NPR News: 07-05-2026 7AM EDT

Windsor Johnston· Host0:00

Live 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 Andrusewicz reports Trump mixed patriotic tributes with political messaging during a 40-minute speech on the National Mall.

Marie Andrusewicz0:23

Amidst a display of historically significant US flags, Trump welcomed and celebrated veterans, name-checked noteworthy Americans from Teddy Roosevelt to Annie Oakley, and shared his ambitions for the space program. But while the speech was mostly patriotic in tone, Trump also took the opportunity to promote his legislative agenda.

Donald Trump· Soundbite0:43

America is back, and we wanna keep America great, and we will do so by approving the Save America Act, which means all voters must show voter ID.

Marie Andrusewicz0:55

The bill would also limit mail-in voting. Several lawmakers in Trump's own party oppose the legislation. Marie Andrusewicz, NPR News, Washington.

Windsor Johnston· Host1:04

Water levels in the nation's second-largest reservoir are now the lowest they've been all year. Alex Hager from member station KJZZ reports Lake Powell has been drained by drought and climate change and is at the center of big fights over the Colorado River.

Alex Hager1:23

Lake Powell is less than a quarter full, and after a dismally dry winter in the Rocky Mountains, Mother Nature is pretty much done