MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Rural Kansas hospitals are struggling to transfer patients as COVID-19 numbers surge, with some patients left stranded in emergency rooms for a week while they wait for a bed.

Space also was in short supply last winter and again over the summer when the delta variant first hit the state. The situation improved slightly this fall, but now is worsening again, according to Motient, a company contracted by Kansas to help manage transfers.

It isn’t just rural hospitals looking for beds. Overwhelmed hospitals as far away as Minnesota and Michigan have been looking for beds in larger Kansas hospitals. Often there simply isn’t room.

Dr. Richard Watson, founder of Motient, said Friday that the long-distance transfers and long waits for beds are becoming commonplace as the pandemic ends its second year, adding, “It’s already as crazy as it can be.”

“When you are talking about moving people from Minnesota to Kansas City for treatment. It’s like Mayo Clinic in reverse,” he said.

Kansas averaged 41 new COVID-19 hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Monday, according to state health department data, as total confirmed and probable cases for the pandemic topped 500,000.

Gov. Laura Kelly said she has no plans to pursue the same aggressive strategy of closing schools and businesses statewide that she did in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic. Top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature ended a state of emergency in June and curbed the power of the Democratic governor and even local officials to impose restrictions.

“We have the tools to stop the spread,” Kelly told The Associated Press Monday. “People really do need to not only get fully vaccinated, they need to get the booster shot.”

Jesse Thomas, also of Motient, said Monday that it takes an average of eight and a half hours from the time a smaller hospital starts looking for a bed in a larger hospital to when an ambulance or air transportation arrives, up from about five hours this summer.

“It used to be rare, and now it’s not rare,” he said of the long waits.

Forty patients were on the board waiting to be transferred on Friday. Some have been languishing in emergency departments while they await transfers for days, sometimes more than a week, Watson said.

Watson said larger hospitals don’t want COVID-19 patients unless they are really sick, adding that some are only accepting COVID-19 transfers if they need to be on a ventilator.

“They know that their beds are at a premium and they have to hold them for the people who need them,” Watson said, adding that COVID-19 patients who just need oxygen wind up stuck. He said the shortage of beds and staff to care for patients also has stranded patients with other health issues, such as heart attacks.

He said staffing shortages in nursing homes also contribute to the bed shortage because it means there is nowhere to send patients who are improving but still need extra care.

“You can’t put somebody in that bed if they can’t clean it out,” he said.

Dr. Jackie Hyland, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System’s St. Francis campus in Topeka, complained about the problems nursing home shortages were causing on a recent call with Kansas and Missouri hospital officials.

“It causes a backup all the way through to our emergency room and holding emergency room patients there, preventing them from getting admitted to a hospital bed,” Hyland said.

Watson said he has never seen a problem like this on such a broad scale.

“You may have a patient here or there that’s having a difficulty and the hospital may be in a tight spot, but to have the whole system with people just locked in place for days at a level of care they really need to move out of, that’s a different world for us,” he said.

Watson said he anticipated the capacity issues would only grow worse over the holidays.

“People expect there to be a different story,” Watson said. “But you know, here we got it: It’s unvaccinated people. Omicron moves through. Nobody’s paying attention. They all want it to go away for Christmas. It’s not going away.”

A handful of omicron cases have been detected in the state in recent days. The latest two were announced Monday in Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area.

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Rural Kansas hospitals are struggling to transfer patients as COVID-19 numbers surge, with some patients left stranded in emergency rooms for a week while they wait for a bed.Space also was in short supply last winter and again over the summer when the delta variant first hit the state. The situation improved slightly this fall, but now is worsening again, according to Motient, a company contracted by Kansas to help manage transfers.It isn’t just rural hospitals looking for beds. Overwhelmed hospitals as far away as Minnesota and Michigan have been looking for beds in larger Kansas hospitals. Often there simply isn’t room.Dr. Richard Watson, founder of Motient, said Friday that the long-distance transfers and long waits for beds are becoming commonplace as the pandemic ends its second year, adding, “It’s already as crazy as it can be.”“When you are talking about moving people from Minnesota to Kansas City for treatment. It’s like Mayo Clinic in reverse,” he said.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640023450389.png" alt="Monday December 20, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday December 20, 2021 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Kansas averaged 41 new COVID-19 hospitalizations a day for the seven days ending Monday, according to state health department data, as total confirmed and probable cases for the pandemic topped 500,000.Gov. Laura Kelly said she has no plans to pursue the same aggressive strategy of closing schools and businesses statewide that she did in March 2020, at the start of the pandemic. Top Republicans in the GOP-controlled Legislature ended a state of emergency in June and curbed the power of the Democratic governor and even local officials to impose restrictions.“We have the tools to stop the spread,” Kelly told The Associated Press Monday. “People really do need to not only get fully vaccinated, they need to get the booster shot.”Jesse Thomas, also of Motient, said Monday that it takes an average of eight and a half hours from the time a smaller hospital starts looking for a bed in a larger hospital to when an ambulance or air transportation arrives, up from about five hours this summer.“It used to be rare, and now it’s not rare,” he said of the long waits.Forty patients were on the board waiting to be transferred on Friday. Some have been languishing in emergency departments while they await transfers for days, sometimes more than a week, Watson said.Watson said larger hospitals don’t want COVID-19 patients unless they are really sick, adding that some are only accepting COVID-19 transfers if they need to be on a ventilator.“They know that their beds are at a premium and they have to hold them for the people who need them,” Watson said, adding that COVID-19 patients who just need oxygen wind up stuck. He said the shortage of beds and staff to care for patients also has stranded patients with other health issues, such as heart attacks.He said staffing shortages in nursing homes also contribute to the bed shortage because it means there is nowhere to send patients who are improving but still need extra care.“You can’t put somebody in that bed if they can’t clean it out,” he said.Dr. Jackie Hyland, the chief medical officer at the University of Kansas Health System’s St. Francis campus in Topeka, complained about the problems nursing home shortages were causing on a recent call with Kansas and Missouri hospital officials.“It causes a backup all the way through to our emergency room and holding emergency room patients there, preventing them from getting admitted to a hospital bed,” Hyland said.Watson said he has never seen a problem like this on such a broad scale.“You may have a patient here or there that’s having a difficulty and the hospital may be in a tight spot, but to have the whole system with people just locked in place for days at a level of care they really need to move out of, that’s a different world for us,” he said.Watson said he anticipated the capacity issues would only grow worse over the holidays.“People expect there to be a different story,” Watson said. “But you know, here we got it: It’s unvaccinated people. Omicron moves through. Nobody’s paying attention. They all want it to go away for Christmas. It’s not going away.”A handful of omicron cases have been detected in the state in recent days. The latest two were announced Monday in Wyandotte County in the Kansas City area.___

COVID: Kan. patients needing to be transferred stranded for days

JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a business burglary and have a suspect in custody.

Just after 3:30a.m. Friday, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office was notified of a vehicle in the roadway north of the One Stop Gas Station located at 190th&nbsp;and U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.

