FEMA acting chief David Richardson departs after 6 months on the job, officials say The acting chief of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has left his post, marking another disruption in a year of staff and policy changes. His leadership was questioned after he delayed responding to deadly floods in Texas. The Associated Press
California communities lose home insurance, as companies cancel plans So, they're doing what they can to reduce the risks of extreme wildfires, including making homes less likely to burn.
Why some ant colonies get tricked into killing their own queens For some would-be ant queens, the easiest way to take over a colony is to dupe its worker ants into committing regicide. Nell Greenfieldboyce
Ecuador rejects U.S. military bases in major defeat for President Noboa Ecuadorians have decisively rejected a series of referendum measures, including plans for U.S. military bases and constitutional changes, handing President Daniel Noboa a major political setback amid rising gang violence. Carrie Kahn
Bangladesh's ousted prime minister sentenced to death for role in protest crackdown A tribunal in Dhaka sentenced Sheikh Hasina to death for her involvement in the use of deadly force against protesters last year. She fled to India and was sentenced in absentia. The Associated Press
WILSOOOOOON! Seattle casts away incumbents There’s a new slate of politicians entering Seattle city government. Axios reporter Melissa Santos will tell us why things went so badly for the incumbents and what to watch with our new city leaders. Patricia Murphy
With 'Baby Botox,' young adults strive to keep wrinkles from ever forming A growing number of 20-somethings are trying to freeze time with preventative Botox treatments. Here's what's behind the trend. Sarah Boden
Alaska owns dozens of crumbling schools. It wants underfunded districts to take them on Rural school district superintendents are trying to find the best use of limited resources. Taking on the state's unmaintained buildings, they say, will only increase their burden. Emily Schwing
Disaster and insurance costs are rising. The middle class is struggling to hang on Middle-class families are struggling to afford insurance in southwest Florida. Realtors say a wave of foreclosures could be coming. Ryan Kellman
More women are renting dresses, coats and ugly sweaters as clothing prices tick up More women are planning to deck the halls in rented fashion this year, just as inflation and tariffs are poised to push clothing prices higher. Kristian Monroe