WDNY Radio – Page 13

Kash Patel set to testify on Capitol Hill amid controversies

May 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — FBI Director Kash Patel is set to be questioned by members of the Senate Appropriations Committee Tuesday afternoon amid several controversies involving the director.

Patel will testify alongside the other heads of the Department of Justice agencies such as the heads of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the United States Marshals Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

While it’s a hearing regarding the 2027 budget request, Patel is expected to face questions about a host of issues from the alleged misuse of FBI resources for travel to the story in The Atlantic that alleged he has had “bouts of excessive drinking” and job performance issues.

Patel said last month that he’s “never been intoxicated on the job,” following the report. Patel sued The Atlantic over the article, demanding $250 million in damages.

Asked about the article during an unrelated press conference last month, Patel railed against negative media coverage.

“I can say unequivocally that I never listen to the fake news mafia and when they get louder, it just means I’m doing my job,” Patel said.

In February, Patel joined in on Team USA hockey’s locker room celebrations in Italy shortly after the team won the gold medal — a move that drew scrutiny about his use of FBI resources to attend.

Patel, a hockey fan, was said to have had meetings in Italy prior to attending the game. Ben Williamson, an FBI spokesperson, said on social media that Patel’s trip had been previously scheduled. He added that “any other personal expenses would be reimbursed.”

During the hearing, Patel is also expected to tout his successes at the FBI.

“Whether it’s rebuilding our entire backbone infrastructure, caring more for our workforce, actioning the business side of the house, eliminating bureaucracy, integrating AI, procuring equipment, developing new private sector partnerships – we have delivered the changes you have been requesting for years… and we did it in just over 1 year,” Patel said in a message to the FBI last week. “Together, these reforms have truly transformed this FBI into the premier modern-day law enforcement organization we need to be.”

When Patel last testified on Capitol Hill in September 2025, he sparred with Democrats as he faced questions about the assassination of conservative activist and influencer Charlie Kirk and his handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files.

Inflation report to show latest prices as fuel costs surge amid Iran war

May 12, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — An inflation report on Tuesday will provide a fresh gauge of prices as the Iran war ratchets up costs for gasoline, airfares and other expenses.

Economists expect consumer prices to have risen 3.8% in April, when a surge in gasoline costs took hold weeks into the war, which would mark a significant acceleration from 3.3% in the previous month.

As recently as February, inflation stood at 2.4%, clocking in just a tick above the Federal Reserve’s target level of 2%.

The Middle East conflict prompted the Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz in March, a maritime trading route that facilitates the transport of about one-fifth of global oil supply. The standoff prompted one of the largest oil shocks ever recorded.

The U.S. is a net exporter of petroleum, meaning the country produces more oil than it consumes. But since oil prices are set on a global market, U.S. prices move in response to swings in worldwide supply and demand.

Crude oil is the main ingredient in auto fuel, accounting for more than half of the price paid at the pump, according to the federal U.S. Energy Information Administration.

The price of an average gallon of gas stood at $4.52 as of Monday, AAA data showed – an increase of $1.54 per gallon since the war began on Feb. 28. That amounts to a nearly 52% price jump in about two-and-a-half months.

The surge in fuel prices sent costs surging for gas-dependent transportation, such as airline tickets. In March, airfare costs jumped more than 3% from a month earlier.

Within weeks, the jump in prices could spread to groceries, furniture and just about any other item delivered by diesel-fueled trucks and tankers, some analysts previously told ABC News.

The recent rise in prices has left many consumers feeling glum. In May, consumer sentiment fell to the lowest level ever recorded, according to a monthly survey conducted by the University of Michigan since 1978.

Consumer spending, which accounts for about two-thirds of U.S. economic activity, could weaken if shoppers remain pessimistic. In theory, a slowdown of spending could slow the economy.

By some measures, however, the U.S. economy has proven resilient amid the war.

Hiring slowed in April but remained solid, exceeding economists’ expectations, federal government data last week showed. The unemployment rate held steady at 4.3% in April, a low level by historic standards. Additionally, the economy grew at an annualized rate of 2% in the first quarter of 2026, marking an acceleration from 0.5% growth recorded in the previous quarter.

However, a persistent increase in consumer prices may put pressure on the Fed to raise interest rates as a means of dialing back inflation.

The Fed has opted to hold interest rates steady at three consecutive meetings since the outset of 2026. Before that, the Fed cut interest rates a quarter-point three straight times.

