WASHINGTON (AP) —AT&amp;T and Verizon will delay launching new wireless service near key airports after the nation's largest airlines said the service would interfere with aircraft technology and cause massive flight disruptions.

The decision from the telecommunication companies arrived Tuesday as the Biden administration tried to broker a settlement between the telecom companies and the airlines over a rollout of new 5G service, scheduled for Wednesday.

Airlines want the new service to be banned within two miles of&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/tags/airport/">airport</a>&nbsp;runways.

AT&amp;T said it would delay turning on new cell towers around runways at some airports—it did not say how many or for how long—and work with&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/tags/federal+regulators/">federal regulators</a>&nbsp;to settle the dispute.

A short time later, Verizon said it will launch its 5G network but added, "we have voluntarily decided to limit our 5G network around airports." It blamed airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration, saying they "have not been able to fully resolve navigating 5G around airports" although it is working in more than 40 countries.

The announcements came after the&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/tags/airline+industry/">airline industry</a>&nbsp;issued a dire warning about the impact a new type of 5G service would have on flights. CEOs of the nation's largest airlines said interference with aircraft systems would be worse than they originally thought, making many flights impossible.

"To be blunt, the nation's commerce will grind to a halt" unless the service is blocked near major airports, the CEOs said in a letter Monday to federal officials including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has previously taken the airlines' side in the matter.

President Joe Biden said the agreements by AT&amp;T and Verizon "will avoid potentially devastating disruptions to passenger travel, cargo operations, and our economic recovery, while allowing more than 90% of wireless tower deployment to occur as scheduled." He said the administration will keep working with both sides to reach a permanent solution around key airports.

The new high-speed wireless service&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/news/2022-01-airlines-5g-upend-week.html">uses a segment of the radio spectrum</a>, C-Band, that is close to that used by altimeters, which are devices that measure the height of aircraft above the ground. Altimeters are used to help pilots land when visibility is poor, and they link to other systems on planes.

AT&amp;T and Verizon say their equipment will not interfere with aircraft electronics, and that the technology is being safely used in many other countries.

However, the CEOs of 10 passenger and cargo airlines including American, Delta, United and Southwest say that 5G will be more disruptive than earlier thought because dozens of large airports that were to have buffer zones to prevent 5G interference with aircraft will still be subject to of flight restrictions announced last week by the FAA. They add that those restrictions won't be limited to times when visibility is poor.

"Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the traveling and shipping public will essentially be grounded. This means that on a day like yesterday, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subjected to cancellations, diversions or delays," the CEOs said.

The showdown between two industries and their rival regulators—the FAA and the Federal Communications Commission, which oversees radio spectrum—threatens to further disrupt the aviation industry, which has been hammered by the pandemic for nearly two years.

This was a crisis that was years in the making.

The airline industry and the FAA say that they have tried to raise alarms about potential interference from 5G C-Band but the FCC ignored them.

The telecoms, the FCC and their supporters argue that C-Band and aircraft altimeters operate far enough apart on the radio spectrum to avoid interference. They also say that the aviation industry has known about C-Band technology for several years but did nothing to prepare—airlines chose not to upgrade altimeters that might be subject to interference, and the FAA failed to begin surveying equipment on planes until the last few weeks.

After rival T-Mobile got what is called mid-band spectrum from its acquisition of Sprint, AT&amp;T and Verizon spent tens of billions of dollars for C-Band spectrum in a government auction run by the FCC to shore up their own mid-band needs, then spent billions more to build out new networks that they planned to launch in early December.

In response to concern by the airlines, however, they initially agreed to delay the service until early January.

Late on New Year's Eve, Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson asked the companies for another delay, warning of "unacceptable disruption" to air&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/tags/service/">service</a>.

AT&amp;T CEO John Stankey and Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg rejected the request in a letter that had a scolding, even mocking tone. But they had second thoughts after intervention that reached the White House. The CEOs agreed to the second, shorter delay but implied that there would be no more compromises.

In that deal, the telecoms agreed to reduce the power of their networks near 50 airports for six months, similar to wireless restrictions in France. In exchange, the FAA and the Transportation Department promised not to further oppose the rollout of 5G C-Band.

Biden praised the deal, but the airlines weren't satisfied with the agreement, regarding it as a victory for the telecoms that didn't adequately address their concerns.

KANSAS CITY (AP) —The airline industry is raising the stakes in a showdown with AT&amp;T and Verizon over plans to launch new 5G wireless service this week, warning that thousands of flights could be grounded or delayed if the rollout takes place near major airports.

CEOs of the nation’s largest airlines say that interference from the wireless service on a key instrument on planes is worse than they originally thought.

“To be blunt, the nation’s commerce will grind to a halt” unless the service is blocked near major airports, the CEOs said in a letter Monday to federal officials including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has previously taken the airlines’ side in the matter.

AT&amp;T and Verizon plan to activate their new 5G wireless service Wednesday after two previous delays from the original plan for an early December rollout.

The new high-speed 5G service uses a segment of the radio spectrum that is close to that used by altimeters, which are devices that measure the height of aircraft above the ground.

Two weeks ago, the companies struck a deal with the Federal Aviation Administration to delay the service for two more weeks and reduce the power of 5G transmitters near airports. That delay ends Wednesday.

AT&amp;T and Verizon say their equipment will not interfere with aircraft electronics, and that the technology is being safely used in many other countries. Critics of the airline industry say the carriers had several years to upgrade altimeters that might be subject to interference from 5G.

The CEOs of 10 passenger and cargo airlines including American, Delta, United and Southwest said 5G will be more disruptive than they originally thought because dozens of large airports that were to have buffer zones to prevent 5G interference with aircraft will still be subject to flight restrictions announced last week by the FAA, and because those restrictions won’t be limited to times when visibility is poor.

“Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the traveling and shipping public will essentially be grounded. This means that on a day like yesterday, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subjected to cancellations, diversions or delays,” the CEOs said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642515799637.png" alt="Photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —AT&amp;T and Verizon will delay launching new wireless service near key airports after the nation's largest airlines said the service would interfere with aircraft technology and cause massive flight disruptions.The decision from the telecommunication companies arrived Tuesday as the Biden administration tried to broker a settlement between the telecom companies and the airlines over a rollout of new 5G service, scheduled for Wednesday.Airlines want the new service to be banned within two miles of&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/tags/airport/">airport</a>&nbsp;runways.AT&amp;T said it would delay turning on new cell towers around runways at some airports—it did not say how many or for how long—and work with&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/tags/federal+regulators/">federal regulators</a>&nbsp;to settle the dispute.A short time later, Verizon said it will launch its 5G network but added, "we have voluntarily decided to limit our 5G network around airports." It blamed airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration, saying they "have not been able to fully resolve navigating 5G around airports" although it is working in more than 40 countries.The announcements came after the&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/tags/airline+industry/">airline industry</a>&nbsp;issued a dire warning about the impact a new type of 5G service would have on flights. CEOs of the nation's largest airlines said interference with aircraft systems would be worse than they originally thought, making many flights impossible."To be blunt, the nation's commerce will grind to a halt" unless the service is blocked near major airports, the CEOs said in a letter Monday to federal officials including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has previously taken the airlines' side in the matter.President Joe Biden said the agreements by AT&amp;T and Verizon "will avoid potentially devastating disruptions to passenger travel, cargo operations, and our economic recovery, while allowing more than 90% of wireless tower deployment to occur as scheduled." He said the administration will keep working with both sides to reach a permanent solution around key airports.The new high-speed wireless service&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/news/2022-01-airlines-5g-upend-week.html">uses a segment of the radio spectrum</a>, C-Band, that is close to that used by altimeters, which are devices that measure the height of aircraft above the ground. Altimeters are used to help pilots land when visibility is poor, and they link to other systems on planes.AT&amp;T and Verizon say their equipment will not interfere with aircraft electronics, and that the technology is being safely used in many other countries.However, the CEOs of 10 passenger and cargo airlines including American, Delta, United and Southwest say that 5G will be more disruptive than earlier thought because dozens of large airports that were to have buffer zones to prevent 5G interference with aircraft will still be subject to of flight restrictions announced last week by the FAA. They add that those restrictions won't be limited to times when visibility is poor."Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the traveling and shipping public will essentially be grounded. This means that on a day like yesterday, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subjected to cancellations, diversions or delays," the CEOs said.The showdown between two industries and their rival regulators—the FAA and the Federal Communications Commission, which oversees radio spectrum—threatens to further disrupt the aviation industry, which has been hammered by the pandemic for nearly two years.This was a crisis that was years in the making.The airline industry and the FAA say that they have tried to raise alarms about potential interference from 5G C-Band but the FCC ignored them.The telecoms, the FCC and their supporters argue that C-Band and aircraft altimeters operate far enough apart on the radio spectrum to avoid interference. They also say that the aviation industry has known about C-Band technology for several years but did nothing to prepare—airlines chose not to upgrade altimeters that might be subject to interference, and the FAA failed to begin surveying equipment on planes until the last few weeks.After rival T-Mobile got what is called mid-band spectrum from its acquisition of Sprint, AT&amp;T and Verizon spent tens of billions of dollars for C-Band spectrum in a government auction run by the FCC to shore up their own mid-band needs, then spent billions more to build out new networks that they planned to launch in early December.In response to concern by the airlines, however, they initially agreed to delay the service until early January.Late on New Year's Eve, Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson asked the companies for another delay, warning of "unacceptable disruption" to air&nbsp;<a href="https://techxplore.com/tags/service/">service</a>.AT&amp;T CEO John Stankey and Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg rejected the request in a letter that had a scolding, even mocking tone. But they had second thoughts after intervention that reached the White House. The CEOs agreed to the second, shorter delay but implied that there would be no more compromises.In that deal, the telecoms agreed to reduce the power of their networks near 50 airports for six months, similar to wireless restrictions in France. In exchange, the FAA and the Transportation Department promised not to further oppose the rollout of 5G C-Band.Biden praised the deal, but the airlines weren't satisfied with the agreement, regarding it as a victory for the telecoms that didn't adequately address their concerns.------------KANSAS CITY (AP) —The airline industry is raising the stakes in a showdown with AT&amp;T and Verizon over plans to launch new 5G wireless service this week, warning that thousands of flights could be grounded or delayed if the rollout takes place near major airports.CEOs of the nation’s largest airlines say that interference from the wireless service on a key instrument on planes is worse than they originally thought.“To be blunt, the nation’s commerce will grind to a halt” unless the service is blocked near major airports, the CEOs said in a letter Monday to federal officials including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has previously taken the airlines’ side in the matter.AT&amp;T and Verizon plan to activate their new 5G wireless service Wednesday after two previous delays from the original plan for an early December rollout.The new high-speed 5G service uses a segment of the radio spectrum that is close to that used by altimeters, which are devices that measure the height of aircraft above the ground.Two weeks ago, the companies struck a deal with the Federal Aviation Administration to delay the service for two more weeks and reduce the power of 5G transmitters near airports. That delay ends Wednesday.AT&amp;T and Verizon say their equipment will not interfere with aircraft electronics, and that the technology is being safely used in many other countries. Critics of the airline industry say the carriers had several years to upgrade altimeters that might be subject to interference from 5G.The CEOs of 10 passenger and cargo airlines including American, Delta, United and Southwest said 5G will be more disruptive than they originally thought because dozens of large airports that were to have buffer zones to prevent 5G interference with aircraft will still be subject to flight restrictions announced last week by the FAA, and because those restrictions won’t be limited to times when visibility is poor.“Unless our major hubs are cleared to fly, the vast majority of the traveling and shipping public will essentially be grounded. This means that on a day like yesterday, more than 1,100 flights and 100,000 passengers would be subjected to cancellations, diversions or delays,” the CEOs said.

AT&T, Verizon pause some new 5G after airlines raise alarm

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas prosecutor says he can't file charges over the death of a 17-year-old who became unresponsive while being restrained after an altercation with staff at a Wichita juvenile center in September.

Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett made the announcement in a Tuesday news conference.

 Cedric Lofton died at a hospital two days after the altercation at the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center.

 A December autopsy report contradicted an earlier, preliminary finding that the teenager hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries. The autopsy ruled the death a homicide. Bennett says he state’s “stand your ground” law prevents him from bringing any charges.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642528923591.png" alt="Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett during Tuesday's press conference" />
 <figcaption>Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett during Tuesday's press conference</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — A Kansas prosecutor says he can't file charges over the death of a 17-year-old who became unresponsive while being restrained after an altercation with staff at a Wichita juvenile center in September.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642531983328.png" alt="From the final report of the District Attorney" />
 <figcaption>From the final report of the District Attorney</figcaption>
 </figure>Sedgwick County District Attorney Marc Bennett made the announcement in a Tuesday news conference. Cedric Lofton died at a hospital two days after the altercation at the Sedgwick County Juvenile Intake and Assessment Center.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642532241025.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure> A December autopsy report contradicted an earlier, preliminary finding that the teenager hadn’t suffered life-threatening injuries. The autopsy ruled the death a homicide. Bennett says he state’s “stand your ground” law prevents him from bringing any charges.

Prosecutor: No charges in Kansas teen’s custody death

MIAMI COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Miami County.

&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Edward J. Danford, 59, Iola, was southbound on U.S. 169 just south of Ten Mile Creek. The truck traveled off the left side of the road, across the median, across the northbound lanes into the ditch and came to rest against a tree.

Danford was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

MIAMI COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 10a.m. Tuesday in Miami County.&nbsp;The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2016 Freightliner semi driven by Edward J. Danford, 59, Iola, was southbound on U.S. 169 just south of Ten Mile Creek. The truck traveled off the left side of the road, across the median, across the northbound lanes into the ditch and came to rest against a tree.Danford was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. He was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after semi crash into tree

By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina Post

A Salina man who wanted police to remove his roommate ended up being arrested during an alleged incident over the weekend.

Just after 2p.m. Jan. 15, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Baker Street to remove a person from a residence, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.

Upon arrival, they met with Andrew Marquez, 62, of Salina, who wanted his 47-year-old male roommate removed from the residence. According to Forrester, Marquez was highly intoxicated.

While an officer was speaking with the two men, Marquez went to the kitchen and returned holding a large kitchen knife and allegedly threatened both the officer and the roommate, Forrester reported.

The officer ordered Marquez to drop the knife at gunpoint, and he eventually complied and was taken into custody without incident.

Marquez was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated assault and Aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642524694421.png" alt="Andrew Marquez -Saline County Sheriff's Office" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Marquez -Saline County Sheriff's Office</figcaption>
 </figure>By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY Salina PostA Salina man who wanted police to remove his roommate ended up being arrested during an alleged incident over the weekend.Just after 2p.m. Jan. 15, officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Baker Street to remove a person from a residence, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester.Upon arrival, they met with Andrew Marquez, 62, of Salina, who wanted his 47-year-old male roommate removed from the residence. According to Forrester, Marquez was highly intoxicated.While an officer was speaking with the two men, Marquez went to the kitchen and returned holding a large kitchen knife and allegedly threatened both the officer and the roommate, Forrester reported.The officer ordered Marquez to drop the knife at gunpoint, and he eventually complied and was taken into custody without incident.Marquez was arrested on requested charges of Aggravated assault and Aggravated assault against a law enforcement officer.

Police: Kan. man allegedly threatened officer with a knife

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two brand-new COVID-19 pills that were supposed to be an important weapon against the pandemic in the U.S. are in short supply and have played little role in the fight against the omicron wave of infections.

The problem is that production is not yet at full strength and that the pill considered to be far superior, Pfizer’s, takes six to eight months to manufacture.

While the supply is expected to improve dramatically in the coming months, doctors are clamoring for the pills now, not just because omicron is causing an explosion of cases but because two antibody drugs that were once the go-to treatments don’t work as well against the variant.

“This should be a really joyous time because we now have highly effective antiviral pills,” said Erin McCreary, a pharmacist and administrator at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Instead, this feels like the hardest and most chaotic stretch of the pandemic.”

The pills — and other COVID-19 drugs, for that matter — are being carefully rationed, reserved for the highest-risk patients.

“January is going to be a terrible month with a million cases a day,” said University of North Carolina virologist Dr. Myron Cohen. “Most people will do perfectly well, but we have to select out the people who won’t and give them the drugs we have available.”

