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Powell says economy recovering but Fed support still needed

WASHINGTON (AP) — Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell says the economic recovery from the coronavirus pandemic has progressed more quickly than expected, but the central bank does not intend to let up in its support efforts. In congressional testimony released Monday, Powell said that even though the recovery appears to be strengthening, there are still many pockets of weakness in the U.S. economy. “The sectors of the economy most adversely affected by the resurgence of the virus and by greater social distancing remain weak,” he said in his remarks prepared for an oversight ...

Hugs, at long last: Nursing homes easing visitor rules

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — An 88-year-old woman in Ohio broke down in tears as her son hugged her for the first time in a year. Nursing home residents and staff in California sang “Over the Rainbow” as they resumed group activities and allowed visitors back in. A 5-year-old dove into the ...

DeWine promises veto, offers compromise on GOP-backed bill

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Gov. Mike DeWine predicted a chaotic future for Ohio in a letter Monday pleading with fellow Republican lawmakers to compromise on a health bill that would handicap the state’s ability to issue any orders during an emergency on the same day the state surpassed 1 ...

ODOT, Monroe County partner on litter cleanup

WOODSFIELD — The Ohio Department of Transportation agreed to partner with Monroe County to aid in its annual spring litter cleanup. The county was unable to hold the litter cleanup last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving the sides of the roadways in need of a little extra TLC this year. During the cleanup, volunteers will pick up discarded trash along the roadways, helping to improve the community. The person or group that picks up the most bags of trash will be offered an undisclosed prize, courtesy of the soil and water department. The Monroe County Board of ...

Harrison health department opens self-scheduling tool for vaccine

CADIZ — The Harrison County Health Department launched a new online tool for residents to use to schedule their own appointment time to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. In response to expanding eligibility guidelines, the department made an online scheduling tool available for residents to sign up and select their own appointment time slot to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The new program allows residents to select a specific time during the week's clinic as opposed to being on a call list and waiting for the health department to contact them. Garen Rhome, administrator of the ...

DeWine’s interpreter on duty in Belmont

ST. CLAIRSVILLE — Marla Berkowitz is familiar to many who tune in to Gov. Mike DeWine’s weekly public addresses. As a sign language interpreter for deaf viewers, her energetic and animated signing is a near-constant presence during broadcasts. On Friday, however, Berkowitz was on duty ...