We've covered all the ways D.C.'s massive July 4 celebrations will affect people — traffic, closures, heightened security — but there's another group that's likely to feel the impact: local animals.

Why it matters: Freedom 250 wants to set a world record for the largest fireworks show, with the display running twice its usual length.

• That means all the animals that typically struggle during the Fourth of July will have to face even more noise and commotion this year.

What they're saying: Ospreys nest along the Potomac, and the birds don't respond well to fireworks — a fact that's especially concerning as the local osprey population is currently struggling, says Virginia Osprey Foundation president Joanie Millward.

• It's breeding season, and fireworks can cause moms to flee nests, leaving babies at risk to predators, says Millward. The birds can also injure themselves if they fly into objects when they become panicked and disoriented.
• Those risks are amplified by the scale of this year's show, says Millward.
• "To even lose one due to this would be devastating."

And D.C. isn't just worried about its literal "wild" life: Fireworks make cats nervous, says Krista Heinz of Capital Kitty Cat Resort, who is especially concerned about her cats this year.

• "Our animals don't understand why or where the loud noises are coming from," she tells Axios, "so it causes a lot of anxiety and stress."

Plus: July 4 is already one of the most common times for dogs to run away, a Humane Rescue Alliance spokesperson tells Axios.

By the numbers: It seems like locals are getting out of dodge with their pets:

• Searches for pet-friendly July 4 Airbnbs within 300 miles of D.C. have risen 51% since 2024, according to Airbnb data shared with Axios.

Between the lines: Fireworks have contaminants like chemicals and trace metals that don't dissolve easily once dispersed into water and soil, and which could hurt wildlife over prolonged periods of exposure, says University of Mary Washington environmental science professor Tyler Frankel.

• The prolonged exposure bit is key: Because of the way the Potomac flows, there are areas — like around Roosevelt Island — where water can get trapped and sit for long periods, especially when there's a drought like the one we're seeing now, says Frankel.
• That means these potentially toxic chemicals can get stuck in these areas and affect wildlife like amphibians and fish for quite some time.

The intrigue: While the National Zoo is far enough away from the show that zookeepers aren't too concerned, they usually take steps to soothe the animals before the fireworks, the zoo tells Axios — like making sure the elephant herd has indoor access overnight, or bringing in the mini donkeys.

• Zookeepers often play talk radio like WTOP for Coba, the Amur tiger.

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The worst holiday traffic is predicted to be between D.C. and Annapolis on Friday, July 3rd, at 12:45pm, per AAA's prediction.

The big picture: About 77.2 million Americans will travel for July 4th this year, with 85% of people expected to drive amid high gas prices.

By the numbers: AAA advises leaving before noon on Wednesday and Thursday, and before 11am on Friday.

• The worst time to travel by car on July 4 will be between 10am and 2pm.
• On Sunday, the day after, it's best to travel before 11am as traffic will peak between noon and 6pm.

By the numbers: Car and air travel are estimated to be roughly flat compared to last year.

• Driving the slight overall travel bump from last year is cruise vacations, which continues to increase in popularity.

The bottom line: "While the overall number of Independence Day travelers appears to be plateauing, we're still expecting record volumes this year," says Stacey Barber of AAA Travel.

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⛳️ President Trump toured the East Potomac golf course yesterday and announced on social media its renovation will begin Sept. 1. (Axios)

🥊 Meanwhile, Trump attacked Janeese Lewis George yesterday, posting online he'd meet with the likely next mayor of D.C. but "will not let it be destroyed by a Communist."

• JLG said in a statement she's willing to work with the admin, but also "will stand up to anyone who puts our city or its residents in harm's way."

⛑️ A Virginia rescue team from Fairfax County is helping earthquake recovery efforts in Venezuela, rescuing a mother and her baby from rubble. Several local organizations are helping with aid and donation drives. (WTOP)

With the backdrop of the U.S. Capitol, next year's NFL draft will take place on the National Mall between April 29 and May 1.

Why it matters: The three-day event will draw the NFL's next generation of stars to D.C., along with thousands of fans to Pennsylvania Avenue.

🎤 Zoom in: The NFL this week announced new details for the draft:

• The league will build the Draft Theater in front of the Capitol, a large outdoor stage for players and teams.
• A free fan festival will open on Pennsylvania Avenue between Third and Seventh Streets NW. Think: immersive exhibits and interactive games, plus opportunities for autographs with players and photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

Context: President Trump and NFL officials announced in the Oval Office last year that D.C. would be the 2027 host city.

• This year's draft in Pittsburgh set a record of 805,000 attendees, the NFL says.

What they're saying: As the Commanders build their new stadium for 2030, team president Mark Clouse said there's "no better time to bring it to the nation's capital."

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Mimi here with a gripe: The DMV's contributions to the America 250 time capsule are ... lame.

Why it matters: D.C., all 50 states, and several U.S. territories put items representing their areas into a 900-pound time capsule that will be buried in Philly and opened for America's 500th birthday in 2276.

• Maine did a whale bone. Arkansas did a diamond. California did a Claude AI prompt. (Naturally.)
• And what did D.C., Maryland and Virginia put in? Commemorative coins.
• That's right — COINS! Who are we, antisocial 12-year-olds who never leave their rooms?

State of play: This is where we turn it around to you — what do you think each jurisdiction should have placed in the time capsule?

• Send us your answers via this poll — the weirder, the better! — and they could be included in a future newsletter.