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President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken look on as as a carry team moves a transfer case with the remains of Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind., during a casualty return at Dover Air Force Base on Sunday for the 13 service members killed in the suicide bombing in Kabul on Aug. 26. (CAROLYN KASTER/Associated Press)

President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden, and Secretary of State Antony Blinken look on as as a carry team moves a transfer case with the remains of Marine Corps Cpl. Humberto A. Sanchez, 22, of Logansport, Ind., during a casualty return at Dover Air Force Base on Sunday for the 13 service members killed in the suicide bombing in Kabul on Aug. 26. (CAROLYN KASTER/Associated Press)

Last U.S. troops exit Afghanistan

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Monday, August 30, 2021
WASHINGTON — The United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan late Monday, ending America’s longest war and closing a chapter in military history likely to be remembered for colossal failures, unfulfilled promises and a frantic final exit that cost the lives of more than 180 Afghans and...
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during an event to give out bonuses to first responders held at the Grand Beach Hotel Surfside on Aug. 10 in Surfside. (JOE RAEDLE/Getty Images/TNS)

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaks during an event to give out bonuses to first responders held at the Grand Beach Hotel Surfside on Aug. 10 in Surfside. (JOE RAEDLE/Getty Images/TNS)

Judge blocks DeSantis’ order banning mask mandates

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, August 27, 2021
FORT LAUDERDALE  — Florida school districts can legally require their students to wear masks to prevent the spread of covid-19, a judge ruled Friday, saying Gov. Ron DeSantis overstepped his authority when he issued an executive order banning such mandates.

U.S. airstrike targets ISIS member in Afghanistan

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Friday, August 27, 2021
WASHINGTON — Acting swiftly on President Joe Biden’s promise to retaliate for the deadly suicide bombing at Kabul airport, the U.S. military said it used a drone strike to kill a member of the Islamic State group’s Afghanistan affiliate Saturday.
Smoke rises from a deadly explosion outside the airport in Kabul on Thursday. Two suicide bombers and gunmen targeted crowds massing near the Kabul airport. (WALI SABAWOON/Associated Press)

Smoke rises from a deadly explosion outside the airport in Kabul on Thursday. Two suicide bombers and gunmen targeted crowds massing near the Kabul airport. (WALI SABAWOON/Associated Press)

Kabul airport attack kills 60 Afghans, 13 U.S. troops

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Thursday, August 26, 2021
KABUL, Afghanistan — Two suicide bombers and gunmen attacked crowds of Afghans flocking to Kabul’s airport Thursday, transforming a scene of desperation into one of horror in the waning days of an airlift for those fleeing the Taliban takeover.

U.S. says 1,500 Americans may still await Kabul evacuation

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
WASHINGTON — Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Wednesday that as many as 1,500 Americans may be awaiting evacuation from Afghanistan, a figure that suggests the U.S. may accomplish its highest priority for the Kabul airlift — rescuing U.S. citizens — ahead of President Joe Biden’s Tuesday...
State Senator Jennifer Bradley address a Kiwanis Club of Lake City meeting Tuesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

State Senator Jennifer Bradley address a Kiwanis Club of Lake City meeting Tuesday. (TONY BRITT/Lake City Reporter)

Legislators pledge support for north Florida

JAMIE WACHTER
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
LIVE OAK — Urged by Live Oak Mayor Frank Davis, Suwannee County’s state legislators offered their support for home rule.