Just The Facts - May 1, 2017

I am tired of opinion pieces. This morning, I read the news in search of facts. Out of 12 articles, I found only 2 that stated facts about the world that seemed relevant and important.  I extract those facts here.

The other articles contained facts and opinion about things that "may" and "might" happen.  When I ask myself if the result of that item happening or not happening would matter, I decided that it would not, and I tossed the article as a source of rumors only. For example, one lengthy article states that specific Democratic party members might be campaigning already for 2020, and several facts are presented to support the claim that politicians may be campaigning --- who cares! Politicians are always campaigning, so whether the rumors are true or false, it makes no difference to the state of the world.

Here are, "Just the Facts":

Article 1: Government Funding

Congress approves a new spending agreement, and the agreement provides operational funds for the Government until the end of September.  The White House agreed to hold agenda items until future dates in order to expedite approval of the current budget.  The new funding legislation specifically prohibits the use of funds to erect new walls along the border; funds may be used to repair old walls, however.  The funding bill does not cut funding to sanctuary cities; neither does it provide funds for new deportation efforts.  The bill increases domestic spending. Planned Parenthood retains previous funding allotments. The EPA loses 1% ($80 million) of their $8 billion budget. Congress increases funding to the military and provides a bonus fund, which will be released after the White House distributes a plan to defeat ISIS.  The new budget includes restrictions on the Justice Department, which prevent the justice department from pursuing marijuana distribution charges in states where marijuana distribution is now legal.

Original Article: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/paloma/daily-202/2017/05/01/daily-202-eight-ways-trump-got-rolled-in-his-first-budget-negotiation/590687f2e9b69b3a72331f09/?utm_term=.9189a3b764c2

Article 2: Justice Kennedy

People of the press and government acknowledge rumors that a Supreme Court seat will be open within the next 12 months. Specifically, the rumors state that Justice Anthony Kennedy might retire. Recent changes to the approval process now require only 51 of the 100 Senators to pass a new justice nomination.



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