Nordic Noir author, published in around 40 countries.
Jónasson’s novels focus on mood, psychology, and slow tension instead of fast violence.
His stories are set in remote Icelandic landscapes where silence and solitude are important.
The "Hulda" series follows a female detective in her sixties who is often underestimated.
The series explores women dealing with systems that fail them, highlighting social issues.
"Hulda" includes a cold case about a missing baby from 1960 that affects later events.
Jónasson's "Hulda" books were adapted into a TV series named "The Darkness."
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Thousands of migrants in Mauritania have been detained and deported to distant border areas as part of a program supported by the European Union to stop migration to Europe through Atlantic routes. Many migrants who remain in the capital city say they are afraid to leave their homes.
Key Facts
Migrants in Mauritania often work on the streets to survive.
Authorities have rounded up thousands of these migrants.
The detained migrants face poor conditions while in custody.
Many of these migrants have been sent to remote border regions.
The European Union supports this effort to block migration paths to Europe.
Migrants still in Mauritania report feeling scared to go outside.
The crackdown focuses on stopping migration along Atlantic routes.
The report comes from Al Jazeera’s correspondent in Nouakchott, the capital of Mauritania.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will leave the global oil group OPEC and OPEC+ on May 1, 2026. The UAE said it will focus on its own national interests as energy prices rise due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The UAE announced it will quit OPEC and OPEC+ oil cartels starting May 1, 2026.
The decision is to prioritize the UAE’s long-term strategic and economic goals.
The UAE is one of the world’s largest oil producers.
Rising energy prices are linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil shipments near the UAE.
This conflict has affected relations between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the top oil exporter in OPEC+.
The UAE has previously disagreed with OPEC+ production limits.
The official news agency WAM reported the UAE’s decision.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it will leave OPEC and the OPEC+ group on May 1. This decision comes after the UAE’s government reviewed its oil production policy.
Key Facts
The UAE will officially leave OPEC on May 1.
The country will also exit the broader OPEC+ group.
The decision followed an internal review of the UAE’s oil production policy.
OPEC is a group of oil-producing countries that coordinate their oil policies.
OPEC+ includes OPEC members plus other oil producers who work together.
The UAE made this announcement through its official state news agency, WAM.
The UAE aims to adjust its long-term plans for oil production by leaving these groups.
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Smaller airports in Europe may struggle to survive if jet fuel shortages caused by the conflict in the Middle East lead airlines to cancel many flights. Higher fuel prices have already caused some airlines to reduce flights, and smaller regional airports are especially at risk because fewer people fly on their routes and tickets are more sensitive to price changes.
Key Facts
Jet fuel prices in Europe have doubled due to the US-Israel war on Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Some airlines, like Lufthansa’s regional subsidiary CityLine, have canceled many flights because of higher fuel costs.
Smaller regional airports have not fully recovered from the Covid pandemic and have 30% less traffic than in 2019.
The Airports Council of Europe says these airports face a serious threat if airlines reduce flights and raise prices.
A new EU system (EES) requiring biometric data from travelers may cause delays and hurt airport operations.
Airline groups want rules that make canceling flights easier without losing airport operation rights.
Jet fuel shortages may first affect Asia, then Europe, possibly leading to flight cancellations.
Some airline leaders do not expect fuel shortages but warn that weaker airlines may face financial trouble in the autumn.
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Dr. Florence Comite, an expert on living longer, says that your genes do not fully determine how long or healthy your life will be. She explains that with the right knowledge and tools, people can slow down or even reverse the aging process.
Key Facts
Genes alone do not decide your health or lifespan.
Biological aging can be reversed with proper methods.
Dr. Comite shares tips for living longer and healthier.
She recommends specific tests to check your current and future health.
Dr. Comite wrote a book called “Invincible” about these topics.
The information was presented on the CBS Mornings show.
CBS earns a commission if people buy the book through their link.
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A discussion titled "Far-right France" is taking place in Paris, focusing on the history and future of far-right political movements in France. Journalist Victor Mallet, a panelist, says the far-right parties have a real chance to win the 2027 French presidential election.
Key Facts
The event is held at the American Library in Paris.
It marks exactly one year before the important 2027 French presidential elections.
Far-right parties are currently doing well in opinion polls.
Victor Mallet is a senior editor at the Financial Times and author of a book on France’s far right.
The discussion looks at the rise of far-right leaders like Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella.
