WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2022 
optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs 
of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving 
purposes.

Beginning on January 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:

The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an annual
 study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The 
rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.

It is important to note that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 
taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for 
unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Taxpayers also cannot claim a 
deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed 
Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of 
station. For more details see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455">Moving Expenses for Members of the Armed Forces</a>.

Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of 
using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.

Taxpayers can use the standard mileage rate but must opt to use it in
 the first year the car is available for business use. Then, in later 
years, they can choose either the standard mileage rate or actual 
expenses. Leased vehicles must use the standard mileage rate method for 
the entire lease period (including renewals) if the standard mileage 
rate is chosen.

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-03.pdf">Notice 22-03</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 contains the optional 2022 standard mileage rates, as well as the 
maximum automobile cost used to calculate the allowance under a fixed 
and variable rate (FAVR) plan. In addition, the notice provides the 
maximum fair market value of employer-provided automobiles first made 
available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2022 for which 
employers may use the fleet-average valuation rule in or the vehicle 
cents-per-mile valuation rule.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued the 2022 
optional standard mileage rates used to calculate the deductible costs 
of operating an automobile for business, charitable, medical or moving 
purposes.Beginning on January 1, 2022, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be:<ul>
 <li>58.5 cents per mile driven for business use, up 2.5 cents from the rate for 2021,</li><li>18 cents per mile driven for medical, or moving purposes for 
qualified active-duty members of the Armed Forces, up 2 cents from the 
rate for 2021 and</li><li>14 cents per mile driven in service of charitable organizations; the rate is set by statute and remains unchanged from 2021.</li>
 </ul>The standard mileage rate for business use is based on an annual
 study of the fixed and variable costs of operating an automobile. The 
rate for medical and moving purposes is based on the variable costs.It is important to note that under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, 
taxpayers cannot claim a miscellaneous itemized deduction for 
unreimbursed employee travel expenses. Taxpayers also cannot claim a 
deduction for moving expenses, unless they are members of the Armed 
Forces on active duty moving under orders to a permanent change of 
station. For more details see <a href="https://www.irs.gov/taxtopics/tc455">Moving Expenses for Members of the Armed Forces</a>.Taxpayers always have the option of calculating the actual costs of 
using their vehicle rather than using the standard mileage rates.Taxpayers can use the standard mileage rate but must opt to use it in
 the first year the car is available for business use. Then, in later 
years, they can choose either the standard mileage rate or actual 
expenses. Leased vehicles must use the standard mileage rate method for 
the entire lease period (including renewals) if the standard mileage 
rate is chosen.<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-drop/n-22-03.pdf">Notice 22-03</a>&nbsp;PDF,
 contains the optional 2022 standard mileage rates, as well as the 
maximum automobile cost used to calculate the allowance under a fixed 
and variable rate (FAVR) plan. In addition, the notice provides the 
maximum fair market value of employer-provided automobiles first made 
available to employees for personal use in calendar year 2022 for which 
employers may use the fleet-average valuation rule in or the vehicle 
cents-per-mile valuation rule.

IRS issues standard mileage rates for 2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats' vast social and environment package was stuck in the Senate on Thursday as leaders' hopes for an accord with holdout Sen. Joe Manchin and approval of their flagship domestic measure in the year's waning days seemed all but dead.

After a closed-door lunch among Senate Democrats, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., told reporters that a statement by President Joe Biden was expected shortly giving an update on “his conversations with Sen. Manchin and others.” Talks on the 10-year, roughly $2 trillion bill between Biden and Manchin, who wants to cut and reshape the measure, are said to have yielded little progress.

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had set Senate passage before Christmas as his goal, but disputes with Manchin and other Democrats remain. It has become clear that the party is seeking explicit intervention from Biden in hopes he will cut a deal with Manchin, D-W.Va., or urge lawmakers to delay action until January.

Biden "wants to get this done as soon as possible," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, She added, "But we understand it’s going to take time and we’re going to continue to do the work.”

Schumer barely mentioned the legislation as the day’s business began. Instead, he described Democrats’ efforts to break a logjam on voting rights legislation and a pile of nominations the Senate will consider “as we continue working to bring the Senate to a position where we can move forward” on the social and environment bill.

Using his sway in a 50-50 Senate where Democrats need unanimity to prevail, Manchin has continued his drive to force his party to cut the bill's cost and eliminate programs he opposes. All Republicans oppose the package, arguing the measure carrying many of Biden’s paramount domestic priorities is too expensive and would worsen inflation.

“The best Christmas gift Washington could give working families would be putting this bad bill on ice," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.

The rocky status of the Biden-Manchin talks was described Wednesday by a person who spoke only on condition of anonymity. The person said Manchin was pushing to eliminate the bill's renewal of expanded benefits under the child tax credit, a keystone of Democratic efforts to reduce child poverty.

Manchin told reporters Wednesday that assertions he wants to strip the child tax credit improvements were “a lot of bad rumors.” Asked if he backed eliminating one of the bill’s child tax credit improvements — monthly checks sent to millions of families — he said, “I’m not negotiating with any of you.”

Adding further doubt about quick Senate action this year, Biden suggested that Democrats should instead prioritize voting rights legislation, a primary party goal that Republicans have long stymied. Democrats face an uphill fight on the voting measure, but focusing on it would let them wage a battle that energizes the party's voters while lawmakers work behind the scenes on the social and environment bill.

Asked whether Congress should quickly consider the voting legislation and delay the $2 trillion bill to next year, Biden told reporters, “If we can get the congressional voting rights done, we should do it.” He added, “There's nothing domestically more important than voting rights." Biden spoke Wednesday as he toured tornado damage in Dawson Springs, Kentucky.

Letting the social and environment legislation slip into next year, when congressional elections will be held, would be ominous for the bill's ultimate prospects.

With Democrats having blown past previous self-imposed deadlines on the push, another delay would fuel Republican accusations that they are incompetently running a government they control. Democrats are bracing for November elections when the GOP has a real chance of winning control of the House and Senate.

Word of Manchin's stance prompted a backlash from colleagues, whom he's frustrated for months with constant demands to cut the bill's size and scope. The measure also has money for health care, universal prekindergarten and climate change programs, largely paid for with tax boosts on big corporations and the rich.

The second-ranking Democrat, Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, said “the level of emotion” among Democrats over the child tax credit “is very high,” and said he was “stunned” when he heard about Manchin's demands.

Manchin has wanted the overall bill's 10-year price tag to fall below $2 trillion. He also wants all its programs to last the full decade.

The current bill would extend the enhanced child tax credit for just one year, a device to contain the bill's cost. Renewing the improved benefits for 10 years would increase its current one-year cost of around $100 billion to over $1 trillion, and doing that while cutting the overall bill's size would wreak havoc on Democrats' other priorities in the bill.

The Treasury Department says the expanded tax credit has helped the families of 61 million children.

Another impediment to Democrats is a time-consuming review by the Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, about whether many of the bill's provisions violate the chamber's rules and should be dropped. Her written opinions on that, including on provisions letting many migrants remain temporarily in the U.S., may not be ready until the weekend or later.

Manchin's other demands have included removing a new requirement for paid family leave. Disputes among other lawmakers include how to increase federal tax deductions for state and local taxes.

