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Articles by Robert Leigh
Momentum builds in the Texas economy; wage pressures broaden
The Texas economy strengthened in the second quarter, with job growth accelerating and business activity expanding. A pickup in in hiring of temporary workers is a positive signal for Texas’ labor market. At the same time, cost pressures are elevated and wage pressures are building. Employment growth accelerates Texas regained job growth momentum in the second quarter, with employment increasing an annualized 2.4 percent, up from 1.5 percent in the first quarter (Chart 1).
Letter: Reeves will see budget warning signs
County budgets rarely go off the rails without warning. First come the late reports, the unexplained numbers and the soothing assurances that everything is under control. By the time the red ink becomes impossible to ignore, taxpayers are left holding the mop. We need a county auditor who can read the warning signs. Tim Reeves holds a degree in economics and an MBA and is at home with budgets, spreadsheets and financial analysis. Numbers do not intimidate him.
Oil prices are up; whither the Texas boom?
As the nation’s largest energy-producing state, Texas benefits from higher oil prices on net. Refined products, natural gas and petrochemicals flow from Texas to the rest of the country and the world. Higher oil prices have historically led to increased oil and gas activity that ripples through the state economy, boosting employment and state GDP.
Joel Dommett dated woman he was catfished with during Skype blackmail scandal that almost ended his career
Joel Dommett is hosting alongside Davina McCall during Comic Relief tonight (Friday, March 20) – however he was once victim of a catfish scam. As well as building a successful career in stand-up comedy, Joel also turned the attempted blackmail into material for his act after the experience threatened to become far more serious. Joel met his now-wife Hannah Cooper back in 2016 after she messaged him on Instagram with a heart-eyed cat emoji.
Letter: City Council should consider pooled public comment structure
At the City Council meeting on Feb. 11, I proposed a modest refinement to Walla Walla’s public comment procedure: keep the existing three-minute limit per speaker, but allow residents who share the same concern to voluntarily combine their time and designate one speaker. Two residents could combine for six minutes; three or more could designate a single speaker for up to nine minutes. No additional meeting time would be added, and no one would lose the right to speak individually.
Meghan Markle faces backlash over 'cruel' scenes as fans say royal "should be ashamed of herself"
Even supporters reckon duchess looked 'so freaked out' Meghan Markle Netflix With Love Meghan On this day, in 2025, Meghan’s lifestyle series on Netflix aired for the very first time. So, we are looking back on one memorable moment…for all the wrong reasons! Outraged X users expressed their revulsion at Meghan Markle scenes in With Love, Meghan showing a lobster being prepared for meal.
Texas job growth expected to pick up following flat 2025
Texas economic output grew in 2025 but did so with near-zero job growth. The last time that happened was in 2002–03, when the state emerged from the dot-com bust into an extended jobless recovery. Nationally, labor market conditions in 2025 were similarly lackluster—a situation that has been characterized as low-hire, low-fire. Factors contributing to the hiring slowdown last year included government policy uncertainty, sharply higher tariffs and drastically lower immigration.
Letter: Demand for more parks isn't shown in survey
I’m voting “No” on the Metropolitan Park District proposal for many reasons. Because of the 200-word U-B opinion letter limitation, I must be brief. Seek me out for more. My property tax jumped 14% in 2025. And you want to tax me even more? MPD presentations cite the Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan objective to explore the feasibility of an MPD. Feasibility studies are supposed to assess need, i.e., demand.
Report: Mexican residents favor local retailers over cross-border shopping in Texas
Mexico Report Posted Sunday, January 25, 2026 7:26 pm Longer crossing lines, plus increased presence of U.S. agents in parking lots of border department stores as well as immigration raids pose an unwelcoming reality that may further deter Mexican shoppers.” MCALLEN, Texas - Mexican shoppers’ share of Texas border city retail activity has decreased in the nearly two decades since the Global Financial Crisis, according to a new report by researchers with the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas.
Mexican residents favor local retailers over cross-border shopping in Texas
Mexican shoppers have traditionally represented a considerable share of Texas border cities’ retail sales, as high as 40-45 percent in Laredo, for example. But over the past 20 years, that contribution has declined as northern Mexico’s economy grew and residents experienced income growth. Competition from Mexico’s expanding big-box retail sector is providing locals more shopping choices closer to home.
