NPR News Now: April 28, 2026, 4PM EDT

Host: Lakshmi Singh, NPR News
Length: ~5 minutes
Summary by: [Expert Podcast Summarizer]

Episode Overview

This concise NPR News Now episode delivers the day's major headlines in five minutes, focusing on:

• King Charles III’s historic visit and Congressional address, highlighting U.S.–UK relations.
• Political controversy surrounding the Justice Department’s indictment of former FBI Director James Comey.
• A major shake-up in global oil markets as the UAE exits OPEC.
• The FCC’s investigation into Disney and ABC, after controversial remarks by Jimmy Kimmel and a related security incident.
• Lawsuits alleging State Farm’s misconduct in homeowners’ insurance claims amid rising climate-related costs.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. King Charles III Addresses U.S. Congress

• (00:18 - 01:06)
  • Theme: King Charles III becomes the first British monarch since the early 1990s to address a joint session of U.S. Congress.
  • Purpose: Attempt to deescalate tensions between the UK and the US, especially regarding the UK’s stance in the US–Israel war against Iran.
  • Notable Quote:

    “I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values with our partners in Europe and the Commonwealth and across the world.”
    — King Charles III (voiced by Ryan Lucas), (00:46)

  • Context: The royal visit coincides with the 250th anniversary celebrations of the Declaration of Independence.

2. Justice Department Indicts James Comey

• (01:06 - 02:21)
  • News: Second indictment against former FBI Director James Comey, a known opponent of President Trump.
  • Details:
    • Focuses on a photo Comey posted of seashells arranged as “8, 86” (slang for “dismiss/remove”) and “4, 7” (interpreted as a reference to Trump, the 47th president).
    • Controversy:
      • Administration officials allege it was a threat.
      • Comey claims he was unaware of the violent connotation, removed the post.
  • Insight: Perceived as DOJ using its powers against Trump’s adversaries.
  • Notable Quote:

    “This indictment is seen as the latest move by the Justice Department to use its vast powers to go after President Trump's perceived political enemies.”
    — Ryan Lucas, (01:56)

3. UAE Exits OPEC to Boost Oil Output

• (02:21 - 03:12)
  • News: UAE to withdraw from OPEC, aiming to increase oil production.
  • Market Impact: Oil prices remain high (~$100/barrel), unaffected by the news.
  • Backdrop: War with Iran disrupts tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz; gasoline averages $4.17/gallon (up $1+ since last year).
  • Notable Quote:

    “The UAE's desire to increase oil production has been a source of friction within OPEC. The cartel often limits how much its members can pump in an effort to maintain a floor under crude oil prices.”
    — Scott Horsley, (02:42)

4. FCC Investigates Disney Over ABC Stations

• (03:12 - 04:15)
  • News: FCC orders Disney to renew licenses for its eight ABC stations early, citing possible violations (including discrimination).
  • Trigger:
    • White House and First Lady pressuring ABC after Jimmy Kimmel’s controversial monologue:
      • Quote Kimmel (Parody):

        “Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.”
        (03:44, cited by Lakshmi Singh)

    • A shooting occurred at the White House Correspondents Dinner two days later—authorities claim the gunman attempted to assassinate President Trump.

5. State Farm Accused of Reducing Insurance Payouts

• (04:15 - 04:52)
  • Allegations: State Farm is accused in multiple lawsuits of limiting payouts for wind and hail damage by using policy definitions and restrictions not stated in customer agreements, and restricting independent claims assessments.
  • Official Response: State Farm denies wrongdoing, claims to pay based on actual policy terms.
  • Notable Development: Oklahoma Attorney General Gantner Drummond joins a lawsuit, stating such conduct erodes confidence in the insurance system.
  • Notable Quote:

    “The company's alleged misconduct undermines confidence in the insurance system and exposes homeowners to unacceptable financial risk.”
    — Michael Copley (reporting AG's statement), (04:30)

Timestamps of Key Segments

• 00:18 — Lakshmi Singh introduces top headlines and King Charles III’s Congressional address
• 00:46 — King Charles’s notable message on alliance
• 01:06 — Details on Comey indictment
• 02:21 — UAE leaves OPEC; oil market context
• 03:12 — FCC orders Disney license review; Kimmel controversy
• 04:15 — State Farm lawsuits and insurance crisis

Memorable Moments & Quotes

• King Charles III: “I pray with all my heart that our alliance will continue to defend our shared values…” (00:46)
• Ryan Lucas on Comey Indictment: “This indictment is seen as the latest move by the Justice Department to use its vast powers to go after President Trump's perceived political enemies.” (01:56)
• Scott Horsley on OPEC: “The UAE's desire to increase oil production has been a source of friction within OPEC.” (02:42)
• Kimmel’s Monologue Reference: “Mrs. Trump, you have a glow like an expectant widow.” (03:44)
• Michael Copley on State Farm Lawsuit: “The company's alleged misconduct undermines confidence in the insurance system and exposes homeowners to unacceptable financial risk.” (04:30)

Tone & Language

• Direct, succinct, and reportorial—standard NPR news delivery.
• Presents facts and notable dialogue with minimal sensationalism, focusing on clarity and impartial reporting.

This episode tightly weaves together international diplomacy, domestic political drama, and economic pressures, providing a snapshot of complex global and national issues as they unfold.