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"Super rich white dudes? Coming from Paltrow that is kinda funny," one fan wrote in the comments section of an Instagram post promoting the podcast.

The redistricting craze has both major parties scrambling to gain an edge on the midterm House elections.

Which school is more likely to put students on a solid career path?

Hantavirus isn't the only zoonotic disease — in fact, the World Health Organization reports that roughly 60% of emerging infectious diseases are zoonoses.

Appearing once on CNN's “Larry King Live,” Turner, who died Wednesday, joked: “The breaking news is that Ted Turner is broke.”

A total of 218,868 Model 3, Model Y, Model ‌S ⁠and Model X vehicles are affected by the recall.

A burglary suspect was taken into custody and is now facing a slew of charges after crashing his SUV during a police pursuit in Oregon, according to authorities.

UK Jet Fuel Rationing Risks Emerge As Goldman Warns Of "Extreme Physical Tightness"

Brent crude futures briefly tumbled below $100 a barrel on Wednesday morning after an Axios report indicated the Trump administration and Tehran were working toward a one-page memorandum of understanding to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Still, any near-term peace deal would not immediately normalize the badly fractured global energy supply chains. Crude products markets remain physically tight, and the damage from months of disrupted tanker flows will take time to unwind. Some countries may already be entering a critical point, with jet fuel and diesel inventories at risk of being drawn down to dangerously low levels in the months ahead.

Goldman analysts, led by Michele Della Vigna, warned about diesel and jet fuel availability in Europe ahead of the summer months, noting that "extreme physical tightness in summer/early autumn" is a scenario they are forecasting.

"We believe jet fuel prices in Europe will need to remain elevated to redirect cargoes from other regions, covering 50% of the shortfall in disrupted volumes from the Middle East through Hormuz and from Asian exporters no longer exporting to Europe," Della Vigna told clients.

Della Vigna, the head of EMEA natural resources research at Goldman, pointed out that "some countries (the UK in particular) could end up with extremely low inventories, and it's possible that rationing measures would be put in place to slow inventory draw."

Readers have been well informed about the looming jet fuel crisis set to hit Europe this summer (read here & here & here & here), as well as JPMorgan's March take on how the energy crisis is spreading across regions (read here).

As we detailed on Tuesday, President Trump's push to reopen the Hormuz chokepoint at the start of the week likely reflects the beginning of a one-month countdown to accelerated energy chaos if the critical waterway is not reopened. The risk is no longer confined to crude markets. Prolonged disruption through Hormuz is spreading into refined-product supply chains, with Europe's jet fuel and diesel inventories facing the brunt of physical tightness heading into summer and early autumn.

Della Vigna estimated that Europe faces a gross jet fuel loss of about 500,000 barrels a day from Gulf-area exporters and Asian tankers transiting Hormuz, and assumes that half of that shortfall can be offset by redirected U.S. and West African energy flows, leaving a net loss of approximately 250,000 barrels a day. For diesel, he assumes the full 220,000 barrels-a-day loss is absorbed by European stocks.

Exhibit 3: We estimate a gross jet fuel loss of c.500 kb/d from Middle East Gulf and Asian exporters and we show the sensitivity to different % of exports subtitutions coming from other regions

He singled out the UK as having the highest-risk jet fuel market because it is Europe's largest net importer of jet fuel, at about 195,000 barrels a day, and lacks proper reserves. He warned that UK commercial stocks could fall below 10 days of cover by midsummer, raising the risk of rationing, which in turn would impact commercial flights.

Della Vigna continued:

Under our commodities teams' base case (Gulf normalization in June), we see European jet fuel inventories - on commercial stocks alone, excluding government emergency reserves - falling to the IEA's critical 23-day shortage threshold by end-May and breaching it in June, slightly more aggressive than the IEA's own assessment as we account for the disruption of Asian-origin cargoes transiting the Strait.

Under an adverse scenario (normalization delayed to July), stocks could be depleted entirely by year-end (Exhibit 1). Diesel faces a more gradual erosion given lower ME import dependence.

