5 Republican-run states under federal investigation for banning masks in schools

The Education Department says it’s investigating five Republican-led states that have banned or limited mask requirements in schools, saying the policies could amount to discrimination against students with disabilities or health conditions.

UT Dallas paying students who are vaccinated against COVID-19

The University of Texas at Dallas is offering $125 in cash and other prizes to students who get a COVID-19 shot.

European Union takes US off safe travel list, recommends reinstating restrictions

The decision to remove the U.S. from a safe list of countries for nonessential travel reverses advice from June, when the European Council recommended lifting restrictions on U.S. travelers.

Liberty University orders campus-wide quarantine amid COVID-19 spike

Liberty University ordered a campus-wide quarantine amid a COVID-19 spike. The school had previously lifted building masking and distancing requirements.

30-year-old who led anti-mask efforts in Texas community dies of COVID-19

A man who led efforts in his community against wearing masks and other preventative measures during the pandemic has died from COVID-19, one month after being admitted to the emergency room.

Teacher took off mask for read-aloud and infected half the class with COVID-19, CDC report says

Health officials investigated a COVID-19 delta outbreak at an elementary school in California and found an unvaccinated, infected teacher who read aloud to students without a mask started the spread.

Argyle fire captain battling COVID-19 in Denton hospital

At the forefront of everyone’s mind in the Denton County firefighter community is 36-year-old Stephen Forrest.

US intelligence agencies remain divided on origins of COVID-19

U.S. intelligence agencies are still divided on the origins of the coronavirus, but believe China’s leaders did not know about the virus before the start of the global pandemic.

City of Dallas offering extra paid time off for vaccinated employees

The city of Dallas announced that employees who are fully vaccinated get a full week of extra vacation. Any city employee who gets vaccinated after Sept. 1 will also get some extra vacation.

Brutal benchmark: Arizona passes 1 million COVID-19 cases

The Arizona Department of Health Services on Friday reported 3,707 new cases of COVID-19 and 63 additional deaths. Over 18,000 deaths from the virus have now been reported.

Rev. Jesse Jackson moved to rehab facility, wife moved to ICU following COVID-19 diagnosis

Rev. Jesse Jackson has been moved to a rehab facility, and his wife, Jacqueline Jackson, has been moved to the ICU following their recent COVID-19 diagnosis, their family announced Friday.

COVID-19 outbreaks force more North Texas schools to close

Only weeks and in some cases just days into the new school year, some campuses are closing because of COVID-19 outbreaks.

Kid Rock cancels Billy Bob’s concerts after he said band has COVID-19

Kid Rock’s shows at Billy Bob’s Texas this weekend have been canceled after he said “over half” of his band members have COVID-19.

Dallas ISD to join lawsuit fighting Gov. Abbott’s ban on mask mandates

There was another contentious school board meeting in Dallas Thursday night. It was made even more tense when a few passionate parents refused to wear masks and all were moved to another room.

Fort Worth ISD school board votes for a mask mandate if a judge agrees

During Thursday night’s special board meeting, Fort Worth ISD trustees voted to require face coverings for everyone at the district’s campuses. However, that mandate will only be allowed if a judge rules in favor of the district at a hearing on Sept. 3.