The heroes of the week, God bless them, are the stalwart judges of the 1st District Court of Appeal.

Poor attendance at local sporting events would not allow professional franchises to black out games if the team or the league receives any money from the state under a measure filed by a Tampa Bay area lawmaker.

The sponsor, Sen. Mike Fasano, R-New Port Richey, said the bill (SB 836) is largely aimed at forcing the National Football League to show local games in Florida markets even if they can't fill their stadiums. Professional sports franchises, including the state's NFL teams, have been receiving funds from the state since 1991.

It's hard to picture two places in Florida more different than Miami and Gretna.

But international, glitzy Miami and rural, down-home Gretna are drawing headlines for the same reason: gambling.

The debate about expanded gambling intensified this week as lawmakers and lobbyists get ready to battle about adding resort casinos in Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Meanwhile, the Gadsden County Commission agreed to hold a referendum about allowing slot machines at a new Gretna racetrack and poker room.

WASHINGTON -- The Republican presidential candidates, their sinews stiffened and their blood summoned up, may rightly dread Wednesday's version of what are inexplicably called debates.

Trailing in the polls in his bid for the Republican presidential nomination, former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum of Pennsylvania putting new emphasis on social and cultural issues as he seeks to gain momentum.