Here is what North Houston readers should know about how the coronavirus outbreak is affecting the area.

Coronavirus, unstable oil market challenge energy industry

Combined with a worldwide drop in oil prices, the coronavirus is threatening the economic future of one of the Houston area’s largest industries.

Harris County Attorney's Office authorized to file amicus brief supporting mail-in ballots amid coronavirus outbreak

The Texas Democratic Party is entering a legal battle with the governor and secretary of state to allow voters to mail in ballots during the pandemic. Despite reservations from the county’s Republican commissioners, the Harris County Attorney’s Office will submit an amicus brief—a legal document filed by an entity not involved in a lawsuit—arguing the coronavirus meets criteria for voting by mail under the state election code.

State legislators request federal officials halt activity on Texas Central's high-speed rail project

Republican elected officials penned a letter April 6 asking the federal government to stop Texas Central’s high-speed rail project, alleging the private company does not have the financial resources to continue. The project’s funding has come into doubt following Texas Central announcing 28 layoffs amid the coronavirus outbreak.

METRO heightens preventative COVID-19 measures

The Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County is taking more drastic measures to enforce social distancing on buses.

Cy-Fair businesses supply Easter meals, baskets

Restaurants around the Houston area are offering special Easter menus to enjoy at home.

Ben Thompson, Vanessa Holt, Adriana Rezal, Danica Smithwick and Hunter Marrow contributed to this report.