Texas schools ask parents to become substitute teachers amid COVID surge

According to Hays CISD, parents would still have to apply, pass the fingerprint criminal background check, and do orientation to become substitute teachers.

Fauci Senate hearing on pandemic gets testy: ‘What a moron’

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the U.S. government’s top infectious disease expert, angrily accused Senator Rand Paul of making false accusations that are leading to threats against him -- all to raise political cash.

Family accuses employer of making their loved one work on-site despite pleas to work remotely

A family is accusing a Riverside County employer of not letting their beloved family member with pre-existing conditions work remotely during a COVID-19 surge. He died in February 2021.

Health officials let COVID-infected nurses and healthcare workers keep working

California health authorities announced over the weekend that hospital staff members who test positive but are symptom-free can continue working. Some hospitals in Rhode Island and Arizona have likewise told employees they can stay on the job if they have no symptoms or just mild ones.

US finalizing plans to ship free COVID-19 tests via USPS, shares 1st contracts

The White House is finalizing plans to ship free at-home COVID-19 tests to Americans nationwide and has awarded its first contracts as part of this pledge.

Austin ISD in need of substitute teachers as COVID cases rise

The district said the need for substitutes was even an issue since before the pandemic, now with more teachers calling in sick they’re hopeful the community will step up.

Austin ISD asks community to apply to become substitute teachers
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Austin ISD is now offering up to $120 a day for substitute teachers as the need for more continues to rise across Central Texas.

Hutto ISD experiencing school bus driver shortage due to COVID
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A notification email was sent out that school buses would not roll Monday. As a result, the nearly 4,000 students who typically ride a bus had to find some other way to school.

Private insurers to cover home COVID-19 tests starting Saturday

Under the new policy, Americans will be able to either purchase home testing kits for free under their insurance or submit receipts for the tests for reimbursement, up to the monthly per-person limit.

T cells from common colds may help protect against COVID-19, study suggests

T cells generated from the common cold may help protect against COVID-19, a new study found. But researchers stressed that "no one should rely on this alone."

50-plus dogs find fosters, adopters during APA! staff shortage from COVID

Austin Pets Alive! says that more than 50 dogs are now safe in emergency foster homes or with adopters after calling for the community's help.

TEA updates COVID-19 quarantine guidelines for school staff

The Texas Education Agency updated its guidelines on Jan. 7 and says the changes come as a result of updated CDC guidance.

Via 313 employees demanding improved COVID-19 protocols

Via 313 employees are rallying around their coworkers to demand more transparency and improved COVID-19 protocols.

COVID sick time: Stay home or work? Omicron poses conundrum

Millions of workers whose jobs don’t provide paid sick days are having to choose between their health and their paycheck as the omicron variant of COVID-19 rages across the nation.

Georgia woman gets prison time for COVID relief fraud

Federal prosecutors say 49-year-old Hunter VanPelt of Roswell submitted six false loan applications to the Paycheck Protection Program from April to June 2020. She allegedly requested a total of more than $7.9 million and received more than $6 million.

Novak Djokovic had COVID-19 last month, lawyers argue in vaccine dispute

Lawyers for Novak Djokovic have filed court documents in his challenge against deportation from Australia that showed the tennis star contracted COVID-19 in the middle of last month.