Says he believes theres a distinction between a Sexual Assault and rape. He goes on to classify rape as generally two or more males involved, either at gunpoint or weapon. Critics say it shows a deep bias in the judges decisionmaking. I would be shocked to see this result in any case where the defendant was came from a family that didnt have financial means to send their son to a Good High School and that they were collegebound. That doesnt happen in those cases. Reporter an Appeals Court has now reversed his decision, and that teen will be treated as an adult. In the meantime, there are now calls for that judge to be removed. Linsey davis, abc news, new york. A big thanks to linsey on that story. Chicago officials are taking steps to curb gun violence this weekend. Operation independence, please arrested nearly 80 people on gun and drug charges. Including notorious gang leaders, convicted murderers. This raid is the third in a series leading to about 180 arrests. A massive fire at a jim bean bourbon warehouse is creating Environmental Concerns in kentucky. Flames destroyed the building in frankfurt. Investigators think a Lightning Strike may have caused the fire. No one was hurt but officials are worried the bourbon runoff might kill fish if it gets into nearby waterways. I just heard a lot of moans and groans. I know jacks feeling it. Thats a rough fire right there, folks. Yes, it is. Whats that saying . Drink like a fish . Take on this new meaning. Not in this case, the fish will not benefit from that bourbon just flowing in there. Hopefully everything is okay. Need tim laird back here right now. Get some lemonade. Our chief entertaining officer is from kentucky. He is, he is, he is. All right, disney has found their star for the Little Mermaid. Halle bailey is now set to take on the role of ariel. Well explain why shes making a splash and tell you all about her in our next half hour. avo getting dressed can be rough on sensitive skin. Downy free gentle has no perfumes, no dyes, and softens clothes for sensitive skin. The only one trusted by the National Psoriasis foundation. Toxic chemicals and carcinogens are leaching into the environment. Its happening right where we live, work and play. Everywhere. Cigarette butts are toxic waste. Lets stop the toxic litter. Learn more at rethinkbutts. Org rock in the usa millions of americans are set to rock out across the usa tonight under glittering canopies of fireworks displays. Those who wont be enjoying the starspangled spectacular are our fourlegged friends. Will ganss is joining us now. Our twolegged friend. I am a twolegged friend with some very cool pants on, i might add. Yeah, get this, you guys. More pets get scared and run away from home on the fourth of july than any day of the year. So heres how to make sure everyone has a pawsitively great day. Its Independence Day which means family and friends, freedom, fireworks. But what about fourlegged friends . Urjuly would mean no fireworks at all. Loud noises and bright lights will send your pet into a tail spin. Luckily my friend is here to make sure everyone has a doggone great holiday. If there are going to be fireworks nearby what do you suggest a pet owner does to make sure that their fourlegged friends are happy and healthy on the fourth of july . So the one thing you should do is kind of keep them in an isolated room thats kind of escapeproof. Make sure the windows are closed, that you dont have a screen they could push through and jump out. You want to make sure the window is closed to help drown out noise and keep the curtains closed so theyre not seeing flashes of lights. Reporter the doctor suggests leaving your pooch with their favorite toy and mellow music. Put Something Like the radio on, the tv on low, be careful what you put on so youre not putting on a fireworks display on tv. Kind of like a lowkey, easy listeningtype station. Reporter if youre thinking the music may not be enough, the doctor says to ask a vet if theres a supplement thats suitable for your dog to help calm them down. Before any of that there are a few things you can do as precautionary measures. Every animal should have identification on them. They should have a collar with your phone number easily readable on there. Thats going to be the easiest and fastest way for someone to get in contact with you. The secondbest thing is to have a microchip. Reporter hopefully it never gets to that. Make sure that your yards in shape . Absolutely. Its definitely a good time to make sure you check the perimeter of your fence, there is no loose boards or holes that potentially your animal can squeeze through and dig. And be sure you get that fixed before you let them out. That way they wont accidentally slip out. Reporter and before the fireworks ever begin, make sure your holiday picnic doesnt turn into a pupnic too. Its hard to say no to a dog thats looking at your face, they want to eat part of your hot dog. Just say no to any table food. Be sure you tell your friends and family who are over to do the same. Because you dont want them to just go ahead and give them something without your knowledge of that. Reporter at the end of the night when the sparklers have sparkled and everyones done being a Bottle Rocket rock star . Not everyones going to clean up after themselves when they light fireworks. The debris can be hazardous. So definitely keep your animal on its leash, keep an eye on where theyre going into the bushes or things like that to make sure theres nothing there. Reporter if youre traveling and want to make sure your pet has a great holiday, its actually Pretty Simple. Your advice is . Leave them at home . Leave them at home. Come home and tell them all about the beautiful fireworks display you saw. Absolutely. Theyll love you so much for just telling them about it. Exactly. I love it, i love it. Yeah, for more tips and tricks, our friends at north Shore Animal League america have all the answers at animalleague. Org. Good takeaways there for anyone with pets. Also good takeaways, those pants. Those pants. Did you look at the piece . He also has the shorts. I do. God bless america. God bless america indeed. You had your eye on one of the pups in that piece. I did, that pup was so cute, im on animalleague. Org right now to find that puppy. They were so adorable. And also it just brings attention to the fact about Shelter Animals as well. How important it is to go into a shelter and seek out an animal there as well. This time of year, because so many pets run away on the fourth