OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials have confirmed six cases of the omicron variant in southeastern Nebraska, adding to the growing number of confirmations of the new, mutant version of the coronavirus around the country. 

State and local health officials said Friday in a news release that the state's first case likely stemmed from one of the six who recently traveled to Nigeria and returned on Nov. 23. Officials say that person became symptomatic the following day. Health officials say the five others were likely exposed through household contact with the first case. Officials say only one of the six is vaccinated. None of the six had required hospitalization as of Friday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638148803210.png" alt="&nbsp;3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials have confirmed six cases of the omicron variant in southeastern Nebraska, adding to the growing number of confirmations of the new, mutant version of the coronavirus around the country. State and local health officials said Friday in a news release that the state's first case likely stemmed from one of the six who recently traveled to Nigeria and returned on Nov. 23. Officials say that person became symptomatic the following day. Health officials say the five others were likely exposed through household contact with the first case. Officials say only one of the six is vaccinated. None of the six had required hospitalization as of Friday.

6 cases of omicron variant confirmed in Nebraska

SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking for help to identify a suspet.

Just after 10:15 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a business alarm at the Snak Atak convenience store, 1619 W. Magnolia Road in Salina, according to Crimestoppes of Saline County.

At the scene officers found a shattered window and entry had been made into the store. An inventory of products revealed packs of various brands of cigarettes and cigarette lighters were taken. Between the products taken and the shattered window, the loss value is more than $1,900.

Surveillance video showed a single suspect, a man possibly wearing blue jeans and a gray colored hooded sweatshirt with unknown writing on the front, was the person who committed this burglary.

If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Officer Newton, case 2021-37645. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638550162412.png" alt="Photos courtesy Crimestoppers" />
 <figcaption>Photos courtesy Crimestoppers</figcaption>
 </figure>SALINE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and asking for help to identify a suspet.Just after 10:15 p.m. Thursday, police responded to a business alarm at the Snak Atak convenience store, 1619 W. Magnolia Road in Salina, according to Crimestoppes of Saline County.At the scene officers found a shattered window and entry had been made into the store. An inventory of products revealed packs of various brands of cigarettes and cigarette lighters were taken. Between the products taken and the shattered window, the loss value is more than $1,900.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638550202032.png" alt="The suspect as seen in security camera image" />
 <figcaption>The suspect as seen in security camera image</figcaption>
 </figure>Surveillance video showed a single suspect, a man possibly wearing blue jeans and a gray colored hooded sweatshirt with unknown writing on the front, was the person who committed this burglary.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638550257802.png" alt="Another photo of the suspect." />
 <figcaption>Another photo of the suspect.</figcaption>
 </figure>If you have any information concerning this incident or identification of the individual involved, call Crimestoppers at 825-TIPS. You may receive a cash reward of up to $1,000. Tipsters may also contact the Salina Police Department at (785) 826-7210, or Officer Newton, case 2021-37645.

Police ask for help to ID  Kan. convenience store burglary suspect

By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/02/kansas-hospitals-health-officials-prepare-for-omicron-variants-arrival/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — As confirmed cases of 
the omicron variant of COVID-19 begin to pop up across the country, 
Kansas health officials and hospitals are preparing for the variant’s 
arrival in the state.

On Friday, health officials confirmed six cases of the omicron variant in southeastern Nebraska, according to a media release from state officials.

On Wednesday, the California and San Francisco Departments of Public 
Health confirmed a recent COVID-19 case caused by omicron in a resident 
who had just returned from South Africa, where the variant was first 
identified. The first confirmed case was followed on Thursday with 
reports that the variant had been identified in COVID cases<a target="_blank" href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/02/second-u-s-case-of-omicron-detected-in-minnesota/"> in Minnesota</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/colorados-first-omicron-variant-case-detected-in-arapahoe-county/">Colorado</a>.

With the arrival of omicron in the U.S., concerns about the efficacy 
of vaccines and treatment options, like monoclonal antibodies, against 
the variant have arisen. Matt Shoemaker, an infectious disease expert 
with the University of Kansas Health System, said omicron is still 
largely an unknown.

“I think we’ll have to kind of see how these patterns play out,” 
Shoemaker said during a briefing on Tuesday. “We don’t know about the 
severity of illness, just like we don’t know about the effectiveness of 
vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. So, at this point, unfortunately 
it’s watchful waiting.”

The World Health Organization has labeled omicron “a variant of 
concern” and it is thought to be more infectious than the delta variant.
 According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article256272722.html">KU Health System medical expert in reporting from the Kansas City Star</a>, there is a small chance the omicron variant is already in the Kansas City area and, if not, will arrive in the coming weeks.

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is already on the 
lookout for the omicron variant, said spokesman Matthew Lara. The 
department routinely works with lab partners to obtain positive COVID-19
 samples for additional genomic sequencing tests to identify variants.

Lara said omicron is different from delta because it has what is known as an “s-gene dropout.”

“All positive samples will be run a second time using this test to 
look for s-gene dropout,” Lara said. “All samples that are missing the 
s-gene on the second test will then be prioritized for genomic 
sequencing to determine if it is the omicron variant.”

In the meantime, Kansas hospitals are still focusing on balancing 
everyday health emergencies with caring for patients with the delta 
variant, which has packed hospitals, said Cindy Samuelson, spokesperson 
for the Kansas Hospital Association. KDHE reported Wednesday the state 
has had 4,477 new cases, 19 new deaths and 133 new hospitalizations 
since Monday.

Samuelson said hospital officials are urging Kansans to take steps to
 keep themselves healthy and reduce the burden on health care staff.

“Right now, we’re continuing to really urge community members to get 
vaccinated. If they are vaccinated and they can get a booster then they 
should do that,” Samuelson said, adding that, “washing your hands, 
wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance are also essentially 
important during this time.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638547361854.png" alt="Matt Shoemaker of the University of Kansas Health System is urging patience as health officials analyze the omicron variant of COVID-19. (Screen Capture of KU Health System Facebook)" />
 <figcaption>Matt Shoemaker of the University of Kansas Health System is urging patience as health officials analyze the omicron variant of COVID-19. (Screen Capture of KU Health System Facebook)</figcaption>
 </figure>By NOAH TABORDA <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2021/12/02/kansas-hospitals-health-officials-prepare-for-omicron-variants-arrival/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — As confirmed cases of 
the omicron variant of COVID-19 begin to pop up across the country, 
Kansas health officials and hospitals are preparing for the variant’s 
arrival in the state.On Friday, health officials confirmed six cases of the omicron variant in southeastern Nebraska, according to a media release from state officials.On Wednesday, the California and San Francisco Departments of Public 
Health confirmed a recent COVID-19 case caused by omicron in a resident 
who had just returned from South Africa, where the variant was first 
identified. The first confirmed case was followed on Thursday with 
reports that the variant had been identified in COVID cases<a target="_blank" href="https://minnesotareformer.com/2021/12/02/second-u-s-case-of-omicron-detected-in-minnesota/"> in Minnesota</a> and <a target="_blank" href="https://coloradonewsline.com/briefs/colorados-first-omicron-variant-case-detected-in-arapahoe-county/">Colorado</a>.With the arrival of omicron in the U.S., concerns about the efficacy 
of vaccines and treatment options, like monoclonal antibodies, against 
the variant have arisen. Matt Shoemaker, an infectious disease expert 
with the University of Kansas Health System, said omicron is still 
largely an unknown.“I think we’ll have to kind of see how these patterns play out,” 
Shoemaker said during a briefing on Tuesday. “We don’t know about the 
severity of illness, just like we don’t know about the effectiveness of 
vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. So, at this point, unfortunately 
it’s watchful waiting.”The World Health Organization has labeled omicron “a variant of 
concern” and it is thought to be more infectious than the delta variant.
 According to a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/coronavirus/article256272722.html">KU Health System medical expert in reporting from the Kansas City Star</a>, there is a small chance the omicron variant is already in the Kansas City area and, if not, will arrive in the coming weeks.The Kansas Department of Health and Environment is already on the 
lookout for the omicron variant, said spokesman Matthew Lara. The 
department routinely works with lab partners to obtain positive COVID-19
 samples for additional genomic sequencing tests to identify variants.Lara said omicron is different from delta because it has what is known as an “s-gene dropout.”“All positive samples will be run a second time using this test to 
look for s-gene dropout,” Lara said. “All samples that are missing the 
s-gene on the second test will then be prioritized for genomic 
sequencing to determine if it is the omicron variant.”In the meantime, Kansas hospitals are still focusing on balancing 
everyday health emergencies with caring for patients with the delta 
variant, which has packed hospitals, said Cindy Samuelson, spokesperson 
for the Kansas Hospital Association. KDHE reported Wednesday the state 
has had 4,477 new cases, 19 new deaths and 133 new hospitalizations 
since Monday.Samuelson said hospital officials are urging Kansans to take steps to
 keep themselves healthy and reduce the burden on health care staff.“Right now, we’re continuing to really urge community members to get 
vaccinated. If they are vaccinated and they can get a booster then they 
should do that,” Samuelson said, adding that, “washing your hands, 
wearing a mask and keeping a safe distance are also essentially 
important during this time.”