If the Fed moved to raise interest rates, it would hike borrowing costs for many consumer and business loans, risking an economic slowdown.

Markets forecast a roughly 70% chance of interest rates holding steady for the remainder of this year, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

Soundgarden’s Kim Thayil announces book event with Nirvana’s Krist Novoselic

May 11, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Soundgarden guitarist Kim Thayil has announced an event celebrating the release of his upcoming memoir, A Screaming Life, alongside another grunge icon.

The event will take place June 11 at Elliott Bay Book Company in Seattle, and will feature a conversation between Thayil and Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic.

Tickets are on sale now and include a copy of A Screaming Life. For more info visit ElliottBayBook.com.

A Screaming Life, which is subtitled Into the Superunknown with Soundgarden and Beyond, is due out June 9.

Music Notes: 50 Cent and Nelly, Lil Baby and more

May 11, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Sports Illustrated is celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup with SI Beyond the Pitch, an event series taking place this summer across four host cities for the World Cup. The lineup includes performances from 50 Cent, Nelly, Diplo, Gordo and The Chainsmokers, with more performers expected to be announced. Nelly will headline the Los Angeles event at Hollywood Palladium on June 12, while 50 will close out the series on July 18 at NY’s Cipriana Wall Street with Diplo. Gordo is set to perform in Dallas on June 20, followed by The Chainsmokers in Miami on June 26.

Lil Baby hosted a Mother’s Day celebration in Atlanta honoring the original “Mrs. Trendsetters,” inspired by the title of his current single. During the event, children created custom bouquets and handwritten cards for their mothers, posed for photos on the red carpet and received keepsakes to commemorate the occasion. “To me, mothers are the original Mrs. Trendsetters,” Lil Baby says in a statement. “Being raised by a single mom, I know first-hand how hard women work to make it happen for their kids, so this was just a small way for them to show their moms some appreciation.”

Victoria Monét has dropped a live rendition of her song “Let Me.” Directed by Kanya Iwana, the performance features Victoria singing in an intimate studio setting, accompanied by a live band and orchestra. The video is now available to watch on YouTube.

Elton John says he’s recorded a new album differently than he’s ever done it before

May 11, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Elton John has had many ups and downs in his life, and by now he’s learned to roll with the punches. For example, he says the issues he’s been having with his eyesight have forced him to adopt a completely different way of making albums.

Elton was awarded the Glenn Gould Prize, which is given to a living artist whose “unique lifetime achievement contribution has enriched the human condition,” in Toronto on Saturday.

According to the Toronto Sun, Elton told the crowd at the ceremony, “Music is about learning and learning all the time. I’ve had eye trouble recently and I’ve always made my music by looking at lyrics.”

Elton, who lost the sight in his right eye due to an infection and has compromised vision in his left eye, was likely referring to the fact that he’s no longer able to read the lyrics that his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin gives him. In the past he’s looked at Bernie’s lyrics first, then written songs around them.

But, Elton went on to say, “What my eye has given [me] is a challenge, completely reversing how I write. Writing melodies first, the lyrics come second. I’ve never done that and I’ve just done that. I’ve just done an album.”

No word yet on when the album is coming out, but when it does, it’ll be the follow-up to his Grammy-nominated 2025 joint project with Brandi Carlile, Who Believes in Angels?

During his speech, Elton also noted that his husband, David Furnish, is from Toronto. “It’s so nice to be in Canada … to be in a country that has common sense.” He added, “I am a Canadian and I can tell you, it’s not the 51st f****** state!”

Keith Richards shoots down idea of The Rolling Stones touring in 2026

May 11, 2026 by WDNY Radio

With the announcement of the new The Rolling Stones album Foreign Tongues, fans, of course, now want to know if they can expect to hear news of a tour next. According to Keith Richards, that won’t be happening this year.

When asked by The Associated Press if The Stones were going to hit the road in support of the album, Richards replied, “Oh, I mean we can talk next year.” He added, “I mean, possibly, you know, I mean, at the moment, we’re just sort of saying we finished the record, let’s do this.”

He added that the band is “sort of basically considering what to do after” the release. But regarding a tour, he noted, “Not this year anyway.”

Mick Jagger said he “would love to tour the album,” adding, “I absolutely would love to, so I hope to do it as soon as that’s possible.”

Foreign Tongues, the follow-up to The Rolling Stones’ 2023 album, Hackney Diamonds, will be released July 10.

