Max Matza

The FBI arrested 35-year-old Albany resident Jessica Bowie, alleging that she planned to bomb New York’s state capitol and kill lawmakers. Prosecutors say Bowie repeatedly surveilled the building, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, discussed the plan with undercover agents, bought potential bomb-making materials at a Home Depot, and intended to conceal the device in a DoorDash bag. She was arrested carrying a fake bomb, a defective gun, knives and a written oath of allegiance to IS, and faces a charge of providing material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the FBI and state police and cited strengthened security measures at the capitol.

The FBI arrested 35-year-old Albany resident Jessica Bowie over an alleged plan to bomb New York’s state capitol and kill lawmakers. Prosecutors say Bowie pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, conducted repeated reconnaissance visits, discussed the attack with undercover agents and obtained apparent bomb-making materials, a fake bomb and a defective gun supplied by investigators. She also allegedly possessed knives and a written oath to IS. New York Governor Kathy Hochul praised the FBI and state police, citing heightened concerns about political violence and threats to public officials.

Donald Trump has nominated White House health-policy aide Dr Heidi Overton to lead the FDA, subject to Senate confirmation. She would replace Marty Makary, who resigned after a dispute with the White House over flavoured-vape safety. Overton is aligned with the Make America Healthy Again movement, has criticized Democratic-led states over vaccination policy, opposes abortion, and has called for tighter restrictions on medicated abortion. Her nomination comes amid criticism of the response to a cyclospora outbreak and conservative pressure to limit access to abortion drugs.

Former sailors, military families and mental-health experts describe prolonged aircraft-carrier deployments as isolating, exhausting and psychologically challenging. Reports from Military Times and Stars & Stripes alleged food shortages, plumbing failures, weight loss and attempted overboard suicides aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln during its deployment in the US-Iran war. Military officials and the Association of the United States Navy dispute claims of widespread problems, while acknowledging that life at sea is difficult. A CNN visit found plentiful food and hot showers but some reports of rationing, weight loss and mould. The Navy is sending USS George Washington to relieve the Lincoln; that ship previously experienced suicides linked to poor living conditions. Experts and congressional Democrats have called for an investigation into the Lincoln’s conditions and the broader mental-health risks of extended naval deployments.

Sailors, veterans and mental-health experts describe prolonged aircraft-carrier deployments as isolating, exhausting and psychologically damaging, citing cramped living quarters, constant noise, food and plumbing concerns, and limited access to daylight. Reports of severe conditions aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, deployed in the Middle East since December, have been disputed by Navy officials and veterans’ advocates, while some family members report significant weight loss and exhaustion. A replacement carrier is being sent after earlier mental-health problems aboard the USS George Washington, and experts and congressional Democrats are calling for further investigation into conditions and crew welfare.

Unprecedented wildfires in Spokane, Washington, forced about 65,000 residents to evacuate and destroyed roughly 900 buildings. Residents described the shock of returning to find their homes gone after fires crossed the river and spread rapidly in strong winds. Firefighters continued battling three fires that were less than 40% contained while officials began recovery efforts, with no deaths or major injuries reported. Anger grew after police charged Aaron Farinacci, who allegedly confessed to starting one blaze and was ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation. Officials warned that dry, windy conditions could fuel further fires, while survivors urged residents to prepare more seriously for future disasters.

Unprecedented wildfires around Spokane, Washington, forced about 65,000 people—nearly a quarter of the city's population—to evacuate and destroyed an estimated 900 buildings. Residents were shocked that the fires crossed the river and spread rapidly, while firefighters battled three fires that were less than 40% contained. No deaths or major injuries had been reported, but recovery efforts were beginning alongside emergency response. Anger intensified after police accused local man Aaron Farinacci of deliberately starting one blaze; he has not entered a plea and was ordered to undergo a mental competency evaluation.

California authorities arrested Jeanine John Taele, 38, near Trump National Golf Club in Rancho Palos Verdes on August 2, ahead of Donald Trump’s planned Republican fundraising dinner there. Investigators say Taele was carrying a concealed loaded handgun and prohibited ammunition, appeared to be photographing the golf course and monitoring security, and was also wanted in connection with a robbery. A search of his Downey home uncovered an illegally modified AR-style rifle, another handgun, body armor, large-capacity magazines, ammunition and notebooks containing concerning material. The FBI, Los Angeles County authorities and the U.S. Secret Service are continuing the investigation, but officials say they have not identified a credible threat to the community or confirmed that Taele intended to harm Trump.

