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CNN Headlines: Source: U.S. And Iran Closing In On Agreement To End War; Officials Conducting Contract Tracing For Sick Tourists From MV Hondius; Judge Unseals Purported Jeffrey Epstein Suicide Note. Aired 5:30-6a ET

Aired May 07, 2026 - 05:30   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

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[05:31:05]

BRAD SMITH, CNN ANCHOR: It is half past the hour. Let's hit the refresh button on our top stories.

Signs of progress today as the U.S. and Iran move closer to an end to the war, a source tells CNN. President Trump says that Iran wants to make a deal, adding, "We've had very good talks over the last day" and that there's no deadline for when he expects Iran to respond.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

DONALD TRUMP, (R) PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES: A few days ago -- it's a long time ago. You know, in the world of war a few days ago. No -- they want to make a deal badly and we'll see if we get there. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon and they won't, and they've agreed to that among other things.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: Authorities are racing to trace anyone who may have come in contact with hantavirus on the cruise ship heading for Spain's Canary Islands today. Now, all three sick passengers were evacuated from the MV Hondius cruise ship yesterday and are now seeking treatment.

And former New York City mayor Rudy Guiliani remains hospitalized but is no longer in the ICU. The 81-year-old is being treated for pneumonia. And according to his spokesperson, Giuliani is in critical by stable condition. He was previously diagnosed with restrictive airway disease, which can complicate respiratory illnesses.

And let's return to that cruise ship at the center of a deadly hantavirus outbreak. It's now heading toward Spain's Canary Islands after three sick passengers were evacuated at Cape Verde yesterday.

CNN's Randi Kaye has this update on what we know now.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

DR. MARIA VAN KERKHOVE, WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION: This was an expedition boat and many of the people on board were doing bird watching.

RANDI KAYE, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voiceover): It turns out a bird-watching tour may be the source of this hantavirus outbreak.

According to the Associated Press, two Argentine officials investigating how this started said their government is leaning toward the idea that a Dutch couple contracted the virus while bird watching in the city of Ushuaia, Argentina before board the ship. The AP reports the couple visited a landfill during the tour and may have been exposed to infected rodents.

That 70-year-old Dutch man was the first to die on the ship days after they left port in Argentina. His 69-year-old wife died about two weeks later. The rest of the people on board, including nearly 150 passengers, are now on a three to four-day journey from Cape Verde to Tenerife in the Canary Islands. Spain has agreed to receive the ship there.

Upon arrival the plan is for all passengers to be taken to a nearby airport and sent back to their home countries. The 14 Spanish citizens will be examined and go directly into quarantine at a Madrid hospital.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): This is the country of Cape Verde in front of us, but it is forbidden to go down to it.

KAYE (voiceover): This travel vlogger on board posted on social media about the predicament they now find themselves in.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE (through translator): Today was supposed to be the last day of our 35-day trip on the Atlantic but it is clear that our journey will not end here because Cape Verde refused to receive us on its coast.

KAYE (voiceover): Earlier this medical evacuation boat removed three sick people from the ship on their way to the Netherlands. A source from Spain's Health Ministry told CNN that Moracco refused to let the plane carrying two of the evacuees land to refuel. Instead, it made an unscheduled landing at Gran Canaria Airport to do so.

KERKHOVE: People are usually infected through contact with infected rodents or their urine, their droppings or their saliva. Human-to- human transmission is uncommon.

KAYE (voiceover): Yet in this case the World Health Organization believes the virus may have been transmitted person-to-person on board and following lab tests confirmed this is the Andes strain of the virus, which has spread among close contacts before.

KERKHOVE: We're also working with authorities for anyone that has left the ship.

[05:35:00]

KAYE (voiceover): In fact, the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health has confirmed that a passenger who traveled on the first leg of the voyage and disembarked at St. Helena on April 24 has now tested positive for hantavirus. That passenger, according to the cruise company, is being treated at a hospital in Zurich. His wife, who was with him, has not shown symptoms but is self-isolating as a precaution.

Randi Kaye, CNN, New York.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SMITH: Time now for Weather Express and look at this. A severe thunderstorm brought flash flooding to the Alabama State House in Montgomery yesterday. And more severe storms tore across parts of the south overnight, including in Mississippi where multiple homes were destroyed by at least two tornadoes.

Let's get to meteorologist Chris Warren. Chris, what are you seeing here this morning?

