By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-17/kansas-city-hospitals-are-full-again-omicron-has-arrived-and-doctors-are-begging-for-your-help">Kansas News Service</a>

Doctors across Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka banded together 
Friday to offer a sobering public message: They’ve seen COVID-19 cases 
and hospitalizations double, triple and continue to get worse in a 
matter of weeks.

Some hospitals are once again postponing 
non-emergency, non-coronavirus care to free up beds and health care 
workers for the region’s second dramatic surge in hospitalizations since
 the delta variant arrived last summer.

Hospitals are struggling daily to find enough nurses and scrambling to recruit health care workers from other countries.

Chief medical officers said the vast majority of the patients in local hospitals have not gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.

At
 a briefing for reporters and the public, they urged people to roll up 
their sleeves for a shot that shields themselves and their loved ones.

“For
 the past couple of weeks, all 100% (of people) in ICU, all 100% on 
ventilators have been unvaccinated people,” Raghu Adiga, chief medical 
officer at Liberty Hospital in Missouri, said of the situation at his 
facility. “We just want people to help us take better care of them.”

The delta variant continues to fuel most cases locally, but omicron has joined the mix <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-12-16/an-eastern-kansas-resident-is-the-states-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-covid-19-variant" target="_blank">in Kansas</a> and <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-12-03/a-st-louis-resident-is-missouris-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-variant" target="_blank">Missouri</a>.
 Doctors fear the swift surge of hospitalizations in recent weeks could 
set the stage for numbers in January and February that will surpass last
 winter’s crisis.

White House chief medical advisor <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/15/fauci-says-covid-boosters-work-against-omicron-no-need-for-variant-specific-third-shot-.html" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a> says vaccines and booster shots protect most people against landing in the hospital with the omicron variant.

“We
 still have a lot of unvaccinated folks. We set ourselves up for 
danger,” University of Kansas Health System chief medical officer Steven
 Stites said. “That danger is real. … It’s at our doorstep. … We are in 
trouble.”

Other states face a similar predicament. Hospitals in 
Kansas City are receiving calls in search of open beds from facilities 
as far away as Michigan, Minnesota and Texas.

The KU Health System is so strained, it’s now turning down 70% to 80% of transfer requests.

And other local health systems described similar situations.

“We
 currently have 43 patients … in our ERs waiting for inpatient beds,” 
said Kim Megow, chief medical officer for HCA Midwest Health. “No beds 
available. And only 12 ICU beds across the market are available this 
morning.”

The situation echoes the virus’ earlier peaks last winter and this summer.

But staffing levels, hospitals say, have only gotten worse over the course of the pandemic.

The
 rush of hospitalizations since November has filled beds fast, but even 
facilities that still have space often can’t take in more patients 
because they lack enough nurses.

“At the beginning of the 
pandemic, it was like going off to war … the energy level was high,” 
said Elizabeth Long, chief medical officer for Olathe Health.

But since then, many health care workers have burned out and quit.

“We are definitely in a dire situation,” Long said. “We’re trying to even get foreign nurses in” but face immigration hurdles.

Megow at HCA Midwest Health called the situation more than a daily struggle – it’s an “hourly struggle.”

“We
 have gone outside of the country to hire nurses. We have pulled nurses 
in from other areas,” she said. “We have hired temporary and contract 
nurses.”

“Every hour, we are constantly monitoring how many nurses
 we need,” she said. “How many can we get? When can they get here? How 
long can they stay? What do we need to pay them?”

The KU Health 
System’s St. Francis hospital in Topeka was forced to push back several 
inpatient surgeries this month. LMH Health in Lawrence said it can’t 
accept any patients from outside of Douglas County.

So
 far, daily hospitalizations remain below the peak they saw last winter,
 but have already climbed back to the levels seen during this summer’s 
intense and swift initial delta wave.

<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">The omicron variant</a>
 has been found in at least 37 states as of Friday morning. Public 
health officials had expected it to turn up in Missouri and Kansas fast,
 which it did.

Kansas announced <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-12-16/an-eastern-kansas-resident-is-the-states-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-covid-19-variant" target="_blank">its first confirmed case</a> of the omicron variant on Thursday, in Franklin County south of Lawrence. Missouri first identified one <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-12-03/a-st-louis-resident-is-missouris-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-variant" target="_blank">two weeks ago</a> in St. Louis.

Scientists are scrambling to learn more about the variant. <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/14/who-says-omicron-is-spreading-at-a-rate-not-seen-with-any-other-covid-variant.html" target="_blank">The World Health Organization says</a> omicron is moving faster across the globe than other versions of COVID-19.

The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s too early to say 
with certainty how omicron infections differ from delta and other 
iterations.

Anyone ages 5 and up can get vaccinated. The vaccines 
are free, and so are the booster shots available to people over the age 
of 16.

Vaccines prevent the vast majority of people from ending up in the hospital with COVID-19.

Still,
 even if someone who is vaccinated comes in contact with the virus and 
develops little to no symptoms, they could still pass the germs to loved
 ones and other people.

Wearing masks and exercising caution remain important.

Many places also offer free COVID-19 tests. In Kansas, you can find a free test by visiting <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTYuNTA0MzMzNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmtub3diZWZvcmV5b3Vnb2tzLmNvbS8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.7w6dgJFBcZfLiw-HfEmluWBIWYGzpij5RSfEDlNpCSU%2Fs%2F1305913544%2Fbr%2F123296003041-l&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cllopisjepsenc%40umkc.edu%7Cd9091a3ddb1e4fcf9e6a08d9c0ceee51%7Ce3fefdbef7e9401ba51a355e01b05a89%7C0%7C0%7C637752817259443487%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=mBVatLZzUEwe15IjLuxLJAooUD2A4zSTZcbpiSEUcOE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>.

Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639772265433.png" alt="Physicians are urging more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine as cases surge again. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3" />
 <figcaption>Physicians are urging more people to get the COVID-19 vaccine as cases surge again. Carlos Moreno / KCUR 89.3</figcaption>
 </figure>By CELIA LLOPIS-JEPSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2021-12-17/kansas-city-hospitals-are-full-again-omicron-has-arrived-and-doctors-are-begging-for-your-help">Kansas News Service</a>Doctors across Kansas City, Lawrence and Topeka banded together 
Friday to offer a sobering public message: They’ve seen COVID-19 cases 
and hospitalizations double, triple and continue to get worse in a 
matter of weeks.Some hospitals are once again postponing 
non-emergency, non-coronavirus care to free up beds and health care 
workers for the region’s second dramatic surge in hospitalizations since
 the delta variant arrived last summer.Hospitals are struggling daily to find enough nurses and scrambling to recruit health care workers from other countries.Chief medical officers said the vast majority of the patients in local hospitals have not gotten the COVID-19 vaccine.At
 a briefing for reporters and the public, they urged people to roll up 
their sleeves for a shot that shields themselves and their loved ones.“For
 the past couple of weeks, all 100% (of people) in ICU, all 100% on 
ventilators have been unvaccinated people,” Raghu Adiga, chief medical 
officer at Liberty Hospital in Missouri, said of the situation at his 
facility. “We just want people to help us take better care of them.”The delta variant continues to fuel most cases locally, but omicron has joined the mix <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-12-16/an-eastern-kansas-resident-is-the-states-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-covid-19-variant" target="_blank">in Kansas</a> and <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-12-03/a-st-louis-resident-is-missouris-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-variant" target="_blank">Missouri</a>.
 Doctors fear the swift surge of hospitalizations in recent weeks could 
set the stage for numbers in January and February that will surpass last
 winter’s crisis.White House chief medical advisor <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/15/fauci-says-covid-boosters-work-against-omicron-no-need-for-variant-specific-third-shot-.html" target="_blank">Dr. Anthony Fauci</a> says vaccines and booster shots protect most people against landing in the hospital with the omicron variant.“We
 still have a lot of unvaccinated folks. We set ourselves up for 
danger,” University of Kansas Health System chief medical officer Steven
 Stites said. “That danger is real. … It’s at our doorstep. … We are in 
trouble.”Other states face a similar predicament. Hospitals in 
Kansas City are receiving calls in search of open beds from facilities 
as far away as Michigan, Minnesota and Texas.The KU Health System is so strained, it’s now turning down 70% to 80% of transfer requests.And other local health systems described similar situations.“We
 currently have 43 patients … in our ERs waiting for inpatient beds,” 
said Kim Megow, chief medical officer for HCA Midwest Health. “No beds 
available. And only 12 ICU beds across the market are available this 
morning.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639772352620.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The situation echoes the virus’ earlier peaks last winter and this summer.But staffing levels, hospitals say, have only gotten worse over the course of the pandemic.The
 rush of hospitalizations since November has filled beds fast, but even 
facilities that still have space often can’t take in more patients 
because they lack enough nurses.“At the beginning of the 
pandemic, it was like going off to war … the energy level was high,” 
said Elizabeth Long, chief medical officer for Olathe Health.But since then, many health care workers have burned out and quit.“We are definitely in a dire situation,” Long said. “We’re trying to even get foreign nurses in” but face immigration hurdles.Megow at HCA Midwest Health called the situation more than a daily struggle – it’s an “hourly struggle.”“We
 have gone outside of the country to hire nurses. We have pulled nurses 
in from other areas,” she said. “We have hired temporary and contract 
nurses.”“Every hour, we are constantly monitoring how many nurses
 we need,” she said. “How many can we get? When can they get here? How 
long can they stay? What do we need to pay them?”The KU Health 
System’s St. Francis hospital in Topeka was forced to push back several 
inpatient surgeries this month. LMH Health in Lawrence said it can’t 
accept any patients from outside of Douglas County.More about the omicron variantSo
 far, daily hospitalizations remain below the peak they saw last winter,
 but have already climbed back to the levels seen during this summer’s 
intense and swift initial delta wave.<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/variants/omicron-variant.html" target="_blank">The omicron variant</a>
 has been found in at least 37 states as of Friday morning. Public 
health officials had expected it to turn up in Missouri and Kansas fast,
 which it did.Kansas announced <a href="https://www.kcur.org/2021-12-16/an-eastern-kansas-resident-is-the-states-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-covid-19-variant" target="_blank">its first confirmed case</a> of the omicron variant on Thursday, in Franklin County south of Lawrence. Missouri first identified one <a href="https://www.kcur.org/health/2021-12-03/a-st-louis-resident-is-missouris-first-confirmed-case-of-the-omicron-variant" target="_blank">two weeks ago</a> in St. Louis.Scientists are scrambling to learn more about the variant. <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/14/who-says-omicron-is-spreading-at-a-rate-not-seen-with-any-other-covid-variant.html" target="_blank">The World Health Organization says</a> omicron is moving faster across the globe than other versions of COVID-19.The
 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s too early to say 
with certainty how omicron infections differ from delta and other 
iterations.Anyone ages 5 and up can get vaccinated. The vaccines 
are free, and so are the booster shots available to people over the age 
of 16.Vaccines prevent the vast majority of people from ending up in the hospital with COVID-19.Still,
 even if someone who is vaccinated comes in contact with the virus and 
develops little to no symptoms, they could still pass the germs to loved
 ones and other people.Wearing masks and exercising caution remain important.Many places also offer free COVID-19 tests. In Kansas, you can find a free test by visiting <a href="https://nam02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMTEyMTYuNTA0MzMzNTEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwOi8vd3d3Lmtub3diZWZvcmV5b3Vnb2tzLmNvbS8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.7w6dgJFBcZfLiw-HfEmluWBIWYGzpij5RSfEDlNpCSU%2Fs%2F1305913544%2Fbr%2F123296003041-l&amp;data=04%7C01%7Cllopisjepsenc%40umkc.edu%7Cd9091a3ddb1e4fcf9e6a08d9c0ceee51%7Ce3fefdbef7e9401ba51a355e01b05a89%7C0%7C0%7C637752817259443487%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000&amp;sdata=mBVatLZzUEwe15IjLuxLJAooUD2A4zSTZcbpiSEUcOE%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">KnowBeforeYouGoKS.com</a>.Celia
 Llopis-Jepsen reports on consumer health for the Kansas News Service. 
You can follow her on Twitter @celia_LJ or email her at celia@kcur.org.

KC hospitals are full again — and doctors are begging for your help

RENO COUNTY —As law enforcement authorities investigate nationwide threats made against schools, a student in USD 308-Hutchinson is facing charges for a joke on social media that was not funny.

On Friday, the administration and School Resource Officer at Hutchinson High School were made aware of a photoshopped image on social media of a gun being pointed at one of the students, according to a statement from principal&nbsp;Ryan Ewy,

The student was quickly identified by school staff and the School Resource Officer immediately started investigating and took the student into custody.

The student responsible for the photo has admitted it was fake and done as a joke. The photo has been sent to several students, and the case has been turned over to the Hutchinson Police Department.

&nbsp;The student is facing a serious person felony, according to Hutchinson Police.

We will continue to be vigilant with an increased police presence and the monitoring of social media, according to Ewy's statement

RENO COUNTY —As law enforcement authorities investigate nationwide threats made against schools, a student in USD 308-Hutchinson is facing charges for a joke on social media that was not funny.On Friday, the administration and School Resource Officer at Hutchinson High School were made aware of a photoshopped image on social media of a gun being pointed at one of the students, according to a statement from principal&nbsp;Ryan Ewy,The student was quickly identified by school staff and the School Resource Officer immediately started investigating and took the student into custody.The student responsible for the photo has admitted it was fake and done as a joke. The photo has been sent to several students, and the case has been turned over to the Hutchinson Police Department.&nbsp;The student is facing a serious person felony, according to Hutchinson Police.We will continue to be vigilant with an increased police presence and the monitoring of social media, according to Ewy's statement

Police: Student facing charges after gun joke on social media

<a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>

SALINA — Shaun Cassidy and Kathleen Madigan are coming to the Stiefel Theatre.

The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. June 16 in the historic Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.

Tickets start at $49 and are now on sale. To buy tickets online go only to the official Stiefel website at: <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.
 Additionally, tickets can be purchased at the walk-up Stiefel box 
office, which is open noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday in person or by 
phone at 785-827-1998. Please check the <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">Stiefel website</a> for current COVID policies.

Performer information from the Stiefel Theatre

Shaun
 Cassidy is an American writer, producer, actor and singer. After making
 his name as a performer, Cassidy went on to create, write, and/or 
produce a number of critically acclaimed television series including 
AMERICAN GOTHIC (produced with Sam Raimi), ROAR (starring a then unknown
 Heath Ledger), COLD CASE, COVER ME, THE AGENCY, BLUE BLOODS, INVASION, 
and EMERALD CITY. Cassidy currently serves as executive producer and 
writer for the hit NBC series NEW AMSTERDAM.  

The son of Tony 
award winning actor Jack Cassidy and Academy award winner Shirley Jones 
(and half-brother of the late singer/actor David Cassidy), Shaun grew up
 in Los Angeles and New York City. While still in high school, he signed
 a contract with Warner Brothers records. This led to three 
multi-platinum albums and numerous top ten hits including "Da Doo Ron 
Ron", "That's Rock n' Roll", "Hey Deanie", and "Do You Believe In 
Magic?" Cassidy received a Grammy nomination for his efforts and 
performed at every major arena in the country including Houston’s 
Astrodome and New York’s Madison Square Garden. Almost concurrently, he 
starred in the ABC television series THE HARDY BOYS MYSTERIES. 

While
 appearing on Broadway in the hit musical BLOOD BROTHERS, Shaun wrote 
his first television pilot, AMERICAN GOTHIC. When the show debuted, The 
New York Times called it “The most original new show of the season.”  In
 2019, Cassidy took his self-penned music and storytelling show, THE 
MAGIC OF A MIDNIGHT SKY, to the stage. He played to SRO crowds 
nationwide, and last year, in collaboration with No Kid Hungry, he 
successfully introduced a collection of fine wines, MY FIRST CRUSH, 
which donates two dollars per bottle to feed hungry children nationwide.
  

Currently working under an exclusive long term development deal
 with NBC/Universal television, Shaun makes his home in the wine country
 of Santa Barbara with his wife, Tracey, their four children, and more 
animals than he can count. 

