World News Digest 2026-04-29: Reuters, AP, BBC Headlines

Summary of Global News for 2026-04-29

A range of significant news stories have emerged globally, including developments in the Middle East, Asia, and the United States. According to BBC, a recent advert for a £49 serum has been banned over claims it can make users look ‘five years younger’. In other news, NYT reports that Iraq’s Prime Minister-Designate, Ali al-Zaidi, is facing challenges in forming a new coalition government amidst growing U.S. pressure to curb Iranian influence. Additionally, BBC reports on various other stories, including a zoo staffer in Japan allegedly dumping his wife’s body inside an incinerator and former FBI director James Comey being charged with threatening Trump’s life in an Instagram post.

US & Middle East

Reuters reports that Iraq’s Prime Minister-Designate, Ali al-Zaidi, has been tasked with forming a new coalition government, according to NYT. The United Arab Emirates’ decision to leave OPEC has also been reported by NYT, highlighting the country’s increasing independence in the region. In the US, BBC reports that former FBI director James Comey has been charged with threatening Trump’s life in an Instagram post. Additionally, BBC reports that Trump’s face will feature on commemorative US passports as part of the 250th anniversary of the US Declaration of Independence.

Europe

According to BBC, UK Labour leader Starmer has seen off an inquiry call, but not without controversy. BBC also reports that a survivor of the Al Fayed case has been recognized as a modern slavery victim by the Home Office. In health news, BBC reports on a pilot project that could bring about changes to early care schemes to prevent thousands of miscarriages a year.

Asia

BBC reports that a Japan zoo staffer has allegedly dumped his wife’s body inside an incinerator, leading to a delay in the zoo’s reopening. In North Korea, BBC reports that Kim Jong Un has praised troops who ‘self-blasted’ to avoid capture by Ukraine, confirming suspicions that North Korean soldiers are being told to detonate their grenades to kill themselves.

Health

BBC reports that scientists have found the first clue as to why eleven cancers are on the rise in young people. Researchers stress that simple lifestyle changes can still significantly reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, BBC reports that an advert for a £49 serum has been banned over claims it can make users look ‘five years younger’.

Sources: Reuters, BBC, NYT