THU AM: Hidalgo to extend stay at home order; violent crime spiking

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has been re-opening the economy for the last few weeks. Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo continues to try and go in the opposite direction where she can.

Judge Hidalgo will extend the “stay home, work safe” order through at least June 10th. The extension will be amended to comply with the Governor's orders to reopen the state while urging people to take precautions by staying home and working from home when possible. She will announce this extension at 12:30 this afternoon.

The pandemic is leading to more crime. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo says Houston murders are up 50% compared to last year.

"The last few months have been just a time frame for some unprecedented violence in recent history," Acevedo said during a news conference yesterday. Harris County's bail reform system is also being blamed by law enforcement and analysts for the rise in numbers.

Elsewhere:

  • The owners of Big Rivers Waterpark in New Caney will defy Governor Abbott’s executive order and reopen on Saturday for Memorial Day weekend. Typhoon Texas in Katy says they will wait, but are ready to open.
  • Last week we told you that some restaurants across the country added COVID-19 surcharges. The Texas Restaurant Association says they haven't seen that here, but some Houston restaurant owners have raised their menu prices.
  • And pay cuts hit U-H athletics. Football coach Dana Holgorsen, basketball coach Kelvin Sampson, and A-D Chris Pezman will take a 10% salary cut for the next six months.

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