Comedian Kathleen Madigan's 32-year 
comedy career is showing no signs of slowing down. Madigan has been 
touring 250 nights a year on the road and has risen from performing in 
comedy clubs to performing in marquee theaters with sold out shows. 
She's squeezed in over 40 appearances on late night talk shows and 
multiple comedy specials airing on Netflix, Comedy Central and HBO. She 
also recently joined Jerry Seinfeld on his Netflix show "Comedians in 
Cars Getting Coffee" and made the most of the pandemic by launching a 
podcast, "Madigan's Pubcast," on all streaming outlets. Her most recent 
special "Bothering Jesus" is her fifth hour long standup special and 
will be her third special to be available on NETFLIX. Her album of the 
“Bothering Jesus” special, was the highest selling comedy album and most
 played comedy album on streaming services since 2014.   

Madigan 
has performed internationally at festivals in theaters in Ireland, 
England, Hong Kong, Australia and has filmed seven Montreal Gala Shows 
at the Montreal Comedy Festival for CBC TV. She also has joined numerous
 USO trips to entertain troops around the globe, including Iraq and 
Afghanistan. She's won the American Comedy Award for "Best Female 
Comedian" and the Phyllis Diller award for "Best Female Comedian." She 
has written and produced for Lewis Black's "Root of All Evil" on Comedy 
Central and done multiple USO tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. "The USO 
shows are the best. Trust me, no crowd is as appreciative and fired up 
to see any entertainer. I'm glad I have the chance because God knows I 
don't wanna have to do their job!"   

Madigan is an advocate and fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis and Autism. 

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639776980828.jpeg" alt="Shaun Cassidy and Kathleen Madigan are scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre next summer. Image courtesy Stiefel Theatre" />
 <figcaption>Shaun Cassidy and Kathleen Madigan are scheduled to perform in the Stiefel Theatre next summer. Image courtesy Stiefel Theatre</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://salinapost.com">Salina Post</a>SALINA — Shaun Cassidy and Kathleen Madigan are coming to the Stiefel Theatre.The performance is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. June 16 in the historic Stiefel Theatre, 151 S. Santa Fe Avenue.Tickets start at $49 and are now on sale. To buy tickets online go only to the official Stiefel website at: <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">www.stiefeltheatre.org</a>.
 Additionally, tickets can be purchased at the walk-up Stiefel box 
office, which is open noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday in person or by 
phone at 785-827-1998. Please check the <a href="http://www.stiefeltheatre.org">Stiefel website</a> for current COVID policies.Performer information from the Stiefel TheatreShaun
 Cassidy is an American writer, producer, actor and singer. After making
 his name as a performer, Cassidy went on to create, write, and/or 
produce a number of critically acclaimed television series including 
AMERICAN GOTHIC (produced with Sam Raimi), ROAR (starring a then unknown
 Heath Ledger), COLD CASE, COVER ME, THE AGENCY, BLUE BLOODS, INVASION, 
and EMERALD CITY. Cassidy currently serves as executive producer and 
writer for the hit NBC series NEW AMSTERDAM. The son of Tony 
award winning actor Jack Cassidy and Academy award winner Shirley Jones 
(and half-brother of the late singer/actor David Cassidy), Shaun grew up
 in Los Angeles and New York City. While still in high school, he signed
 a contract with Warner Brothers records. This led to three 
multi-platinum albums and numerous top ten hits including "Da Doo Ron 
Ron", "That's Rock n' Roll", "Hey Deanie", and "Do You Believe In 
Magic?" Cassidy received a Grammy nomination for his efforts and 
performed at every major arena in the country including Houston’s 
Astrodome and New York’s Madison Square Garden. Almost concurrently, he 
starred in the ABC television series THE HARDY BOYS MYSTERIES. While
 appearing on Broadway in the hit musical BLOOD BROTHERS, Shaun wrote 
his first television pilot, AMERICAN GOTHIC. When the show debuted, The 
New York Times called it “The most original new show of the season.” In
 2019, Cassidy took his self-penned music and storytelling show, THE 
MAGIC OF A MIDNIGHT SKY, to the stage. He played to SRO crowds 
nationwide, and last year, in collaboration with No Kid Hungry, he 
successfully introduced a collection of fine wines, MY FIRST CRUSH, 
which donates two dollars per bottle to feed hungry children nationwide.
 Currently working under an exclusive long term development deal
 with NBC/Universal television, Shaun makes his home in the wine country
 of Santa Barbara with his wife, Tracey, their four children, and more 
animals than he can count. Comedian Kathleen Madigan's 32-year 
comedy career is showing no signs of slowing down. Madigan has been 
touring 250 nights a year on the road and has risen from performing in 
comedy clubs to performing in marquee theaters with sold out shows. 
She's squeezed in over 40 appearances on late night talk shows and 
multiple comedy specials airing on Netflix, Comedy Central and HBO. She 
also recently joined Jerry Seinfeld on his Netflix show "Comedians in 
Cars Getting Coffee" and made the most of the pandemic by launching a 
podcast, "Madigan's Pubcast," on all streaming outlets. Her most recent 
special "Bothering Jesus" is her fifth hour long standup special and 
will be her third special to be available on NETFLIX. Her album of the 
“Bothering Jesus” special, was the highest selling comedy album and most
 played comedy album on streaming services since 2014. Madigan 
has performed internationally at festivals in theaters in Ireland, 
England, Hong Kong, Australia and has filmed seven Montreal Gala Shows 
at the Montreal Comedy Festival for CBC TV. She also has joined numerous
 USO trips to entertain troops around the globe, including Iraq and 
Afghanistan. She's won the American Comedy Award for "Best Female 
Comedian" and the Phyllis Diller award for "Best Female Comedian." She 
has written and produced for Lewis Black's "Root of All Evil" on Comedy 
Central and done multiple USO tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. "The USO 
shows are the best. Trust me, no crowd is as appreciative and fired up 
to see any entertainer. I'm glad I have the chance because God knows I 
don't wanna have to do their job!" Madigan is an advocate and fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis and Autism.

Shaun Cassidy, Kathleen Madigan to perform at Stiefel

WASHINGTON (AP) —A federal appeals court panel on Friday allowed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead.

The 2-1 decision by a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses a decision by a federal judge in a separate court that had paused the mandate nationwide.

The rule from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement may be put in place.

Republican-led states joined with conservative groups, business associations and some individual businesses to push back against the requirement as soon as OSHA published the rules in early November. They argued that OSHA was not authorized to make the emergency rule.

The case was consolidated before the Cincinnati-based 6th circuit, which is dominated by Republican-appointed judges. Of the two ruling in favor of the OSHA mandate, one was appointed by a Democratic president and the other by a Republican. The dissenting judge was appointed by former President Donald Trump.

“Given OSHA’s clear and exercised authority to regulate viruses, OSHA necessarily has the authority to regulate infectious diseases that are not unique to the workplace,” Judge Julia Smith Gibbons wrote in her majority opinion.

Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said she would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to block the order.

“The Sixth Circuit’s decision is extremely disappointing for Arkansans because it will force them to get the shot or lose their jobs,” she said.

South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who also is chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, said in a Twitter message Friday that he was confident the mandate could be stopped.

The vaccine requirement would apply to companies with 100 or more employees and would cover about 84 million workers. Employees who are not fully vaccinated would have to wear masks and be subject to weekly tests for the coronavirus. There would be exceptions for those who work outdoors or only at home.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1636210096288.png" alt="The rule from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement may be put in place -White House Photo" />
 <figcaption>The rule from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement may be put in place -White House Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —A federal appeals court panel on Friday allowed President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandate for larger private employers to move ahead.The 2-1 decision by a panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses a decision by a federal judge in a separate court that had paused the mandate nationwide.The rule from the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration was to take effect Jan. 4. With Friday’s ruling, it’s not clear when the requirement may be put in place.Republican-led states joined with conservative groups, business associations and some individual businesses to push back against the requirement as soon as OSHA published the rules in early November. They argued that OSHA was not authorized to make the emergency rule.The case was consolidated before the Cincinnati-based 6th circuit, which is dominated by Republican-appointed judges. Of the two ruling in favor of the OSHA mandate, one was appointed by a Democratic president and the other by a Republican. The dissenting judge was appointed by former President Donald Trump.“Given OSHA’s clear and exercised authority to regulate viruses, OSHA necessarily has the authority to regulate infectious diseases that are not unique to the workplace,” Judge Julia Smith Gibbons wrote in her majority opinion.Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge said she would ask the U.S. Supreme Court to block the order.“The Sixth Circuit’s decision is extremely disappointing for Arkansans because it will force them to get the shot or lose their jobs,” she said.South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, who also is chairman of the Republican Attorneys General Association, said in a Twitter message Friday that he was confident the mandate could be stopped.The vaccine requirement would apply to companies with 100 or more employees and would cover about 84 million workers. Employees who are not fully vaccinated would have to wear masks and be subject to weekly tests for the coronavirus. There would be exceptions for those who work outdoors or only at home.

