Applications for U.S. jobless benefits fell last week as the labor market remains sturdy ahead of an expected purge of federal government employees.

Allstate and its subsidiary, Arity, are being sued by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton for allegedly collecting, using and selling data from Texans' cell phones unlawfully.

U.S. job openings rose unexpectedly in November, showing companies are still looking for workers even as the labor market has cooled overall.

Destructive storms like Hurricane Beryl that knocked out power to 3 million homes and businesses in Texas are growing more frequent and intense, and insurers are jacking up rates in response.

Allstate insurance company has filed a lawsuit against the dog owners involved in a deadly attack in February, asking a judge to release the company from any obligations to pay the victim’s family in the case.

Two insurance industry giants have stepped back from the California marketplace.

Allstate and State Farm both announced in the last week that they would be halting insurance policies citing inflation and natural disasters in the state.

Unemployment fell from 8.4% in August, but that mainly reflected a decline in the number of people seeking work, rather than a surge in hiring. The U.S. gained nearly 7 million jobs from Trump's 2017 inauguration until the pandemic struck. Yet President Barack Obama was re-elected in 2012 even with unemployment at 7.8% on the eve of the election. In August, the latest data available, unemployment was 10.3% in Pennsylvania and 8.7% in Michigan, both above the national rate that month. The unemployment rate for Black workers fell sharply last month but is still much higher than it is for whites.

SAN ANTONIO – Three needy military families were presented with a free refurbished vehicle Friday. Gunn Collision, USAA and Allstate teamed up for the project. Gunn Collision spearheaded the project and arranged for local vendors to do the body work and paint finishing to prepare the vehicles. The project is in conjunction with the National Auto Body Council Recycled Rides Program.