The Supreme Court in its next term will hear challenges to local bans on the AR-15 rifle, one of the most popular firearms in the country. Why it matters: The court previously rejected a case challenging Maryland's ban on the AR-15, but Tuesday's grant suggests the justices are interested in reviewing the restrictions in light of recent decisions expanding citizens' access to firearms. - The court Tuesday said it would take up two cases challenging AR-15 restrictions in Cook County, Ill., and Connecticut for the term beginning in October. - There are an estimated 30 million AR- and AK-style rifles in circulation in America. What they're saying: Justice Brett Kavanaugh signaled his willingness to take up states' semiautomatic rifle…
The National Weather Service has issued heat warnings and watches for much of the Midwest and East heading into the holiday weekend. In many places, the temperatures could shatter records.
House Democrats grappled privately Tuesday morning with a vote to pare back U.S. aid to Israel in what one senior lawmakers described as an "intense" meeting. Why it matters: Many lawmakers are caught between substantive concerns about the measure and fear of intense backlash from their base if they oppose it. - "It's so poorly drafted," said one House Democrat, speaking on the condition of anonymity to share details of sensitive internal discussions, referencing concerns that, as written, the proposal could choke off not only military aid but diplomatic funding. - The lawmaker alluded to the political pressure Democrats are facing to support any anti-Israel measure, telling Axios: "We know it's crap, but..." - Another House Democrat…
The Alaska Supreme Court has ruled that a man with the same name and party affiliation as Alaska Republican U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan is eligible for the state’s August primary and ordered state officials to place him on the ballot.