NPR is reporting that America celebrated its 250th birthday this past weekend, marked by a politically charged speech from President Donald J Trump in Washington. The president delivered his address on the National Mall after stormy weather caused delays, praising the nation's history and his war in Iran, while criticizing Democrats and vowing to impose restrictions on mail-in ballots. NPR's Mara Liasson told Up First that Trump's speech, similar to one he gave in Mount Rushmore, was overtly political, with the president referring to Democrats as "communists." Liasson said some Democrats are concerned that candidates perceived as too far left could struggle in swing states and districts. In contrast, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a democratic socialist, spoke to newly naturalized citizens, advocating for America as a place of asylum and embracing dissent.
NPR is also reporting that Iran is holding the funeral for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, four months after his death in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. Iranian state media reported massive crowds visiting his casket in Tehran. Khamenei and four family members were killed on the first day of the conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran. A shaky truce between the U.S. and Iran remains in effect, with indirect talks paused until after the funeral, according to Qatar's foreign minister. Israel has not been included in the preliminary agreement or these talks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking a meeting with Trump to discuss potential military action against Iran, a source familiar with the matter told NPR. NPR's Carrie Kahn said Netanyahu has been repeatedly turned down for a face-to-face meeting and is on the defensive regarding the interim deal, which is unpopular and perceived as too lenient toward Iran.
In sports news, NPR is reporting that the U.S. men's national soccer team will face Belgium tonight in a World Cup quarterfinal match. Star striker Folarin Balogun is set to play after President Trump spoke to FIFA President Gianni Infantino regarding Balogun's red card and one-game suspension. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee announced it would postpone Balogun's suspension for a probationary period of one year, allowing him to participate in remaining World Cup matches. NPR's Becky Sullivan said the red card decision was challenging, noting it was not a clear foul and similar contact in other matches went unpunished. Sullivan added that FIFA has not been transparent about its decision-making process.
Additionally, NPR is reporting that Super Typhoon Bavi is bringing powerful winds to the U.S. territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, with forecasters warning of potentially severe damage. Memphis police said National Guard troops shot and killed an armed man early yesterday morning, with state investigators handling the case. Finally, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce officially married in New York after three years of dating, according to Swift's publicist.