Until the pandemic upended the operations of American companies, from factories to family diners, weekly jobless aid applications had never exceeded 700,000 in the U.S. They’ve topped 700,000 for 26 consecutive weeks. An extra $600 in weekly unemployment benefits ran out July 31, squeezing households that had depended on the beefed-up payments. President Donald Trump issued an executive order Aug. 8 providing a scaled-back version of the expanded jobless aid. Most states signed up for federal grants that let them increase weekly benefits by $300 or $400. The extra $600 in weekly jobless benefits didn’t replace all her lost income but helped.

SAN ANTONIO – Fashion trends come and go, but “going out of business” signs have never gone out of style in San Antonio. Handy AndyHollywood VideoJoske’sKmartMervyn’sMontgomery WardPaylessRadio ShackToys”R”UsThe VogueWolff and MarxWoolcoSurely more department stores or other retailers have left the San Antonio area. Image: UTSA Special Collections, San Antonio Express-News collection (UTSA Special Collections, San Antonio Express-News collection)Joske’s Department Store was founded in 1869 by Julius Joske, according to the City of San Antonio. Image: Courtesy UTSA Libraries Special Collections/San Antonio Express-News (Courtesy UTSA Libraries Special Collections/San Antonio Express-News)The exterior of Joske Brothers Store on Alamo Street in San Antonio, circa 1892. Image: Courtesy UTSA Libraries Special Collections (Courtesy UTSA Libraries Special Collections)The Vogue, a women’s clothing store, stood at 301 E. Houston St.

(CNN) -- Pier 1 is officially closing up shop after receiving approval from a bankruptcy court to cease and liquidate its retail operations. The troubled home goods retailer had its plans authorized Friday to begin liquidation sales across its 500 remaining stores once they can reopen. Pier 1 has three stores in San Antonio, one store in Selma and one store in New Braunfels, according to its site. It decided that an "orderly wind-down is the best way to maximize the value of Pier 1's assets." Pier 1 said it plans to sell its website and intellectual property in July.