NASA begins the countdown for humanity's first launch to the moon in 53 years The countdown has begun toward humanity’s first launch to the moon in 53 years. Woman found fatally shot in front yard of home on Jacksonville’s Westside; infant inside home at time was not hurt: JSOFake Instagram account created by high school students leads to former DCPS police officer’s arrest: report Read full article: Fake Instagram account created by high school students leads to former DCPS police officer’s arrest: reportLawmakers hope new law spurs affordable housing, but some leaders say it weakens local government controlGlynn County Police ask for community’s help in investigation after victim of assault last week dies Read full article: Glynn County Police ask for community’s help in investigation after victim of assault last week diesJEA says about 330 customers in Picketville neighborhood will be affected by boil water advisoryIn this photo provided by NASA, astronaut Charles M. Duke Jr. collects lunar samples at Station No. 1 during the first Apollo 16 extravehicular activity at the Descartes landing site, April 21, 1972. Photographers setup remote cameras near NASA's Artermis II moon rocket on Launch Pad 39-B at the Kennedy Space Center Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. Crew lunar observations lead Sara Schmidt demonstrates software at Johnson Space Center on Thursday, July 24, 2025, in Houston. NASA's Artermis II moon rocket sits on Launch Pad 39-B at the Kennedy Space Center at sunrise Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA's Artermis II moon rocket sits on Launch Pad 39-B at the Kennedy Space Center Sunday, March 29, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. In this photo provided by NASA, astronaut Charles M. Duke Jr. collects lunar samples at Station No. 1 during the first Apollo 16 extravehicular activity at the Descartes landing site, April 21, 1972. . After a day in orbit around Earth, their Orion capsule will propel them to the moon and back. There are no stops — just a quick U-turn around the moon. The nearly 10-day flight will end with a splashdown in the Pacific.“Our team has worked extremely hard to get us to this moment,” said launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson."Certainly all indications are right now we are in excellent, excellent shape.” Managers said the rocket is doing well following the latest round of repairs. Forecasters said the weather should cooperate. NASA’s Artemis II mission should have soared in February, but was grounded by hydrogen fuel leaks. The leaks were fixed, but then a helium pressurization line became clogged, forcing a return to the hangar late last month. The rocket Unlike Apollo, which sent only men to the moon from 1968 through 1972, Artemis’ debut crew includes a woman, person of color and a non-U.S. citizen. Artemis II’s pilot Victor Glover said over the weekend that he wants young people to see them and think, “Girl power and that’s awesome, and that young brown boys and girls can look at me and go ‘Hey, he looks like me and he’s doing what???’” At the same time, Glover, who is Black, looks forward to when ”one day we don’t have to talk about these firsts” and exploring the cosmos becomes an all-encompassing “human history.” NASA has the first six days of April to launch Artemis II before standing down until the end of the month.The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content. Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.Florida court shuts down online gift card business based in Ponte Vedra, imposes over $800K in finesDNA test connects Clay County Navy veteran to WWII POW missing for over 80 yearsSt. Augustine replacing downtown parking kiosks with cashless touchscreensHundreds participate in Jacksonville ‘No Kings’ rally against Trump administrationFlagler College students protest housing policy as seniors cite affordability, availability concernsGAME DAY ⚾🦐 The defending Triple-A National Champion Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp returnShould an HOA or property management company be required to post parking rules for visitors?Fights erupt at Palatka Junior-Senior High after field trip focused on mental healthMother of teen punched during arrest says officer went too far⚾️ Opening Day + perfect weather=the ultimate Friday night in JaxStudy finds most ‘Mayport Shrimp’ dishes served in Jacksonville area are actually importedNew ‘larger format’ Publix store in SilverLeaf features wine bar, expanded deli menu, custom pizzas