The Morning News Brief on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
From two masked protesters seen scaling the Empire State Building in New York City to new details on ransom notes in connection with Nancy Guthrie's disappearance, here's a look at your top headlines for the morning of July 1.
1. Masked protesters scale the Empire State Building
Empire State Building climb: 2 in custody after raising flag, proposing at top of spire
Two masked individuals are in custody after scaling to the top of the Empire State Building on Wednesday to unfurl a banner promoting world peace before an apparent proposal unfolded.
2. Deadly double shooting in north Phoenix
Man, woman dead in north Phoenix double shooting
Phoenix Police discovered a man and a woman dead with apparent gunshot wounds on Tuesday afternoon near Sonoran Desert Drive and North Valley Parkway.
3. "Stand up for what you believe in"
HOA threatens American flag-flying homeowners as they fight for Old Glory
San Marcos homeowners refuse to back down after an HOA ordered American flags removed from their homes
4. FBI reportedly deems Nancy Guthrie ransom notes as fake
Nancy Guthrie: FBI determines ransom notes are fake, report says
The FBI believes three ransom notes connected to the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie are fake, according to a report from Reuters.
5. Brother of former Arizona Cardinals star accused of murder
Mother of former Atlanta Falcons player found dead, brother arrested
A welfare check at a Buckhead home spiraled into a homicide investigation Tuesday afternoon after police discovered a woman dead and detained her barricaded son following a forced entry.
A look at today's weather
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Morning Weather Forecast -7/1/26
Happy Wednesday! It'll be a breezy first day of July in Phoenix, with a high near 102 degrees.