At the country level, the UK appears most at risk of rationing (Exhibit 4), with commercial stocks falling below 10 days of cover by mid-summer given high starting import dependence and no government reserves. Net exporters such as the Netherlands and Greece are more insulated but would still be affected through higher prices.

Exhibit 1: Jet Fuel is the tightest oil product market

Exhibit 4: For jet fuel, the UK is most at risk with low inventories and high reliance on imports

To offset losses, Europe has drawn in more jet fuel and barrels from Nigeria's Dangote refinery, but Della Vigna said prices will need to remain elevated to redirect even more tankers to the energy-stricken continent.

Bloomberg's Javier Blas notes, "US refiners are going gangbusters trying to solve the global jet-fuel shortage (and to cash in record high margins)." 

CHART OF THE DAY: US refiners are going gangbusters trying to solve the global jet-fuel shortage (and to cash in record high margins).

The chart shows seasonal jet-fuel output from 2000-to-date (2026 is top line in blue). The bottom outliers are 2020 and 2021 during Covid. pic.twitter.com/fllcX6EM5y

— Javier Blas (@JavierBlas) May 6, 2026

On the topic of airlines, he said carriers on the continent have already slashed summer capacity by low single digits, while Middle East schedules have been reduced by high double digits through late June.

Exhibit 8: Low single-digit capacity cuts on EU short-haul post conflict

Exhibit 9: Similar cuts on Transatlantic capacity

It's clear Europe has a jet fuel problem. And this won't be solved by Brussels' weird obsession with 'green' energy. 

Professional subscribers can read the full "Stress testing European jet fuel and diesel availability this summer" at our Marketdesk.ai portal. 

Tyler Durden Thu, 05/07/2026 - 05:45

Learn how selling or using Bitcoin impacts your IRS tax bill and discover tips for record keeping to minimize what you owe.

Americans Will Foot The Bill For Germany's New Drug Price Controls

Authored by Drew Johnson via PJMedia.com,

Germany just found a new way to lower its own healthcare costs: make Americans pay more.

In late April, German policymakers proposed changes that cap spending growth, restrict care, and force drugmakers to provide steep discounts.

These changes are supposed to save Germany money. But drugmakers still need to recoup the high costs of research and development. When a country like Germany suppresses the prices it pays for innovative medicines, those costs don't disappear — they simply shift elsewhere.

And because many other wealthy countries use similar price controls, that cost burden is increasingly falling on the United States.

The global imbalance is already stark.

American patients generate roughly three-quarters of global pharmaceutical profits despite accounting for just a quarter of global GDP. In effect, the United States is underwriting much of the world's drug innovation while patients abroad pay far less for the same treatments.

President Trump has spent months trying to end this freeloading by pressing other countries to pay fair value for new treatments — and he shouldn't let Germany get away with refusing to cooperate.

Foreign mooching off American medical innovation is a real and longstanding problem. Wealthy governments around the world — and especially in Europe — set drug prices by decree, effectively refusing to pay manufacturers fair value for treatments they spend years, sometimes decades, developing.

As a result, drugmakers disproportionately rely on revenue from the United States to sustain research and development. While patients abroad often pay cut-rate prices, Americans pay far more for the same meds. That imbalance is fundamentally unfair.

Of course, America can't simply stop paying for innovation. If U.S. leaders copied other countries' price-control tactics — as Democrats have often suggested — companies would struggle to earn returns on new research, and global development of life-saving new drugs would grind to a halt.

That leaves only one viable solution: force other countries to start paying their fair share for innovation.

President Trump has made progress on this front by pressuring wealthy allies directly. In April, for instance, he convinced the United Kingdom to increase its spending on new medicines. The deal proved that a firm U.S. stance could yield meaningful results.

But Germany is now testing America's resolve. Germany already spends far less than the United States on medicines, even when factoring in its smaller population and economy. Its new plan will deepen that divide by imposing strict limits on health spending growth and taking money directly from manufacturers to fund drug coverage.