CHRIS WARREN, AMS METEOROLOGIST: Well, there are still some storms firing. They have left the area where the destruction was in Mississippi from last night. We do have some video to show you and give you perspective of what we've been seeing.

And from the air, here it is. You can see that some of these homes absolutely obliterated. And it's tough to even make sense of what's going on when you're there on the ground, but from the air you get a little bit better idea where you can compare some of the damage with the structures nearby.

This morning storms are still in progress. No tornadoes ongoing right now but that threat is not completely over yet. As the night wears on the atmosphere cools, reducing the instability, making it less likely for the stronger storms, but not impossible. In fact, conditions are still there and it is potentially tornadic-producing thunderstorms.

Again, no warnings at the moment. Watches in effect until about mid- morning. Still some thunderstorms and some very heavy rain. The main threats today Brad will be large hail, damaging winds, and a few tornadoes as we watch these storms eventually move out by this evening.

SMITH: All right. A lot to continue to still keep tabs on here with that system. Thank you, Chris.

Well, a federal judge has unsealed a purported suicide note from Jeffrey Epstein found by a cellmate of the late convicted sex offender. The letter is unverified, undated, and unsigned but is now part of the federal court record.

CNN's Katelyn Polantz has the details.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

KATELYN POLANTZ, CNN CRIME AND JUSTICE CORRESPONDENT: A note that a cellmate of Jeffrey Epstein's says he discovered inside a book in 2019 -- that cellmate says this is the suicide note of Jeffrey Epstein in an attempt on his life where he tried to kill himself and did not succeed. He survived that suicide attempt and then later killed himself weeks later.

This note -- the sort of thing that many, many people would have been wanting to see this earlier that was not released by the Justice Department when they put out millions of files for transparency around Jeffrey Epstein -- his time in jail, his death, as well as his crimes of sex trafficking.

But this note -- it was in the hands of this cellmate for quite some time -- seven years -- and then The New York Times just in the last month or so went to court and said this should be released. This cellmate has been talking about it publicly.

Here's a little bit more from that cellmate Nicholas Tartaglione, a man who is serving life in prison for a quadruple murder. He was speaking to a podcaster earlier this year.

NICHOLAS TARTAGLIONE, JEFFREY EPSTEIN'S CELLMATE, FOUND PURPORTED SUICIDE NOTE: It was in my book, yeah. When I got back into the cell, I opened my book to read and there it was. And he wrote it and stuck it in the book. And that was, I believe, the reason why he stopped saying, uh, because he didn't want to go to suicide watch because I think his first thing was oh yeah, he tried to blame for attacking him.

POLANTZ: But now this note in the public domain released by the judge and we can see what it looks like -- this scribbled out words by, supposedly, Jeffrey Epstein. What the cellmate says was Epstein's handwriting.

What it says is, "They investigated me for month -- found nothing. So 15-year-old charges resurrected. It is a treat to be able to choose one's time to say goodbye. Whatcha want me to do -- burst out crying. No fun. Not worth it.?"

Back to you.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

SMITH: Thank you, Katelyn.

FBI agents executed a search warrant against the president pro tempore of the Virginia State Senate. Sources say that federal agents raided a marijuana shop and other locations associated with the 82-year-old Democrat L. Louise Lucas. A source close to the state senator tells CNN that federal agents seized electronics and other items from Lucas' personal office.

Lucas said in a statement Wednesday, "Today's actions by federal agents are about far more than one state senator. They are about power and who is allowed to use it on behalf of the people."

Lucas recently championed the state's successful effort to redraw Virginia's congressional map, which could help deliver her party extra seats in the midterms.

[05:40:00] We have an update to tell you about in the manhunt for the special forces veteran accused of shooting his wife in Tennessee. The Stewart County Sheriff's Office now says that they have found the body of 53- year-old Craig Berry. Initial indications show that he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the sheriff's office.

The arrest warrant shows that Berry was wanted on suspicion of attempted murder after he allegedly attacked his wife at their Tennessee home and shot her as she tried to drive away on April 30. The sheriff's office believes this blurry photo showed the 53-year-old in camouflage leaving the scene. His wife has since been released from the hospital, the sheriff tells CNN.

