Virginia judge weighs governor’s power to lift mask mandate

By MATTHEW BARAKAT
Associated

ARLINGTON, Va. (AP) — A judge is holding off for now on deciding whether local school boards or Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin have the final say on whether students must wear masks in school to protect against COVID-19. A judge in Arlington County heard arguments on the issue Wednesday but did not immediately issue a ruling. Seven school boards from across the state filed a lawsuit last week seeking to block an executive order issued by Youngkin from taking effect. Youngkin’s order not only reversed a school mask mandate that had been imposed statewide, but also sought to overrule mandates issued by local school boards. The school boards say Youngkin’s action usurps their authority.