Australia Imposes Sanctions on Taliban Officials Over Human Rights Abuses 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
U.S. Justice Department Orders Intensified Probe Into Antifa and Domestic Extremist Groups 
Trump Meets Mexico and Canada Leaders After 2026 World Cup Draw Amid USMCA Tensions 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Trump’s Name Appears on U.S. Institute of Peace Ahead of Rwanda–Congo Deal Signing 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
Putin and U.S. Envoy Witkoff Hold “Truly Friendly” Talks as Ukraine Peace Efforts Intensify 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
Honduras Awaits Final Election Results as Asfura Holds Slim Lead Amid U.S. Attention 
Cuba Reaffirms Anti-Drug Cooperation as Tensions Rise in the Caribbean 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
U.S. Appeals Court Rules Trump Can Remove Members of Key Federal Labor Boards 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
FBI Director Kash Patel told lawmakers Wednesday that the Biden administration's proposed $545 million cut to the FBI's budget falls $1 billion short of what the agency requested. Testifying before the House, Patel urged Congress to increase funding to avoid staff reductions and maintain efforts to combat violent crime and terrorism. The FBI had sought $11.1 billion for fiscal year 2026, highlighting the growing rift between the bureau and the White House over law enforcement funding.
The proposed budget, part of President Donald Trump’s broader plan to reduce federal spending by $163 billion, also slashes funding for the DEA and ATF. Representative Rosa DeLauro criticized the plan, saying it would effectively "defund law enforcement."
Patel, a staunch Trump ally, emphasized that the bureau is not identifying who to cut, but rather fighting to prevent cuts altogether. A White House spokesperson declined to comment.
In a separate issue, Senate Judiciary Committee Democrats are questioning Patel’s use of government aircraft. While FBI directors are required to use government planes for security, federal law mandates personal trips be reimbursed at commercial rates. Patel has drawn attention for frequent travel, including flights to Nashville—home to his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins—and Las Vegas, where he owns property. Some trips, such as one to New York City, coincided with appearances at sports events, raising questions about whether all travel was official.
The FBI stated it strictly follows ethical guidelines and does not comment on travel for security reasons. Senator Dick Durbin has requested a review from a congressional watchdog to determine whether Patel’s travel adhered to federal regulations.
The controversy adds to scrutiny of the FBI's leadership at a time when its budget and operational priorities are under political pressure.
