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Edmunds: Cadillac Optiq outperforms Audi Q4 E-tron

There are many luxury electric SUVs to choose from, but they are often out of reach financially for most buyers. This is especially true now that the $7,500 federal tax credit has been eliminated. But there are some options if you’re working with a modest luxury budget. Two of the most compelling are the Audi Q4 E-tron and Cadillac Optiq. Audi introduced its Q4 E-tron back for the 2022 model year. It’s a bit smaller than the brand’s gas-powered Q5 but is still plenty practical. It also receives some updates for 2025, including a new base version with increased range and power, as ...

US filings for jobless benefits fall to 191,000, lowest since September 2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in more than three years during Thanksgiving week, potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates. The number of Americans applying for jobless benefits for the week ending Nov. 29 fell to 191,000 from the previous week’s 218,000, the Labor Department reported Thursday. That’s the lowest level since Sept. 24, 2022, when claims came in at 189,000. Analysts surveyed by the data provider FactSet had forecast initial claims of 221,000. Kathy Bostjancic, ...

Hiram cheese maker named in recall

The Associated Press There is a recall for more than 260,000 cases of shredded cheese sold in 31 states and Puerto Rico because of the potential for metal fragment contamination, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Ohio was not among the affected states, the FDA said. However, Pennsylvania was among the 31 states listed in the recall. The FDA said that the various shredded cheeses were recalled by Great Lakes Cheese Co., headquartered in Hiram. The cheese products are sold under private store-brand labels at several retailers, including Target, Walmart and ...

LIUNA Local 125 donates to food bank

Staff report The Laborers’ International Union of North America Local 125 presented a $4,100 donation Wednesday to Second Harvest Food Bank of the Mahoning Valley. The union’s Business Manager Rich Troisi and Secretary-Treasurer Dennis Brown, joined by representatives from the Ohio Laborers’ Employers Cooperation and Education Trust, delivered the funds to the food bank’s headquarters at 2805 Salt Springs Road, Youngstown. Second Harvest Food Bank provides hunger relief across the Mahoning Valley, especially families facing economic hardship. LIUNA Local 125’s ...

Southwoods Health extends into Trumbull County

Staff report Southwoods Health announced Tuesday the expansion of its network into Trumbull County and the surrounding region. Howland Specialty Care, 8740 E. Market St., Howland, opened Oct. 27. The facility features seven specialty services: cardiology, gastroenterology, general surgery, orthopaedics, pain management, pediatric gastroenterology and spine. “We believe everyone deserves access to high-quality care close to where they live and work. It’s more than a convenience — it’s a necessity,” said Ed Muransky, CEO of Southwoods Health. “Our commitment to Trumbull ...

HBK acquires Maryland accounting firm

Staff report HBK CPAs & Consultants, a regional accounting and advisory firm headquartered in Canfield, announced Monday that McLean, Koehler, Sparks & Hammond, a Maryland-based accounting firm, has joined HBK. Company officials said the combination adds approximately 30 professionals to the HBK team and establishes the firm’s first offices in Maryland through locations in Timonium and Frederick. Ira Rosenbloom of Optimum Strategies advised both firms on the transaction. Founded more than 80 years ago, MKS&H has built a reputation for delivering comprehensive accounting, tax, ...