Court allows Biden employer vaccine mandate to take effect

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges.

On Thursday,&nbsp;members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at a home in the 2000 Block Illinois Avenue in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt Jerry Monasmith. 

Officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.

As a result, officer arrested 21-year-old Amari Wilkerson and 21-year-old Blanca Cortes both of Topeka. They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.

&nbsp;Wilkerson is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution, Aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation, unlawful to acquire proceeds from a drug transaction, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and&nbsp;Felony Obstruction.

Blanca Cortes is jailed on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution,&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from a drug transaction, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and Felony Obstruction.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639739787285.png" alt="Wilkerson-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Wilkerson-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating two suspects on drug charges.On Thursday,&nbsp;members of the Topeka Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Shawnee County Drug Task Force served a search warrant at a home in the 2000 Block Illinois Avenue in Topeka related to an ongoing investigation, according to Lt Jerry Monasmith. Officers located marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm.As a result, officer arrested 21-year-old Amari Wilkerson and 21-year-old Blanca Cortes both of Topeka. They were transported to the Shawnee County Department of Corrections.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639739696335.png" alt="Cortes-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Cortes-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;Wilkerson is being held on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution, Aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation, unlawful to acquire proceeds from a drug transaction, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and&nbsp;Felony Obstruction.Blanca Cortes is jailed on requested charges of Possession of marijuana with the intent of distribution,&nbsp;Aggravated endangering a child; reckless situation, Unlawful to acquire proceeds from a drug transaction, Possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent of distribution and Felony Obstruction.

Police finds drugs, a gun and children at Kan. home

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated Press

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Hospitals in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;are delaying surgeries, turning away transfers, holding patients in emergency rooms while they wait for beds to open up and desperately trying to hire traveling nurses as COVID-19 cases double and triple before the holidays in an eerie reminder of last year.

Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas, said in a news conference Friday with hospitals throughout the region that he is particularly alarmed that the surge is coming even before the omicron variant hits the region in full force.

“Hospitals are full," he said. “There’s no place to go. Our staff are tired. We’re going to run out of travelers and Omicron is at our doorstep. This is a tornado warning to our community."

In Merriam, the number of COVID-19 patients with active infections at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission tripled from 12 in mid-November to 37 as of Thursday, said Dr. Lisa Hays, the hospital's chief medical officer. The hospital is also facing an increase in transfer requests from places like&nbsp;Minnesota&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oklahoma.

“A large part of the week for me has been spent helping manage how to juggle all those transfers," Hays said. “We’re in a bed crunch.”

Stites said his hospital normally accepts 65 to 70% of the transfer patients; it is now accepting less than 30% of them.

“We simply don’t have the beds,” he explained. “And even if you have a bed, sometimes it’s very difficult to find staff. So these are difficult times.”

At Children’s Mercy, 14 patents are hospitalized with acute COVID-19 infections, three in the intensive care unit. The number of positive results from its walk-in and drive-through testing clinics has doubled to 400 from 200 over the past two weeks, said Dr. Jennifer Watts, the chief emergency management medical officer.

She said the lifting of mask mandates in several area school districts is “extremely" concerning, adding that it comes as nurses are in short supply and flu season is beginning. She's worried “that we’re going to see schools shut down” because of illness.

The number of COVID-19 patients rose so sharply at the University of Kansas Health System’s St. Francis campus in Topeka, that it delayed eight surgeries that were scheduled for this week, said Dr. Jackie Hyland, the hospital’s chief medical officer.

“Those phone calls are incredibly difficult," she said. “Patients are upset. A lot of them are crying and don’t understand.”

University Health's campuses in Kansas City, Missouri and Lee's Summit, Missouri, have 62 COVID-19 patients who are filling up nearly 20% of the hospitals beds. That is double the number of patients the hospital had a week ago and six times higher than a month ago, said Dr. Mark Steele, executive chief clinical officer.

The percentage is even higher at Olathe Health in Kansas, where 41 COVID-19 patients are filling up 27% of its beds, said Dr. Elizabeth Long, the hospital's chief medical officer.

“We are struggling to with our staff. They are tired, they are overworked and we continue to ask them to do more and more with these volumes. And so we are anticipating issues with our travelers," she said, noting that their contracts are expiring. “So the next few weeks are going to be critical as far as the ability to take care of patients.

Dr. Kim Megow, chief medical officer for HCA Midwest Health, said staffing is worse than it was a year ago.

“Every hour, we are constantly monitoring how many nurses we need, how many can we get. When can they get here? How long can they stay? What do we need to pay them?”

Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, an infectious diseases physician at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Kansas and deputy public health officer for Douglas County, said she would recommend rethinking holiday plans.

“I would look for smaller gatherings, trying to stay with your own household, not traveling across the U.S. You know, if it’s nice, open the windows, wear your mask when you’re not eating. All the things we’ve been saying since pretty much day one."

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH, Associated PressMISSION, Kan. (AP) — Hospitals in&nbsp;Kansas&nbsp;and&nbsp;Missouri&nbsp;are delaying surgeries, turning away transfers, holding patients in emergency rooms while they wait for beds to open up and desperately trying to hire traveling nurses as COVID-19 cases double and triple before the holidays in an eerie reminder of last year.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lmk9uWNqftQ?start=201" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Dr. Steve Stites, chief medical officer for the University of Kansas Health System in Kansas City, Kansas, said in a news conference Friday with hospitals throughout the region that he is particularly alarmed that the surge is coming even before the omicron variant hits the region in full force.“Hospitals are full," he said. “There’s no place to go. Our staff are tired. We’re going to run out of travelers and Omicron is at our doorstep. This is a tornado warning to our community."In Merriam, the number of COVID-19 patients with active infections at AdventHealth Shawnee Mission tripled from 12 in mid-November to 37 as of Thursday, said Dr. Lisa Hays, the hospital's chief medical officer. The hospital is also facing an increase in transfer requests from places like&nbsp;Minnesota&nbsp;and&nbsp;Oklahoma.“A large part of the week for me has been spent helping manage how to juggle all those transfers," Hays said. “We’re in a bed crunch.”Stites said his hospital normally accepts 65 to 70% of the transfer patients; it is now accepting less than 30% of them.“We simply don’t have the beds,” he explained. “And even if you have a bed, sometimes it’s very difficult to find staff. So these are difficult times.”At Children’s Mercy, 14 patents are hospitalized with acute COVID-19 infections, three in the intensive care unit. The number of positive results from its walk-in and drive-through testing clinics has doubled to 400 from 200 over the past two weeks, said Dr. Jennifer Watts, the chief emergency management medical officer.She said the lifting of mask mandates in several area school districts is “extremely" concerning, adding that it comes as nurses are in short supply and flu season is beginning. She's worried “that we’re going to see schools shut down” because of illness.The number of COVID-19 patients rose so sharply at the University of Kansas Health System’s St. Francis campus in Topeka, that it delayed eight surgeries that were scheduled for this week, said Dr. Jackie Hyland, the hospital’s chief medical officer.“Those phone calls are incredibly difficult," she said. “Patients are upset. A lot of them are crying and don’t understand.”University Health's campuses in Kansas City, Missouri and Lee's Summit, Missouri, have 62 COVID-19 patients who are filling up nearly 20% of the hospitals beds. That is double the number of patients the hospital had a week ago and six times higher than a month ago, said Dr. Mark Steele, executive chief clinical officer.The percentage is even higher at Olathe Health in Kansas, where 41 COVID-19 patients are filling up 27% of its beds, said Dr. Elizabeth Long, the hospital's chief medical officer.“We are struggling to with our staff. They are tired, they are overworked and we continue to ask them to do more and more with these volumes. And so we are anticipating issues with our travelers," she said, noting that their contracts are expiring. “So the next few weeks are going to be critical as far as the ability to take care of patients.Dr. Kim Megow, chief medical officer for HCA Midwest Health, said staffing is worse than it was a year ago.“Every hour, we are constantly monitoring how many nurses we need, how many can we get. When can they get here? How long can they stay? What do we need to pay them?”Dr. Jennifer Schrimsher, an infectious diseases physician at Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Kansas and deputy public health officer for Douglas County, said she would recommend rethinking holiday plans.“I would look for smaller gatherings, trying to stay with your own household, not traveling across the U.S. You know, if it’s nice, open the windows, wear your mask when you’re not eating. All the things we’ve been saying since pretty much day one."

