Senate GOP Has a New Health Care Bill Coming: The bill, which may be unveiled today, is intended to minimize insurance costs while also “keeping a pair of taxes on high-income people that they had planned to eliminate” in their efforts to repeal and replace the American Care Act, the New York Times reports. “A summary of Mr. McConnell’s bill, circulating on Capitol Hill, describes his proposal this way: If an insurer offered “sufficient minimum coverage” on the exchange that remains subject to federal mandates in the Affordable Care Act, it could also offer coverage outside the exchange that would be exempt from many of those mandates.”
Nobel Peace Laureate Liu Xiaobo Has Died: He was 61. The Chinese human rights activist was being treated for liver cancer while on medical parole in Shenyang city in northeastern China. “He was serving an 11-year prison sentence for trying to overthrow the government,” NPR reports.
Evergreen Teacher Bret Weinstein Testifies at College’s Board of Trustees Meeting About Spring Student Protests: “Did you know the college descended into literal anarchy?” Weinstein asked during the trustees’ first public meeting since student unrest at the Olympia college made headlines in May. “I’m forced to conclude that you must not fully understand what has happened because if you did fully understand…you would be forced to act in the interest of Evergreen.” An Evergreen spokesperson told KING 5 that six students “are under investigation for their potential involvement in the protests and could face punishment.” In the spring, Weinstein voiced objections to a new spin on an annual campus event called “A Day of Absence,” in which white students, staff, and faculty could volunteer to leave campus to participate in race and equity discussions. In past events, students, staff, and faculty of color typically went off campus. After an e-mail between Weinstein and one of the event organizers was publicized by the school newspaper, students led campus protests and interrupted Weinstein’s classes. The class interruption was part of a larger protest in which students voiced frustrations about longstanding race and equity issues at Evergreen. Video of students shouting down Weinstein went viral and were widely publicized by conservative media outlets, who mocked them. At one point, someone made threats against the school, prompting campus closures and school officials to relocate Evergreen’s graduation ceremony.
State Patrol Identifies Trooper Who Killed 22-Year-Old in Mental Distress: On July 8, State Trooper John A. Pierce fatally shot Washington National Guard reservist Michael Anthony Rude along I-5 in Lacey. The 22-year-old called 911 and told dispatchers “he was distraught, suicidal and had a knife,” the Seattle Times reports. Authorities say Rude advanced on them with a knife, prompting Pierce to shoot him. Pierce is now on paid administrative leave, per State Patrol procedure.
Country Musician Kid Rock Says He Is Running for the Michigan Senate: *bangs head into desk repeatedly*
In Case You Live Under a Rock… Our primary election endorsements are out! Members of the Stranger Election Control Board tell you who to vote for for mayor (with some disagreement), port commission, school board, and more.
Do Our Endorsements Matter? Much to the chagrin of some Slog commenters, yes, they actually do, KING 5 reports.
Grab Some Popcorn, Folks: Seattle Channel’s video voters’ guide is out. Stake out a comfy spot at that café whose wifi you’re leeching and get ready for some jaw-droppingly horrifying and cringey as fuck stump speeches.
Still Not Registered to Vote? You have until July 24 to register in person. Here are the deets.
Now that You’re Registered, Where Can You Turn in Your Ballot? Ballots dropped yesterday. Here’s a handy map to find the 24-hour ballot box nearest to you. You have until 8 p.m. on August 1 to submit your ballot.