The Food and Drug Administration authorized the two pills from Pfizer and Merck&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">late last month</a>&nbsp;based on studies showing they cut the risk of severe disease and death when given shortly after symptoms appear. They are the first COVID-19 treatments patients can take at home, and thus could reduce the burden on hospitals.

The U.S. didn’t make the kind of mass purchases in advance that it did with vaccines.

Because of the time it takes to manufacture Pfizer’s pill, Paxlovid, the company says it can supply only about 250,000 courses of the treatment by the end of this month.

The U.S. has ordered enough Paxlovid to treat 20 million people, but the first 10 million orders won’t be delivered until June.

White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said this week that the government collaborated with Pfizer to help speed up development of the pill by several months, and that officials continue to work with the company to look for ways to boost production.

Pfizer said it is adding capacity: “We expect to use our strong manufacturing capabilities and our extensive supplier network to continue to improve output rapidly.”

Merck’s pill, molnupiravir, is easier to manufacture and available in greater quantities.

But final testing showed it was far less effective than Pfizer’s pill and carried significant risks, including the potential for birth defects when taken by pregnant women. As a result, it is considered the last-choice option under federal guidelines.

Merck said it has delivered 900,000 courses of the drug and is on track to ship all 3 million ordered by the U.S. by the end of the month.

Since last month, the government has sent states enough Pfizer pills to treat 164,000 people, allocating them by population. That approach is coming under fire from some states with heavier caseloads.

The amount allocated to New York — enough to treat about 20,000 people — is just not enough, said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett.

“We need more of these drugs in order to make them alter the course of the pandemic and reduce hospitalization,” she said.

State guidelines generally recommend doctors give priority for the drugs to those at the highest risk, including cancer patients, transplant recipients and people who have lung disease or are pregnant. New York’s guidelines also recommend prioritizing certain racial and ethnic minorities, given their higher rates of severe illness and death.

States are distributing the pills differently.

In Michigan, all initial shipments went to 10 pharmacies in the hardest-hit areas. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas and many other states have distributed the pills more widely, so that at least one pharmacy in each county carries the drug.

Despite the strict prescribing guidelines, some patients have been able to get the pills through luck and persistence.

Craige Campbell, a website manager from Desert Hot Springs, California, began leaving messages with his doctor immediately after testing positive for COVID-19 and developing a 101-degree fever. Despite having no underlying health conditions, he was soon able to get a prescription.

The only pharmacy dispensing the drug was more than an hour’s drive away, so Campbell had a friend pick it up for him.

“I felt a bit privileged in a way,” he said. “The odds that it would land in my plate in the right amount of time were pretty extraordinary.”

At the same time, there is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/omicron-may-sideline-two-covid-antibody-drugs-ffab32bd6e4e6b4822360b34da1785f0">shortage of antibody medications</a>, the infused or injected drugs that can head off death and hospitalization. Only one of them, from GlaxoSmithKline, appears effective against omicron, and it, too, is being rationed.

Federal officials are limiting shipments of it to about 50,000 doses per week. This week, the government announced it is buying 600,000 more doses, on top of 400,000 purchased in November.

At the UPMC hospital system in Pennsylvania, the staff can treat fewer than 1,000 patients per week with antibodies, down from as many as 4,000 earlier in the pandemic.

Doctors and nurses around the U.S. have developed complex means of deciding who should get the scarce medications, based on patients’ symptoms, their underlying medical risks, where they live and whether they are healthy enough to travel for an infusion.

“What do we have on hand?” is the first question, said University of Maryland Medical Center’s Dr. Greg Schrank. “Among those therapies, what’s the most effective and how can we direct it to the people that we know are of greatest risk?”

The increasingly complicated treatment picture comes as exhausted, frustrated hospital workers try to manage rising admissions.

As of Sunday, nearly 128,000 Americans were in the hospital with COVID-19, surpassing the all-time high of around 125,000 last January. While fewer COVID-19 patients now require intensive care, the surge is pushing hospitals to the breaking point.

Considering that threat, Pfizer’s pill arrived just in time, Schrank said.

“It’s not going to turn the tide on the total number of cases, but it could really help dampen the impact on hospitals,” he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1633958564035.png" alt="The antiviral pills aren’t for everyone who gets a positive test.-photo courtesy Merck" />
 <figcaption>The antiviral pills aren’t for everyone who gets a positive test.-photo courtesy Merck</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Two brand-new COVID-19 pills that were supposed to be an important weapon against the pandemic in the U.S. are in short supply and have played little role in the fight against the omicron wave of infections.The problem is that production is not yet at full strength and that the pill considered to be far superior, Pfizer’s, takes six to eight months to manufacture.While the supply is expected to improve dramatically in the coming months, doctors are clamoring for the pills now, not just because omicron is causing an explosion of cases but because two antibody drugs that were once the go-to treatments don’t work as well against the variant.“This should be a really joyous time because we now have highly effective antiviral pills,” said Erin McCreary, a pharmacist and administrator at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “Instead, this feels like the hardest and most chaotic stretch of the pandemic.”The pills — and other COVID-19 drugs, for that matter — are being carefully rationed, reserved for the highest-risk patients.“January is going to be a terrible month with a million cases a day,” said University of North Carolina virologist Dr. Myron Cohen. “Most people will do perfectly well, but we have to select out the people who won’t and give them the drugs we have available.”The Food and Drug Administration authorized the two pills from Pfizer and Merck&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-pfizer-medication-f5f65e7e61d6aa9c7dfa193053e8878a">late last month</a>&nbsp;based on studies showing they cut the risk of severe disease and death when given shortly after symptoms appear. They are the first COVID-19 treatments patients can take at home, and thus could reduce the burden on hospitals.The U.S. didn’t make the kind of mass purchases in advance that it did with vaccines.Because of the time it takes to manufacture Pfizer’s pill, Paxlovid, the company says it can supply only about 250,000 courses of the treatment by the end of this month.The U.S. has ordered enough Paxlovid to treat 20 million people, but the first 10 million orders won’t be delivered until June.White House COVID-19 coordinator Jeff Zients said this week that the government collaborated with Pfizer to help speed up development of the pill by several months, and that officials continue to work with the company to look for ways to boost production.Pfizer said it is adding capacity: “We expect to use our strong manufacturing capabilities and our extensive supplier network to continue to improve output rapidly.”Merck’s pill, molnupiravir, is easier to manufacture and available in greater quantities.But final testing showed it was far less effective than Pfizer’s pill and carried significant risks, including the potential for birth defects when taken by pregnant women. As a result, it is considered the last-choice option under federal guidelines.Merck said it has delivered 900,000 courses of the drug and is on track to ship all 3 million ordered by the U.S. by the end of the month.Since last month, the government has sent states enough Pfizer pills to treat 164,000 people, allocating them by population. That approach is coming under fire from some states with heavier caseloads.The amount allocated to New York — enough to treat about 20,000 people — is just not enough, said Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett.“We need more of these drugs in order to make them alter the course of the pandemic and reduce hospitalization,” she said.State guidelines generally recommend doctors give priority for the drugs to those at the highest risk, including cancer patients, transplant recipients and people who have lung disease or are pregnant. New York’s guidelines also recommend prioritizing certain racial and ethnic minorities, given their higher rates of severe illness and death.States are distributing the pills differently.In Michigan, all initial shipments went to 10 pharmacies in the hardest-hit areas. Pennsylvania, Maryland, Texas and many other states have distributed the pills more widely, so that at least one pharmacy in each county carries the drug.Despite the strict prescribing guidelines, some patients have been able to get the pills through luck and persistence.Craige Campbell, a website manager from Desert Hot Springs, California, began leaving messages with his doctor immediately after testing positive for COVID-19 and developing a 101-degree fever. Despite having no underlying health conditions, he was soon able to get a prescription.The only pharmacy dispensing the drug was more than an hour’s drive away, so Campbell had a friend pick it up for him.“I felt a bit privileged in a way,” he said. “The odds that it would land in my plate in the right amount of time were pretty extraordinary.”At the same time, there is a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/omicron-may-sideline-two-covid-antibody-drugs-ffab32bd6e4e6b4822360b34da1785f0">shortage of antibody medications</a>, the infused or injected drugs that can head off death and hospitalization. Only one of them, from GlaxoSmithKline, appears effective against omicron, and it, too, is being rationed.Federal officials are limiting shipments of it to about 50,000 doses per week. This week, the government announced it is buying 600,000 more doses, on top of 400,000 purchased in November.At the UPMC hospital system in Pennsylvania, the staff can treat fewer than 1,000 patients per week with antibodies, down from as many as 4,000 earlier in the pandemic.Doctors and nurses around the U.S. have developed complex means of deciding who should get the scarce medications, based on patients’ symptoms, their underlying medical risks, where they live and whether they are healthy enough to travel for an infusion.“What do we have on hand?” is the first question, said University of Maryland Medical Center’s Dr. Greg Schrank. “Among those therapies, what’s the most effective and how can we direct it to the people that we know are of greatest risk?”The increasingly complicated treatment picture comes as exhausted, frustrated hospital workers try to manage rising admissions.As of Sunday, nearly 128,000 Americans were in the hospital with COVID-19, surpassing the all-time high of around 125,000 last January. While fewer COVID-19 patients now require intensive care, the surge is pushing hospitals to the breaking point.Considering that threat, Pfizer’s pill arrived just in time, Schrank said.“It’s not going to turn the tide on the total number of cases, but it could really help dampen the impact on hospitals,” he said.___

