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Record number of West Nile virus cases since 2004, CDC warns ahead of holiday weekend

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — A record number of West Nile virus cases have been recorded for this time of year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned on Wednesday ahead of the upcoming holiday weekend.

At least 48 cases of West Nile have been reported so far this year compared to an average of 10 typically by the end of June. This is the highest number of infections reported at this point in year since 2004, according to the federal health agency.

Additionally, at least 23 states are reporting West Nile activity, which is the highest number recorded over the last 10 years, CDC data shows.

The illness is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the contagious U.S., with several thousand cases and over 100 deaths reported on average each year.

With millions gathering outside for Fourth of July, the CDC is urging Americans to take precautions and reduce their risk of mosquito bites.

Since 1999, the disease has killed more than 3,300 Americans. Cases have historically peaked in August and are mostly reported from June through October.

While many people infected do not develop symptoms, about one in five do. Symptoms include fever, headache, body aches, vomiting, diarrhea or rash, according to the CDC. Most symptoms soon disappear, though weakness and fatigue may last for weeks or months.

Fewer than 1% of people infected develop severe illness that affects the central nervous system, including inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and the membranes around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis), the CDC says.

Risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death increase with older age; certain medical conditions including cancer, high blood pressure and kidney disease; and a weakened immune system.

There are currently no vaccines for West Nile virus, nor disease-specific treatments. The CDC recommends rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to treat the infection. Those with severe illness may need to be hospitalized and receive additional support treatments, such as intravenous fluids.

‘Revolution’: Fed Chair Kevin Warsh says US likely ‘big winner’ in AI race

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh on Wednesday voiced optimism about artificial intelligence, describing the technology as a “paradigm shift” that would likely make the United States a “big winner in the medium-term.”

“We are in the first or second inning of this revolution,” Warsh said in Sintra, Portugal, at a conference organized by the European Central Bank.

Warsh, who took the helm of the Fed last month, weighed in on the bullish side of an ongoing debate among policymakers, investors and the general public about the potential impact of AI on the labor market and wider economy.

The technology could create jobs and boost productivity, strengthening the economy of the U.S. and other nations, according to Warsh.

“This is a big paradigm shift both for the conduct of our policy and for our economies,” Warsh said. “I think the jobs will be greater. Prosperity will be stronger.”

Business investment in AI has helped drive recent U.S. economic growth, some studies show.

A surge of AI spending accounted for roughly two-thirds of gross domestic product growth over the first half of 2025, JPMorgan Asset Management found, outpacing the contribution made by hundreds of millions of U.S. consumers. Many of the nation’s largest companies have poured funds into the chips and data centers necessary to operate AI.

AI chipmakers, meanwhile, have helped deliver stock market gains this year, allowing the major indexes to overcome a lackluster stretch for many of the tech giants that previously lifted markets.

Shares of fast-rising AI chipmakers have boosted major indexes. Micron has soared 265% in value this year. Sandisk has climbed a staggering 750% over that period.

For now, however, AI has failed to achieve gains on a scale near its immense costs, some analysts previously told ABC News. A product like AI would typically generate revenue in the form of sales either direct to consumers or to third-party businesses using the technology to enhance their offerings. AI has faced challenges on both fronts, some analysts said.

Speaking on Wednesday, Warsh signaled that he expects a shift in sentiment among businesses regarding the impact of AI.

“While we might see business surveys that say ‘no big deal,’ my speculation is six months from now the surveys will be saying quite the opposite,” Warsh said.

Teen arrested in fatal shooting of Penn State student

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(PHILADELPHIA) — One of the teen suspects in the fatal shooting of a Penn State University student was arrested in Colorado after the Philadelphia Police Department said it had obtained arrest warrants for two 16-year-old boys.

Azzubair Outen-Fleming was arrested in Colorado Springs at a distant relative’s home, the U.S. Marshals Service of Philadelphia said in a social media post.

Outen-Fleming and Kaiseem Smith are wanted for murder and related offenses for the June 6 slaying of 22-year-old William “Billy” Schmidt, police announced on Tuesday.

Billy Schmidt had been watching the NBA Finals with his friends at a bar and was walking home when he was shot in the chest in an apparent robbery, according to police and his family.

Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus, the university said.

He was set to graduate in December and hoped to work in sports broadcasting, his sister, Anna Schmidt, told ABC News.

She said her brother “was one of the nicest, most genuine and honestly, goofiest, people there is.”

Outen-Fleming was arrested by the U.S. Marshals’ Colorado Violent Offender Task Force, officials said.

