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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.

US defeats Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0, advancing to World Cup round of 16

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — The U.S. men’s national team defeated Bosnia-Herzegovina 2-0 on Wednesday night in their highest-stakes 2026 World Cup match so far, clinching a spot in the round of 16.

It was the U.S. men’s team’s first World Cup knockout win in 24 years.

The U.S. takes on Belgium on July 6.

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun, who scored a goal in the first half, was handed a controversial red card in the 64th minute following a clash with an opposing player. The red card makes him ineligible for the next match.

Later, Malik Tillman followed up Balogun’s goal with a free kick in the 82nd minute, padding the U.S. lead.

Wednesday’s win, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California, came after the team’s impressive first-place record in the group stage. The USMNT finished the group stage with a 2-1 record, with wins over Paraguay and Australia before a loss to Turkey, which occurred once the team had already secured a spot in the next round.

The matchup versus Bosnia-Herzegovina was the U.S. men’s team first knockout game following the earlier group stage.

After 48 teams descended upon Canada, Mexico and the United States, 32 teams remained in the knockout stages, which started earlier this week, vying to hoist the trophy on July 19.

With its loss, Bosnia-Herzegovina is eliminated from the World Cup.

Earlier Wednesday, Belgium defeated Senegal 3-2, securing its spot in the next round.

On Tuesday, Mexico defeated Ecuador to advance.

The round of 32 kicked off to a dramatic start on Monday, with Brazil coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1 before Paraguay eliminated Germany in penalty kicks , in one of the most shocking upsets of the tournament so far.

Morocco also topped Netherlands on Monday to clinch a spot in the next round.

In brief: ‘Project Hail Mary’ gets Prime Video streaming date and more

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Fist my bump. Project Hail Mary is set to make its Prime Video debut on Friday. This means the Amazon MGM Studios hit will have spent 105 days in theaters before it will be available to watch on that platform. Ryan Gosling stars in the film from directors Phil Lord and Chris Miller …

The Passion of the Christ is headed back to theaters. Mel Gibson’s film will be rereleased from Sept. 10 to Sept. 17 in newly remastered 4K with Dolby Atmos sound. The release is scheduled ahead of Gibson’s upcoming sequel, The Resurrection of the Christ: Part One, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters on May 6, 2027 …

Another horror sensation beloved by Gen Z is heading to theaters. Following the success of A24’s Backrooms, Warner Bros. Pictures has gotten the rights to Siren Head, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Siren Head is a viral horror property created by Trevor Henderson that follows a tall, rotting skeletal figure that has two sirens as a head. Weapons director Zach Cregger is teaming up with Brian Duffield to write the script, with Duffield set to direct …

Scoreboard roundup — 7/1/26

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

(NEW YORK) — Here are the scores from Wednesday’s sports events:

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL
White Sox 1, Orioles 6
Rangers 4, Guardians 9
Tigers 6, Yankees 2
Nationals 10, Red Sox 2
Padres 3, Cubs 23
Mets 3, Blue Jays 9
Pirates 6, Phillies 10
Cardinals 1, Braves 5
Rays 4, Royals 0
Reds 2, Brewers 4
Twins 8, Astros 3
Marlins 3, Rockies 6
Dodgers 1, Athletics 7
Giants 6, Diamondbacks 4

FIFA World Cup
England 2, Congo DR 1
Belgium 3, Senegal 2
United States 2, Bosnia-Herzegovina 0

Jordan Davis would love to cook for you this Fourth of July

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Jordan Davis will commemorate America’s 250th birthday this year by playing Pennsylvania’s free Philadelphia Unity Concert for America on Saturday.

When he makes it home to Nashville, however, he knows exactly what he’s doing to celebrate.

“I love, like, cooking for people,” Jordan says. “I love having people over to the house, grilling hot dogs, cooking, making brisket, just being around the people you wanna be around with, drinking beer, watching baseball.”

“I don’t know, maybe I’m just getting old,” he adds, “but my idea of fun now is having people over to the house and just playing host, and that’s exactly what we’re gonna do this year: have some friends and family over and hang out with the kids, let ‘em run around the sprinklers, and cook a bunch of food.”

The “Turn This Truck Around” hitmaker seems to have a little time to kick back with his nearest and dearest, since his next show isn’t until July 9 in Decatur, Illinois.

