{"id":4612,"date":"2026-06-25T12:21:22","date_gmt":"2026-06-25T12:21:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/usglobalnews.com\/2026\/06\/25\/2-earthquakes-in-venezuela-kill-at-least-164-and-trump-cancels-housing-bill-signing\/"},"modified":"2026-06-25T12:21:22","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T12:21:22","slug":"2-earthquakes-in-venezuela-kill-at-least-164-and-trump-cancels-housing-bill-signing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.usglobalnews.com\/?p=4612","title":{"rendered":"2 earthquakes in Venezuela kill at least 164. And, Trump cancels housing bill signing"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"podcast-tools podcast-tools--510318\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 3000;--source-height: 3000\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/3000x3000+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/85\/format\/png\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png\" data-original=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/3000x3000+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/100\/format\/png\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/3000x3000+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fe0%2F7a%2Ffe9d16a44fbf9dd2d9932ffe799b%2F510318.png\" data-format=\"png\" class=\"img lazyOnLoad\" alt=\"Up First\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"podcast-tools__slugandmodal\">\n<div class=\"podcast-tools__modal\">\n<div class=\"subscribe\" data-sharepop data-selector=\".sharepop.subscribe\">\n          <button>LISTEN &amp; FOLLOW<br \/>\n          <\/button>\n        <\/div>\n<div class=\"podcast-tools__subscribe-links\">\n<div class=\"sharepop-four\">\n<div class=\"sharepop\">\n<ul>\n<li>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/app.npr.org\/aggregation\/510318\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"npr one universal\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                          NPR App<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/podcasts.apple.com\/podcast\/1222114325?mt=2&amp;at=11l79Y&amp;ct=nprdirectory\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"itunes\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                          Apple Podcasts<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                          <a href=\"https:\/\/open.spotify.com\/show\/2mTUnDkuKUkhiueKcVWoP0\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"Spotify\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                          Spotify<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/music.amazon.com\/podcasts\/30a74ac6-1cf7-4ac4-bae2-1347e3927b0b\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"amazon music\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                        Amazon Music<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iheart.com\/podcast\/28457197\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"iHeart Radio\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                        iHeart Radio<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                        <a href=\"https:\/\/music.youtube.com\/library\/podcasts?addrssfeed=https:\/\/feeds.npr.org\/510318\/podcast.xml\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"youtube music\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                        YouTube Music<\/a><\/li>\n<li>\n                        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/feeds.npr.org\/510318\/podcast.xml\" data-analytics-allow-facebook=\"data-analytics-allow-facebook\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"podcast\",\"action\":\"podcast_follow_click\",\"clickName\":\"rss\",\"clickType\":\"podcast follow button\"}'><br \/>\n                          RSS link<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<p>              &lt;!&#8211;<\/p>\n<div class=\"newsletter-placeholder\">\n                Sign up for the [TITLE] Newsletter<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"plusoffering-placeholder\">\n                Get perks with [Podcast Title]+<\/p>\n<p>Your support helps make our show possible and unlocks access to our sponsor-free feed.<\/p>\n<p>                <button>LEARN MORE<\/button>\n              <\/div>\n<p>              &#8211;&gt;\n          <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"storytitle\">\n<h1>2 earthquakes in Venezuela kill at least 164. And, Trump cancels housing bill signing<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORYTITLE\" --><\/p>\n<div id=\"story-meta\" class=\"story-meta has-byline\">\n<div class=\"story-meta__one\">\n<div class=\"story-meta__one-inner\">\n<div class=\"dateblock\">\n    <time datetime=\"2026-06-25T07:09:35-04:00\"><br \/>\n            <span class=\"date\">June 25, 2026<\/span><span class=\"time\">7:09 AM ET<\/span><br \/>\n    <\/time>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__ONE-INNER\" -->\n   <\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__ONE\" --><\/p>\n<div