Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
Taiwan Signals Openness to Renew Ties with Honduras as Election Unfolds 
IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
U.S. Halts Visa Processing for Afghan Nationals Amid Security Concerns 
UN Chief Says Gaza Operation “Fundamentally Wrong” as Concerns Over War Crimes Grow 
Afghan Suspect in Deadly Shooting of National Guard Members Faces First-Degree Murder Charge 
U.S. Repatriation Flight Carrying 266 Venezuelan Migrants Lands in Caracas 
Honduras Election Turmoil Deepens as Nasralla Alleges Fraud in Tight Presidential Race 
U.S.-Russia Talks Leave Ukraine Peace Efforts Uncertain 
U.S. to Reduce Import Duties on South Korean Autos Under New Trade Agreement 
Australia and Japan Strengthen Defence Cooperation Amid Rising Regional Tensions 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
Minneapolis Leaders Push Back as Trump Escalates Rhetoric Against Somali Community 
President Donald Trump’s decision to freeze billions in infrastructure funds for Democratic-led states has heightened tensions in Washington as the U.S. government shutdown entered its fourth day, making it one of the longest in recent history. The White House withheld $28 billion earmarked for New York, California, and Illinois, fueling concerns that the move targets political rivals while negotiations to reopen the government stall.
Republican Senator Thom Tillis, who recently announced his retirement after repeated clashes with Trump, warned that such actions could poison bipartisan talks. “You’re going to create a bad faith environment here that could put us further out,” Tillis said, urging the administration to coordinate with Senate Majority Leader John Thune and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who are pushing for a short-term funding deal.
While some Republicans share Tillis’ concerns, others back Trump’s hardline approach. Johnson defended the president, arguing that applying pressure on Democrats is necessary to break the deadlock. Vice President JD Vance dismissed criticism of manipulated images mocking Democratic leaders like Hakeem Jeffries, calling them a joke, despite concerns that such tactics could alienate votes needed to pass a funding bill.
Democrats, meanwhile, remain firm in their demands, including a permanent extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies and protections against the White House withholding funds already allocated by Congress. Senate Democrats have repeatedly blocked funding proposals, arguing that trust in future compromises is at stake if Trump continues to use rescissions and cancellations as leverage.
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, both frequent Trump critics, cautioned against divisive strategies. Murkowski stressed the need to avoid punitive targeting of states, while Collins urged both sides to avoid insults and focus on reopening the government.
With no deal in sight, federal agencies remain shuttered, threatening essential services such as air traffic control. The longer the shutdown drags on, the more likely Republicans may share in the political fallout heading into the midterm elections.