COVID-19 pill rollout stymied by shortages as omicron rages

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Wichita say a shooting on the south side of the city has left two people dead, including a 17-year-old boy. Television station KAKE reports that the shooting happened just before 9:30 Monday night. 

Officers called to the scene found the teen and a female victim with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle that had crashed into a garage at an apartment complex. 

Police say the teen died at the scene, while the other victim was rushed to hospital where she later died. Officials have not released the victims' names, and police have not announced any suspects in the case.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642506215169.png" alt="Police at the scene of the shooting investigation photo by Abbey Higginbotham courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the shooting investigation photo by Abbey Higginbotham courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police in Wichita say a shooting on the south side of the city has left two people dead, including a 17-year-old boy. Television station KAKE reports that the shooting happened just before 9:30 Monday night. Officers called to the scene found the teen and a female victim with gunshot wounds inside a vehicle that had crashed into a garage at an apartment complex. Police say the teen died at the scene, while the other victim was rushed to hospital where she later died. Officials have not released the victims' names, and police have not announced any suspects in the case.

Police: 2 dead including teen after Kansas shooting, crash 

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Tuesday announced that as of Feb. 1, 2022, COVID-19 contact outreach and monitoring, otherwise known as contact tracing, operations will be discontinued at KDHE. KDHE contact tracing staff will be reassigned to contact investigations, according to a media release from the agency.

County Local Health Departments have already begun to wind down contact tracing and K-12 schools who were participating in contact tracing as part of the Test to Stay program may temporarily suspend contact tracing as well.

 Contact tracing is when Public Health notifies close contacts to let them know that they were exposed to an infectious disease and tells them about the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Participation with contact tracing has always been voluntary. The decision to end contact outreach and monitoring was made due to the surge in amount of positive COVID-19 cases and the public's willingness to participate has diminished since the beginning of the pandemic.

“As we enter the third year of this pandemic, public health has to begin to adjust the level of response to help alleviate the strain on the Public Health system,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said.&nbsp;“The pandemic is far from over, but this step is a move toward managing COVID-19 as an endemic disease. The responsibility of protecting yourself and others belongs to all of us.”

Individuals who are positive for COVID-19 will now be responsible for letting their close contacts know about their potential exposure. Additionally, if the individual with COVID-19 exposed others at high-risk settings such as schools, correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, daycares and churches, KDHE or the local health department will notify the setting. The setting will be responsible for identifying close contacts and notifying them about the potential exposure.

Individuals who are positive for COVID-19 or a close contact of someone with COVID-19 can find information on what to do&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMTguNTE5NDg1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzI5OS9JZi1Zb3UtS25vdy1Zb3UtSGF2ZS1DT1ZJRC0xOT91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.8yhUHdKgxAGqwvjlFDnJbukRBCFaS1AQA6UbBqkeC-E/s/1305913448/br/125237299611-l" target="_blank">here</a>.

KDHE urges Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Tuesday announced that as of Feb. 1, 2022, COVID-19 contact outreach and monitoring, otherwise known as contact tracing, operations will be discontinued at KDHE. KDHE contact tracing staff will be reassigned to contact investigations, according to a media release from the agency.County Local Health Departments have already begun to wind down contact tracing and K-12 schools who were participating in contact tracing as part of the Test to Stay program may temporarily suspend contact tracing as well. Contact tracing is when Public Health notifies close contacts to let them know that they were exposed to an infectious disease and tells them about the signs and symptoms to watch out for. Participation with contact tracing has always been voluntary. The decision to end contact outreach and monitoring was made due to the surge in amount of positive COVID-19 cases and the public's willingness to participate has diminished since the beginning of the pandemic.“As we enter the third year of this pandemic, public health has to begin to adjust the level of response to help alleviate the strain on the Public Health system,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said.&nbsp;“The pandemic is far from over, but this step is a move toward managing COVID-19 as an endemic disease. The responsibility of protecting yourself and others belongs to all of us.”Individuals who are positive for COVID-19 will now be responsible for letting their close contacts know about their potential exposure. Additionally, if the individual with COVID-19 exposed others at high-risk settings such as schools, correctional facilities, long-term care facilities, homeless shelters, daycares and churches, KDHE or the local health department will notify the setting. The setting will be responsible for identifying close contacts and notifying them about the potential exposure.Individuals who are positive for COVID-19 or a close contact of someone with COVID-19 can find information on what to do&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMTguNTE5NDg1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzI5OS9JZi1Zb3UtS25vdy1Zb3UtSGF2ZS1DT1ZJRC0xOT91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.8yhUHdKgxAGqwvjlFDnJbukRBCFaS1AQA6UbBqkeC-E/s/1305913448/br/125237299611-l" target="_blank">here</a>.KDHE urges Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.<ul>
 <li>Get vaccinated&nbsp;and boosted.&nbsp;Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMTguNTE5NDg1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi92YWNjaW5lcy9lZmZlY3RpdmVuZXNzL3dvcmsuaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.hIg8oYEA-qyhekFV0LxmSj6lvDSkd1k7t2JzVbKoC0c/s/1305913448/br/125237299611-l" target="_blank">COVID-19 vaccines</a>&nbsp;approved or authorized in the United States are&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMTguNTE5NDg1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi92YXJpYW50cy9vbWljcm9uLXZhcmlhbnQuaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.tgPIxHrQMdnaPL5p-m4-YjjunnXWyIQahRlKMbUfi_s/s/1305913448/br/125237299611-l" target="_blank">expected to protect</a>&nbsp;against serious illness, hospitalizations, and death in people infected with the Omicron variant, especially those who have received a booster. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages 5 and over. Moderately or severely immunocompromised people ages 5 and over should receive an additional primary dose of vaccine 28 days after their second shot. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all people ages 12 and over. To find a vaccine near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMTguNTE5NDg1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnZhY2NpbmVzLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.GufStYev4a-G_69cYf6vzED-xPzLKJhInyMtnTZHXJA/s/1305913448/br/125237299611-l" target="_blank">Vaccines.gov</a>.&nbsp;</li><li>Wear a mask.&nbsp;Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people in Kansas wear the most protective mask that fits well and can be worn consistently &nbsp;in public indoor settings, where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status. For more information, visit the CDC website,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMTguNTE5NDg1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9wcmV2ZW50LWdldHRpbmctc2ljay90eXBlcy1vZi1tYXNrcy5odG1sP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.CCxZPxLxM-IYwZZtmHtTHUqqtjq5I1FuGYGVFhDvInU/s/1305913448/br/125237299611-l" target="_blank">Types of Masks and Respirators</a>.&nbsp; &nbsp;</li><li>Get tested.&nbsp;If you are sick or have been in close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19, it is recommended that you get tested for COVID-19. Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMTguNTE5NDg1MzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8va25vd2JlZm9yZXlvdWdva3MuY29tLz91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.UAk9p_-T-I8Qig1idgy6v070DZCy7zMKdHE8IvvqFXI/s/1305913448/br/125237299611-l" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>&nbsp;to find a free testing location near you.&nbsp;If a positive result is received through an at-home test, isolate at home for at least 5 full days. If you took an at-home test and need Public Health to issue a letter stating that you are positive, you will need to follow up with a health care provider for a confirmation test.</li><li>Stay home if exposed.&nbsp;If you are exposed to COVID-19 and you are not up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters, you should stay home and away from other people for 5 full days after your last contact with the person who has COVID-19. Anyone who is exposed, including those who are up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters and those who had COVID-19 within the last 90 days, should wear a well-fitted mask for 10 full days any time you are around others inside your home or in public and watch for symptoms for 10 full days. Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask, avoid travel, and avoid people at high risk for developing severe disease. Get tested for COVID-19 at least 5 days after you last had close contact with someone with COVID-19, or get tested immediately if you develop symptoms.</li><li>Stay home if sick. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive, you should stay home and isolate away from other people for at least 5 full days. You can end home isolation after 5 full days if you are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and your symptoms are improving. If you did not have symptoms, end home isolation 5 days after your positive test. Severely ill people should isolate for at least 10 days. Take precautions for 10 days including wearing a well-fitted mask for 10 full days any time you are around others. Do not go places where you are unable to wear a mask, avoid travel, and avoid people at high risk for developing severe disease.</li><li>Social distance and practice good hand hygiene.&nbsp;People should avoid large gatherings and stay at least 6 feet from others in public settings, especially if they are at higher risk of getting sick.&nbsp; Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.</li>
 </ul>

