Northern California city and county seat, cultural and economic hub of the Shasta Cascade
Two Forest Service biologists were kidnapped near Gumboot Lake in Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Joseph Charles Henrichsen and his son Phoenix have been charged with kidnapping federal employees after a near daylong standoff that ended with the hostages released and the suspects in custody. A large multiagency response was mounted, and prosecutors say the pair face life in prison if convicted.
Multiple French and European wildfires have intensified amid a heatwave, with science increasingly documenting pyrocumulonimbus clouds that can fan flames and alter fire behavior. Reports describe the phenomenon as a new, climate-linked hazard that firefighters are adapting to as evacuations continue and containment remains challenging.
The Los Angeles mayor has not appeared at a congressional hearing on homelessness, citing a busy schedule as scrutiny over the city’s handling of funds and the LAHSA board intensifies. Lawmakers have shown frustration as funding discussions pivot and questions remain about accountability.