Politics
Last Call for 7.8.26 – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida
Last Call – A prime-time read of what’s going down in Florida politics.
— First Shot —
Secretary of State Cord Byrd will join Americans across the country this evening in a simultaneous reading of the Declaration of Independence as part of the nation’s ongoing 250th anniversary commemoration.
Byrd is scheduled to participate in the “Sharing the Spirit of America” event at 6 p.m. EST, when participants across all 50 states and all seven continents will read the nation’s founding document together, marking both its adoption on July 4, 1776, and its first public reading on July 8, 1776.
“As the founding document of the United States, the Declaration of Independence elucidates the philosophical basis for the revolution and separation from England,” Byrd said. “Ever since that historic moment, America has stood as a beacon of freedom for people all over the world. I am honored to represent Florida in this simultaneous reading and encourage all Floridians to join me in participating.”
The reading is part of Florida’s America 250 observance, the state’s official commemoration of the United States’ Semiquincentennial. The nationwide observance originated with the Hawaiʻi America250 Commission, which proposed a synchronized reading to commemorate the Declaration’s first public reading on July 8, 1776.
With 10 time zones spanning nearly 24 hours, from UTC-10 in Guam and the Howland Islands to UTC+12 in Wake Island, the document that kicked off America’s 250-year (and counting) run will be heard around the world.
Floridians can watch Byrd’s reading beginning at 6 p.m. — so, right about now — on the America250FL social media accounts, including X, Facebook and Instagram.
— Evening Reads —
—“To justify his arch, Donald Trump cites a 1925 plan. That vision was very different.” via Júlia Ledur and Dan Diamond of The Washington Post
—”The Canadian who steered Europe away from the U.S.” via Drew Hinshaw, Joe Parkinson and Daniel Michaels of The Wall Street Journal
—”The real cost of the Iran War: $103 billion in 120 days” via Stephen Semler of Popular Information
—“The game theory of replacing Graham Platner” via Nate Silver of the Silver Bulletin
—“Playmaker profile: How Tallahassee launched a lobbying powerhouse” via Dara Kam of State Affairs
—”MAGA has a new villain: Amy Coney Barrett” via Ian Millhiser of Vox
—”Ron DeSantis calls overruling of ‘Stop WOKE Act’ ‘judicial overreach’” via Jay Waagmeester of the Florida Phoenix
—”Byron Donalds says Chinese disinformation drives AI backlash” via A.G. Gancarski of Florida Politics
—”It’s (almost) official: Welcome to President Donald J. Trump International Airport” via Abigail Hasebroock of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel
—”Naloxone is a proven fix for overdoses. So why can’t teens access it?” via Eli Cahan of Rolling Stone
—”What Dave Portnoy — and almost everyone else — gets wrong about U.S. Soccer” via Chris Cillizza of So What
— Quote of the Day —
“I almost asked for my money back. There was no shaking, no vibrating, no teeth shattering.”
— Astronaut Christina Koch, recalling Artemis II’s launch during the crew’s first return to Florida since takeoff.
— Put it on the Tab —
Look to your left, then look to your right. If you see one of these people at your happy-hour haunt, flag down the bartender and put one of these on your tab. Recipes included, just in case the Cocktail Codex fell into the well.
Whatever you do, don’t order a Tinto de Verano for U.S. Rep. Carlos Giménez, who’s quitting the Friends of Spain Caucus over Madrid’s treatment of Israel.
With a $40 million stack coming from the U.S. Department of Labor, FloridaCommerce can cover the cost of a few Apprentices.
The Amendment 3 opposition is sprinting toward Three Dots & A Dash, and there’s no sign of a ‘yes’ campaign looking to block them.
— Breakthrough Insights —
— Tune In —
Marlins try to stay hot vs. Mariners
The Miami Marlins continue a home series against the Seattle Mariners tonight (6:40 p.m. ET, Marlins.TV).
Miami opened the series last night with a 6-5 win over the Mariners, extending the winning streak to four straight games. Over a longer stretch, the Marlins have won 24 of the last 32 games to improve to eight games over .500 and within three games of the top spot in the National League East division chase.
The Marlins have been particularly good at home, winning 29 of 46 games at LoanDepot Park.
A pair of Marlins were selected to represent the National League at the All-Star Game this year. Shortstop Otto Lopez, who leads the Major Leagues with a .343 batting average, earned his first All-Star nod. Pitcher Max Meyer also earned his first All-Star Game selection; however, he will not pitch because he is scheduled to start on Sunday for the Marlins.
The Mariners come into tonight’s game leading the American League West by a half-game over the Texas Rangers, after winning the division last season and advancing to the American League Championship Series before losing to the Toronto Blue Jays in seven games.
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Last Call is published by Peter Schorsch, assembled and edited by Phil Ammann and Drew Wilson, with contributions from the staff of Florida Politics.
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