Regional

Debris from local businesses covers the street in Selma, Ala., on Jan. 13 after a tornado passed through the area. After three nasty years, the La Nina weather phenomenon is gone, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday. (STEW MILNE/AP file)

Debris from local businesses covers the street in Selma, Ala., on Jan. 13 after a tornado passed through the area. After three nasty years, the La Nina weather phenomenon is gone, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday. (STEW MILNE/AP file)

NOAA: La Nina is gone

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, March 9, 2023
WASHINGTON — After three nasty years, the La Nina weather phenomenon that increases Atlantic hurricane activity and worsens western drought is gone, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Thursday.

Biden rolls out budget plan to cut $2.9 trillion

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, March 9, 2023
PHILADELPHIA — As political gridlock puts the government at risk of defaulting, President Joe Biden on Thursday made an opening bid with a budget plan that would cut deficits by $2.9 trillion over the next decade — a proposal that Republicans already intend to reject.

Suwannee County attorney fired

JAMIE WACHTER
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
LIVE OAK — More change is coming to Suwannee County. The Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners fired County Attorney Jimmy Prevatt by a 4-1 vote Tuesday night, effective April 25 when his annual contract runs out. Maurice Perkins dissented.

House, Senate advance expansion of vouchers

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — Proposals that would make all Florida students eligible for taxpayer-funded school vouchers continued advancing Wednesday in the House and Senate, but Gov. Ron DeSantis this week questioned scrapping current income-eligibility requirements.
Youth learn archery at Camp Cherry Lake in Madison during a Florida 4-H Summer Camp. (UF/IFAS PHOTO BY TYLER JONES)

Youth learn archery at Camp Cherry Lake in Madison during a Florida 4-H Summer Camp. (UF/IFAS PHOTO BY TYLER JONES)

Florida 4-H upgrades camp experience

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Florida 4-H is enhancing the experience for youth and community members for its upcoming summer camps, which are held at Camp Cherry Lake in Madison as well as Camp Timpoochee in Niceville and Camp Cloverleaf in Lake Placid.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers the ‘State of the State’ address at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee Tuesday. (CHENEY ORR/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis delivers the ‘State of the State’ address at the Florida State Capitol in Tallahassee Tuesday. (CHENEY ORR/AFP via Getty Images/TNS)

DeSantis vows in speech: ‘You ain’t seen nothin’ yet’

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — Drawing a national spotlight as he prepares for a potential White House bid, Gov. Ron DeSantis opened the annual legislative session Tuesday by touting the state’s accomplishments and vowing to “swing for the fences so that we can ensure Florida remains number one.

Electric bills going up in April

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — State regulators Tuesday signed off on plans that will lead to millions of utility customers seeing higher electric bills in April because of hurricane costs and higher-than-expected natural gas prices last year.

‘Life coach’ among pair charged with child abuse

NEWS STAFF
Monday, March 6, 2023
McALPIN — Two additional people, including a “life coach,” have been charged with aggravated child abuse for the torturing of child in central Suwannee County. On Feb. 9, Justin and Sarah Fadness were arrested for depriving their child of food and water.
Legislators applaud during the State of the State address from Gov. Ron DeSantis to open the 2022 legislative session. (NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE)

Legislators applaud during the State of the State address from Gov. Ron DeSantis to open the 2022 legislative session. (NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA FILE)

10 issues to watch during legislative session

NEWS SERVICE OF FLORIDA
Friday, March 3, 2023
TALLAHASSEE — Florida lawmakers next week will start the annual 60-day legislative session. Here are 10 big issues to watch: AFFORDABLE HOUSING Senate President Kathleen Passidomo (R-Naples) has made a priority of trying to find ways to make housing more affordable for workers.