A deputy found the vehicle abandoned in the roadway.&nbsp; A Tribal Police Officer found the front window of the business broken out and a man dressed in dark clothing fleeing on foot.&nbsp;

 Jackson County Deputies and K-9s responded to the scene along with an aircraft unit from KHP to search for the suspect.&nbsp; 

Just before 5:30a.m., deputies took the suspect   Colby Christopher Kastens, 44, of Topeka into custody near 178th&nbsp;Road and U.S. 75.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kastens is being held on requested charges of burglary, criminal deprivation of property and criminal damage to property, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639923243412.png" alt="Kastens photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Kastens photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>JACKSON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a business burglary and have a suspect in custody.Just after 3:30a.m. Friday, the Jackson County Sheriff's Office was notified of a vehicle in the roadway north of the One Stop Gas Station located at 190th&nbsp;and U.S. 75 Highway, according to Sheriff Tim Morse.A deputy found the vehicle abandoned in the roadway.&nbsp; A Tribal Police Officer found the front window of the business broken out and a man dressed in dark clothing fleeing on foot.&nbsp; Jackson County Deputies and K-9s responded to the scene along with an aircraft unit from KHP to search for the suspect.&nbsp; Just before 5:30a.m., deputies took the suspect Colby Christopher Kastens, 44, of Topeka into custody near 178th&nbsp;Road and U.S. 75.&nbsp; &nbsp;Kastens is being held on requested charges of burglary, criminal deprivation of property and criminal damage to property, according to online jail records.

KHP aircraft unit helps deputies catch suspect who fled burglary

PARSONS, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are crediting a quick-thinking deputy with saving the life of a woman who was struck by a train in southeastern Kansas. 

The Labette County sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post that Deputy Gabe Vitt was in Parsons when he heard dispatchers tell emergency crews that the woman had been hit late Sunday while on foot. 

Vitt was only a couple blocks away from the crossing and arrived in time to apply a makeshift tourniquet to the woman’s partially severed leg. The post said Vitt then consoled the woman until other rescue crews arrived. The post thanked Vitt for keeping the woman “calm and coherent during a life threating event.”

PARSONS, Kan. (AP) — Authorities are crediting a quick-thinking deputy with saving the life of a woman who was struck by a train in southeastern Kansas. The Labette County sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post that Deputy Gabe Vitt was in Parsons when he heard dispatchers tell emergency crews that the woman had been hit late Sunday while on foot. Vitt was only a couple blocks away from the crossing and arrived in time to apply a makeshift tourniquet to the woman’s partially severed leg. The post said Vitt then consoled the woman until other rescue crews arrived. The post thanked Vitt for keeping the woman “calm and coherent during a life threating event.”

Quick thinking Kan. deputy helps woman hit by train

WASHINGTON —The First Family has a new pet in time for Christmas. The new first puppy, a German Shepherd, is named Commander, according to President Biden's social media feed.

Commander was seen playing on the White House lawn Monday afternoon.

In January, the Biden’s German Shepherd Major became the first rescue dog to be welcomed into the White House. The Biden's other German Shepherd Champ died in June.

WASHINGTON —The First Family has a new pet in time for Christmas. The new first puppy, a German Shepherd, is named Commander, according to President Biden's social media feed.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Meet the newest Biden. <a href="https://t.co/JHAbH53iRk">pic.twitter.com/JHAbH53iRk</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1473057147017744390?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2021</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Commander was seen playing on the White House lawn Monday afternoon.In January, the Biden’s German Shepherd Major became the first rescue dog to be welcomed into the White House. The Biden's other German Shepherd Champ died in June.

New puppy arrives at White House in time for Christmas

KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Police have identified the three victims killed last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-e05a5cb6a196fe7f4b357b499df5e065">when a firetruck collided with a sport utility vehicle&nbsp;</a>and then smashed into a building in a Kansas City entertainment area.

Police said Monday that 41-year-old Tami Knight was struck last Wednesday when the impact of the crash forced the truck and the SUV over a sidewalk, where she had been walking. The vehicles came to a stop in a Westport building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed. Her body was found in the rubble the next day.

The other two victims, 41-year-old Jennifer San Nicholas and 25-year-old Michael Elwood, were riding in the SUV, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article256740962.html">reported</a>.

San Nicholas and Elwood were both employees at Ragazza Food &amp; Wine, according to the Italian restaurant. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ragazzakc/posts/1726374954218153">post&nbsp;</a>from the establishment described them as “wonderful" and “amazing." No firefighters were injured in the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639665850854.png" alt="The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on-photo courtesy KCTV" />
 <figcaption>The crash happened just before 10:30 p.m. Wednesday as the firetruck headed to an emergency call with its lights and siren on-photo courtesy KCTV</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY&nbsp; (AP) — Police have identified the three victims killed last week&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-e05a5cb6a196fe7f4b357b499df5e065">when a firetruck collided with a sport utility vehicle&nbsp;</a>and then smashed into a building in a Kansas City entertainment area.Police said Monday that 41-year-old Tami Knight was struck last Wednesday when the impact of the crash forced the truck and the SUV over a sidewalk, where she had been walking. The vehicles came to a stop in a Westport building that had been home to the Riot Room, a bar and music venue that recently closed. Her body was found in the rubble the next day.The other two victims, 41-year-old Jennifer San Nicholas and 25-year-old Michael Elwood, were riding in the SUV, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article256740962.html">reported</a>.San Nicholas and Elwood were both employees at Ragazza Food &amp; Wine, according to the Italian restaurant. A&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/ragazzakc/posts/1726374954218153">post&nbsp;</a>from the establishment described them as “wonderful" and “amazing." No firefighters were injured in the crash.

 Kansas City Police ID three who died in firetruck crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — Warning that extremism in the ranks is increasing, Pentagon officials are issuing detailed new rules prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members participated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol, triggering a broad department review.

Senior defense officials tell The Associated Press that fewer than 100 military members are known to have been involved in substantiated cases of extremist activity in the past year, but they warn that the number may grow given recent spikes in domestic violent extremism, particularly among veterans.

Officials said the new policy doesn’t largely change what is prohibited, but is more of an effort to make sure troops are clear on what they can and can’t do, while still protecting their First Amendment free speech rights. And for the first time, it is far more specific about social media.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/132506p.PDF?ver=rdWZ4JDtL4sntI4jGjJgyA%3d%3d" target="_blank">new policy&nbsp;</a>lays out in detail the banned activities, which range from advocating terrorism or supporting the overthrow of the government to fundraising or rallying on behalf of an extremist group or “liking” or reposting extremist views on social media. The rules also specify that commanders must determine two things in order for someone to be held accountable: that the action was an extremist activity, as defined in the rules, and that the service member “actively participated” in that prohibited activity.

Previous policies banned extremist activities but didn’t go into such great detail, and also did not specify the two step process to determine someone accountable.

What was wrong yesterday is still wrong today, said one senior defense official. But several officials said that as a study group spoke with service members this year they found that many wanted clearer definitions of what was not allowed. The officials spoke about the new rules on condition of anonymity because they have not yet been made public.

