Backlog of abuse files 'appalling'
State law says child abuse inquiries should be closed in 60 days, but there are 6,447 cases older than a year.

State budget and redistricting in play as leaders joust
Amendments in the Senate move the two chambers closer on some spending. Districts for Congress also remain unsettled.

Fla. Power case to test bias theory
The Supreme Court will decide if overt bias must be proven in older workers' suits.

U.S. attorney takes office
TAMPA -- Jacksonville lawyer Paul I. Perez was sworn in Monday as the new U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida.

House okays tax exemption review
The Senate president snubs the idea, which would make it difficult to repeal existing tax breaks.

House passes tough rules for abortion clinics
TALLAHASSEE -- Doctors who perform abortions would have to meet the same standards as outpatient surgery centers under a bill approved Monday by the Florida House.