Things You Might Have Missed

++The deficit is now the lowest of the Obama years, about the same as 2007 and about the same percent of GDP as 50 years ago.

++The CBO has calculated that Obamacare will cost 20% less in ten years because of lower health inflation and better economic conditions.

++The House Republicans have created the "Freedom Caucus" to oppose the right-wing Republican Study Group. This caucus will be members-invited only membership and be more extreme than the Study Group. If they object to Republican legislation they can block it.

++Speaking of blocking it,the Senate Democrats today blocked Keystone XL from coming to a vote. This was a rebellion against Mitch McConnell because he promised "an open amendment" process. Amendments to have the pipeline built with American steel and American workers got defeated.

++Russian bonds were ranked "junk" today. 

++Oh, about that wonderful Alaskan wilderness idea. The first shot across the bow came from NewsMax saying Obama took away our sovereignty. The next came from the American Petroleum Institute which blasted President Obama for not consulting with the GOP Congress. Next came Senator Murkowski who shouted, "Obama will negotiate with Iran, but not Alaska". The GOP vows a bitter fight--over Polar Bears--really.

++The Trademark and Patent Office has an unusual request. The Concession owner for the Grand Canyon wants to own the names of all the historic sites.

++Over half the states have lined up with Texas to sue the President over his immigration executive orders.

++Oklahoma has figured out how to get around same sex marriage. You can't be married in the state unless it is by a minister ,priest,and, they finally added, rabbi. No state official can marry you. It seems there is a little matter of what happens if you divorce.

++A federal judge ruled same sex marriages were OK in Alabama but put a hold for two weeks to see whether Alabama will appeal. Now probate judges will be prohibited from performing same sex marriages.

++Ted Cruz and Bobby Jindal, fresh off their first presidential forays, propose a Constitutional Amendment against same sex marriage.