Regional

Mask mandate ban could become law

TALLAHASSEE — Amid a series of legal battles, a Senate Republican on Wednesday filed a proposal that would put into state law a ban on school districts requiring students to wear masks. The proposal (SB 452), filed by Sen.

2020 election already audited

Secretary of State Laurel Lee reiterated Wednesday the state has already conducted an audit of the 2020 election, after a Republican senator said “a lot” of Floridians are concerned about the election.

Redistricting ‘roadshow’ likely a no-go

TALLAHASSEE — Proposed maps for new congressional and legislative districts could be in front of state lawmakers before they begin the annual legislative session in January, but public input might be limited to a special website and people who journey to the Capitol.

Historical roots honored: Markers unveiled for Florida Memorial University, Moore

LIVE OAK — The historic roots of a university and a Civil Rights martyr were honored and celebrated Saturday in Live Oak.

Judge clears way for challenges to elections law

TALLAHASSEE — A federal judge on Friday allowed a series of challenges to a new state elections law to move forward, setting the stage for a showdown over Republican legislators’ efforts to make it more difficult for Floridians to vote by mail and for organizations to conduct voter-registration...

Brannan seeks more funding for Hamilton

JASPER — Rep. Chuck Brannan has made two more requests for state appropriations to benefit Hamilton County.

High speed chase crosses three counties

WELLBORN — A high-speed chase Thursday night crossed into three counties before a Columbia County deputy finally forced the suspect to stop. According to the Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office, 28-year-old Brandon Mahaffy, of Wellborn, was spotted by a deputy driving a stolen vehicle around 10:30 p.

New York murder suspect captured in O’Brien home

O’BRIEN — A New York murder suspect was captured Thursday more than 1,000 miles away. The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office assisted the U.S. Marshal’s Service in arresting 31-year-old Jhovanny Mejia on Thursday off 210th Place in southeastern Suwannee County. Sheriff Sam St.

Suwannee board eyes funds for quarantine building

LIVE OAK — Whether in favor of the process or not, the Suwannee County Board of County Commissioners was in agreement to seek funding for a multi-use building.

Senate dodges U.S. debt disaster, votes to extend future borrowing

WASHINGTON — The Senate dodged a U.S. debt disaster Thursday night, voting to extend the government’s borrowing authority into December and temporarily avert an unprecedented federal default that experts warned would devastate the economy and harm millions of Americans.