The House approved its version of the legislation in November.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/9/1631875943863.png" alt="President Biden wants to get this done as soon as possible but understands it’s going to take time -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Biden wants to get this done as soon as possible but understands it’s going to take time -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democrats' vast social and environment package was stuck in the Senate on Thursday as leaders' hopes for an accord with holdout Sen. Joe Manchin and approval of their flagship domestic measure in the year's waning days seemed all but dead.After a closed-door lunch among Senate Democrats, Sen. Ben Cardin, D-Md., told reporters that a statement by President Joe Biden was expected shortly giving an update on “his conversations with Sen. Manchin and others.” Talks on the 10-year, roughly $2 trillion bill between Biden and Manchin, who wants to cut and reshape the measure, are said to have yielded little progress.Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., had set Senate passage before Christmas as his goal, but disputes with Manchin and other Democrats remain. It has become clear that the party is seeking explicit intervention from Biden in hopes he will cut a deal with Manchin, D-W.Va., or urge lawmakers to delay action until January.Biden "wants to get this done as soon as possible," White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters, She added, "But we understand it’s going to take time and we’re going to continue to do the work.”Schumer barely mentioned the legislation as the day’s business began. Instead, he described Democrats’ efforts to break a logjam on voting rights legislation and a pile of nominations the Senate will consider “as we continue working to bring the Senate to a position where we can move forward” on the social and environment bill.Using his sway in a 50-50 Senate where Democrats need unanimity to prevail, Manchin has continued his drive to force his party to cut the bill's cost and eliminate programs he opposes. All Republicans oppose the package, arguing the measure carrying many of Biden’s paramount domestic priorities is too expensive and would worsen inflation.“The best Christmas gift Washington could give working families would be putting this bad bill on ice," said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.The rocky status of the Biden-Manchin talks was described Wednesday by a person who spoke only on condition of anonymity. The person said Manchin was pushing to eliminate the bill's renewal of expanded benefits under the child tax credit, a keystone of Democratic efforts to reduce child poverty.Manchin told reporters Wednesday that assertions he wants to strip the child tax credit improvements were “a lot of bad rumors.” Asked if he backed eliminating one of the bill’s child tax credit improvements — monthly checks sent to millions of families — he said, “I’m not negotiating with any of you.”Adding further doubt about quick Senate action this year, Biden suggested that Democrats should instead prioritize voting rights legislation, a primary party goal that Republicans have long stymied. Democrats face an uphill fight on the voting measure, but focusing on it would let them wage a battle that energizes the party's voters while lawmakers work behind the scenes on the social and environment bill.Asked whether Congress should quickly consider the voting legislation and delay the $2 trillion bill to next year, Biden told reporters, “If we can get the congressional voting rights done, we should do it.” He added, “There's nothing domestically more important than voting rights." Biden spoke Wednesday as he toured tornado damage in Dawson Springs, Kentucky.Letting the social and environment legislation slip into next year, when congressional elections will be held, would be ominous for the bill's ultimate prospects.With Democrats having blown past previous self-imposed deadlines on the push, another delay would fuel Republican accusations that they are incompetently running a government they control. Democrats are bracing for November elections when the GOP has a real chance of winning control of the House and Senate.Word of Manchin's stance prompted a backlash from colleagues, whom he's frustrated for months with constant demands to cut the bill's size and scope. The measure also has money for health care, universal prekindergarten and climate change programs, largely paid for with tax boosts on big corporations and the rich.The second-ranking Democrat, Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, said “the level of emotion” among Democrats over the child tax credit “is very high,” and said he was “stunned” when he heard about Manchin's demands.Manchin has wanted the overall bill's 10-year price tag to fall below $2 trillion. He also wants all its programs to last the full decade.The current bill would extend the enhanced child tax credit for just one year, a device to contain the bill's cost. Renewing the improved benefits for 10 years would increase its current one-year cost of around $100 billion to over $1 trillion, and doing that while cutting the overall bill's size would wreak havoc on Democrats' other priorities in the bill.The Treasury Department says the expanded tax credit has helped the families of 61 million children.Another impediment to Democrats is a time-consuming review by the Senate parliamentarian, Elizabeth MacDonough, about whether many of the bill's provisions violate the chamber's rules and should be dropped. Her written opinions on that, including on provisions letting many migrants remain temporarily in the U.S., may not be ready until the weekend or later.Manchin's other demands have included removing a new requirement for paid family leave. Disputes among other lawmakers include how to increase federal tax deductions for state and local taxes.The House approved its version of the legislation in November.

Biden's $2T social, environmental bill all but dead for now

WICHITA, KAN. – A man who moved into a vacant house where two police officers were injured in a shooting earlier this year was sentenced to 32 months in prison Tuesday in Sedgwick County District Court.

James Hathorn, 46 of Wichita, pleaded guilty in September to residential burglary, theft, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a sawed-off shotgun, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

Prior to being arrested, Hathorn was living with his girlfriend in the vacant house in the 1800 block of South St. Francis.

Hathorn admitted in his plea that he entered the vacant house without permission from the owner and that he was in possession of a sawed-off shotgun that was hidden in the side-pocket of a recliner chair.

 Hathorn also admitted to taking items from the house. On February 27, 2021, three Wichita officers investigating a burglary report entered the house, but no one was home. 

While making their way through the front room, the officers bumped the chair where the shotgun was stored, causing it to discharge. The blast from the shotgun struck two of the officers in the legs, causing severe injuries.

The loaded shotgun was not in safe mode and the trigger guard was not on the weapon. District Judge David Dahl considered a request from the defense attorney to place Hathorn on probation, but declined to do so based on the defendant’s violent criminal history and actions while on parole previously. 

Dahl found that while Hathorn did not intend to injure anyone, his actions in entering the home without permission and storing an illegal and loaded shotgun in the chair created an unsafe environment that led to the officers being injured. Judge Dahl pointed out the presumptive sentence in this case was prison.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614629870051.png" alt="The modified shotgun hidden in the recliner-photo courtesy Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>The modified shotgun hidden in the recliner-photo courtesy Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, KAN. – A man who moved into a vacant house where two police officers were injured in a shooting earlier this year was sentenced to 32 months in prison Tuesday in Sedgwick County District Court.James Hathorn, 46 of Wichita, pleaded guilty in September to residential burglary, theft, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a sawed-off shotgun, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/3/1614611582606.png" alt="Hathorn-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Hathorn-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Prior to being arrested, Hathorn was living with his girlfriend in the vacant house in the 1800 block of South St. Francis.Hathorn admitted in his plea that he entered the vacant house without permission from the owner and that he was in possession of a sawed-off shotgun that was hidden in the side-pocket of a recliner chair. Hathorn also admitted to taking items from the house. On February 27, 2021, three Wichita officers investigating a burglary report entered the house, but no one was home. While making their way through the front room, the officers bumped the chair where the shotgun was stored, causing it to discharge. The blast from the shotgun struck two of the officers in the legs, causing severe injuries.The loaded shotgun was not in safe mode and the trigger guard was not on the weapon. District Judge David Dahl considered a request from the defense attorney to place Hathorn on probation, but declined to do so based on the defendant’s violent criminal history and actions while on parole previously. Dahl found that while Hathorn did not intend to injure anyone, his actions in entering the home without permission and storing an illegal and loaded shotgun in the chair created an unsafe environment that led to the officers being injured. Judge Dahl pointed out the presumptive sentence in this case was prison.

Kan. man sentenced in case of hidden shotgun that injured officers

JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged child abuse at a day care center.

Cheryl Tate, 65,&nbsp;has been charged with multiple counts of Child Abuse or Neglect involving a 10-month old child in a Downtown child care center, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

&nbsp;She faces nine Class D felonies of Abuse Or Neglect of a Child.

According to court records, the mother of a 10-month-old victim reported that a caretaker at a Downtown Kansas City daycare center had harmed her child. 

Investigators for the Missouri Children's Division began to investigate. And KCPD detectives observed bruising to his back and other injuries. The defendant was observed on video to be loud and aggressive in her movements and language with the children. 

Staff at Children's Mercy Hospital diagnosed the the child had been the victim of child physical abuse. Video surveillance also showed the defendant pushing on the child's head, slamming him down, slapping him and dropping the young boy. 

The defendant told police she had been working there three weeks and had not worried that she was injuring the child. Tate remains jailed on a $25,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639697081605.png" alt="Tate-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Tate-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman for alleged child abuse at a day care center.Cheryl Tate, 65,&nbsp;has been charged with multiple counts of Child Abuse or Neglect involving a 10-month old child in a Downtown child care center, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.&nbsp;She faces nine Class D felonies of Abuse Or Neglect of a Child.According to court records, the mother of a 10-month-old victim reported that a caretaker at a Downtown Kansas City daycare center had harmed her child. Investigators for the Missouri Children's Division began to investigate. And KCPD detectives observed bruising to his back and other injuries. The defendant was observed on video to be loud and aggressive in her movements and language with the children. Staff at Children's Mercy Hospital diagnosed the the child had been the victim of child physical abuse. Video surveillance also showed the defendant pushing on the child's head, slamming him down, slapping him and dropping the young boy. The defendant told police she had been working there three weeks and had not worried that she was injuring the child. Tate remains jailed on a $25,000 bond.

Kansas woman charged in alleged abuse of child at daycare

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations after an investigation at a home.