of july, shelters are super full. They need as much help as they can get. If you want to volunteer, if you want to adopt, theres lots of opportunities. So a lot going on this weekend. Keep your pets safe. If you want a pet, a good time to start looking for one. Thanks, will. Thank you guys. Coming up, how reigning champ Joey Chestnut is getting into shape for this years nathans hot dogeating contest. And why its getting a lot harder to order a burrito at taco bell. Imyou pick it up. Up. Im not picking it up. Well, somebodys gotta pick it up. Ill pick it up. Theyre clean cuz my hineys clean oh yeah, im charmin clean thats how i know theyre clean vo charmin ultra strong is woven like a wash cloth and just cleans better. Yeah, im charmin clean the kid does have a point. vo enjoy the go with charmin. And for an extra clean finish, try charmin flushable wipes. Women are standing up for what they deserve in the office in the world and finally, in the bedroom our natural lubrication varies every day its normal so its normal to do something about it ky natural feeling the lubrication you want nothing you dont get what you want all right, its time for the mix on this fourth of july. You know, nathans annual hot dogeating contest. Yep. Where are our hot dogs . Its happening later today we typically would have a whole spread of hot dogs. You know darn well were not eating no hot dogs. But we are seeing how 11time champ Joey Chestnut is getting ready to take on all of these other contestants as they weigh in and get ready for the competition today. Joey chestnut in a new documentary from espn called the good, the bad, the hungry shows us how he prepares, chewing on a ball, bobbing his head up and down, this is a lot to take in. We need rocky music. A weight dangling from that to practice the chewing. He swallows air to stretch out his stomach, producing what sounded like extended burps to train to eat 70plus hot dogs. Last year he ate 74 hot dogs. That means the hot dogs, the bun, going to town on that mystery meat. So weve got a lot of hot dogs it tells you on the package whats in it now. Yeah, and then the third ingredient is like mystery. So this happens on the fourth of july. So that means on the 5th of july, the story about the serial toilet clogger . Joey chestnut, its all you, bud. Taco bell, apparently theres a tortilla shortage. Ill tell you about these tortillas. The company says its experiencing a supplier shortage but is working diligently to replenish the supply. It wont say how many taco bells are impacted. Trust me, you can order like 25 tacos, a burrito, mexican pizzas, and theyre tell like, its 10. 99. 10. 99. Another story in the mystery meat file. Switching gears now. Sunflower selfies out in california. People are rushing out to Solano County to take pictures with these gorgeous sunflowers. But the farmers are not happy. So people are having photo shoots, engagement pictures with the crops, some having picnics, ignoring the no trespassing signs because youve got to do it for the gram. But the people can destroy the crops, disturbing the crosspollination process which kills the plants, all bad, just stop it. Maybe this New Hampshire family should get a no trespassing sign for this black bear. Showed up in its kitchen. Wait, is that near the childs high seat there . Theres the black bear. Well, this seats too small. Let me try the next one. I guess we thats goldilocks. We probably dont have a good video of it because they were probably holding it up and looking at the same time. This morning on world news now, the abrupt shift on the Citizenship Question. President trump is still hoping to include it on the 2020 census. Will the Justice Department be able to carry out that request . The nation is getting ready to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and parades. In d. C. , military tanks and planes will be on full display with President Trump promising a fourth like no other. Its bringing fireworks of a different kind. New this half hour, a millennial meltdown. Facebook, instagram, and other platforms were down all day long worldwide. What led to the major social media meltdown. And get ready to go under the sea. Under the sea under the sea, under the sea disney has found its next liveaction princess. Everything you need to know about the young lady who just landed the role of ariel in the Little Mermaid. Its thursday, the fourth of july. Hey, thanks for joining us and lady liberty here on the fourth of july. Happy fourth of july. Are you lady liberty . Yes, me. Thats me. Us and me, lady liberty. Lady liberty has freed the curls. Yes. Yes, honey. And america as well. So many things that i want to talk about before we get to the news real quick. So under the sea, the Little Mermaid, thats so exciting. Also this social media meltdown. Thank goodness we work overnight and i was asleep during the day because i had no idea. My pictures would not load and i thought, this is the end. This is the end. No one could see that you were working out . So it didnt even really happen, right . If no one saw you pumping the iron. Im a built man. A built man. All right, all right. Well get to all of that in just a bit. We do begin this fourth of july with a stunning aboutface from the Trump Administration, abruptly reviving plans to add a Citizenship Question to the 2020 census. President trump tweeted that they were absolutely moving forward with the effort to include the question critics say would lead to undercounting immigrants. The tweet appeared to blindside his own officials a day after they confirmed forms were being printed without the question. The Justice Department now says there may be a legal path forward even though last week the Supreme Court rejected their argument as contrived. A federal judge is giving the administration until tomorrow to decide how to proceed. Were just a few hours away from the start of fourth of july celebrations around the country. Parades, concerts, fireworks and so much more. The military vehicles are in place for this evenings salute to america in washington, the new event ordered by President Trump. Its been 28 years since tanks were used in a washington celebration. They rolled through the streets of d. C. To commemorate the end of the gulf war. Abcs trevor ault explains this one. Reporter armored combat vehicles stationed on the national mall. Behind them the lincoln memorial, where President Trump will deliver his fourth of july salute to america which he says will be the show of a lifetime. Were going to have planes going overhead, the best fighter jets in the world and other planes too reporter some of those planes coming in from across the country, while 30ton Bradley Fighting Vehicles were shipped in by rail from georgia. Crews laying down heavyduty tank mats to protect the streets. Drawing the ire of antiwar group code pink. Tanks but no tanks. We dont want tanks on the streets of d. C. Reporter the president s opponents fear hes turning whats historically a patriotic event into a partisan campaign rally. While the event is public, vip tickets have been given to top donors and the Republican National committee. I dont think he understands this is americas birthday, not his birthday. Reporter theres also new questions about the events cost. The National Parks service is reportedly diverting 2. 