class=\"story-meta__two\">\n<div id=\"storybyline\" class=\"storybyline-wrap linkLocation\">\n<div class=\"bucketwrap byline\">\n<div class=\"byline-container--block\">\n<p class=\"byline__name--block\">By\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"byline byline--block byline--has-link\" aria-label=\"Byline\">\n<p class=\"byline__name byline__name--block\">\n      <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/g-s1-9395\/brittney-melton\" rel=\"author\"><br \/>\n      Brittney Melton<br \/>\n    <\/a>\n  <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"BUCKETWRAP BYLINE\" -->\n      <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"STORY-META__TWO\" -->\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"STORY-META\" CLASS=\"STORY-META HAS-BYLINE\" --><\/p>\n<div id=\"headlineaudio\" class=\"storylocation linkLocation\">\n<article id=\"resnx-s1-mx-5870374-1\" class=\"bucketwrap resaudio\" aria-label=\"audio-module\">\n<div class=\"audio-module\">\n<h4 class=\"audio-module-title\">Venezuela Earthquakes, Trump Senate Fight, Pentagon Shuffles<\/h4>\n<div class=\"audio-module-controls-wrap\" data-audio='{\"uid\":\"g-s1-130184:nx-s1-mx-5870374-1\",\"available\":true,\"duration\":781,\"title\":\"Venezuela Earthquakes, Trump Senate Fight, Pentagon Shuffles\",\"audioUrl\":\"https:\/\/prfx.byspotify.com\/e\/play.podtrac.com\/npr-510318\/npr.simplecastaudio.com\/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632\/episodes\/9c400d14-4d80-4875-b69b-da2905faec53\/audio\/128\/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&amp;awEpisodeId=9c400d14-4d80-4875-b69b-da2905faec53&amp;feed=HMwRVgVt&amp;t=podcast&amp;e=nx-s1-5870374&amp;p=510318&amp;d=781&amp;size=12501203&amp;sc=siteplayer\",\"storyUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/25\/g-s1-130184\/up-first-newsletter-venezuela-earthquakes-trump-senate-tensions-chris-donahue\",\"slug\":\"up first newsletter\",\"program\":\"\",\"affiliation\":\"\",\"song\":\"\",\"artist\":\"\",\"album\":\"\",\"track\":0,\"type\":\"segment\",\"subtype\":\"other\",\"skipSponsorship\":false,\"hasAdsWizz\":false,\"isStreamAudioType\":false,\"podcastEpisodeRawType\":\"\",\"podcastEpisodeDerivedPlusType\":\"\"}' data-audio-metrics=\"[]\">\n<div class=\"audio-module-controls audio-module-controls--no-js\">\n            <a class=\"audio-module-listen\" href=\"https:\/\/prfx.byspotify.com\/e\/play.podtrac.com\/npr-510318\/npr.simplecastaudio.com\/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632\/episodes\/9c400d14-4d80-4875-b69b-da2905faec53\/audio\/128\/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&amp;awEpisodeId=9c400d14-4d80-4875-b69b-da2905faec53&amp;feed=HMwRVgVt&amp;t=podcast&amp;e=nx-s1-5870374&amp;p=510318&amp;d=781&amp;size=12501203&amp;sc=siteplayer&amp;aw_0_1st.playerid=siteplayer\"><br \/>\n                <b class=\"audio-module-listen-inner\"><br \/>\n                    <b class=\"audio-module-listen-text\"><br \/>\n                        <b class=\"audio-module-cta\"><br \/>\n                            Listen<br \/>\n                        <\/b><br \/>\n                        <b class=\"audio-module-listen-duration\"><br \/>\n                            <span>\u00b7 <\/span><br \/>\n                            <span>13:01<\/span><br \/>\n                        <\/b><br \/>\n                    <\/b><br \/>\n                <\/b><br \/>\n            <\/a><br \/>\n                <time class=\"audio-module-duration\" datetime=\"P13M,1S\"><br \/>\n                  <span class=\"audio-module-duration__initial-value\">13:01<\/span><br \/>\n                <\/time>\n        <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"audio-module-tools\">\n        <button class=\"audio-module-tools-toggle\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"audio\",\"action\":\"audio_open_more_options\",\"storyId\":\"g-s1-130184\",\"mediaId\":\"nx-s1-mx-5870374-1\",\"title\":\"2 earthquakes in Venezuela kill at least 164. And, Trump cancels housing bill signing\",\"type\":\"ondemand\"}'><br \/>\n            <b class=\"label\">Toggle more options<\/b><br \/>\n        <\/button><\/p>\n<ul class=\"audio-module-more-tools\">\n<li class=\"audio-tool audio-tool-download\"><a href=\"https:\/\/prfx.byspotify.com\/e\/play.podtrac.com\/npr-510318\/npr.simplecastaudio.com\/d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632\/episodes\/9c400d14-4d80-4875-b69b-da2905faec53\/audio\/128\/default.mp3?awCollectionId=d52bee4a-b10a-40f8-9417-45064e6b8632&amp;awEpisodeId=9c400d14-4d80-4875-b69b-da2905faec53&amp;feed=HMwRVgVt&amp;t=podcast&amp;e=nx-s1-5870374&amp;p=510318&amp;d=781&amp;size=12501203&amp;sc=siteplayer&amp;aw_0_1st.playerid=siteplayer\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"audio\",\"action\":\"audio_download\",\"storyId\":\"g-s1-130184\",\"mediaId\":\"nx-s1-mx-5870374-1\",\"title\":\"2 earthquakes in Venezuela kill at least 164. And, Trump cancels housing bill signing\",\"type\":\"ondemand\"}'><b class=\"audio-tool-label\">Download<\/b><\/a>\n                <\/li>\n<li class=\"audio-tool