Soon, Germany will pay even less than it already does for innovative medicines. The result will be higher costs concentrated in the U.S. market — or reduced investment in new cures. Either way, American patients will bear the burden.

And if Washington fails to respond, its broader effort to end foreign free-riding will lose credibility. Other countries will assume that they can continue to free-ride without facing consequences.

The United States needs to make a stand.

Fortunately, the Trump administration has real negotiating leverage. As the recent deal with the UK shows, U.S. trade officials have plenty of tools to obtain cooperation from foreign governments. They should use these tools to ensure fair pricing, knock down barriers to market access, and make clear that continued freeloading will come with consequences. This can and should start with a Section 301 investigation of other countries' drug-pricing policies. Such a move would expose unfair practices and empower U.S. officials to impose trade penalties, forcing allies like Germany to pay fair value for innovative medicines.

Ultimately, policymakers should ensure that all of America's allies pay their fair share. President Trump ended a different form of international leeching last year when he convinced NATO members to spend a greater percentage of their GDP on defense. If U.S. negotiators can secure similar spending targets for innovative medicines, they can end free-riding for good — and allow drugmakers to lower prices at home without hurting innovation.

American patients shouldn't have to subsidize the world's medicine cabinet. The policies of countries like Germany have inflated U.S. drug costs for too long.

By standing up to Germany now, President Trump can reaffirm that the United States no longer tolerates foreign freeloading on American medicines, while helping to reduce costs for American patients and preserving the breakthroughs they depend on.

Tyler Durden Thu, 05/07/2026 - 05:00

The deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the stranded MV Hondius could reshape the way cruise lines screen passengers before boarding, an expert told The Post.

An American tourist has died after plunging from the 29th floor of a Hong Kong boutique hotel – and seven people on the ground were also injured.

Iran Oil Official In Surprise Admission: 'Fate Of Our Refineries Now At Risk' As US Blockade Begins To Bite Summary

• Iran oil sector official admits "serious threat" - telling NYT: "export of our oil and energy and the fate of our refineries is now at risk."

• US Navy jet fires on Iran-flagged tanker trying to reach Iranian waters & port.

• Axios reports that the White House is nearing a preliminary deal with Iran to end the war, as Trump post appears to offer olive branch. Other reports say just hammering out at 'framework' for 'monthlong' talks.

• White House says it expects a response to the latest offer within 48 hours.

• Iran's initial response via media & national security spox: US demands are unrealistic & do not reflect reality, & Axios report based on too much 'speculation'.

• A key caveat of the US offered deal is that Iran would commit to a moratorium on uranium enrichment, & Washington wants a 20-year ban on this; Iran & China FMs coordinate messaging in Beijing, denying Iran's intent to build nuclear bomb.

//--> //--> //--> US x Iran permanent peace deal by June 30, 2026?
Yes 44% · No 56%
View full market & trade on Polymarket

*  *  *

Surprisingly Frank Admission Out of Iran's Oil Sector

An Iranian energy official just conceded something in a surprise admission that the US naval blockade has begun to bite the Islamic Republic's oil industry. According to new reporting in the NY Times:

The blockade has halted Iran’s oil exports, choking off crucial revenues, and the country risks running out of places to store its oil. It is also affecting the import of other goods, forcing Iran to seek alternative routes through neighboring countries and its smaller ports on the Caspian Sea. And the economic pain inside Iran, already dire before the war, is becoming much worse.

“The sea blockade is a much more serious threat than even war, and the current stalemate must be broken because the export of our oil and energy and the fate of our refineries is now at risk,” said Hamid Hosseini, an expert on Iran’s oil sector who serves on the energy committee of Iran's Chamber of Commerce, in an interview from Tehran.

This as Kpler has stated based on its data that since the US blockade took effect on April 13, no Iranian oil-laden tankers have been able to exit the strait. 

"The bottom line is that Iran could run out of storage space in about 25 to 30 days if the blockade is not lifted, according to Homayoun Falakshahi, Kpler’s head of oil analysis," continues the Wednesday report. "Other experts have given different estimates ranging from a few weeks to a month or more." Last month we offered the following, saying a likely 15 days - probably followed with a few weeks left on the clock before the Iranians run out of storage space...

