Regional

Democratic presidential candidates former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) speak after the Democratic Presidential Debate at Texas Southern University's Health and PE Center on Sept. 12, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (WIN MCNAMEE/Getty Images/TNS)

Democratic presidential candidates former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-CA) speak after the Democratic Presidential Debate at Texas Southern University's Health and PE Center on Sept. 12, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (WIN MCNAMEE/Getty Images/TNS)

Biden selects California Sen. Kamala Harris as running mate

WILMINGTON, Del. — Joe Biden named California Sen. Kamala Harris as his running mate on Tuesday, making history by selecting the first Black woman to compete on a major party’s presidential ticket and acknowledging the vital role Black voters will play in his bid to defeat President Donald Trump.

Supts to state: Address covid-19 testing

TALLAHASSEE — As Florida schools reopen this month, district superintendents are calling on state officials to address two major challenges: the need for rapid testing for COVID-19 and a statewide plan to handle students and staff members who test positive.

Cops say: Ga. man tried to rent room with meth

LIVE OAK — A Georgia man tried to pay for a motel room with meth Wednesday night, according to the Live Oak Police Department.  Michael Allen Radford, 63, of Moultrie, Georgia, was arrested after officers received a complaint from the manager at the Royal Inn on Ohio Avenue.

Suwannee up to 40 covid-19 deaths

LIVE OAK — Two additional deaths related to covid-19 were confirmed Friday for Suwannee County, raising its death toll from the pandemic to 40. The new deaths the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County announced were an 80-year-old male and a 92-year-old female.

Local agencies helping distribute CARES funding

The Columbia County Board of County Commissioners dedicated $2 million from its CARES Act funding to assist local households impacted by covid-19. County officials contracted with the United Way of Suwannee Valley and Catholic Charities to disburse the funds to family who need assistance.

Covid testing planned for Southside

The Southside Sports Complex will host covid-19 testing twice next week. The Florida Department of Health in Columbia and Hamilton counties will conduct free testing at the sports complex, located at 1963 SW Bascom Norris Drive in Lake City, Wednesday and Saturday.

Sales tax holiday includes breaks on computers

TALLAHASSEE — Retailers reeling from the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic hope Floridians will indulge in a chance to save some money this weekend as students prepare for the new school year, whether it be in traditional classrooms or online.