Inside I'm A Celebrity star Alex Scott's relationship history
I’m A Celebrity star Alex Scott didn’t address her love life much in public before the release of her book How (Not) To Be Strong in 2022. However, she’s been a lot more open since its publication, especially when it comes to current partner Jess Glynne. Former footballer Alex Scott and singer Jess Glynne officially went public with their romance with fans during a loved-up holiday over Christmas 2023.
Great British Bake Off star Laura Adlington welcomes first baby as she shares adorable name and first pictures
Laura Adlington, a Great British Bake Off finalist in the 2020 series, has announced the birth of her baby boy. TV star Laura, 36, revealed she and husband Matt were expecting back in April. She said at the time that the couple’s “little IVF miracle” was due in October. Now the little one has arrived – and Laura has confirmed the newborn tot’s name as George. Taking to Instagram last night (Thursday, October 23), Laura revealed that she and husband Matt have finally welcomed their baby boy.
Sarah Ferguson makes heartbreaking confession about 'profound scars' she was left with after family ordeal
Sarah Ferguson has opened up about her late mum in recent months and even shared an Instagram post concerning mental health. The Duchess of York addressed social media followers on Monday (June 16, 2025) about the vital need to “promote open conversations about mental health” and how to improve access to healthcare across society.
Ricky Hatton's fight back following battle with depression
Boxing legend Ricky Hatton swapped the ring for the ice rink as part of the line-up for Dancing On Ice back in 2024. The star revealed that the show was something he saw as a positive step forward after battling with his mental health during his boxing career. Ricky died today (September 14) aged just 46. His cause of death is yet to be announced. However, it’s not thought to be suspicious. Police shared a statement revealing that his body was found at his Manchester home early this morning.
Everything Prince Harry has said about King Charles since quitting royal duties amid fresh hopes of a 'reconciliation'
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle announced their decision to step back from royal duties in January 2020. But what has Prince Harry said about his father, King Charles, in public since then?
Prince William jokes with Hollywood star Eugene Levy in The Reluctant Traveler's new trailer
Royal fans are thrilled at the prospect of Prince William making a guest appearance in Hollywood star Eugene Levy’s The Reluctant Traveler amid suggestions the Prince of Wales could get “drunk” with the Schitt’s Creek fave. The trailer for the upcoming series of the travel documentary fronted by Canadian actor Eugene, 78, dropped on Thursday (September 4).
'Nasty' comments about Kate Middleton's hair being a 'wig' 'disgusts' royal hairdresser
A royal hairdresser has slammed “evil” trolls criticising Kate Middleton’s new, blonder hair as some wondered whether she was wearing a “wig”. The Princess of Wales, 43, showed off her eye-catching look on Thursday (September 4), as she and husband Prince William returned to royal duties following the summer break. There had been speculation at the end of August that Princess Kate may have lightened her hair as she attended a church service at Balmoral.
Five new Gogglebox families revealed by Channel 4 following cast axe
Five new Gogglebox families have been revealed ahead of the Channel 4 series’ return tonight (Friday September 5) – but there’s one big change to the cast fans are really not happy about. Beloved couch potato critics such as Lee and Jenny announced their telly comeback on Instagram earlier this week. But with just hours to go until the best telly of the weekend is on the box, five new family additions to the regular cast have been unveiled.
Stranded on Honeymoon Island viewers scoff 'what's the point?' as Davina McCall dating show debuts
Stranded on Honeymoon Island, BBC One’s new Davina McCall dating show, made its debut on Wednesday (September 3) evening. However, going by the reaction on social media, viewers were far from convinced the show was bringing anything new to screens. The reality series sees a bunch of newlyweds spending time in a tropical island in the Philippines.
Kate Middleton 'worries' Prince William 'will regret going too far with Harry and Meghan titles decision'
Kate Middleton is allegedly concerned Prince William may come to “regret” how Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be dealt with under his reign – particularly when it comes to the Sussexes’ royal titles. Prince Harry, 40, and Meghan, 44, retained their ducal status when they stepped away from royal duties in early 2020.
What Prince William 'really feels' about King Charles 'meeting' with Harry during his UK return
Prince William will be keenly aware of potential “dangers” the royal family could face if King Charles and Prince Harry meet face-to-face, a royal expert believes. Speculation about a possible “reconciliation” between The Firm and the Sussexes has generated headlines for several months. Back in May, Prince Harry told the BBC he was keen on making up with his royal relatives.