Kan. hospitals, health officials prepare for omicron variant’s arrival

TOPEKA, Kan. — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,712&nbsp; to a total of 474,479, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 25 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,730.

<a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.

<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.

As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;

Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

TOPEKA, Kan. — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,712&nbsp; to a total of 474,479, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 25 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,730.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638554347237.png" alt="Friday December 3, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday December 3, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.kansasvaccine.gov/158/Data">Click here for Data</a> about the COVID-19 vaccine.<a href="https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas">Click here&nbsp;</a>for additional virus numbers from the KDHE.As of August 1, 2021, in accordance with an&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">updated CDC/CSTE surveillance case definition</a>, a confirmed case is defined as a person who tested positive by molecular detection (e.g., PCR, NAA) or identification of SARS-CoV-2 through genetic sequencing. A probable case is defined as a person with: a) presumptive lab evidence (antigen) or b) no lab testing but meeting clinical case criteria and is epi-linked. A person will be counted as a new surveillance case (e.g. reinfection) if they test positive for SARS-CoV-2 by a diagnostic test (i.e., molecular, antigen) and it has been greater than 90 days since the previous positive diagnostic test. In addition, a person with sequencing results identifying different SARS-CoV-2 lineages regardless of the time since the previous specimen sequenced will be counted as a new surveillance case.&nbsp;Cases occurring between&nbsp;September 1, 2020&nbsp;and July 29, 2021 were classified by&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/conditions/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19/" target="_blank">previous CDC/CSTE case definition,&nbsp;</a>and cases prior to September 1, 2020 were classified by the&nbsp;<a href="https://ndc.services.cdc.gov/case-definitions/coronavirus-disease-2019-2020/" target="_blank">original case definition</a>.

KDHE: 4,700 new cases; 25 more COVID deaths

OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A prosecutor filed involuntary manslaughter charges Friday against the parents of a 15-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-1fc42fc06308770d302a59c266604c58">accused of killing four students&nbsp;</a>and wounding seven other people at a Michigan High School.

James and Jennifer Crumbley were charged with four counts each of involuntary manslaughter.

Authorities have said Ethan Crumbley opened fire shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday at Oxford High School, roughly 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Detroit. Seven students and a teacher were shot before Crumbley surrendered to sheriff’s deputies.

Three of the students died Tuesday. The fourth died Wednesday at a hospital.

The semi-automatic gun used in the shooting was purchased legally by Crumbley’s father last week, according to investigators, and given to the boy.

“The parents were the only individuals in the position to know the access to weapons,” Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald said Thursday. The gun “seems to have been just freely available to that individual.”

She said then that the parents’ actions went “far beyond negligence.”

During a Friday news conference, McDonald said the parents were summoned a few hours before the shooting after a teacher found a drawing of a gun, a person bleeding and the words “help me.” 

&nbsp;Crumbley was returned to his classroom and later emerged from a bathroom, firing a gun at students. He’s charged with murder and other other charges.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638551635768.png" alt="Ethan Crumbley has been charged as an adult with two dozen crimes, including murder, attempted murder and terrorism. -photo Oakland Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Ethan Crumbley has been charged as an adult with two dozen crimes, including murder, attempted murder and terrorism. -photo Oakland Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — A prosecutor filed involuntary manslaughter charges Friday against the parents of a 15-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/michigan-oxford-high-school-shooting-1fc42fc06308770d302a59c266604c58">accused of killing four students&nbsp;</a>and wounding seven other people at a Michigan High School.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638552839270.png" alt="Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald during Friday's announcement-image courtesy Oakland Co. District Attorney's office" />
 <figcaption>Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald during Friday's announcement-image courtesy Oakland Co. District Attorney's office</figcaption>
 </figure>James and Jennifer Crumbley were charged with four counts each of involuntary manslaughter.Authorities have said Ethan Crumbley opened fire shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday at Oxford High School, roughly 30 miles (50 kilometers) north of Detroit. Seven students and a teacher were shot before Crumbley surrendered to sheriff’s deputies.Three of the students died Tuesday. The fourth died Wednesday at a hospital.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638381044457.png" alt="First responders on the scene of the school shooting photo courtesy WWJT" />
 <figcaption>First responders on the scene of the school shooting photo courtesy WWJT</figcaption>
 </figure>The semi-automatic gun used in the shooting was purchased legally by Crumbley’s father last week, according to investigators, and given to the boy.“The parents were the only individuals in the position to know the access to weapons,” Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald said Thursday. The gun “seems to have been just freely available to that individual.”She said then that the parents’ actions went “far beyond negligence.”During a Friday news conference, McDonald said the parents were summoned a few hours before the shooting after a teacher found a drawing of a gun, a person bleeding and the words “help me.” &nbsp;Crumbley was returned to his classroom and later emerged from a bathroom, firing a gun at students. He’s charged with murder and other other charges.&nbsp;

Teen suspect's parents charged in Michigan school shooting

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two people died and one firefighter was injured in an early Friday morning house fire on the north end of Kansas City, officials said.

A neighbor called 911 around 5:40 a.m. to report smoke coming from the house, and firefighters arrived to find flames coming from the home, officials said.

A firefighter who then entered the home through the front door fell through the floor into the basement, television&nbsp;station WDAF reported. Fellow firefighters used a ladder to retrieve their colleague, who was treated for burns and minor injuries.

After the fire was extinguished, crews found the bodies of two people — one male and the other female, officials said. Authorities did not immediately identify the victims.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638548437613.png" alt="Police on the scene of the fatal Friday Fire photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the fatal Friday Fire photo courtesy Fox4Kansas City</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Two people died and one firefighter was injured in an early Friday morning house fire on the north end of Kansas City, officials said.A neighbor called 911 around 5:40 a.m. to report smoke coming from the house, and firefighters arrived to find flames coming from the home, officials said.A firefighter who then entered the home through the front door fell through the floor into the basement, television&nbsp;station WDAF reported. Fellow firefighters used a ladder to retrieve their colleague, who was treated for burns and minor injuries.After the fire was extinguished, crews found the bodies of two people — one male and the other female, officials said. Authorities did not immediately identify the victims.The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Kansas City house fire: 2 dead, firefighter injured 

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft of Christmas decorations in Manhattan.

Just before 2p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for theft in the 3100 block of Ella Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 25-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect stole her 12-foot Christmas tree off her front porch.