Kansas announces changes to COVID-19 contact tracing

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a weekend shooting.

Just 12 a.m. Sunday police responded to report of a shooting at a&nbsp; motel in the 1600 block of South Broadway in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. 

At the scene, police found 38-year-old Kristopher McFadden at a nearby home with wound to his face.&nbsp;

Investigators learned McFadden and 39-year-old Omar Tejeda-Guzman were in the parking lot of the motel when McFadden allegeldy pointed a gun at Tejeda-Guzman who then fired a handgun at McFadden.

McFadden was treated and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of aggravated assault. Tejeda-Guzman was booked for criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.&nbsp; Police also recovered two handguns at the scene.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642506719269.png" alt="Tejeda-Guzman has previous convictions for domestic battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; -photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Tejeda-Guzman has previous convictions for domestic battery and criminal threat, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; -photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects in connection with a weekend shooting.Just 12 a.m. Sunday police responded to report of a shooting at a&nbsp; motel in the 1600 block of South Broadway in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson. At the scene, police found 38-year-old Kristopher McFadden at a nearby home with wound to his face.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642506663537.png" alt="McFadden has previous convictions for burglary and aggravated assault, according to the Kan. Department of Corrections -photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>McFadden has previous convictions for burglary and aggravated assault, according to the Kan. Department of Corrections -photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Investigators learned McFadden and 39-year-old Omar Tejeda-Guzman were in the parking lot of the motel when McFadden allegeldy pointed a gun at Tejeda-Guzman who then fired a handgun at McFadden.McFadden was treated and booked into the Sedgwick County Jail on requested charges of aggravated assault. Tejeda-Guzman was booked for criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.&nbsp; Police also recovered two handguns at the scene.&nbsp;

Police arrest 2 after Kansas motel  parking lot gun fight

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing stark criticism from civil rights leaders, senators return to Capitol Hill under intense pressure to change their rules and break a Republican filibuster that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-voting-elections-wv-state-wire-28fce7f5190404f5091158c912bf8d5d">hopelessly stalled voting legislation</a>.

The Senate is set to launch debate Tuesday on the voting bill with attention focused intently on two pivotal Democrats — Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia — who were singled out with a barrage of criticism during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/martin-luther-king-jr-day-fd2a76d5bae88e107592b52f2e7f898b">Martin Luther King Jr. Day events</a>&nbsp;for their refusal to change what civil rights leaders call the “Jim Crow filibuster.”

Martin Luther King III, the son of the late civil rights leader, compared Sinema and Manchin to the white moderate his father wrote about during the civil rights battles of the 1950s and 1960s — a person who declared support for the goals of Black voting rights but not the direct actions or demonstrations that ultimately led to passage of the landmark legislation.

“History will not remember them kindly,” the younger King said, referring to Sinema and Manchin by name.

This will be the fifth time the Senate will try to pass voting legislation this Congress, as elections officials warn that new state laws are making it more difficult to vote in some parts of the country.

The House has passed the package, but the legislation is stalled in the Senate, opposed by Republicans. With a 50-50 split, Democrats have a narrow Senate majority — Vice President Kamala Harris can break a tie — but they lack the 60 votes needed to overcome the GOP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-bills-filibusters-legislation-voting-rights-4b2f6cff2030420b21a6e394641d5fe1">filibuster</a>.

Once reluctant to change Senate rules, President Joe Biden used the King holiday to pressure senators to do just that. But the push from the White House, including Biden’s blistering speech last week in Atlanta comparing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-georgia-voting-martin-luther-king-jr-dc4544c23622f35fc95d63afe512554d">opponents to segregationists</a>, is seen as too late, coming as the president ends his first year in office with his popularity sagging.

“It’s time for every elected official in America to make it clear where they stand,” Biden said on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “It’s time for every American to stand up. Speak out, be heard. Where do you stand?”

The Senate is launching what could become a weeklong debate, but the outcome is expected to be no different than past failed votes on the legislation. Biden has been unable to persuade Sinema and Manchin to join other Democrats in changing the rules to lower the 60-vote threshold. In fact, Sinema upstaged the president last week, reiterating her opposition to the rules changes just before Biden arrived on Capitol Hill to court senators’ votes.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had shelved a promised Monday rules change vote that would have been linked to the King holiday. But he is pressing ahead Tuesday as advocates push to put senators on record, despite the expectation that no bill will pass by week’s end.

Senators have been working nonstop for weeks on rules changes that could win support from Sinema and Manchin, only to see their efforts repeatedly dashed. The two senators, both moderates, have expressed openness to discussing the ideas, but have not given them their backing.

Both Manchin and Sinema have argued that preserving the Senate filibuster rules as they are, at the 60-vote threshold to advance legislation, is important for fostering bipartisanship. They also warn of what would happen if Republicans win back majority control, as is distinctly possible this election year, and could easily pass GOP-backed bills.

Sinema came under particularly fierce criticism on social media for invoking King as well as the late Rep. John Lewis, whose name is on the legislation, despite her refusal to change the rules.

Blame also fell to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is leading his party against the voting legislation. The Kentucky Republican has argued the legislation is a federal overreach into state-run elections, and he harshly criticized Biden’s speech last week as “unpresidential.”

Civil rights leaders have implored the Senate to act swiftly, as states are passing laws that many argue will make it more difficult for Black Americans and others to vote by consolidating polling locations, refusing to allow water distribution in long lines and requiring certain types of identification.

“We cannot think of a time more defining to the American story than the chapter you are presently writing,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson wrote in an open letter to the Senate.

“What country will your children and grandchildren be left with, given the relentless assaults on American freedom and democracy?”

Manchin spokeswoman Sam Runyon said in a statement late Monday: “Senator Manchin believes strongly that every American citizen of legal age has not only the right, but also the responsibility to vote and that right must be protected by law. He continues to work on legislation to protect this right.”

Sinema’s office did not respond to a request for comment.

The voting bill was the Democrats’ top priority this Congress, and the House swiftly approved H.R. 1 only to see it languish in the Senate.

