Washington increasingly relies on coercion – military, economic and political – not only to deter adversaries but to compel compliance from weaker nations. This may deliver short-term obedience, but it is counterproductive as a strategy for building durable power, which depends on legitimacy and capacity. When coercion is applied to governance, it can harden resistance, narrow diplomatic options and transform local political failures into contests of national pride.
Archives for January 5, 2026
Judge Rules ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ Immigration Detention Facility Is Exempt from Florida’s Prison Access Laws
A Leon County circuit judge has dismissed a lawsuit by five Democratic lawmakers seeking unannounced access to the state’s “Alligator Alcatraz” immigrant detention center. Judge Jonathan Sjostrom ruled that state laws granting legislators access to prisons and jails do not apply because the Everglades facility is not a correctional institution under the Department of Corrections. The ruling supports the DeSantis administration’s argument that individual lawmakers lack the oversight authority held by legislative committees.
Turtle Trail Artists Featured in New Exhibition at Expressions Art Gallery Starting Jan. 11
The Flagler County Cultural Council and Expressions Art Gallery present Turtle Trail Artists of Flagler County, an exhibition featuring original works by the creators of the county’s iconic turtle sculptures. The show runs Jan. 11 through Feb. 21 at Expressions Gallery, 2298 Colbert Lane. A free opening reception is scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 11, from 1 to 3:30 p.m.
After Anemic Congressional Campaign, Furry Pivots Back to School Board Re-Election from His Coveted Vice Chairmanship
Flagler County School Board member Will Furry has quit his bid to challenge U.S. Rep. Randy Fine in the GOP congressional primary to run for re-election to the School Board. Furry attributed his withdrawal to uncertainty over potential redistricting, though his campaign struggled to raise funds against opponents like Fine and Charles Gambaro. His return follows a contentious November episode where he and Chair Christy Chong deadlocked the board for nine hours to block a colleague’s appointment as vice chair.
Builders and Palm Coast Trade Legal Blows in Battle Over Impact Fees Ahead of February Court Hearings
The legal battle between the Flagler Home Builders Association and Palm Coast over impact fee hikes produced dueling motions before the holidays. The City moved to dismiss the case on Dec. 5. The Builders filed for summary judgment on Dec. 15, arguing the fees are unconstitutional and unjustified. A judge will hear arguments on the city’s motion on Feb. 2 and the homebuilders’ motions on Feb. 17.
Home Health Aide Charged with Stealing from 90-Year-Old Assisted Living Resident to Buy Gas, Donuts and Trinkets
Kaiti Natasha Swain, a 32-year-old home health aide, was arrested on two felony charges for allegedly stealing cash and a credit card from a 90-year-old resident at HarborChase of Palm Coast. An investigation linked Swain to over $600 in fraudulent purchases at businesses in Palatka and Palm Coast.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Monday, January 5, 2026
The Beverly Beach Town Commission is first to get back into the swing of things with a meeting this evening, the Chief Justice, like Herbert Hoover after the Great Crash, thinks America is dandy, an observation from the Thousand and One Nights.