National – Page 405

Heat dome brings potentially historic temperatures to most of the nation

June 18, 2024 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — The Northeast and Midwest, including New York City and Boston, are bracing for what could be the hottest stretch of weather in 30 years this week as a sweltering heat dome settles over a large part of the nation.

Over the next six days, 265 million people, or about 82% of the U.S. population, are likely to experience temperatures topping 90 degrees as the official first day of summer arrives on Thursday.

Many cities in the Midwest and the Northeast could experience what the National Weather Services calls rare and long-duration heat with up to five straight days of 95-plus-degree weather with high humidity that will make it feel 100 to 105 degrees.

As of Monday morning, 17 states from Iowa to Maine were under a heat alert. An Excessive Heat Watch was already issued Sunday for parts of New England, including Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The temperature in Concord, New Hampshire, is forecast to reach 101 on Wednesday.

The Ohio Valley could experience the most impactful heat wave of the 21st century. Louisville, Kentucky, is forecast to hit 94 degrees on Wednesday, 97 on Thursday and 99 on Friday.

New York City could feel its first heat wave of the year as temperatures are forecast to reach 91 degrees on Wednesday and 94 on Thursday and 96 on Friday.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams said at a news conference Monday morning that he expects the National Weather Service to issue a heat advisory for the nation’s largest city on Thursday and Friday. He said the city will open cooling centers on Tuesday.

“We expect to hit peak heat on Thursday and Friday with the heat index possibly reaching 99 degrees,” Adams said. “We want to be clear, this is extremely hot for June and New Yorkers should not underestimate the heat.”

Pittsburgh is also in for a string of hot weather with temperatures expected to soar from 97 degrees on Tuesday and Wednesday to 98 degrees on Thursday and Friday.

The heat-wave forecast for Pittsburgh could be the city’s hottest all-time for the month of June. The previous five-day June record occurred in 1994 with a temperature average of 96.4 degrees.

The all-time record for a heat wave in Pittsburgh happened in mid-July 1988 when city residents sweltered for five consecutive days with 98.6-degree temperatures.

Washington, D.C., is also expected to be inundated with 90-degree weather and could flirt with the century mark by Friday.

High temperatures are also forecast for Ohio and southeast Michigan, where an excessive heat watch is also in effect from Monday through Friday.

Daily temperature records are expected to fall this week in Chicago, Green Bay, Cleveland and Toledo.

Upstate New York could also see daily heat records fall. In Rochester, temperatures on Monday are forecast to hit 94 degrees, which would tie a daily record. Syracuse is also forecast to reach 94 degrees on Monday, which would break a daily record.

Out west, dangerous heat is expected for Texas, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

An excessive heat warning was issued for Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, where temperatures threatened to hit the 110-degree mark on Sunday.

Roswell, New Mexico, is expected to reach 105 degrees on Sunday and El Paso and Fort Stockton, Texas, are expected to get just as warm.

Authorities warn people enduring such high temperatures to stay hydrated and out of the heat, and to check on elderly neighbors and relatives.

In 2023, there were 2,302 heart-related deaths across the country, a 34% increase from 2022.

Attempted murder suspect escapes from custody in California

June 17, 2024 by WDNY Radio

(RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif.) — A man accused of attempted murder has escaped from custody in Southern California, according to authorities.

Deshaun Stamps broke out from the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga during an outside recreation period on Sunday, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said. It was not immediately clear how he escaped.

Stamps, 29, has been in custody for attempted murder since Jan. 30, 2023, the sheriff’s office said.

A search for Stamps is ongoing, authorities said.

Stamps is bald with green eyes and has tattoos on his neck and head, according to the sheriff’s office. He stand at 5 feet, 11 inches tall and weighs about 170 pounds.

Authorities urge anyone with information on his whereabouts to call 911.

A trial date hasn’t been set for the attempted murder charge. Stamps was next due in court in August.

Wildfire near LA spreads to more than 14,000 acres, sparking evacuations

June 17, 2024 by WDNY Radio

(LOS ANGELES) — A Southern California wildfire doubled in size overnight, causing the evacuation of more than 1,000 campers from a park, closing a popular recreation area on Father’s Day and threatening a major freeway in and out of Los Angeles, authorities said.

