Unemployment claims fall to 547,000, a new pandemic low
The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell last week to 547,000, a new low since the pandemic struck and a further encouraging sign that layoffs are slowing on the strength of an improving job market.
FEMA Community Vaccination Center at NRG now open without appointment
Effective Wednesday, the FEMA Community Vaccination Center at NRG will accept residents without an appointment.
Uber shares mask enforcement tips for drivers, passengers
Uber says that it is keeping its mask policy in place to follow the federal CDC mandate requiring travelers to wear a mask.
Donations needed at The Women's Home as giving is down due to the pandemic
"I got in there completely broken...heavily addicted to opiates". A Houston woman shares her story to help bring awareness to The Women's Home as donations are down in the pandemic.
Unemployment claims fall to 576,000, lowest since COVID-19 pandemic began
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 576,000, a hopeful sign that layoffs are easing as the economy recovers from the pandemic recession.
FEMA is now accepting applications for COVID-19 funeral expenses
Financial relief could be on the way for the families of the nearly 50,000 Texans who died from COVID-19. FEMA is now accepting applications for COVID-19 funeral expenses.
Surveys say pandemic is delaying retirements, prompting more people to save
After more than a year of the pandemic, a lot of people have felt their finances pinched. That's especially true for those who were hoping to retire, only to find they may have to wait.
Unemployment claims jump to 744,000 as layoffs persist amid pandemic
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 744,000, signaling that many employers are still cutting jobs.
156 million coronavirus relief payments issued, Treasury says
The Treasury Department says it has issued more than 156 million payments as part of President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief plan.
Report projects 80,000 store closings in coming years
While the pandemic has made it impossible for some retailers to stay in business, a new report suggests tens of thousands of retailers could disappear in the coming years.
Third round of stimulus checks include ‘plus-up’ payments to those eligible for more money, IRS says
The IRS says these "plus-up" payments will continue on a weekly basis going forward, and go to those who recently filed a 2020 tax return and qualify for more stimulus money.
Those fully vaccinated for COVID-19 can travel, masks still encouraged: CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday gave the green light to people fully vaccinated to travel safely within the United States.
Hiring ramps up as US adds 916K jobs in March
America’s employers unleashed a burst of hiring in March, adding 916,000 jobs in a sign that a sustained recovery from the pandemic recession is taking hold.
Unemployment claims climb to 719,000; COVID-19 pandemic still forces layoffs
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose by 61,000 last week to 719,000, signaling that many employers are still cutting jobs even as more businesses reopen, vaccines are increasingly administered and federal aid spreads through the economy.
Biden signs extension of Paycheck Protection Program for small businesses by 2 months
President Joe Biden singed an extension of the Paycheck Protection Program a day before it was poised to expire, giving small businesses until May 31 to apply.
Weekend job fair held to get Houston-area residents back to work
The city of Houston is continuing to struggle to build back the jobs that were lost due to rock-bottom oil prices and the pandemic. One employer is making a dent in unemployment numbers by hiring 1,000 employees and offering them a way to get to work.
Ban on renter evictions during COVID-19 pandemic extended through June 30
The CDC on Monday moved to continue the pandemic-related protection, which had been scheduled to expire on March 31. Here’s how to be eligible.
Alcohol-to-go one step closer to becoming permanent in Texas
Alcohol to go is one step closer to becoming permanent in Texas. On Wednesday, the Texas House gave its initial approval. The bill will need another vote before heading to the Senate for final approval.
Houston-area employer looks to hire 1,000, offer rides to work
While the Houston area struggles to recover jobs that were lost, during the pandemic, one employer is looking to grow, in a big way, with some unusual benefits.
Gun merchants say sales rising among Asian Americans amid tensions, hate crimes
The Asian American community is on edge following the sharp rise in hate crimes in 2020. Many are now arming themselves for protection.