Then. In May, Evergreen faculty member Bret Weinstein went on Fox News’ Tucker Carlson Tonight where he stood by while Carlson mischaracterized the events of a day when students disrupted Weinstein’s class. Carlson’s programs are often culled for presentation on “alt-right” media. After Weinstein’s appearance, the college was the subject of repeated threats of violence, and students found themselves the subject of threats via their personal online information.
Now. Bret Weinstein, along with his wife who also teaches at the school, is preparing to sue Evergreen for $3.85 million. (Perhaps he will follow in the footsteps of others who have sued the state of Washington, who don’t go intend to go to court but rather to receive substantial sums in settlements the state often makes to avoid costly litigation.)
Then. In mid-June, the Board of Thurston County Commissioners announced their belief that Thurston County needs a new convention center to be paid by property tax increases via a Convention Taxing District. They quickly set a hearing date with a requirement that local jurisdictions would be included on the board for creating the district—unless they opted out before July 25.
Now. The four big jurisdictions in Thurston County—Olympia, Tumwater, Yelm and Lacey—passed resolutions opting out. At the July 25 hearing, the speakers were opposed. The Commissioners aren’t giving up though—they will keep talking and hoping.