New White House offer adds $600 stimulus checks to COVID-19 relief

It proposes the $600 direct payment for individuals and $1,200 for couples, which is half the payment delivered by the March pandemic relief bill.

Texas job creation appears to buck trends, but challenges remain

COVID-19 has impacted the job market for millions across the country. There are a few bright spots with recent trends but there are still more than twice as many people unemployed, in our region, compared to a year ago.

US economy will return to pre-pandemic levels by second-half of 2021, experts predict

The U.S. economy's growth is likely slowing as 2020 comes to a close, but a growing number of economists expect it to claw back to its pre-pandemic strength by the second half of next year.

Unemployment claims rise to 778,000 as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.

Report: 12M Americans to lose jobless benefits day after Christmas

According to findings by The Century Foundation, a policy research institute, 12 million workers will be on one of two main CARES Act programs — Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) — when funding expires on Dec. 26.

Unemployment claims increase to 742,000 as COVID-19 cases surge

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

Stock market comeback on pause amid coronavirus surge

The numbers underscore how the coronavirus pandemic is worsening and threatening to drag the economy lower, at least in the near term.

Many challenges remain as US casinos financially recover from virus

America's casinos are recovering from months of closures necessitated by the coronavirus outbreak, having regained 81% of the gambling revenue they saw in the third quarter of last year.

Texas oyster industry starts its season slowed by the COVID-19 pandemic

The Texas oyster season started, quietly, this year, while many of us have been riveted by presidential politics. Like so many others, the oyster business is struggling to make ends meet, during the pandemic.

Community steps up to help veteran's candy store in The Woodlands

89-year old Don Baker was afraid his business wouldn't make it through the holidays. Long-time customer Danielle Cox shared the news on Facebook and in less than a day got 6,000 shares.

Harris County Judge believes scaling back reopening inevitable amid COVID-19 surge

Harris County's positivity rate reached a low of almost five percent last month. Now, it's nearing eight percent. Hospitalizations are also increasing.

709,000 seek unemployment aid as pandemic escalates

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 709,000, the fourth straight drop and a sign that the job market is slowly healing.