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UNDATED (AP) — An organization of civil engineers says it's time for Congress and the Obama Administration to use the lessons of Hurricane Katrina and Superstorm Sandy to develop a sustainable, nationwide method to pay for infrastructure maintenance and updates needed to help manage floods. The American Society of Civil Engineers also wants more use of nature, rather than engineered solutions such as levees. The group is releasing its recommendations today in Philadelphia.
CAIRO (AP) — Security officials say Egypt is hosting talks today between Hamas and Fatah as the rival Palestinian factions explore reconciliation. Blame-trading between the rivals has become more frequent since the end of the Gaza war, a sign that an agreement may not be within reach ahead of negotiations with Israel on cementing the Aug. 26 Gaza war truce.
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) — There are signs the truce in eastern Ukraine may be firming up. Ukrainian officials say government troops have begun withdrawing heavy artillery, as have pro-Russian rebels in the region. A cease-fire imposed Sept. 5 has been riddled by violations. Last week, an agreement was signed calling for both sides to halt advances and pull back heavy artillery, creating a buffer zone.
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone (AP) — An unprecedented three-day lockdown is over in the West African nation of Sierra Leone. Officials imposed the lockdown so health workers could go house to house checking for Ebola patients. Officials say more than 1 million households were checked. It's unknown if the action will slow the spread of a disease that is blamed for the deaths of more than 2,600 people in West Africa.
ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — The deputy prime minister says Turkey is ready to react to "the worst case scenario" involving Syrian refugees. The official says that just in the past four days, Turkey has seen 130,000 Syrian refugees flee across the border to escape the advance of Islamic State militants. The minister says an even bigger refugee wave is possible.
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