Just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies conducted a search warrant at a residence at 12379 244th Lane north of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

Deputies arrested 33-year-old Kristina Elaine Hyatt, 33, of Holton at the scene. She was booked into the Jackson County Jail and remains in custody on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639689478703.png" alt="Hyatt-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Hyatt-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas woman on drug allegations after an investigation at a home.Just after 4:30p.m. Tuesday, sheriff's deputies conducted a search warrant at a residence at 12379 244th Lane north of Holton, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.Deputies arrested 33-year-old Kristina Elaine Hyatt, 33, of Holton at the scene. She was booked into the Jackson County Jail and remains in custody on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Sheriff: Woman remains jailed after drug bust at Kansas home

By LAURAN NEERGAARD and MIKE STOBBE, Associated. Press

Most Americans should be given the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead of the Johnson &amp; Johnson shot that can cause rare but serious blood clots, U.S. health advisers recommended Thursday.

The strange clotting problem has caused nine confirmed deaths after J&amp;J vaccinations — while the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines don’t come with that risk and also appear to be more effective, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

It’s an unusual move and the CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, must decide whether to accept the panel’s advice.

Until now the U.S. has treated all three COVID-19 vaccines available to Americans as an equal choice, since large studies found they all offered strong protection and early supplies were limited. J&amp;J’s vaccine initially was welcomed as a single-dose option that could be especially important for hard-to-reach groups like homeless people who might not get the needed second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna options.

But the CDC’s advisers said Thursday that it was time to recognize a lot has changed since vaccines began rolling out a year ago. More than 200 million Americans are considered fully vaccinated, including about 16 million who got the J&amp;J shot.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600861747887.png" alt="Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Johnson &amp; Johnson</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURAN NEERGAARD and MIKE STOBBE, Associated. PressMost Americans should be given the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines instead of the Johnson &amp; Johnson shot that can cause rare but serious blood clots, U.S. health advisers recommended Thursday.The strange clotting problem has caused nine confirmed deaths after J&amp;J vaccinations — while the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines don’t come with that risk and also appear to be more effective, advisers to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.It’s an unusual move and the CDC’s director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, must decide whether to accept the panel’s advice.Until now the U.S. has treated all three COVID-19 vaccines available to Americans as an equal choice, since large studies found they all offered strong protection and early supplies were limited. J&amp;J’s vaccine initially was welcomed as a single-dose option that could be especially important for hard-to-reach groups like homeless people who might not get the needed second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna options.But the CDC’s advisers said Thursday that it was time to recognize a lot has changed since vaccines began rolling out a year ago. More than 200 million Americans are considered fully vaccinated, including about 16 million who got the J&amp;J shot.

CDC panel: 9 confirmed deaths after J&J COVID vaccinations 

UPDATE: Junction City officials have issued a boil water advisory.

By DEWEY TERRILL <a href="https://jcpost.com">JC Post</a>

JUNCTION CITY —&nbsp;Just after 10 a.m. water remained at least six feet deep in the basement of the Junction City Water Plant following an overnight flooding problem at the facility. Fire crews are working to remove the water down to a level where officials can get in to inspect the pumps.

At this point City Manager Allen Dinkel said there is no problem with
 the water ( service ) but people need to conserve usage to a minimum, 
"so we can conserve everything we have. If we do that we'll probably get
 along in good shape and move through this. "

City officials 
planned to meet with the local Emergency Operations Center Board to 
discuss the option of bringing in water if that becomes necessary. 
Dinkel confirmed that in addition to the plant there is still water 
remaining in the water towers. He estimated that as of mid-morning they 
were about half full. " There are also underground water sources and the
 city manager noted that an engineering firm is looking at possible 
options there.

Geary County Emergency Management Director GarryBerges explained earlier on Wednesday why a&nbsp;conserve water request was issued by the City to local residents.
 "The generator when it shut down when power was restored back to that 
water treatment plant last night, a valve didn't close and allowed water
 to flow into the basement. They estimate about 600,000 gallons of water is in the basement
 that they need to get out of there so that they can inspect the pumps 
and the equipment down there to get everything back running again."

Berges
 said the estimate on reducing the water level back down before 
officials could begin inspecting the equipment was six to eight hours. 
The work to remove the water was under way early Thursday morning.&nbsp;

Junction
 City Manager Allen Dinkel told JC Post when power was switched off the 
generator at the water plant to Evergy there were problems. "And then 
water started coming into the bottom of the building from the pumps. " 
Once the water level is lowered damage will be assessed. "Right now we 
need people to conserve ( water ) as much as possible. We've worked with
 our biggest water users in town, and of course school is not open&nbsp; 
today so that helps. " Dinkel added that the larger water users are 
cutting back on usage.

Water in the towers is being used right now
 and the city manager noted that they are looking at the alternative of 
pumping water out of underground storage, and the City has an 
engineering firm working on that as well. Dinkel added the damage to the
 pumps in the basement of the Water Plant may or may not be bad.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639689362580.jpeg" alt="Water being pumped out of the basement of the Junction City Water Plant." />
 <figcaption>Water being pumped out of the basement of the Junction City Water Plant.</figcaption>
 </figure>UPDATE: Junction City officials have issued a boil water advisory.By DEWEY TERRILL <a href="https://jcpost.com">JC Post</a>JUNCTION CITY —&nbsp;Just after 10 a.m. water remained at least six feet deep in the basement of the Junction City Water Plant following an overnight flooding problem at the facility. Fire crews are working to remove the water down to a level where officials can get in to inspect the pumps.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639689438660.jpeg" alt="A worker checks the depth of the water at mid-morning. At that location just entering the basement the water was about six feet deep." />
 <figcaption>A worker checks the depth of the water at mid-morning. At that location just entering the basement the water was about six feet deep.</figcaption>
 </figure>At this point City Manager Allen Dinkel said there is no problem with
 the water ( service ) but people need to conserve usage to a minimum, 
"so we can conserve everything we have. If we do that we'll probably get
 along in good shape and move through this. "City officials 
planned to meet with the local Emergency Operations Center Board to 
discuss the option of bringing in water if that becomes necessary. 
Dinkel confirmed that in addition to the plant there is still water 
remaining in the water towers. He estimated that as of mid-morning they 
were about half full. " There are also underground water sources and the
 city manager noted that an engineering firm is looking at possible 
options there.---Geary County Emergency Management Director GarryBerges explained earlier on Wednesday why a&nbsp;conserve water request was issued by the City to local residents.
 "The generator when it shut down when power was restored back to that 
water treatment plant last night, a valve didn't close and allowed water
 to flow into the basement. They estimate about 600,000 gallons of water is in the basement
 that they need to get out of there so that they can inspect the pumps 
and the equipment down there to get everything back running again."Berges
 said the estimate on reducing the water level back down before 
officials could begin inspecting the equipment was six to eight hours. 
The work to remove the water was under way early Thursday morning.&nbsp;Junction
 City Manager Allen Dinkel told JC Post when power was switched off the 
generator at the water plant to Evergy there were problems. "And then 
water started coming into the bottom of the building from the pumps. " 
Once the water level is lowered damage will be assessed. "Right now we 
need people to conserve ( water ) as much as possible. We've worked with
 our biggest water users in town, and of course school is not open&nbsp; 
today so that helps. " Dinkel added that the larger water users are 
cutting back on usage.Water in the towers is being used right now
 and the city manager noted that they are looking at the alternative of 
pumping water out of underground storage, and the City has an 
engineering firm working on that as well. Dinkel added the damage to the
 pumps in the basement of the Water Plant may or may not be bad.&nbsp;

Crews attempt to clean up flooded Junction City water plant

KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Three people were killed after a firetruck collided with a sport utility vehicle, then plowed over a sidewalk and into a building in a Kansas City entertainment district.

Police said the collision happened Wednesday night in the Westport area as the pumper was headed to an emergency call with its lights and sirens flashing. The impact forced the pumper and the SUV over a sidewalk, where a woman who was walking was hit. The vehicles came to a stop in building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed.

Two of the victims were found soon after the crash in a sport utility vehicle. The pedestrian's body was buried in the rubble and found Thursday, police said.

No firefighters were injured. Police have not released the names of those killed.

Kansas City Fire Chief Donna Lake said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KCMOFireDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">tweet&nbsp;</a>that the department's “hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of everyone involved."

“As first responders, we are entrusted to respond to incidents and help people, and we are heartbroken by last night’s tragic collision," she said.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two people in a vehicle were killed and a pedestrian was feared buried under rubble after a firetruck collided with another vehicle, then plowed over a sidewalk and into a building a Kansas City entertainment district.

Police said two people in a sport utility vehicle hit by the firetruck Wednesday night died in the crash, and a pedestrian struck during the collision was believed to be buried under the wreckage and rubble from the partially-collapsed building.