Prince Harry food ick 'explained' after Meghan Markle reveals royal doesn't eat shellfish
A potential explanation for why Prince Harry might have a food ick when it comes to crustaceans has emerged. Ahead of the release of season two of With Love, Meghan, a teaser trailer revealed that Meghan Markle‘s husband isn’t fond of lobster. Restaurateur José Andrés, one of Meghan’s celeb guests on her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, lightly mocked the royal when he discovered he isn’t a fan of the fishy delicacy.
Princess Diana and Prince William's 'shared concern over Harry' revealed in last phone call before her death
Princess Diana and her eldest son, Prince William, each shared their concerns over Prince Harry before she died, according to a royal author. The former Princess of Wales died in August 1997 at the age of 36. Prince William and Prince Harry were 15 and 12, respectively, when their mother died following a car accident in Paris. However, mere hours before her death, Princess Diana reportedly spoke with Prince William, who reportedly felt “worried” about his younger sibling.
Royal fans stunned by Archie and Lilibet's appearance as Meghan Markle releases beautiful new photos
Meghan Markle has melted fans’ hearts after sharing sweet photos of Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet on the set of With Love, Meghan. Season two of the Duchess of Sussex’s Netflix series With Love, Meghan dropped on the streaming giant last week. Among the revelations Meghan shared with her celebrity guests was an admission about what she misses most about the UK. She also opened up about who said “I love you” first between her and Prince Harry.
Warwick Davis returns to work as first role since death of wife Sammy revealed
Warwick Davis has been recast as Harry Potter character Professor Filius Flitwick in what is believed to be the beloved film star’s first role since the passing of his wife. Star Wars and Willow legend Warwick Davis, 55, and his family sadly lost Sammy in March of last year. 2019, She previously hospitalised while facing a life-threatening case of sepsis in 2019.
Olivia Colman admits 'hitting' a child star with a belt and instantly bursting into tears
Olivia Colman has addressed her ‘regret’ after admitting hitting a child with a belt – and making another one cry. TV and film star Olivia is currently starring in The Roses, alongside Benedict Cumberbatch. The black comedy – a remake of 1989 film The War of the Roses starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito – is currently the number one flick at cinemas in the UK.
Backlash as Strictly star Thomas Skinner goes to the pub as son, 4, hospitalised
Strictly Come Dancing hopeful Thomas Skinner has come under fire for going to the pub while his four-year-old son was in hospital for an operation. Thomas, who appeared in The Apprentice in 2019, has proved a controversial pick as a contestant for the BBC One series before stepping on the dance floor. Fans have predicted the Essex social media personality could be voted out first due to his support for Donald Trump. And his conviction for handling stolen goods has also concerned fans.
I Fought the Law on ITV viewers hail 'captivating' Sheridan Smith but call out her Teesside accent
I Fought the Law viewers have declared Sheridan Smith is in award-winning form for her “captivating” performance in the harrowing drama. Sheridan plays Ann Ming in the four-part true crime adaptation of For the Love of Julie, which follows Ann’s long campaign to overturn the double jeopardy law following the murder of her daughter.
Fans stunned as This Morning star celebrates wedding and reveals first look at mystery husband
This Morning fans were astounded as blind content creator Claire Sisk revealed a ‘first look’ at her husband as she celebrated her wedding. Claire has popped up on ITV’s flagship daytime show This Morning on numerous occasions as a contributor in recent years. She has fronted segments about cooking with a visual impairment, as well as giving her take on a ‘blind’ Barbie doll among her appearances.
Mo Gilligan 'engaged' to pregnant girlfriend as pair 'excited to start a family'
The Masked Singer judge Mo Gilligan is reportedly engaged to his pregnant girlfriend Taia Tulher, weeks after it was reported the ITV star had fathered a ‘secret love child’. Mo proposed to influencer Taia, 28 ahead of the birth of their first child together, The Sun reports. They are believed to have been dating for nearly two years. However, the tabloid quotes a source as indicating there are no “immediate” plans for them to tie the knot.
King Charles and Queen Camilla put on a low-key concert at Balmoral during their summer holiday in Scotland, it’s reported. According to the Court Circular, which details official engagements and functions the royals participate in, King Charles and his wife held the event yesterday (Thursday, August 28) evening. Furthermore, it is believed several other senior royals were also in attendance. However, as yet, no images have been released by Buckingham Palace of the private occasion.
