Read this week's most popular news from the Greater Houston area.

As COVID-19 cases rise, Gov. Abbott says 'closing Texas down again will always be the last option’

As Texans see an uptick in confirmed cases of COVID-19 and hospitalizations related to the virus, Gov. Greg Abbott announced no new restrictions for businesses and gatherings in the state during a June 22 press conference.

Face coverings: How they work and common misconceptions

Dr. Jill Weatherhead, an infectious disease and tropical medicine expert with the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, said face coverings are a crucial part of the puzzle in slowing the spread of the coronavirus, especially in areas where social distancing of 6 feet cannot easily be maintained.



Killen's Barbecue announces summer opening in The Woodlands

Killen's Barbecue has purchased a second property in The Woodlands and plans to open later this summer.

Businesses and restaurants in Harris County must begin requiring face coverings June 22

All commercial businesses that service the public in Harris County must begin requiring employees and patrons to wear face coverings under a new executive order signed by Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo on June 19.
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Texas teachers union: Teachers need spot at the table when developing plans for next school year

As school districts make plans for how to deliver instruction to students in the fall, the Texas American Federation of Teachers is asking district leadership to include teachers in the conversation.

Danica Lloyd, Shawn Arraji, Andrew Christman and Claire Shoop contributed to this report.