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5 things to know for June 25: America’s 250th, Venezuela earthquakes, border wall, war powers, contraband

Karen Garcia June 25, 2026

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5 Things to Know for June 25: America’s 250th, Venezuela Earthquakes, Border Wall, War Powers, and Contraband

5 things to know for June 25 – As June 25 approaches, the nation is abuzz with events that highlight both historical milestones and contemporary challenges. From the opening of a major fair to seismic disasters in Venezuela, here’s a roundup of key developments shaping the day’s headlines.

America’s 250th Anniversary Celebrations

The countdown to the 250th anniversary of the United States has begun, with preparations intensifying for the July 4 festivities. This year’s celebrations are expected to include a wide range of activities, from cultural exhibitions to national commemorations. A recent Gallup survey revealed that 77% of respondents believe the country’s founding figures would be disheartened by its current trajectory, sparking discussions about the legacy of the American Revolution.

“The Founders would likely be dismayed by the nation’s present state,” remarked one of the poll’s analysts. “Their vision of liberty and unity seems at odds with today’s political divisions.”

Meanwhile, descendants of Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin, and other revolutionary leaders have shared their perspectives on the country’s direction. These individuals, some of whom are now in their 80s, offer a mix of nostalgia and critique, emphasizing the need to balance historical ideals with modern realities.

Venezuela’s Seismic Crisis

Venezuela faced a devastating double quake on Wednesday evening, with the second tremor registering a magnitude of 7.5—the country’s most powerful in over a century. The initial 7.2 magnitude quake served as a foreshock, marking the fourth-largest recorded event in the nation’s history. Local authorities report dozens of fatalities and hundreds of injuries, with rescue operations ongoing to extract survivors from collapsed infrastructure.

Search-and-rescue teams are scrambling to reach those buried under rubble, while emergency shelters have been set up in affected areas. The seismic activity has raised concerns about the structural integrity of buildings in regions prone to earthquakes, prompting calls for improved disaster preparedness in the country.

Border Wall Construction Advances

President Trump has pushed to complete the border wall by the end of his presidency, with construction efforts accelerating across multiple fronts. The project aims to build approximately 775 miles of new barriers by 2027, complemented by additional miles of secondary and waterborne structures by 2028. However, land acquisition remains a significant challenge, particularly in Texas, where private properties must be seized to extend the wall.

Environmental and community concerns have emerged as the administration moves forward, with some critics arguing that the wall’s construction could disrupt ecosystems and displace residents. Despite these hurdles, the government continues to emphasize the wall’s role in securing national borders and preventing illegal crossings.

War Powers Vote Reversal

On Wednesday, the Senate’s attempt to curtail President Trump’s Iran war powers saw a surprising shift. After a late-night vote to limit executive authority in military actions, lawmakers quickly softened their stance, effectively walking back the rebuke. The move came in response to Trump’s criticism of Senate Republicans, who he accused of undermining his position during negotiations with Iran.

The revised resolution allows for more flexibility in how the president can deploy forces, while maintaining congressional oversight. This development underscores the ongoing debate over executive power and the balance between national security and legislative control.

Contraband Delivered by Drone

The Justice Department has unveiled charges in a covert operation involving high-powered drones used to smuggle contraband into federal prisons. The scheme, which originated from a former daycare center in Georgia, reportedly targeted ten prisons on the East Coast, delivering weapons, drugs, cell phones, and escape tools under the cover of darkness. The drones’ sophistication has raised questions about the ease with which criminals can bypass traditional security measures.

Authorities stated the operation was meticulously planned, with multiple drones launched from a single location to maximize efficiency. This case highlights the growing role of technology in facilitating illegal activities, prompting calls for enhanced surveillance and detection systems in correctional facilities.