audio-tool-embed\">\n                    <button data-embed-url=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/player\/embed\/g-s1-130184\/nx-s1-mx-5870374-1\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"audio\",\"action\":\"audio_embed\",\"storyId\":\"g-s1-130184\",\"mediaId\":\"nx-s1-mx-5870374-1\",\"title\":\"2 earthquakes in Venezuela kill at least 164. And, Trump cancels housing bill signing\",\"type\":\"ondemand\"}'><b class=\"button-inner\"><b class=\"audio-tool-label\">Embed<\/b><\/b><\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"audio-embed-overlay\">\n                        <label class=\"embed-label\"><br \/>\n                            <b class=\"label\">Embed<\/b><\/p>\n<p>                        <\/label><br \/>\n                        <b class=\"embed-url embed-url-touch\"><br \/>\n                            <code><b class=\"punctuation\">&lt;<\/b>iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/player\/embed\/g-s1-130184\/nx-s1-mx-5870374-1\" width=\"100%\" height=\"290\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" title=\"NPR embedded audio player\"&gt;<\/code><br \/>\n                        <\/b>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"storytext\" class=\"storytext storylocation linkLocation\">\n<p><em>Good morning. You&#8217;re reading the Up First newsletter.\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/newsletter\/news\" target=\"_blank\">Subscribe<\/a><em>\u00a0here to get it delivered to your inbox, and\u00a0<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/podcasts\/510318\/up-first\/\" target=\"_blank\">listen<\/a><em>\u00a0to the Up First podcast for all the news you need to start your day.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"edTag\">Today&#8217;s top stories<\/h3>\n<p><strong>At least 164 people have died and 971 were injured after two consecutive earthquakes <\/strong>struck northern Venezuela, the country&#8217;s acting President Delcy Rodr\u00edguez announced early today. The initial earthquake, measuring 7.2 in magnitude, happened around 6 p.m. yesterday, followed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/24\/nx-s1-5869817\/2-major-earthquakes-strike-northern-venezuela-near-caracas\" target=\"_blank\">another quake of 7.5 magnitude<\/a> less than a minute later, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. More than 20 aftershocks have since been recorded. The government has declared a state of emergency due to fears of significant casualties.<\/p>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-130045\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 6192;--source-height: 3483\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6192x3483+0+323\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F71%2F8d%2F7906be5a4eea98509c77644c562b%2Fgettyimages-2282641657.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6192x3483+0+323\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F71%2F8d%2F7906be5a4eea98509c77644c562b%2Fgettyimages-2282641657.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"TOPSHOT - Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported, triggering panic in Caracas, according to AFP journalists. The tremor, which was followed by several aftershocks, was also felt in Colombia. (Photo by Juan BARRETO \/ AFP via Getty Images)\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n<div class=\"caption\" aria-label=\"Image caption\">\n<p>\n                TOPSHOT &#8211; Rescuers search for victims in a collapsed building following an earthquake in Caracas on June 24, 2026. A magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Venezuela on Wednesday, the United States Geological Survey (USGS) reported, triggering panic in Caracas, according to AFP journalists. The tremor, which was followed by several aftershocks, was also felt in Colombia. (Photo by Juan BARRETO \/ AFP via Getty Images)<br \/>\n                <b class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n                    JUAN BARRETO\/AFP via Getty Images\/Getty Images<br \/>\n                <\/b><br \/>\n                <b class=\"hide-caption\"><b>hide caption<\/b><\/b>\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>            <b class=\"toggle-caption\"><b>toggle caption<\/b><\/b>\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        JUAN BARRETO\/AFP via Getty Images\/Getty Images<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ul class=\"edTag\">\n<li>\ud83c\udfa7 <strong>Based on photos and videos from Venezuela<\/strong>, the damage appears to be quite extensive, reporter John Otis tells <em>Up First<\/em>. The images show massive clouds of dust rising from collapsed buildings, with rescue workers pulling survivors out of the rubble on stretchers. People rushed for cover under restaurant tables and hurried out of their homes into the streets. Models developed by the U.S. Geological Survey indicate that an earthquake of this magnitude <a href=\"https:\/\/one.npr.org\/i\/nx-s1-5870374:x\" target=\"_blank\">could result in tens of thousands of casualties<\/a>. Many people are already posting online to look for their missing loved ones. President Trump said on social media that he has ordered U.S. agencies to prepare for a prompt response. The U.S. State Department says it has mobilized a disaster assistance team and task force to support Venezuela. They will also send search-and-rescue teams, along with medical and humanitarian supplies.