Trump, GOP suggest temporary fix for $600 jobless benefit

Frustrated congressional negotiators of a massive coronavirus relief bill are facing new pressure with Thursday's brutal economic news and the approaching lapse in a $600 per-week COVID-19 jobless benefit.

Record economic plunge, bleak jobs numbers reveal virus toll

The U.S. economy shrank at a dizzying 33% annual rate in the April-June quarter — by far the worst quarterly plunge ever — when the viral outbreak shut down businesses, throwing tens of millions out of work and sending unemployment surging to 14.7%, the government said Thursday.

Extension of emergency SNAP benefits announced for August

"By extending this emergency SNAP funding, the State of Texas is helping to ensure families can continue to put food on the table," said Governor Abbott.

US is expected to report a record-breaking economic plunge

Having endured what was surely a record-shattering slump last quarter, the U.S. economy faces a dim outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensifies doubts about the likelihood of any sustained recovery the rest of the year.

Struggling merchants, insurers battle over pandemic coverage

Restaurants, bars and other merchants struggling to stay afloat during the coronavirus pandemic are desperately reaching out for a lifeline from insurers who say they are being miscast as potential saviors.

Governor, HHSC extend application deadline for pandemic food benefits

P-EBT is a one-time benefit of $285 per eligible child and can be used in the same way Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits pay for groceries. The deadline is now August 21.

Second stimulus check details revealed: Who is eligible?

The GOP unveiled details for a second round of direct payments to American households on Monday, in legislation that has been dubbed the HEALS Act.

FOX 7 Discussion: Congress and COVID-19 relief

Discussions continue on Capitol Hill as Congress tries to pass another COVID-19 relief bill. Travis County GOP Matt Mackowiak and Glenn Smith from Progress Texas join Mike Warren on FOX 7 Austin to share their opinions on what would help the most.

As Congress fights, analysts warn economy needs help now

As Congress and the White House resume their efforts to agree on a new economic aid package, evidence is growing that the U.S. economy is faltering. And so is concern that the government may not take the steps needed to support hiring and growth.

More payments, extended benefits:  Inside the GOP's COVID stimulus proposal

The framework is expected to extend — but reduce substantially — just-expired expanded unemployment benefits, send a fresh round of $1,200 stimulus check to American adults earning less than $75,000 in August and funnel tens of billions of dollars in aid to schools and universities.

Business economists sketch a more hopeful outlook

In the past three months, the outlook for the U.S. economy has improved in the eyes of business economists. However, the optimism is couched somewhat by the resurgence of the coronavirus.

Many Americans should be getting $1,200 checks in August, Treasury Secretary says

Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin says that many Americans will be getting another $1,200 stimulus check in August. But, he says that the GOP is determined to cut down the $600/week in extra federal unemployment benefits that millions have been getting for months.

No virus bill yet: White House, GOP at odds over jobless aid

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent senators home, promising a Republican proposal would be ready on Monday.

The week in numbers: $600 in jobless benefits expires, a plan for 6M daily tests by December

This week saw details from a federal health organization’s efforts to ramp up coronavirus testing by December, the looming expiration of a key COVID-19 unemployment benefit made headlines, and health leaders discussed the need for states to incorporate different types of data into their coronavirus response.

Governor, HHSC encourage Medicaid, CHIP providers to apply for federal COVID-19 relief funds

The deadline is August 3 and the Provider Relief Funds may be used to cover lost revenue due to the coronavirus or health related expenses purchased to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the virus.

Poll: Nearly half say job lost to coronavirus won't return

Nearly half of Americans whose families experienced a layoff during the coronavirus pandemic believe those jobs are lost forever.