More eyes turn to FEMA as Hurricane Milton approaches

Hurricanes Milton and Helene are straining FEMA, already facing funding issues and a history of poor disaster responses. With only 9% of its disaster-response workforce available for Milton, FEMA aims to meet urgent needs but requires additional funding. Meanwhile, the agency combats disinformation about its operations, including false claims regarding disaster relief allocations.

UAE to push for easier access to US chip technology, Blooomberg News reports

Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE's national security adviser, plans to visit Washington to seek easier access to American technology and discuss investments. His meetings with U.S. officials, including members of President Trump's cabinet, come after the U.S. tightened export restrictions on AI technology, raising concerns about the UAE's ties with China.

Donald Trump on Greenland annexation: 'I think it will happen'

President Trump expressed his intention to annex Greenland for "international security," citing rising Chinese and Russian activities in the Arctic. Despite his enthusiasm, NATO Chief Mark Rutte distanced the alliance from the annexation discussion. Following Greenland's recent elections favoring independence, Rutte emphasized the importance of cooperation among Arctic nations to maintain regional safety.

Judge orders Trump to reinstate probationary workers fired across multiple agencies

A federal judge ordered the reinstatement of thousands of probationary federal workers fired by the Trump administration, deeming the terminations unlawful. U.S. District Judge William Alsup criticized the government's actions as deceptive and lacking proper authority. The ruling came amid a lawsuit from labor unions challenging the mass firings, which affected numerous agencies.

IRS swaps chief counsel for a lawyer friendly with DOGE, AP sources say

William Paul has been removed as the IRS's acting chief counsel and replaced by Andrew De Mello, amid tensions over sharing tax information. The IRS is also planning significant workforce cuts, with thousands laid off recently. This change reflects a broader trend of officials resisting access to sensitive data amid concerns over government efficiency initiatives.

UN atomic chief visits uranium-mining Niger

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi visited Niger, urging enhanced cooperation amid the junta's push for control over uranium resources. Niger, a major uranium producer, is in a standoff with France's Orano over mining rights. Grossi emphasized the importance of nuclear technology for development and assured continued support from the IAEA despite Niger's pivot towards new partnerships with Russia and Iran.

Jewish group fills Trump Tower's lobby to protest effort to deport pro-Palestinian Columbia activist

Demonstrators from Jewish Voice for Peace protested at Trump Tower against the immigration arrest of Columbia University activist Mahmoud Khalil, who faces deportation. Supporters argue his arrest attacks free speech. Khalil, a permanent U.S. resident and pro-Palestinian activist, was taken into custody despite not being charged with any crime, prompting widespread protests.

US imposes sanctions on Iranian oil minister, shadow fleet

The U.S. imposed sanctions on Iran's Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad and several Hong Kong-flagged vessels aiding in disguising Iranian oil shipments. This is part of President Trump's "maximum pressure" policy aimed at reducing Iran's oil exports to prevent nuclear weapon development. The Treasury stated that Iran uses oil revenue to fund destabilizing activities while designating additional vessels and entities involved in these operations.

Court upholds jail terms for relatives of murdered UK-Pakistani girl

A UK court upheld the lengthy prison sentences of Urfan Sharif and his wife, Beinash Batool, for the murder of their 10-year-old daughter, Sara, who suffered years of abuse. Despite appeals, Sharif received 40 years and Batool 33 years in prison. Sara's tragic case raised significant concerns about failures in child protection by authorities.

Israel to ease import regulations for US goods

Israel has relaxed import regulations to facilitate the entry of U.S. goods, aiming to reduce living costs. Economy Minister Nir Barkat stated that adopting U.S. standards will promote competition and lower prices for consumers. This move follows a 2021 plan to align with international standards, enhancing product availability while maintaining safety and environmental protections. Israel's inflation rate is currently 3.8%.

Pentagon leaker Jack Teixeira pleads guilty to obstructing justice

Jack Teixeira, the Pentagon secrets leaker, pleaded guilty to military charges of obstructing justice at his court-martial, resulting in a dishonorable discharge. While already sentenced to 15 years in prison for espionage, the plea deal dropped additional charges. His leaks revealed sensitive U.S. military information regarding the Ukraine conflict and other national security matters.

Armenia and Azerbaijan agree treaty terms to end almost 40 years of conflict

Armenian and Azerbaijani officials have reached a preliminary agreement on a peace treaty to resolve nearly four decades of conflict, particularly over Nagorno-Karabakh. Both nations expressed readiness to sign, but Azerbaijan demands constitutional changes from Armenia first. The timeline for signing remains unclear, amid ongoing tensions and a heavily militarized border.

February US wholesale prices unchanged showing inflation easing, though trade wars threaten trend

U.S. wholesale inflation slowed last month, indicating easing price pressures, though concerns remain as President Trump escalates trade wars. The producer price index was unchanged from January, with a year-over-year increase of 3.2%. Core prices fell for the first time since July. Retailers warn higher costs from tariffs may reduce consumer spending this year.

Why are tensions running high in Serbia ahead of a major student-led rally?

Tensions are rising in Serbia as students and opponents of President Aleksandar Vucic prepare for a significant rally in Belgrade, following months of protests sparked by a deadly railway accident attributed to government negligence. Despite Vucic's threats of violence and mass arrests, protesters aim to demand democratic reforms and accountability, potentially marking a pivotal moment in the political landscape.

Top Turkish officials visit Damascus, Turkey's foreign ministry says

Turkey's foreign and defense ministers, along with the MIT intelligence chief, visited Damascus amid rising sectarian violence in Syria. The visit follows a deal between Kurdish-led forces and the Syrian government, which Turkey views with caution due to its concerns over the SDF's ties to the PKK. Ankara remains committed to supporting Syria's new Islamist-led government.

EU parliament roiled by graft probe linked to China's Huawei

A new graft scandal has emerged in the European Parliament, with police raids in Belgium and Portugal linked to alleged corruption involving Huawei. Investigators are probing claims of bribery disguised as lobbying, following the previous "Qatargate" scandal. Transparency advocates demand immediate reforms, citing ongoing vulnerabilities to corruption within the EU.