Hospitals in Kansas, Missouri report spike in COVID cases

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A moratorium on voluntary admissions at Osawatomie State Hospital will be lifted in January to provide more space for adults with long-term mental health issues.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services announced Thursday that the ban, which has been in place since 2015, will end as of Jan. 3.

The hospital, one of two state-run hospitals for the seriously mentally ill, stopped taking voluntary admissions after receiving citations for not doing enough to help suicidal patients and routinely housing three patients in rooms meant for two because of capacity issues.

The policy caused problems for other mental health providers, law enforcement and health care facilities who struggled to place people with serious mental health issues.

The department also has created a new classification for mental health providers called State Institutional Alternative, which allows private psychiatric facilities to accept mentally ill patients who have been approved for admission to state hospitals.

Currently, eight hospitals in the state are classified as SIAs, and they have cared for 122 adults and 291 youth since September.

The agency is also planning renovations on the Osawatomie campus that will eventually increase capacity to 72 certified beds and 110 licensed beds.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639775012060.png" alt="Osawatomie State Hospital-photo&nbsp;Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services" />
 <figcaption>Osawatomie State Hospital-photo&nbsp;Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — A moratorium on voluntary admissions at Osawatomie State Hospital will be lifted in January to provide more space for adults with long-term mental health issues.The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services announced Thursday that the ban, which has been in place since 2015, will end as of Jan. 3.The hospital, one of two state-run hospitals for the seriously mentally ill, stopped taking voluntary admissions after receiving citations for not doing enough to help suicidal patients and routinely housing three patients in rooms meant for two because of capacity issues.The policy caused problems for other mental health providers, law enforcement and health care facilities who struggled to place people with serious mental health issues.The department also has created a new classification for mental health providers called State Institutional Alternative, which allows private psychiatric facilities to accept mentally ill patients who have been approved for admission to state hospitals.Currently, eight hospitals in the state are classified as SIAs, and they have cared for 122 adults and 291 youth since September.The agency is also planning renovations on the Osawatomie campus that will eventually increase capacity to 72 certified beds and 110 licensed beds.

Osawatomie State Hospital to accept voluntary admissions

SALINE COUNTY —A series of earthquakes continues to shake central Kansas. Just before 8:30a.m. Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 3.3 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum in Saline County.

The Kansas Geological Survey reported several smaller quakes later Friday morning in the same area. 

The USGS reported a 4.0 magnitude quake Wednesday as part of a dozen quakes in Saline County. The KGS also reported several smaller quakes in the area on Thursday.

There are no reports of damage or injury.

SALINE COUNTY —A series of earthquakes continues to shake central Kansas. Just before 8:30a.m. Friday, the U.S. Geological Survey reported a 3.3 magnitude quake southwest of Gypsum in Saline County.The Kansas Geological Survey reported several smaller quakes later Friday morning in the same area. The USGS reported a 4.0 magnitude quake Wednesday as part of a dozen quakes in Saline County. The KGS also reported several smaller quakes in the area on Thursday.There are no reports of damage or injury.

Dozens of earthquakes continue to rattle central Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Some parents kept their children home, police stepped up patrols and educators tightened security protocols Friday in response to viral TikTok posts alluding to unconfirmed threats of violence that raised anxiety levels at schools nationwide.

Many school districts in Kansas sent messages to parents alerting them to the threat spreading on social media.

TikTok said it was working with law enforcement to investigate. The posts follow a disturbing trend that has had students acting out in response to social media challenges.

Vickie Cartwright, the interim superintendent of schools in Broward County, Florida, one of the nation’s largest school districts, said the posts on TikTok represent an attack on the American education system.

“We are under attack by a social media platform that will not intervene when it is necessary,” she said. “I’m asking for our federal government at this point in time to intervene. We need help. I cannot fathom that any other country would allow this type of attack to be occurring on their education system,” she said.

With stress levels already soaring from the effects of the pandemic and a rash of hoax threats following a deadly school shooting in Michigan on Nov. 30, districts said they were taking precautions out of an abundance of caution.

The posts circulating online said schools would face shooting and bomb threats Friday. Law enforcement agencies said there did not appear to be a credible threat, but several districts opted to cancel classes for the day including Carson City, Nevada; Polk County, Georgia; and several Pittsburgh-area school systems.

Some other districts increased security staffing levels and limited where students could go inside school buildings. More than a half dozen school districts in the Houston area told middle and high school students to leave their backpacks at home Friday in response to the TikTok posts, though none of the districts had received credible threats, officials said.

In a tweet, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it did not “have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert.”

TikTok has said it is working with law enforcement to look into the warnings. In Twitter posts on Friday, the company said it had not found content promoting violence at schools but found videos discussing the rumor and warning others to stay safe.

“Local authorities, the FBI, and DHS have confirmed there’s no credible threat, so we’re working to remove alarmist warnings that violate our misinformation policy,” the company said.

The post most widely associated with Friday’s fears is “not really a threat, it’s just saying they are hearing this thing is happening,” said Justin Patchin, a criminal justice professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.

How to respond to that presents a dilemma both to TikTok and educators, especially since many of the previous panics about TikTok challenges have proven to be bogus and acknowledging them can make them more influential.

“It definitely puts schools in a tough spot,” said Patchin, whose center has worked with TikTok and other social media companies in the past to research online bullying. “There are these potential threats they can’t ignore but they also can’t shut down schools every time someone posts a generalized threat on social media.”

Educators have been on edge in many places since the deadly shooting in Michigan as copycat threats have led to isolated cases of schools switching to remote learning over the last several weeks.

In Newtown, Connecticut, all schools were open Friday, with an increased police presence. District schools had switched to remote learning Tuesday, the ninth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, due in part to threats that schools elsewhere were receiving in the aftermath of the Michigan shooting.

As her 15-year-old son studied for his big algebra test, word of vague threats of school violence on TikTok prompted Kelley Swiney to quiz the freshman about other calculations: What’s your fastest exit from that classroom? Where would you run? Do you feel safe going to school Friday?

Swiney, a mom of three school-age boys in Upper Arlington, Ohio, said she’d had a similar conversation with him and her middle son, a sixth-grader, after the recent school shooting in Michigan. She asked them to take a few seconds in each classroom they enter to think about where they could hide and how they could get out.

She told her son that if he felt truly unsafe – not just trying to skip the test or the last day before holiday break – he could stay home Friday, even if it meant a failing grade.

“I think it’s really pretty depressing that we live in a world where I have to have that conversation with my child,” Swiney said.

On Friday morning, he felt comfortable enough to head to school for the exam, and by midday he was safely back home.

