Protests go deeper than economic frustration alone. When people in Iran chant “Neither Gaza nor Lebanon,” they are, I believe, rejecting the theocratic system in Iran entirely. In other words, the current crisis isn’t just about bread and jobs, it’s about who decides what Iran stands for.
Archives for January 7, 2026
Peter Johnson Named President of Palm Coast Historical Society
Peter Johnson, a former candidate for Palm Coast mayor and one of the leaders of the recent Bunnell History Day celebration, has been appointed President of the Palm Coast Historical Society. Serving with him are Reasa Pabst as Vice President (she is also the immediate past president), Richard Cooper as Treasurer, and Mia Parada as Secretary. Tricia Aanderud and Alex Maller serve as Board Directors.
DeSantis Calls Special Session for April to Redistrict in Hopes of Preserving GOP Majority in US House
Governor Ron DeSantis has officially called a special legislative session for April 2026 to redraw Florida’s congressional districts mid-decade. The move follows pressure from national GOP figures but faces internal resistance from House Speaker Danny Perez, who favors immediate action. DeSantis argues the state must wait for a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on racial gerrymandering. This disagreement highlights growing tension between the Governor and a Florida Legislature increasingly seeking independence from executive influence.
Bomb Squad Sweeps Student Car at Matanzas High as Palm Coast Explosives Investigation Leads to Campus
A suspicious explosives investigation led Flagler County sheriff’s deputies to a student’s car at Matanzas High School today, prompting a partial campus “hold” and the arrival of a bomb squad. While an explosives-detection dog alerted to the vehicle, Sheriff Rick Staly emphasized there was no direct threat to the school or students. The investigation stems from two prior incidents in Palm Coast that are still under investigation. No arrests were made, and school officials expect to resume normal operations tomorrow.
Parking Capacity Will Double at Indian Trails Sports Complex, But Council Also Wants More Fields Lit Up Soon
The Palm Coast City Council unanimously approved a $1.55 million project to add 136 parking spaces to the Indian Trails Sports Complex, nearly doubling its capacity. Utilizing city crews is expected to save $350,000. While the project addresses long-standing congestion affecting nearby schools and churches, council members are also pushing to accelerate a $1 million lighting expansion for additional fields to maximize tourism revenue and accommodate a growing schedule of year-round sports tournaments.
70-Year-Old Homeless Man Accused of Minor’s Rape in Tent Near Palm Harbor Circle K Will Serve 6 Years in Prison
Jose Valerio-Rodriguez, 70, was sentenced to six years in prison followed by nine years of probation after pleading no contest to sexually abusing a 16-year-old girl in his tent behind the Circle K on Palm Harbor Parkway. By accepting a plea deal, Valerio-Rodriguez avoided a potential life sentence and a trial scheduled for next week. Upon completing his five remaining years of incarceration, the undocumented migrant faces likely deportation. The prosecution’s case included recorded confessions and evidence of the defendant grooming the victim.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Wednesday, January 7, 2026
From Tennessee Williams to Greenland’s Icy Mountains and Clay Jones correcting the record on what liberals want for Venezuela, the Palm Coast Code Enforcement Board meets, as does the Republican Club, plus a Voltaire pick-me-up on bad health.