The military has long been aware of small numbers of white supremacists and other extremists among the troops. But Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other leaders launched a broader campaign to root out extremism in the force after it became clear that military veterans and some current service members were present at the Jan. 6 insurrection.

In a message to the force on Monday, Austin said the department believes that only a few service members violate their oath and participate in extremist activities. But, he added, “even the actions of a few can have an outsized impact on unit cohesion, morale and readiness - and the physical harm some of these activities can engender can undermine the safety of our people.”

The risk of extremism in the military can be more dangerous because many service members have access to classified information about sensitive military operations or other national security information that could help adversaries. And extremist groups routinely recruit former and current service members because of their familiarity with weapons and combat tactics.

Officials said that while the substantiated cases may be small, compared to the size of the military, which includes more than 2 million active duty and reserve troops. The number appears to be an increase over previous years where the totals were in the low two-digits. But they also noted that data has not been consistent so it is difficult to identify trends.

The new rules do not provide a list of extremist organizations. Instead, it is up to commanders to determine if a service member is actively conducting extremist activities based on the definitions, rather than on a list of groups that may be constantly changing, officials said.

Asked whether troops can simply be members of an extremist organization, officials said the rules effectively prohibit membership in any meaningful way — such as the payment of dues or other actions that could be considered “active participation.”

The regulations lay out six broad groups of extremist activities, and then provide 14 different definitions that constitute active participation.

Soon after taking office, Austin ordered military leaders to schedule a so-called “stand-down” day and spend time talking to their troops about extremism in the ranks.

The new rules apply to all of the military services, including the Coast Guard, which in peacetime is part of the Department of Homeland Security. They were developed through recommendations from the Countering Extremist Activities Working Group. And they make the distinction, for example, that troops may possess extremist materials, but they can’t attempt to distribute them, and while they can observe an extremist rally, they can’t participate, fund or support one.

The rules, said the officials, focus on behavior not ideology. So service members have whatever political, religious or other beliefs that they want, but their actions and behavior are governed.

In addition to the new rules, the Pentagon is expanding its screening for recruits to include a deeper look at potential extremist activities. Some activities may not totally prevent someone from joining the military, but require a closer look at the applicant.

The department also is expanding education and training for current military members, and more specifically for those leaving the service who may be suddenly subject to recruitment by extremist organizations.

More than 650 people have been charged in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, including dozens of veterans and about a half dozen active duty service members. Among them — an Army reservist who wore a Hitler mustache to his job at a Navy base.

Some of the rioters facing the most serious charges, including members of far-right extremist groups, have military backgrounds. In several of the prosecution cases already, the Justice Department has cited a rioter’s military service as a factor weighing in favor of a jail sentence or house arrest. Prosecutors have repeatedly maintained that veterans’ service, while commendable, made their actions on Jan. 6 more egregious.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1638310118543.png" alt="Sec. of Defense Lloyd Austin" />
 <figcaption>Sec. of Defense Lloyd Austin</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Warning that extremism in the ranks is increasing, Pentagon officials are issuing detailed new rules prohibiting service members from actively engaging in extremist activities. The new guidelines come nearly a year after some current and former service members participated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol, triggering a broad department review.Senior defense officials tell The Associated Press that fewer than 100 military members are known to have been involved in substantiated cases of extremist activity in the past year, but they warn that the number may grow given recent spikes in domestic violent extremism, particularly among veterans.Officials said the new policy doesn’t largely change what is prohibited, but is more of an effort to make sure troops are clear on what they can and can’t do, while still protecting their First Amendment free speech rights. And for the first time, it is far more specific about social media.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/dodi/132506p.PDF?ver=rdWZ4JDtL4sntI4jGjJgyA%3d%3d" target="_blank">new policy&nbsp;</a>lays out in detail the banned activities, which range from advocating terrorism or supporting the overthrow of the government to fundraising or rallying on behalf of an extremist group or “liking” or reposting extremist views on social media. The rules also specify that commanders must determine two things in order for someone to be held accountable: that the action was an extremist activity, as defined in the rules, and that the service member “actively participated” in that prohibited activity.Previous policies banned extremist activities but didn’t go into such great detail, and also did not specify the two step process to determine someone accountable.What was wrong yesterday is still wrong today, said one senior defense official. But several officials said that as a study group spoke with service members this year they found that many wanted clearer definitions of what was not allowed. The officials spoke about the new rules on condition of anonymity because they have not yet been made public.The military has long been aware of small numbers of white supremacists and other extremists among the troops. But Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and other leaders launched a broader campaign to root out extremism in the force after it became clear that military veterans and some current service members were present at the Jan. 6 insurrection.In a message to the force on Monday, Austin said the department believes that only a few service members violate their oath and participate in extremist activities. But, he added, “even the actions of a few can have an outsized impact on unit cohesion, morale and readiness - and the physical harm some of these activities can engender can undermine the safety of our people.”The risk of extremism in the military can be more dangerous because many service members have access to classified information about sensitive military operations or other national security information that could help adversaries. And extremist groups routinely recruit former and current service members because of their familiarity with weapons and combat tactics.Officials said that while the substantiated cases may be small, compared to the size of the military, which includes more than 2 million active duty and reserve troops. The number appears to be an increase over previous years where the totals were in the low two-digits. But they also noted that data has not been consistent so it is difficult to identify trends.The new rules do not provide a list of extremist organizations. Instead, it is up to commanders to determine if a service member is actively conducting extremist activities based on the definitions, rather than on a list of groups that may be constantly changing, officials said.Asked whether troops can simply be members of an extremist organization, officials said the rules effectively prohibit membership in any meaningful way — such as the payment of dues or other actions that could be considered “active participation.”The regulations lay out six broad groups of extremist activities, and then provide 14 different definitions that constitute active participation.Soon after taking office, Austin ordered military leaders to schedule a so-called “stand-down” day and spend time talking to their troops about extremism in the ranks.The new rules apply to all of the military services, including the Coast Guard, which in peacetime is part of the Department of Homeland Security. They were developed through recommendations from the Countering Extremist Activities Working Group. And they make the distinction, for example, that troops may possess extremist materials, but they can’t attempt to distribute them, and while they can observe an extremist rally, they can’t participate, fund or support one.The rules, said the officials, focus on behavior not ideology. So service members have whatever political, religious or other beliefs that they want, but their actions and behavior are governed.In addition to the new rules, the Pentagon is expanding its screening for recruits to include a deeper look at potential extremist activities. Some activities may not totally prevent someone from joining the military, but require a closer look at the applicant.The department also is expanding education and training for current military members, and more specifically for those leaving the service who may be suddenly subject to recruitment by extremist organizations.More than 650 people have been charged in the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol, including dozens of veterans and about a half dozen active duty service members. Among them — an Army reservist who wore a Hitler mustache to his job at a Navy base.Some of the rioters facing the most serious charges, including members of far-right extremist groups, have military backgrounds. In several of the prosecution cases already, the Justice Department has cited a rioter’s military service as a factor weighing in favor of a jail sentence or house arrest. Prosecutors have repeatedly maintained that veterans’ service, while commendable, made their actions on Jan. 6 more egregious.