The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $540. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

MANHATTAN —Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged theft of Christmas decorations in Manhattan.Just before 2p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report for theft in the 3100 block of Ella Lane in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 25-year-old woman reported an unknown suspect stole her 12-foot Christmas tree off her front porch.The estimated total loss associated with this case is approximately $540. Anyone with information can contact RCPD or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Using the Crime Stoppers service can allow you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police: Suspect stole 12 foot Christmas tree from Kansas home

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police have arrested a man suspected in the deadly shooting last month of another man outside a southeast Wichita restaurant. 

KAKE TV reports that 43-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18824413">Marshall Green Jr. was arrested</a> Thursday on suspicion of intentional second-degree murder in the Nov. 10 shooting death of 45-year-old Monzell Brocks.

Police say Brocks was shot around 2:30 a.m. outside a Denny's restaurant, where he worked. Green is being held in the Sedwick County Jail without bond. Online records show Green has prior convictions and served prison terms for aggravated battery and voluntary manslaughter in Sedgwick County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636548289424.png" alt="Police at the scene of the fatal shooing in investigation-photo courtesy KWCH" />
 <figcaption>Police at the scene of the fatal shooing in investigation-photo courtesy KWCH</figcaption>
 </figure>WICHITA, Kan. (AP) — Police have arrested a man suspected in the deadly shooting last month of another man outside a southeast Wichita restaurant. KAKE TV reports that 43-year-old <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18824413">Marshall Green Jr. was arrested</a> Thursday on suspicion of intentional second-degree murder in the Nov. 10 shooting death of 45-year-old Monzell Brocks. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638543756527.png" alt="Green photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Green photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>Police say Brocks was shot around 2:30 a.m. outside a Denny's restaurant, where he worked. Green is being held in the Sedwick County Jail without bond. Online records show Green has prior convictions and served prison terms for aggravated battery and voluntary manslaughter in Sedgwick County.

Arrest: Man killed outside Kan. restaurant where he worked

KANSAS CITY (AP) — The omicron variant of COVID-19, which had been undetected in the U.S. before the middle of this week, had been discovered <a href="https://www.gisaid.org/hcov19-variants/">in at least five states </a>by the end of Thursday, showing yet again how mutations of the virus can circumnavigate the globe with speed and ease.

Just a day after the first known U.S. case was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-new-variant-omicron-explainer-116ef818ac4a8e7bc23bb28d6511ecad">found in California</a>, tests showed the omicron variant had infected at least five people in the New York City metropolitan area, plus a man from Minnesota who had attended an anime convention in Manhattan in late November.

A Colorado woman who had recently traveled to southern Africa, a Hawaii resident with no recent travel history, and another California resident who traveled to South Africa last month also were infected by the variant, officials said.

Much remains unknown about omicron, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain.

Health officials in each state said there was no cause for undue alarm. But the spread of the cases, some involving people who hadn’t been away from home recently, meant the variant was likely already circulating domestically in some parts of the U.S.

“We gotta assume there’s a lot more behind that and that it has been here for a meaningful amount of time,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference with Gov. Kathy Hochul.

The infected New Yorkers included a 67-year-old woman on Long Island who had recently traveled to South Africa, residents of Brooklyn and Queens and another case possibly linked to travel. At least one person had received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine but officials did not have details about the vaccination status of the four other cases.

In Minnesota, health officials said a man who had not traveled outside the U.S. began experiencing symptoms the day after attending the Anime NYC 2021 convention in New York City. Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said it’s likely the man contracted COVID-19 at the convention, but officials did not know for sure.

Officials in New York said they were working to trace attendees of the convention, which was held Nov. 19-21 and drew about 50,000 people, according to event organizers. Attendees were required to wear masks and show proof of having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

It was held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as New York City prepared to host the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and braced for throngs of tourists to return after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-canada-75b91e1770dc99c3a9d682129e2e006c">U.S. opened up to vaccinated international travelers.</a>

City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi urged people who attended the event to get tested.

“This is not just due to people who are traveling to southern Africa or to other parts of the world where omicron has already been identified,” Chokshi said Thursday.

The Minnesota man began experiencing mild symptoms Nov. 22. He had been vaccinated and received a booster shot in early November, according to health officials in his home state. He sought COVID-19 testing Nov. 24, and his symptoms have subsided, officials said.

Nov. 22 was the same day the person infected in the first California case returned to the U.S. from South Africa.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-lifestyle-health-travel-1f007a419afc45c840ad1d8d80eede8f">The California traveler, who was vaccinated,&nbsp;</a>developed mild symptoms and tested positive Monday. The second person in the state didn’t need medical care and was also vaccinated.

The unvaccinated adult infected with the variant in Hawaii had gotten COVID-19 a year ago. The person isn’t currently hospitalized and had “mild-to-moderate” symptoms including headache, body aches and cough, Hawaii Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble said.

She wouldn’t identify the patient other to say the person lives on the island of Oahu.

Omicron is classified by the World Health Organization as a “variant of concern” as scientists work to determine how it may compare with the predominant delta variant in terms of transmissibility and severity. Scientists also are studying the degree to which existing vaccines and therapies protect against omicron.

Scientists in South Africa first reported it, but the samples came from several countries in southern Africa. And health officials in the Netherlands now say it was found there prior to the South Africa detection.

As comfort over air travel returns, it’s inevitable that new variants like omicron will spread from country to country and state to state, said professor Danielle Ompad, an epidemiologist at New York University’s School of Global Public Health.

“We shouldn’t panic, but we should be concerned,” she said.

Hochul said the case involving the Minnesota visitor underlined the need for everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a booster shot if they have not already.

“There is one way to address this — New Yorkers, get vaccinated, get boosted, and get ready,” the Democrat said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638537167399.png" alt="Most recent reported occurrences across the United State-image courtesy GISAID-The GISAID Initiative promotes the rapid sharing of data from all influenza viruses and the coronavirus causing COVID-19. " />
 <figcaption>Most recent reported occurrences across the United State-image courtesy GISAID-The GISAID Initiative promotes the rapid sharing of data from all influenza viruses and the coronavirus causing COVID-19. </figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — The omicron variant of COVID-19, which had been undetected in the U.S. before the middle of this week, had been discovered <a href="https://www.gisaid.org/hcov19-variants/">in at least five states </a>by the end of Thursday, showing yet again how mutations of the virus can circumnavigate the globe with speed and ease.Just a day after the first known U.S. case was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-new-variant-omicron-explainer-116ef818ac4a8e7bc23bb28d6511ecad">found in California</a>, tests showed the omicron variant had infected at least five people in the New York City metropolitan area, plus a man from Minnesota who had attended an anime convention in Manhattan in late November.A Colorado woman who had recently traveled to southern Africa, a Hawaii resident with no recent travel history, and another California resident who traveled to South Africa last month also were infected by the variant, officials said.Much remains unknown about omicron, including whether it is more contagious, as some health authorities suspect, whether it can thwart vaccines and whether it makes people as sick as the original strain.Health officials in each state said there was no cause for undue alarm. But the spread of the cases, some involving people who hadn’t been away from home recently, meant the variant was likely already circulating domestically in some parts of the U.S.“We gotta assume there’s a lot more behind that and that it has been here for a meaningful amount of time,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said at a news conference with Gov. Kathy Hochul.The infected New Yorkers included a 67-year-old woman on Long Island who had recently traveled to South Africa, residents of Brooklyn and Queens and another case possibly linked to travel. At least one person had received a dose of a COVID-19 vaccine but officials did not have details about the vaccination status of the four other cases.In Minnesota, health officials said a man who had not traveled outside the U.S. began experiencing symptoms the day after attending the Anime NYC 2021 convention in New York City. Minnesota Health Commissioner Jan Malcolm said it’s likely the man contracted COVID-19 at the convention, but officials did not know for sure.Officials in New York said they were working to trace attendees of the convention, which was held Nov. 19-21 and drew about 50,000 people, according to event organizers. Attendees were required to wear masks and show proof of having received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.It was held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as New York City prepared to host the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and braced for throngs of tourists to return after the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-lifestyle-health-canada-75b91e1770dc99c3a9d682129e2e006c">U.S. opened up to vaccinated international travelers.</a>City Health Commissioner Dave Chokshi urged people who attended the event to get tested.“This is not just due to people who are traveling to southern Africa or to other parts of the world where omicron has already been identified,” Chokshi said Thursday.The Minnesota man began experiencing mild symptoms Nov. 22. He had been vaccinated and received a booster shot in early November, according to health officials in his home state. He sought COVID-19 testing Nov. 24, and his symptoms have subsided, officials said.Nov. 22 was the same day the person infected in the first California case returned to the U.S. from South Africa.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-science-lifestyle-health-travel-1f007a419afc45c840ad1d8d80eede8f">The California traveler, who was vaccinated,&nbsp;</a>developed mild symptoms and tested positive Monday. The second person in the state didn’t need medical care and was also vaccinated.The unvaccinated adult infected with the variant in Hawaii had gotten COVID-19 a year ago. The person isn’t currently hospitalized and had “mild-to-moderate” symptoms including headache, body aches and cough, Hawaii Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble said.She wouldn’t identify the patient other to say the person lives on the island of Oahu.Omicron is classified by the World Health Organization as a “variant of concern” as scientists work to determine how it may compare with the predominant delta variant in terms of transmissibility and severity. Scientists also are studying the degree to which existing vaccines and therapies protect against omicron.Scientists in South Africa first reported it, but the samples came from several countries in southern Africa. And health officials in the Netherlands now say it was found there prior to the South Africa detection.As comfort over air travel returns, it’s inevitable that new variants like omicron will spread from country to country and state to state, said professor Danielle Ompad, an epidemiologist at New York University’s School of Global Public Health.“We shouldn’t panic, but we should be concerned,” she said.Hochul said the case involving the Minnesota visitor underlined the need for everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 or receive a booster shot if they have not already.“There is one way to address this — New Yorkers, get vaccinated, get boosted, and get ready,” the Democrat said.___

