The gubernatorial campaign is starting to heat up as Republican nominee Rick Scott and Democratic nominee Alex Sink spar over debates, clash over tax returns and jump in on an event planned to mark the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by burning Qurans.

Religious and political leaders from across the country and around the world continued Wednesday -- almost unanimously -- to condemn a planned Quran-burning event in Gainesville. "International Burn a Koran Day," to be led by Pastor Terry Jones from his evangelical World Outreach Center, is still scheduled for Saturday -- the ninth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

A report found a string of failures by "multiple companies" led to the deadly Deepwater Horizon disaster, and BP is taking the blame for the blowout that spewed millions of gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico.

Floridas looming budget shortfall has been shrunk in half by state analysts who credit federal stimulus dollars, years of spending cuts, and Indian gambling money as helping forge a brighter picture but one that could still leave the state in a $2.5 billion hole.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Alex Sink won the endorsement of a renewable-energy group Tuesday, for which she was promptly thrashed by Republican opponent Rick Scott.

When people learn that you are an economist, they often want you to predict which way the economy is going. There seem to be more than the usual number of calls for such predictions lately. But an economist should be more aware than others are of how hazardous such predictions can be.

Lost in the shadows of the dramatic, competitive battles for governor and U.S. Senate, the two major party nominees in the attorney generals race nevertheless have begun to attack one another and stake out positions they hope will lead to victory in November.

Visit Florida and the state Chamber of Commerce have more to worry about than oil.

Branding Islam a "violent and oppressive religion" a Gainesville pastor said his church will mark Sept. 11 by burning Qurans.