Meghan Markle reveals children Archie and Lilibet 'really want' a cat
Meghan Markle has revealed her children Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet really fancy having a pet cat. As the grandchildren of King Charles, it seems unthinkable that Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet would want for anything. But after the Sussexes sadly lost a furry friend some months ago, it seems a new member of family could be added to their home.
Meghan Markle praised by fans as she showcases her 'true' behaviour in unseen footage
Fans of Meghan Markle have cherished seeing a different side to the Duchess of Sussex in outtakes from With Love, Meghan season two. Eight new episodes of Prince Harry’s wife’s lifestyle series dropped on streaming giant Netflix earlier this week.
'Frail' Pope Francis' 'final gesture' to King Charles and Queen Camilla before his death
The late Pope Francis reportedly gave King Charles and Queen Camilla a “landmark” blessing when receiving them shortly before his death. The Vatican confirmed Pope Francis died on Easter Monday in April, aged 88. He had spent five weeks in hospital shortly before he died. He had battled pneumonia in both lungs. However, despite clearly being so frail, Pope Francis gave the king and queen an audience during their state visit to Italy.
Prince Harry and King Charles 'determined to meet face to face' in just weeks: 'The time is right'
King Charles is set have a meeting with his son Prince Harry for the first time in nearly two years when the duke makes a UK return, it has been claimed. According to the Mirror, the royal father and son are likely to reconcile when Prince Harry visits the UK in just under a fortnight. The tabloid reports relations have “begun to ease” following last month’s “peace summit” – but any healing of any rift between Prince Harry and Prince William is unlikely to occur, it is claimed.
'Some people are so spiteful'
Dr Emily Andre, the wife of Peter Andre, has come under fire from irked Instagram users over a ‘safeguarding’ choice regarding her children. Emily Andre has been married to dad-of-five Peter, 52, since 2015. They share three children together – eldest daughter Amelia, 11, son Theo, eight, and baby Arabella, one, who arrived in the world in April 2024. Peter is also dad to Junior Andre, 20, and Princess Andre, 18, both of whom have Katie Price as their mum.
Gemma Collins wows in stunning bikini pic as she shows off two-stone weight loss
Reality TV star Gemma Collins has blown Instagram fans and celebrities alike away with an eye-popping bikini shot amid reports of her two-stone weight loss. TOWIE fave Gemma, 44, is currently sunning herself on holiday in Cyprus – and earlier today, (August 28) she shared the stunning ‘wish you were here’ shot with her followers. “Darlings wear the bikini,” she urged fans online in her post’s caption.
Tributes pour in as The Chase star dies weeks after winning jackpot: "He knew he wouldn't live to see his episode"
The death of an outstanding contestant on The Chase, who sadly passed away just weeks after winning a huge £100,000 jackpot, has been announced. Headteacher Tim McCarthy, from Tyldesley in Greater Manchester, died in July aged 64 following an illness. Bereaved relatives and loved ones on Facebook have paid lengthy tributes to their beloved Tim. And it is believed only his wife Rachel and three children knew he had won before the episode he starred in aired.
Meghan Markle reveals biggest thing she misses about the UK in 'thinly-veiled dig' at the royals
Meghan Markle has confessed she wouldn’t mind having a little more ‘Magic’ in her life. The Duchess of Sussex is currently a hot pick for Netflix viewers after the second season of her lifestyle series With Love, Meghan was made available on the streaming giant earlier this week. Celebrity guests joining Meghan Markle in her kitchen for a spot of cooking and crafting include José Andrés, Samin Nosrat, and Chrissy Teigen.
Time capsule buried and sealed by Princess Diana before her death unearthed before it was supposed to
A time capsule buried by Princess Diana at Great Ormond Street Hospital in 1991 has been dug up and opened. The wooden box, encased in lead, was sealed within the main entrance of the London hospital – and wasn’t meant to be unearthed for “hundreds of years”. However, the area it was placed in has been earmarked for the construction of a children’s cancer centre.
