Natural disasters can destroy a politician’s carefully crafted career — or burnish it

Authorities in Florida arrested Michael Rodrigues, 41, at Palm Beach International Airport after finding a loaded AR-15 rifle and multiple knives in a rental vehicle parked in a restricted area. The investigation is ongoing, with no formal charges yet, and officials are working to obtain a search warrant for further examination of the vehicle. Want More Context? 🔎

Four people were killed when a Beechcraft 300 medical transport plane crashed and caught fire while landing at Chinle Municipal Airport in Arizona. The aircraft, owned by CSI Aviation, was en route to pick up a patient, and the cause of the crash is under investigation by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. Want More Context? 🔎

The U.S. government is auctioning the luxurious 348-foot superyacht Amadea, seized from Russian oligarch Suleiman Kerimov, featuring a helipad, infinity pool, and eight staterooms. Bidders must place a $10 million deposit for the September 10 sealed-bid auction, while the government seeks to recover $32 million in maintenance costs from another oligarch, Eduard Khudainatov. Want More Context? 🔎

Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte signed an executive order to allocate more resources for the ongoing search for Michael Paul Brown, a former U.S. soldier suspected of fatally shooting four people at The Owl Bar in Anaconda. As the search enters its fifth day, authorities are utilizing various law enforcement agencies, drones, and canine units, while offering a $10,000 reward for information on Brown, who remains armed and dangerous. Want More Context? 🔎

A bear briefly chased Buoy, the Seattle Kraken's mascot, during a fishing trip in Alaska with team forward John Hayden and others, forcing them to escape. Hayden humorously suggested the bear was intrigued by Buoy's costume, noting they had several close encounters but ultimately emerged unscathed. Want More Context? 🔎

In July, far-right activist Laura Loomer targeted Customs and Border Protection official Monte Hawkins, accusing him of bias and demanding his removal; within 48 hours, she claimed he was fired, though a DHS official stated he was placed on administrative leave. Loomer's campaigns have led to the ousting of at least 15 officials from Trump's administration, showcasing her influence as a political enforcer against those perceived as disloyal. Want More Context? 🔎