Elon Musk's partner took the stand at the OpenAI trial. Shivon Zilis is the mother of four of Musk's children and an executive at several of his companies. She has held board and executive roles at Tesla and xAI while previously acting as liaison for Musk in dealings with OpenAI's leader. Initially, Zilis was a co-plaintiff with Musk in this lawsuit though she later dropped off.

Musk co-founded OpenAI but is now suing, alleging that they breached their charitable trust. He argues that the company improperly shifted from its nonprofit mission to a for-profit structure. OpenAI has denied Musk's claims, saying that the brought the lawsuit because he couldn't get full control and because he now runs a competing AI company, xAI.

Oscar-winning actress Jane Fonda is showering praise for her late husband Ted Turner, calling him "brilliant with a soaring sense of humor." Turner, the founder of CNN as well as Turner Classic Movies and much more, died yesterday at the age of 87.

On her Instagram post, Fonda wrote, "He swept into my life, a gloriously handsome, deeply romantic, swashbuckling pirate, and I've never been the same."

The couple was married from 1991 to 2001 and despite getting divorced they've remained close friends with Fonda calling Ted Turner her "favorite ex-husband."

Next on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, for the first time in four years, the average price of gas is over $4.00, and Americans are feeling it at the pump.

And imagine being the customer service rep who hangs up on the pope. The pontiff's customer service woes straight ahead.

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[05:46:50]

SMITH: Even Pope Leo has trouble getting people to believe who he is when it comes to customer service. In a now viral story a reverend and friend of the pope tells how the pontiff made a call to his bank in Chicago two months after he moved to the Vatican. He needed to get his phone number and his address changed and the call didn't go well. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

REV. TOM MCCARTHY: He's a very humble guy. Two months in he calls his bank in south Chicago to change his phone number and I think his address. And so he gets a lady and says "Yes, ma'am, I'm Robert Prevost. I'd like to change." She asked all the security questions. And then it's, "I'm sorry, sir. It says here you have to come in person."

And he said, "Well, that's not going to -- I'm not going to be able to do that. Can't -- we can't change?"

"No, sir."

"I gave you all the security questions."

"I'm sorry, sir."

"Would it matter to you if I told you I'm Pope Leo?"

(Gesture of hanging up phone).

She hung up on him. Could you imagine begin known as the woman who hung up on the pope?

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: The pope's brother spoke to CNN's Erin Burnett last night and he talked about what it's like being the pontiff's brother and how the leader of the Catholic Church found out he was a question on "JEOPARDY!".

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

ERIN BURNETT, CNN ANCHOR, "ERIN BURNETT OUTFRONT": Is it your brother that you see or someone who is now something else too? I mean, 1.4 billion people look to him --

JOHN PREVOST, POPE LEO'S BROTHER: Right.

BURNETT: -- as their religious leader.

PREVOST: It's a combination of both. At first, it's, oh, there's the pope. And I say oh, wait, that's my brother. I mean, he's now a question on "JEOPARDY!" and when "JEOPARDY!" is on we're talking on the phone and it's oh, stop talking. You're on "JEOPARDY!" -- a question right now. And then he wants to know what's the question. And then it takes me a minute. We're talking about my brother here because that doesn't always fit in right away.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: The pope's brother also told Erin that the pontiff enjoys playing Words With Friends. Who doesn't?

Let's go around the globe to see what other stories are making headlines.

We start in the United Kingdom. That's where, right now, voters are out at the polls. Close to 25,000 candidates are running for local posts in England as well as Parliamentary seats in Wales and Scotland. First results are expected soon with final ones due by Saturday. This is the biggest test for political parties at the ballot box since Labour won the general election in 2024.

Let's take you out to Singapore now. That's where corporal punishment is the new policy to stop bullying. The country's education minister says that boys who bully others will be hit with a cane. Any girls accused of bullying could be suspended or face detention. The World Health Organization says corporal punishment is still widely used around the world even though studies show that it can harm children.

[05:50:00]

And K-Pop superstars BTS wowed fans in Mexico City with an appearance outside the National Palace. They met with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. She thanked the band for promoting peace and inclusion. The group's fans, the so-called BTS Army -- they reacted with pure delight, jumping for joy there as you could see. The group is in Mexico to play three shows.

We will not have a Triple Crown contender this year. Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will not run in next week's Preakness and will instead target the Belmont in June. Trainer Cherie DeVaux told CNN, "We just want to give him the best opportunity for the best outcome."