Now called the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, the package before the Senate includes some of the most sweeping changes to elections in a generation, including making Election Day a national holiday and requiring access to early voting and mail-in ballots that became overwhelmingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The package is coupled with the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act, which would require voting protections that had been stripped by the Supreme Court and would again allow Justice Department scrutiny of states with a pattern of elections violations.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Facing stark criticism from civil rights leaders, senators return to Capitol Hill under intense pressure to change their rules and break a Republican filibuster that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-voting-elections-wv-state-wire-28fce7f5190404f5091158c912bf8d5d">hopelessly stalled voting legislation</a>.The Senate is set to launch debate Tuesday on the voting bill with attention focused intently on two pivotal Democrats — Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona and Joe Manchin of West Virginia — who were singled out with a barrage of criticism during&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/martin-luther-king-jr-day-fd2a76d5bae88e107592b52f2e7f898b">Martin Luther King Jr. Day events</a>&nbsp;for their refusal to change what civil rights leaders call the “Jim Crow filibuster.”Martin Luther King III, the son of the late civil rights leader, compared Sinema and Manchin to the white moderate his father wrote about during the civil rights battles of the 1950s and 1960s — a person who declared support for the goals of Black voting rights but not the direct actions or demonstrations that ultimately led to passage of the landmark legislation.“History will not remember them kindly,” the younger King said, referring to Sinema and Manchin by name.This will be the fifth time the Senate will try to pass voting legislation this Congress, as elections officials warn that new state laws are making it more difficult to vote in some parts of the country.The House has passed the package, but the legislation is stalled in the Senate, opposed by Republicans. With a 50-50 split, Democrats have a narrow Senate majority — Vice President Kamala Harris can break a tie — but they lack the 60 votes needed to overcome the GOP&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-bills-filibusters-legislation-voting-rights-4b2f6cff2030420b21a6e394641d5fe1">filibuster</a>.Once reluctant to change Senate rules, President Joe Biden used the King holiday to pressure senators to do just that. But the push from the White House, including Biden’s blistering speech last week in Atlanta comparing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-georgia-voting-martin-luther-king-jr-dc4544c23622f35fc95d63afe512554d">opponents to segregationists</a>, is seen as too late, coming as the president ends his first year in office with his popularity sagging.“It’s time for every elected official in America to make it clear where they stand,” Biden said on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. “It’s time for every American to stand up. Speak out, be heard. Where do you stand?”The Senate is launching what could become a weeklong debate, but the outcome is expected to be no different than past failed votes on the legislation. Biden has been unable to persuade Sinema and Manchin to join other Democrats in changing the rules to lower the 60-vote threshold. In fact, Sinema upstaged the president last week, reiterating her opposition to the rules changes just before Biden arrived on Capitol Hill to court senators’ votes.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had shelved a promised Monday rules change vote that would have been linked to the King holiday. But he is pressing ahead Tuesday as advocates push to put senators on record, despite the expectation that no bill will pass by week’s end.Senators have been working nonstop for weeks on rules changes that could win support from Sinema and Manchin, only to see their efforts repeatedly dashed. The two senators, both moderates, have expressed openness to discussing the ideas, but have not given them their backing.Both Manchin and Sinema have argued that preserving the Senate filibuster rules as they are, at the 60-vote threshold to advance legislation, is important for fostering bipartisanship. They also warn of what would happen if Republicans win back majority control, as is distinctly possible this election year, and could easily pass GOP-backed bills.Sinema came under particularly fierce criticism on social media for invoking King as well as the late Rep. John Lewis, whose name is on the legislation, despite her refusal to change the rules.Blame also fell to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell, who is leading his party against the voting legislation. The Kentucky Republican has argued the legislation is a federal overreach into state-run elections, and he harshly criticized Biden’s speech last week as “unpresidential.”Civil rights leaders have implored the Senate to act swiftly, as states are passing laws that many argue will make it more difficult for Black Americans and others to vote by consolidating polling locations, refusing to allow water distribution in long lines and requiring certain types of identification.“We cannot think of a time more defining to the American story than the chapter you are presently writing,” NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson wrote in an open letter to the Senate.“What country will your children and grandchildren be left with, given the relentless assaults on American freedom and democracy?”Manchin spokeswoman Sam Runyon said in a statement late Monday: “Senator Manchin believes strongly that every American citizen of legal age has not only the right, but also the responsibility to vote and that right must be protected by law. He continues to work on legislation to protect this right.”Sinema’s office did not respond to a request for comment.The voting bill was the Democrats’ top priority this Congress, and the House swiftly approved H.R. 1 only to see it languish in the Senate.Now called the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, the package before the Senate includes some of the most sweeping changes to elections in a generation, including making Election Day a national holiday and requiring access to early voting and mail-in ballots that became overwhelmingly popular during the COVID-19 pandemic.The package is coupled with the John R. Lewis Voting Advancement Act, which would require voting protections that had been stripped by the Supreme Court and would again allow Justice Department scrutiny of states with a pattern of elections violations.

Senators return to work, begin debate on stalled voting rights bills

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Two large school districts in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;have canceled classes this week as COVID-19 cases surge among their staff and students.

Olathe Public Schools and Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools canceled classes for Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the district web site. There were no classes Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.

The closure includes before- and after-school care programs.

Olathe Superintendent Brent Yeager said the cancellations were unavoidable as more than 800 school employees — about 20% of all Olathe schools’ staff — were out sick heading into this week. Yeager said more than 1,500 students had the virus last week.

Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools reported it had 200 teaching positions unfilled Friday. The virus-driven school staff shortage means there aren't enough teachers to conduct online remote classes, Yeager said.

Three Wichita-area elementary schools — Cessna, Spaight and Linwood — will be closed on Tuesday, also because of staff absences and a lack of replacements, said district spokeswoman Susan Arensman.

Wichita district officials warned parents last week that closures were possible as COVID-19 cases surge. The district said in a report issued Friday that 301 staff members and more than 1,100 students tested positive for COVID-19. The district already had about 4,500 students and nearly 650 staff in quarantine.

The school closures follow the closures of several other Kansas districts last week due to the surging virus. Those districts included Eudora, Desoto, Manhattan-Ogden, Bonner Springs and El Dorado.

KAKE-TV reported some churches in Wichita have returned to requiring members to wear masks during services.

Plymouth Congregational Church's decision to require masks again has received mixed reactions, Senior Minister Don Olsen said.

“There are people who aren’t as happy as other people are to put a mask on,” Olsen said. “But we do believe in the community and being supportive of the community and protecting other people’s health.”

College Hill United Methodist Church is requiring masks, giving out COVID-19 rapid tests and had a vaccination clinic on Saturday, the Rev. Jill Sander-Chali said.

“If there’s something we can do, by and large this congregation says sign me up,” Sander-Chali said.

OLATHE, Kan. (AP) — Two large school districts in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;have canceled classes this week as COVID-19 cases surge among their staff and students.Olathe Public Schools and Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools canceled classes for Tuesday and Wednesday, according to the district web site. There were no classes Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day.The closure includes before- and after-school care programs.Olathe Superintendent Brent Yeager said the cancellations were unavoidable as more than 800 school employees — about 20% of all Olathe schools’ staff — were out sick heading into this week. Yeager said more than 1,500 students had the virus last week.Kansas City, Kansas, Public Schools reported it had 200 teaching positions unfilled Friday. The virus-driven school staff shortage means there aren't enough teachers to conduct online remote classes, Yeager said.Three Wichita-area elementary schools — Cessna, Spaight and Linwood — will be closed on Tuesday, also because of staff absences and a lack of replacements, said district spokeswoman Susan Arensman.Wichita district officials warned parents last week that closures were possible as COVID-19 cases surge. The district said in a report issued Friday that 301 staff members and more than 1,100 students tested positive for COVID-19. The district already had about 4,500 students and nearly 650 staff in quarantine.The school closures follow the closures of several other Kansas districts last week due to the surging virus. Those districts included Eudora, Desoto, Manhattan-Ogden, Bonner Springs and El Dorado.KAKE-TV reported some churches in Wichita have returned to requiring members to wear masks during services.Plymouth Congregational Church's decision to require masks again has received mixed reactions, Senior Minister Don Olsen said.“There are people who aren’t as happy as other people are to put a mask on,” Olsen said. “But we do believe in the community and being supportive of the community and protecting other people’s health.”College Hill United Methodist Church is requiring masks, giving out COVID-19 rapid tests and had a vaccination clinic on Saturday, the Rev. Jill Sander-Chali said.“If there’s something we can do, by and large this congregation says sign me up,” Sander-Chali said.

Some Kansas school districts shuttered as COVID surges

TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.

Just before 10:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a possible aggravated burglary in progress in the 1400 block of SW Fillmore in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Joe Perry.

