Ashley Lopez: At the same time the Republican-led Florida Legislature was turning down federal funds that would pay for expanding the state’s Medicaid program to more than 1 million people who cannot afford health insurance, those same state lawmakers were working to keep their own insurance premiums lower than most other state employees.

Ashley Lopez: Florida’s 2013 legislative session ended last week without state lawmakers agreeing on a plan to accept federal money for expanding Medicaid in the state. Now, Democrats are asking the governor to call a special session to work out a deal.

Ashley Lopez: Will the controversial practice of hydraulic fracturing come to the Sunshine State?

Howard Goodman: The city of Tampa will be able to ban clubs and spears during the Republican National Convention. But not guns.

Howard Goodman: A liberal group is urging Florida lawmakers to sever ties with the American Legislative Exchange Council, the organization that helped spread Stand Your Ground and voting-restriction laws to dozens of states.

Howard Goodman: Since Florida passed its new election law last year, almost 81,500 fewer people have registered to vote than in the same period during the 2008 election cycle.

Howard Goodman: The Travyon Martin case is bringing unusual attention to Florida’s freewheeling gun culture.

Howard Goodman: As soon as the bill was signed into law in Florida, the NRA’s executive vice president said the pro-gun organization would use the victory to promote the law everywhere.

Howard Goodman: An explanation oft Florida’s Stand Your Ground law and the political fallout from the Trayvon Martin shooting.

Howard Goodman: With the 60-day session rushing to a close at midnight Friday, lawmakers pushed through tax relief for the business sector that will total some $750 million this year and more than $2.5 billion over the next three years.