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Trump canceled plans yesterday to sign bipartisan legislation<\/strong> aimed at reducing housing costs across the United States. In a social media post, the president wrote that he would not sign the bill, which he called &#8220;of minor importance,&#8221; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/23\/nx-s1-5862113\/trump-senate-friction\" target=\"_blank\">until Congress approved the strict voter ID law<\/a> he has been advocating for months known as the SAVE America Act. The housing bill would have addressed one of the most significant concerns among Americans: the rising cost of living.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"edTag\">\n<li>\ud83c\udfa7 <strong>Trump appears to be more focused on having Republicans loyal to him than <\/strong>on ensuring a majority that can pass his legislation, NPR&#8217;s Franco Ordo\u00f1ez says. The president criticized senators yesterday over their stance on the conflict in Iran. Trump&#8217;s decision to cancel the signing <a href=\"http:\/\/one.npr.org\/i\/nx-s1-5870374:x\" target=\"_blank\">could possibly alienate Republicans<\/a> who were hoping to present this legislative victory to voters ahead of the midterm elections. Many Republicans have urged him to shift his focus from Iran to domestic issues, particularly the economy. The bill could have potentially improved his standing in the polls, Ordo\u00f1ez says.<\/li>\n<li>\u27a1\ufe0f <strong>Trump has said for months that he won&#8217;t sign any bill until Congress passes the SAVE America Act. <\/strong>He believes it would ensure that Republicans never lose another election for at least 50 years. Here&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/25\/nx-s1-5869577\/trump-voting-save-america-act\" target=\"_blank\">what&#8217;s actually in the bill<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><!-- END ID=\"MID-STORY-RECOMMENDATIONS-MOUNT-PIANO\" CLASS=\"MID-STORY-RECOMMENDATIONS-MOUNT-PIANO\" ARIA-LABEL=\"RECOMMENDED STORIES\" --><\/p>\n<p><strong>Army Gen. Chris Donahue is expected to announce his retirement soon<\/strong>, according to two U.S. officials who are not authorized to speak publicly. This news caught many people by surprise. Donahue, a Special Forces soldier, currently oversees U.S. Army operations across Europe and Africa. He is possibly best known as the last American soldier to leave Afghanistan in 2021 during the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. forces under the Biden administration.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"edTag\">\n<li>\ud83c\udfa7<strong> NPR&#8217;s Quil Lawrence says that no one he has talked to seems to know exactly why<\/strong> Donahue is abruptly retiring. On social media, some trolls are focusing on the fact that Donahue was in charge of the evacuation efforts at Kabul airport. Many <a href=\"https:\/\/one.npr.org\/i\/nx-s1-5870374:x\" target=\"_blank\">blame him for the debacle<\/a> that marked the chaotic end of 20 years of military involvement. A suicide bombing at the Abbey Gate entry point of Kabul airport killed 13 U.S. troops and 170 Afghans. Donahue arrived after Kabul fell and he wasn&#8217;t in charge of Abbey Gate. He stepped in to oversee the withdrawal and coordinated hundreds of flights, which likely saved thousands of lives. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has been reducing the ranks, and more than half of those cut have been women and Black officers. Donahue, being a white man, doesn&#8217;t align with Hegseth&#8217;s trims but instead is more closely aligned with the secretary&#8217;s narrow vision of a &#8220;war-fighter,&#8221; Lawrence says. He adds that this situation appears more like when Hegseth fired Army Chief of Staff Gen. Randy George with no explanation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3 class=\"edTag\">Life advice<\/h3>\n<div id=\"resnx-s1-img-6117980\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 5333;--source-height: 3000\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/5333x3000+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F82%2F43fc26f346c39b496e4efaf6d047%2F511a946c-2dcf-4930-9a4d-41d79fb4bfd7.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/5333x3000+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F89%2F82%2F43fc26f346c39b496e4efaf6d047%2F511a946c-2dcf-4930-9a4d-41d79fb4bfd7.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"A vector illustration of a young woman swimwear hat and sunglasses sitting on sand beach sunbathing.