5 million that was meant to improve parks to now cover the event. The Trump Administration still wont name the full price tag, but the president defended the events extravagance tweeting, the cost will be very little compared to what its worth. Trevor ault, abc news, washington. Our thanks to trevor there. As millions of people head to the beach today, scientists are warning about a shark theyre keeping an eye on. Miss may is an 800pound great white off the coast of new jersey. The 10foot fish may be headed to cape cod bay where a dozen have already been tagged. Luckily the weather at least wont be too dangerous this fourth of july. Accuweathers Melissa Constanzer has details. Melissa, good morning. Kenneth, janai, happy fourth of july. We are talking about a few thunderstorms out there but for the most part this is not a very active pattern as we go through the fourth of july. Notice some thunderstorms here. Theyre scattered in nature. More of a typical summertime thunderstorm. For chicago, expect a few thunderstorms, especially through the afternoon and evening hours. That could keep you inside for the barbecue for just a little bit. Then as we go into fireworks time, there will be a few spots that will still have those thunderstorms lingering around. Kenneth, janai . Our thanks to melissa. In the race for 2020, former Vice President joe biden took quite a few hits in the first democratic debate, but hes still leading the pack. In a new abc News Washington post poll, 29 of democraticleaning voters prefer biden. Senator Bernie Sanders isnt far behind at 23 . Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren are tied at 11 . When it comes to who stood out in the debate, harris shot up 41 , far ahead of warren, biden, and sanders. A jury sentenced decorated navy s. E. A. L. Edward gallagher to a demotion and reduction in pay for taking a photo with the body of an isis fighter. Gallagher is a free man after he was acquitted of murder charges. After the verdict gallagher apologized to the navy and marines but slammed the s. E. A. L. S who testified against him. This small group of s. E. A. L. S that decided to concoct this story in no way, shape or form represent the community that ive loved. They tried to frame me as a criminal from the getgo. But, you know, we knew the truth the whole time. Gallagher is set to retire in two weeks. Even after all the allegations he said he would happily serve his country again without a second thought. Connecticut Police Searching for a missing mother of five targeted a reservoir near the home of her estranged husband. Police dogs and investigators searched the reservoir in west hartford. No word yet if anything was discovered. Jennifer dulos has been missing since may 24th. Fotis dulos has denied having anything to do with his wifes disappearance. A federal judge rejected drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo guzmans bid for a new trial. Defense attorneys allege that some jurors violated orders not to follow media coverage, but the judge ruled that the claims were vague and failed to prove misconduct or bias. A new york jury convicted guzman of murder conspiracy and Drug Trafficking charges in february. A health alert. A maryland boy is battling flesheating bacteria after swimming in the chesapeake bay. His mother posted on facebook he developed ugly red patches on his skin a day after splashing in the water off ocean city. People became infected when people have become infected when they consume undercooked seafood or expose an open wound to the brackish seawater where the bacteria live. Those images are hard to look at. But another thing to keep in mind as you head to the beach this holiday weekend. Overseas one person is dead after a volcano erupted on an island off the Southern Coast of italy. At least two others were injured. The blast sent ash and debris thousands of feet into the air and could be seen for miles. The sudden eruption forced 30 tourists to jump into the sea for safety. Back here at home, call it the great Independence Day eve internet meltdown. Millennials were left muttering after facebook, instagram, and whatsapp crashed yesterday, wiping out images on all three platforms. Instead users saw messages such as, image may contain table, plant, flower, outdoor. I love lamp. Which gave a glimpse at how facebooks a. I. Automatically tags your photos behind the scenes. We tagged this as in millennials were upset. Im pretty sure there were a lot of people besides millennials. I was going to say. When youre talking about facebook, youre talking about a whole other generation. Including my mom, which shes not a millennial. And shes probably like, why cant i share this picture or this meme . Call the kids not your mom, not your mom. Somebodys grandma yesterday was like, hey, help me, why cant i post this . My mom thinks youre picking on her now. Im not, mama moton. This morning were going under the sea. Under the sea. Well show you why the new Little Mermaid is making a splash. Plus a 15yearold american tennis phenom is cleaning up the court at wimbledon. Imbledon. Sdw ever ever ever cake in the Conference Room showing em youre ready to be your own boss. Thats the beauty of your smile. Bring out the best in it with crest 3d white. Crest removes 95 of surface stains. In just three days. 