Regional

State looks at costly fix for unemployment site

TALLAHASSEE — More than $73 million is needed over the next two years to revamp Florida’s much- criticized unemployment system, which was overwhelmed in the initial weeks of the coronavirus pandemic, the head of the state’s unemployment agency said Monday.

FGC’s associate nursing program off probation

Florida Gateway College’s Associated of Science in Nursing program passed its probationary test with flying colors. The college received word from the Florida Nursing Board at its February meeting that the program was released from its temporary probationary status, FGC announced this week.

Critics fired up over proposed pot caps

TALLAHASSEE — Many Republican lawmakers in Florida haven’t hidden their skepticism about the use of marijuana as a medical palliative.

Siegmeister indicted: Former State Atttorney arrested in Arizona on bribery, extortion charges

The former Third Judicial Circuit State Attorney has been indicted on a host of charges including bribery and extortion for misdeeds committed while in office.

Covid, budget crunch confront state legislators

State legislators have already been hard at work in Tallahassee. That work will gain speed for the 60-day sprint of the regular session, which begins Tuesday.

Senate could take aim at toll road plan

TALLAHASSEE — Two years after Florida lawmakers approved a controversial toll-road plan, a Senate committee is slated next week to consider a bill that could undo major parts of it.

U.S. bombs Syrian facilities used by Iran-backed militia

WASHINGTON — The United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, targeting facilities near the Iraqi border used by Iranian-backed militia groups.

Donor issues challenge after $10k United Way donation

The United Way of Suwannee Valley recently received an anonymous donation of $10,000 following a fundraising campaign by the charity. According to a release from the organization, the donor hopes the donation sparks competition among others to match or beat the amount given.

Jordan warns of new drivers license rules

Floridians with expired driver licenses may need to be retested to earn their renewals warns Suwannee County Tax Collector Sharon Jordan.

Questions swirl around ‘resiliency’ funding

TALLAHASSEE — A few years ago, Republican lawmakers were averse to publicly acknowledging climate change, outside of rising sea levels affecting some coastal South Florida communities.