NPR News: 07-03-2026 8PM EDT

Speaker 10:00

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Ryland Barton· Host0:15

Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Ryland Barton. The rush is on across Venezuela to identify loved ones before it's too late. With more than twenty-six hundred people confirmed dead so far after the earthquakes last week, the country is overwhelmed with bodies that officials are struggling to collect, identify, and preserve. Many fear mass graves are coming as they search for the bodies of loved ones. Thousands are still missing. The heat wave engulfing much of the US baked the Northeast today. It coincides with large events drawing huge crowds outdoors. Steve Kastenbaum has more from New York.

Steve Kastenbaum0:48

Power outages affected tens of thousands of people across the region, thanks to stress placed on the grid from the demand for air conditioning. Mayor Zaran Mamdani said there's concern for the spectators coming out to different events over the weekend.

Zaran Mamdani· Soundbite1:01

Make sure that you stay hydrated. Make sure that you're putting on sunscreen. Make sure that you're taking as many breaks as possible from being outside.

Steve Kastenbaum1:07

Despite the high heat, the annual hot dog eating contest will still take place at Nathan's in Coney Island on Saturday. Host George Shea said they'll be looking out for the safety of the thousands of people who'll be there under the midday sun.

George Shea· Soundbite1:19

We will have a team there to help anybody who, who gets too hot.

Steve Kastenbaum1:23

The temperature peaked at one hundred degrees in Central Park during the afternoon and was as high as one hundred and seven in some