Transportation
Biden administration proposes $75 million in port improvements for Houston-Galveston area
Posted on · If approved, much of the funding would go towards a billion-dollar effort to widen and deepen the Houston Ship Channel.
Category: Business
Transportation
METRO says Houston transit ridership is up but it’s not back to pre-pandemic levels
Posted on · The transit agency says the start of the Houston Rodeo helped boost ridership in February along with more workers returning to the office.
Business
Dallas Fed says wage growth for manufacturing workers reached record high in March
Posted on · The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas reports March marked another month of solid growth in Texas’ manufacturing and service sectors despite rising costs and supply chain disruptions.
Energy & Environment
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has prompted an increase in crude oil exports from Texas ports, analysts say
Posted on · The bump in exports may only be temporary unless the U.S. can substantially grow its oil production, which investors have been reluctant to fund.
Energy & Environment
Experts say oil prices – and gasoline prices – could be volatile through 2022
Posted on · Experts say the oil market is volatile right now, and is likely to remain unpredictable for the foreseeable future.
Business & Economy
The U.S. added 678,000 jobs in February. It’s another sign of a hot labor market
Posted on · U.S. employers added 678,000 jobs in February, as the unemployment rate fell to 3.8%, from 4% in January. The Federal Reserve hopes to curb inflation without stalling job growth.
Business
Houston Rodeo to undergo ADA compliance review following accessibility complaints
Posted on · U.S. Attorney’s Office says they received complaints in relation to accessible parking, accessible routes and accessible platforms for various performances.
Business
Houston Rodeo vendors get back to business after 2 years of COVID-19 shutdown
Posted on · The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is the biggest event of the year for many vendors, who've taken a major hit during the pandemic cancellations.
Energy & Environment
Oil prices are surging toward $100 a barrel. Here’s what that means for you
Posted on · The threat of war between Russia and Ukraine is driving prices sharply higher, but there's more at play than just geopolitical tensions.
Business
Exxon Mobil has reached a contract agreement with its locked out Beaumont workers
Posted on · Union members voted 214-133 to ratify the company’s latest offer, which added holiday time off and updated job descriptions for some union positions.
Business
ExxonMobil is recovering from the pandemic downturn with $23 billion in profits and plans to expand in the Permian Basin
Posted on · Texas-based oil giant Exxon Mobil had a big week. The company reported a dizzying $23 billion in profits, said it plans to raise output in the Permian Basin, and is moving headquarters to Houston.
Town Square
Pandemic Side Hustles and New Businesses
Posted on · Have you taken additional side jobs? Started freelancing? Or turned a passion into a small business during COVID? Today, we discuss side hustles and new careers that have sprung from the pandemic.
Business
Texas restaurants say they still need help after a federal COVID relief fund ran out
Posted on · The lack of new funding means more than 12,000 Texas restaurants are in danger of closing, according to the Texas Restaurant Association.
Business
Texas hits new record employment level for second straight month as unemployment rate falls
Posted on · The Texas Workforce Commission reports the number of unemployed workers in the state dropped from 5.2% in November 2021 to 5% in December.
Business
The omicron-driven COVID-19 surge hit some Texas restaurants and bars harder than others
Posted on · While some of the state’s restaurants and bars have dealt with temporary closures or staffing shortages fueled by the COVID-19 variant, others have been relatively unscathed.