NASA’s Artemis II mission marks a return to lunar exploration 50 years after the Apollo era. The moonshot mirrors Jules Verne’s 1865 novel by highlighting the political and economic complexities of spacefaring. Verne correctly anticipated nationalist competition and environmental consequences. Today’s mission reflects similar tensions between global unity and a race for power.
Archives for April 14, 2026
Victim, 13, Testifies Against Ex-Stepfather as Chilling Recorded Confession and DNA Evidence Pile Up
The now 13-year-old alleged victim testified today against her stepfather, Kristopher Hendriqson, in his second day of trial on capital rape charges stemming from allegations that he’d been raping and molesting her since she was 9. The prosecution presented recorded phone calls containing Henriqson’s confessions and forensic DNA evidence matching his profile that he’d left on the girl’s chest. Henriqson abandoned his self-representation after a poor start on Monday.
County Commissioner Andy Dance Replaces Flagler Beach’s Belhumeur on TPO Executive Board
Flagler County Commissioner Andy Dance joined Palm Coast City Council member Ty Miller on the six-member Executive Committee of the Volusia-Flagler Transportation Planning Organization (TPO). Dance replaces former Flagler Beach City Commissioner Rick Belhumeur, who lost his seat in that city’s March election.
Palm Coast City Council Rejects Privatization Of Palm Harbor Golf Course as Near-Term Revenue Improves
The Palm Coast City Council rejected privatizing the Palm Harbor Golf Course following reports of a a surplus through management changes, higher fees and flexible passes. The city may consider returning the facility to an enterprise fund model. Despite current financial success, looming capital costs remain.
Sheriff Says He’ll Request 13 New Deputies as he Touts Helicopter, Drones, ICE Partnership and Crime Drop
Flagler County Sheriff Rick Staly reported a 54 percent crime decrease since 2017 during his annual Addressing Crime Together presentation last week. He intends to request 13 new deputies. His report detailed a new Bell 505 helicopter acquisition and expanded drone first-responder programs and defended the agency’s collaboration with federal ICE agents while highlighting successful inmate rehabilitation programs at the jail.
The Daily Cartoon and Live Briefing: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
The Palm Coast City Council meets in workshop, the school board meets, Tuesday Book Talk at the Flagler Beach Public Library, Trump thinks he’s God, the pope thinks he’s a bully, Florida to Russia.