Axios

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a challenge to the Reconstruction-era ban on distilling alcohol in private homes.

Why it matters: Americans can legally brew beer or make wine at home, but making whiskey, vodka or other spirits can land them in federal prison. The Supreme Court could change that.

The Supreme Court denied on Monday a bid by Khalid Sheikh Mohammed, the accused mastermind behind the 9/11 terror attacks, to reinstate plea agreements that would have spared him and two co-defendants the death penalty.

Why it matters: The denial keeps the death penalty on the table for the accused 9/11 plotters as they move closer to their June 2028 military trial date, when the government hopes to finally secure convictions more than 25 years after one of America's deadliest terrorist attacks.

President Trump's moves to avoid new penalties on Russian energy sent shockwaves through Washington, sparking diplomatic tensions and political turmoil.

Why it matters: Trump's push to lower energy prices ahead of the midterms could provide Russia an economic lifeline and is exposing divisions within his own party.