Pentagon issues rules aimed at stopping rise of extremism

WASHINGTON (AP) —Moderna said Monday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine should offer protection against the rapidly spreading omicron variant.

Moderna said lab tests showed the half-dose booster shot increased by 37 times the level of so-called neutralizing antibodies able to fight omicron.

And a full-dose booster was even stronger, triggering an 83-fold jump in antibody levels, although with an increase in the usual side effects, the company said. While half-dose shots are being used for most Moderna boosters, a full-dose third shot has been recommended for people with weakened immune systems.

Moderna announced the preliminary laboratory data in a press release and it hasn’t yet undergone scientific review. But testing by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, announced last week by Dr. Anthony Fauci, found a similar jump.

Pfizer’s testing likewise found its COVID-19 vaccine triggered a similarly big jump in omicron-fighting antibodies. The vaccines made by Pfizer and by Moderna, both made with mRNA technology, are used by many countries around the world to fight the coronavirus.

Together, the available evidence backs health authorities” increasing pleas for people to get their boosters as soon as they’re eligible.

Antibody levels predict how well a vaccine may prevent infection with the coronavirus but they are just one layer of the immune system’s defenses. Other research suggests the vaccine still should induce good protection against severe disease if people do experience a breakthrough infection.

Both Moderna and Pfizer are developing shots to better match the omicron variant in case they’re needed.

WASHINGTON (AP) —Moderna said Monday that a booster dose of its COVID-19 vaccine should offer protection against the rapidly spreading omicron variant.Moderna said lab tests showed the half-dose booster shot increased by 37 times the level of so-called neutralizing antibodies able to fight omicron.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639685332683.png" alt="Omicron detected in Kansas and&nbsp; over 40 other states-image courtesy GISAID" />
 <figcaption>Omicron detected in Kansas and&nbsp; over 40 other states-image courtesy GISAID</figcaption>
 </figure>And a full-dose booster was even stronger, triggering an 83-fold jump in antibody levels, although with an increase in the usual side effects, the company said. While half-dose shots are being used for most Moderna boosters, a full-dose third shot has been recommended for people with weakened immune systems.Moderna announced the preliminary laboratory data in a press release and it hasn’t yet undergone scientific review. But testing by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, announced last week by Dr. Anthony Fauci, found a similar jump.Pfizer’s testing likewise found its COVID-19 vaccine triggered a similarly big jump in omicron-fighting antibodies. The vaccines made by Pfizer and by Moderna, both made with mRNA technology, are used by many countries around the world to fight the coronavirus.Together, the available evidence backs health authorities” increasing pleas for people to get their boosters as soon as they’re eligible.Antibody levels predict how well a vaccine may prevent infection with the coronavirus but they are just one layer of the immune system’s defenses. Other research suggests the vaccine still should induce good protection against severe disease if people do experience a breakthrough infection.Both Moderna and Pfizer are developing shots to better match the omicron variant in case they’re needed.___

Promising new data on Moderna booster and omicron variant

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Software maker Oracle is buying electronic medical records company Cerner in an all-cash deal valued at about $28.3 billion.

Oracle will pay $95 per Cerner share and the deal is expected to close next year.

Hospitals and physicians offices use Cerner software to record and share health and medical data. The companies said Monday that Cerner systems running on the Oracle Gen2 Cloud will be available 24 hours a day, every day, with the goal of having zero unplanned downtime.

Cerner, based in Kansas City, Missouri, will become a unit of Oracle.

Shares of Oracle Corp., which is based in Austin, Texas, fell more than 2.8% in morning trading.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/9/1567625312309.png" alt="Cerner, based in Kansas City will become a unit of Oracle." />
 <figcaption>Cerner, based in Kansas City will become a unit of Oracle.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) —Software maker Oracle is buying electronic medical records company Cerner in an all-cash deal valued at about $28.3 billion.Oracle will pay $95 per Cerner share and the deal is expected to close next year.Hospitals and physicians offices use Cerner software to record and share health and medical data. The companies said Monday that Cerner systems running on the Oracle Gen2 Cloud will be available 24 hours a day, every day, with the goal of having zero unplanned downtime.Cerner, based in Kansas City, Missouri, will become a unit of Oracle.Shares of Oracle Corp., which is based in Austin, Texas, fell more than 2.8% in morning trading.

Oracle buys Kansas City based Cerner for $28 billion 

TOPEKA, Kan. — The number of confirmed coronavirus cases* (see below) in Kansas increased by 2,659 to a total of 500,448, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;

The state reported 7 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6916.&nbsp;&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 2,659 to a total of 500,448, the state health department reported Monday afternoon.&nbsp;The state reported 7 additional COVID-19 deaths for a total of 6916.&nbsp;&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640023450389.png" alt="Monday December 20, 2021 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Monday December 20, 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: COVID cases in Kansas top 500,000

GRANT COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash during the December 15 wind storm have identified the victims.

According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Doyle Kauk, 78, Hoxie and Thomas Peterson, 55, Cimarron were outside of vehicles they were driving when they were struck and killed.

Just after noon Wednesday, a 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Eliazar&nbsp;Degollado, 57, Ulysses, was eastbound on U.S. 160 eight miles west of Kansas 25 as high winds created&nbsp; reduced visibility.

The semi struck multiple vehicles involved in a crash just earlier. The other vehicles included a 1995 International semi driven by&nbsp; Daniel&nbsp;Rodriguez, 43, Ulysses; a 2019 Chevy Spark driven by Cara M. Geyer, 40, Ulysses; a 2007 GMC Yukon driven by Rodney A. Gregg, 22, Ulysses; a 2009 Ford Fire truck driven by Grant D. Unruh, 24, Ulysses; and a 2016 Ford ambulance driven by Jeffrey A. Baier 61, Ulysses.

Kauk and Peterson were outside of their vehicles including&nbsp;a 2018 Buick Enclave and 2020 Chevy Express.

EMS transported&nbsp;Degollado and Geyer to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital.&nbsp;EMS transported Gregg the Stanton County Hospital.