The Post Fire was burning out of control Sunday near Gorman, California, in the Tejon Pass area of Los Angeles County. The blaze started just before 2 p.m. PT on Saturday in the mountainous region and gusty winds caused flames to quickly spread to 5,000 acres, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire).

On Sunday afternoon, the fire had grown to 12,266 acres with 2% containment, according to Cal Fire, growing to over 14,000 acres Sunday night.

A group of hikers stranded in the fire zone had to be rescued Sunday morning, the Los Angeles County Fire Department told ABC News. It was not immediately clear how many of the hikers were injured, officials said.

At least two structures have been damaged by the fire, Cal Fire said.

Authorities issued evacuation orders Saturday as a wildfire in Los Angeles County, dubbed the Post Fire, spread over thousands of acres close to a major highway and threatened nearby structures, officials said. https://t.co/QhTLmLUBdk pic.twitter.com/ftiI26VpmP

— ABC News (@ABC) June 16, 2024

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday.

More than 300 firefighters, including air tanker crews, are battling the fire from the ground and sky, authorities said.

About 1,200 campers at the Hungry Valley Park State Vehicular Recreation Area were ordered to evacuate Saturday night, and authorities closed Pyramid Lake, which was expecting thousands of visitors for Father’s Day, due to the threat of the Post Fire, Cal Fire said.

The fire was burning parallel to Interstate 5, a major artery in and out of Los Angeles. The freeway was briefly closed on Saturday, triggering a traffic jam through the area, officials said.

Meanwhile, a second Southern California wildfire was burning near Hesperia in San Bernardino County. The blaze started about 6:49 p.m. PT on Saturday and had burned 1,131 acres by Sunday afternoon, according to Cal Fire.

The wind-driven fire was pushing east Sunday toward the Arrowhead Equestrian Estates in Hesperia, where residents were under an evacuation warning, according to Cal Fire.

The Hesperia Fire was 7% contained Sunday afternoon. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

2 killed, 14 injured in shooting at Juneteenth celebration in Texas; police searching for suspect

June 17, 2024 by WDNY Radio

(Round Rock, Texas.) — Police in Round Rock, Texas, have asked for the public’s help in locating a suspect in connection with a shooting during a Juneteenth celebration that left two dead and 14 others injured.

The incident happened on Saturday night when a fight broke out between two groups at the Old Settlers Park at about 11 p.m. local time, Round Rock Police Chief Allen Banks said early Sunday. At about the same time, someone produced a gun and began to fire, Banks said, adding that multiple people were struck by gunfire.

Police said Sunday night in a post on X that they are looking for a suspect with a “thin build, approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall, short dreadlocks, and wearing a white hoodie at the time of the incident.”

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspect or who witnessed the incident is asked to contact the Round Rock Police Department. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives has put up a $5,000 reward for info leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects, police said Sunday night.

The two people who were declared dead at the scene did not appear to have been part of the larger altercation, and it was unknown how many shooters there had been, Banks said.

Round Rock Police confirmed on Sunday that 14 victims were taken to hospitals with gunshot wounds.

At least six people were transported to hospitals with “potentially serious” injuries, emergency response officials previously said. No details on the patients’ conditions were provided Sunday night.

Four adults and two children were transported to local trauma facilities, the Austin-Travis County EMS previously said.

The Juneteenth Festival, which was put on by a local nonprofit and the city government, included a free concert with a series of acts on Saturday night.

The shooting occurred near the vendor area of the concert stage, Banks said.

Famed New York City chef James Kent dies at 45

June 16, 2024 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — James Kent, the famed chef behind some of New York’s top restaurants, has died, his restaurants and hospitality group announced on Saturday.

“We are heartbroken to share that James Kent passed away unexpectedly earlier today,” wrote Saga Hospitality Group in an Instagram post announcing the 45-year-old chef’s death. Kent helmed some of the most luxurious restaurants in New York City including Crown Shy, Overstory and Saga.