Myles Smith talks opening for Ed Sheeran while also doing his own shows: ‘I love both experiences’

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Myles Smith will start pulling double duty in North America on July 3. In addition to opening for Ed Sheeran on the LOOP stadium tour, he’ll be headlining his own shows in support of his new album, My Mess, My Heart, My Life. Myles says what he’s doing in front of Ed’s crowd won’t be the same as what he has planned for fans coming out to see him specifically.

“They’re two completely different experiences. Supporting Ed means walking out in front of, what, like, tens of thousands of people every night,” he laughs. “And introducing yourself to a lot of people for like the very first time.”

“And my headline shows, I mean, to me, they are so much more intimate, because everyone in the room already knows the songs and the stories behind them,” he adds.

Of course, both shows will include the hits, like “Stargazing” and “Nice to Meet You,” and possibly a cover or two.

“Honestly I love both experiences because they challenge me in different ways,” he says. “And both of them offer me so many different things. And yeah, it’s super special.”

Myles is set to open for Ed through Aug. 29 in Detroit, while his own shows will wrap up Sept. 10 in Atlanta. He’ll then head to Europe and the U.K. for more headlining shows.

Back to the Beginning one year later: Participating artists reflect on historic concert

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Sunday marks the one-year anniversary of the Back to the Beginning concert, which took place July 5, 2025, in Birmingham, England. A stacked lineup of hard rock and metal bands led up to the final live performance from the original Black Sabbath lineup and Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22, 2025.

Several of the participating artists spoke with ABC Audio about their Back to the Beginning experience.

Tool’s Maynard James Keenan: “In the beginning was Black Sabbath, and then everything else fits neatly below when it comes to metal. They were it. So, it was an honor.”

Alice in Chains’ Jerry Cantrell: “Just the fact that that was able to happen and [Ozzy] was able to have that moment, we were invited to be a part of it, and celebrate the man and the band, I mean, it’s one of the most important things that I was ever included in, and well deserved, as well.”

Halestorm’s Lzzy Hale: “Everyone was having the same conversations, like, ‘Oh, we can’t believe we’re here,’ but also, we wouldn’t be the rockers that we are today without these guys, without Ozzy and without Black Sabbath. So just to get to be a part of that was just, we’re so grateful, what a tremendous honor.”

Mastodon’s Brann Dailor: “When we got to go into ‘Supernaut,’ I was just, like, ‘Oh man, this is, this is, like, the biggest moment of your life right now happening.’ But I just was pretty taken by the outpouring of love and respect and community. It was all for Ozzy, it was all for Sabbath, all for those guys.”

Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe: “A show like that will never happen again, for me, ever. It was a magic thing to be a part of, I’m very grateful.”

Chicago’s Lee Loughnane on ‘A Capitol Fourth’: ‘It’s gonna be quite the celebration’

July 2, 2026 by WDNY Radio

Chicago will help honor America’s 250th anniversary with a performance on A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration, taking place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol building.

This isn’t the first time Chicago has performed on the annual special, and founding member Lee Loughnane tells ABC there’s no other show quite like it.

“We get to play before hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people in one fell swoop,” he says. “How many years would you have to be on the road to reach that many people?”

He adds they feel “honored and privileged” to take part in the celebration, noting this year is particularly special because “250 years as a country only happens one time.”

Chicago will play three songs on A Capitol Fourth, including “Saturday in the Park.” Loughnane says that will be particularly of note because this year “July Fourth is on a Saturday.” They’ll also play “Feeling Stronger Every Day” and “25 or 6 to 4,” with the latter performed against a backdrop of fireworks.

“It’s gonna be quite the celebration,” he says.

Loughnane adds that he hopes Americans take away an important message from the festivities.

“We’ve had ups and downs for 250 years and what we still have to this day is freedom,” he says. “And we are the freest country in the world. That’s a legacy to really be proud of.”

The performance comes not long after the June death of the band’s founding member Walter Parazaider. Remembering his bandmate, Loughnane says they “had some great times together.”

He says that after all those years touring together “you either get along or get out, and obviously we did not get out. … I will miss Walt.”

A Capitol Fourth: 250th Weekend Celebration, hosted by Alfonso Ribeiro, airs July 3 at 8 p.m. ET on on public TV stations nationwide.

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