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I mean, its like were at the world cup, what do you want us to do . This is the biggest stage, the biggest moment. We work hard, we like to play hard, we like to have fun. Thats u. S. Womens National CaptainMegan Rapinoe defending cocaptain alex morgans sip of the tea celebration against england. Morgan was the latest u. S. Player called out for being too cocky. Rapinoe joked, shell have to come up with something better, and is expected to play against the netherlands in the final on sunday. Isnt that criticism getting a little old . Across the channel, another american athlete is making headlines for what shes been doing on the tennis court. After beating her idol, venus williams, 15yearold tennis phenom coco gauff scored herself another victory. Heres abcs ian pannell. Reporter coco gauff taking wimbledon by storm. The 15yearold american tennis star soundly beating slovakias Magdalena Rybarikova in straight sets. The pumpedup crowd here today giving her a rare standing ovation. Gauffs captured the heart and the imagination of many of the crowds here at wimbledon. She says she wants to go all the way to the final, and many here are hoping that happens. Gauff stunned the tennis world monday, beating her rival and tennis legend venus williams. Its a dream debut for the 15yearold. Oh, im just still shocked that im even here. I wasnt expecting any of this. A lot of celebrities were dming me, posting me. So like im kind of starstruck. So its been hard to reset. Reporter even so, the youngest player ever to qualify for wimbledon is super confident. I think i can beat anyone whos across the court. If i dont think i can win the match, i wont even step on the court. Reporter this was a much tougher match than venus williams, but the youngster showed her brilliance, mixing up her game, and the crowd here lapped it up. Hold on to your seats, we could be watching history in the making. Ian pannell, abc news, outside wimbledon, london. You know who else lapped it up . I like that phrase from ian there. Her family. When they facetimed her after the big victories, all jumping around, theyre happy, the family. Imagine. It certainly seems like were witnessing history. Already incredible the other be. Venus seemed pretty stunned by it. The rest of us are just watching, also stunned but cheering her on. Turning now to the owner of the largest contract in Major League Baseball history, reached two plateaus with one swing. Wow. And his 1000th hit. Hes the first player to reach two milestones on one hit in mlb history. Come on, free the hair, bryce, free the hair a little boy from arkansas whose fears went viral is now showing the world his newfound confidence. It is so sweet. R. J. Hampton was 3 when his father posted this video of him shaking on a diving board just two years ago. Now at the age of 5 look. You get em, r. J. Yeah, yeah, r. J. hes able to jump in with both feet without dads help. His dad said he did it to build his sons confidence. Im of the mindset that you let your children face their fear. And once they get to the other side of fear, theres an infinite amount of success or possibilities on the other side. Oh, can i get an amen. The most recent jump happened after r. J. Had been taking swimming lessons all day. He saw some older kids jumping off the diving board, wanted to try it himself, and his dad with a message there that can relate to anybody, child, adult. On the other side of fear, good job, r. J. When we come back, whom our Parent Company, disney, just cast as ariel in its liveaction remake of the Little Mermaid. And what celine dion wore thats causing titanic fans to lose their minds. And what celine dion wore thats causing titanic fans to lose their minds. Did you know even the cleanest looking cars can smell musty . Thats because odors trapped in your cars soft surfaces get released, and are then circulated by your ac system. To stop the cycle of odors try febreze car vent clips. Febreze stops the circulation of musty air by trapping and eliminating lingering odor molecules for up to 30 days of fresh, clean air. Plus, they come in a range of scents including extra light. Stop the cycle of odors in your car with febreze car vent clips. Brand power. Helping you buy better. tiffany ask yourself what your children or cigarettes. For as long as i can remember, my mother smoked. She died from lung cancer when i was 16. I could not take the chance of continuing smoking and not being here for my daughter. I know how much i needed my mom still, and i didnt realize it until i had lost her. You can quit. For free help, call 1800quitnow. Under the sea under the sea under the sea under the sea darling its better down where its wetter take from it me time now for the skinny involving the big news of the liveaction remake of the Little Mermaid produced, of course, by our Parent Company disney. Its been trending all day on twitter. Let get right to our trend setter, will ganss. I just want to stand here and dance and sing, yeah. For one young actress, you guys, excitement is bubbling over this morning. Lets take a trip, where else, under the sea. Part of your world reporter get ready for halle bailey to be part of your world. The 19yearold landing the lead role in disneys upcoming liveaction remake of the Little Mermaid. Bailey tweeting this photo along with the caption, dream come true. The films director, rob marshall, saying shes a perfect ariel. Possessing that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, ndub,. Be because shes half of the singing duo chloe and halle alongside her sister. They performed at the grammys where is the love reporter at the super bowl shining sea reporter and opened for beyonce on her lemonade world tour. Halle bailey joining the Little Mermaid with Jacob Tremblay and awkwafina. Voicing flounder and scuttle respectively. Variety reporting Melissa Mccarthy is in talks to play the evil sea witch ursula. Poor unfortunate soul reporter this version of the Little Mermaid will feature new songs with music by alan mankin and lyrics by linmanuel miranda. Along with your favorite songs from the original 1989 movie. Under the sea production on the liveaction Little Mermaid is slated to begin early next year. We cant wait for this. We have to mention there was online confusion earlier about halle bailey and halle berry. Berry and bailey, yes, right . I mean, they sound a lot alike. Right. They do. But i think it would be a little odd to have halle berry play even halle berry tweeted out, in case you need a reminder, halle, get it done, and she congratulated bailey for being cast for Little Mermaid. Halle get it done. Thanks, will, for getting it done. Celine dion wore a necklace and almost broke the internet. As you can see here, its not just any necklace, it is the heart of the ocean blue diamond necklace from titanic, or more accurately a really good costume replica. Dion stepped out wearing