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Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) departs after the Republican policy luncheon on Nov. 18 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (YURI GRIPAS/Abaca Press/TNS)

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) departs after the Republican policy luncheon on Nov. 18 on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. (YURI GRIPAS/Abaca Press/TNS)

Trump’s $2k checks stall in Senate

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tuesday, December 29, 2020
WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump’s push for bigger $2,000 covid-19 relief checks stalled out Tuesday in the Senate as Republicans blocked a swift vote proposed by Democrats and split within their own ranks over whether to boost spending or defy the White House.
U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House, on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. (AL DRAGO/Getty Images/TNS)

U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House, on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. (AL DRAGO/Getty Images/TNS)

House backs Trump’s $2K check request

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Monday, December 28, 2020
WASHINGTON — The House voted overwhelmingly Monday to increase covid-19 relief checks to $2,000, meeting President Donald Trump’s demand for bigger payments and sending the bill to the GOP-controlled Senate, where the outcome is uncertain.

Prosecutors push back against Brown’s appeal

NEWS STAFF
Monday, December 28, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — Federal prosecutors have asked an appeals court to uphold the conviction of former Congresswoman Corrine Brown on fraud and tax charges, pushing back against arguments that a juror was improperly replaced after he said the “Holy Spirit” told him Brown was not guilty.

New laws focus on government ethics, bus safety

NEWS STAFF
Monday, December 28, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — A bill dealing with a voter-approved prohibition on public officials and employees using their offices to benefit themselves, their families or employers is among four new laws that will take effect this week.
President Donald Trump waves as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. (AL DRAGO/Getty Images/TNS)

President Donald Trump waves as he departs on the South Lawn of the White House on Dec. 12 in Washington, D.C. (AL DRAGO/Getty Images/TNS)

Trump signs massive measure funding government, covid relief

ASSOCIATED PRESS
Sunday, December 27, 2020
WEST PALM BEACH — President Donald Trump has signed a $900 billion pandemic relief package, ending days of drama over his refusal to accept the bipartisan deal that will deliver long-sought cash to businesses and individuals and avert a federal government shutdown. The massive bill includes $1.

City, county to tackle utility master plan

TODD WILSON
Saturday, December 26, 2020
Lake City Manager Joe Helfenberger said the city’s joint utility committee that will welcome three members from the Columbia County Commission has the potential to break through the gridlock of decades past and put everyone on a clear path to future development where utilities are needed.

A Christmas classic: Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
Editor’s note: The following letter and editorial response were first published in the New York Sun on September 21, 1897.   Dear Editor — I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.

Hamilton legislators to meet next month

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
JASPER — The Hamilton County Legislative Delegation will conduct its annual hearing late next month. Rep. Chuck Brannan (R-Macclenny), the chairman of the delegation, announced Wednesday that the hearing would be held Wednesday, Jan. 20, at 5 p.m.

DeSantis places focus on vaccinating seniors

NEWS STAFF
Wednesday, December 23, 2020
TALLAHASSEE — The first wave of covid-19 vaccinations in Florida went primarily to people under age 65, as Gov. Ron DeSantis says the state is pivoting to give the vast majority of shots to seniors due to their increased risk of illness and death from the coronavirus.