Tehran Timeline: Iran Has 15 Days Until Its Oil Industry Begins Full Shut-Ins https://t.co/21WPtRfINW

— zerohedge (@zerohedge) April 22, 2026

As for the current Trump blockade strategy, another analyst told the Times, "The blockade really is about putting a financial deadline on the Islamic Republic’s head."

US Jet Fires On Iranian Tanker Trying To Pass

So much for that ceasefire and alleged 'pause' in US naval blockade actions, as things just took another escalatory turn. In this case, a rare live fire incident unfolded Wednesday in Gulf waters as a US jet launched from the Lincoln carrier fired on and possibly disabled an Iranian-flagged tanker, per the officials US Central Command statement:

U.S. forces operating in the Gulf of Oman enforced blockade measures by disabling an Iranian-flagged unladen oil tanker attempting to sail toward an Iranian port at 9 a.m. ET, May 6.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces observed M/T Hasna as it transited international waters enroute to an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the U.S. blockade.

After Hasna’s crew failed to comply with repeated warnings, U.S. forces disabled the tanker’s rudder by firing several rounds from the 20mm cannon gun of a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72). Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran.

The Pentagon/CENTCOM statement then emphasized, "The U.S. blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect. CENTCOM forces continue to act deliberately and professionally to ensure compliance." Tehran's response to this will be interesting, and follows prior alleged attacks this week on the UAE.

Illustrative: F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet fighter jets, via US Navy 'Framework' Being Hammered Out for 'Monthlong Period of Talks'

Iran's Foreign Ministry has said that Iran's response to the United States has not yet been presented to mediator Pakistan, as the WSJ reports that the US and Iranian sides are currently trying to hammer out a one-page memorandum of understanding which features 14-points. This would "lay out a framework" - the report says, for a "monthlong period of talks to end the war."

Given that agreement cannot even be found on the 'framework' for future talks, it seems the process is not very advanced at all - but is perhaps still back at square one, with headlines in the US way out front, and likely overly optimistic. 

CNN citing the White House: "The White House received positive feedback from Pakistani mediators on Tuesday that the Iranians were progressing toward a compromise." And more from WSJ:

Iran’s mission to the UN said that "the only viable solution in the Strait of Hormuz is clear: a permanent end to the war, the lifting of the maritime blockade, and the restoration of normal passage."

Key Timing of Wang-Araghchi Meeting in Beijing

During Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi's visit to Beijing on Wednesday, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi pushed for the rapid reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to the fighting. Araghchi echoed the urgency, saying, "Currently, it is possible to resolve the issue of reopening the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible." Wang called for a "comprehensive ceasefire" and stressed that “the international community shares a common concern for restoring normal and safe passage through the Strait," urging swift action.

The coordinated messaging reflects shared economic and strategic interests, especially as US naval actions have disrupted Iranian oil flows to China. Wang also signaled support for Tehran’s position, stating China "appreciates Iran’s pledge to not develop nuclear weapons," while Iran continues to insist its nuclear program is peaceful and maintains its right to uranium enrichment as a matter of sovereignty.

Wang reinforced Beijing’s stance by warning that "a comprehensive ceasefire brooks no delay" and that negotiations must continue, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has called on China to pressure Iran to ease its blockade of the strait.

Alarmed Reaction from Israel

An Israeli official cited in Times of Israel said Israel did not know that President Trump was close to a deal with Iran to end the fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, even as global headlines pointed to progress. The official said Israel had been preparing for escalation, reflecting recent reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government was waiting for US approval to resume its aerial campaign following 38 days of strikes under Operation Epic Fury.

US messaging has shifted rapidly. with Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday having announced the end of Operation Epic Fury and a pivot to Project Freedom focused on reopening Hormuz, while Trump later declared a pause to allow negotiations. The mixed signals from Washington created confusion as diplomacy and military positioning unfolded simultaneously.

