By Aaron Marshall of the Cleveland Plain Dealer

A deal to pass an eight-state compact that would protect Great Lakes water imploded Thursday as House Democrats blocked a constitutional amendment Republicans wanted to ensure the agreement wouldn't hurt private property rights. Full Article.

By William Hershey of the Dayton Daily News

The House has given final legislative approval to a $1.57 billion bipartisan economic stimulus plan that now goes to Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland for his consideration. Full Article.

By Jim Siegel of the Columbus Dispatch

A $1.6 billion economic-stimulus bill that Gov. Ted Strickland hopes will create 57,000 jobs in Ohio passed its final legislative hurdle yesterday, though a controversial anti-cloning provision probably won't survive. Full Article.

By Jim Siegel of the Columbus Dispatch

More than 4,100 vacant residential properties stain the landscape across Columbus, but city officials hope a bill passed by the Ohio Senate yesterday will help them get those buildings into the hands of new owners. Full Article.

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 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 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.