Gas prices have surged above $6 per gallon in California, with the arrival of the last oil tanker from the Middle East this week adding to uncertainty. The New Corolla, carrying approximately 2 million barrels of crude oil, docked in the state, as reported by the Los Angeles Times on Sunday.
Fuel Supply Outlook
California Energy Commission vice-chair Siva Gunda told legislators on Tuesday that the state can meet fuel demand for the next six weeks with its current supply. While prices have risen recently, supply has not yet been severely affected because markets have continued to receive oil that was already in transit when the Strait of Hormuz was closed.
Iran War Escalation
President Donald Trump has issued a new ultimatum to Tehran, urging Iranian leaders to accept a deal to end the war or face a fresh wave of US bombing at a significantly higher intensity. US Central Command reported firing on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker attempting to breach the US blockade.
Progress on a potential deal remains uncertain. Axios reported that Washington and Tehran are close to agreeing on a memorandum of understanding to end the conflict. Officials in Pakistan told the Guardian that an initial framework could possibly be agreed within 48 hours, but talks remain difficult.
Other Key News
- Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note Unsealed: A federal judge unsealed an alleged suicide note written by Jeffrey Epstein, discovered by his cellmate after a suicide attempt in July 2019. The note reads, "They investigated me for months – FOUND NOTHING!!!" and "It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye." The Guardian has not verified the note's authenticity.
- Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship: Investigators are racing to determine the origin of a deadly hantavirus outbreak on the MV Hondius, which has killed three passengers. Some passengers have returned to their home countries, including the US, where they are being monitored in Georgia, California, and Arizona. The ship is headed to Tenerife after Spanish authorities granted permission to dock.
- Michigan Special Election: Democratic candidate Chedrick Greene won a special election in Michigan by a large margin, allowing the party to retain control of the state senate for the rest of the year.
- US Secretary of State Meets Pope: Marco Rubio will meet Pope Leo at the Vatican on Thursday, following Trump's repeated attacks on the first North American pontiff.
- Russian Military Intelligence Training: A Moscow university is playing a key role in training operatives in Russian military intelligence, including election meddling and hacking, according to documents obtained by journalists.
- Georgia Election Ballots: A judge ruled that the federal government can keep 2020 election ballots from Georgia's Fulton County seized by the FBI from a warehouse near Atlanta.
Public Opinion on Immigration
A recent Associated Press-NORC poll found that 60% of Americans believe the US is no longer a welcoming country for immigrants, underscoring the impact of Trump's aggressive immigration crackdown.
Climate and Business
Shell reported profits of $6.9 billion after soaring energy prices during the Iran war boosted gains for its oil traders. Climate campaigners criticized the company for "raking in billions" while millions faced hardship. The oil and gas firm posted a 115% jump in first-quarter profits from the previous quarter.
Entertainment and Culture
Newly discovered recordings of Arthur Miller reveal his feelings about his marriage to Marilyn Monroe, with the playwright saying she wanted a husband who was a "father, lover, friend and agent." Miller also said he felt "death was always on her shoulder – always."
Meanwhile, Melanie C's new album "Sweat" features a typo on the vinyl release, spelling her name as "Melanine C." The Guardian's Pass Notes column highlights this and other classic album cover fails.