Omicron coronavirus variant found in multiple US states

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the
 nation's tax industry today warned tax professionals that they face 
additional security risks from cybercriminals seeking to use the 
pandemic and phishing scams to steal sensitive client information.

The partners, working together as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>,
 urged tax pros to remain focused on security issues and ensure they 
follow important steps to safeguard their information, including using 
multi-factor authentication and using a Virtual Private Network to guard
 against data loss. And Summit partners continued to remind tax pros, 
both large and small, that they are required to have a security plan in 
place.

This is part of the National Tax Security Awareness Week. Now in its 
sixth year, the initiative aims to heighten awareness about identity 
theft and data security measures among taxpayers, businesses, and tax 
professionals. This effort is particularly important right now as the 
2022 tax filing season approaches, and identity thieves continue trying 
to steal sensitive data to file fraudulent tax returns.

"We continue to see scams and security risks during this period 
targeting tax professionals and the sensitive information they hold," 
said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Identity thieves continue to evolve
 with the times and use the pandemic and other tricks to take advantage 
of tax pros and gain access to their data. We continue to urge tax 
preparers to remain aware of this changing threat. Taking important 
security steps can help avoid a security breach that can be devastating 
to them and their clients."

As the IRS and Security Summit partners took important steps to 
strengthen defenses against cybercriminals, identity thieves 
increasingly turned to tax professionals, targeting their offices and 
systems. Data thefts from tax professionals can provide valuable 
information to thieves trying to file fraudulent tax returns.

The Summit partners remind tax professionals to review their security measures. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4557.pdf">Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data</a>&nbsp;PDF, provides tax professionals with a starting point for basic steps to protect clients.

The Security Summit also created the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/tax-security-20-the-taxes-security-together-checklist">"Taxes-Security-Together" Checklist</a>
 to help tax professionals identify the basic steps they should take. As
 more tax preparers work from home or remote locations because of 
COVID-19, these measures are even more critical for securing tax data.

Basic protections - the "Security Six" measures

These easy steps can make a big difference, both for tax pros and taxpayers:

Use multi-factor authentication to protect tax accounts

In 2021, all online tax preparation products for tax professionals 
included an option for using multi-factor authentication. The Security 
Summit urges all tax professionals to use this option as the 2022 filing
 season approaches.

Practitioners can download to their mobile phones readily available 
authentication apps offered through Google Play or the Apple Store. 
These apps will generate a security code. Codes also may be sent to 
preparer's email or text, but the IRS notes those are not as secure as 
the authentication apps. Search for "Authentication apps" in a search 
engine to learn more.

Use virtual private networks to protect remote sites

A VPN provides a secure, encrypted tunnel to transmit data between a 
remote user via the Internet and the company network. As teleworking or 
working from home continues during COVID-19, VPNs are critical to 
protecting and securing internet connections.

Failing to use VPNs can add risks to remote takeovers by 
cyberthieves, giving criminals access to the tax professional's entire 
office network simply by accessing an employee's remote internet.

Tax professionals should seek out cybersecurity experts whenever 
possible. Practitioners can also search for "Best VPNs" to find a 
legitimate vendor, or major technology sites often provide lists of top 
services. Remember, never click on a "pop-up" ad that's marketing a 
security product. Those generally are scams.

Avoid phishing scams, including attempts to gain EFINs

Phishing emails generally have an urgent message, such as "your 
account password expired." They direct users to an official-looking link
 or attachment. But the link may take users to a fake site made to 
appear like a trusted source, where it requests a username and password.
 Or, the attachment may contain malware, which secretly downloads 
software that tracks keystrokes and allows thieves to eventually steal 
all the tax pro's passwords.

Remember, scam emails can target tax pros by seeking EFIN 
information. One scam example says it's from "IRS Tax E-Filing" and 
carries the subject line "Verifying your EFIN before e-filing."

The IRS warns tax pros not to take any of the steps outlined in these
 types of email, especially responding to the email. The body of the 
bogus email states:

In order to help protect both you and your clients from 
unauthorized/fraudulent activities, the IRS requires that you verify all
 authorized e-file originators prior to transmitting returns through our
 system. That means we need your EFIN (e-file identification number) 
verification and Driver's license before you e-file.

Please have a current PDF copy or 
image of your EFIN acceptance letter (5880C Letter dated within the last
 12 months) or a copy of your IRS EFIN Application Summary, found at 
your e-Services account at IRS.gov, and Front and Back of Driver's 
License emailed in order to complete the verification process. Email: 
(fake email address)

If your EFIN is not verified by our system, your ability to e-file 
will be disabled until you provide documentation showing your 
credentials are in good standing to e-file with the IRS.

2800 E. Commerce Center Place, Tucson, AZ 85706

Tax professionals who received the scam should save the email as a file and then send it as an attachment to <a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov">phishing@irs.gov</a>. They also should notify the <a href="http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/">Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration</a> to report the IRS impersonation scam. Both TIGTA and the IRS Criminal Investigation division are aware of the scam.

Like all phishing email scams, it attempts to bait the receiver to 
take action (opening a link or attachment) with a consequence for 
failing to do so (disabling the account). The links or attachment may be
 set up to steal information or to download malware onto the tax 
professional's computer.

In this case, the tax preparers are being asked to email documents 
that would disclose their identities and EFINs to the thieves. The 
thieves can use this information to file fraudulent returns by 
impersonating the tax professional.

Tax professionals also should be aware of other common phishing scams
 that seek EFINs, Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) or 
e-Services usernames and passwords.

Some thieves also pose as potential clients, an especially effective 
scam currently because there are so many remote transactions during the 
pandemic. The thief may interact repeatedly with a tax professional and 
then send an email with an attachment that claims to include their tax 
information.