Rodriguez was not injured.&nbsp; Baier, Unruh and passengers from the emergency vehicles were working the earlier crash and not injured.&nbsp; The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639586809830.png" alt="Dust rolling across Kansas late Wednesday morning -photo NWS Goodland" />
 <figcaption>Dust rolling across Kansas late Wednesday morning -photo NWS Goodland</figcaption>
 </figure>GRANT COUNTY—Authorities investigating a fatal multi-vehicle crash during the December 15 wind storm have identified the victims.According to the Kansas Highway Patrol, Doyle Kauk, 78, Hoxie and Thomas Peterson, 55, Cimarron were outside of vehicles they were driving when they were struck and killed.Just after noon Wednesday, a 2012 Peterbilt semi driven by Eliazar&nbsp;Degollado, 57, Ulysses, was eastbound on U.S. 160 eight miles west of Kansas 25 as high winds created&nbsp; reduced visibility.The semi struck multiple vehicles involved in a crash just earlier. The other vehicles included a 1995 International semi driven by&nbsp; Daniel&nbsp;Rodriguez, 43, Ulysses; a 2019 Chevy Spark driven by Cara M. Geyer, 40, Ulysses; a 2007 GMC Yukon driven by Rodney A. Gregg, 22, Ulysses; a 2009 Ford Fire truck driven by Grant D. Unruh, 24, Ulysses; and a 2016 Ford ambulance driven by Jeffrey A. Baier 61, Ulysses.Kauk and Peterson were outside of their vehicles including&nbsp;a 2018 Buick Enclave and 2020 Chevy Express.EMS transported&nbsp;Degollado and Geyer to Bob Wilson Memorial Hospital.&nbsp;EMS transported Gregg the Stanton County Hospital.Rodriguez was not injured.&nbsp; Baier, Unruh and passengers from the emergency vehicles were working the earlier crash and not injured.&nbsp; The KHP did not have seat belt usage details.

KHP IDs 2 who died in 8-vehicle crash during dust storm

By DAVID A. LIEB and GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated Press

Tens of millions of workers across the U.S. are in limbo as federal courts have issued different rulings related to President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates for larger private companies, certain health care workers and federal government contractors.

A federal appeals court panel has allowed a vaccine requirement for employers with 100 or more workers, although Republican attorneys general, business associations and conservative groups have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. A vaccine mandate for companies that have contracts with the federal government is on hold nationwide, while a separate mandate for health care employees who work for providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding has been blocked in half the states.

The courts are responding to lawsuits brought by Republican-led states, conservative groups and some businesses. They argue in part that the vaccine requirements infringe on states’ rights to regulate public health matters. Numerous legal challenges are pending, some involving groups of states and others filed by states acting alone.

Separate Biden administration vaccine mandates for federal government employees and the military remain in effect, as do mask requirements for airline passengers and people using public transportation.

The legal cases concern whether the federal government can force employers to require vaccinations. Courts have generally been accepting of requirements that businesses and universities have put in place on their own — as well as those imposed by state and local governments.

<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-people-onedose-pop-5yr" target="_blank">More than four-fifths of adults nationwide already have received at least one dose&nbsp;</a>of a COVID-19 vaccine. But Biden contends his various workforce vaccine mandates are an important step to drive up vaccination rates and contain the virus outbreak, which has killed more than 800,000 people in the U.S.

Opponents have taken a three-tiered approach to challenging the requirements. In lawsuits, they contend the vaccine mandates were imposed without proper public comment, were not authorized by Congress and infringe on states’ rights to regulate public health matters.

“The reasoning across the cases is basically the same, which is that these statutes don’t give the president or the agency in question the authority to issue the mandates,” said Gregory Magarian, a constitutional law professor at Washington University in St. Louis.

The Biden administration contends its rule-making authority is firm and supersedes any state policies prohibiting vaccine requirements. Recent experience shows that such mandates generally prompt people to get vaccinated: By the time a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-travel-99b820492135ceeaf23e51b834d6ab79">Biden requirement for federal workers to be vaccinated&nbsp;</a>took effect in late November, 92% had received at least their first dose of the shot.

Following is a rundown of some of Biden’s most sweeping vaccine requirements and the status of the legal fights over them.

What it would do: Under&nbsp;<a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-23643.pdf" target="_blank">a rule published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration&nbsp;</a>on Nov. 5, businesses with 100 or more workers are to require employees to be vaccinated. If they are not, they would need to be tested weekly and wear masks while working, with exceptions for those who work alone or mostly outdoors. The rule was to go into effect Jan. 4. The requirement would affect businesses with a cumulative 84 million employees, and OSHA projected it could save 6,500 lives and prevent 250,000 hospitalizations over six months.

Who’s challenging it: The requirement is being challenged by 27 Republican-led state governments, some conservative and business groups, and some individual businesses. The states mostly filed lawsuits in groups, though Indiana challenged it alone. Their arguments include that it’s the job of states, not the federal government, to deal with public health measures. The Biden administration maintains that the measure is legal. Some labor unions also contested the rule, though not for the same reasons as the Republicans and business group. They say it doesn’t go far enough to protect workers.

Where it stands: The OSHA rule is allowed to take effect, at least for now. On Dec. 17,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-880d2052bb4127fb40bcaaca98514753">a three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the mandate</a>, reversing a decision by a panel of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/appeals-court-stays-vaccine-mandate-coronavirus-biden-b235b6fa858bd23b02ab5f9c009428db">judges in the New Orleans-based 5th circuit.&nbsp;</a>The legal challenges originally were filed in various U.S. appeals courts. The cases subsequently were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-business-health-62a918becbcd80a77fbc12ca56dd14ad">consolidated&nbsp;</a>into the Cincinnati-based 6th circuit, which was selected at random.

What’s next: Republican attorneys general, business associations and several conservative groups immediately appealed the 6th circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. In the meantime,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-osha-vaccine-mandate-penalties-start-d954620afc75367dff53ebac03972248">OSHA announced&nbsp;</a>that it would not issue citations before Jan. 10 for its vaccination mandate or before Feb. 9 for its testing requirement to give employers time to adjust.

What it would do: Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-issues-emergency-regulation-requiring-covid-19-vaccination-health-care" target="_blank">a rule published by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid</a>&nbsp;on Nov. 5, a wide range of health care providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding were to require workers to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 6 and be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4. The rule would affect more than 17 million workers in about 76,000 health care facilities and home health care providers.

Who’s challenging it: The rule was challenged in four separate lawsuits filed by Republican-led states, mostly in groups. Florida and Texas mounted their own challenges. The states argued that there were no grounds for an emergency rule, that CMS had no clear legal authority to issue the mandate and that the rule infringes on states’ responsibilities.

Where it stands: The rule is on hold nationally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-new-orleans-17a164134a3ea6a615f1ac12a288b6f5">but a ruling Dec. 15</a>&nbsp;gives it the possibility of moving ahead in about half the states.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e710c221e0648cfa24346c36e60e6ae9" target="_blank">A Missouri-based federal judge issued a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;Nov. 29 barring its enforcement in 10 states that had originally sued. The next day, a Louisiana-based federal judge issued a preliminary injunction barring enforcement in the rest of the states. But on Dec. 15, that was narrowed to the 14 suing in that court. And on Dec. 15, a federal judge in Texas granted an injunction that applies only to that state. After the decisions, there is a possibility the mandate could be enforced in 25 states where no injunction is in place. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid have not said whether they will pursue that path.

What’s next: The court rulings are being appealed by the Biden administration. On Dec. 16&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-health-religion-d2ca59dcbd3942ba59bff977cb35b4be">the administration asked the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to block the lower court orders that are keeping the mandate from going into effect in about half of the states. The case filed in Missouri is being considered by the St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The case filed in Louisiana, which was brought by a coalition of 14 states, is being considered by the 5th Circuit. So far, there’s been no move to consolidate the challenges in a single court.