Virginia Democrats ask US Supreme Court to override state court’s striking down redistricting plan

May 11, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — Virginia Democrats are asking the United States Supreme Court to override a decision by the state’s highest court last week that struck down a voter-approved redistricting ballot measure ahead of the midterm elections.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Gun magazine found on Frontier Airlines flight, passengers forced to deplane

May 11, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(DENVER, Colo.) — Passengers on a Frontier Airlines flight were forced to deplane at the gate Sunday evening in Denver after an ammunition magazine was found on the aircraft as it was preparing for departure, according to the airline.

Frontier says preliminary investigation indicates the magazine belongs to a law enforcement officer who may have left it behind on a previous flight.

There were no injuries, officials said. All passengers were deplaned and rescreened out of precaution, and the plane also went through a security sweep, and nothing additional was recovered from the flight, according to the airline.

Flight 4765 was scheduled to travel from Denver to Phoenix. Due to the delay, the flight crew exceeded their duty time, and passengers were booked on another flight, which departed Monday morning, according to Frontier Airlines.

TSA says it is aware of the incident, and the FBI is leading the investigation.

Hegseth again looks to punish Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly over military comments

May 11, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the Pentagon will review whether Sen. Mark Kelly improperly disclosed classified information when the Arizona Democrat and retired Navy captain raised concerns about the strain the war with Iran has placed on U.S. weapons stockpiles.

Hegseth, in a social media post Sunday evening, blasted Kelly for “blabbing on TV” after the senator appeared on CBS’ “Face the Nation” that morning and discussed strains on the Pentagon’s ammunition inventory.

“‘Captain’ Mark Kelly strikes again,” Hegseth posted. “Now he’s blabbing on TV (falsely & dumbly) about a *CLASSIFIED* Pentagon briefing he received. Did he violate his oath … again? @DeptofWar legal counsel will review.”

During the CBS interview, Kelly pointed to recent open-door Pentagon briefings to Congress, which he says outlined that U.S. stockpiles of key munitions, including Tomahawk and ATACMS missiles, are being rapidly depleted amid the war with Iran.

A Pentagon review of Kelly’s comments would mark the second time Hegseth has sought to punish him, the first being after Kelly and several other Democratic military and intelligence service veterans posted a video advising U.S. troops to not follow illegal orders. Hegseth sought to demote Kelly, which would reduce his military pension.

A three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals expressed skepticism over Hegseth’s effort to punish Kelly over the comments during oral arguments last week.

The Pentagon says it has hit some 13,000 targets in the war with Iran. In some cases, those targets may need to be hit several times, it said. Acting Pentagon Comptroller Jules Hurst III told lawmakers in late April that the war had cost at least $25 billion to that point, noting that much of that was for munitions use.

“It’s shocking how deep we’ve gone into these magazines,” Kelly said.

Following Hegseth’s threat, Kelly responded on social media, showing a clip from last week’s Senate Armed Services Committee hearing in which Hegseth is shown saying it would take years to replenish stockpiles to pre-war levels.

“We had this conversation in a public hearing a week ago and you said it would take ‘years’ to replenish some of these stockpiles,” Kelly said. “That’s not classified, it’s a quote from you.”

An analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies found that the U.S. has used half of its inventory of munitions fighting Iran, and that it could take up to four years for the pre-war stock to be rearmed.

The Pentagon briefs members of Congress on classified materials behind closed doors, but it’s unclear whether Kelly violated any disclosure laws, as he did not get into specifics on the volume of weapons used or remaining in the CBS interview.

Hegseth has insisted the U.S. has sufficient ammunition to sustain fighting against Iran, though much of the anxiety inside defense circles is centered less on Tehran and more on the Pentagon’s ability to respond to another major conflict.

“That means the American people are less safe. Whether it’s a conflict with China or somewhere else in the world, the munitions are depleted,” Kelly said on CBS.

The Pentagon had already been grappling with mounting concerns over its weapon stockpiles and how quickly industry can replenish munitions, with the war with Iran dramatically exacerbating those concerns.

Those concerns come as the Pentagon pushes for a historic $1.5 trillion defense budget next year, roughly a 50% increase over current spending levels, with a significant share earmarked for munitions production and cheaper, mass-produced drone systems. But the spending plan was largely finalized before the war started and does not fully account for the strain the war is placing on U.S. inventories.

Supreme Court temporarily extends access to abortion pill mifepristone by mail

May 11, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito has temporarily extended an order that maintains nationwide access to the abortion pill mifepristone by mail and through telehealth visits.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

+ More