After a three-year hiatus, the state of Ohio plans to start resuming executions in January. The state's largest online charter school has appealed a judge's decision says the Ohio Department of Education can to seek to recover some of the more than $100 million it paid to the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow. Early voting begins for all registered Ohio voters next week, and so it's no coincidence that both major parties will be in Ohio.

Two new polls came out this week in Ohio, each showing a different presidential candidate in the lead. But they both show a commanding lead for Republican U.S. Senator Rob Portman, when earlier this year, it appeared Democratic former Gov. Ted Strickland was going to give Portman a run for his money. But Ohio Public Television's Jo Ingles reports it's Portman's money that appears to be giving him a runaway lead over Strickland.

Last week state senators held their first voting session since May, taking action on several bills, including one that would require lawmakers review the need for state commissions, boards and cabinet level state agencies every two years. This sunset bill passed the Senate mostly along party lines. Republicans said it allows lawmakers to reassert their legislative authority, provides for more accountability for taxpayers and a check on expanding government. But Democrats and other groups blasted it as unnecessary, disruptive and potentially expensive and confusing. The leaders of the Senate, President Keith Faber (R-Celina) and Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman) speak out about it.