One big reason why D.C.'s July 4 fireworks show is being pushed later: President Trump is scheduled to give a 45-minute speech on a National Mall stage, a source involved in the planning tells Axios. Why it matters: With temperatures expected to hit 102 and inauguration-level security on the Mall, every delay ripples through the evening — keeping people in the heat longer, slowing trips home and pushing bedtimes. State of play: The Trump-allied Freedom 250 wants to break the Guinness World Record for largest fireworks display, firing 850,000 shells over 40 minutes. Yes, but: Trump's penchant for rollicking speeches makes it hard to pinpoint when the show starts. - Trump is supposed to begin speaking at 9:50pm, according to a Secret…
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…