Regional

Taliban allowing ‘safe passage’ from Kabul in U.S. airlift

WASHINGTON — The Taliban have agreed to allow “safe passage” from Afghanistan for civilians struggling to join a U.S.

One dead in Suwannee crash

DOWLING PARK — A 69-year-old Dowling Park man died from injuries he received when his vehicle ran off the road and struck a tree Monday morning in rural Suwannee County. The single vehicle wreck occurred 9:50 a.m. Monday near the intersection of County Road 136 and 102nd Trace.

More time needed in FCADV talks

TALLAHASSEE — Negotiators need more time to try to reach a settlement in the state’s attempt to recoup millions of dollars paid to former leaders of the Florida Coalition Against Domestic Violence, according to court documents.

Biden says he stands ‘squarely behind’ Afghanistan decision

WASHINGTON  —  Striking a defiant tone, President Joe Biden said Monday that he stands “squarely behind” his decision to withdraw U.S. forces from Afghanistan as he acknowledged the “gut-wrenching” images coming out of the country after the swift Taliban takeover of the government.

Biden admin backs Texas, Florida districts on mask mandates

WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s administration on Friday offered its full-throated support for local cities and school boards in Texas and Florida that are defying orders by their Republican governors that prohibit mask-wearing mandates in schools.

Census shows incremental growth in north Florida

The 2020 U.S. Census brought good news — and bad news — to Columbia and Suwannee counties. The good news: Columbia County added 2,167 residents since 2010, with a new population of 69,698. Suwannee County also grew, jumping 1,923 residents to 43,474 total. The bad?

Census: Columbia, Suwannee growing

TALLAHASSEE — Months overdue, key U.S. Census numbers were released Thursday that will allow Florida lawmakers to begin the process of redrawing congressional and legislative districts for the state’s 21.5 million residents.

O’Brien man caught with fentanyl, meth at boat ramp

DOWLING PARK — A Suwannee County sheriff’s deputy caught more than fish near the Dowling Park boat ramp Thursday morning.

Live Oak waste fees increasing 8%

LIVE OAK — The cost of getting their garbage collected is going up for Live Oak residents. With Suwannee County’s cost of transporting solid waste increasing significantly, that cost is being shared, City Manager George Curtis told the Live Oak City Council at its meeting Tuesday night.

Tropical Storm Fred makes landfall in Dominican Republic

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Tropical Storm Fred made landfall in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday, with forecasters warning that heavy rains could cause dangerous flooding and mudslides there and in the neighboring country of Haiti.