the necklace in this weeks paris fashion week. In case you forgot, dions my heart will go on from the 1997 blockbuster topped the billboard hot 100 for two consecutive weeks. But i thought i thought that it was dropped into the ocean . Is brad pitt getting too old for hollywood . The 55yearold actor tells gq australia he may be past his prime in terms of leading man material, calling it, quote, a younger mans game. Fair enough. Pitt tells the magazine that there just arent substantial parts for older characters, but thats apparently okay since he says hes increasingly behind the camera on the producing side, something he says he enjoys a lot. Im glad that he came to terms with getting older. I remember an interview he did years ago, maybe before turning 40, when he said he was having a tough time with getting older. Yeah . After being the leading man in so many movies, being the heartthrob. Now looks like hes settled right into it just fine. Yeah, were not mad about that. Not at all. Weve still got some time, what do you want to chat about . We do . Yeah. Right . Oh, not anymore. Still ahead, new york bids a solemn farewell to one of its greatest heroes. His career was defined after the 9 11 terror attacks, and it changed him forever. After the break, the tribute for a man who spent the final days of his life fighting for others. Women are standing up for what they deserve in the office in the world and finally, in the bedroom our natural lubrication varies every day its normal so its normal to do something about it ky natural feeling the lubrication you want nothing you dont get what you want heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach, diarrhea. 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And this plan has a guaranteed lifetime rate lock, so your rate can never go up for any reason. So call now for free information. And youll also get this free beneficiary planner. And its yours just for calling. So call now. Hundreds of Police Officers and firefighters here in new york city paid their final respects to one of their own. Former nypd detective luis alvarez died at the age of 53 just weeks after his impassioned plea on capitol hill to renew the funding for the 9 11 Victims Compensation fund. Alvarez spent three months searching for survivors and remains in the toxic rubble of ground zero, and it was there he contracted the cancer that killed him. It was here in new york where he was remembered. As the casket carrying the remains of 53yearold detective luis alvarez was brought into the Immaculate Conception church in queens, new york, other Emergency Responders lined the street. So did the general public, in an effort to honor not only the man but the message. And its a Pretty Simple one. Got to get back to respect, folks. Without it, were doomed. Reporter inside the church, alvarez was eulogized for his bravery and service as a marine, as well as his time as a Police Detective in the bomb squad. Most notably, detective luis alvarez was remembered for his bravery during his final days in washington, imploring a house subcommittee to refund the 9 11 Victims Compensation fund. Its an undertaking that still requires a full vote and was astonishingly difficult until alvarez showed up. It was never easy. People resisting in other parts of the country, somehow thinking this is a giveaway to new york. Reporter alvarez entered hospice care days after his appearance on capitol hill, weaker than ever, but his core values stronger than ever. Lou just wanted to do whats right. He desperately wanted others, particularly those in positions of great power, to follow suit. Reporter alvarez spent three months working in the rubble at ground zero and his Colorectal Cancer diagnosis was linked to that work. His struggle is now part of a legacy thats more critical than ever. We have to remember that we are here to help one another. And thats the only way were going to survive any crisis. I pray that the angels led you in, just as i know you will be there to lead me in. Just as you promised. Absolutely a hero. The bill alvarez was fighting for still has to pass a full house vote and the senate. Meanwhile, new york city mayor bill de blasio says he will give alvarez a posthumous key to the city as a symbol of our profound respect and gratitude for his service. Incredible work he did. I was thinking about the image we saw of him, younger, years ago. Almost appears to be unrecognizable. But what is recognizable at the end was how brave and how determined he was to save others determined he was to save others right to the end. I thought, the red cross does katrina. They dont help single moms. Hi. Hi. What happened to our house last year . It flooded. And the water flooded out. Yeah. The red cross arranged the hotel for us. They gave me that break, that leverage, to be able to get it together and. Take care of them, you know . I feel like weve come full circle. Like that this is how ill do it. Sarah there you go. This morning on world news now, the abrupt shift on the Citizenship Question. President trump is still hoping to include it on the 2020 census. Will the Justice Department be able to carry out that request . The nation is getting ready to celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and parades. In d. C. , military tanks and planes will be on full display with President Trump promising a fourth like no other. Its bringing fireworks of a different kind. New this half hour, a millennial meltdown. Facebook, instagram, and other platforms were down all day long worldwide. What led to the major social media meltdown. And get ready to go under the sea. Under the sea under the sea, under the sea disney has found its next liveaction princess. Everything you need to know about the young lady who just landed the role of ariel in the Little Mermaid. Its thursday, the fourth of july. Hey, thanks for joining us and lady liberty here on the fourth of july. Happy fourth of july. Are you lady liberty . Yes, me. Thats me. Us and me, lady liberty. Lady liberty has freed the curls. Yes. Yes, honey. And america as well. So many things that i want to talk about before we get to the news real quick. So under the sea, the Little Mermaid, thats so exciting. Also this social media meltdown. Thank goodness we work overnight and i was asleep during the day because i had no idea. My pictures would not load and i thought, this is the end. This is the end. No one could see that you were working out . So it didnt even really happen, right . If no one saw you pumping the