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H-E-B limits brisket purchases to one per customer at Texas stores

SAN ANTONIO H-E-B has updated the purchase limits on meat products for customers as the coronavirus pandemic continues. The product limits vary at select stores and are an effort to "protect the supply chain and make sure our customers can find the items they need, H-E-B spokesperson Julie Bedingfield previously told KSAT. H-E-B stores in the San Antonio area, Central Texas, Gulf Coast, Border region, and certain West and North Texas towns are now limiting customers to one brisket per purchase. H-E-B extending $2 pay increase for hourly employees through June 21The grocery chain previously announced they are limiting consumers to five packages total of fresh beef, ground beef and fresh ground patties, according to H-E-Bs website. Chicken, pork and turkey have been removed from the list of purchase limits.

Fridges, faucets among many water, energy-saving tax-free products on Memorial Day weekend

This weekend, Texans can upgrade and save money as the state waives the sales tax on certain products ranging from washing machines to light bulbs to mulch. As businesses begin to open their doors, the state is offering its annual sales tax holiday Saturday through Monday to promote energy and water savings. Inefficient appliances and outdated water systems put a tremendous strain on our power grids and water supplies, said Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar. If a bath renovation is on the to-do list, this weekend is an opportune time to buy and save the sales tax. Retailers are ready and many are staging weekend sales as an extra incentive.

America is running out of thermometers

(CNN) -- Add thermometers to the list of medical instruments that are in short supply because of the coronavirus. More recently, massive employers -- including state governments and major corporations -- have been ordering thermometers for daily wellness checks on their employees. "You cannot make enough [thermometers] right now," Howard Karesh, vice president of corporate communications for Hillrom, a major medical supply company, told CNN Business Friday. More than half of the world's thermometers are made in China, according to multiple medical supply makers and distributors. He said many retailers have recently replenished their depleted supply of thermometers sold directly to consumers after a massive shortage from late February through March.

JCPenney files for bankruptcy

(CNN) -- JCPenney filed for bankruptcy on Friday, the latest retail giant to see its downfall hastened by the coronavirus crisis. JCPenney is the fourth national retailer to file for bankruptcy just this month. Today, JCPenney has 85,000 employees, making the company among the largest US retailers to file for bankruptcy in recent years. Like other retailers, JCPenney announced on March 18 that it was closing stores and furloughing its employees during the crisis. But this is a unique time for a retail bankruptcy filing.

San Antonio bar owners worry many bars wont survive the shutdown, believe theres a way to open safely now

SAN ANTONIO Two San Antonio bar owners estimate that nearly a third of local bars and nightclubs will never reopen, even when the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted. Shes optimistic that her business will survive, but says she knows many other bar owners are not as fortunate. Were seeing small businesses going into a record amount of debt trying to stay open.Bars in San Antonio were forced to close when San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued an emergency declaration on March 18. He said his 30% estimate on bar closures could be worse if bars cannot reopen for another month or two. We have submitted a plan to the governor through the Texas Restaurant Association called The Texas Bar Promise and a safety plan through the Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance.

Texas bars will Turn up the Lights Friday night in solidarity

SAN ANTONIO Some San Antonio bars will turn on their lights on Friday night but they wont be for customers. Theyre participating in an initiative by the Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance called Turn up the Lights" which encourages bar owners and employees to turn on their lights and music from 6 to 10 p.m. to show community members that theyre still there and are eager to reopen. "We just really look forward to safely serving our friends again like we have the past 10 years.Martindale and Newman spoke to Steve Spriester Thursday about a statewide plan to open bars safely. Until the crisis is over, KSAT News is stepping in to try and separate the facts from the fiction surrounding the new coronavirus. Facts can fight fear, and in times like this KSAT wants to do more, because you should expect it.

How to create better personal finance habits

SAN ANTONIO Sometimes it's hard to build good habits, but they can benefit you in the long run if you stick to them. That's also true for dedicating time to create money habits to manage your finances better. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has some tips to help you manage your money by creating better habits. A good credit score is vital for your financial well-being, so one way to get and keep a good score is to only apply for the credit you need. Money: Its Personal is a series on KSATs News at 9 that breaks down personal finance topics.

The ultimate San Antonio barbecue map

SAN ANTONIO If San Antonio wasn't on the barbecue map before, it should be now. Over the past couple of years, San Antonio has started to get noticed for its barbecue in places like 2M Smokehouse, but places like The Barbecue Station have been serving San Antonio for many years. While there is nothing wrong with Rudys and Bill Miller Bar-B-Q, the map below features more than 30 barbecue joints in the San Antonio-area that you should try. Visit one or visit all - this map will help guide you and satisfy your barbecue craving. *Please note that some of these locations may have temporarily closed or have reduced hours due to the COVID-19 pandemic.