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Denis Novikov\/Getty Images<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The summer solstice arrived earlier this week. Make the most out of the season before it flies by. Gretchen Rubin, the author of <em>The Happiness Project<\/em>, has been sharing exercises on social media to help make your summer more memorable and satisfying. Here are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/24\/nx-s1-5851839\/how-to-plan-a-dream-summer\" target=\"_blank\">some you can try<\/a>:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"edTag\">\n<li>\u2600\ufe0f Choose a single word or phrase that you want to embrace \u2014 something that encapsulates the feeling you want to have over the next few months. For example, you could pick the word &#8220;juice,&#8221; which could lead you to ripe peaches or to feeling vibrant in your body in a swimsuit.<\/li>\n<li>\u2600\ufe0f Create a summer bucket list that includes not only things you want to do, but also goals you have, like deep cleaning your home or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2023\/06\/27\/1184622444\/how-to-swim\" target=\"_blank\">learning how to swim<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>\u2600\ufe0f Setting a fun challenge for yourself can help you gamify some items on your bucket list or offer a different kind of dare. For instance, you could put yourself up to the task of trying 10 new burger spots or reading five books in a new genre.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For additional guidance on how to make your summer safer and brighter, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2024\/06\/27\/g-s1-6315\/expert-ideas-to-make-your-summer-safer-and-brighter\" target=\"_blank\">read this NPR <em>Life Kit <\/em>article<\/a>. Subscribe to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/newsletter\/life-kit\" target=\"_blank\">the<em> Life Kit <\/em>newsletter<\/a> for expert advice on love, money, relationships and more.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"edTag\">Picture show<\/h3>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-129292\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 5519;--source-height: 3104\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/5519x3104+0+287\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa7%2F24%2F382827244144960659481ecc07ca%2Fmongbwalu-5537.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/5519x3104+0+287\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fa7%2F24%2F382827244144960659481ecc07ca%2Fmongbwalu-5537.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"Women sift gold-bearing sediments in search of gold at the Maidede mine, located a few meters from the Mongbwalu Health Zone in Mongbwalu, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on June 16, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n<div class=\"caption\" aria-label=\"Image caption\">\n<p>\n                Women sift gold-bearing sediments in search of gold at the Maidede mine, located a few meters from the Mongbwalu Health Zone in Mongbwalu, Ituri Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, on June 16, 2026.<br \/>\n                <b class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n                    Ars\u00e9ne Mpiana for NPR<br \/>\n                <\/b><br \/>\n                <b class=\"hide-caption\"><b>hide caption<\/b><\/b>\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>            <b class=\"toggle-caption\"><b>toggle caption<\/b><\/b>\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Ars\u00e9ne Mpiana for NPR<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The gold-mining town of Mongbwalu, one of the epicenters of eastern Congo&#8217;s Ebola outbreak, faces several challenges as officials work to contain the disease. According to the World Health Organization, the outbreak is believed to have originated there, although this has not yet been confirmed. Before the Congolese government declared the outbreak, there was a string of deaths in the area. At first, the cause of these deaths was unclear. After a significant delay, Congo&#8217;s government eventually identified the illness as Ebola. Now, even more than a month after the outbreak was declared, Ebola infections continue to spread widely in the town. Mongbwalu&#8217;s population of approximately 130,000 people predominantly consists of impoverished gold panners and diseases are common among this marginalized community. Driven by deep-rooted superstition and fear, many residents are reluctant to seek medical care when they become ill. The rapid spread of the disease is exacerbated by the nature of gold mining, which involves muddy pits filled with miners surrounding the town. Take a look at Mongbwalu <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/24\/nx-s1-5863157\/ebola-outbreak-democratic-republic-congo-health-crisis\" target=\"_blank\">through NPR&#8217;s reporting and photos<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h3 class=\"edTag\">3 things to know before you go<\/h3>\n<div id=\"resg-s1-129871\" class=\"bucketwrap image large\">\n<div class=\"imagewrap has-source-dimensions\" data-crop-type=\"\" style=\"--source-width: 6000;--source-height: 3375\">\n<p>            <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x3375+0+0\/resize\/1100\/quality\/50\/format\/jpeg\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9b%2Fad%2F42b494434b7ea5734a922304c290%2Fgettyimages-2267440056.jpg\" data-template=\"https:\/\/npr.brightspotcdn.com\/dims3\/default\/strip\/false\/crop\/6000x3375+0+0\/resize\/{width}\/quality\/{quality}\/format\/{format}\/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2F9b%2Fad%2F42b494434b7ea5734a922304c290%2Fgettyimages-2267440056.jpg\" class=\"img\" alt=\"U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Marc Jacques makes a delivery in Miami in March.