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Canfield native reinvents herself with self-care brand

YOUNGSTOWN — BrookeLynn Cohol, founder of the all-natural skincare and self-care brand Ella Vatour, has launched The Evolution Series. which is her collection of five essential oil blends in support of individuals going through life transitions. The series, introduced for the holiday ...

Wall Street rises to records after the unemployment rate improves

NEW YORK — U.S. stocks hit records Friday following a mixed report on the U.S. job market, one that may delay another cut to interest rates by the Federal Reserve but does not slam the door on it. The S&P 500 climbed 0.6% and topped its prior all-time high set earlier in the week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 237 points, or 0.5%, and likewise set a record, while the Nasdaq composite led the market with a 0.8% gain. The moves came after the U.S. Labor Department said employers hired fewer workers during December than economists expected, though the unemployment rate ...

3 big changes for retirement planning this year

For retirement savers and retirees, the new year brings more than the usual inflation adjustments to retirement contributions. The retirement legislation known as Secure 2.0 will also continue to phase in, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will have impacts too. Here’s a roundup of three key changes and some moves to consider. Roth-only catch-up contributions for 401(k) investors Thanks to a provision in the Secure 2.0 retirement legislation, high-income earners (with $150,000 or more in FICA income in the prior year) who are over 50 and investing in 401(k) or other company ...

Examining last year’s odd economy, and what to watch for moving forward

WASHINGTON (AP) — The economy in 2025 was filled with contradictions, as growth was healthy while hiring slowed, inflation stayed elevated and unemployment rose. Last year’s odd outcomes raise a host of questions for the upcoming year: Will a growing economy eventually boost the sluggish job market? Or are last year’s weak job gains a sign of a stumbling economy that could get worse? There is another uncomfortable possibility: The economy could keep growing without much hiring, as technology — particularly artificial intelligence — enables more companies to step up their ...

Edmunds: 5 affordable cars and SUVs for 2026

Affordability is a hotter topic than ever in 2026. Many people are struggling to manage rising costs and live within their means, making it harder to justify splurging on things they want but don’t need. That applies to car shopping decisions too. If you need a new vehicle and your budget is tight, check out this list of the best affordable cars for sale to help you get started on the right foot. Edmunds’ experts have ranked their favorite models for 2026 across price and size classes. Factor in base prices, fuel economy and safety ratings, and the following list of the five best ...

Trump touts plan to lower mortgage rates

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said on social media Thursday that he is directing the federal government to buy $200 billion in mortgage bonds, a move he said would help reduce mortgage rates at a time when Americans are worried about home prices. Trump and the White House have been trying to show they are responding to voter concerns about affordability ahead of midterm elections in November. Home prices have generally risen faster than incomes because of a persistent construction shortfall, making it harder for renters to buy their first home and for existing owners to ...