Legal battles over mask mandates in North Texas public schools heat up

Across the state of Texas, the legal battles are ramping up between the governor and local school districts that want to require students and staff to wear masks. Fort Worth ISD challenged the governor’s authority in issuing a mask mandate earlier this week, but it suffered a legal setback Friday.

Parents allegedly sent COVID-19 positive child to school, exposing 80 other kids

The Nevada school district alleged that the parents knowingly sent their child to school just two days after they had tested positive for COVID-19, exposing 80 others to infection, according to a school district spokesperson.

U.S. Education Secretary condemns Abbott order banning mask mandates in Texas schools

In an open letter from the U.S. Education Secretary, the feds condemned orders from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott that prevent local schools from taking COVID-19 prevention measures.

New Youth shelter in South Dallas opens its doors to homeless students

Nearly 4,000 Dallas ISD students currently have no place to call home. Now, a collaboration between three non-profits will help meet the immediate and long-term needs of homeless kids who somehow get themselves to school day after day.

National Education Association supports vaccine mandates, COVID-19 testing

The nation’s largest teachers’ union issued a statement on Thursday supporting the use of FDA-authorized vaccines or regular COVID-19 testing for all public school educators.

'COVID fee': 2 colleges in West Virginia, Alabama billing unvaccinated students

A college in West Virginia and another in Alabama will be charging students unvaccinated against COVID-19 hundreds of dollars in extra fees this fall.

Dallas ISD to give fully vaccinated employees a $500 bonus

The Dallas Independent School District will pay its teachers and staff members an extra $500 if they get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Students in 38 North Texas school districts head back to class

More than three dozen North Texas school districts welcomed students back to campus Thursday. Some are requiring masks and some are not.

SMU indoor mask mandate to begin Thursday

SMU officials announced a mask mandate for all indoor spaces on the University Park campus except for individuals' dorm rooms.

165 Cook Children's doctors sign letter urging North Texas schools to implement mask mandates

With the rise in cases and hospitalizations, 165 doctors with Cook Children’s issued a letter to local school districts urging for as many safety precautions as possible as kids return to school. That letter prompted Fort Worth ISD to change its policy and implement a mask mandate.