What would it do: Under an executive order issued by Biden on Sept. 9, contractors and subcontractors for the federal government are required to comply with workplace safety guidelines developed by a federal task force. That task force&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/downloads/Guidance%20for%20Federal%20Contractors_Safer%20Federal%20Workforce%20Task%20Force_20211110.pdf" target="_blank">subsequently issued guidelines</a>&nbsp;requiring that new, renewed or extended contracts include a clause requiring employees to be fully vaccinated Jan. 18. That meant those receiving a two-dose vaccine must get their second shot by Jan. 4. There are limited exceptions for medical or religions reasons. The requirements could apply to millions of employees.

Who’s challenging it: The guidelines have been challenged through more than a dozen lawsuits, including seven brought by Republican-led states or coalitions of states. The arguments are similar to those against other vaccine mandates, asserting the Biden administration exceeded the procurement rule-making powers granted by Congress, infringed on states’ responsibilities and didn’t properly gather public comment.

Where it stands: The rule is on hold. A federal judge in Georgia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-augusta-684571e6fb81014caed440c66e2b7fa2">issued a ruling Dec. 7</a>&nbsp;prohibiting enforcement of the requirement for contractors nationally. The ruling came a week after a judge in Kentucky barred enforcement of the requirement in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

What’s next: Legal challenges pending in several other states could lead to additional rulings on requests for injunctions. The Kentucky or Georgia rulings also could be appealed.

A quick consolidation of the federal contractor lawsuits appears unlikely.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/11/1637084886815.png" alt="Separate Biden administration vaccine mandates for federal government employees and the military remain in effect, as do mask requirements for airline passengers and people using public transportation-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Separate Biden administration vaccine mandates for federal government employees and the military remain in effect, as do mask requirements for airline passengers and people using public transportation-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>By DAVID A. LIEB and GEOFF MULVIHILL, Associated PressTens of millions of workers across the U.S. are in limbo as federal courts have issued different rulings related to President Joe Biden’s COVID-19 vaccine mandates for larger private companies, certain health care workers and federal government contractors.A federal appeals court panel has allowed a vaccine requirement for employers with 100 or more workers, although Republican attorneys general, business associations and conservative groups have appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. A vaccine mandate for companies that have contracts with the federal government is on hold nationwide, while a separate mandate for health care employees who work for providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding has been blocked in half the states.The courts are responding to lawsuits brought by Republican-led states, conservative groups and some businesses. They argue in part that the vaccine requirements infringe on states’ rights to regulate public health matters. Numerous legal challenges are pending, some involving groups of states and others filed by states acting alone.Separate Biden administration vaccine mandates for federal government employees and the military remain in effect, as do mask requirements for airline passengers and people using public transportation.The legal cases concern whether the federal government can force employers to require vaccinations. Courts have generally been accepting of requirements that businesses and universities have put in place on their own — as well as those imposed by state and local governments.<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-people-onedose-pop-5yr" target="_blank">More than four-fifths of adults nationwide already have received at least one dose&nbsp;</a>of a COVID-19 vaccine. But Biden contends his various workforce vaccine mandates are an important step to drive up vaccination rates and contain the virus outbreak, which has killed more than 800,000 people in the U.S.Opponents have taken a three-tiered approach to challenging the requirements. In lawsuits, they contend the vaccine mandates were imposed without proper public comment, were not authorized by Congress and infringe on states’ rights to regulate public health matters.“The reasoning across the cases is basically the same, which is that these statutes don’t give the president or the agency in question the authority to issue the mandates,” said Gregory Magarian, a constitutional law professor at Washington University in St. Louis.The Biden administration contends its rule-making authority is firm and supersedes any state policies prohibiting vaccine requirements. Recent experience shows that such mandates generally prompt people to get vaccinated: By the time a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-lifestyle-health-business-travel-99b820492135ceeaf23e51b834d6ab79">Biden requirement for federal workers to be vaccinated&nbsp;</a>took effect in late November, 92% had received at least their first dose of the shot.Following is a rundown of some of Biden’s most sweeping vaccine requirements and the status of the legal fights over them.LARGE BUSINESS MANDATEWhat it would do: Under&nbsp;<a href="https://public-inspection.federalregister.gov/2021-23643.pdf" target="_blank">a rule published by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration&nbsp;</a>on Nov. 5, businesses with 100 or more workers are to require employees to be vaccinated. If they are not, they would need to be tested weekly and wear masks while working, with exceptions for those who work alone or mostly outdoors. The rule was to go into effect Jan. 4. The requirement would affect businesses with a cumulative 84 million employees, and OSHA projected it could save 6,500 lives and prevent 250,000 hospitalizations over six months.Who’s challenging it: The requirement is being challenged by 27 Republican-led state governments, some conservative and business groups, and some individual businesses. The states mostly filed lawsuits in groups, though Indiana challenged it alone. Their arguments include that it’s the job of states, not the federal government, to deal with public health measures. The Biden administration maintains that the measure is legal. Some labor unions also contested the rule, though not for the same reasons as the Republicans and business group. They say it doesn’t go far enough to protect workers.Where it stands: The OSHA rule is allowed to take effect, at least for now. On Dec. 17,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-880d2052bb4127fb40bcaaca98514753">a three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals allowed the mandate</a>, reversing a decision by a panel of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/appeals-court-stays-vaccine-mandate-coronavirus-biden-b235b6fa858bd23b02ab5f9c009428db">judges in the New Orleans-based 5th circuit.&nbsp;</a>The legal challenges originally were filed in various U.S. appeals courts. The cases subsequently were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-business-health-62a918becbcd80a77fbc12ca56dd14ad">consolidated&nbsp;</a>into the Cincinnati-based 6th circuit, which was selected at random.What’s next: Republican attorneys general, business associations and several conservative groups immediately appealed the 6th circuit ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court. In the meantime,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/when-do-osha-vaccine-mandate-penalties-start-d954620afc75367dff53ebac03972248">OSHA announced&nbsp;</a>that it would not issue citations before Jan. 10 for its vaccination mandate or before Feb. 9 for its testing requirement to give employers time to adjust.HEALTH WORKER MANDATEWhat it would do: Under&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-issues-emergency-regulation-requiring-covid-19-vaccination-health-care" target="_blank">a rule published by the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid</a>&nbsp;on Nov. 5, a wide range of health care providers that receive federal Medicare or Medicaid funding were to require workers to receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine by Dec. 6 and be fully vaccinated by Jan. 4. The rule would affect more than 17 million workers in about 76,000 health care facilities and home health care providers.Who’s challenging it: The rule was challenged in four separate lawsuits filed by Republican-led states, mostly in groups. Florida and Texas mounted their own challenges. The states argued that there were no grounds for an emergency rule, that CMS had no clear legal authority to issue the mandate and that the rule infringes on states’ responsibilities.Where it stands: The rule is on hold nationally,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-business-health-new-orleans-17a164134a3ea6a615f1ac12a288b6f5">but a ruling Dec. 15</a>&nbsp;gives it the possibility of moving ahead in about half the states.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/e710c221e0648cfa24346c36e60e6ae9" target="_blank">A Missouri-based federal judge issued a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;Nov. 29 barring its enforcement in 10 states that had originally sued. The next day, a Louisiana-based federal judge issued a preliminary injunction barring enforcement in the rest of the states. But on Dec. 15, that was narrowed to the 14 suing in that court. And on Dec. 15, a federal judge in Texas granted an injunction that applies only to that state. After the decisions, there is a possibility the mandate could be enforced in 25 states where no injunction is in place. The Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid have not said whether they will pursue that path.What’s next: The court rulings are being appealed by the Biden administration. On Dec. 16&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-us-supreme-court-health-religion-d2ca59dcbd3942ba59bff977cb35b4be">the administration asked the Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;to block the lower court orders that are keeping the mandate from going into effect in about half of the states. The case filed in Missouri is being considered by the St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The case filed in Louisiana, which was brought by a coalition of 14 states, is being considered by the 5th Circuit. So far, there’s been no move to consolidate the challenges in a single court.FEDERAL CONTRACTOR MANDATEWhat would it do: Under an executive order issued by Biden on Sept. 9, contractors and subcontractors for the federal government are required to comply with workplace safety guidelines developed by a federal task force. That task force&nbsp;<a href="https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/downloads/Guidance%20for%20Federal%20Contractors_Safer%20Federal%20Workforce%20Task%20Force_20211110.pdf" target="_blank">subsequently issued guidelines</a>&nbsp;requiring that new, renewed or extended contracts include a clause requiring employees to be fully vaccinated Jan. 18. That meant those receiving a two-dose vaccine must get their second shot by Jan. 4. There are limited exceptions for medical or religions reasons. The requirements could apply to millions of employees.Who’s challenging it: The guidelines have been challenged through more than a dozen lawsuits, including seven brought by Republican-led states or coalitions of states. The arguments are similar to those against other vaccine mandates, asserting the Biden administration exceeded the procurement rule-making powers granted by Congress, infringed on states’ responsibilities and didn’t properly gather public comment.Where it stands: The rule is on hold. A federal judge in Georgia&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-augusta-684571e6fb81014caed440c66e2b7fa2">issued a ruling Dec. 7</a>&nbsp;prohibiting enforcement of the requirement for contractors nationally. The ruling came a week after a judge in Kentucky barred enforcement of the requirement in Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.What’s next: Legal challenges pending in several other states could lead to additional rulings on requests for injunctions. The Kentucky or Georgia rulings also could be appealed.A quick consolidation of the federal contractor lawsuits appears unlikely.