<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar">Click here to&nbsp;</a>report suspicious activity with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. You may also anonymously report threats of school violence to the Kansas School Safety Hotline 1-877-626-8203

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Some parents kept their children home, police stepped up patrols and educators tightened security protocols Friday in response to viral TikTok posts alluding to unconfirmed threats of violence that raised anxiety levels at schools nationwide.Many school districts in Kansas sent messages to parents alerting them to the threat spreading on social media.TikTok said it was working with law enforcement to investigate. The posts follow a disturbing trend that has had students acting out in response to social media challenges.Vickie Cartwright, the interim superintendent of schools in Broward County, Florida, one of the nation’s largest school districts, said the posts on TikTok represent an attack on the American education system.“We are under attack by a social media platform that will not intervene when it is necessary,” she said. “I’m asking for our federal government at this point in time to intervene. We need help. I cannot fathom that any other country would allow this type of attack to be occurring on their education system,” she said.With stress levels already soaring from the effects of the pandemic and a rash of hoax threats following a deadly school shooting in Michigan on Nov. 30, districts said they were taking precautions out of an abundance of caution.The posts circulating online said schools would face shooting and bomb threats Friday. Law enforcement agencies said there did not appear to be a credible threat, but several districts opted to cancel classes for the day including Carson City, Nevada; Polk County, Georgia; and several Pittsburgh-area school systems.Some other districts increased security staffing levels and limited where students could go inside school buildings. More than a half dozen school districts in the Houston area told middle and high school students to leave their backpacks at home Friday in response to the TikTok posts, though none of the districts had received credible threats, officials said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">DHS is aware of public reporting that suggests possible threats to schools on December 17, 2021. DHS does not have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert.&mdash; Homeland Security (@DHSgov) <a href="https://twitter.com/DHSgov/status/1471816260845506568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>In a tweet, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said it did not “have any information indicating any specific, credible threats to schools but recommends communities remain alert.”TikTok has said it is working with law enforcement to look into the warnings. In Twitter posts on Friday, the company said it had not found content promoting violence at schools but found videos discussing the rumor and warning others to stay safe.“Local authorities, the FBI, and DHS have confirmed there’s no credible threat, so we’re working to remove alarmist warnings that violate our misinformation policy,” the company said.The post most widely associated with Friday’s fears is “not really a threat, it’s just saying they are hearing this thing is happening,” said Justin Patchin, a criminal justice professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and co-director of the Cyberbullying Research Center.How to respond to that presents a dilemma both to TikTok and educators, especially since many of the previous panics about TikTok challenges have proven to be bogus and acknowledging them can make them more influential.“It definitely puts schools in a tough spot,” said Patchin, whose center has worked with TikTok and other social media companies in the past to research online bullying. “There are these potential threats they can’t ignore but they also can’t shut down schools every time someone posts a generalized threat on social media.”Educators have been on edge in many places since the deadly shooting in Michigan as copycat threats have led to isolated cases of schools switching to remote learning over the last several weeks.In Newtown, Connecticut, all schools were open Friday, with an increased police presence. District schools had switched to remote learning Tuesday, the ninth anniversary of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, due in part to threats that schools elsewhere were receiving in the aftermath of the Michigan shooting.As her 15-year-old son studied for his big algebra test, word of vague threats of school violence on TikTok prompted Kelley Swiney to quiz the freshman about other calculations: What’s your fastest exit from that classroom? Where would you run? Do you feel safe going to school Friday?Swiney, a mom of three school-age boys in Upper Arlington, Ohio, said she’d had a similar conversation with him and her middle son, a sixth-grader, after the recent school shooting in Michigan. She asked them to take a few seconds in each classroom they enter to think about where they could hide and how they could get out.She told her son that if he felt truly unsafe – not just trying to skip the test or the last day before holiday break – he could stay home Friday, even if it meant a failing grade.“I think it’s really pretty depressing that we live in a world where I have to have that conversation with my child,” Swiney said.On Friday morning, he felt comfortable enough to head to school for the exam, and by midday he was safely back home.<a href="https://www.kbi.ks.gov/sar">Click here to&nbsp;</a>report suspicious activity with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation. You may also anonymously report threats of school violence to the Kansas School Safety Hotline 1-877-626-8203

TikTok posts referencing violence raise anxiety at schools

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are endorsing “test-to-stay” policies that allow close contacts of students infected with the coronavirus to remain in classrooms if they test negative.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decided to more firmly embrace the approach, already used by many school districts, after research of such policies in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas found COVID-19 infections did not increase when using the approach.

“Test-to-stay is an encouraging public health practice to help keep our children in school,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Friday.

CDC’s official guidance for schools has been that when someone in a school tests positive for COVID-19 infection, those who were deemed to be in close contact should stay out of school, in home quarantine, for 10 days.

With the announcement Friday, the CDC is saying both test-to-stay programs and quarantining approaches are both equally good options for schools.

Previously, the CDC said there is promise in the approach, as long as other measures such as masking for both teachers and students were followed.

CDC has been working with some school districts to evaluate the programs, and the agency released two studies that indicated they worked well.

One was in suburban Lake County, Illinois, just north of Chicago, which adopted a program in August. Close contacts were allowed to stay in school provided both the infected person and close contact were masked when an exposure might have happened, the close contact had no symptoms, and the close contact was tested one, three, five and seven days after exposure to the infected person.

Infections developed in only 16 of the more than 1,000 close contacts who were tracked, a transmission rate of about 1.5%. Health officials deemed it a successful approach that allowed many students to stay in school.

Similar results were reported in a similar study that looked at what happened this fall in schools in Los Angeles County, California. Researchers counted 7,511 student close contacts in schools that tried the strategy, and the secondary infection rate was 0.7%.

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials are endorsing “test-to-stay” policies that allow close contacts of students infected with the coronavirus to remain in classrooms if they test negative.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decided to more firmly embrace the approach, already used by many school districts, after research of such policies in the Chicago and Los Angeles areas found COVID-19 infections did not increase when using the approach.“Test-to-stay is an encouraging public health practice to help keep our children in school,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Friday.CDC’s official guidance for schools has been that when someone in a school tests positive for COVID-19 infection, those who were deemed to be in close contact should stay out of school, in home quarantine, for 10 days.With the announcement Friday, the CDC is saying both test-to-stay programs and quarantining approaches are both equally good options for schools.Previously, the CDC said there is promise in the approach, as long as other measures such as masking for both teachers and students were followed.CDC has been working with some school districts to evaluate the programs, and the agency released two studies that indicated they worked well.One was in suburban Lake County, Illinois, just north of Chicago, which adopted a program in August. Close contacts were allowed to stay in school provided both the infected person and close contact were masked when an exposure might have happened, the close contact had no symptoms, and the close contact was tested one, three, five and seven days after exposure to the infected person.Infections developed in only 16 of the more than 1,000 close contacts who were tracked, a transmission rate of about 1.5%. Health officials deemed it a successful approach that allowed many students to stay in school.Similar results were reported in a similar study that looked at what happened this fall in schools in Los Angeles County, California. Researchers counted 7,511 student close contacts in schools that tried the strategy, and the secondary infection rate was 0.7%.___

CDC endorses schools' coronavirus 'test-to-stay' policies

TOPEKA, Kan. — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 4,297 to a total of 497,789, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 14 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,909.&nbsp;

<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 4,297 to a total of 497,789, the state health department reported Friday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 14 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6,909.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639764235402.png" alt="Friday December 17, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Friday December 17, 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: 4,297 more cases, 14 more COVID deaths

PAWNEE COUNTY –A Kansas man entered a plea deal Thursday for a shooting and burglary in Pawnee County.

Bradley W. Hulse, 53 of Hutchinson, plead no contest to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary of a dwelling, and reckless discharge of a firearm, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. 

Hulse had originally been charged with Attempted Murder.

The charges stem from alleged shots fired at a vehicle during the earlier morning hours of July 31, 2021, in Larned. It was later determined Hulse also broke into the intended victim’s home following the shots being fire with the intent to burn the home down. No one was injured in the incident. Hulse was arrested later that morning without incident in McPherson County by the Kansas Highway Patrol.

Following his entry of plea, the Hulse expressed remorse and apologized to the Court for his actions. Hulse noted he has never been in trouble with the law and stated he allowed his emotions to get the better of him that morning when he confirmed his suspicion of infidelity in his marriage, according to McNett.

Sentencing has been scheduled for January 20, 2022. The defendant is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff on a $50,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628169686412.png" alt="Hulse photo Pawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Hulse photo Pawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>PAWNEE COUNTY –A Kansas man entered a plea deal Thursday for a shooting and burglary in Pawnee County.Bradley W. Hulse, 53 of Hutchinson, plead no contest to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, burglary of a dwelling, and reckless discharge of a firearm, according to Pawnee County Attorney Doug McNett. Hulse had originally been charged with Attempted Murder.The charges stem from alleged shots fired at a vehicle during the earlier morning hours of July 31, 2021, in Larned. It was later determined Hulse also broke into the intended victim’s home following the shots being fire with the intent to burn the home down. No one was injured in the incident. Hulse was arrested later that morning without incident in McPherson County by the Kansas Highway Patrol.Following his entry of plea, the Hulse expressed remorse and apologized to the Court for his actions. Hulse noted he has never been in trouble with the law and stated he allowed his emotions to get the better of him that morning when he confirmed his suspicion of infidelity in his marriage, according to McNett.Sentencing has been scheduled for January 20, 2022. The defendant is being held in the custody of the Pawnee County Sheriff on a $50,000 bond.

