More Texas businesses re-open tomorrow. Bars are not among them. Bar owners are unhappy and speaking out. Governor Greg Abbott is giving them some answers.
"One of the purposes of a bar is to being a lot of people close together. It's that mingling in a closed space that leads to the transmission of COVID-19," Abbott said, adding that he is trying to come up with a plan that would get bars back open. You can watch the rest of the Governor's interview on our TV partner Channel 2 below.
Elsewhere:
- Sad news, as a sergeant with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office lost his month-long battle with the virus. Sgt. Raymond Scholwinski was 70 years old.
- The first inmate at the Harris County Jail has died from COVID-19. That inmate, who was between 50 and 60 years old did have underlying health issues.
- The Greater Houston area reported 16 deaths yesterday to bring the total to 294. The state reported 29 to bring the total in Texas to 954.
- The Houston City Council approved a $15 million-dollar rent assistance program yesterday. If you own a rental property, you have to register online for tenants to apply and waive all late fees and penalties for April and May.
- Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick says local Texas county officials abused power with COVID-19 restrictions. He wants to limit their power. The Texas legislature meets next year.
- Halliburton is laying off 1,000 workers at its corporate headquarters here in Houston.
- Uber says cutting nearly 4,000 jobs with more layoffs possible.
- Starbucks is starting to open some of their stores back up, offering curbside pickup as well.