Treasury Extends Russian Oil Sanctions Waiver Again as Iran War and Hormuz Closure Shake Global Energy Markets

The Trump administration’s latest extension allowing sales of Russian crude already at sea underscores mounting fears of an oil supply shock, with Brent crude climbing above $100 and geopolitical pressure intensifying across global energy markets.

The Trump administration has extended for another month a controversial sanctions waiver allowing the continued sale of Russian crude oil already loaded onto tankers, a move that highlights growing concern inside Washington over global energy stability as the Iran conflict and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continue to disrupt international shipping lanes.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Monday that the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) would renew the temporary sanctions relief for a third consecutive month, allowing countries to continue purchasing Russian oil currently “on the water.”

The extension reflects escalating fears that a sudden tightening of global crude supplies could trigger another energy price shock, potentially sending oil prices well beyond current levels and intensifying inflationary pressure across the world economy.

Tillis Breaks With Trump Over DOJ ‘Anti-Weaponization Fund,’ Calling It ‘A Payout Pot for Punks’

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis intensifies criticism of the Trump administration as bipartisan backlash grows over a controversial Justice Department compensation fund tied to politically motivated prosecution claims.

A growing fracture within the Republican Party erupted into public view Sunday after U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis sharply criticized the Trump administration’s controversial Justice Department “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” calling the initiative “a payout pot for punks” and warning it risks undermining public trust in the rule of law.

During an appearance on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Tillis condemned the newly created $1.776 billion fund, which was established as part of a legal settlement involving President Donald Trump, the IRS, and the Department of Justice. The fund is designed to compensate individuals who claim they were unfairly targeted for prosecution for political reasons, including during the Biden administration.

“It makes no sense. So it’s politically tone deaf. Whoever did it should be fired,” Tillis said. “Let’s figure out a way to help people who are victims of warfare, not people who are convicted by a jury of their peers or pled guilty to assaulting a police officer.”

The unusually direct rebuke from a Republican senator highlights increasing tensions within GOP ranks as Trump’s second administration pushes aggressive legal and institutional reforms that some conservatives now fear could create political and ethical liabilities heading into the 2026 midterm elections.

The “Anti-Weaponization Fund” emerged from a settlement tied to Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS over the disclosure of his tax returns and related claims involving the Trump Organization and members of the Trump family. Under the arrangement, eligible applicants who believe they were victims of politically motivated prosecution may seek financial compensation through the fund.

Critics, however, argue the initiative risks opening taxpayer-funded payouts to individuals convicted in politically charged cases, including some tied to the January 6 Capitol riot investigations.

The backlash has rapidly become bipartisan.

Trump’s Expanding Wealth Network Faces Renewed Scrutiny as Financial Ties and Legal Settlements Grow During Second Term

From government contractors and licensing deals to legal settlements, political fundraising, and business partnerships, President Donald Trump faces mounting questions over the scale and structure of financial benefits tied to his time in office.

The financial empire surrounding President Donald Trump is once again under intense national scrutiny as critics, ethics watchdogs, and political opponents raise concerns about the vast amount of money flowing into Trump-affiliated businesses, legal entities, settlements, licensing agreements, and political operations during his return to the White House.

The renewed debate centers on whether Trump’s unique position as both a sitting president and global businessman has blurred the traditional boundaries between public office, private wealth accumulation, political influence, and commercial opportunity.

Since reentering office, Trump-related organizations and entities tied to the broader Trump business network have reportedly benefited from a combination of legal settlements, campaign fundraising, branding agreements, media ventures, real estate activity, donor events, contractor relationships, and high-profile business partnerships. Supporters argue the president is simply benefiting from a business empire built long before his political career, while critics contend the overlap between presidential power and private financial gain presents unprecedented ethical concerns.

Among the most closely scrutinized areas are legal settlements and judgments involving media organizations, technology companies, political disputes, and business litigation involving Trump and his affiliated entities. Several settlements have involved substantial payments or negotiated agreements tied to lawsuits, defamation claims, contract disputes, and political investigations, keeping Trump at the center of the American legal and political landscape.

Wallace Community College Selma Marks 60 Years of Impact With Naming of James M. Mitchell Student Center

Historic anniversary celebration highlights Wallace Community College Selma’s six decades of educational leadership, workforce development, and economic influence across Alabama’s Black Belt region.

Wallace Community College Selma is preparing to celebrate a major milestone in Alabama higher education history as the institution commemorates 60 years of service, workforce development, and community leadership with a special anniversary event and dedication ceremony honoring the legacy of James M. Mitchell.

The celebration, officially titled “A Legacy Continues: Naming the James M. Mitchell Student Center & College 60th Anniversary,” will take place on the campus of Wallace Community College Selma at 3000 Earl Goodwin Parkway in Selma, Alabama.

The historic event will formally dedicate the James M. Mitchell Student Center and recognize the College’s decades-long role in advancing educational access, workforce readiness, economic opportunity, and regional development throughout Alabama’s Black Belt.

