How the rich pass on their wealth. And how you can too

February 21, 2026

NEW YORK (AP) — Death and taxes may be inevitable. A big bill for your heirs is not. The rich have made an art of avoiding taxes and making sure their wealth passes down effortlessly to the next generation. But the tricks they use – to expedite payouts to heirs and avoid handing money to the government – can also work for people with far more modest estates. “It’s a strategic game of chess played over decades,” says Mark Bosler, an estate planning attorney in Troy, Michigan, and legal adviser to Real Estate Bees. “While the average person relies on a simple will, the ...

Fleming’s Mercantile Eatery combines classic comfort with locally made goods

February 14, 2026

LOCK HAVEN — Owned and operated by the Fleming family, Fleming’s Mercantile Eatery, located at 8 Bellefonte Ave., Lock Haven has quickly become a local favorite by combining classic comfort food with a welcoming, small-town atmosphere. Known for its hearty burgers, stacked sandwiches ...

Jumangi Bistro aims to bring diversity in its food offerings to area

February 7, 2026

LOCK HAVEN — Lock Haven’s dining scene has a fresh new addition with the opening of Jumangi Bistro, a family owned restaurant offering a unique blend of Mediterranean and Latin cuisine, focusing on connecting the community through food. The owners of Jumangi Bistro created this ...

Average US long-term mortgage rate barely budges, holding near 6%

February 7, 2026

The average long-term U.S. mortgage rate barely budged this week, staying close to 6% as the spring home-buying season nears. The benchmark 30-year fixed rate mortgage rate edged up to 6.11%, essentially flat compared to last week when it was 6.1%, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. One year ago, the rate averaged 6.89%. This is the latest increase since the average rate eased three weeks ago to 6.06%, its lowest level in more than three years. Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also ticked up this week. ...

Pizza Hut closing 250 US stores as parent company considers selling the brand

February 7, 2026

Pizza Hut plans to close 250 U.S. restaurants in the first half of this year as its parent company considers a sale of the chain. Yum Brands said Wednesday it’s targeting underperforming Pizza Hut restaurants in its system. Pizza Hut has more than 6,000 locations in the U.S. Louisville, Kentucky-based Yum Brands said in November it was conducting a formal review of options for Pizza Hut, which has struggled with outdated stores and growing competition. The chain’s U.S. same-store sales, or sales at locations open at least a year, fell 5% last year, Yum said. Rival Domino’s, ...

New Benner Pike hotel reflects Centre’s tourism growth

January 31, 2026

BELLEFONTE — With Centre County tourism hitting record highs and visitor numbers still climbing, Bellefonte’s new dual-branded Avid and Candlewood Suites hotel reflects continued investment in the region’s visitor economy. One of the first hotels in the country to combine short- and ...