Key facts
- A US envoy called Vladimir Putin a 'humanitarian' on Wednesday.
- President Donald Trump is seeking a deal with Putin to release American detainee Stephen Hubbard and end the war in Ukraine.
- California is preparing for storms and flooding, directing agencies to ready millions of sandbags and flood barriers.
- FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton suggested states should expect less federal disaster aid.
A US envoy's description of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a "humanitarian" on Wednesday has drawn attention amid President Donald Trump's efforts to pivot away from supporting Ukraine. Trump has stated his dealings with Putin are aimed at securing the release of American detainee Stephen Hubbard and ending the war in Ukraine, while also criticizing Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Separately, California is enhancing its preparedness for storms and flooding due to an ongoing El Niño. Emergency officials in California are responding to a perceived shift in federal disaster response, with FEMA Administrator Cameron Hamilton suggesting states should anticipate less federal aid and prepare to handle disasters more independently. Governor Gavin Newsom has criticized this potential change, emphasizing the need for federal support during disasters.