Missouri attorney general sues to stop school mask mandates

(AP) Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt has filed a lawsuit that seeks to stop school districts from enforcing mask mandates, requirements aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19. The lawsuit filed Tuesday names Columbia Public Schools along with the district’s Board of Education and board members, but is a class-action lawsuit that would apply to any Missouri district requiring masks. The new school year began Monday in several districts across the state, and with the delta variant causing a big spike in cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, more than four dozen districts are requiring students, teachers, and staff to wear face coverings.