Both Iran and Israel signaled readiness to escalate despite the diplomatic push. Iran warned its "finger is on the trigger," while Israeli military chief Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said forces have multiple targets prepared inside Iran and remain on high alert. He emphasized ongoing coordination with US forces and readiness to resume a broad campaign if fighting restarts.

More Official Iran Denials: Too Much 'Speculation'

The latest response out of Tehran via Tasnim: "Despite claims by US media that Iran and the US are close to a final one-page agreement to end the war, Iran has not yet given an official response to the Americans' final text, which contains some unacceptable clauses."

And separately Iran's ISNA calls parts of the Axios report "speculation" - also reiterating the country has rejected some recent US proposals, as they are "unrealistic". However, an Iranian spokesperson has said that Iran is indeed "reviewing the US proposal to end the war."

Trump Admits: 'Too Soon'

And now a bit of rapid narrative reversal, coming from President Trump himself, after once again a likely premature early morning Axios report with overly optimistic language. Trump's fresh words are via the NY Post:

President Donald Trump said it’s "too soon" to plan peace talks with Iran despite reports of a near deal, downplaying prospects of imminent negotiations in Pakistan. He warned that if Iran accepts terms, hostilities could end and the Strait of Hormuz reopen—but failure to agree would trigger intensified military action.

Indeed the Iranian reaction issued via media reports also suggests this is the case, that all the talk of an agreement being close is premature, and there remains immense hurdles and a long way to go. Axios' Barak Ravid still insists that "the sources said this was the closest the parties had been to an agreement since the war began."

Initial Word From Tehran: Doesn't Reflect Reality

Iranian initial reaction through its media: "What US media outlets are publishing about the details of the negotiations does not reflect the reality of what is happening, according to AI Araby citing Iranian Sources."

"Progress has been made in talks with Washington through Pakistan, but it has not yet reached a level that would lead to an agreement," the statement says. The Iranians are also clearly sticking by their approach which says the nuclear issue is a non-starter and that talks must focus on opening Hormuz and finding a final end to the conflict. "The negotiations are focused on ending the war, not the nuclear issue," the statement in Al Araby continues.

And then the final criticism of Washington's approach: "The negotiations are still facing the intransigent American approach and excessive demands." And further, this: 

Ebrahim Rezaei dismissed U.S. demands as unrealistic, saying Washington won’t gain through conflict what it failed to secure in talks. He added Iran is ready to act and warned of a severe, regret-inducing response to any provocation.

Here is the full statement from the Iranian Spokesperson of the National Security and Foreign Policy Commission (via machine translation):

Trump Issues Carrot & Stick

The below is a fresh Trump Truth Social Post on Wednesday morning, warning the Iranians that the Hormuz Strait must be "open to all". However, the president continues, if Tehran doesn't agree then "the bombing starts" and it will be at a "much higher level and intensity than it was before". 

All of this has followed an awkward 24 hours of drastically different signals coming from various top officials of the US administration.

Marco Rubio says the goal of the war in Iran is now to restore it "back to the way it was" before Trump started the war in Iran pic.twitter.com/G1E9qyxMc4

— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) May 5, 2026 WH Expects Iranian Response In Next 48 Hours

Axios reports that the White House is nearing a preliminary deal with Iran to end the war. This is based on a 14-point, one-page memorandum that creates a 30-day negotiating window for a broader nuclear and Strait of Hormuz deal and follows President Trump's announcement last night of "great progress" and a "complete and final" deal nearing. 

"The U.S. expects Iranian responses on several key points in the next 48 hours.

Nothing has been agreed yet, but sources said this was the closest the parties had been to an agreement since the war began," Axios wrote in the report.

Here are the key points:

• Iran would commit to a moratorium on uranium enrichment. The duration is still under negotiation, with the U.S. pushing for 20 years, Iran offering five, and sources suggesting 12 to 15 years may be the likely spot.

