COVID-19 Recession in Texas

On Friday, federal officials gave Texas the green light to provide the additional payments. States can contribute another $100, but Texas does not plan to do so. Full Story 

With more than 10,000 Texans dead from COVID-19, economists have warned that until the state gets a handle on the pandemic, the economic recession will not improve. Full Story 

Some bar owners are planning to reopen in defiance of the moratorium, a desperate attempt to generate income — and draw Gov. Greg Abbott’s attention. Full Story 

At least 10 other states have already applied and been approved for the additional unemployment benefits. Full Story 

Economic experts say a slow recovery in the industry means problems will persist for the restaurant sector — and businesses in the supply chain on which it relies. Full Story 

Confusion over unemployment relief in Texas has persisted since President Donald Trump took executive action in early August announcing an extra $400 weekly payment — but only if states administer the funds and chip in a quarter of the cost. Full Story 

The COVID-19 pandemic has clobbered the Texas economy and trade with Mexico, clouding the trade deal’s potential impacts, experts say. Full Story 

Under President Donald Trump’s directive, the federal government may only have enough money to pay the enhanced $300 weekly benefits for about five weeks. The extra federal benefit was previously $600 a week. Full Story 

Economists said canceling football would be devastating to local businesses that rely on the huge influxes of cash from home games. Meanwhile, athletics officials weigh whether they can risk the health and welfare of student athletes. Full Story 

The order could face legal challenges, and Texas might have to chip in a quarter of the cost. State leaders have not said how they'll respond. Full Story 

Businesses that make up most of their sales with alcohol were closed down by Abbott's latest shutdown order, leaving them to maneuver through loopholes to reopen. Full Story 

The nonbinding opinion comes as housing experts and advocates fear that the COVID-19 recession will prompt a surge in evictions across the state. Full Story 

Texas collected $2.98 billion in sales tax revenue in July — 4.3% more than in July 2019. Comptroller Glenn Hegar said the number was "better than expected." Full Story 

The city's first program, launched in May, received overwhelming demand and ran out of funds in 90 minutes. Full Story 

The company didn’t say exactly how many pending lawsuits it would drop in Texas and elsewhere, but it confirmed that “several thousand cases” would be impacted. Full Story 

The families of more than 20% of the 3.6 million eligible school children across the state have yet to apply for federal aid under the Pandemic EBT program. Full Story 

Many local governments have implemented their own measures to protect tenants from eviction during the pandemic, and there are groups that help tenants navigate what can be a complicated and traumatic process. Full Story 

The CARES Act's $600 weekly unemployment benefit expires in Texas on Saturday, leaving out-of-work Texans in a period of uncertainty as Congress debates what to put in new federal relief legislation. Full Story 

Without money to pay rent, facing pressures from landlords and afraid of courts, people without legal immigration status have limited options. Full Story 

City leaders are asking for more spending flexibility to address the financial shortfalls caused by the pandemic. Full Story