iron. Im a built man. A built man. All right, all right. Well get to all of that in just a bit. We do begin this fourth of july with a stunning aboutface from the Trump Administration, abruptly reviving plans to add a Citizenship Question to the 2020 census. President trump tweeted that they were absolutely moving forward with the effort to include the question critics say would lead to undercounting immigrants. The tweet appeared to blindside his own officials a day after they confirmed forms were being printed without the question. The Justice Department now says there may be a legal path forward even though last week the Supreme Court rejected their argument as contrived. A federal judge is giving the administration until tomorrow to decide how to proceed. Were just a few hours away from the start of fourth of july celebrations around the country. Parades, concerts, fireworks and so much more. The military vehicles are in place for this evenings salute to america in washington, the new event ordered by president trp. Ts ben celebrio they rolled through the streets of d. C. To commemorate the end gulf war. Abcs trevor ault explains this one. Reporter armored combat vehicles stationed on the national mall. Behind them the lincoln memorial, where President Trump will deliver his fourth of july salute to america which he says will be the show of a lifetime. Were going to have planes going overhead, the best fighter jets in the world and other planes too reporter some of those planes coming in from across the country, while 30ton Bradley Fighting Vehicles were shipped in by rail from georgia. Crews laying down heavyduty tank mats to protect the streets. Drawing the ire of antiwar group code pink. Tanks but no tanks. We dont want tanks on the streets of d. C. Reporter the president s opponents fear hes turning whats historically a patriotic event into a partisan campaign rally. While the event is public, vip tickets have been given to top donors and the Republican National committee. I dont think he understands this is americas birthday, not his birthday. Reporter theres also new questions about the events cost. The National Parks service is reportedly diverting 2. 5 million that was meant to improve parks to now cover the event. The Trump Administration still wont name the full price tag, but the president defended the events extravagance tweeting, the cost will be very little compared to what its worth. Trevor ault, abc news, washington. Our thanks to trevor there. As millions of people head to the beach today, scientists are warning about a shark theyre keeping an eye on. Miss may is an 800pound great white off the coast of new jersey. The 10foot fish may be headed to cape cod bay where a dozen have already been tagged. Luckily the weather at least wont be too dangerous this fourth of july. Accuweathers Melissa Constanzer has details. Melissa, good morning. Kenneth, janai, happy fourth of july. We are talking about a few thunderstorms out there but for the most part this is not a very active pattern as we go through the fourth of july. Notice some thunderstorms here. Theyre scattered in nature. More of a typical summertime thunderstorm. For chicago, expect a few thunderstorms, especially through the afternoon and evening hours. That could keep you inside for the barbecue for just a little bit. Then as we go into fireworks time, there will be a few spots that will still have those thunderstorms lingering around. Kenneth, janai . Our thanks to melissa. In the race for 2020, former Vice President joe biden took quite a few hits in the first democratic debate, but hes still leading the pack. In a new abc News Washington post poll, 29 of democraticleaning voters prefer biden. Senator Bernie Sanders isnt far behind at 23 . Senators Kamala Harris and Elizabeth Warren are tied at 11 . When it comes to who stood out in the debate, harris shot up 41 , far ahead of warren, biden, and sanders. A jury sentenced decorated navy s. E. A. L. Edward gallagher to a demotion and reduction in pay for taking a photo with the body of an isis fighter. Gallagher is a free man after he was acquitted of murder charges. After the verdict gallagher apologized to the navy and marines but slammed the s. E. A. L. S who testified against him. This small group of s. E. A. L. S that decided to concoct this story in no way, shape or form represent the community that ive loved. They tried to frame me as a criminal from the getgo. But, you know, we knew the truth the whole time. Gallagher is set to retire in two weeks. Even after all the allegations he said he would happily serve his country again without a second thought. Connecticut Police Searching for a missing mother of five targeted a reservoir near the home of her estranged husband. Police dogs and investigators searched the reservoir in west hartford. No word yet if anything was discovered. Jennifer dulos has been missing since may 24th. Fotis dulos has denied having anything to do with his wifes disappearance. A federal judge rejected drug kingpin Joaquin El Chapo guzmans bid for a new trial. Defense attorneys allege that some jurors violated orders not to follow media coverage, but the judge ruled that the claims were vague and failed to prove misconduct or bias. A new york jury convicted guzman of murder conspiracy and Drug Trafficking charges in february. A health alert. A maryland boy is battling flesheating bacteria after swimming in the chesapeake bay. His mother posted on facebook he developed ugly red patches on his skin a day after splashing in the water off ocean city. People became infected when people have become infected when they consume undercooked seafood or expose an open wound to the brackish seawater where the bacteria live. Those images are hard to look at. But another thing to keep in mind as you head to the beach this holiday weekend. Overseas one person is dead after a volcano erupted on an island off the Southern Coast of italy. At least two others were injured. The blast sent ash and debris thousands of feet into the air and could be seen for miles. The sudden eruption forced 30 tourists to jump into the sea for safety. Back here at home, call it the great Independence Day eve internet meltdown. Millennials were left muttering after facebook, instagram, and whatsapp crashed yesterday, wiping out images on all three platforms. Instead users saw messages such as, image may contain table, plant, flower, outdoor. I love lamp. Which gave a glimpse at how facebooks a. I. Automatically tags your photos behind the