News

Nearly 2 million Texas filed for unemployment since March 14

According to data released by the Texas Workforce Commission, 1.9 million Texas filed for initial unemployment claims from March 14 through May 1. More than 30 million Americans have filed in that time period.  From March 14 to April 18, just over 11,000 Jefferson County residents filed.

Region adds more testing sites

The Southeast Texas Regional Emergency Operations Center announced alternative COVID-19 testing sites in Port Arthur and Orange County beginning May 5. COVID-19 tests provided at the alternative testing sites will only be available for residents of that area.

Entergy working to restore power

Entergy Texas continues to work to restore power following this morning’s severe weather. As of 4 p.m., around 4,000 customers remain without power across Southeast Texas, down from nearly 20,000 at the height of the storm.

DPS has ended Texas/Louisiana border stops

DPS screening stations along the Texas/Louisiana border have been closed; however, they do want the public to be prepared for a continued law enforcement presence in the area.

Caught on camera

The Lumberton Police Department is seeking help to identify the person in two photographs caught burglarizing several vehicles in the Walmart parking lot on April 11.

Texas to partially open by week's end, state rep reports

April 27, Southeast Texas State Rep. Joe Deshotel announced the state’s intention to partially open by the end of the week.

Beaumont brawl ends in murder

Just after 5 p.m. April 26, Beaumont police responded to the 7700 block of Stonetown Road in reference to a brawl among several subjects, one of whom was shot and killed.

Nearly 1.7 million Texans file unemployment claims during the COVID-19 pandemic

Department of Labor data reveals a further 4.4 million Americans filed for initial unemployment benefits in the week ending April 18, bringing the five-week total to approximately 26.5 million claims. That’s just shy of the population of Texas at nearly 29 million.

Boat capsizes near Port Neches, killing one

Around 7:30 a.m. April 24, the Jefferson County Marine Unit responded to an overturned boat in the ship channel near Port Neches, according to a news release. The JCSO Aviation Unit launched a search helicopter that located the overturned boat before a tugboat crew helped pull men from the boat.

Texas receives approval for SNAP online grocery purchases

Texas Health and Human Services recently received federal approval to allow Texans to purchase groceries online using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pilot program is expected to start by May 18 statewide.