Jeep maker Stellantis is planning to lay off an unspecified number of workers at its U.S. factories in the coming months to deal with a rapidly changing global auto market, the company said Tuesday. The statement comes as the company faces increased capital spending to make the transition from gasoline vehicles to electric autos. It also has reported declining U.S. sales in the first quarter, and it has higher costs due to a new contract agreement reached last year with the United Auto Workers union. Stellantis has about 43,000 factory workers. “These actions will help improve productivity an ..read more

UnitedHealth says files with personal information that could cover a “substantial portion of people in America” may have been taken in the cyberattack earlier this year on its Change Healthcare business. The company said Monday after markets closed that it sees no signs that doctor charts or full medical histories were released after the attack. But it may take several months of analysis before UnitedHealth can identify and notify people who were affected. UnitedHealth did say that some screen shots containing protected health information or personally identifiable information were posted for ..read more

When Anna Branch, 37, had her hours at work reduced at the start of the pandemic in 2020, she suddenly noticed ads for an app called EarnIn. “You know how they get you — the algorithms — like they’re reading your mind,” Branch said. “The ad said I could get up to $100 this week and repay it in my next pay period.” Branch, who was working as an administrative assistant in Charleston, South Carolina, downloaded the app, agreed to the flat fee, and added the suggested “tip.” The cash helped her cover expenses until payday, when the app debited the borrowed $100, plus $18 for the fee and tip. Fou ..read more

Cyberattacks on businesses are rising, including small businesses. It’s a troubling trend because a breach can be very costly and time consuming if owners don’t have a plan to deal with one. According to the Verizon 2023 Data Breach Investigations Report, the median cost per ransomware attack — which features a type of malicious software designed to block access to a computer system until a sum of money is paid — more than doubled over the past two years to $26,000. That’s partly because there has been a dramatic increase in ransomware attacks, which represent 24% of all breaches. Small busin ..read more

Sometimes, climbing out of a money rut starts with a pep talk — to yourself. “I like affirmations and speaking out loud,” says Giovanna Gonzalez, a financial educator and author of “Cultura & Cash.” Her favorite affirmations are statements like, “I am not a reflection of my money mistakes,” “I can improve my financial situation,” and “My finances are within my control.” If you find yourself repeating frustrating money patterns, such as overspending or struggling to pay off debt, that kind of attitude shift can help get you on a different path, Gonzalez says. “Mindset is so important, and ..read more

Unrelated measures against using a hand-held phone while driving and illegal drag racing were approved by a Louisiana committee in the House of Representatives on Monday. The Committee on Transportation, Highways and Public Works approved several bills related to driving. The proposal involving drag racing, often called street takeovers, would allow impoundment of vehicles for up to 30 days. Senate Bill 98, sponsored by Sen. Patrick McMath, R-Covington, would make hand-held use of a phone behind the wheel a secondary offense that could be added to another offense, such as speeding or reckless ..read more

Shan Davis, executive director for the state’s K-12 school board, announced her final day on the job via email Monday. “It just seemed like the right time,” Davis said in a call with the Illuminator. Davis worked for the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education for 15 years and was executive director for almost 10 years. “This is my fourth board, and I’ve always tried to carry out what the majority of the board wanted,” Davis said. “My role is to serve the board, and that is what I’ve tried to do. I feel like I’ve enjoyed doing that, and I’ve been successful at it.” Before w ..read more

New Orleans-based THC/CBD seltzer brand Louie Louie will produce its products locally for the first time, announcing a partnership with Port Orleans Brewing Co. on the brand’s first anniversary. Port Orleans Brewing on Tchoupitoulas Street will be Louie Louie’s third co-packer, with additional facilities in North Carolina and Texas. “Producing locally was always part of our plan and as demand for our products continues to grow, we’re thrilled to welcome Port Orleans as a partner to bring that plan into action,” said Eric Becker, Louie Louie co-founder. Louie Louie’s three flavors include Blac ..read more

Millennials and Generation Z have made a noticeable shift back to basics in recent years. Learn how and why these younger groups increasingly turn towards homesteading and how they differ from previous generations of homesteaders. The appeal of growing food, raising livestock and living more sustainably has caught the imagination of younger generations under 40. They’re looking for meaningful ways to address climate change, deal with food supply issues and live a lifestyle aligned with their values. And they’re taking action by pursuing traditional homesteading activities that let them live m ..read more

According to a survey by IPX1031, 90% of Americans plan to travel at some point in 2024, and 50% plan to travel more than they have in previous years. Of that number, 85% plan out-of-state travel, while 38% plan an international excursion. Tired of dealing with the high cost of living, demanding jobs, and negative news, many need a break. Travel is the remedy. While international tourism returns to pre-pandemic levels, the high costs of airfare, accommodations, and more force many to tinker with their plans. Some people opt for a staycation to stay on budget, while others take advantage of a ..read more