The attachment may contain malware that allows the thief to track 
keystrokes and eventually steal all passwords or take over control of 
the computer systems.

Some phishing scams are ransomware schemes in which the thief gains 
control of the tax professionals' computer systems and holds the data 
hostage until a ransom is paid. The Federal Bureau of Investigation 
(FBI) has warned against paying a ransom because thieves often leave the
 data encrypted.

The need for a security plan and data theft plan

The IRS and Security Summit partners remind tax professionals that 
federal law requires them to have a written information security plan. 
In addition to the required information security plan, tax pros also 
should consider an emergency response plan should they experience a 
breach and data theft. This time-saving step should include contact 
information for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/stakeholder-liaison-local-contacts">IRS Stakeholder Liaisons</a>, who are the first point of contact for data theft reporting to the IRS and to the states.

IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5293.pdf">Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals</a>&nbsp;PDF, provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov, including the reporting processes.

The IRS, state tax agencies, the private sector tax industry - 
including tax professionals - work in partnership as the Security Summit
 to help protect taxpayers from identity theft and refund fraud. This is
 the fourth in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/national-tax-security-awareness-week-2021">a week-long series of tips</a> to raise awareness about identity theft.

See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">IRS.gov/securitysummit</a> for more details. Also, check out the most recent A Closer Look column on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/national-tax-security-awareness-week-tips-to-help-protect-taxpayers">National Tax Security Awareness Week</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service, state tax agencies and the
 nation's tax industry today warned tax professionals that they face 
additional security risks from cybercriminals seeking to use the 
pandemic and phishing scams to steal sensitive client information.The partners, working together as the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">Security Summit</a>,
 urged tax pros to remain focused on security issues and ensure they 
follow important steps to safeguard their information, including using 
multi-factor authentication and using a Virtual Private Network to guard
 against data loss. And Summit partners continued to remind tax pros, 
both large and small, that they are required to have a security plan in 
place.This is part of the National Tax Security Awareness Week. Now in its 
sixth year, the initiative aims to heighten awareness about identity 
theft and data security measures among taxpayers, businesses, and tax 
professionals. This effort is particularly important right now as the 
2022 tax filing season approaches, and identity thieves continue trying 
to steal sensitive data to file fraudulent tax returns."We continue to see scams and security risks during this period 
targeting tax professionals and the sensitive information they hold," 
said IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "Identity thieves continue to evolve
 with the times and use the pandemic and other tricks to take advantage 
of tax pros and gain access to their data. We continue to urge tax 
preparers to remain aware of this changing threat. Taking important 
security steps can help avoid a security breach that can be devastating 
to them and their clients."As the IRS and Security Summit partners took important steps to 
strengthen defenses against cybercriminals, identity thieves 
increasingly turned to tax professionals, targeting their offices and 
systems. Data thefts from tax professionals can provide valuable 
information to thieves trying to file fraudulent tax returns.The Summit partners remind tax professionals to review their security measures. IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p4557.pdf">Publication 4557, Safeguarding Taxpayer Data</a>&nbsp;PDF, provides tax professionals with a starting point for basic steps to protect clients.The Security Summit also created the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/tax-security-20-the-taxes-security-together-checklist">"Taxes-Security-Together" Checklist</a>
 to help tax professionals identify the basic steps they should take. As
 more tax preparers work from home or remote locations because of 
COVID-19, these measures are even more critical for securing tax data.<h2>Basic protections - the "Security Six" measures</h2>These easy steps can make a big difference, both for tax pros and taxpayers:<ul>
 <li>Use anti-virus software and set it for automatic updates to keep
 systems secure. This includes all digital products, computers and 
mobile phones.</li><li>Use firewalls. Firewalls help shield computers from outside attacks
 but cannot protect systems in cases where users accidentally download 
malware, for example, from phishing email scams.</li><li>Use multi-factor authentication to protect all online accounts, 
especially tax products, cloud software providers, email providers and 
social media.</li><li>Back up sensitive files, especially client data, to secure external sources, such as external hard drive or cloud storage.</li><li>Encrypt data. Tax professionals should consider drive encryption products for full-drive encryption. This will encrypt all data.</li><li>Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) product. As more practitioners 
work remotely during the pandemic, a VPN is critical for secure 
connections.</li>
 </ul><h2>Use multi-factor authentication to protect tax accounts</h2>In 2021, all online tax preparation products for tax professionals 
included an option for using multi-factor authentication. The Security 
Summit urges all tax professionals to use this option as the 2022 filing
 season approaches.Practitioners can download to their mobile phones readily available 
authentication apps offered through Google Play or the Apple Store. 
These apps will generate a security code. Codes also may be sent to 
preparer's email or text, but the IRS notes those are not as secure as 
the authentication apps. Search for "Authentication apps" in a search 
engine to learn more.<h2>Use virtual private networks to protect remote sites</h2>A VPN provides a secure, encrypted tunnel to transmit data between a 
remote user via the Internet and the company network. As teleworking or 
working from home continues during COVID-19, VPNs are critical to 
protecting and securing internet connections.Failing to use VPNs can add risks to remote takeovers by 
cyberthieves, giving criminals access to the tax professional's entire 
office network simply by accessing an employee's remote internet.Tax professionals should seek out cybersecurity experts whenever 
possible. Practitioners can also search for "Best VPNs" to find a 
legitimate vendor, or major technology sites often provide lists of top 
services. Remember, never click on a "pop-up" ad that's marketing a 
security product. Those generally are scams.<h2>Avoid phishing scams, including attempts to gain EFINs</h2>Phishing emails generally have an urgent message, such as "your 
account password expired." They direct users to an official-looking link
 or attachment. But the link may take users to a fake site made to 
appear like a trusted source, where it requests a username and password.
 Or, the attachment may contain malware, which secretly downloads 
software that tracks keystrokes and allows thieves to eventually steal 
all the tax pro's passwords.Remember, scam emails can target tax pros by seeking EFIN 
information. One scam example says it's from "IRS Tax E-Filing" and 
carries the subject line "Verifying your EFIN before e-filing."The IRS warns tax pros not to take any of the steps outlined in these
 types of email, especially responding to the email. The body of the 
bogus email states:In order to help protect both you and your clients from 
unauthorized/fraudulent activities, the IRS requires that you verify all
 authorized e-file originators prior to transmitting returns through our
 system. That means we need your EFIN (e-file identification number) 
verification and Driver's license before you e-file.Please have a current PDF copy or 
image of your EFIN acceptance letter (5880C Letter dated within the last
 12 months) or a copy of your IRS EFIN Application Summary, found at 
your e-Services account at IRS.gov, and Front and Back of Driver's 
License emailed in order to complete the verification process. Email: 
(fake email address)If your EFIN is not verified by our system, your ability to e-file 
will be disabled until you provide documentation showing your 
credentials are in good standing to e-file with the IRS.© 2021 EFILE. All rights reserved. Trademarks2800 E. Commerce Center Place, Tucson, AZ 85706Tax professionals who received the scam should save the email as a file and then send it as an attachment to <a href="mailto:phishing@irs.gov">phishing@irs.gov</a>. They also should notify the <a href="http://www.ustreas.gov/tigta/">Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration</a> to report the IRS impersonation scam. Both TIGTA and the IRS Criminal Investigation division are aware of the scam.Like all phishing email scams, it attempts to bait the receiver to 
take action (opening a link or attachment) with a consequence for 
failing to do so (disabling the account). The links or attachment may be
 set up to steal information or to download malware onto the tax 
professional's computer.In this case, the tax preparers are being asked to email documents 
that would disclose their identities and EFINs to the thieves. The 
thieves can use this information to file fraudulent returns by 
impersonating the tax professional.Tax professionals also should be aware of other common phishing scams
 that seek EFINs, Preparer Tax Identification Numbers (PTINs) or 
e-Services usernames and passwords.Some thieves also pose as potential clients, an especially effective 
scam currently because there are so many remote transactions during the 
pandemic. The thief may interact repeatedly with a tax professional and 
then send an email with an attachment that claims to include their tax 
information.The attachment may contain malware that allows the thief to track 
keystrokes and eventually steal all passwords or take over control of 
the computer systems.Some phishing scams are ransomware schemes in which the thief gains 
control of the tax professionals' computer systems and holds the data 
hostage until a ransom is paid. The Federal Bureau of Investigation 
(FBI) has warned against paying a ransom because thieves often leave the
 data encrypted.<h2>The need for a security plan and data theft plan</h2>The IRS and Security Summit partners remind tax professionals that 
federal law requires them to have a written information security plan. 
In addition to the required information security plan, tax pros also 
should consider an emergency response plan should they experience a 
breach and data theft. This time-saving step should include contact 
information for the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/stakeholder-liaison-local-contacts">IRS Stakeholder Liaisons</a>, who are the first point of contact for data theft reporting to the IRS and to the states.IRS <a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5293.pdf">Publication 5293, Data Security Resource Guide for Tax Professionals</a>&nbsp;PDF, provides a compilation of data theft information available on IRS.gov, including the reporting processes.The IRS, state tax agencies, the private sector tax industry - 
including tax professionals - work in partnership as the Security Summit
 to help protect taxpayers from identity theft and refund fraud. This is
 the fourth in <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/national-tax-security-awareness-week-2021">a week-long series of tips</a> to raise awareness about identity theft.See <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/security-summit">IRS.gov/securitysummit</a> for more details. Also, check out the most recent A Closer Look column on <a href="https://www.irs.gov/about-irs/national-tax-security-awareness-week-tips-to-help-protect-taxpayers">National Tax Security Awareness Week</a>.