scenes. We tagged this as in millennials were upset. Im pretty sure there were a lot of people besides millennials. I was going to say. When youre talking about facebook, youre talking about a whole other generation. Including my mom, which shes not a millennial. And shes probably like, why cant i share this picture or this meme . Call the kids not your mom, not your mom. Somebodys grandma yesterday was like, hey, help me, why cant i post this . My mom thinks youre picking on her now. Im not, mama moton. This morning were going under the sea. Under the sea. Well show you why the new Little Mermaid is making a splash. Plus a 15yearold american tennis phenom is cleaning up the court at wimbledon. Edon. If youre age 50 to 85, and looking to buy Life Insurance on a fixed budget, remember the three ps. What are the three ps . The three ps of Life Insurance on a fixed budget are price, price, and price. A price you can afford, a price that cant increase, and a price that fits your budget. Im 54. Alex, whats my price . You can get coverage for 9. 95 a month. Im 65 and take medications. Whats my price . Also 9. 95 a month. 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In just three days. Womp, womp, womp. Womp, womp, womp. I mean, its like were at the world cup, what do you want us to do . This is the biggest stage, the biggest moment. We work hard, we like to play hard, we like to have fun. Thats u. S. Womens National CaptainMegan Rapinoe defending cocaptain alex morgans sip of the tea celebration against england. Morgan was the latest u. S. Player called out for being too cocky. Rapinoe joked, shell have to come up with something better, and is expected to play against the netherlands in the final on sunday. Isnt that criticism getting a little old . Across the channel, another american athlete is making headlines for what shes been doing on the tennis court. After beating her idol, venus williams, 15yearold tennis phenom coco gauff scored herself another victory. Heres abcs ian pannell. Reporter coco gauff taking wimbledon by storm. The 15yearold american tennis star soundly beating slovakias Magdalena Rybarikova in straight sets. The pumpedup crowd here today giving her a rare standing ovation. Gauffs captured the heart and the imagination of many of the crowds here at wimbledon. She says she wants to go all the way to the final, and many here are hoping that happens. Gauff stunned the tennis world monday, beating her rival and tennis legend venus williams. Its a dream debut for the 15yearold. Oh, im just still shocked that im even here. I wasnt expecting any of this. A lot of celebrities were dming me, posting me. So like im kind of starstruck. So its been hard to reset. Reporter even so, the youngest player ever to qualify for wimbledon is super confident. I think i can beat anyone whos across the court. If i dont think i can win the match, i wont even step on the court. Reporter this was a much tougher match than venus williams, but the youngster showed her brilliance, mixing up her game, and the crowd here lapped it up. Hold on to your seats, we could be watching history in the making. Ian pannell, abc news, outside wimbledon, london. You know who else lapped it up . I like that phrase from ian there. Her family. When they facetimed her after the big victories, all jumping around, theyre happy, the family. Imagine. It certainly seems like were witnessing history. Already incredible the other day when she beat venus. Venus seemed pretty stunned by it. The rest of us are just watching, also stunned but League Baseball history, reached two plateaus with one swing. Bryce harpers home run against atlanta last night was the 200th of his career. Wow. And his 1000th hit. Hes the first player to reach two milestones on one hit in mlb history. Maybe hes worth all those dollars. Those milestones with all that luscious hair. Take off that helmet, bryce, show them the hair. Come on, free the hair, bryce, free the hair a little boy from arkansas whose fears went viral is now showing the world his newfound confidence. It is so sweet. R. J. Hampton was 3 when his father posted this video of him shaking on a diving board just two years ago. Now at the age of 5 look. You get em, r. J. Yeah, yeah, r. J. hes able to jump in with both feet without dads help. His dad said he did it to build his sons confidence. Im of the mindset that you let your children face their fear. And once they get to the other side of fear, theres an infinite amount of success or possibilities on the other side. Oh, can i get an amen. The most recent jump happened after r. J. Had been taking swimming lessons all day. He saw some older kids jumping off the diving board, wanted to try it himself, and his dad with a message there that can relate to anybody, child, adult. On the other side of fear, endless opportunity. They grow up so fast. They do, they do. They really do. Good job, r. J. When we come back, whom our Parent Company, disney, just cast as ariel in its liveaction remake of the Little Mermaid. What celine dion wore thats causing titanic fans to lose their minds. Ve wearing an spf just because i felt like it was so oily and greasy. But with Olay Regenerist whip spf 25, its so lightweight. I love it. Im busy philipps, and im fearless to face anything. The Apartment Building where the fire was. When things like this happen, i think you find a new perspective on life. Hi. Red cross put us in a hotel so we were able to stay together. Were strong and, if we overcame that or if we can overcome that, we can overcome anything, so. [ sniffle ] under the sea under the sea darling its better down where its wetter take from it me time now for the skinny involving the big news of the liveaction remake of the Little Mermaid produced, of course, by our Parent Company disney. Its been trending all day on twitter. Lets get right to our trend setter, will ganss. I just want to stand here and dance and sing, yeah. For one young actress, you guys, excitement is bubbling over this morning. Lets take a trip, where else, under the sea. Part of your world reporter get ready for halle bailey to be part of your world. The 19yearold landing the lead role in disneys upcoming liveaction remake of the Little Mermaid. Bailey tweeting this photo along with the caption, dream come true. The films director, rob marshall, saying shes a perfect ariel. Possessing that rare combination of spirit, heart, youth, innocence, and substance, plus a glorious singing voice. If she looks familiar, it could be because shes half of the