Kan. man enters plea, apologizes for shooting and burglary

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Federal judges in Louisiana and Texas continue to chip away at Biden administration COVID-19 vaccine mandates.

The latest of the piecemeal blows to the vaccine mandates came Thursday in lawsuit filed by Louisiana, Indiana and Mississippi. In that case, U.S. District Judge Dee Drell in Alexandria, Louisiana, declined to block a requirement that all employees of federal contractors get vaccinated — noting that there is already a nationwide block on that mandate issued by a Georgia-based federal judge.

But Drell did issue a preliminary injunction blocking the mandate in federal contracts or grant agreements between any of the three states and the federal government. He said Louisiana, Mississippi and Indiana have nearly $100 million in contracts with the federal government.

And he cited testimony that the University of Louisiana at Lafayette faced the possible loss of a National Institutes of Health grant if it did not impose the mandate on employees; and that an employee of the university feared the loss of her job if she declined the vaccine for religious reasons.

“This ensures Louisiana will remain protected if the nationwide injunction is overturned,” Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said on Twitter after Drell’s ruling.

Also, a Texas-based federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the mandate for health care workers in that state. With that ruling, dated Tuesday, the health worker mandate is now blocked in half the states. The federal Center for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has not said whether it will enforce the mandate in the other states.

There had been a nationwide court ban on the health care worker mandate, based on a Louisiana federal judge's ruling. But a federal appeals court in New Orleans this week limited that ruling to the 14 states that sued in the Louisiana court. A separate ruling in Missouri blocked the mandate in 10 other states. Texas brings the number of states where the health care mandate is blocked to 25.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Federal judges in Louisiana and Texas continue to chip away at Biden administration COVID-19 vaccine mandates.The latest of the piecemeal blows to the vaccine mandates came Thursday in lawsuit filed by Louisiana, Indiana and Mississippi. In that case, U.S. District Judge Dee Drell in Alexandria, Louisiana, declined to block a requirement that all employees of federal contractors get vaccinated — noting that there is already a nationwide block on that mandate issued by a Georgia-based federal judge.But Drell did issue a preliminary injunction blocking the mandate in federal contracts or grant agreements between any of the three states and the federal government. He said Louisiana, Mississippi and Indiana have nearly $100 million in contracts with the federal government.And he cited testimony that the University of Louisiana at Lafayette faced the possible loss of a National Institutes of Health grant if it did not impose the mandate on employees; and that an employee of the university feared the loss of her job if she declined the vaccine for religious reasons.“This ensures Louisiana will remain protected if the nationwide injunction is overturned,” Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry said on Twitter after Drell’s ruling.Also, a Texas-based federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking the mandate for health care workers in that state. With that ruling, dated Tuesday, the health worker mandate is now blocked in half the states. The federal Center for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services has not said whether it will enforce the mandate in the other states.There had been a nationwide court ban on the health care worker mandate, based on a Louisiana federal judge's ruling. But a federal appeals court in New Orleans this week limited that ruling to the 14 states that sued in the Louisiana court. A separate ruling in Missouri blocked the mandate in 10 other states. Texas brings the number of states where the health care mandate is blocked to 25.

Courts keep chipping away at Biden COVID vaccine mandates

Jeff Bieber ’71 spent much of his professional life owning and operating John Deere farm equipment dealerships that allowed farmers to refresh their equipment and, therefore, their land. Now, he has given his alma mater, Kansas Wesleyan University, the ability to refresh its campus in a truly transformative way, according to a media release from the university.

KWU announced this week that Bieber will gift $3 million to the school, the second-largest gift in KWU history.

$1.5 million of the gift will support the KWU Music program. $500,000 will help fuel the Community Resilience Hub, KWU’s curriculum surrounding climate change, and the remaining $1 million will fund a third project, which will be announced in the coming months.

The gift boosts the total raised in KWU’s Power of AND campaign to more than $19 million.

“It is an honor and a privilege to give back to the university that’s given me so much,” said Bieber. “The arts have always meant a great deal to Salina, my late wife Martha and me, and I believe this project will enhance KWU’s ability to be a community leader in that area. I hope this gift inspires others to become involved, and help KWU move into an exciting future!”&nbsp;

“Jeff Bieber helped lead KWU into its strongest period in school history,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement and University Operations. “We are so thankful that he’s chosen to lead once again by providing the key gift of phase two of our ongoing campaign. The Bieber name will always be a part of Kansas Wesleyan.”

Bieber was a KWU leader from the start. As a student, he double majored in English and Economics, served as an RA, sang in the Philharmonic Choir, was Associate Editor of the Advance, a three-year member of the Track and Field team and a one-year member of the Golf program. His history with Salina also extends through his late wife Martha, a graduate of Marymount College, known for its musical influence in the region. A classroom in the Nursing Education Center bears Martha’s name, thanks to a previous donation in her honor.

After graduation, the Biebers invested in Jeff’s parents’ John Deere dealership and grew their operations to five dealerships. They then merged with another, Nebraska-based dealer, growing their total operations to 16 dealerships in eastern Colorado, western Nebraska and Wyoming. Bieber recently served eight years on the KWU Board of Trustees. He was Chair of the board from 2019-21, a period of time that included the renovation and opening of the Nursing Education Center, KWU’s first, new on-campus academic building in more than 50 years.&nbsp;

“To know Jeff is to know he is a man of action and conviction,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “The university is blessed by his commitments to his alma mater. His steadfast leadership as Board chair was consequential in the life of the university. This magnanimous gift takes Jeff’s love and support to another level. There is no doubt how transformational this gift is to Kansas Wesleyan. We are deeply appreciative and honored by his investment.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639754570375.jpeg" alt="Jeff Bieber and his late wife, Martha.&nbsp;Photo courtesy KWU" />
 <figcaption>Jeff Bieber and his late wife, Martha.&nbsp;Photo courtesy KWU</figcaption>
 </figure>Jeff Bieber ’71 spent much of his professional life owning and operating John Deere farm equipment dealerships that allowed farmers to refresh their equipment and, therefore, their land. Now, he has given his alma mater, Kansas Wesleyan University, the ability to refresh its campus in a truly transformative way, according to a media release from the university.KWU announced this week that Bieber will gift $3 million to the school, the second-largest gift in KWU history.$1.5 million of the gift will support the KWU Music program. $500,000 will help fuel the Community Resilience Hub, KWU’s curriculum surrounding climate change, and the remaining $1 million will fund a third project, which will be announced in the coming months.The gift boosts the total raised in KWU’s Power of AND campaign to more than $19 million.“It is an honor and a privilege to give back to the university that’s given me so much,” said Bieber. “The arts have always meant a great deal to Salina, my late wife Martha and me, and I believe this project will enhance KWU’s ability to be a community leader in that area. I hope this gift inspires others to become involved, and help KWU move into an exciting future!”&nbsp;“Jeff Bieber helped lead KWU into its strongest period in school history,” said Ken Oliver, vice president of Advancement and University Operations. “We are so thankful that he’s chosen to lead once again by providing the key gift of phase two of our ongoing campaign. The Bieber name will always be a part of Kansas Wesleyan.”Bieber was a KWU leader from the start. As a student, he double majored in English and Economics, served as an RA, sang in the Philharmonic Choir, was Associate Editor of the Advance, a three-year member of the Track and Field team and a one-year member of the Golf program. His history with Salina also extends through his late wife Martha, a graduate of Marymount College, known for its musical influence in the region. A classroom in the Nursing Education Center bears Martha’s name, thanks to a previous donation in her honor.After graduation, the Biebers invested in Jeff’s parents’ John Deere dealership and grew their operations to five dealerships. They then merged with another, Nebraska-based dealer, growing their total operations to 16 dealerships in eastern Colorado, western Nebraska and Wyoming. Bieber recently served eight years on the KWU Board of Trustees. He was Chair of the board from 2019-21, a period of time that included the renovation and opening of the Nursing Education Center, KWU’s first, new on-campus academic building in more than 50 years.&nbsp;Now, his family’s legacy continues on.“To know Jeff is to know he is a man of action and conviction,” said Dr. Matt Thompson, KWU president. “The university is blessed by his commitments to his alma mater. His steadfast leadership as Board chair was consequential in the life of the university. This magnanimous gift takes Jeff’s love and support to another level. There is no doubt how transformational this gift is to Kansas Wesleyan. We are deeply appreciative and honored by his investment.”

