Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Janine Herbst.
President Trump marked the nation's 250th birthday with a speech on the National Mall
“in Washington, DC last night after record breaking heat and severe thunderstorms forced”
a temporary evacuation. NPR's Deepish Ivoran reports Trump used his speech to praise American exceptionalism, patriotism, and military strength. Trump spoke for roughly 40 minutes on the National Mall where crowds had been evacuated hours before due to weather conditions, Trump's remarks wove through American history
as he welcomed veterans to the stage and praised the U.S. military. "We are made of the courage and the fire and the flesh and the blood of the best and the bravest people this world has ever produced. We are the bravest and the best." He also mentioned other significant people in history, including David Crocket and the right
brothers, and he brought the crew of the Artemis II mission on stage, saying that America has gone to the moon and would next go to Mars. Deepish Ivoran and PR News, Washington.
“Some of Iran's top officials attended the funeral of the country's former supreme leader.”
He and four members of his family were killed in a U.S. Israeli air strike last February, and here's Hadeel Al-Shalci has more.
Iranian state media showed three of Ayatolladi Hamanay's sons and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary
Guard Corps General Ahmed Wahidi, who has rarely seen in public. They were all performing the ritual Islamic funeral prayers for Hamanay. Iran's President's Speaker of Parliament and the head of Iran's elite military goods force were also there, some were sobbing profusely, their shoulders shaking. But one notable absence was that of Ayatolladi Hamanay, Iran's new leader and Al-Hamanay's
fourth son. Mustafa Hamanay took over power from his father and march, and is yet to be seen in public as many top leaders stay in hiding to protect their whereabouts for fear of assassination. It's unclear if Mustafa Hamanay will take part in any of the ceremonies planned for his father's funeral.
Hadeel Al-Shalci and PR news is Campbell.
Water levels in Lake Powell, the nation's second largest reservoir, and not the lowest
they've been all year. Alex Hager from Member Station KJZZ has more. Lake Powell is less than a quarter full, and after a dismalied dry winter in the Rocky Mountains, Mother Nature is pretty much done putting more water in. Other levels were on course to drop low enough to shut down hydropower at Arizona's
Glen Canyon Dam. The only reason that's not happening is an emergency boost of water sent down from reservoirs further north. But that backup plan is running out of time. Now water levels will keep tiptoeing down, setting a new annual low with each drop, analysts
say they'll soon reach an all-time low. Officials are scrambling to forge a deal that would reduce demand and keep more water in Powell, but they seem far from an agreement with deadlines fast approaching. And PR news, I'm Alex Hager and Phoenix. You're listening to NPR News from Washington.
The preliminary hearing starts tomorrow in Utah where prosecutors will try to convince a judge that the man who allegedly shot and killed conservative activist Charlie Kirk should stand trial. The five-day hearing marks the most significant presentation of evidence in the case so far. It's also the first time Kirk's widow and parents will be in the courtroom with 23-year-old
Tyler Robinson. He's charged with aggravated murder. Prosecutors alleged he confessed in a note left for his roommate who was also his romantic partner. He turned to himself in, but he hasn't entered a plea yet, once the hearing is over the judge
will determine if there's enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. The World Cup knockout round continues today with just 14 teams remaining in the tournament and PR's Jasmine Garz has more. Some of the games have been played in intense heat and have been intensely heated. Friday's match between Defending World Cup Champions Argentina and Cape Verde is being
called one of the most exciting games in World Cup history and players altercated strong words during France's game against Paraguay on several occasions. Many of the teams still standing are the soccer powerhouses. France, Spain, Brazil and Argentina, who are led by players considered the best in modern football, French captain, Killian and Bapé and Argentine captain Leonelle-Messie.
On Sunday, Brazil plays Norway in New York and England faces off with Mexico at the Azteca Stadium. The final will be played in New Jersey on July 19th, Jasmine Garz and Pierre-Nus Miami. And I'm Janine Herbst and you're listening to NPR News from Washington.
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