Founded in 1966, Wallace Community College Selma has become one of the region’s most influential educational institutions, serving generations of students through academic transfer programs, career technical education, adult education initiatives, workforce certification training, and dual enrollment opportunities.

College officials say the anniversary celebration is intended not only to honor the institution’s past, but also to reinforce its long-term vision for the future.

RFK Jr.’s Muddled Claims on Drug Approval Speed

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. touts accelerated FDA oncology approvals under a new expedited review program, but researchers and former regulators say the comparisons may overstate the administration’s achievement.

In recent months, the Food and Drug Administration has approved a small number of drugs quite quickly under a new expedited review program. But Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has overstated the program's impact by making misleading comparisons to past drug approval rates.

“We just approved two new drugs, two new oncology drugs, in record time, one in 45 days,” Kennedy said at an April 16 congressional hearing, adding that the other was approved in 55 days. “The closest before that was 310 days.” At another hearing that same day, he called the two approvals the “fastest in history.”

The cancer drugs weren’t entirely new. Instead, the FDA approved an expanded use, or indication, for a previously approved drug and a new combination of previously approved drugs, reviewing the drugs 44 and 55 days after filing, according to FDA news releases. Meanwhile, Kennedy’s 310-day figure is the average new drug application review time for 2025, according to remarks on April 1 by now-former FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary.

Ad in Texas GOP Runoff Attacks Cornyn on Immigration, Islam

Hardline conservatives intensify attacks against longtime Texas Republican John Cornyn as immigration, border security, and religious rhetoric become central flashpoints in a high-stakes GOP runoff battle.

A TV ad attacking incumbent Texas Sen. John Cornyn for supporting “Muslim mass immigration” misleadingly cites a 2021 quote from Cornyn about certain Afghan refugees and claims that “Cornyn has a special place in his heart for radical Islam.”

The ad, which began airing on May 12, according to AdImpact data, came from the campaign of Ken Paxton, the Texas attorney general who is challenging Cornyn for his Senate seat. Neither one garnered more than 50% of the vote in the March 3 Republican primary, sending them to a runoff election on May 26. Paxton got President Donald Trump’s endorsement on May 19.

The ad claims, “Cornyn even believes we have a moral obligation to support Muslim mass immigration.” Shown on screen is a quote from Cornyn saying, “I do think we have a moral obligation to help them.”   

Montgomery Regional Airport Names Loyd Jenkins as New Executive Director Amid Expansion and Modernization Push

Veteran airport safety leader and Certified Member in airport management becomes the eighth executive director in Montgomery Regional Airport history as officials position MGM for long-term regional growth.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WTLS) | The Montgomery Airport Authority has appointed Loyd Jenkins as the new Executive Director of Montgomery Regional Airport, marking a significant leadership transition as the airport continues major infrastructure improvements and strategic expansion initiatives.

Jenkins, who has most recently served as Airport Police Chief at Montgomery Regional Airport since 2022, becomes the eighth executive director in the airport’s history. Airport officials announced the appointment on Friday, describing Jenkins as a proven leader with deep aviation expertise and strong ties to the Montgomery community.

“We are confident that Loyd’s leadership, industry expertise, and strong ties to the community will guide Montgomery Regional Airport into its next phase of growth,” said Robert Gould, Chairman of the Montgomery Airport Authority Board.

The appointment comes at a pivotal moment for Montgomery Regional Airport, which has been advancing multiple modernization efforts to enhance the passenger experience, strengthen regional connectivity, and support economic development across Central Alabama. Ongoing projects include terminal upgrades, infrastructure improvements, operational modernization, and expanded business development initiatives tied to growth in commercial air service.

Marine Corps Educators Workshop Day 4 Showcases Leadership, Tradition, and Graduation Milestones at Parris Island

Colors Ceremony, Commanding General remarks, and the graduation of 2nd Battalion, Golf Company underscored the Marine Corps’ emphasis on discipline, mentorship, and community partnership on the final day of the USMC Educators Workshop.

PARIS ISLAND, S.C. | The final day of the U.S. Marine Corps Educators Workshop concluded with a powerful display of military tradition, leadership development, and graduation ceremonies as educators from across the country joined Marines for Day 4 activities centered on honor, service, and mentorship.

The morning began with the Colors Ceremony from 0715 to 0815, where the raising of the American flag set a solemn and patriotic tone for the day’s events. Marine Corps leaders emphasized the significance of tradition and discipline, values that remain foundational to recruit training and leadership development throughout the Corps.

Following the ceremony, educators, Marines, and workshop participants gathered for an official group photograph, symbolizing the growing partnership between the U.S. Marine Corps and America’s educational community. The annual workshop is designed to give educators firsthand insight into Marine Corps training, leadership principles, and the challenges facing today’s military force.

The centerpiece of Day 4 was the Graduation Ceremony for 2nd Battalion Golf Company, recognizing the accomplishments of Platoons #2024, 2025, 2026, 2028, 2029, and 2030. Family members, Marines, instructors, and visiting educators filled the parade deck and grandstands as newly minted Marines completed one of the most demanding entry-level military training programs in the world.