Trump Meets the Pope, Manchester Updates, Budget Proposes to Axe Planned Parenthood and More | Wednesday Briefing

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1. Manchester: The Latest

The U.K. is still grappling with the aftermath of Monday’s Manchester Arena attack. Speaking at a news conference Tuesday, British Prime Minister Theresa May officially raised Britain’s terror threat level to “critical,” meaning that another attack is “imminent.” May also announced the decision to deploy army troops to aid police during this time.

As of Wednesday, police have arrested four suspects total in connection with the bombing that killed 22 and injured 59.

The New York Daily News reported that Blondie and other musical artists have cancelled upcoming events in Manchester in light of the attack, which took place at an Ariana Grande concert.

On Tuesday evening, Deputy Assistant to the President Seb Gorka appeared on “Hannity” to talk about President Donald Trump’s comments in the wake of the terror attack.

Gorka explained the importance of president’s decision to label terrorists like Manchester suicide bomber Salman Abedi “evil losers,” rather than political or social radicals. He noted that Trump refused to call these individuals “monsters” because “monsters are frightening — monsters are powerful.”

“These people are cowards, nothing less,” Gorka said.

2. Pope and Trump Visit

President Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrived at the Vatican Wednesday morning to meet with Pope Francis.

Trump’s papal visit marks the final part of his multi-day visit to international holy sites, including Saudi Arabia and Israel.

3. Roger Moore Dies at 89

Seven-time “James Bond” actor Roger Moore died Tuesday after “a short but brave battle with cancer,” family members announced. Moore became an international star during the seventies and eighties with his role as the iconic James Bond.

Following the sad news, fans — including Paul McCartney, 74 — paid tribute to the late actor and humanitarian on social media:

4. Trump Budget

On Tuesday, the Trump administration released its 2018 budget proposal. The controversial budget, titled “New Foundation for American Greatness,” would completely cut funding to abortion giant Planned Parenthood, The Washington Post reported. It would also cut funding to the State Department by 32 percent, according to CNN. The budget now moves to Congress, who will decide whether or not to approve the proposal.

5. Death Toll Climbs to 51 Amid Venezuela Unrest

The death toll has risen to 51 in Venezuela amid anti-government protests taking place across the country, Reuters reported. For the past 50-plus days, citizens have taken to the streets to protest unpopular Socialist President Nicolas Maduro.

Food shortages and astronomical inflation initially sparked the protests that began about two months ago. Since then, Maduro’s forces have detained thousands of individuals.

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