Court Upholds Florida’s New Congressional Map

The Florida Supreme Court declined to block the state’s newly redrawn congressional map, ruling 6-1 on Wednesday that the GOP-drawn districts will be used in the 2026 midterm elections.

The justices said they lack jurisdiction while the underlying challenge proceeds at the First District Court of Appeal, where voting rights groups argue the plan, drawn by Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office, violates Florida’s Fair Districts Amendment.

The map could help Republicans pick up as many as four House seats in November. With candidate qualifying closing today, the new lines are locked in for this cycle, though the lawsuit continues.

SpaceX Launches Largest IPO in History

SpaceX begins trading today on the Nasdaq under the ticker SPCX, raising about $75 billion in the largest initial public offering (IPO) ever and valuing Elon Musk’s space and AI conglomerate at $1.77 trillion.

The company priced shares at $135 Thursday night, a fixed price set by Musk himself. At that valuation, SpaceX debuts as roughly the seventh-most valuable U.S. company, ahead of Tesla.

An amended SEC filing reserves up to 5% of shares for employees and select buyers. The debut hits home on Florida’s Space Coast, where SpaceX launches most of its rockets and anchors Brevard County’s aerospace economy.

Teachers Union Sues over $5B Vouchers

Florida’s largest teachers union is suing the state Department of Education, alleging the nearly $5 billion flowing to private and charter schools through taxpayer-funded vouchers violates the state constitution’s promise of a “uniform” and “high-quality” public school system.

The Florida Education Association filed the suit in Leon County Circuit Court in May, joined by parents, school board members, and civil rights groups. Voucher programs consume about a quarter of the state’s education budget, up from 12% in 2021.

Education Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas defended the program, saying universal school choice “empowers” families and vowing to keep “putting students first.”

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➤ Statewide: Democrat gubernatorial candidate David Jolly selected former U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham as his running mate, pairing with the daughter of former Florida Gov. Bob Graham in the 2026 race. (More)

➤ Also statewide: Florida driver’s licenses and state ID cards will begin displaying whether the holder is a U.S. citizen under a new law that takes effect for new and renewed cards in 2027. (More)

➤ Northeast Florida: Home prices climbed to a median of $410,000 in May as sales increased and inventory expanded, giving buyers more options across the region’s housing market. (More)

➤ Orlando: Officials marked the 10th anniversary of the Pulse nightclub tragedy this week with a City Hall art exhibit featuring 49 portraits of the victims and a community remembrance ceremony honoring those killed. (More)

➤ Dunnellon: Free memory screenings and brain health education will be available today as part of Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month through a partnership between Renstar Medical Research and a mobile research unit. (More) 

➤ Fort Myers: Downtown will host a free two-day celebration marking America’s 250th birthday on July 3-4, featuring live music, an Americana-themed Art Walk, a patriotic ceremony, and a fireworks-and-drone show. (More)

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➤ The Dolphins and center Aaron Brewer agreed to a three-year, $52.5 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid centers in the NFL. Brewer earned second-team All-Pro honors last season with Miami. (More)

➤ Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin compared a judge’s ruling allowing Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby to play this season to the Black Sox scandal, adding he’s “stunned” that a player who admitted to betting on his own team could be cleared by a court. (More)

➤ The Rays traded minor league shortstop Raynel Delgado to the Houston Astros for cash considerations on Wednesday. Delgado, 26, was hitting .250 with 24 stolen bases at Triple-A Durham. (More)

➤ Polk County’s school board voted unanimously this week to approve a $400 sports fee for non-public student-athletes who play on district teams. They’re the first district to act under a new state law that takes effect July 1. (More)

➤ Yesterday’s Results: World Cup | NHL | MLB | WNBA | Golf

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➤ Texas-based homebuilder D.R. Horton paid $16.9 million for 97 residential lots in Homestead as major builders continue expanding into south Miami-Dade, where cheaper land is fueling new housing developments. (More)

➤ Florida customers of California-based solar installer Freedom Forever face uncertainty over warranties and unfinished projects after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. (More)

➤ Defense contractor BAE Systems is cutting nearly 200 jobs in Jacksonville, reducing its local workforce of 900 by about 22% as the company adjusts staffing to meet expected shipyard workloads through the end of the year. (More)

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➤ A University of Florida study found invasive spectacled caimans have expanded farther across the Everglades than previously known, raising concerns about their impact on wildlife and restoration efforts. (More)

➤ Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence announced on Instagram that he and his wife are expecting a baby boy, their second child after welcoming daughter Shae in January 2025. (More) 

➤ H&V Farms is helping over 50 Gadsden County children learn life skills through outdoor activities, mentorship, and hands-on farm experiences this summer as community groups and local businesses rally behind the growing program. (More)

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Should nonpublic school students pay $400 to play on district sports teams?

1. Yes, it’s only fair
2. Yes, but lower the fee
3. No, their families pay taxes too
4. No, kids shouldn’t pay to play
5. Other

Should FDOT keep replacing the stolen Alligator Alcatraz signs?

1. No, it’s not worth the cost: 39%
2. Yes, but add a tracking chip: 31%
3. No, everyone uses GPS: 17%
4. Yes, drivers need them: 7%
5. Other: 6%

What body of water did Collins Bridge cross?

Show me the answer