The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on, hitting the SUV at an intersection in the Westport entertainment district, police said. The collision forced both vehicles over a sidewalk, where a woman who was walking was hit, and into a building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed.

No firefighters were injured. Police have not released the names of those killed or the missing pedestrian.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639665850854.png" alt="The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo (AP) — Three people were killed after a firetruck collided with a sport utility vehicle, then plowed over a sidewalk and into a building in a Kansas City entertainment district.Police said the collision happened Wednesday night in the Westport area as the pumper was headed to an emergency call with its lights and sirens flashing. The impact forced the pumper and the SUV over a sidewalk, where a woman who was walking was hit. The vehicles came to a stop in building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed.Two of the victims were found soon after the crash in a sport utility vehicle. The pedestrian's body was buried in the rubble and found Thursday, police said.No firefighters were injured. Police have not released the names of those killed.Kansas City Fire Chief Donna Lake said in a&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/KCMOFireDept?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor">tweet&nbsp;</a>that the department's “hearts, prayers, and thoughts are with the families, friends and loved ones of everyone involved."“As first responders, we are entrusted to respond to incidents and help people, and we are heartbroken by last night’s tragic collision," she said.-----------KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two people in a vehicle were killed and a pedestrian was feared buried under rubble after a firetruck collided with another vehicle, then plowed over a sidewalk and into a building a Kansas City entertainment district.Police said two people in a sport utility vehicle hit by the firetruck Wednesday night died in the crash, and a pedestrian struck during the collision was believed to be buried under the wreckage and rubble from the partially-collapsed building.The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on, hitting the SUV at an intersection in the Westport entertainment district, police said. The collision forced both vehicles over a sidewalk, where a woman who was walking was hit, and into a building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed.No firefighters were injured. Police have not released the names of those killed or the missing pedestrian.

Update: 3 dead after firetruck, SUV crash in Kansas City

TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Thursday announced that the state Health and Environmental Laboratories has found the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in one Kansas resident.

The Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories are screening all current positive PCR COVID-19 samples received at the lab to look for a specific genetic characteristic that would indicate the Omicron variant. Any samples that screen positive will be sequenced for confirmation of the Omicron variant. Additionally, the lab sequences a random sample of PCR positive COVID-19 samples regardless of whether they pass this screening process. This multi-pronged approach led to the detection of the variant.

“Since the Omicron variant was classified as a Variant of Concern, KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories has been working to identify the variant in the state. Through genomic sequencing, they were able to confirm the first case of the Omicron variant in Kansas,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said.&nbsp;“The detection of the variant does not come as a surprise. This virus is highly infectious and transmittable. We must do our part to protect ourselves and those around us by using the tools available to us.”&nbsp;

The individual with the Omicron variant is a vaccinated adult in Franklin County. This individual has not received a booster dose. No additional details will be released to protect the privacy of the individual.

Health officials urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638148803210.png" alt="3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA –&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) on Thursday announced that the state Health and Environmental Laboratories has found the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in one Kansas resident.The Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories are screening all current positive PCR COVID-19 samples received at the lab to look for a specific genetic characteristic that would indicate the Omicron variant. Any samples that screen positive will be sequenced for confirmation of the Omicron variant. Additionally, the lab sequences a random sample of PCR positive COVID-19 samples regardless of whether they pass this screening process. This multi-pronged approach led to the detection of the variant.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639685332683.png" alt="Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>“Since the Omicron variant was classified as a Variant of Concern, KDHE’s Kansas Health and Environmental Laboratories has been working to identify the variant in the state. Through genomic sequencing, they were able to confirm the first case of the Omicron variant in Kansas,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary, said.&nbsp;“The detection of the variant does not come as a surprise. This virus is highly infectious and transmittable. We must do our part to protect ourselves and those around us by using the tools available to us.”&nbsp;The individual with the Omicron variant is a vaccinated adult in Franklin County. This individual has not received a booster dose. No additional details will be released to protect the privacy of the individual.Health officials urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant.<ul>
 <li>Get vaccinated 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 three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations, and death. Scientists expect the vaccines to prevent serious illness, hospitalizations, and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages 5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for all individuals ages 16 and over. To find a vaccine near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTYuNTA0MzMzNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3LnZhY2NpbmVzLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.SXN96rC71L7U-Gl7rZ4x1d-Dsdn1EvouZgZdKG41bPk/s/1305913448/br/123296004070-l" target="_blank">Vaccines.gov</a>.</li><li>Wear a mask.&nbsp;Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings in Kansas, where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.</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. COVID-19 tests are available across Kansas. Go to&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTYuNTA0MzMzNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmtub3diZWZvcmV5b3Vnb2tzLmNvbS8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.7w6dgJFBcZfLiw-HfEmluWBIWYGzpij5RSfEDlNpCSU/s/1305913448/br/123296004070-l" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>&nbsp;to find a free testing location near you. At-home tests are available for purchase at grocery stores and pharmacies. These can be used at home, work or anywhere and can provide rapid results. If a positive result is received through an at-home test, individuals should follow up with a health care provider about a confirmation test.</li><li>Social distance.&nbsp;When in public settings, stay at least 6 feet from other people, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.</li>
 </ul>

First Kansan with Omicron variant is vaccinated adult 

By FRANK MORRIS and CARLOS MORENO <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-15/the-storms-across-kansas-fanned-fires-and-smoke-that-carried-as-far-as-the-great-lakes">Kansas News Service</a>

High winds scraping across the Kansas landscape Wednesday ripped down
 power lines, sparked fires and fanned flames that blew smoke from the 
Flint Hills through Kansas City and as far as the Great Lakes.

In 
Trego County west of Hays, Kansas, exhausted volunteer firefighters 
battled what they could well into the night and prepared to head back 
out Thursday morning to tame grass fires singing acres of prairie and 
farmland.

At times, the winds gusted more than 100 mph in parts of
 Kansas, stoking wildfires from the Great Plains to the Missouri River 
Valley.

“It’s just crazy,” said Kathleen Fabrizius, the emergency 
management director for Trego County. “I would have never ever thought 
that something like this could have happened.”

Fabrizius said she’s seen some of the largest Kansas wildfires in recent years.

“But
 this is not like those because it’s just across the entire county,” she
 said. “It was all sparked by power lines, and it was just one after the
 other. You don’t know which way to even go.”

Fabrizius said all the downed power lines presented their own 
dangers. Firefighters couldn’t cross them until they were sure the lines
 were dead.

She said Trego County fires destroyed at least three 
homes along with outbuildings and several abandoned farmsteads. And she 
said flames were sprouting in all the nearby counties, too. That meant 
volunteer fire departments that ordinarily would have traveled in to 
help found themselves occupied battling flames closer to home.

“Normally
 we would have backups from other counties,” Fabrizius said. “We just 
don’t have that. They’re all dealing with the same thing we are.”

Meanwhile,
 the winds blew down trees, ripped away roofs and tangled enough power 
lines that Evergy, the state’s largest electric utility, reported as 
many as 170,000 customers without power.

“We will not get 
everybody back on tonight. We will not be able to get everybody back on 
tomorrow,” said Evergy spokesman Chuck Caisley, <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/article256640446.html" target="_blank">according to The Kansas City Star</a>.
 “This outage is going to extend in some areas into multiple days as the
 amount of damage would just be impossible to get done in a 24-hour 
period.”

The wind storm came with hail and triggered a series of tornado 
watches across the region. Caisley said the weather brought “some of the
 most widespread damage across our service territory that Evergy has 
ever seen.”

Some flights to Kansas City International Airport were
 diverted and outgoing flights were delayed after air traffic 
controllers were briefly evacuated from the cab of the tower.