IRS: Pandemic adds to data-theft risks with new schemes

WABAUNSEE COUNTY —A Manhattan man was injured in an accident while attempting to elude law enforcement just after 2p.m. Thursday in Wabaunsee County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Cruz driven by Sangla M. Stevens, 31, Manhattan, was&nbsp;&nbsp;northbound on Northwest Snokomo Frontage Road attempting to elude law enforcement. 

The car was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver&nbsp; lost control on the gravel. The car left the roadway. It struck a tree and a telephone box.

EMS transported Stevens to the hospital in Wamego and he is being held in the Riley County Jail, according to online jail records. Stevens has previous convictions for sexual battery, aggravated battery and criminal restraint, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

 He was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638496654413.png" alt="Stevens photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Stevens photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>WABAUNSEE COUNTY —A Manhattan man was injured in an accident while attempting to elude law enforcement just after 2p.m. Thursday in Wabaunsee County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2015 Chevy Cruz driven by Sangla M. Stevens, 31, Manhattan, was&nbsp;&nbsp;northbound on Northwest Snokomo Frontage Road attempting to elude law enforcement. The car was traveling at a high rate of speed. The driver&nbsp; lost control on the gravel. The car left the roadway. It struck a tree and a telephone box.EMS transported Stevens to the hospital in Wamego and he is being held in the Riley County Jail, according to online jail records. Stevens has previous convictions for sexual battery, aggravated battery and criminal restraint, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections. He was also not wearing a seat belt, according to the KHP.

Kan. sex offender hospitalized after crash during high-speed chase

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a stopgap spending bill Thursday that avoids a short-term shutdown and funds the federal government through Feb. 18 after leaders defused a partisan standoff over federal vaccine mandates. The measure now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.

Earlier in the day, congressional leaders announced they had finally reached an agreement to keep the government running for 11 more weeks, generally at current spending levels, while adding $7 billion to aid Afghanistan evacuees.

Once the House voted to approve the measure, senators soon announced an agreement that would allow them to vote on it quickly

“I am glad that in the end, cooler heads prevailed. The government will stay open and I thank the members of this chamber for walking us back from the brink of an avoidable, needless and costly shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.

The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 69-28.

The Democratic-led House passed the measure by a 221-212 vote. The Republican leadership urged members to vote no; the lone GOP vote for the bill came from Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger.

Lawmakers bemoaned the short-term fix and blamed the opposing party for the lack of progress on this year’s spending bills. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said the measure would, however, allow for negotiations on a package covering the full budget year through September.

“Make no mistake, a vote against this continuing resolution is a vote to shut government down,” DeLauro said during the House debate.

Before the votes, Biden said he had spoken with Senate leaders and he played down fears of a shutdown.

“There is a plan in place unless somebody decides to be totally erratic, and I don’t think that will happen,” Biden said.

Some Republicans opposed to Biden’s vaccine rules wanted Congress to take a hard stand against the mandated shots for workers at larger businesses, even if that meant shutting down federal offices over the weekend by blocking a request that would expedite a final vote on the spending bill.

It was just the latest instance of the brinkmanship around government funding that has triggered several costly shutdowns and partial closures over the past two decades. The longest shutdown in history happened under President Donald Trump — 35 days stretching into January 2019, when Democrats refused to approve money for his U.S-Mexico border wall. Both parties agree the stoppages are irresponsible, yet few deadlines pass without a late scramble to avoid them.

Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said Democrats knew last month that several Republicans would use all means at their disposal to oppose legislation that funds or allows the enforcement of the employer vaccine mandate. He blamed Schumer for not negotiating and for ignoring their position.

If the choice is between “suspending nonessential functions” or standing idle while Americans lose their ability to work, “I’ll stand with American workers every time,” Lee said.

Lee and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., authored an amendment that prohibited federal dollars being spent to implement and enforce a series of vaccine mandates put in place by the Biden administration. The amendment went down to defeat with 48 yes votes and 50 no votes. But having the vote opened the door to taking up the full spending bill immediately.

Lee said millions were being forced to choose between an unwanted medical procedure and losing their job.

“Their jobs are being threatened by their own government,” Lee said.

“Let’s give employers certainty and employees peace of mind that they will still have a job this new year,” Marshall urged before the vote.

Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., countered that the federal government should be using every tool to keep Americans safe and that is why the Biden administration has taken steps to urge employers to make sure their workers are fully vaccinated or test negative before they come to the workplace.

“No one wants to go to work and be worried they might come home to their family with a deadly virus,” Murray said.

The White House sees the vaccinations as the quickest way to end a pandemic that has killed more than 780,000 people in the United States and is still evolving, as seen Wednesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-japan-192d15ef14bb3dd478bc36ab4aa325f0">the country’s first detected case&nbsp;</a>of a troubling new variant.

Courts have knocked back against the mandates, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-congress-e710c221e0648cfa24346c36e60e6ae9">ruling this week&nbsp;</a>blocking enforcement of a requirement for some health care workers.

For some Republicans, the court cases and lawmakers’ fears about a potentially disruptive shutdown were factors against engaging in a high-stakes shutdown.

“One of the things I’m a little concerned about is: Why would we make ourselves the object of public attention by creating the specter of a government shutdown?” said Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a GOP leader.

The administration has pursued vaccine requirements for several groups of workers, but the effort is facing legal setbacks.

A federal judge this week blocked the administration from enforcing a vaccine mandate on thousands of health care workers in 10 states. Earlier,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/appeals-court-stays-vaccine-mandate-coronavirus-biden-b235b6fa858bd23b02ab5f9c009428db">a federal appeals court temporarily halted&nbsp;</a>the OSHA requirement affecting employers with 100 or more workers.

The administration has also put in place policies requiring millions of federal employees and federal contractors, including military troops, to be fully vaccinated. Those efforts are also under challenge.

Polling from The Associated Press shows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-5b62c8e442ea495c58ed51d9f50d7c0d">Americans are divided</a>&nbsp;over Biden’s effort to vaccinate workers, with Democrats overwhelmingly for it while most Republicans are against.