Meghan Markle breaks silence over Taylor Swift's engagement after she 'overshadows' royal once again
Meghan Markle has given her approval to the news Taylor Swift is engaged amid accusations the Duchess of Sussex has been ‘overshadowed’ by the pop singer. Taylor, 35, confirmed NFL player Travis Kelce had got down on one knee on social media yesterday (Tuesday, August 27). She shared a post on Instagram containing a carousel of snaps of the couple’s special moment in a rose garden.
Meghan Markle faces backlash over 'cruel' scenes as fans say royal "should be ashamed of herself"
Outraged X users have expressed their revulsion at Meghan Markle scenes in With Love, Meghan showing a lobster being prepared for meal. In one episode of the new, second season of the Duchess of Sussex‘s lifestyle series on Netflix, Meghan is joined in the kitchen by restauranteur José Andrés. He helps instruct Meghan Markle in how to pull together a seafood feast as a treat for the crew that films her show.
Meghan Markle jokes about 'secret' third baby with Prince Harry and reveals their 'name'
Meghan Markle, the wife of Prince Harry, has joked about having a “secret” third baby in the second season of With Love, Meghan. Fans have been sharing on social media how they have been binge-watching the eight new episodes of the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle series after they were released on Netflix yesterday (Tuesday, August 26).
Prince William sent handwritten note to nurse's family after tragic suicide over Kate Middleton prank call
Prince William, then the Duke of Cambridge, wrote to the family of a nurse who took her own life after she was the victim of a prank call regarding Kate Middleton, it was previously reported. In December 2012, following confirmation she was pregnant with the baby who would become Prince George, Kate was treated for acute morning sickness at King Edward VII hospital in London. While she was a patient there, Australian radio DJs contacted the hospital posing as the Queen.
Prince William may be forced to 'fight back' against Prince Harry over rumours duke plans to 'cash in' on Princess Diana
Days ahead of the 28th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana, fresh claims have emerged concerning plans from both Prince William and Prince Harry regarding a documentary about their late mother. Princess Diana was just 36 when she died in August 1997 following a car crash in Paris. Her sons – the Prince of Wales, Prince William, and the Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry – were 15-years-old and 12-years-old respectively when she passed away.
Meghan Markle finally reveals the truth about 'truly terrible engagement disaster' on the night Prince Harry proposed
Meghan Markle has addressed a “truly terrible” mistake made on the evening of her engagement to Prince Harry. The Sussexes’ got wed in May 2018, six months after it was confirmed Prince Harry had popped the question. Meghan Markle revealed at the time of the big announcement that the proposal was “so sweet and natural and very romantic”.
Meghan Markle called out for 'blushing' as she's quizzed over intimate details about Prince Harry
Meghan Markle has bashfully revealed how Prince Harry opened up about declaring his love for her. The second season of With Love, Meghan was released on Netflix today (Tuesday, August 26), with eight new episodes to captivate fans of the Duchess of Sussex. In the third episode, Meghan Markle is joined in the kitchen by Queer Eye star Tan France.
Meghan Markle is being 'trolled by Netflix' as famous guest's behaviour narrowly avoids ruining PG rating
Queer Eye star Tan France’s frank assessment of Meghan Markle’s merchandise was bleeped out in the new episodes for With Love, Meghan season 2. New episodes of the Duchess of Sussex’s lifestyle series have dropped on Netflix today (Tuesday, August 26). The official season two trailer, which was released earlier this month, had given fans a preview of what was coming – and which celebrity guests will be popping up in the kitchen alongside Meghan.
TV star admits they would be impacted by infamous 'Strictly curse': 'I would never have time to do all the training and have the affair!'
The infamous ‘Strictly curse’ could be preventing the world from witnessing Richard Osman as a Strictly Come Dancing contestant. Author Richard, 54, has clarified that while he is often linked with a spot on Strictly Come Dancing, he doesn’t see it ever happening. And while Richard offered a few reason why fans are unlikely to see him on the BBC One dance floor, it seems the ‘Strictly curse’ is also in his thinking.
'Terrified' Matt Willis admits he 'lied again' to wife Emma as he opens up about relapsing
Busted star Matt Willis has opened up about his fears about telling lies to his loved ones as he confessed the truth to wife Emma Willis about his last relapse. Matt, 42, and Emma Willis, 49, married in 2008 and share three children together – Isabelle, Ace and Trixie. The I’m A Celebrity winner has previously admitted he doesn’t believe he’ll ever be fully recovered. “I’ll never not be a drug addict,” he has shared.
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