“The Saga Hospitality Group family is focused on supporting each other and most importantly Kelly, Gavin and Avery as we grieve James’ loss,” the post said, mentioning Kent’s wife and children. The post ended with a message for followers to spend Father’s Day with their loved ones.

The cause of Kent’s death was not disclosed by the hospitality group or his family as of time of publication.

Harrison Ginsberg, the bar director and head of beverages for Kent’s group of restaurants, weighed in on Kent’s death.

“Thank you for all the memories, Laughs, meals, and lessons,” wrote Ginsberg. “I was always in awe of how much you supported me, my career, the bar industry,” he continued.

Kent was a New York City-born chef whose restaurants dominated the food scene and collected accolades including two Michelin stars for his noteworthy restaurant Saga, one Michelin star for Crown Shy, a downtown Manhattan eatery, and a spot on the ranking of the world’s best bars for Overstory, a 64th floor bar on Wall Street. In 2010, Kent won the Bocuse d’Or USA.

Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen paid tribute to Kent in an Instagram post recounting memories he shared with the chef and expressing shock at the news, sharing that he is “angry that the universe has taken from us without an apology or a reason.”

“What never wavered was his smile, his positive attitude and his love for everyone around him. Our kids grew up together, playing in the city and making us and my kids feel like we deserved to be in that city,” wrote Kaysen.

Other notable New York City chefs and restaurants Daniel Boulud, Dan Kluger, Kwame Onwuachi and The Dead Rabbit Pub also shared tributes to Kent in Instagram posts.

Wildfire near LA spreads to more than 12,200 acres, sparking evacuations

June 16, 2024 by WDNY Radio

On Sunday afternoon, the fire had grown to 12,266 acres with 2% containment, according to Cal Fire.

At least two structures have been damaged by the fire, Cal Fire said.

Authorities issued evacuation orders Saturday as a wildfire in Los Angeles County, dubbed the Post Fire, spread over thousands of acres close to a major highway and threatened nearby structures, officials said. https://t.co/QhTLmLUBdk pic.twitter.com/ftiI26VpmP

— ABC News (@ABC) June 16, 2024

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday.

More than 300 firefighters, including air tanker crews, are battling the fire from the ground and sky, authorities said.

The fire was burning parallel to Interstate 5, a major artery in and out of Los Angeles. The freeway was briefly closed on Saturday, triggering a traffic jam through the area, officials said.

The wind-driven fire was pushing east Sunday toward the Arrowhead Equestrian Estates in Hesperia, where residents were under an evacuation warning, according to Cal Fire.

The Hesperia Fire was 7% contained Sunday afternoon. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Potentially deadly heat wave envelops most of the nation

June 16, 2024 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — More than 55 million people across the nation were under an alert for extreme heat on Sunday and through most of the week ahead as temperatures are forecast to hit triple digits in some parts of the country.

Over the next seven days, 265 million people, or about 82% of the U.S. population, are likely to experience temperatures topping 90 degrees as the official first day of summer arrives on Thursday.

An Excessive Heat Watch was already issued Sunday for parts of New England, including Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The temperature in Concord, New Hampshire, is forecast to reach 101 on Wednesday.

New York City could feel its first heat wave of the year as temperatures are forecast to reach 90 degrees on Wednesday and 94 on Thursday on Friday.

Pittsburgh is also in for a string of hot weather with temperatures expected to soar to 99 degrees on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.

The heat-wave forecast for Pittsburgh could be the city’s hottest all-time for the month of June. The previous five-day June record occurred in 1994 with a temperature average of 96.4 degrees.

The all time record for a heat wave in Pittsburgh happened in mid-July 1988 when city residents sweltered for five consecutive days with 98.6-degree temperatures.

Washington D.C., is also expected to be inundated with 90-degree weather and could flirt with the century mark by Friday.

High temperatures are also forecast fro Ohio and southeast Michigan, where an excessive heat watch is also in effect from Monday through Friday.

Daily temperature records are expected to fall this week in Chicago, Green Bay, and Cleveland.

