Life from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor, Johnston.
President Trump used the nation's 250th birthday celebration to deliver a speech that was
“part history lesson, part political rally.”
NPR's Marie Andrews of its reports, Trump mixed patriotic tributes with political messaging during a 40-minute speech on the National Mall last night. A midst of display of historically significant U.S. flags, Trump welcomed and celebrated veterans, named checked note were the Americans from Teddy Roosevelt to Annie Oakley, and shared his ambitions for the space program.
But while the speech was mostly patriotic and tone, Trump also took the opportunity to promote his legislative agenda. "America is back, and we want to keep America great, and we will do so by approving the save America Act, which means all voters must show voter ID." The bill would also limit mail-in voting, several lawmakers and Trump's own party
oppose the legislation. Marie Andrews of its NPR News, Washington.
“The next round of nuclear talks between Iran and the U.S. could begin within days.”
The summit follows the end of a nearly week-long funeral for Iran's former Supreme leader, who was killed by U.S. and Israeli air strikes in February. And on the kill is Director of the Middle East and North Africa program at Chetam House in London. She says Annie New Agreement will have to address not only regional security, but also the
economic strain facing millions of Iranians. For ordinary Iranians, it's been a very extraordinary and tough number of months. There were protests in January that were just violently suppressed. We still don't have accurate reporting on how many people were murdered. And then, of course, there was the war which created so much anxiety and continues to pass
on huge amount of economic pain. World leaders are preparing together for this week's NATO summit where Iran and broader
“regional security are expected to be high on the agenda.”
China has released a prominent Christian pastor from detention back to his family in the U.S. that's according to rights groups and PR's Jennifer Pack reports. Pastor Ezra Jin's release comes as the U.S. and China are trying to stabilize relations after years of tensions. Jin led one of China's most prominent underground congregations of the Zion Church.
He persisted even as the Chinese government was clamping down on religious groups outside of its control. Jin was arrested last October, along with several other pastors. His wife Analio has welcomed his release. In a post on X, she says the pastor has lost 30 pounds, but still has a warm smile.
She thanked both presidents Trump and Xi, and called for the release of the remaining eight church leaders still in Chinese detention, Jennifer Pack and PR News Beijing. This is NPR. The massive heat wave collided with more than just the 4th of July celebrations in Pittsburgh. It was the 20th anniversary of Anthropocon, the annual convention for the Furry fandom.
Jennifer Post from Liberation, W.E.S.A. reports. The heat wave hardly slowed down the furries at Anthropocon, the largest furry fandom convention in the world, according to organizers. Despite the heat index exceeding 100 degrees, many attendees still wore full fur suits. Organizers say weekend passes sold out early Friday for the first time in the convention
history, and visit Pittsburgh estimates nearly $18.6 million in visitor spending.
Mayor Corio Conner says Anthropocon has become a Pittsburgh tradition. Fourth of July festivities, you know, we know that the furries are going to be a mix in Pittsburgh for that weekend. The weather ultimately led to the cancellation of the parade and block party, a tradition that draws furries and local families, but it didn't stop a record breaking 20th anniversary.
For MPR News, I'm Jenna Post in Pittsburgh. Crowds on Connie Island Sheer, as Joey Chestnut reclaimed his title at the annual Nathan's famous hot dog eating contest, downing 66 hot dogs and buns in 10 minutes. Chestnut set extreme heat and humidity kept him from challenging his own world record of 76 Patrick Bertoletti finished second with 51 hot dogs on the women's side Mickey
Sudo won her 12th title after eating 38 and 3/4 hot dogs. This is MPR News.
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