NPR News: 07-03-2026 5PM EDT

Ryland Barton· Host0:00

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. In Venezuela, crews from around the world are racing against the clock to find survivors of last week's back-to-back earthquakes. International Rescue Committee Emergency Response Director Rafael Velásquez says teams are starting to think about next steps.

Speaker 2· Soundbite0:16

Now we have to reconstruct people's livelihoods. We have to help people help themselves, making sure that they have access. Our people on the ground, our teams on the ground, are telling us that they're considering a vector response. Uh, they're worried about water and sanitation, lack of access to clean water.

Ryland Barton· Host0:29

More than 2,500 people are confirmed dead, and up to 40,000 are still missing. Many fear mass graves are coming. Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodríguez, is defending her government's response. Extreme heat is adding another challenge for Fourth of July celebrations on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. Triple-digit temperatures, limited shade, and security restrictions could make for a long and potentially dangerous day outdoors. NPR's Windsor Johnston reports.

Windsor Johnston0:54

Visitors will pass through airport-style security checkpoints with restrictions on items including folding chairs, coolers, and oversized bags. With little natural shade on the National Mall and temperatures expected to top 100 degrees, forecasters say the biggest threat may be the heat itself. Meteorologist Scott Kleebauer is with the Weather Prediction Center.

Speaker 4· Soundbite1:18

Hydrate even if you don't even think that you need to hydrate because the body can never have too much water whenever you're outside for these prolonged periods of time.

Windsor Johnston1:26

Visitors on the Mall should also try to take breaks in areas