• Iran would also pledge not to seek nuclear weapons, accept enhanced inspections, potentially halt underground nuclear facility operations, and possibly remove highly enriched uranium from the country.

• The U.S. would gradually lift sanctions and release billions of dollars in frozen Iranian funds.

• Shipping restrictions through the Hormuz chokepoint and the U.S. naval blockade would be gradually lifted during the 30-day talks. If negotiations fail, U.S. forces could restore the blockade or resume military action.

Axios said talks are being led by Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner with top Iranian officials, both directly and through mediators.

News of this sparked risk on in U.S. equity index futures, WTI fell to the $95-a-barrel handle, and U.S. Treasury yields dipped.

Market Response:

S&P500 Futs

Brent Futs

WTI Futs

UST10Y

BTC/USD

developing...

Tyler Durden Thu, 05/07/2026 - 04:45

Medvedev: Russia Must Instill 'Animal Fear' In EU Warmongers As Goodwill Measures Futile

Head of the Russian Security Council and former president, Dmitry Medvedev, has penned an article ahead of the 81st anniversary of Soviet victory over Nazi Germany, or Russia's V-Day, lambasting Europe's new path of reckless militarization. As widely featured in state media, he argued that the "animal fear" of unacceptable losses will prevent Germany and the wider "United Europe" from launching another attack against Russia.

He wrote, "It is no secret that an attempt is being made to impose on us the doctrine of ‘peace through strength’. Our response then can only be 'the security of Russia through the animal fear of Europe.'"

Anadolu Agency

He stressed that "neither persuasion, nor demonstration of good intentions, nor goodwill and unilateral confidence-building steps should be our tools to prevent a big massacre."

"Only the formation of an understanding among Germany and the United Europe supporting it of the inevitability of their receiving unacceptable damage in the event of the implementation of the Barbarossa 2.0 plan," Medvedev concluded.

RT reviews and pinpoints why Medvedev is taking direct aim at Berlin in his written piece: 

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz openly vowed to turn the German military into the “strongest conventional army in Europe” in a speech just days after the world marked the 80th anniversary of the fall of the Third Reich last May.

Last month, the German Defense Ministry unveiled a plan to reach this goal and field 460,000 combat-ready personnel by 2039, the 100th anniversary of Adolf Hitler’s invasion of Poland. German and other EU officials repeatedly cited 2029 as the first stage deadline to be “war-ready” for a potential conflict with Russia.

It is true that even after 4+ years of grinding war in eastern Europe, the Western powers have yet to intervene directly by sending their own forces, and after losses on both the Ukrainian and Russian sides have probably been in the hundreds of thousands.

The conflict is largely stalemated, with Russian forces in the east having had a very slow but steady, piecemeal momentum over the past year.

However, Ukraine's drone strikes deep inside Russia have been devastating of late, inflicting serious damage on Russian oil refineries - in some cases hitting key sites multiple times, with Russia's anti-air defenses appearing powerless to stop these attack waves.

The Moscow region itself has been coming under repeat drone attack. While these operations have little or no impact on the frontline situation in the Donbass, Kiev hopes to inflict serious costs on the Russian government and population, the latter which is surely growing tired and weary of the war.

But Medvedev's point is also that if broader conflict with Europe opens one day, the European powers won't be able to find an offramp before absorbing immense losses - no matter their efforts to revamp and expand their respective defense industries.

Tyler Durden Thu, 05/07/2026 - 04:15

Atlanta-based US District Judge J.P. Boulee rejected Fulton County’s request for the return of original copies of the seized material.

Jayapal said the event was part of a broader briefing on the humanitarian situation in Cuba following her recent visit.

The tech giant says it hopes to slowly expand the service as the demand for ultra-fast deliveries grows.

China's top diplomat said Thursday that ties with the US have been in general stable despite “many twists and disruptions," and called on both countries to find a way to contribute to global peace, a week before President Donald Trump is expected to visit.

The shootings occurred Tuesday evening near Southwest Elementary School.

“This is bringing back flashbacks of the Covid-19 pandemic. We had a terrible time in the hospital then.”