From the Associated Press

Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush said self-government, higher education and strong families are the key to effectively meeting the needs of U.S. citizens as he spoke at a scholarship fundraiser in central Ohio. Full Article.

By Stephanie Warsmith and Dennis Willard of the Akron Beacon Journal

Former state Rep. John Widowfield, who resigned from the Ohio House of Representatives on Wednesday, plans to withdraw from running for Summit County Council this fall. Full Article.

By Aaron Marshall of the Cleveland Plain Dealer

A bill most Ohio law-enforcement groups and county prosecutor groups tried to shoot down easily cleared the Ohio House Wednesday as backers said the aim was to clarify how people can transport guns. Full Article.

By William Hershey of the Dayton Daily News

"Jobs, jobs, jobs" was the theme in the Ohio Senate as members overwhelmingly approved a $1.3 billion capital improvements budget and a $1.57 billion bipartisan economic stimulus plan. Full Article.

By Laura A. Bischoff of the Dayton Daily News

The Republican and Democrat who ultimately run to fill out the rest of Marc Dann's attorney general term will be competing against more than just one another for voter attention and donor cash. Full Article.

By Jim Siegel and Mark Niquette of the Columbus Dispatch

A bill designed to keep bad teachers from escaping trouble just by moving to new school districts is headed to Gov. Ted Strickland, after getting unanimous support from the Ohio Senate yesterday. Full Article.

By Catherin Candisky of the Columbus Dispatch

If Gov. Ted Strickland has his way, and it looks as if he will, the next state schools superintendent will help him push to reform and adequately fund Ohio's education system. Full article.

By Dennis Willard and Stephanie Warsmith of the Akron Beacon Journal

State Rep. John Widowfield, R-Cuyahoga Falls, abruptly resigned his legislative seat Wednesday amid allegations he purchased Ohio State University football tickets with campaign funds and sold them for a profit. Full Article.

By Catherine Candisky of the Columbus Dispatch

Ohio schools Superintendent Susan T. Zelman gave her long-expected resignation this morning. She will stay until a new superintendent is named, and can remain in an advisory capacity until Dec. 1. Full Article.

By Mark Niquette and Jim Siegel of the Columbus Dispatch

A Senate committee voted yesterday for some but not all changes that Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner is seeking for the Nov. 4 election, while also adding some amendments aimed at actions Brunner has taken in recent months. Full Article.