Republicans in Congress have released recordings of Joe Biden discussing classified material during interviews for his 2017 memoir, including remarks made shortly after he left the vice-presidency. Special Counsel Robert Hur concluded in 2024 that Biden improperly retained records but declined to recommend charges, citing concerns that a jury would view him as a sympathetic elderly man with poor memory. Biden's spokesman condemned the release as political weaponization of the Justice Department, while Biden's legal efforts to keep the recordings private ended after court defeats. The tapes contain substantial redactions, which House Republicans say conceal evidence of classified-information disclosures.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback and current CBS football commentator Tony Romo was arrested in Wisconsin after police said he performed poorly on field sobriety tests during a traffic stop. He was released the same night and ordered to appear in court on 21 September. A conviction could lead to a driver's licence suspension and a fine; local media reported that this is his first intoxicated-driving-related offence.

A 77‑year‑old Florida woman received a licence plate reading SQZ A55, prompting mixed reactions from neighbours and family. Though initially shocked, she chose to keep it out of curiosity. Florida plates are produced in a state prison, and Broward County offers free replacements for offensive plates.

A fast‑moving wildfire in northern Ontario surrounded a freight train, prompting an emergency rescue of railway workers as more than 100 fires burn across the province and smoke spreads into Toronto, causing some of the world’s worst air quality. Authorities warn smoke is likely to drift into US states including New Jersey, while extreme heat and additional fires affect Minnesota. Health officials in Canada and the US issued air‑quality warnings and cancelled outdoor events as forecasts suggest conditions will not reach the severity of 2023 but will continue to pose risks, particularly for vulnerable groups.

Wildfires burning across Canada have threatened communities in northwestern Ontario, engulfed a freight train near Armstrong and produced smoke that blanketed Toronto with some of the world’s worst air quality. Officials warn the smoke may drift into US cities, including New Jersey, in the coming days. Canadian National Rail confirmed trapped workers were safely rescued, and authorities reported over 800 active fires nationwide. Health officials in Canada and the US advised residents to limit outdoor activity, while New York City announced free KN95 mask distribution. Extreme heat in parts of the Midwest is expected to subside, though air quality concerns will persist.

A New Jersey K-9 handler, Cody Henderson, has been charged with animal cruelty and related offenses after police dogs Rip and Boomer died when left for hours in a hot patrol car. Prosecutors say the vehicle was turned off without ventilation, and the sheriff’s office confirmed formal charges. The community and the sheriff’s department mourned the dogs, known for narcotics and bomb detection work. Henderson is on unpaid leave and is set to appear in court on 30 July.

A former Milwaukee County judge, Hannah Dugan, received a $5,000 fine and no prison time after being convicted of obstructing a criminal proceeding for directing a Mexican national facing charges away from federal agents in 2025. She defended her actions as non-malicious and consistent with courthouse concerns, while the sentencing judge emphasized her service to the community. Prosecutors highlighted the political attention the case drew from the Trump administration and Wisconsin Republicans. Dugan plans to appeal the conviction, which could have carried up to five years in prison. Federal agents ultimately apprehended and deported Eduardo Flores-Ruiz despite her attempt to redirect him.

A former Milwaukee County judge, Hannah Dugan, received a $5,000 fine and no prison time after being convicted of obstructing a criminal proceeding for directing Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz out of her courtroom while federal agents were present to arrest him. The court found imprisonment unnecessary, citing her service record. Dugan, who resigned amid impeachment efforts, plans to appeal. Federal agents later detained and deported Flores-Ruiz. The case has drawn political attention, with supporters of the Trump administration portraying her actions as evidence of a politicised justice system.

Tom Kean returned to Congress after a 142‑day absence, revealing he had been hospitalized for depression. He said doctors advised an extended stay for recovery. His prolonged absence drew questions, particularly as he seeks re‑election in a competitive New Jersey district considered crucial for Republicans. He recently won his primary unopposed and faces Democratic efforts to unseat him in November’s midterm elections.

Canadian authorities ended a search for six missing people after a commercial charter boat sank near Vancouver, with four survivors rescued and the remaining passengers presumed drowned. The vessel began taking on water near Roberts Bank after leaving Steveston, prompting a large multi‑agency search involving ferries, Coast Guard units and RCMP aircraft and boats. A couple on a sailboat rescued three people and alerted authorities, while two survivors remain hospitalized in critical condition. Officials say the cause of the sinking is still unknown, and an underwater recovery team will attempt to locate the wreck in deep water using sonar and possibly drones.