Across
 Kansas, the winds limited visibility and sent semitractor-trailers 
weaving. Interstate 70 and a handful of other highways in western Kansas
 were closed down for hours.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639666917994.png" alt="Reno County Fire District No. 6 / Courtesy KNS" />
 <figcaption>Reno County Fire District No. 6 / Courtesy KNS</figcaption>
 </figure>By FRANK MORRIS and CARLOS MORENO <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-15/the-storms-across-kansas-fanned-fires-and-smoke-that-carried-as-far-as-the-great-lakes">Kansas News Service</a>High winds scraping across the Kansas landscape Wednesday ripped down
 power lines, sparked fires and fanned flames that blew smoke from the 
Flint Hills through Kansas City and as far as the Great Lakes.In 
Trego County west of Hays, Kansas, exhausted volunteer firefighters 
battled what they could well into the night and prepared to head back 
out Thursday morning to tame grass fires singing acres of prairie and 
farmland.At times, the winds gusted more than 100 mph in parts of
 Kansas, stoking wildfires from the Great Plains to the Missouri River 
Valley.“It’s just crazy,” said Kathleen Fabrizius, the emergency 
management director for Trego County. “I would have never ever thought 
that something like this could have happened.”Fabrizius said she’s seen some of the largest Kansas wildfires in recent years.“But
 this is not like those because it’s just across the entire county,” she
 said. “It was all sparked by power lines, and it was just one after the
 other. You don’t know which way to even go.”Fabrizius said all the downed power lines presented their own 
dangers. Firefighters couldn’t cross them until they were sure the lines
 were dead.She said Trego County fires destroyed at least three 
homes along with outbuildings and several abandoned farmsteads. And she 
said flames were sprouting in all the nearby counties, too. That meant 
volunteer fire departments that ordinarily would have traveled in to 
help found themselves occupied battling flames closer to home.“Normally
 we would have backups from other counties,” Fabrizius said. “We just 
don’t have that. They’re all dealing with the same thing we are.”Meanwhile,
 the winds blew down trees, ripped away roofs and tangled enough power 
lines that Evergy, the state’s largest electric utility, reported as 
many as 170,000 customers without power.“We will not get 
everybody back on tonight. We will not be able to get everybody back on 
tomorrow,” said Evergy spokesman Chuck Caisley, <a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/article256640446.html" target="_blank">according to The Kansas City Star</a>.
 “This outage is going to extend in some areas into multiple days as the
 amount of damage would just be impossible to get done in a 24-hour 
period.”<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Heads up to eastern Kansas: this is what’s coming your way <a href="https://t.co/Dg7JPgFUc0">pic.twitter.com/Dg7JPgFUc0</a>&mdash; David Condos (@davidcondos) <a href="https://twitter.com/davidcondos/status/1471248069840842759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> </div>The wind storm came with hail and triggered a series of tornado 
watches across the region. Caisley said the weather brought “some of the
 most widespread damage across our service territory that Evergy has 
ever seen.”Some flights to Kansas City International Airport were
 diverted and outgoing flights were delayed after air traffic 
controllers were briefly evacuated from the cab of the tower.Across
 Kansas, the winds limited visibility and sent semitractor-trailers 
weaving. Interstate 70 and a handful of other highways in western Kansas
 were closed down for hours.

Kan. storms fanned fires and smoke that carried as far as the Great Lakes

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages Kansans to celebrate the upcoming holiday safely. 

Whether you are celebrating with family or friends, it is important to know what COVID-19 precautions you can take to protect yourself and others this holiday season, according to a media release from the agency.

“The end of the year is an extremely busy time for us all and it is important that we continue to make our health and safety a priority,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary. “We encourage all Kansans to work together this holiday season and take the necessary steps to keep ourselves and others safe. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday.”&nbsp;

In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9kYWlseS1saWZlLWNvcGluZy9ob2xpZGF5cy9jZWxlYnJhdGlvbnMuaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.h014bL6TLTm4aR9A5eoBcVJ2aj-JGtCPh8Y1DfBZwgo/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>&nbsp;recommends taking the following precautions:&nbsp;

Help keep our communities stay safe by getting tested regularly. To find a free testing location near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzI4MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1UZXN0aW5nP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.hM52F9CIKFLur21Jqcp_R-vKS2O2tAATr687ZYrM9Qc/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

To learn more about the vaccines, who is eligible to get vaccinated (or receive a booster shot), and schedule a vaccination appointment, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXN2YWNjaW5lLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.CYdsWfGoS9EUeQa1fkwjEcrkFF9dnyszy8JtRmegzeo/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">kansasvaccine.gov</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/2/1612200579953.png" alt="CDC image" />
 <figcaption>CDC image</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) encourages Kansans to celebrate the upcoming holiday safely. Whether you are celebrating with family or friends, it is important to know what COVID-19 precautions you can take to protect yourself and others this holiday season, according to a media release from the agency.“The end of the year is an extremely busy time for us all and it is important that we continue to make our health and safety a priority,”&nbsp;Janet Stanek, Acting Secretary. “We encourage all Kansans to work together this holiday season and take the necessary steps to keep ourselves and others safe. We wish you a happy and healthy holiday.”&nbsp;In order to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19, the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi9kYWlseS1saWZlLWNvcGluZy9ob2xpZGF5cy9jZWxlYnJhdGlvbnMuaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.h014bL6TLTm4aR9A5eoBcVJ2aj-JGtCPh8Y1DfBZwgo/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)</a>&nbsp;recommends taking the following precautions:&nbsp;<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 three authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death and scientists expect they will also prevent serious illness, hospitalizations and death in people infected with the Omicron variant. COVID-19 vaccines are now authorized for people ages&nbsp;5 and over. The COVID-19 booster shots are authorized for&nbsp;people ages&nbsp;16&nbsp;and over.&nbsp;</li>
 </ul><ul>
 <li>Get tested.&nbsp;Even if someone is not showing symptoms, they can still spread the virus. Protect your loved ones by getting tested for COVID-19 before spending the holidays with friends and family.&nbsp;</li><li>Wear a mask.&nbsp;It is recommended that you wear a well-fitting mask over your nose and mouth in public indoor settings, even if you are fully vaccinated. If you or someone you are celebrating with has a weakened immune system,&nbsp;is at an increased risk for severe disease or is unvaccinated, wear a mask while gathering as an added precaution.&nbsp;</li><li>Take travel precautions.&nbsp;It is recommended to delay travel until you are fully vaccinated. Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, it is important to know the travel recommendations and restrictions before your trip. For information about domestic and international travel guidance for fully vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jZGMuZ292L2Nvcm9uYXZpcnVzLzIwMTktbmNvdi90cmF2ZWxlcnMvaW5kZXguaHRtbD91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.yWkJ2Ll-7XNFpIpKx7plOscoBbDMr4KKaAwsw7il3XI/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">CDC’s Travel page</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
 </ul>Help keep our communities stay safe by getting tested regularly. To find a free testing location near you, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3JvbmF2aXJ1cy5rZGhla3MuZ292LzI4MC9DT1ZJRC0xOS1UZXN0aW5nP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.hM52F9CIKFLur21Jqcp_R-vKS2O2tAATr687ZYrM9Qc/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;To learn more about the vaccines, who is eligible to get vaccinated (or receive a booster shot), and schedule a vaccination appointment, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTUuNTAzNjA2MTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXN2YWNjaW5lLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.CYdsWfGoS9EUeQa1fkwjEcrkFF9dnyszy8JtRmegzeo/s/1305913448/br/123223438287-l" target="_blank">kansasvaccine.gov</a>.&nbsp;

KDHE: Masks this Christmas even if you are vaccinated 

TOPEKA — Three people died in motor vehicle accidents Wednesday as a powerful storm system swept across Kansas with hurricane-force wind gusts.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Troopers worked 51 non injury accidents across the state Wednesday and 20 injury accidents.

In addition, the patrol assisted on the scene of two fatal accidents that resulted in the death of three people including a 47-year-old woman at U.S. 83 and County Road 230 in Haskell County.&nbsp;

Rocio Marieno- Sanz died when a semi rear-ended the SUV she was driving just before 1p.m.

The Kansas Department of Transportation closed portions of Interstate 70 for most of the afternoon. Kansas 156, between U.S. 283 and U.S 183 was also closed temporarily. All across the state Thursday, tow services will be removing vehicles from ditches and medians as Kansas cleans up from the storm.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639654931125.png" alt="First responders on the scene of a rollover crash on Interstate 70 Wednesday-photo courtesy KHP" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of a rollover crash on Interstate 70 Wednesday-photo courtesy KHP</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA — Three people died in motor vehicle accidents Wednesday as a powerful storm system swept across Kansas with hurricane-force wind gusts.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported Troopers worked 51 non injury accidents across the state Wednesday and 20 injury accidents.In addition, the patrol assisted on the scene of two fatal accidents that resulted in the death of three people including a 47-year-old woman at U.S. 83 and County Road 230 in Haskell County.&nbsp;Rocio Marieno- Sanz died when a semi rear-ended the SUV she was driving just before 1p.m.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639666308394.png" alt="US 183 in Phillips County Wednesday-photo Phillips County Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>US 183 in Phillips County Wednesday-photo Phillips County Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>The Kansas Department of Transportation closed portions of Interstate 70 for most of the afternoon. Kansas 156, between U.S. 283 and U.S 183 was also closed temporarily. All across the state Thursday, tow services will be removing vehicles from ditches and medians as Kansas cleans up from the storm.