The Sanderson sisters will be bringing the chaos and mischief back to the big screen in the upcoming "Hocus Pocus 3." Disney says the film is officially in early development. Stars Bette Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy are all set to return. They first wreaked havoc on Salem residents in the original 1993 flick which has since become a beloved Halloween classic and inspiration for many costumes out there.

Still to come on CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS, you've got to see this. Two gators fighting on the back patio of a Florida homeowner's house. Of course, it's Florida.

And if you're an iPhone user you could be entitled to a refund. Details on who qualifies straight ahead.

Stay with us. You're watching CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS.

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[05:56:00]

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UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I filled up my tank -- $85. That's ridiculous.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Man. Let's see. Oh, no, it was only $76.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You were close though.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Yeah. That's still a lot more than what I'm used to.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: How much is it costing you to fill up your gas tank? The numbers are growing right now, and the price yesterday could be different today. And every day it seems like there's a new number and a new record.

Let's get right to Maribel Aber who is tracking the numbers for us. Maribel, what do we know here?

MARIBEL ABER, CNN CORRESPONDENT, MONEY MATTERS: Brad, it's a moving target. So domestic gas prices have topped a high mark not seen in four years. AAA puts the average gallon of unleaded nationwide at $4.56, up a quarter since last week.

Now, global oil prices eased slightly overnight on news Iran could send the U.S. a peace proposal today. Brent is trading at about -- looks like $98 a barrel. U.S. oil at about $92.

Some Apple users could receive money as part of a multimillion-dollar class action settlement. The company is accused of misleading iPhone buyers by overstating Siri's AI capabilities. Plaintiffs say some promoted features don't yet exist and may still be years away. Apple denies any wrongdoing but agreed to settle the case. Eligible iPhone owners could receive between $25.00 and $100 per device. Claim details and deadlines will be released in the near future.

And Papa Johns and Disney-Pixar teaming up to celebrate the summer debut of "Toy Story 5." The chain is launching a new lineup of movie- inspired personal pizzas with names like Space Ranger Roni and Sheriff Roundup. They'll come with a side of Papa Johns new Rootin' Tootin' Ranch. Each pizza will be $6.99 and available starting June 19 -- the same day "Toy Story 5" hits theaters nationwide. Both will only be around for a limited time though, Brad.

SMITH: I didn't have Pizza Planet getting competition on my bingo card.

Maribel Aber, thank you so much.

The remains of Kristin Smart, the student who disappeared 30 years ago, have never been found but a new search is now underway, and that story kicks off our look at news making headlines across the country.

So law enforcement in California is searching the property of the convicted killer's mother. Kristin Smart disappeared from her college campus in 1996. Her body never found. But her classmate, Paul Flores, was convicted of her murder in 2022 and is serving a 25-year sentence.

Podcaster Chris Lambert, who closely follows the case, says that finding the body would bring closure to the family.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

CHRIS LAMBERT, "YOUR OWN BACKYARD" PODCAST: And that they do a search for her is that this is going to be the time they finally find her. Kristin's mom turned 80 just a few days ago and, you know, her parents are still waiting for answers, and this would be -- this would be perfect timing.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: The sheriff's office says that the search continues today.

Let's take you now to Florida. That's where new bodycam from the St. Cloud Police Department shows the heartwarming moment when a father and son duo saved six people from a sinking boat. Take a look at the moment that the police shared to social media complete with the background music that they added.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I got you. I got you.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Get you guys on board. Can you get on the other side?

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You go first.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Get her off! Get her off! Get her off! Come on, come on, come on. Under her shoulders. Under her shoulders. Get her off.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

SMITH: Official revealed that everyone on the boat was safely rescued and that a Good Samaritan assisted in the rescue as well.

And we've got to take you to some Florida fisticuffs. Take a look at this. Two alligators, violently fighting, crashed into a woman's porch and with the loud noises that she thought someone was breaking in. But the gators were slamming into the screen enclosure and tearing through it, causing quite the scare as the woman's baby was sleeping just a few feet away. The woman now warning everyone in the neighborhood to be alert and watch out for violent gators here.

[06:00:07]

Such short arms too. I wonder how they were landing punches? But ultimately, doing a lot of barrel rolls as you can see there and grabbing on to tails too. OK, we'll be watching for that closely in Florida.

That does it for CNN HEADLINE EXPRESS. I'm Brad Smith. "CNN THIS MORNING WITH AUDIE CORNISH" starts right now.