“He was arrested at a distant relatives home after attempting to deny his identity,” the U.S. Marshals of Philadelphia said. “He is housed at the Zebulon Pike Youth Center waiting extradition back to” Philadelphia.

Police ask anyone with information on the suspects’ whereabouts to call the department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

ABC News’ Jessica Gorman contributed to this report.

Woman rescued after surviving 1,500-foot drop during Mt. Shasta climb

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(CALIFORNIA) — U.S. Forest Service Rangers rescued a woman over the weekend who was climbing Mt. Shasta in California and fell over 1,500 feet in the snow.

The unidentified 31-year-old woman was part of a group of three novice climbers who were ascending the Left of Heart variation of the Avalanche Gulch route on Mount Shasta on Sunday, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Around noon that day, the rangers got a call about the woman falling approximately 1,500 vertical feet before coming to rest on the mountain, according to the Forest Service.

Weather conditions prevented a helicopter rescue so three rangers ascended on foot, the Forest Service said.

They were assisted by one member of the climbing party who had descended to help carry rescue equipment, according to the Forest Service. Another climber who happened to be in the area also stopped to assist the injured climber and remained with the group throughout the rescue, the Forest Service said.

The woman who fell was found safe and in good spirits with a suspected fractured right ankle and other injuries, according to the Forest Service.

The civilian and Forest Service rescuers secured the woman in a SKED rescue litter and lowered her to Lake Helen before a California Highway Patrol helicopter transported her to a hospital, the Forest Service said.

“This incident serves as an important reminder that Mount Shasta is a high-altitude mountaineering environment, not a hike. Even experienced climbers can encounter rapidly changing weather, steep snow and ice, rockfall, and hazardous fall conditions,” the U.S. Forest Service said in a statement.

Former CIA Director John Brennan sues Trump, others to preserve records from investigations

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(WASHINGTON) — Former CIA Director John Brennan on Wednesday sued President Donald Trump and his top law enforcement officials to force them to preserve records related to investigations into Brennan.

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

2 daredevils climb Empire State Building, appear to propose

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — A daredevil couple climbed to the top of the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner on top of its spire Wednesday afternoon, taking their love to new heights.

Angela Nikolau and Ivan Beerkus, who have gained an online following for their death-defying skyscraper climbs around the world, stayed on top of the skyscraper for several minutes as cameras rolled on the action before coming down on the spire, police sources told ABC News.

Beerkus then appeared to propose to his longtime girlfriend before they were taken into custody.

The black banner appeared to reference a Jimi Hendrix quote and said in white letters, “When the power of love beats the love of power the world knows peace.”

The banner has been recovered, police said.

An NYPD helicopter was sent and the building’s observation deck was cleared of visitors as police arrived. The observation deck was reopened later in the afternoon.

The top of the building’s spire is 1,454 feet above the ground.

It was not immediately clear how the couple got into position to free climb the metal structure that services the spire, broadcast antenna and red anti-collision beacon atop the building.

A spokesperson for the Empire State Building said in a statement to ABC News that there was at no time danger to the building’s tenants or visitors.

“It is to be emphasized that the Empire State Building Observation Deck, atop the World’s Most Famous Building in the center of New York City, does offer a practical way for the most memorable marriage proposals,” the spokesman said in a statement.

The Empire State Building’s rules prohibit masks and costumes.

The observation deck was reopened later in the afternoon on Wednesday.

They were featured in a 2024 Netflix documentary “Skywalkers: A Love Story.” The film showcased the couple’s climb of Merdeka 118 in Kuala Lumpur, the world’s second tallest building at 2,227 feet.

The Russian couple have frequently posted photos of their stunts on their social media pages. In many of their posts, they are seen standing and posing at the edge of buildings from extreme heights.

Some of their posts show them hugging and kissing while on top of buildings.

Nikolau and Beerkus appeared to chronicle their climb up the Empire State Building on social media Wednesday and posted close-up images of the proposal from the spire along closeups of the engagement ring.

16 children rescued from Ohio home where they were living in ‘deplorable conditions,’ officials say

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(VINTON COUNTY, Ohio) — Four people have been charged with child endangerment after 16 children were removed from a home in Ohio where officials say they were living in “deplorable conditions.”

Authorities executed a search warrant at the home in Hamden in Vinton County on Tuesday, where they say they found the children and four suspects inside.

Vinton County Prosecutor William Archer said this is not a case of human trafficking, but an “intra-family situation.”

