Associated Press

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.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Authorities say a Florida woman has been sentenced to five years in prison for her role in a scam that collected $2 million from Ohio residents who believed they were donating to a fund for U.S. Navy veterans.

Blanca Contreras of Tampa was sentenced Wednesday in Cleveland on earlier pleas to theft, money laundering and other charges. Attorney general's spokesman Dan Tierney says she handled nearly $475,000 in Ohio donations for the U.S. Navy Veterans Association. Investigators say little, if any, of the money was used to benefit veterans.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Medical investigators could soon carry weapons as the Ohio State Medical Board considers arming some of its workers.

The board will vote on Thursday whether to allow the employees to be armed during their investigations.

Executive Director Richard Whitehouse says investigators often find themselves in threatening situations, and in the past have had to talk their way out. He says the weapons would be a precaution of last resort.