Florida TaxWatch cautions the Legislature not to repeal an insurance premium tax credit designed to encourage insurance company jobs in Florida -- at least not until it has fully assessed the impacts of what it would be like to live without it.

SB 1832, a bill that would effect the repeal,arose suddenly and is scheduled tobe heard by only one committee -- the SenateAppropriations Committee.

Internet cafes across Florida died Wednesday, signed out of existence with the signature of Gov. Rick Scott.

The governor signed legislation banning all electronic games that simulate slot machines or other casino-type games. Ittook effect immediately, leaving police and prosecutors with the authority to shut down and make arrests at any cafes that continue to operate.

Some arcade operators are considering retooling their machines to meet the new definitions for legal amusement games.

As the House and Senate consider changing Florida's campaign-finance laws this spring, they are debating whether to increase a longstanding $500 cap on contributions to political candidates.

But new records show that many incumbents are doing just fine collecting $500 checks.

After the first quarter of 2013, Rep. Carl Zimmerman, D-Dunedin, faces Chris Sprowls, a serious Republican challenger for the District 65 House seat, as they set their eyes on 2014.

While he had run against Peter Nehr before and came close to beating him in 2006 and 2008, Zimmerman finally defeated the Republican incumbent in 2012 after racy photos of Nehr surfaced on the Internet. Despite his win in November, Zimmerman now ranks as one of the Republicans top targets for 2014.

"Divisive." That's a word that appeared, often prominently, in many news stories reporting the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

Those who favor universal background checks on gun buyers make some ridiculous arguments.