The four suspects – Gary Siders Sr., 73; Christina Siders, 67; Gary Siders II, 36; and Elizabeth Siders, 33 – have each been charged with 16 counts of endangering children, a second-degree felony, according to officials. They pleaded not guilty during their arraignment Wednesday morning and their bond was set at $300,000 each.

The charges allege the four suspects abused the children, resulting in “serious physical harm.”

Ohio Attorney General Andy Wilson said the evidence in the case is “beyond comprehension.”

The children range in age from 1 ½ to 18, according to Wilson. He did not go into the nature of the injuries but said seven of the children were transported to the hospital on Tuesday, including two who were airlifted there.

Archer said the children are safe and officials are working to have them placed in temporary custody.

“They are currently in a good situation and are being protected,” he said.

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

2 people climb to the top of Empire State Building spire, unfurl banner

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Two people climbed to the top of the Empire State Building Thursday afternoon and unfurled a flag on top of its spire.

The unidentified people appear to be wearing masks.

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

2 teen suspects identified in fatal shooting of Penn State student: Philadelphia police

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(PHILADELPHIA) — The Philadelphia Police Department said it’s obtained arrest warrants for two 16-year-old boys in the fatal shooting of a Penn State University student.

Kaiseem Smith and Azzubair Outen-Fleming are wanted for murder and related offenses for the June 6 slaying of 22-year-old William “Billy” Schmidt, police announced on Tuesday.

Billy Schmidt had been watching the NBA Finals with his friends at a bar and was walking home when he was shot in the chest in an apparent robbery, according to police and his family.

Schmidt was studying digital journalism and media at Penn State World Campus, the university said.

He was set to graduate in December and hoped to work in sports broadcasting, his sister, Anna Schmidt, told ABC News.

She said her brother “was one of the nicest, most genuine and honestly, goofiest, people there is.”

Police ask anyone with information on the suspects’ whereabouts to call the department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

Trump earned over $1.4 billion from crypto ventures in 2025, financial disclosure shows

July 1, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Trump earned over .4 billion from crypto ventures in 2025, financial disclosure shows

Trump earned over $1.4 billion from crypto ventures in 2025, financial disclosure shows — U.S. President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the Mack Trucks Lehigh Valley Operations facility on June 23, 2026 in Macungie, Pennsylvania. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

(WASHINGTON) — President Donald Trump earned more than $1.4 billion from his cryptocurrency ventures in 2025, according to his personal financial disclosure released on Tuesday by the Office of Government Ethics.

The over-900-page disclosure, which covers last year, showed that the president earned billions of dollars in revenue from his properties around the world and from his foray into cryptocurrency. The president also received numerous gifts totaling more than $370,000, according to the disclosure.

But one of the standout performers last year was the president’s cryptocurrency investments.

The president’s disclosure listed earnings of $636 million from CIC Digital LLC, a cryptocurrency firm affiliated with the Trump Organization. The vast majority of that income came from a $635 million license agreement with Celebration Coin to sell the president’s $TRUMP meme coin, which he launched days before his second inauguration, billing himself as the “crypto president.”

Trump also reported earning an additional $526 million from the sale of cryptocurrency tokens through the Trump-connected firm World Liberty Financial. He earned another $65 million from sales of equity in WLF’s holding company.

World Liberty Financial came under scrutiny earlier this year after the firm reportedly sold a $500 million stake to a member of the Emirati royal family shortly before Trump’s inauguration.

The president reported another $196,875,000 in income from investments in Stablecoin Holdco, LLC, the parent holding company of World Liberty Financial.

The president also reported earning at least $389 million from his properties and golf courses and clubs in the U.S. and Scotland, including over $77 million alone from Mar-a-Lago.

Outside of his businesses and physical holdings, the president received a number of gifts last year valued in the hundreds of thousands of dollars., according to the disclosure.

One standout gift was a statue from Sticker Mule CEO Anthony Constantino, which depicted the now-iconic image of the president with his fist raised following the attempted assassination in Butler, Pennsylvania. That statue, which now sits prominently at Trump National Golf Club in Florida, was estimated at $250,000.

Trump also received several tickets to a variety of sporting events as gifts, including 10 Super Bowl LIX tickets, 10 tickets to the FIFA men’s World Cup, and 30 tickets to two UFC fights. The president also received tickets to the Ryder Cup, the US Open, and the Daytona 500.

Trump also profited from a variety of lawsuits against media and technology companies, earning $86 million in income from legal settlements throughout the year.

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