The victim reported that unknown suspect had broken into the residence and attacked the resident. with a weapon. The victims were able to subdue the suspect later identified as 28-year-old Robert K. Ball, until police could arrive.

Police booked Ball into the Shawnee County Department of Correction on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, two counts of Aggravated Assault and two counts of Criminal Damage to property, according to Perry.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642282788321.png" alt="Ball-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Ball-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have made an arrest.Just before 10:30p.m. Friday, police were dispatched to a possible aggravated burglary in progress in the 1400 block of SW Fillmore in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Joe Perry.The victim reported that unknown suspect had broken into the residence and attacked the resident. with a weapon. The victims were able to subdue the suspect later identified as 28-year-old Robert K. Ball, until police could arrive.Police booked Ball into the Shawnee County Department of Correction on requested charges of Aggravated Burglary, two counts of Aggravated Assault and two counts of Criminal Damage to property, according to Perry.

Resident holds Kan. home burglary suspect until police arrive

NEOSHO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged arson.&nbsp;

On Friday police responded to the 1500 block of west 3rd Street in Chanute for a structure fire. 

 Officers spoke to the persons involved and arrested John Wasielewski III, 19, Chanute, on requested charges of aggravated arson, aggravated endangering a child, interference with a law enforcement officer and minor in possession of alcohol. 

 The investigation is still ongoing at this time. Upon completion, reports will be forwarded to Neosho County Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of charges being filed.&nbsp;Wasielewski remained in custody Monday, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642451963004.png" alt="Wasielewski-photo Neosho Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Wasielewski-photo Neosho Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>NEOSHO COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect for alleged arson.&nbsp;On Friday police responded to the 1500 block of west 3rd Street in Chanute for a structure fire. Officers spoke to the persons involved and arrested John Wasielewski III, 19, Chanute, on requested charges of aggravated arson, aggravated endangering a child, interference with a law enforcement officer and minor in possession of alcohol. The investigation is still ongoing at this time. Upon completion, reports will be forwarded to Neosho County Attorney’s Office for review and consideration of charges being filed.&nbsp;Wasielewski remained in custody Monday, according to online jail records.

Police: Kansas man arrested for alleged aggravated arson

OSAGE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Monday in Osage County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 1989 Chevy pickup driven by Patrick J. Harsch, 51, Lebo, was westbound through a field in the&nbsp;3300 Block of SW Wanamaker Road parallel to the train track. 

The driver turned north out of the field, failed to stop at the crossing and was struck by a westbound BNSF train.

Harsch was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. There were no injuries on the train. Harsch was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

OSAGE COUNTY—A Kansas man died in an accident just before 2:30p.m. Monday in Osage County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a&nbsp; 1989 Chevy pickup driven by Patrick J. Harsch, 51, Lebo, was westbound through a field in the&nbsp;3300 Block of SW Wanamaker Road parallel to the train track. The driver turned north out of the field, failed to stop at the crossing and was struck by a westbound BNSF train.Harsch was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to Frontier Forensics. There were no injuries on the train. Harsch was not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kansas man dies after train strikes a pickup

WASHINGTON (AP) —Federal safety officials are directing operators of some Boeing planes to adopt extra procedures when landing on wet or snowy runways near impending 5G service because, they say, interference from the wireless networks could mean that the planes need more room to land.

The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that interference could delay systems like thrust reversers on Boeing 787s from kicking in, leaving only the brakes to slow the plane.

That “could prevent an aircraft from stopping on the runway,” the FAA said.

Similar orders could be issued in the coming days for other planes. The FAA has asked Boeing and Airbus for information about many models. Boeing said it is working with its suppliers, airlines, telecom companies and regulators “to ensure that every commercial airplane model can safely and confidently operate when 5G is implemented in the United States.”

The order for the Boeing jets comes a day after the FAA began issuing restrictions that airlines and other aircraft operators will face at many airports when AT&amp;T and Verizon launch new, faster 5G wireless service Wednesday.

The agency is still studying whether those wireless networks will interfere with altimeters, which measure an aircraft’s height above the ground. Data from altimeters is used to help pilots land when visibility is poor.

The devices operate on a portion of the radio spectrum that is close to the range used by the new 5G service, called C-Band.

This week’s FAA actions are part of a larger fight between the aviation regulator and the telecom industry. The telecom companies and the Federal Communications Commission say 5G networks do not pose a threat to aviation. The FAA says more study is needed.

The FAA is conducting tests to learn how many commercial planes have altimeters that might be vulnerable to spectrum interference. The agency said this week it expects to estimate the percentage of those planes soon, but didn’t put a date on it.

“Aircraft with untested altimeters or that need retrofitting or replacement will be unable to perform low-visibility landings where 5G is deployed,” the agency said in a statement.

The order regarding Boeing 787s covers 137 planes in the U.S. and 1,010 worldwide. The 787 is a two-aisle plane that is popular on longer routes, including many international flights.

The FAA said that based on information from Boeing, the 787s might not shift properly from flying to landing mode if there is interference, which could delay the activation of systems that help slow the plane.

AT&amp;T and Verizon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-federal-aviation-administration-658c00d4d281bf11772b7ce457c3e244">have twice agreed to postpone</a>&nbsp;activating their new networks because of concerns raised by aviation groups and the FAA, most recently after the FAA and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg weighed in on the aviation industry’s side. Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson warned that flights could be canceled or diverted to avoid potential safety risks.

Under an agreement with the telecom companies, the FAA designated 50 airports that will have buffer zones in which the companies will turn off 5G transmitters or make other changes to limit potential interference through early July.

The 50 include the three major airports in the New York City area — LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Liberty — O’Hare and Midway in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Bush Intercontinental in Houston, Los Angeles International and San Francisco.

That concession by the telecoms was modeled after an approach used in France, although the FAA said last week that France requires more dramatic reductions in cell-tower reach around airports.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Federal safety officials are directing operators of some Boeing planes to adopt extra procedures when landing on wet or snowy runways near impending 5G service because, they say, interference from the wireless networks could mean that the planes need more room to land.The Federal Aviation Administration said Friday that interference could delay systems like thrust reversers on Boeing 787s from kicking in, leaving only the brakes to slow the plane.That “could prevent an aircraft from stopping on the runway,” the FAA said.Similar orders could be issued in the coming days for other planes. The FAA has asked Boeing and Airbus for information about many models. Boeing said it is working with its suppliers, airlines, telecom companies and regulators “to ensure that every commercial airplane model can safely and confidently operate when 5G is implemented in the United States.”The order for the Boeing jets comes a day after the FAA began issuing restrictions that airlines and other aircraft operators will face at many airports when AT&amp;T and Verizon launch new, faster 5G wireless service Wednesday.The agency is still studying whether those wireless networks will interfere with altimeters, which measure an aircraft’s height above the ground. Data from altimeters is used to help pilots land when visibility is poor.The devices operate on a portion of the radio spectrum that is close to the range used by the new 5G service, called C-Band.This week’s FAA actions are part of a larger fight between the aviation regulator and the telecom industry. The telecom companies and the Federal Communications Commission say 5G networks do not pose a threat to aviation. The FAA says more study is needed.The FAA is conducting tests to learn how many commercial planes have altimeters that might be vulnerable to spectrum interference. The agency said this week it expects to estimate the percentage of those planes soon, but didn’t put a date on it.“Aircraft with untested altimeters or that need retrofitting or replacement will be unable to perform low-visibility landings where 5G is deployed,” the agency said in a statement.The order regarding Boeing 787s covers 137 planes in the U.S. and 1,010 worldwide. The 787 is a two-aisle plane that is popular on longer routes, including many international flights.The FAA said that based on information from Boeing, the 787s might not shift properly from flying to landing mode if there is interference, which could delay the activation of systems that help slow the plane.AT&amp;T and Verizon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-federal-aviation-administration-658c00d4d281bf11772b7ce457c3e244">have twice agreed to postpone</a>&nbsp;activating their new networks because of concerns raised by aviation groups and the FAA, most recently after the FAA and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg weighed in on the aviation industry’s side. Buttigieg and FAA Administrator Stephen Dickson warned that flights could be canceled or diverted to avoid potential safety risks.Under an agreement with the telecom companies, the FAA designated 50 airports that will have buffer zones in which the companies will turn off 5G transmitters or make other changes to limit potential interference through early July.The 50 include the three major airports in the New York City area — LaGuardia, JFK and Newark Liberty — O’Hare and Midway in Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth International, Bush Intercontinental in Houston, Los Angeles International and San Francisco.That concession by the telecoms was modeled after an approach used in France, although the FAA said last week that France requires more dramatic reductions in cell-tower reach around airports.

