POLITICO’s California Playbook | The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence | A Life Remade in 50 Swims
The first official Declaration of Independence replica is displayed at the National Archives Museum, Friday, July 3, 2026, in Washington.
AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson
POLITICO’s California Playbook
A controversial “billionaire’s tax” measure has qualified for the November ballot, one of a number of proposals that voters will decide on ranging from Voter ID requirements to CEQA reforms. This comes as the Supreme Court has made several rulings that impact the Golden State, and state lawmakers leave for summer recess after tackling a budget and housing-heavy agenda. Blake Jones, Co-Author of POLITICO's California Playbook joins Insight with a breakdown of the latest developments in state politics.
The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence
With America celebrating its 250th birthday, the historical backdrop of the 4th of July, the signing of the Declaration of Independence was front and center. In speeches on Saturday, both sides of the political spectrum mentioned our nation's founding document. In a fractured political landscape, reverence for the Declaration of Independence still transcends party lines. And while everyone knows the story of the declaration, our next guest argues that there are still many big misunderstandings and myths surrounding our founding document. Carlton Larson is a Martin Luther King, Jr. Professor of Law at UC Davis and the author of the new book One Nation Under Law: The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence.
A Life Remade in 50 Swims
As local author Kate Washington approached her 50th birthday, she found herself looking to reconnect with her childhood. Growing up in Chico, she swam in the numerous lakes, rivers and swimming holes that dot the North State. So, she set up a challenge for herself. Swim in 50 different bodies of water by her 50th birthday. The rules were simple. She had to fully immerse her head underwater and take a photo of each ‘dunk’ to document the journey. She dubbed it the 50 Dunk Challenge. At the time, she did not know the radical effect it would have on her life, but years later she has now chronicled the challenge in a new book called “Midstream: A Life Remade in 50 Swims.” The book launches tomorrow night with an event at East Village Bookshop in Sacramento from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. And will be giving a talk on Thursday July 9th at The Avid Reader in Davis from 6:30 to 7:30pm.
