Good morning. It's Thursday, June 25, 2026. Our broadcast begins this morning with urgent news from the Caribbean basin, where two powerful earthquakes have struck Venezuela, and a significant development in Washington regarding national security.
The United States Senate has voted to reject a measure that would have restrained presidential military powers, while the White House prepares for high level diplomatic talks.
The Top Stories
Two powerful earthquakes measuring magnitude 7.1 and 7.5 struck Venezuela near the city of Morón on Wednesday. The tremors caused significant damage to buildings in Caracas and forced fans to flee a baseball stadium during a game.
The U.S. Geological Survey issued a red alert warning of probable widespread casualties and economic losses. Why it matters: These seismic events highlight the critical need for disaster preparedness in the region and could impact global oil markets if infrastructure is damaged.
The United States Senate voted to reject a resolution that would have limited President Donald Trump's ability to take military action against Iran. The vote is viewed as a victory for the Trump administration and its foreign policy strategy.
Why it matters: This decision ensures the President retains full authority to respond to threats from Iran without seeking additional congressional approval. President Trump is set to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House today.
The meeting follows recent criticism by Trump and his officials regarding European defense spending. Why it matters: This discussion is crucial for maintaining unity within the alliance as the United States pushes for other members to meet their financial obligations.
Washington & the Nation
The Democratic primary for the 12th Congressional District in New York has become the second most expensive House primary in history. A total of $26.3 million was spent on advertisements, with a major focus on the regulation of artificial intelligence.
In the 13th District, public defense investigator Darializa Avila Chevalier won the Democratic primary with backing from Mayor Zohran Mamdani. A CBS News poll released today indicates that a majority of Americans now oppose having data centers built in their own communities.
Respondents expressed concern that these facilities will negatively impact the environment and strain local water and power resources. General Christopher Donahue, a highly decorated officer, has retired from the U.S. Armed Forces.
His departure marks the latest in a series of senior officers leaving their positions this year.
Around the World
Secretary of State Marco Rubio concluded a tour of Gulf nations by meeting with leaders from three countries. He emphasized the critical necessity of keeping the Strait of Hormuz open for international maritime traffic.
This waterway is vital for the global transport of oil. An Air Canada flight with 61 passengers on board made an emergency diversion to Boston Logan Airport. The diversion occurred after the captain suffered a medical emergency and had to be removed from the cockpit midflight.
The flight landed safely and the captain received medical attention. In sports news from the FIFA World Cup, the Qatar Football Association has accepted a five match ban for player Assim Madibo.
The ban follows a tackle that broke the leg of Canadian player Ismael Koné during a group stage match.
Your Money
Financial markets showed mixed results today as investors react to technology sector volatility. The Dow Jones Industrial Average moved higher, while the Russell 2000 index also saw gains.
However, the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq both declined, driven largely by a sell off in technology stocks. The price of gold and oil both fell today. The yield on the 10 year Treasury note is holding near 4.41 percent.
In business news, the net worth of Elon Musk has dropped below $1 trillion. This decline follows a decrease in the value of SpaceX and Tesla shares amidst the broader tech sell off.
It has been less than two weeks since his net worth was above the trillion dollar mark.
Health & You
Today we look at heart health following the medical emergency of an airline pilot. Sudden cardiac events can happen without warning, even to those who seem healthy. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.
Adults over 50 should have regular checkups to monitor blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Recognizing the early signs of a heart attack, such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath, is vital for survival.
Quick action and immediate medical care save lives every day.
One Good Thing
We end today with a note of safety from the skies. Thanks to the quick thinking of the co pilot and flight crew, the Air Canada flight that diverted to Boston landed safely without injury to any passengers.
The crew performed their duties with precision during a high stress situation. This incident serves as a reminder of the rigorous training that aviation professionals undergo to keep the flying public safe.
On This Day
In 1876, Lieutenant Colonel George Custer and his troops were defeated at the Battle of the Little Bighorn in Montana Territory. In 1950, North Korean forces crossed the 38th parallel into South Korea, beginning the Korean War.
In 1903, George Orwell, the author of Animal Farm and Nineteen Eighty-Four, was born in Motihari, India. In 1925, June Lockhart, the actress known for Lassie and Lost in Space, was born in New York City.
(From the 50PlusHub Nostalgia archive.)
That concludes the Daily Briefing for this Thursday. We hope the information helps you stay informed and prepared. The situation in Venezuela will continue to develop, and we will keep you updated on the humanitarian response.
Please take a moment to check your own emergency supplies at home. And that's the way it is.
Sources
- U.S. Geological Survey, 'Earthquake Hazards Program,' (2026)
- United States Senate, 'Senate Roll Call Votes,' (2026)
- CBS News, 'Data Center Poll Results,' (2026)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 'Heart Disease Facts,' (2026)
- Federal Reserve, 'Market Data,' (2026)
- U.S. Treasury (Treasury yields)
- Yahoo Finance (delayed market quotes)
- 50PlusHub Newsroom