Out west, dangerous heat is expected for Texas, Arizona, Nevada and New Mexico.

An excessive heat warning was issued for Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona, where temperatures threatened to hit the 110-degree mark on Sunday.

Roswell, New Mexico is expected to reach 105 degrees on Sunday and El Paso and Fort Stockton, Texas are expected to get just as warm.

Authorities warn people enduring such high temperatures to stay hydrated and out of the heat, and to check on elderly neighbors and relatives.

In 2023, there were 2,303 heart-related deaths across the country, a 34% increase from 2022.

Several injured after ‘chemical agent,’ fireworks caused mass exodus at Baltimore pride event

June 16, 2024 by WDNY Radio

(BALTIMORE) — Several people were injured as they attempted to flee a Baltimore pride event after a “chemical agent” was released and fireworks were set off in a crowd Saturday evening, according to Baltimore Police.

Shortly after 8:30 p.m., officers stationed for Pride Parade festivities were informed that a possible chemical agent, potentially mace, hair spray, or another agent was released into the crowd gathered in front of the main music stage, according to police.

Fireworks were also set off at the same location, causing a mass exodus that left several people injured as they attempted to flee the area.

Fire officials treated those individuals and the event was subsequently shut down.

Police did not share how many people were injured in the mass exodus.

Authorities are still working to confirm what type of chemical agent was used and are “diligently reviewing” surveillance video to piece together the series of events. Police say they do not believe this was a targeted attack.

The investigation is ongoing, according to police.

Multiple people shot at Michigan splash pad park, suspect dead: Police

June 16, 2024 by WDNY Radio

(ROCHESTER PARK HILLS, Mich.) — Nine people were shot, including two children, after a person opened fire at a splash pad park in Michigan Saturday afternoon, according to police.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s office said the suspect was found dead after the shooting near the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad in Rochester Hills, about 25 miles north of Detroit, Saturday evening.

The suspect was identified by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office as 42-year-old Michael William Nash. He died by suicide, police said.

Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard told reporters that preliminary information shows the shooting appeared to be random. The suspect allegedly exited a vehicle, opened fire on the splash pad, reloaded, opened fire again and then left, according to Bouchard.

The suspect allegedly fired 28 rounds, according to the sheriff.

An 8-year-old boy was struck in the head and was in critical condition, the sheriff said. A 4-year-old boy was struck in the thigh and was in stable condition, he said. Their mother, 39, was in critical condition with injuries to her abdomen and legs, the sheriff said.

A sergeant monitoring a live 911 channel heard the first call come in at 5:11 p.m. on Saturday, officials said. Officers arrived at the scene within 2 minutes, but the suspect had already fled, Bouchard said.

Officers said they recovered a semi-automatic handgun and three magazines at the scene. An AR-15-style rifle was found on a table at the suspect’s home, he said.

“I am heartbroken to learn about the shooting in Rochester Hills. We are monitoring the situation as updates continue to come in, and are in touch with local officials,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said on X.

Wildfire near LA spreads to 11,000 acres, sparking evacuations

June 16, 2024 by WDNY Radio

On Sunday morning, the fire had grown to more than 11,000 acres with zero percent containment, according to Cal Fire.

At least two structures have been damaged by the fire, Cal Fire said. No injuries have been reported.

Authorities issued evacuation orders Saturday as a wildfire in Los Angeles County, dubbed the Post Fire, spread over thousands of acres close to a major highway and threatened nearby structures, officials said. https://t.co/QhTLmLUBdk pic.twitter.com/ftiI26VpmP

— ABC News (@ABC) June 16, 2024

The cause of the fire remained under investigation Sunday.

More than 300 firefighters, including air tanker crews, are battling the fire from the ground and sky, authorities said.

The fire was burning parallel to Interstate 5, a major artery in and out of Los Angeles. The freeway was briefly closed on Saturday, triggering a traffic jam through the area, officials said.

The wind-driven fire was pushing east Sunday toward the Arrowhead Equestrian Estates in Hesperia, where residents were under an evacuation warning, according to Cal Fire.

The Hesperia Fire was 5% contained Sunday morning. There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

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