After court ruling, workers more confused on vaccine mandates

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in the drive-by shooting at a home in Wichita that critically injured an 11-year-old girl&nbsp;is scheduled to return to court Monday for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's office.

Byron Purcell, 25 of Wichita, is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the District Attorney's office.

On Oct. 14, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18777609">Purcell</a>.&nbsp;He is accused of being the gunman in a shooting that happened early Oct. 12 in a Wichita neighborhood in which bullets hit a house.

Police say an<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">&nbsp;11-year-old girl </a>was in the house and asleep in her bed when she was hit by the gunfire. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police say four other people in the home at the time of the shooting were not injured.

Purcell remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.

Since Nov. 2017 Purcell was in one of several Kansas prisons following three convictions for aggravated  robbery. The state also reported Purcell had over  two dozen disciplinary violation during his time in prison. He was released in June, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634298594579.png" alt="Purcell photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Purcell photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man accused in the drive-by shooting at a home in Wichita that critically injured an 11-year-old girl&nbsp;is scheduled to return to court Monday for an arraignment hearing, according to the Sedgwick Co. District Attorney's office.Byron Purcell, 25 of Wichita, is charged with criminal discharge of a firearm, aggravated battery, and criminal possession of a weapon by a convicted felon, according to the District Attorney's office.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634162750977.png" alt="Image of the suspect vehicle driving by the home Oct. 12-Wichita Police" />
 <figcaption>Image of the suspect vehicle driving by the home Oct. 12-Wichita Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On Oct. 14, police arrested <a href="https://ssc.sedgwickcounty.org/sheriffinmates/SheriffInmateDetail.aspx?nameId=18777609">Purcell</a>.&nbsp;He is accused of being the gunman in a shooting that happened early Oct. 12 in a Wichita neighborhood in which bullets hit a house.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/10/1634171148198.png" alt="A cousin established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">GoFundMe page </a>to help the girl's family with medical expenses.&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>A cousin established a <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">GoFundMe page </a>to help the girl's family with medical expenses.&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure> Police say an<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/victim-of-shooting-family-needs-help?member=14541373&amp;sharetype=teams&amp;utm_campaign=p_na+share-sheet&amp;utm_medium=more&amp;utm_source=customer">&nbsp;11-year-old girl </a>was in the house and asleep in her bed when she was hit by the gunfire. She was taken to a hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening. Police say four other people in the home at the time of the shooting were not injured.Purcell remains jailed on a $250,000 bond, according to the district attorney's office.Since Nov. 2017 Purcell was in one of several Kansas prisons following three convictions for aggravated robbery. The state also reported Purcell had over two dozen disciplinary violation during his time in prison. He was released in June, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.---------

Suspect in drive-by shooting of Kan. girl due back in court

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said Sunday he cannot back his party’s signature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-health-congress-44c43fab00aa95a268a2cba420713d22">$2 trillion social and environment bill,</a>&nbsp;dealing a potentially fatal blow to President Joe Biden’s leading domestic initiative heading into an election year when Democrats’ narrow hold on Congress was already in peril.

Manchin told “Fox News Sunday” that after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-environment-wv-state-wire-joe-manchin-316cb4a4919960cabae88d1e965d3f97">five-and-half months of negotiations</a>&nbsp;among Democrats in which he was his party’s chief obstacle to passage, “I cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation. I just can’t. I’ve tried everything humanly possible. I can’t get there.”

Manchin’s choice of words seemed to crack the door open to continued talks with Biden and top congressional Democrats over reshaping the legislation. But the West Virginia senator all but said the bill would die unless it met his demands for a smaller, less sweeping package — something that would be hard for many Democrats in the narrowly divided Congress to accept.

The bill would provide hundreds of billions of dollars to help millions of families with children by extending a more generous child tax credit, creating free preschool and bolstering child care aid. There is more than $500 billion for tax breaks and spending aimed at curbing carbon emissions, which experts consider the largest federal expenditure ever to combat climate change.

Other provisions would limit prescription drug price increases, create hearing benefits for Medicare recipients and bolster aid for the elderly, housing and job training. Nearly all of it would be paid for with higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations.

