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COVID-19: The Latest

Trump won’t extend social distancing guidelines

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Wednesday the federal government will not be extending its coronavirus social distancing guidelines once they expire Thursday, and his son-in-law and adviser, Jared Kushner, predicted that by July the country will be “really rocking again.” Meanwhile, Trump said he plans to resume official travel with a trip to Arizona next week. And he said he’s hoping to hold mass campaign rallies in the coming months with thousands of supporters, even though medical experts have said there is little hope of having a vaccine by then. Putting a ...

Unemployment surge pushes state funds toward insolvency

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — A surge in unemployment stemming from the coronavirus shutdown of large parts of the U.S. economy is starting to push some state jobless funds toward insolvency. At least a half-dozen states already have notified the federal government that they could need to borrow billions of dollars to pay unemployment benefits because their own trust funds are running out of money. While the shortfalls won’t prevent unemployed workers from getting government aid, the federal loans could lead to higher taxes for businesses in future years to repay the debt. U.S. ...

Wheeling Hospital OK’d to resume elective surgeries

WHEELING — Wheeling Hospital officials announced Tuesday the hospital will resume the practice of urgent elective surgeries and medical procedures later this week. The announcement came after the hospital received the required approval from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human ...

JCESC continues to aid schools amid closure

STEUBENVILLE — As schools shut down amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Jefferson County Educational Service Center is doing its part to assist teachers and students alike. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued closures for the remainder of the school year in an effort to reduce the spread of the virus, but the homebound teachers and students have relied upon instructional materials known as blizzard bags and online coursework to maintain an education. JCESC has provided help in that realm to prevent disruption to student learning. Administrative Assistant Mark Masloski said technology has been ...

April 30: Events canceled/postponed due to coronavirus

Due to the precautions being taken surrounding the coronavirus, the following changes have been made regarding events and meetings in the local area: ¯ The Ohio Valley Mopar Club car show set for Saturday at Eastern Gateway Community College has been rescheduled for Sept. 7. ¯ Monday’s meeting of the Woman’s Club of Steubenville has been canceled. ¯ The Fun Seekers have canceled their meeting, which was scheduled for Wednesday. ¯ The 26th-annual Harrison Coal and Reclamation Historical Park dinner auction set for May 9 at the Hopedale VFD Social Hall has been postponed until ...

DeWine: No graduations if they amount to mass gatherings

COLUMBUS — Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Wednesday clarified that high school graduations can't be permitted if they amount to mass gatherings. The Republican governor said the most preferred option is a virtual ceremony conducted online, followed by a drive-in ceremony allowing students to ...