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Episode Date: July 6, 2026

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Live from NPR News, I'm Dale Wilman. China's military test launched a long-range ballistic missile on Monday. The launch came from one of its nuclear-powered submarines in the South Pacific. News reports say the missile carried a dummy warhead. Some of Iran's top official Sunday attended funeral prayers for the country's former Supreme Leader, the leader and four members of his family, were killed in the U.S.-Israeliirstrike last February. But as NPR's Haddiel Al-Shalchi reports,

one high-profile figure was not there. Iranian state media showed three of Ayatollah Ali Khanay's sons and the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps General Ahmed Vahidi, who is rarely seen in public. They were all performing the ritual Islamic funeral prayers for Khomeini. Iran's president, speaker of parliament, and the head of Iran's elite military Quds force were also there. Some were sobbing profusely, their shoulders shaking. But one notable absence was that of Ayatollah Mishhtabah Manei, Iran's new leader and Ali Khamenei's fourth son. Mushdab al-Khamenei took over power from his father in 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 Mushtaab al-Kamenei will take part in any of the ceremonies planned for his father's funeral. Hadil al-Shalchi and PR News, Istanbul. Extreme heat in the western U.S. is helping to drive dozens of wildfires burning across the region at this hour. In Colorado Sunday, a memorial service was held for three firefighters killed a week ago in a blaze along the Colorado, Utah border.

U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessey said the firefighters performed a mission that many people cannot do. This has been a difficult and heartbreaking time. The weight of this tragedy is felt far beyond our wildland fire community. Sarah Fisher is the deputy chief for the Forest Service. She said those who died will not be forgotten. We will remember them. We will honor their legacy and we will carry their light forward.

The man accused of killing conservative activist Charlie Kirk last September is in court in Utah this week. Prosecutors are set to make their case for why he should be tried for murder. Sean Higgins with member station K-U-E-R has more. Tyler Robinson is charged with first-degree aggravated murder and six other counts. Prosecutors allege Robinson shot and killed Kirk just minutes into a speaking event at Utah Valley University last year, about 45 minutes south. of Salt Lake City. He later turned himself in after a 33-hour manhunt. This week's hearing is the most significant court appearance yet for Robinson. Prosecutors and defense attorneys are expected to examine evidence and question witnesses before Judge Tony Graff will decide whether there is

enough to move forward with a trial. Members of Kirk's family, including his widow, Erica Kirk, are expected to attend. For NPR News, I'm Sean Higgins in Salt Lake City. And you're listening to NPR News. Much of Europe is dealing once again with the major heat wave. The warm temperatures are leading to a number of wildfires with crews at work in Portugal, Spain, and Greece. In Portugal, a major fire has been burning more than 30,000 acres since Thursday. A Republican lawmakers says the veterans of foreign wars must stop using violent rhetoric, as NPR's Quill Lawrence reports.

It's part of a fight in Congress over proposed cuts to vote. veterans' benefits. The VFW has a slogan, honor the contract, meaning don't send troops to war and then cut their benefits. Lately, that slogan's been available on T-shirts, showing troops facing a firing squad, labeled bureaucrats and the media. House Veterans Affairs Committee chairman Mike Bost called the image inflammatory and dangerous. The VFW has campaigned against a Republican proposal to pass veterans' benefit reforms, but pay for it by reducing future VA disability payments. Republicans say it's the only way to get the popular reforms into law. Democrats and several veteran service organizations say the benefits reforms can be funded from the Pentagon instead. They

oppose any reductions in veterans' disability ratings. Quill Lawrence NPR News. Jude Bellingham scored two goals just 98 seconds apart as England beat Mexico Sunday night 3-2. It is Mexico's first World Cup loss at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. After no score for 79 minutes, Norway's Erling Holland, punched in a header Sunday for the go-ahead over Brazil, Holland scored a second goal toward the end of regulation play as Norway beat Brazil to one in the round of 16. I'm Dale Wilman, NPR News.