KHP worked over 70 accidents on windy Wednesday

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The remaining members of a missionary group who were kidnapped two months ago have been freed, Haiti police and the group said Thursday.

The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that the remaining hostages had been released, but did not immediately provide additional details.

“We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining 12 hostages are FREE!” Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement. “Join us in praising God that all 17 of our loved ones are now safe.”

The Ohio group said it hopes to provide more information later.

The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There were five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including an 8-month-old. Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.

The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang had threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands are met. Authorities had said the gang was demanding $1 million per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.

Check the Post for more information as it becomes available

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634471859759.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — The remaining members of a missionary group who were kidnapped two months ago have been freed, Haiti police and the group said Thursday.The spokesman for Haiti’s National Police, Gary Desrosiers, confirmed to The Associated Press that the remaining hostages had been released, but did not immediately provide additional details.“We glorify God for answered prayer — the remaining 12 hostages are FREE!” Christian Aid Ministries said in a statement. “Join us in praising God that all 17 of our loved ones are now safe.”The Ohio group said it hopes to provide more information later.The missionaries were kidnapped by the 400 Mawozo gang on Oct. 16. There were five children in the group of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including an 8-month-old. Their Haitian driver also was abducted, according to a local human rights organization.The leader of the 400 Mawozo gang had threatened to kill the hostages unless his demands are met. Authorities had said the gang was demanding $1 million per person, although it wasn’t immediately clear that included the children in the group.Check the Post for more information as it becomes available

Police: All from kidnapped US missionary group freed in Haiti

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police say the drummer of the rock band Tool has been arrested and charged with a municipal assault violation for allegedly using an anti-gay slur during a confrontation at Missouri's Kansas City International Airport. 

Court documents show airport police arrested 60-year-old Malibu, California, resident Danny Carey on Sunday. Police say Carey used an anti-gay slur and repeatedly jabbed someone in the chest with two fingers. 

The municipal assault violation is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $250 to $1,000 fine, or both. A spokeswoman for the band Tool says neither Carey nor the band are commenting.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639618211100.png" alt="Carey photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Carey photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Police say the drummer of the rock band Tool has been arrested and charged with a municipal assault violation for allegedly using an anti-gay slur during a confrontation at Missouri's Kansas City International Airport. Court documents show airport police arrested 60-year-old Malibu, California, resident Danny Carey on Sunday. Police say Carey used an anti-gay slur and repeatedly jabbed someone in the chest with two fingers. The municipal assault violation is punishable by 180 days in jail, a $250 to $1,000 fine, or both. A spokeswoman for the band Tool says neither Carey nor the band are commenting.

Rock band drummer arrested at KCI for assault, anti-gay slur

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families will soon receive 
their final advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payment for the month of 
December. Eligible families who did not receive advance payments can 
claim the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal tax return to receive 
missed payments and the other half of the credit.

This final batch of advance monthly payments for 2021, totaling about
 $16 billion, will reach more than 36 million families across the 
country.&nbsp;Most payments are being made by direct deposit.

Under the American Rescue Plan, eligible families have received more 
than 200 million payments totaling more than $93 billion. Most eligible 
families received payments dated July 15, August 13, September 15, 
October 15, November 15 and December 15. For eligible families, 
each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up 
to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17.

Here are more details on the December payments:

Claim the full Child Tax Credit on the 2021 tax return

Eligible families who did not receive any <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit payments</a>
 can claim the full amount of the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal
 tax return, filed in 2022. This includes families who don't normally 
need to file a return.

Families who received advance payments will need to file a 2021 tax 
return and compare the advance Child Tax Credit payments they received 
in 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit they can properly claim 
on their 2021 tax return.

To help taxpayers reconcile the advance payments, the IRS will send 
Letter 6419 in January 2022 with the total amount of advance Child Tax 
Credit payments taxpayers received in 2021 and the number of qualifying 
children used to calculate the advance payments. People should keep this
 and any other IRS letters about advance Child Tax Credit payments with 
their tax records.

See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Reconciling Your Advance Child Tax Credit Payments on Your 2021 Tax Return</a> for more information.

Links to online tools, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful resources are available on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS's special advance CTC 2021 page</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service and the Treasury Department
 announced today that millions of American families will soon receive 
their final advance Child Tax Credit (CTC) payment for the month of 
December. Eligible families who did not receive advance payments can 
claim the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal tax return to receive 
missed payments and the other half of the credit.This final batch of advance monthly payments for 2021, totaling about
 $16 billion, will reach more than 36 million families across the 
country.&nbsp;Most payments are being made by direct deposit.Under the American Rescue Plan, eligible families have received more 
than 200 million payments totaling more than $93 billion. Most eligible 
families received payments dated July 15, August 13, September 15, 
October 15, November 15 and December 15. For eligible families, 
each&nbsp;payment is up to $300 per month for each child under age 6 and up 
to $250 per month for each child ages 6 through 17.Here are more details on the December payments:<ul>
 <li>Families will see the direct deposit payments in their accounts 
starting December 15. Like the prior payments, the vast majority of 
families will receive them by direct deposit.</li><li>For those receiving payments by paper check, be sure to allow extra time, through the end of December, for delivery by mail.</li><li>Payments are going to eligible families who filed a 2019 or 2020 
federal income tax return. Returns processed by December 1 are reflected
 in these payments. This includes people who don't typically file a 
return but either during 2020 successfully filed a return to register 
for Economic Impact Payments using the IRS Non-Filers tool on IRS.gov, 
or in 2021 successfully filed a return by using the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-non-filer-sign-up-tool">Non-filer Sign-up Tool for advance CTC</a>.</li><li>Families who did not get a July, August, September, October or 
November payment and are getting their first monthly payment this month 
will still receive their total advance payment amount for the year 
(which is half of their total Child Tax Credit). This means that the 
total advance payment amount will be made in one December payment.</li>
 </ul><h2>Claim the full Child Tax Credit on the 2021 tax return</h2>Eligible families who did not receive any <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">advance Child Tax Credit payments</a>
 can claim the full amount of the Child Tax Credit on their 2021 federal
 tax return, filed in 2022. This includes families who don't normally 
need to file a return.Families who received advance payments will need to file a 2021 tax 
return and compare the advance Child Tax Credit payments they received 
in 2021 with the amount of the Child Tax Credit they can properly claim 
on their 2021 tax return.To help taxpayers reconcile the advance payments, the IRS will send 
Letter 6419 in January 2022 with the total amount of advance Child Tax 
Credit payments taxpayers received in 2021 and the number of qualifying 
children used to calculate the advance payments. People should keep this
 and any other IRS letters about advance Child Tax Credit payments with 
their tax records.See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Reconciling Your Advance Child Tax Credit Payments on Your 2021 Tax Return</a> for more information.Links to online tools, answers to frequently asked questions and other helpful resources are available on the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/advance-child-tax-credit-payments-in-2021">IRS's special advance CTC 2021 page</a>.

Miss a Child Tax Credit payment? Claim  it on 2021 tax return

WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Archives on Wednesday made public nearly 1,500 documents related to the U.S. government’s investigation into the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/release2021" target="_blank">disclosure&nbsp;</a>of secret cables, internal memos and other documents satisfies a deadline set in October by President Joe Biden and is in keeping with a federal statute that calls for the government to release records in its possession concerning the Kennedy assassination. Additional documents are expected to be made public next year.

There was no immediate indication that the records contained new revelations that could radically reshape the public’s understanding of the events surrounding the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of Kennedy in Dallas at the hands of gunman Lee Harvey Oswald.

But the latest tranche of documents was nonetheless eagerly anticipated by historians and others who, decades after the Kennedy killing, remain skeptical that at the height of the Cold War, a troubled young man with a mail-order rifle was solely responsible for an assassination that changed the course of American history.

The documents include CIA cables and memos discussing Oswald’s previously disclosed but never fully explained visits to the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City as well as discussion, in the days after the assassination, of the potential for Cuban involvement in the killing of Kennedy.

One CIA memo describes how Oswald phoned the Soviet embassy while in Mexico City to ask for a visa to visit the Soviet Union. He also visited the Cuban embassy, apparently interested in a travel visa that would permit him to visit Cuba and wait there for a Soviet visa. On Oct. 3, more than one month before the assassination, he drove back into the United States through a crossing point at the Texas border.