Some Republicans prefer an effort from Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., to vote to reject the administration’s mandates in a congressional review action expected next week, separate from the funding fight.

Separately, some health care providers protested the stopgap spending measure. Hospitals say it does nothing to shield them from Medicare payment cuts scheduled to go into effect amid uncertainty about the new omicron variant.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638531359660.png" alt="All 50 Senate Democrats voted against an&nbsp;amendment&nbsp;offered by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall that would have defunded each of Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine mandates.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>All 50 Senate Democrats voted against an&nbsp;amendment&nbsp;offered by U.S. Senator Roger Marshall that would have defunded each of Joe Biden’s COVID vaccine mandates.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate passed a stopgap spending bill Thursday that avoids a short-term shutdown and funds the federal government through Feb. 18 after leaders defused a partisan standoff over federal vaccine mandates. The measure now goes to President Joe Biden to be signed into law.Earlier in the day, congressional leaders announced they had finally reached an agreement to keep the government running for 11 more weeks, generally at current spending levels, while adding $7 billion to aid Afghanistan evacuees.Once the House voted to approve the measure, senators soon announced an agreement that would allow them to vote on it quickly“I am glad that in the end, cooler heads prevailed. The government will stay open and I thank the members of this chamber for walking us back from the brink of an avoidable, needless and costly shutdown,” said Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 69-28.The Democratic-led House passed the measure by a 221-212 vote. The Republican leadership urged members to vote no; the lone GOP vote for the bill came from Illinois Rep. Adam Kinzinger.Lawmakers bemoaned the short-term fix and blamed the opposing party for the lack of progress on this year’s spending bills. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, said the measure would, however, allow for negotiations on a package covering the full budget year through September.“Make no mistake, a vote against this continuing resolution is a vote to shut government down,” DeLauro said during the House debate.Before the votes, Biden said he had spoken with Senate leaders and he played down fears of a shutdown.“There is a plan in place unless somebody decides to be totally erratic, and I don’t think that will happen,” Biden said.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UMo6tl7EoFs" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Some Republicans opposed to Biden’s vaccine rules wanted Congress to take a hard stand against the mandated shots for workers at larger businesses, even if that meant shutting down federal offices over the weekend by blocking a request that would expedite a final vote on the spending bill.It was just the latest instance of the brinkmanship around government funding that has triggered several costly shutdowns and partial closures over the past two decades. The longest shutdown in history happened under President Donald Trump — 35 days stretching into January 2019, when Democrats refused to approve money for his U.S-Mexico border wall. Both parties agree the stoppages are irresponsible, yet few deadlines pass without a late scramble to avoid them.Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah, said Democrats knew last month that several Republicans would use all means at their disposal to oppose legislation that funds or allows the enforcement of the employer vaccine mandate. He blamed Schumer for not negotiating and for ignoring their position.If the choice is between “suspending nonessential functions” or standing idle while Americans lose their ability to work, “I’ll stand with American workers every time,” Lee said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Today&#39;s vote to block the vax mandates was an opportunity to right a wrong. The results were a disappointment to not just me but the 44m Americans whose jobs are now at risk. I show up every day w/ the best interest of the great people of KS in mind &amp; represented them well today.&mdash; Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) <a href="https://twitter.com/RogerMarshallMD/status/1466598858499272710?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Lee and Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., authored an amendment that prohibited federal dollars being spent to implement and enforce a series of vaccine mandates put in place by the Biden administration. The amendment went down to defeat with 48 yes votes and 50 no votes. But having the vote opened the door to taking up the full spending bill immediately.Lee said millions were being forced to choose between an unwanted medical procedure and losing their job.“Their jobs are being threatened by their own government,” Lee said.“Let’s give employers certainty and employees peace of mind that they will still have a job this new year,” Marshall urged before the vote.Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., countered that the federal government should be using every tool to keep Americans safe and that is why the Biden administration has taken steps to urge employers to make sure their workers are fully vaccinated or test negative before they come to the workplace.“No one wants to go to work and be worried they might come home to their family with a deadly virus,” Murray said.The White House sees the vaccinations as the quickest way to end a pandemic that has killed more than 780,000 people in the United States and is still evolving, as seen Wednesday with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-business-health-europe-japan-192d15ef14bb3dd478bc36ab4aa325f0">the country’s first detected case&nbsp;</a>of a troubling new variant.Courts have knocked back against the mandates, including a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-congress-e710c221e0648cfa24346c36e60e6ae9">ruling this week&nbsp;</a>blocking enforcement of a requirement for some health care workers.For some Republicans, the court cases and lawmakers’ fears about a potentially disruptive shutdown were factors against engaging in a high-stakes shutdown.“One of the things I’m a little concerned about is: Why would we make ourselves the object of public attention by creating the specter of a government shutdown?” said Texas Sen. John Cornyn, a GOP leader.The administration has pursued vaccine requirements for several groups of workers, but the effort is facing legal setbacks.A federal judge this week blocked the administration from enforcing a vaccine mandate on thousands of health care workers in 10 states. Earlier,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/appeals-court-stays-vaccine-mandate-coronavirus-biden-b235b6fa858bd23b02ab5f9c009428db">a federal appeals court temporarily halted&nbsp;</a>the OSHA requirement affecting employers with 100 or more workers.The administration has also put in place policies requiring millions of federal employees and federal contractors, including military troops, to be fully vaccinated. Those efforts are also under challenge.Polling from The Associated Press shows&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-5b62c8e442ea495c58ed51d9f50d7c0d">Americans are divided</a>&nbsp;over Biden’s effort to vaccinate workers, with Democrats overwhelmingly for it while most Republicans are against.Some Republicans prefer an effort from Sen. Mike Braun, R-Ind., to vote to reject the administration’s mandates in a congressional review action expected next week, separate from the funding fight.Separately, some health care providers protested the stopgap spending measure. Hospitals say it does nothing to shield them from Medicare payment cuts scheduled to go into effect amid uncertainty about the new omicron variant.

🎥 Senate passes bill to avoid shutdown, rejects Marshall vax mandate amendment 

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white Kansas City police detective who was convicted of shooting and killing a Black man will be sentenced on March 4, a judge ruled Thursday.

Eric DeValkenaere, 43, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">convicted last month</a>&nbsp;of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the shooting death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.

He faces up to four years on the manslaughter conviction and at least three years for the armed criminal action charge.

Attorney Molly Hastings said Thursday that DeValkenaere's defense team plans to appeal the conviction, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article256288262.html">reported</a>.

DeValkenaere remains free on bond. He has been suspended from the department pending termination.

Lamb was shot on Dec. 3, 2019, as he was backing a pickup truck into a garage in his backyard.

DeValkenaere testified that he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective.

Prosecutors argued the scene had been staged to make it appear that Lamb had a gun.

When he pronounced sentence, Jackson County Judge J. Dale Youngs said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property. He did not address the allegations that the crime scene was staged.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/6/1592994941014.png" alt="DeValkenaere photo KCPD" />
 <figcaption>DeValkenaere photo KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A white Kansas City police detective who was convicted of shooting and killing a Black man will be sentenced on March 4, a judge ruled Thursday.Eric DeValkenaere, 43, was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-police-shootings-race-and-ethnicity-kansas-city-933d3aba9b37c83145fba5818d557c02">convicted last month</a>&nbsp;of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action in the shooting death of 26-year-old Cameron Lamb.He faces up to four years on the manslaughter conviction and at least three years for the armed criminal action charge.Attorney Molly Hastings said Thursday that DeValkenaere's defense team plans to appeal the conviction, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/crime/article256288262.html">reported</a>.DeValkenaere remains free on bond. He has been suspended from the department pending termination.Lamb was shot on Dec. 3, 2019, as he was backing a pickup truck into a garage in his backyard.DeValkenaere testified that he fired after Lamb pointed a gun at another detective.Prosecutors argued the scene had been staged to make it appear that Lamb had a gun.When he pronounced sentence, Jackson County Judge J. Dale Youngs said the officers had no probable cause to believe any crime had been committed, had no warrant for Lamb’s arrest and had no search warrant or consent to be on the property. He did not address the allegations that the crime scene was staged.

