News

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio will pay cash to tens of thousands of state workers this month to make up for personal days they gave up over the past two years to help balance the state budget.

The Associated Press has learned that each full-time employee is receiving the equivalent of four days' wages plus four sick days. That's in exchange for eight personal days conceded under the union contract negotiated under former Gov. Ted Strickland.

Swapping sick for personal days is beneficial for the state. Sick time - unlike personal time - is only partially reimbursed when unused.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The NCAA investigation into Ohio State's football program has cost the school's athletic department $800,000.

OSU Athletic director Gene Smith confirmed the figure on Wednesday in an email to The Associated Press. The Buckeyes football program has been embroiled in a memorabilia-for-cash scandal that broke late last year and has resulted in coach Jim Tressel losing his job after 10 years. Star quarterback Terrelle Pryor also has left the school.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio is to receive $16 million in a federal grant to help clean up communities ravaged by spring storms.

The grant will create 1,144 temporary jobs for dislocated workers to help raze demolished buildings, repair structures and clear streets of debris.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis says the money will help make Ohio whole and show them that their government stands with them as they try to repair their communities.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio's higher education chief has released details of a program for easing regulations on public universities if they agree to give up some state money.

Chancellor Jim Petro posted his proposal online Wednesday for creating semi-private enterprise or charter universities. He has scheduled a question-and-answer session with administrators and reporters Thursday.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - The state has found the actions of an Ohio prison doctor problematic following an investigation into the suicide of an inmate under the doctor's care.

Dr. Myron Shank resigned during the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction's review of Gregory Stamper's suicide June 1.

In a report obtained by the Associated Press Wednesday, the department cited several issues with Shank's work at Allen Correctional Center in Lima.

The state says Shank failed to follow up with patients and discontinued medication without first meeting with patients.