US unemployment claims jump to 861,000 as layoffs stay high
The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid rose last week to 861,000, evidence that layoffs remain painfully high despite a steady drop in the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases.
House panel advances partial COVID-19 relief bill including $1,400 stimulus checks
The panel on Thursday evening approved its $940 billion piece of Biden's proposal on a 25-18 party-line vote
Scammers target people looking for stimulus checks
How you can protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19 stimulus check scams.
$2.6 million in rent relief available to Harris County residents
Harris County Commissioners Court approved an additional $2.6 million in spending, which county officials estimate will support as many as 304 families.
Application opens February 15 for Texas Rent Relief Program
Applications open February 15 for the Texas Rent Relief Program, a statewide rent and utility assistance program for qualifying households.
$1,400 stimulus check update: When could you get your third payment?
Households could start to receive the payments in just a few weeks.
Rental assistance available to eligible Galveston residents
The program can pay up to six-months of an eligible Galveston City household’s rent.
Professional cowboy discusses financial fallout of Houston rodeo canceled again
After the Houston rodeo got canceled again, a professional cowboy tells FOX 26 he's really feeling it in his pockets.
'I am optimistic now': Post-pandemic hiring could rebound quickly
A hopeful view is gaining steam that as vaccinations reach a critical mass, perhaps around midyear, and the government provides further stimulus, the economy and the job market will strengthen much faster than they did after previous recessions.
Texas officials extend emergency SNAP benefits for February 2021
The Texas Health and Human Service Commission is providing about $300 million in emergency Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program food benefits.
Biden, Harris hear GOP pitch for smaller COVID-19 relief package
President Joe Biden has met with a group of Republican senators who have proposed a slimmed down $618 billion coronavirus aid package, about a third of what he's seeking.
10 GOP Senators request meeting with Biden to negotiate less-costly COVID-19 relief plan
Ten Senate Republicans wrote Biden in a letter released Sunday asking him to meet them at the negotiating table, highlighting their less-costly counterproposal.
Houston Food Bank still in high demand almost 1 year into the COVID-19 pandemic
The Houston Food Bank is currently serving a little less than 100,000 families per week after almost a year into the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stimulus check calculator: Confirm you received full relief payment before filing 2020 tax return
Americans can claim any missing money from their stimulus checks when they file their 2020 tax return.
Unemployment claims drop; still at 847,000 as pandemic rages on
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to a historically high 847,000 last week, a sign that layoffs remain high as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage.
Texas grocery store run by high school students gives free food to families in need
A Texas high school runs its own grocery store so students and their families could get food and other necessities during the pandemic. Instead of money, they accept good deeds as payment. Now the store has expanded to help over 100 families in their community who are in need.
Houston fashion designer teaches herself to sew by watching YouTube
A young Houston mom knew school was out of the question at the time, but she didn't give up on her dreams. She's now a successful fashion designer after teaching herself to sew by watching YouTube.
UN report says COVID-19 job losses are 4 times worse than Great Recession
The job losses over the past year are now the worst of a generation.
Despite pandemic eviction bans, people are still losing their homes
The California eviction moratorium currently expires on January 31. Some people are losing housing despite the moratorium, and others who can't pay are harassed by landlords.
Stimulus checks and your 2020 taxes: All of your questions, answered
The federal government has delivered two stimulus checks to tens of millions of Americans as part of an effort to blunt the economic pain triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, but many are wondering how the payments could affect your 2020 taxes as filing season approaches.