\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"credit-caption\">\n<div class=\"caption-wrap\">\n<div class=\"caption\" aria-label=\"Image caption\">\n<p>\n                U.S. Postal Service mail carrier Marc Jacques makes a delivery in Miami in March.<br \/>\n                <b class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n                    Joe Raedle\/Getty Images<br \/>\n                <\/b><br \/>\n                <b class=\"hide-caption\"><b>hide caption<\/b><\/b>\n            <\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>            <b class=\"toggle-caption\"><b>toggle caption<\/b><\/b>\n    <\/div>\n<p>    <span class=\"credit\" aria-label=\"Image credit\"><br \/>\n        Joe Raedle\/Getty Images<br \/>\n    <\/span>\n<\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<ol class=\"edTag\">\n<li>The U.S. Postal Service is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/24\/nx-s1-5859334\/us-postal-service-david-steiner\" target=\"_blank\">no longer on track to run out of money<\/a> and cease deliveries next year, Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed yesterday. USPS&#8217;s cash crisis has been delayed until at least 2031.<\/li>\n<li>In this week&#8217;s edition of Far-Flung Postcards, NPR&#8217;s Rob Schmitz sends <a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2026\/06\/24\/nx-s1-5867606\/lucerne-switzerland-world-cup-heat\" target=\"_blank\">greetings from the waterfront in Lucerne, Switzerland<\/a>, where soccer fans gathered around jumbo TVs to watch a World Cup match. Instead of the crisp mountain air he&#8217;s used to, Schmitz said it felt more like the tropics.<\/li>\n<li>Camp Mystic has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kut.org\/business\/2026-06-24\/camp-mystic-bankrupt-texas-flood-deaths\" target=\"_blank\">filed for bankruptcy<\/a> after multiple lawsuits by families arguing the camp failed to protect campers and counselors. Twenty-five campers, two counselors and the camp owner died when the Guadalupe River flooded nearly a year ago. (via <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kut.org\/\" target=\"_blank\">KUT News<\/a>)<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><em>This newsletter was edited by <\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/people\/859721331\/suzanne-nuyen\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Suzanne Nuyen<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"share-tools share-tools--secondary\" aria-label=\"Share tools\">\n<ul>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--facebook\"><button class=\"fbStoryg-s1-130184\" data-share-facebook='{\"storyId\": \"g-s1-130184\" }' data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"facebook\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Facebook<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--flipboard\"><button class=\"storyg-s1-130184\" data-share-flipboard='{\"storyId\": \"g-s1-130184\" }' data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"flipboard\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Flipboard<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<li class=\"share-tools__service share-tools__service--email\"><button class=\"share-tools__email-link\" data-story-id=\"g-s1-130184\" data-metrics-ga4='{\"category\":\"share\",\"action\":\"share\",\"clickName\":\"email\"}'><b class=\"share-tools__service-name\">Email<\/b><\/button><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<p><!-- END CLASS=\"SHARE-TOOLS SHARE-TOOLS-SECONDARY\" ARIA-LABEL=\"SHARE TOOLS\" --><br \/>\n<!-- END ID=\"NEWSLETTER-ACQUISITION-CALLOUT-DATA\" DATA-NEWSLETTER=\"{&amp;QUOT;NEWSLETTERID&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;NEWS&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;TITLE&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;UP FIRST&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;MARKETINGHEADER&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;SIGN UP FOR NPR&#039;S UP FIRST NEWSLETTER&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;FREQUENCY&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;EVERY DAY&amp;QUOT;,&amp;QUOT;SHORTDESCRIPTION&amp;QUOT;:&amp;QUOT;THE STORIES YOU NEED TO START YOUR DAY, HAND-PICKED FOR YOU EVERY WEEKDAY. 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