TALLAHASSEE | Former Gov. Jeb Bush announced Tuesday that he won't run for the U.S. Senate in 2010 to replace the retiring Mel Martinez, saying that it was not the right time to return to elected office.

A few wildfires have been reported around Polk County and "everything is ripe" for more, according to the Florida Division of Forestry.<br>Chris Kintner, a spokeswoman for the Lakeland office, urged residents to be extra vigilant with any outdoor burning.

In the past, Kelly McGee wouldn't have thought twice about buying $10, faux-leather journals for her students. But her husband lost his construction job this year. They have a new baby.

REYKJAVIK, Iceland | A nationally televised meeting between Iceland's prime minister and other political leaders was forced off the air Wednesday night when angry protesters disrupted the broadcast.

A few wildfires have been reported around Polk County and "everything is ripe" for more, according to the Florida Division of Forestry.<br>Chris Kintner, a spokeswoman for the Lakeland office, urged residents to be extra vigilant with any outdoor burning.

WINTER HAVEN | A vehicle crash blocked the eastbound lane in the 1500 block of Dundee Road at 17th Street Northeast about noon Tuesday, the Florida Highway Patrol said.<br>There was no report about injuries.<br>An accident shortly after 11:30 a.m. blocked the road on Thornhill Road at Betty Ann Lane in Auburndale, the FHP reported.

BROOKSVILLE | Hernando schools officials missed at least one flag that might have tipped them off to potential wrongdoing by a teacher who was arrested last week on sex charges.

FREEPORT, Bahamas | Actor John Travolta and wife, Kelly Preston, have returned to Florida with the remains of their 16-year-old son, Jett, who died at the family vacation home in Grand Bahama.

WASHINGTON | President-elect Barack Obama plunged into rare pre-inaugural crisis talks with congressional leaders Monday, declaring the national economy was "bad and getting worse" and embracing tax cuts now expected to reach $300 billion. He predicted lawmakers would approve a mammoth revitalization package within two weeks of his taking...

<B>SHERRIE LONG</B>, director of marketing at <B>Allen &amp; Company,</B> recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to attend a national conference hosted by BizAction where the company's e-newsletter was honored for its original graphics and banner content.