singing duo chloe and halle alongside her sister. They performed at the grammys where is the love reporter at the super bowl shining sea reporter and opened for beyonce on her lemonade world tour. Halle bailey joining the Little Mermaid with Jacob Tremblay and awkwafina. Voicing flounder and scuttle respectively. Variety reporting Melissa Mccarthy is in talks to play the evil sea witch ursula. Poor unfortunate soul reporter this version of the Little Mermaid will feature new songs with music by alan mankin and lyrics by linmanuel miranda. Along with your favorite songs from the original 1989 movie. Under the sea production on the liveaction Little Mermaid is slated to begin early next year. We cant wait for this. We have to mention there was online confusion earlier about halle bailey and halle berry. Berry and bailey, yes, right . I mean, they sound a lot alike. Right. They do. But i think it would be a little odd to have halle berry play even halle berry tweeted out, in case you need a reminder, halle, get it done, and she congratulated bailey. For being cast for Little Mermaid. Halle get it done. Thanks, will, for getting it done. Celine dion wore a necklace and almost broke the internet. As you can see here, its not just any necklace, it is the heart of the ocean blue diamond necklace from titanic, or more accurately a really good costume replica. Dion stepped out wearing the necklace in this weeks paris fashion week. In case you forgot, dions my heart will go on from the 1997 blockbuster topped the billboard hot 100 for two consecutive weeks. But i thought i thought that it was dropped into the ocean . Is brad pitt getting too old for hollywood . The 55yearold actor tells gq australia he may be past his prime in terms of leading man material, calling, it, quote, a younger mans game. Fair enough. Pitt tells the magazine that there just arent substantial parts for older characters, but thats apparently okay since he says hes increasingly behind the camera on the producing side, something he says he enjoys a lot. Im glad that he came to terms with getting older. I remember an interview he did years ago, maybe before turning 40, when he said he was having a tough time with getting older. Yeah . After being the leading man in so many movies, being the heartthrob. Now looks like hes settled right into it just fine. Yeah, were not mad about that. Not at all. Weve still got some time, what do you want to chat about . We do . Yeah. Right . Oh, not anymore. Still ahead, new york bids a solemn farewell to one of its greatest heroes. His career was defined after the 9 11 terror attacks, and it changed him forever. After the break, the tribute for a man who spent the final days of his life fighting for others. A man who spent the final days of his life fighting for others. The final day s of his life fighting for others. New crest gum and sensitivity. And then i jump on the trampoline. Ahh brain freeze no, its my teeth. Your teeth hurt . Sensitivity. I should do something about it. 80 of sensitivity starts at the gum line, so treat sensitivity at the source. New crest gum and sensitivity starts treating sensitivity immediately, at the gum line, for relief within days and wraps your teeth in sensitivity protection. Ohh your teeth . No, its brain freeze crest. Healthy, beautiful smiles for life. Hundreds of Police Officers and firefighters here in new york city paid their final respects to one of their own. Former nypd detective luis alvarez died at the age of 53 just weeks after his impassioned plea on capitol hill to renew the funding for the 9 11 Victims Compensation fund. Alvarez spent three months searching for survivors and remains in the toxic rubble of ground zero, and it was there he contracted the cancer that killed him. It was here in new york where he was remembered. As the casket carrying the remains of 53yearold detective luis alvarez was brought into the Immaculate Conception church in queens, new york, other Emergency Responders lined the street. So did the general public, in an effort to honor not only the man but the message. And its a Pretty Simple one. Got to get back to respect, folks. Without it, were doomed. Reporter inside the church, alvarez was eulogized for his bravery and service as a marine, as well as his time as a Police Detective in the bomb squad. Most notably, detective luis alvarez was remembered for his bravery during his final days in washington, imploring a house subcommittee to refund the 9 11 Victims Compensation fund. Its an undertaking that still requires a full vote and was astonishingly difficult until alvarez showed up. It was never easy. People resisting in other parts of the country, somehow thinking this is a giveaway to new york. Reporter alvarez entered hospice care days after his appearance on capitol hill, weaker than ever, but his core values stronger than ever. Lou just wanted to do whats right. He desperately wanted others, particularly those in positions of great power, to follow suit. Reporter alvarez spent three months working in the rubble at ground zero and his Colorectal Cancer diagnosis was linked to that work. His struggle is now part of a legacy thats more critical than ever. We have to remember that we are here to help one another. And thats the only way were going to survive any crisis. I pray that the angels led you in, just as i know you will be there to lead me in. Just as you promised. Absolutely a hero. The bill alvarez was fighting for still has to pass a full house vote and the senate. Meanwhile, new york city mayor bill de blasio says he will give alvarez a posthumous key to the city as a symbol of our profound respect and gratitude for his service. Incredible work he did. I was thinking about the image we saw of him, younger, years ago. Almost appears to be unrecognizable. But what is recognizable at the end was how brave and how determined he was to save others right to the end. Have a great fourth. Making news in america this morning, the fireworks over President Trumps salute to america. Is the july 4th Holiday Celebration featuring tanks and other military hardware turning political . This morning both sides of the debate and how the president is defending the cost. Plus, the concerns about the holiday weather nationwide. Millions of americans are bracing for record heat while thunderstorms and rain threaten outdoor celebrations. Breaking overnight, an Appeals Court issues a new ruling on the border wall and the mona money that cannot be used to build it. Baby reunited. A t m wculous rescue