The far right has gained local political positions but is now aiming for the presidency.
The panel explores how the far right might shape France’s future politics.
This topic has drawn attention because of the growing support for far-right parties in France.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced it will leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) next month. This decision comes amid tensions in the Gulf region due to the war involving Iran and reflects the UAE's plan to focus more on its own energy production.
Key Facts
The UAE plans to exit OPEC in May 2026.
The decision is linked to regional issues following the Iran war.
OPEC is a group of oil-producing countries that controls a large share of the world’s oil supply.
Saudi Arabia leads OPEC, which produces about 28 million barrels of oil per day.
The UAE currently produces about 3 million barrels of oil daily.
The UAE cited a long-term plan to invest more in its own energy resources.
U.S. oil prices rose nearly 4% after the announcement, going above $100 per barrel.
The UAE emphasized it will stay responsible and reliable in global energy markets.
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The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will leave the oil group OPEC on May 1. This decision is seen as a win for President Donald Trump, as it weakens OPEC's control over oil prices and reflects regional tensions affected by the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
The UAE announced it will exit OPEC, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries.
The UAE plans to focus on increasing its own oil production and managing energy independently.
The conflict involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz has raised oil prices and created regional security concerns.
Tensions between the UAE and Saudi Arabia, another leading OPEC member, have increased recently.
The UAE’s departure challenges OPEC’s ability to control oil supply and prices collectively.
The move reduces the influence of Saudi Arabia and Russia, who currently work together to manage oil output.
This change may inspire other OPEC members to consider leaving the group.
President Trump supports the UAE’s decision as it aligns with his views on OPEC and energy policy.
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Severe weather has been affecting the Midwest region of the United States with heavy storms overnight. The damage and impact of these storms are being reported from places like Lebanon, Illinois.
Key Facts
Severe storms hit the Midwest overnight.
Lebanon, Illinois, is one of the affected locations.
The weather caused significant damage and disruption.
News reports are tracking the ongoing situation.
Storms are part of a pattern of severe weather in the region.
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King Charles III will speak to the U.S. Congress during his official visit to Washington, D.C. He is the first British monarch to do so since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991, aiming to highlight the strong connection between the U.K. and the U.S.
Key Facts
King Charles III will address a joint session of the U.S. Congress at 3 p.m. EDT.
This is the first time a British monarch has spoken to Congress since Queen Elizabeth II in 1991.
Queen Elizabeth’s 1991 speech focused on shared history and democratic values.
King Charles’s speech will likely emphasize the close bond between the U.K. and the U.S.
The address is a rare honor given to prominent world leaders like Pope Francis and Winston Churchill.
Charles is visiting the U.S. for four days to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence.
President Donald Trump and Queen Camilla are part of the official White House visit events.
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The United States and Iran continue to have major disagreements over two main issues: the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program. These disagreements are slowing down progress toward a deal to end the conflict between the two countries.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a key waterway important for global oil shipments.
Iran’s nuclear ambitions refer to its efforts to develop nuclear technology, which the U.S. and others worry could lead to nuclear weapons.
Talks between the U.S. and Iran aim to reach a deal to stop the current conflict.
The main obstacles to the deal are disagreements on control and security in the Strait of Hormuz.
Another major issue is how to handle Iran’s nuclear program and ensure it is peaceful.
CBS News reporter Ramy Inocencio covered the latest updates about these talks.
Both countries remain at odds, which is delaying an agreement.
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King Charles III will acknowledge the current tensions between the United Kingdom and the administration of President Donald Trump. In a speech to a joint meeting of the U.S. Congress, he plans to focus on the long-standing special relationship and cooperation between the UK and the United States.
Key Facts
King Charles III will speak before a joint session of the U.S. Congress.
He will mention existing strains between the UK and the Trump administration.
The king aims to highlight the historic and strong ties between the two nations.
He intends to stress themes of reconciliation and renewal in their relationship.
The speech will underscore how the UK and U.S. have found ways to work together despite differences.
The event is set for Tuesday (specific date not provided).
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Mexican officials captured a top leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel on Monday. The arrest happened near El Mirador in the state of Nayarit, where the leader was hiding in a ditch.
Key Facts
The leader belongs to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a criminal group in Mexico.
Capture took place near the community of El Mirador in Nayarit state.
The leader was found hiding in a ditch when arrested.
Mexican authorities conducted the operation.
The arrest was reported by CBS News.
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