First Thing: Uncertainty looms as last oil tanker from Middle East arrives in California | US news

Good morning.

Gas prices rise above $6 in California; But there is more uncertainty on the horizon after the last oil tanker from the Middle East arrived in the state this week.

Siva Gunda, vice chairman of the California Energy Commission. he told lawmakers on Tuesday It was stated that the state can meet its fuel needs for the next six weeks with its current supply. New Corolla delivers nearly 2 million barrels of crude oil, according to the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday.

The arrival of the last tanker in the US state with the highest gas prices in the country could have a significant impact on oil prices. Although costs have increased in recent weeks, supply has not yet been seriously affected as markets continue to buy oil that was already in transit when the Strait of Hormuz was closed.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump gave Tehran a new ultimatum, telling Iran’s leadership to accept a deal to end the war or face a new wave of US bombings “at a much higher level and intensity than before.” US Central Command said it opened fire on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker trying to bypass the US blockade.

• What do we know about progress on a deal? Axios reported Wednesday that Washington and Tehran are close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding to end the war. Officials in Pakistan told the Guardian that an initial framework could probably be agreed within 48 hours, but nothing was certain and talks remained “difficult”.

• Go to our live blog for the last one.

Suicide note allegedly written by Jeffrey Epstein unsealed by federal judge

A federal judge on Wednesday unsealed a suicide note allegedly written by Jeffrey Epstein; This document was made public for the first time.

Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein’s cellmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in New York City, said he found the note after Epstein unsuccessfully attempted suicide weeks before he was found dead in his cell in July 2019.

“They investigated me for months – FOUND NOTHING!!!” reads the note. “It’s a pleasure when one can choose the time to say goodbye. That’s what Watcha wants me to do – Cry and cry! IT’S NOT FUN – IT’S NOT WORTH IT!!”

Argentina seeks to find origins of cruise ship hantavirus outbreak amid reports some passengers returning to US

As investigators race to determine whether the deadly hantavirus outbreak that killed three people on an Atlantic cruise ship originated in Argentina, there are also reports that some passengers have already returned to their home countries.

Three passengers of the MV Hondius died, one is in intensive care in a South African hospital, and three other passengers were evacuated from the ship on Wednesday. Another man who left the ship early in the voyage tested positive in Switzerland. According to the Spanish newspaper El País, concerns are increasing about the 23 passengers who left the ship on the island of Saint Helena on April 23.

• Where is this group now? The group reportedly returned to their home countries, including the United States. The New York Times reported that passengers were monitored in Georgia, California and Arizona, but none showed signs of the disease..

• Where will the ship dock? After the Spanish authorities allowed the ship to dock, the ship set sail for Tenerife; however, the president of the Canary Islands expressed concern about this decision.

In other news…

• Democratic candidate Won a special election in Michigan by a landslide, Chedrick Greene’s victory allowed the party to retain control of the state Senate for the remainder of the year.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Pope Leo at the Vatican on Thursday After Donald Trump repeatedly attacked the first North American pastor.

• A university in Moscow is playing a key role in training Russian military intelligence operatives for work including election interference and hacking. Documents obtained by a consortium of journalists reveal.

• Federal government may keep 2020 election votes from Georgia’s Fulton County seized by FBI A judge from a warehouse near Atlanta made the decision.

Status of the day: 60% of Americans say US no longer welcomes immigrants, survey finds

Six in 10 Americans believe the United States is no longer a country that welcomes immigrants, according to a poll. Respondents to an Associated Press-NORC poll conducted last month say the country used to be a great place for immigrants but is no longer so; This underscores the impact of Donald Trump’s aggressive crackdown on immigrants.

The filter recommends: 17 best Mother’s Day deals

If you still have a Mother’s Day gift to buy before this Sunday, check out the Filter US guide for a list of hand-picked suggestions. Some of the crew’s favorite products are on sale right now, from an adjustable sleep mask to a massage gun.

Don’t miss this: Arthur Miller talks about marriage to Marilyn Monroe in newly revealed recordings

Newly discovered recordings of Arthur Miller reveal his feelings about his short-lived marriage to Marilyn Monroe; The playwright says the actor wants a husband who is “father, lover, friend and manager.” In recorded conversations, Miller also said that he “always felt like death was upon him.” [Monroe’s] shoulder – always”.

Climate control: Climate campaigners attack Shell over ‘windfall’ profit from Iran war

Shell reported a profit of $6.9 billion after rising energy prices during the Iran war boosted oil traders’ earnings; This angered climate campaigners, who criticized him for “making billions” while millions suffer. The oil and gas company posted a 115% increase from the $3.2 billion first-quarter profit reported in the final three months of 2025.

Latest Thing: Best album cover fails – from ELO to Melanie C

Melanie C (AKA Sporty Spice) has released a new solo album. Unfortunately for her (and whoever made the typo), her name is spelled “Melanine C” on the vinyl release of Sweat. The Guardian’s Transition Notes column examines the best album cover failures, including the fact that Electric Light Orchestra’s debut album was mistakenly released as “No Reply” in the US because the band’s contact person did not pick up the phone and confirm the record’s title.

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