5 things you need to know Wednesday
Trump to talk legislation with Republican congressmen
President Trump will attend two sessions Wednesday with Republican lawmakers to push forward his agenda, including healthcare and tax reform, according to his tweets. Notably, House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., will join Trump. Though Trump has been vocal on his legislative ideas, few concrete details are available. His efforts have faced hurdles from Democrats and the ongoing investigation into his campaign’s possible ties to Russia.
Ariana Grande heads back to work
Music star Ariana Grande resumes her Dangerous Woman tour Wednesday in Paris. The pop singer canceled shows immediately following the May 22 terrorist attack that killed 22 people as they exited the singer's concert in Manchester, England. Grande returned to the stage only once since then: She performed an emotional benefit show Sunday in Manchester, raising more than $2.5 million for victims during the three-hour show.
Intel officials answer questions from Senate Intelligence Committee
The Senate's investigation into whether President Trump was involved with the Justice Department's probe into Russian ties rolls along Wednesday when Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats and NSA Director Mike Rogers face questions from the Senate Intelligence Committee. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., told Paste BN that he plans to ask the intel chiefs about whether Trump asked him to back off the investigation into retired general Michael Flynn, a campaign adviser who was forced out as White House national security adviser. "My hope is they don't try to hide behind executive privilege or try to say 'this is classified information,'" the senator said of the intelligence chiefs. Former FBI director James Comey's hearing with the committee is set for Thursday.
Analysis of military discipline shows racial disparity
Black troops are as much as twice as likely to face court martial or other forms of military discipline, according to a study released Wednesday. The group examined Pentagon data from 2006 to 2015, which showed the disparity was consistent — or in some cases increased — throughout the years. Researchers found black members of the Air Force were 71% more likely to face court-martial or non-judicial punishments.
Live from Nashville, it's the CMT Awards
The fan-voted country music awards show airs live from Nashville on Wednesday, with Keith Urban, Florida Georgia Line and Kelsea Ballerini among the night's top-nominated artists. Actor Charles Esten from the CMT show Nashville will host the ceremony, which will feature a series of all-star collaboration performances, including Blake Shelton, Luke Bryan, Lady Antebellum, Carrie Underwood and more. Country's biggest stars will also pay special tribute to legendary rocker Gregg Allman, who died in his Savannah, Ga, home last month at 69.
