TOKYO (AP) — Yohei Kono, a Japanese politician who as top government spokesperson offered a historic apology to Asian women over sexual abuses by Japan’s wartime military, has died, officials said. He was 89. Kono had placed great importance on promoting friendly ties with China, South ...

NILES — Emma M. “Jake” Flenner, 87, passed away peacefully Sunday, June 7, 2026, at her home. She was born Oct. 27, 1938, in Walkersville, W.Va., a daughter of Cecil Homer and Treassa J. VanKirk. A devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and housekeeper, she resided in ...

AUSTINTOWN — Patricia A. Herman, 70, moved to her heavenly home Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at her residence. She was born Aug. 18, 1955, a daughter of the late Raymond and Mary Catherine McCarthy Welsh, the first of five children. Patricia Welsh married her husband and soulmate in August ...

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — Mary Ann Bach passed away Wednesday, June 3, 2026. She was 73. Mary Ann was born May 8, 1953, in Youngstown, to Michael John Bach and Helen Mikita Bach. She is a 1972 graduate of Chaney High School. Mary Ann worked as a sales associate for 17 years at Walmart. She ...

YOUNGSTOWN — Elizabeth Ryan “Betsy” Johnquest, 75, passed away peacefully from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at her home surrounded by her loving family and friends. Born to Rita McLaughlin Ryan and James Roger Ryan on July 8, 1950, in Youngstown, her family ...

LIBERTY TOWNSHIP — William Anderson “Bill” Small, 70, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026, at the Cleveland Clinic surrounded by his family. Bill was born Sept. 15, 1955, in Weirton, W.Va., a son of Anderson Small Jr. and Emma Johns Small. After high school, Bill proudly served in the ...