Sentencing scheduled for convicted Kansas City officer 

DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.

Just after 9p.m. November 24, police responded to a residence in the 200 Block of Yorkshire Drive in Lawrence reference a shooting, according to&nbsp;Lieutenant David Ernst.

Officers arrived on scene and located an 18-year-old male victim, later identified as Peyton Whitaker of Topeka, suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; Whitaker was pronounced deceased at the scene.

On December 1, authorities from the Lawrence Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and McPherson County Sheriff’s Office arrested 20-year-old Mehki McDaniel and 24-year-old Ansley Fogle both of Topeka. They are in the McPherson County jail&nbsp;pending extradition. &nbsp;

McDaniel is being held on requested charges of 2nd&nbsp;Degree Murder and Felony Theft.&nbsp; Fogle was arrested on a requested charge of Interference with Law Enforcement and Obstructing Apprehension or Prosecution, according to Ernst.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638481478149.png" alt="Fogle-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>Fogle-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting and have two suspects in custody.Just after 9p.m. November 24, police responded to a residence in the 200 Block of Yorkshire Drive in Lawrence reference a shooting, according to&nbsp;Lieutenant David Ernst.Officers arrived on scene and located an 18-year-old male victim, later identified as Peyton Whitaker of Topeka, suffering from a gunshot wound.&nbsp; Whitaker was pronounced deceased at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638481622082.png" alt="McDaniel-photo McPherson Co." />
 <figcaption>McDaniel-photo McPherson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>On December 1, authorities from the Lawrence Police Department, Kansas Bureau of Investigation and McPherson County Sheriff’s Office arrested 20-year-old Mehki McDaniel and 24-year-old Ansley Fogle both of Topeka. They are in the McPherson County jail&nbsp;pending extradition. &nbsp;McDaniel is being held on requested charges of 2nd&nbsp;Degree Murder and Felony Theft.&nbsp; Fogle was arrested on a requested charge of Interference with Law Enforcement and Obstructing Apprehension or Prosecution, according to Ernst.

Kansas man, woman captured after fatal shooting, theft

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal Thanksgiving crash made his first court appearance on Wednesday.

According to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065612">37-year-old Garett Meyers</a>&nbsp;of Andover was charged&nbsp; with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, and driving while license is suspended or cancelled.&nbsp;

Just after 8p.m. on Thanksgiving, police responded to report of an accident at 13th and Hillside in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Investigators determined a truck driven by Myers struck an SUV driven by 65-year-old Leroy Grim, of Wichita, who was stopped westbound at the intersection. Grim was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a 67-year-old woman in the SUV to an area hospital.

Police arrested Myers. He remains in custody on $250,000 bond after the judge on Wednesday increased it from $100,000.

Myers is scheduled back in court on Dec. 13, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638389226894.png" alt="Meyers-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Meyers-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in a fatal Thanksgiving crash made his first court appearance on Wednesday.According to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office,&nbsp;<a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=20065612">37-year-old Garett Meyers</a>&nbsp;of Andover was charged&nbsp; with involuntary manslaughter, aggravated battery, and driving while license is suspended or cancelled.&nbsp;Just after 8p.m. on Thanksgiving, police responded to report of an accident at 13th and Hillside in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Investigators determined a truck driven by Myers struck an SUV driven by 65-year-old Leroy Grim, of Wichita, who was stopped westbound at the intersection. Grim was pronounced dead at the scene. EMS transported a 67-year-old woman in the SUV to an area hospital.Police arrested Myers. He remains in custody on $250,000 bond after the judge on Wednesday increased it from $100,000.Myers is scheduled back in court on Dec. 13, according to the district attorney's office.&nbsp;

Judge charges Kan. man in fatal Thanksgiving crash 

FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of vehicle thefts and have made an arrest.

Just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday, police were called to an address on Robin Road in Dodge City for report of a stolen vehicle, according to a media release.

 Approximately an hour later police responded to an address on Elbow Bend for another stolen vehicle. While officers were investigating the stolen vehicles, multiple calls began to come in for burglaries to vehicles in the Fairway Drive, Elbow Bend and Shadow Lane areas. 

During the investigation of the stolen vehicles, officers found that one had OnStar. OnStar was contacted and the vehicle was tracked through GPS and located in the Arkansas River bed west of town. 

KHP and Ford County Sheriff’s deputies located the truck and three suspects, all Dodge City residents. 

Police arrested a 20 year old man, an 18 year old man and a 16 year old girl on multiple requested charges stemming from the vehicle theft and burglaries. 

 A few hours later the first vehicle was also located east of town also in the river bed. Charges will be filed with the Ford County Attorney’s Office for multiple charges both from the DCPD and Ford County Sheriff’s office.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1638478616497.png" alt="Authorities located&nbsp; the vehicles east of Dodge City in the river bed-photo Ford Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Authorities located&nbsp; the vehicles east of Dodge City in the river bed-photo Ford Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>FORD COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a series of vehicle thefts and have made an arrest.Just after 5:30a.m. Wednesday, police were called to an address on Robin Road in Dodge City for report of a stolen vehicle, according to a media release. Approximately an hour later police responded to an address on Elbow Bend for another stolen vehicle. While officers were investigating the stolen vehicles, multiple calls began to come in for burglaries to vehicles in the Fairway Drive, Elbow Bend and Shadow Lane areas. During the investigation of the stolen vehicles, officers found that one had OnStar. OnStar was contacted and the vehicle was tracked through GPS and located in the Arkansas River bed west of town. KHP and Ford County Sheriff’s deputies located the truck and three suspects, all Dodge City residents. Police arrested a 20 year old man, an 18 year old man and a 16 year old girl on multiple requested charges stemming from the vehicle theft and burglaries. A few hours later the first vehicle was also located east of town also in the river bed. Charges will be filed with the Ford County Attorney’s Office for multiple charges both from the DCPD and Ford County Sheriff’s office.&nbsp;

Deputies find stolen vehicles in river bed, arrest Kan. teens, man

DENVER (AP) — Colorado became the third U.S. state to detect a case of the omicron variant in a woman who had recently traveled to Africa, state health officials announced Thursday.

The Colorado case comes after two other confirmed omicron variant cases were found in California and Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638148803210.png" alt="&nbsp;3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>&nbsp;3D structure of spike with amino acid changes in Omicron -photo courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>DENVER (AP) — Colorado became the third U.S. state to detect a case of the omicron variant in a woman who had recently traveled to Africa, state health officials announced Thursday.The Colorado case comes after two other confirmed omicron variant cases were found in California and Minnesota.Officials in Colorado detected the new case in a woman who is a resident of Arapahoe County, an area just southeast of Denver. She recently traveled as a tourist to several countries in Africa, including South Africa, the state health department said in a statement.The woman is fully vaccinated, but had not received her booster shot yet, they said.She is experiencing mild symptoms, health officials said. The woman’s close contacts in Colorado have tested negative, they said.The Colorado health department is working with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to investigate and coordinate contact tracing efforts domestically and internationally.Given the realities of international travel, scientists said it was inevitable that the omicron variant would be discovered in the U.S., and they believe it may have been spreading in the country before it was detected.Scientists monitor variants and the coronavirus’ evolution through genetic tests that are separate from the kinds of tests used to determine whether someone has COVID-19. This genetic sequencing allows scientists to monitor how the virus changes over time.The coronavirus is continually evolving, but most mutations are inconsequential. At this point, scientists are trying to figure out whether omicron spreads more easily or causes more severe disease than the delta variant that now dominates in the U.S. They are also studying how well the current vaccines work against it.