FAA sets rules for some airline landings near 5G service

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Teachers around the U.S. are confronting classrooms where as many as half of students are absent because they have been exposed to COVID-19 or their families kept them at home out of concern about the surging coronavirus.

The widespread absences have only added to the difficulty of keeping students on track in yet another pandemic-disrupted school year. In the nation’s largest district, attendance has been so low that New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-new-york-education-new-york-city-16fbc5ece62f5bdd04041f58135452a7">reversed an earlier pledge</a>&nbsp;to keep children in schools and said he would consider allowing a return to some form of virtual instruction.

“This is really taking a toll on the learning. If you have three kids in your class one day and you’re supposed to have 12, you have to reteach everything two weeks later when those kids come back,” said Tabatha Rosproy, a teacher in Olathe, Kansas, and the 2020 national Teacher of the Year.

Some of the country’s biggest school systems report absentee rates around 20% or slightly more, with some individual schools seeing far higher percentages of missing students.

The schools in Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, typically have 90% attendance, but that figure has dropped to 83%. In Seattle, attendance has averaged 81 percent since the return from winter break. Los Angeles public schools marked about 30% of the district’s 600,000-plus students absent on Tuesday, the first day back after the break.

In New York, about 76% of the city’s roughly 1 million public school students were in class Wednesday, with some schools reporting well over half of their students out.

Adnan Bhuiyan, 17, has at times been one of seven or eight students in classes that normally have 30 at the Brooklyn Latin School. He spent much of the first week back from break in free periods, wondering why he was there.

Students given take-home COVID-19 tests have been taking them and testing positive at school, he said, and many are nervous about being exposed.

“Part of me was like, why are we sitting here doing nothing the whole day. Why can’t we just stay home” and learn remotely, he said. “The other part of me knows that the mayor wants to keep the school open for certain reasons, and I can understand that. But the more and more we went through it, I just kept thinking at this point it’s a waste of time for everyone because we’re not learning anything.”

As the highly contagious omicron variant causes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-pandemics-cincinnati-6c6be609e8d74d402f714a06beb52dea">teacher shortages</a>, some schools have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-detroit-cde614839b15d02a594dab1e690c7d46">shifted temporarily to remote learning</a>. Out of the roughly 100,000 public schools in the U.S., nearly 4,200 were closed to in-person learning by midweek, according to the data-tracking site Burbio.

President Joe Biden has stressed the importance of keeping schools open for in-person learning. The White House on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-tests-schools-b03b786fcf9ab777d5b586687a8bf032">announced a monthly supply</a>&nbsp;of 5 million rapid tests and 5 million lab-based PCR tests that schools can use for test-to-stay programs intended to lessen disruptions.

The absences leave teachers wrestling with whether to forge ahead with lessons and how to help students left behind.

Daniel Santos, a history teacher, said about half his students were absent when classes resumed after the winter break. Lately, about a third have been missing from his classes at Houston’s Navarro Middle School, where over 90% of students are Hispanic. Mindful of required standardized tests coming up in the spring, he has been creating video lessons for the missing students to review at home.

“It’s like an avalanche. It just doesn’t stop. Some students return. Then a new set of students are absent,” he said.

The districtwide attendance rate in Houston has been around 90% this week.

Alejandro Diasgranados, a second-grade teacher in Washington, D.C., said his class has gone from perfect attendance most days to half empty some days since winter break. The absences add to pressure to help students who already were behind because of the pandemic, he said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642451635236.png" alt="Photo KCK Public Schools" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCK Public Schools</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Teachers around the U.S. are confronting classrooms where as many as half of students are absent because they have been exposed to COVID-19 or their families kept them at home out of concern about the surging coronavirus.The widespread absences have only added to the difficulty of keeping students on track in yet another pandemic-disrupted school year. In the nation’s largest district, attendance has been so low that New York City Mayor Eric Adams on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-new-york-education-new-york-city-16fbc5ece62f5bdd04041f58135452a7">reversed an earlier pledge</a>&nbsp;to keep children in schools and said he would consider allowing a return to some form of virtual instruction.“This is really taking a toll on the learning. If you have three kids in your class one day and you’re supposed to have 12, you have to reteach everything two weeks later when those kids come back,” said Tabatha Rosproy, a teacher in Olathe, Kansas, and the 2020 national Teacher of the Year.Some of the country’s biggest school systems report absentee rates around 20% or slightly more, with some individual schools seeing far higher percentages of missing students.The schools in Clark County, Nevada, which includes Las Vegas, typically have 90% attendance, but that figure has dropped to 83%. In Seattle, attendance has averaged 81 percent since the return from winter break. Los Angeles public schools marked about 30% of the district’s 600,000-plus students absent on Tuesday, the first day back after the break.In New York, about 76% of the city’s roughly 1 million public school students were in class Wednesday, with some schools reporting well over half of their students out.Adnan Bhuiyan, 17, has at times been one of seven or eight students in classes that normally have 30 at the Brooklyn Latin School. He spent much of the first week back from break in free periods, wondering why he was there.Students given take-home COVID-19 tests have been taking them and testing positive at school, he said, and many are nervous about being exposed.“Part of me was like, why are we sitting here doing nothing the whole day. Why can’t we just stay home” and learn remotely, he said. “The other part of me knows that the mayor wants to keep the school open for certain reasons, and I can understand that. But the more and more we went through it, I just kept thinking at this point it’s a waste of time for everyone because we’re not learning anything.”As the highly contagious omicron variant causes&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-pandemics-cincinnati-6c6be609e8d74d402f714a06beb52dea">teacher shortages</a>, some schools have&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-education-detroit-cde614839b15d02a594dab1e690c7d46">shifted temporarily to remote learning</a>. Out of the roughly 100,000 public schools in the U.S., nearly 4,200 were closed to in-person learning by midweek, according to the data-tracking site Burbio.President Joe Biden has stressed the importance of keeping schools open for in-person learning. The White House on Wednesday&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-covid-tests-schools-b03b786fcf9ab777d5b586687a8bf032">announced a monthly supply</a>&nbsp;of 5 million rapid tests and 5 million lab-based PCR tests that schools can use for test-to-stay programs intended to lessen disruptions.The absences leave teachers wrestling with whether to forge ahead with lessons and how to help students left behind.Daniel Santos, a history teacher, said about half his students were absent when classes resumed after the winter break. Lately, about a third have been missing from his classes at Houston’s Navarro Middle School, where over 90% of students are Hispanic. Mindful of required standardized tests coming up in the spring, he has been creating video lessons for the missing students to review at home.“It’s like an avalanche. It just doesn’t stop. Some students return. Then a new set of students are absent,” he said.The districtwide attendance rate in Houston has been around 90% this week.Alejandro Diasgranados, a second-grade teacher in Washington, D.C., said his class has gone from perfect attendance most days to half empty some days since winter break. The absences add to pressure to help students who already were behind because of the pandemic, he said.The challenge then falls to teachers “to almost individually prescribe each student with an academic learning plan,” he said.The student absences have been cited by some teachers unions in pleas for more flexibility to switch to remote learning when conditions merit.Kathryn Medendorp, an elementary school teacher at Northside Independent School District in San Antonio, said the social and emotional benefits of staying in school offset some of the academic difficulties caused by missing students and staff. But she favors a clear metric that would signal a return to remote lessons.Her school in the mask-optional district was missing 21 third-grade students on a single day this week, the equivalent of a class, she said. At the same time, only one student was absent from her own second-grade classroom.A closing metric “at least would help me feel better about having some sort of handle on this situation,” said Medendorp, who is secretary for the Northside American Federation of Teachers. “Our numbers already have shown some classes are sitting great, it’s not a problem. Other classes, it’s spreading like wildfire so it is a problem there, and we have to stop that spread.”___