Another memo, dated the day after Kennedy’s assassination, says that according to an intercepted phone call in Mexico City, Oswald communicated with a KGB officer while at the Soviet embassy that September.

After Kennedy was killed, Mexican authorities arrested a Mexican employee of the Cuban embassy with whom Oswald had communicated, and she said Oswald had “professed to be a Communist and an admirer of Castro,” according to the memo. That’s a reference to Fidel Castro, the Cuban leader at the time and an adversary of the Kennedy White House.

One CIA document marked “Secret Eyes Only” details what it says were U.S. government plots to assassinate Castro, including a 1960 scheme “that involved the use of the criminal underworld with contacts inside Cuba.”

Another document made public Wednesday shows the U.S. government evaluating whether Oswald, while living in New Orleans, may have been swayed or affected in any way by the publication in the local newspaper of an interview an Associated Press correspondent conducted with Castro in which Castro warned of retribution if the U.S. were to try to help take out Cuban leaders.

The new files include several FBI reports on the bureau’s efforts to investigate and surveil major mafia figures like Santo Trafficante Jr. and Sam Giancana, who are often mentioned in conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy’s assassination. The files also include several FBI reports showing the bureau kept regular tabs on anti-Castro groups operating in southern Florida and Puerto Rico in the 1960s.

Apart from the Kennedy investigation, some of the material would be of interest to scholars or anyone interested in the minutiae of 1960s counterespionage, with pages and pages of arcane details on such things as the methods, equipment and personnel used to surveil the Cuban and Soviet embassies in Mexico City.

In blocking the release of hundreds of records in 2017 because of concerns from the FBI and the CIA, President Donald Trump cited “potentially irreversible harm.” Even so, about 2,800 other records were released at that time.

The Warren Commission in 1964 concluded that Oswald had been the lone gunman, and another congressional probe in 1979 found no evidence to support the theory that the CIA had been involved. But other interpretations have persisted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639658580146.png" alt="Image courtesy National Archives" />
 <figcaption>Image courtesy National Archives</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The National Archives on Wednesday made public nearly 1,500 documents related to the U.S. government’s investigation into the 1963 assassination of President John F. Kennedy.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/release2021" target="_blank">disclosure&nbsp;</a>of secret cables, internal memos and other documents satisfies a deadline set in October by President Joe Biden and is in keeping with a federal statute that calls for the government to release records in its possession concerning the Kennedy assassination. Additional documents are expected to be made public next year.There was no immediate indication that the records contained new revelations that could radically reshape the public’s understanding of the events surrounding the Nov. 22, 1963, assassination of Kennedy in Dallas at the hands of gunman Lee Harvey Oswald.But the latest tranche of documents was nonetheless eagerly anticipated by historians and others who, decades after the Kennedy killing, remain skeptical that at the height of the Cold War, a troubled young man with a mail-order rifle was solely responsible for an assassination that changed the course of American history.The documents include CIA cables and memos discussing Oswald’s previously disclosed but never fully explained visits to the Soviet and Cuban embassies in Mexico City as well as discussion, in the days after the assassination, of the potential for Cuban involvement in the killing of Kennedy.One CIA memo describes how Oswald phoned the Soviet embassy while in Mexico City to ask for a visa to visit the Soviet Union. He also visited the Cuban embassy, apparently interested in a travel visa that would permit him to visit Cuba and wait there for a Soviet visa. On Oct. 3, more than one month before the assassination, he drove back into the United States through a crossing point at the Texas border.Another memo, dated the day after Kennedy’s assassination, says that according to an intercepted phone call in Mexico City, Oswald communicated with a KGB officer while at the Soviet embassy that September.After Kennedy was killed, Mexican authorities arrested a Mexican employee of the Cuban embassy with whom Oswald had communicated, and she said Oswald had “professed to be a Communist and an admirer of Castro,” according to the memo. That’s a reference to Fidel Castro, the Cuban leader at the time and an adversary of the Kennedy White House.One CIA document marked “Secret Eyes Only” details what it says were U.S. government plots to assassinate Castro, including a 1960 scheme “that involved the use of the criminal underworld with contacts inside Cuba.”Another document made public Wednesday shows the U.S. government evaluating whether Oswald, while living in New Orleans, may have been swayed or affected in any way by the publication in the local newspaper of an interview an Associated Press correspondent conducted with Castro in which Castro warned of retribution if the U.S. were to try to help take out Cuban leaders.The new files include several FBI reports on the bureau’s efforts to investigate and surveil major mafia figures like Santo Trafficante Jr. and Sam Giancana, who are often mentioned in conspiracy theories surrounding Kennedy’s assassination. The files also include several FBI reports showing the bureau kept regular tabs on anti-Castro groups operating in southern Florida and Puerto Rico in the 1960s.Apart from the Kennedy investigation, some of the material would be of interest to scholars or anyone interested in the minutiae of 1960s counterespionage, with pages and pages of arcane details on such things as the methods, equipment and personnel used to surveil the Cuban and Soviet embassies in Mexico City.In blocking the release of hundreds of records in 2017 because of concerns from the FBI and the CIA, President Donald Trump cited “potentially irreversible harm.” Even so, about 2,800 other records were released at that time.The Warren Commission in 1964 concluded that Oswald had been the lone gunman, and another congressional probe in 1979 found no evidence to support the theory that the CIA had been involved. But other interpretations have persisted._____

Additional secret JFK assassination files released

HUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices continue to trickle lower in Kansas.

"Pump prices have continued their slow seasonal descent," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "The Kansas average is back a little bit under $3, settling in Thursday at $2.99 a gallon. That's down from the $3.10 mark that we saw a month ago.&nbsp;

There has been a slight rebound in crude oil prices lately.

"Gas prices tend to fall this time of year, due to shorter days," Steward said. "This trend was helped by the recent steep drop in oil prices due to fears over Omicron. The variant's impact on pricing appears to be fading a little bit. It remains to be seen if oil prices are going to stabilize or move higher."

Kansas is still a relatively inexpensive state in which to buy gas.

"The average Kansas gas price is about a dollar higher this year than we saw last year," Steward said. "Kansas is 32 cents less than the national average, which is today $3.31 a gallon. That puts us at 7th cheapest in the nation."

The cheapest state as of Thursday is Texas at $2.91 a gallon.

By NICK GOSNELLHutch PostHUTCHINSON, Kan. — Gas prices continue to trickle lower in Kansas."Pump prices have continued their slow seasonal descent," said Shawn Steward with AAA Kansas. "The Kansas average is back a little bit under $3, settling in Thursday at $2.99 a gallon. That's down from the $3.10 mark that we saw a month ago.&nbsp;There has been a slight rebound in crude oil prices lately."Gas prices tend to fall this time of year, due to shorter days," Steward said. "This trend was helped by the recent steep drop in oil prices due to fears over Omicron. The variant's impact on pricing appears to be fading a little bit. It remains to be seen if oil prices are going to stabilize or move higher."Kansas is still a relatively inexpensive state in which to buy gas."The average Kansas gas price is about a dollar higher this year than we saw last year," Steward said. "Kansas is 32 cents less than the national average, which is today $3.31 a gallon. That puts us at 7th cheapest in the nation."The cheapest state as of Thursday is Texas at $2.91 a gallon.

Report: Gas prices in Kansas down from a month ago

By LAURA UNGAR and CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated Press

The new omicron coronavirus mutant speeding around the world may bring another wave of chaos, threatening to further stretch hospital workers already struggling with a surge of delta cases and upend holiday plans for the second year in a row.

The White House on Wednesday insisted there was no need for a lockdown because vaccines are widely available and appear to offer protection against the worst consequences of the virus. But even if omicron proves milder on the whole than delta, it may disarm some of the lifesaving tools available and put immune-compromised and elderly people at particular risk as it begins a rapid assault on the United States.

“Our delta surge is ongoing and, in fact, accelerating. And on top of that, we’re going to add an omicron surge,” said Dr. Jacob Lemieux, who monitors variants for a research collaboration led by Harvard Medical School.

“That’s alarming, because our hospitals are already filling up. Staff are fatigued,” leaving limited capacity for a potential crush of COVID-19 cases “from an omicron wave superimposed on a delta surge.”

Most likely, he and other experts said at a news briefing Tuesday, an omicron surge is already under way in the United States, with the latest mutant coronavirus outpacing the nation’s ability to track it.

