The Senate's Healthcare Bill Will Probably Leave Someone You Know Uninsured

In need of a lifeline: On Monday, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), a nonpartisan agency that scores legislation, released their review of the GOP's Senate's healthcare bill. The results cast a dark cloud for millions of Americans and has put serious shade on legislation's livelihood. Basically, as written the bill would drastically reduce federal funds for Medicaid and jeopardizes funding for Planned Parenthood.

According to the CBO, the Senate's plan will leave 22 million more people uninsured within the next decade because of the switch up on Medicaid policy. If you are concerned about your own health care or availability to millions of others, call your senators (all Americans have two) ASAP and let them know your concerns.

A small consolation: Yesterday, the family of Philando Castille, the man who was murdered by police officer Jeronimo Yanez during a traffic stop, reached a $3 million settlement with the city of St. Anthony, Minnesota. Last year, Diamond Reynolds, Castille's girlfriend, live streamed the death of her boyfriend after he had been shot, which led to further protests against police brutality. Two weeks ago, Yanez was acquitted of all charges, which incited further outrage as officers who fatally shoot black men are often let off without justice for the victims. This also comes after a damning video from the officer's dashcam was released, showing Yanez firing at Castille. Although the family deserves retribution, it's a band-aid on an open wound.

The black sheep: The Trump administration is punishing members of the GOP that aren't towing the line on party interests. Senator Dean Heller of Nevada is facing the wrath of the White House after he openly opposed the Senate's new healthcare plan. Now, a White House-backed special interest group has a launched a million-dollar smear campaign against Heller who's already in a sticky situation because he's up for reelection next year. It sends a message to other free-thinking senators to stay in their place unless they're willing to face the same consequences.

Opening up a seat at the table: The BET Awards took place over the weekend to honor black excellence across all forms of media and activism. During the ceremony, singer Solange Knowles presented the "Shine A Light" Award to Tamika D. Mallory. Mallory was an organizer for the Women's March back in January and has been a vocal civil rights leader in the fight for racial equality. Mallory has been a staunch civil rights activist and has even worked with the Obama administration on gun control policy.

Watch some more video from VICELAND:

Facing the Facts: National Economic Council Director Gary Cohn told reporters that coal "doesn't make that much sense anymore." It was a surprisingly off-brand comment from a top advisor in the Trump administration, which has repeatedly stressed bringing back coal jobs while proposing huge cuts to federal clean energy investments. Cohn also mentioned that pursuing renewable energy could make America "a manufacturing powerhouse." Trump hasn't taken to his favorite social media platform to tweet against Cohn for his statement, but we won't wait up for that anytime soon.

Well duh, that makes sense: Yesterday, the Arkansas Supreme Court reversed a ruling that previously discriminated against same-sex couples. The case of Pavan v. Smith ruled that the state of Arkansas is required to put the names of both parents on a child's birth certificate in same-sex marriages. Previously the law only allowed the birth parent's name on the certificate. This a major victory for LGBTQ rights and it comes just near the end of Pride month, giving queer people more reasons to celebrate.