Texas Gov. Greg Abbott says his order ensures "that all businesses and families in Texas have the freedom to determine their own destiny." Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves tweeted: "It is time!"

Gov. Greg Abbott said Thursday the impact of Hurricane Laura "could've been much worse," noting that storm surge was much less severe than projected.

The number of coronavirus cases is soaring in Texas, where Gov. Greg Abbott shut the state back down two weeks ago. NPR's David Greene talks to Pat Hallisey, the mayor of League City.