Based on specimens collected last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said omicron accounted for about 3% of genetically-sequenced coronaviruses nationally. Percentages vary by region, with the highest — 13% — in the New York/New Jersey area.

But Harvard experts said these are likely underestimates because omicron is moving so fast that surveillance attempts can’t keep up.

Globally, more than 75 countries have reported confirmed cases of omicron. In the United States, 36 states have detected the variant. Meanwhile, delta is surging in many places, with hot spots in New England and the upper Midwest. The five states with the highest two-week rolling average of cases per 100,000 people are New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-new-york-syracuse-6686dfd1111baea6fb54791a26d232b4">Universities are abruptly closing classrooms</a>&nbsp;during finals week with infections multiplying at a fast rate. Both t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-nba-nhl-soccer-nfl-d70f4a30261997e4716214cf97abdcf1">he NBA and NHL have had to postpone games, and the NFL had its worst two-day outbreak&nbsp;</a>since the start of the pandemic, with dozens of players infected.

Outside the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-executive-branch-8bb518aaf1e15f6516e15f649ccccd19">the president of the European Union said omicron will become the dominant variant in a month</a>&nbsp;and declared that “once again, this Christmas will be overshadowed by the pandemic.”

Scientists around the world are racing to understand omicron, which has a large number of worrisome mutations in important regions of its genetic structure that could affect how it spreads from person to person. How quickly the number of cases doubles, known as “doubling time,” can give a preview of what the disease burden could be in a few weeks.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday that early data suggests omicron is more transmissible than delta, with a doubling time of about two days.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-europe-london-england-9a2793178ffdd8859e9cff252dde8433">In Britain, where omicron cases are doubling every two to three days,&nbsp;</a>the variant is expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-europe-london-boris-johnson-c0cc2eda79f94bde2762d946744285fa">soon replace delta as the dominant strain in the country.</a>

The U.K. on Wednesday recorded the highest number of confirmed new COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began, and England’s chief medical officer warned that the situation is likely to get worse as omicron drives a new wave of illness during the holidays.

“The data out of the UK are quite alarming at this point,” and foreshadow what’s to come in the United States, said Bronwyn MacInnis, director of pathogen genomic surveillance at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. For example, she said, by Tuesday afternoon, omicron was already the most common variant in London.

In many ways, omicron remains a mystery. Hints are emerging from South Africa, where it was first reported, indicating it may cause less severe disease than delta but be better at evading vaccines.

But, MacInnis warned: “There’s much more that we don’t know about this variant than we do, including the severity.”

At the same time, Lemieux said, there seem to be fewer tools to fight it. Some monoclonal antibody treatments don’t work as well against omicron in lab tests, Lemieux said. Vaccines appear to offer less protection, although CDC officials said booster shots strengthen that protection.

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said Wednesday there is no need, for now, for an omicron-specific booster shot. The two-dose mRNA vaccines, the Pfizer and Moderna shots, still appear to offer considerable protection against hospitalization from omicron, Fauci said.

“If we didn’t have these tools, I would be telling you to really, really be worried,” Fauci said.

Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said the U.S. has the tools to fight the virus, including omicron, and “there is no need to lock down.” With vaccines available now for 95% of Americans, “we know how to keep our kids in schools and our businesses open. And we’re not going to shut down.”

Health officials called on Americans to get vaccinated, get their booster shots, wear masks indoors and get tested before traveling and before holiday gatherings.

“Hospital capacity is already at a breaking point in many states because of severe cases of COVID-19,” Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said in a statement.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638148803210.png" alt="3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>By LAURA UNGAR and CARLA K. JOHNSON, Associated PressThe new omicron coronavirus mutant speeding around the world may bring another wave of chaos, threatening to further stretch hospital workers already struggling with a surge of delta cases and upend holiday plans for the second year in a row.The White House on Wednesday insisted there was no need for a lockdown because vaccines are widely available and appear to offer protection against the worst consequences of the virus. But even if omicron proves milder on the whole than delta, it may disarm some of the lifesaving tools available and put immune-compromised and elderly people at particular risk as it begins a rapid assault on the United States.“Our delta surge is ongoing and, in fact, accelerating. And on top of that, we’re going to add an omicron surge,” said Dr. Jacob Lemieux, who monitors variants for a research collaboration led by Harvard Medical School.“That’s alarming, because our hospitals are already filling up. Staff are fatigued,” leaving limited capacity for a potential crush of COVID-19 cases “from an omicron wave superimposed on a delta surge.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639492484125.png" alt="Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Omicron detected in over half of U.S. states-image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>Most likely, he and other experts said at a news briefing Tuesday, an omicron surge is already under way in the United States, with the latest mutant coronavirus outpacing the nation’s ability to track it.Based on specimens collected last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said omicron accounted for about 3% of genetically-sequenced coronaviruses nationally. Percentages vary by region, with the highest — 13% — in the New York/New Jersey area.But Harvard experts said these are likely underestimates because omicron is moving so fast that surveillance attempts can’t keep up.Globally, more than 75 countries have reported confirmed cases of omicron. In the United States, 36 states have detected the variant. Meanwhile, delta is surging in many places, with hot spots in New England and the upper Midwest. The five states with the highest two-week rolling average of cases per 100,000 people are New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-new-york-syracuse-6686dfd1111baea6fb54791a26d232b4">Universities are abruptly closing classrooms</a>&nbsp;during finals week with infections multiplying at a fast rate. Both t&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-nba-nhl-soccer-nfl-d70f4a30261997e4716214cf97abdcf1">he NBA and NHL have had to postpone games, and the NFL had its worst two-day outbreak&nbsp;</a>since the start of the pandemic, with dozens of players infected.Outside the U.S.,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-executive-branch-8bb518aaf1e15f6516e15f649ccccd19">the president of the European Union said omicron will become the dominant variant in a month</a>&nbsp;and declared that “once again, this Christmas will be overshadowed by the pandemic.”Scientists around the world are racing to understand omicron, which has a large number of worrisome mutations in important regions of its genetic structure that could affect how it spreads from person to person. How quickly the number of cases doubles, known as “doubling time,” can give a preview of what the disease burden could be in a few weeks.CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said Wednesday that early data suggests omicron is more transmissible than delta, with a doubling time of about two days.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-europe-london-england-9a2793178ffdd8859e9cff252dde8433">In Britain, where omicron cases are doubling every two to three days,&nbsp;</a>the variant is expected to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-europe-london-boris-johnson-c0cc2eda79f94bde2762d946744285fa">soon replace delta as the dominant strain in the country.</a>The U.K. on Wednesday recorded the highest number of confirmed new COVID-19 infections since the pandemic began, and England’s chief medical officer warned that the situation is likely to get worse as omicron drives a new wave of illness during the holidays.“The data out of the UK are quite alarming at this point,” and foreshadow what’s to come in the United States, said Bronwyn MacInnis, director of pathogen genomic surveillance at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. For example, she said, by Tuesday afternoon, omicron was already the most common variant in London.In many ways, omicron remains a mystery. Hints are emerging from South Africa, where it was first reported, indicating it may cause less severe disease than delta but be better at evading vaccines.But, MacInnis warned: “There’s much more that we don’t know about this variant than we do, including the severity.”At the same time, Lemieux said, there seem to be fewer tools to fight it. Some monoclonal antibody treatments don’t work as well against omicron in lab tests, Lemieux said. Vaccines appear to offer less protection, although CDC officials said booster shots strengthen that protection.Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s top infectious disease expert, said Wednesday there is no need, for now, for an omicron-specific booster shot. The two-dose mRNA vaccines, the Pfizer and Moderna shots, still appear to offer considerable protection against hospitalization from omicron, Fauci said.“If we didn’t have these tools, I would be telling you to really, really be worried,” Fauci said.Jeff Zients, the White House coronavirus response coordinator, said the U.S. has the tools to fight the virus, including omicron, and “there is no need to lock down.” With vaccines available now for 95% of Americans, “we know how to keep our kids in schools and our businesses open. And we’re not going to shut down.”Health officials called on Americans to get vaccinated, get their booster shots, wear masks indoors and get tested before traveling and before holiday gatherings.“Hospital capacity is already at a breaking point in many states because of severe cases of COVID-19,” Michael Fraser, CEO of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said in a statement.Given the high level of transmission, MacInnis said there will undoubtedly be severe cases.“No matter how severely it affects healthy, fully vaccinated and boosted populations, it will hit the most vulnerable among us the hardest still,” she said. “So the elderly, the immunocompromised, other vulnerable populations will still be at greatest risk and still bear the brunt of this.”__