Kansas Wesleyan University receives $3 million gift

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday permanently removed a major obstacle for women seeking abortion pills, eliminating a long-standing requirement that they pick up the medication in person.

Millions of American women will now be able to get a prescription via an online consultation and receive the pills through the mail. FDA officials said a scientific review supported broadening access, including no longer limiting dispensing to a small number of specialty clinics and doctor’s offices.

But prescribers will still need to undergo certification and training. Additionally, the agency said dispensing pharmacies will have to be certified.

The decision is the latest shift in the polarized legal battle over medication abortion, which has only intensified amid the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is certain to spur legal challenges and more restrictions in Republican-led states.

Earlier this year the FDA stopped enforcing the in-person requirement because of the pandemic. Under Thursday’s decision, the agency permanently dropped the 20-year-old rule, which has long been opposed by medical societies, including the American Medical Association, which say the restriction offers no clear benefit to patients.

The FDA’s latest scientific review stems from a 2017 lawsuit led by the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued that the agency’s restrictions block or delay medical care, especially for people in low-income and rural communities.

The ACLU hailed the elimination of the strictest requirements but said regulators should have gone further and allowed prescribing by any physician and broader pharmacy dispensing. Abortion opponents said the FDA decision would result in more drug-related side effects and complications for women.

Physicians who prescribe the drug, mifepristone, will have to certify that they can provide emergency care to deal with potential adverse effects, including excessive bleeding, FDA officials said Thursday.

The change still means many more doctors will be able to write prescriptions and American women will be able to fill their orders at far more pharmacies, including via online and mail-order services.

The effect will vary by state. More than a dozen Republican-led states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-health-covid-19-pandemic-medication-31791ed14247c4c8ad35ef078982078e">have passed measures</a>&nbsp;that limit access to the pills, including outlawing delivery by mail.

Increased use of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-texas-covid-19-pandemic-health-13c2fbe3f1de416d88a5ef6d1ca3406e">mail-order abortion pills</a>&nbsp;could pose a dilemma for the anti-abortion movement, given that its leaders generally say they don’t favor criminalizing the actions of women seeking abortions and because mail deliveries can be an elusive target for prosecutors.

The latest policy shift comes as advocates on both sides of the abortion debate wait to see whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-donald-trump-us-supreme-court-health-amy-coney-barrett-a3b5cf9621315e6c623dc80a790842d8">the conservative Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;will weaken or even overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that guarantees the right to abortion nationwide.

Roe’s demise would likely prompt at least 20 Republican-governed states to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-religion-cdfb7122c609bd3563c2702af28d3254">impose sweeping bans</a>&nbsp;while perhaps 15 states governed by Democrats would reaffirm support for abortion access. More complicated would be politically divided states, where fights over abortion laws could be ferocious.

Medication abortion has been available in the United States since 2000, when the FDA first approved mifepristone to terminate pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Taken with a hormone blocker called misoprostol, it constitutes the so-called abortion pill.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Food and Drug Administration on Thursday permanently removed a major obstacle for women seeking abortion pills, eliminating a long-standing requirement that they pick up the medication in person.Millions of American women will now be able to get a prescription via an online consultation and receive the pills through the mail. FDA officials said a scientific review supported broadening access, including no longer limiting dispensing to a small number of specialty clinics and doctor’s offices.But prescribers will still need to undergo certification and training. Additionally, the agency said dispensing pharmacies will have to be certified.The decision is the latest shift in the polarized legal battle over medication abortion, which has only intensified amid the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is certain to spur legal challenges and more restrictions in Republican-led states.Earlier this year the FDA stopped enforcing the in-person requirement because of the pandemic. Under Thursday’s decision, the agency permanently dropped the 20-year-old rule, which has long been opposed by medical societies, including the American Medical Association, which say the restriction offers no clear benefit to patients.The FDA’s latest scientific review stems from a 2017 lawsuit led by the American Civil Liberties Union, which argued that the agency’s restrictions block or delay medical care, especially for people in low-income and rural communities.The ACLU hailed the elimination of the strictest requirements but said regulators should have gone further and allowed prescribing by any physician and broader pharmacy dispensing. Abortion opponents said the FDA decision would result in more drug-related side effects and complications for women.Physicians who prescribe the drug, mifepristone, will have to certify that they can provide emergency care to deal with potential adverse effects, including excessive bleeding, FDA officials said Thursday.The change still means many more doctors will be able to write prescriptions and American women will be able to fill their orders at far more pharmacies, including via online and mail-order services.The effect will vary by state. More than a dozen Republican-led states&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-health-covid-19-pandemic-medication-31791ed14247c4c8ad35ef078982078e">have passed measures</a>&nbsp;that limit access to the pills, including outlawing delivery by mail.Increased use of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-abortion-texas-covid-19-pandemic-health-13c2fbe3f1de416d88a5ef6d1ca3406e">mail-order abortion pills</a>&nbsp;could pose a dilemma for the anti-abortion movement, given that its leaders generally say they don’t favor criminalizing the actions of women seeking abortions and because mail deliveries can be an elusive target for prosecutors.The latest policy shift comes as advocates on both sides of the abortion debate wait to see whether&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-donald-trump-us-supreme-court-health-amy-coney-barrett-a3b5cf9621315e6c623dc80a790842d8">the conservative Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;will weaken or even overturn the Roe v. Wade decision that guarantees the right to abortion nationwide.Roe’s demise would likely prompt at least 20 Republican-governed states to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-health-religion-cdfb7122c609bd3563c2702af28d3254">impose sweeping bans</a>&nbsp;while perhaps 15 states governed by Democrats would reaffirm support for abortion access. More complicated would be politically divided states, where fights over abortion laws could be ferocious.Medication abortion has been available in the United States since 2000, when the FDA first approved mifepristone to terminate pregnancies up to 10 weeks. Taken with a hormone blocker called misoprostol, it constitutes the so-called abortion pill.About 40% of all abortions in the U.S. are now done through medication — rather than surgery — and that option has become more pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic.At the time of approval, the FDA imposed limits on how the drug could be distributed, including barring it from regular pharmacies and requiring that all doctors providing the drug undergo special certification. Women were also required to sign a form indicating they understood the medication’s risks. The FDA said Thursday there have been 26 deaths associated with the drug since 2000, though not all of those can be directly attributed to the medication due to underlying health conditions and other factors.Common drug side effects include cramping, bleeding, nausea, headache and diarrhea. In some cases excess bleeding needs to be stopped with a surgical procedure.Near the beginning of the outbreak, the FDA waived in-person requirements for virtually all medications, but left them in place for mifepristone.That triggered a lawsuit from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which successfully overturned the restriction in federal court. The Trump administration then appealed the ruling to the Supreme Court, which reinstated the requirement in January.The point became moot — at least temporarily — in April when the FDA said it&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-news-medication-abortion-coronavirus-pandemic-covid-19-pandemic-1bd5c161f8e0f9f80e98b63002f50d37">would not enforce</a>&nbsp;the dispensing limits during the current public health emergency.“The FDA’s decision will come as a tremendous relief for countless abortion and miscarriage patients,” said Georgeanne Usova, a lawyer with the ACLU. “However, it is disappointing that the FDA fell short of repealing all of its medically unnecessary restrictions on mifepristone and these remaining obstacles should also be lifted.”Jeanne Mancini, president of the March for Life Education and Defense Fund, said the decision “will lead to more lives lost to abortion, and will increase the number of mothers who suffer physical and psychological harm from chemical abortions.”___