In an unusually hardball response to a lawmaker whose vote is crucial in the 50-50 Senate, White House press secretary Jen Psaki called Manchin’s announcement “a sudden and inexplicable reversal in his position” and “a breach of his commitments” to Biden and congressional Democrats. She pointedly said that Manchin, whose state is among the nation’s poorest, “will have to explain” why many families will have to cope with higher health and child care costs the bill is intended to address.

Psaki said in a statement that Manchin had “in person” given Biden a written proposal last Tuesday that was “the same size and scope” of a framework for the bill that Democrats rallied behind in October, and agreed he’d continue talks. That framework had a 10-year cost of $1.85 trillion. Officials hadn’t previously disclosed that Tuesday meeting.

“We will continue to. press him to see if he will reverse his position yet again, to honor his prior commitments and be true to his word,” Psaki said.

A Manchin aide gave the White House about a 20-minute notice before the lawmaker announced his position on national television, said a person familiar with the senator’s actions who described them only on condition of anonymity.

The legislation’s collapse would deepen bitter ideological divisions between progressive and moderate Democrats. That would imperil the party’s ability to get behind any substantial legislation before the November congressional elections, when their control of Congress seems in doubt. And it would add a note of chaos just as Democrats need to demonstrate accomplishments and show a united front to voters.

Manchin’s declaration was a stunning repudiation of Biden’s and his party’s top goal, and its delivery — a last-minute heads up from a staffer — seemed little short of a slap in the face to Biden. A rejection of the legislation has been seen by many as unthinkable because of the political damage it could inflict on Democrats.

It is rare for a member of a president’s own party to administer a fatal blow to their paramount legislative objective. Manchin’s decision called to mind the famous thumbs-down vote by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that killed President Donald Trump’s 2017 effort to repeal the health care law enacted under President Barack Obama.

Manchin’s comments, as Congress was on a holiday recess, drew fury from Democratic colleagues he already has enraged and frustrated for months. Other problems have arisen, caused by another moderate Democrat, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, and bickering between progressives and centrists, but none has approached the magnitude of Manchin’s stands.

Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said in a written statement that if Manchin wants to oppose the legislation, “He should have the opportunity to do so with a floor vote as soon as the Senate returns.” Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, a leader of House progressives, said Manchin can no longer say “he is a man of his word.”

Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said it would be “extremely disappointing” to abandon top priorities but that a package helping families, containing health care costs and creating clean energy jobs “would go a long way toward addressing our challenges.”

Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., reiterated moderates’ desire to see the bill refocused on fewer programs. “Failure is not an option,” she said.

South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, had spent weeks trying to turn Manchin against the bill by saying it was too expensive. “I very much appreciate” Manchin’s opposition, Graham said.

Manchin said he was opposing the 10-year, roughly $2 trillion bill because of his concerns about inflation, growing federal debt and a need to focus on the omicron COVID-19 variant. He accused Democrats in a written statement later of trying to “dramatically reshape our society in a way that leaves our country even more vulnerable to the threats we face,” seemingly delineating an ideological gap between himself and his party.

He also wants the bill’s initiatives to last the measure’s full 10-year duration. Democrats made many of them temporary to limit the bill’s cost, which Manchin says is misleading.

The bill’s extension of enhanced child tax credit benefits, including monthly checks to millions of families, would only be extended one year. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected the credit’s full 10-year cost at $1.6 trillion, nearly the size of the entire package Manchin says he’d accept. To fit, any compromise would likely have to reduce the tax credit’s benefits and deeply cut many other proposals.

Democrats dismiss Manchin’s assertions that the bill would fuel inflation and worsen budget deficits.

They say its annual spending would be a tiny percentage of the country’s $23 trillion economy and have little impact on prices. Its job training, education and other initiatives would spur economic growth and curb inflation long-term, they say.

Democrats note that CBO estimated the bill’s savings would leave it adding $200 billion to federal deficits over the coming decade, small compared to the $12 trillion in red ink already projected.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/12/1608550263779.png" alt="It is rare for a member of a president’s own party to administer a fatal blow to their paramount legislative objective-photo courtesy Architect of the Capitol" />
 <figcaption>It is rare for a member of a president’s own party to administer a fatal blow to their paramount legislative objective-photo courtesy Architect of the Capitol</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said Sunday he cannot back his party’s signature&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/climate-joe-biden-business-health-congress-44c43fab00aa95a268a2cba420713d22">$2 trillion social and environment bill,</a>&nbsp;dealing a potentially fatal blow to President Joe Biden’s leading domestic initiative heading into an election year when Democrats’ narrow hold on Congress was already in peril.Manchin told “Fox News Sunday” that after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-business-environment-wv-state-wire-joe-manchin-316cb4a4919960cabae88d1e965d3f97">five-and-half months of negotiations</a>&nbsp;among Democrats in which he was his party’s chief obstacle to passage, “I cannot vote to continue with this piece of legislation. I just can’t. I’ve tried everything humanly possible. I can’t get there.”Manchin’s choice of words seemed to crack the door open to continued talks with Biden and top congressional Democrats over reshaping the legislation. But the West Virginia senator all but said the bill would die unless it met his demands for a smaller, less sweeping package — something that would be hard for many Democrats in the narrowly divided Congress to accept.The bill would provide hundreds of billions of dollars to help millions of families with children by extending a more generous child tax credit, creating free preschool and bolstering child care aid. There is more than $500 billion for tax breaks and spending aimed at curbing carbon emissions, which experts consider the largest federal expenditure ever to combat climate change.Other provisions would limit prescription drug price increases, create hearing benefits for Medicare recipients and bolster aid for the elderly, housing and job training. Nearly all of it would be paid for with higher taxes on the wealthy and large corporations.In an unusually hardball response to a lawmaker whose vote is crucial in the 50-50 Senate, White House press secretary Jen Psaki called Manchin’s announcement “a sudden and inexplicable reversal in his position” and “a breach of his commitments” to Biden and congressional Democrats. She pointedly said that Manchin, whose state is among the nation’s poorest, “will have to explain” why many families will have to cope with higher health and child care costs the bill is intended to address.Psaki said in a statement that Manchin had “in person” given Biden a written proposal last Tuesday that was “the same size and scope” of a framework for the bill that Democrats rallied behind in October, and agreed he’d continue talks. That framework had a 10-year cost of $1.85 trillion. Officials hadn’t previously disclosed that Tuesday meeting.“We will continue to. press him to see if he will reverse his position yet again, to honor his prior commitments and be true to his word,” Psaki said.A Manchin aide gave the White House about a 20-minute notice before the lawmaker announced his position on national television, said a person familiar with the senator’s actions who described them only on condition of anonymity.The legislation’s collapse would deepen bitter ideological divisions between progressive and moderate Democrats. That would imperil the party’s ability to get behind any substantial legislation before the November congressional elections, when their control of Congress seems in doubt. And it would add a note of chaos just as Democrats need to demonstrate accomplishments and show a united front to voters.Manchin’s declaration was a stunning repudiation of Biden’s and his party’s top goal, and its delivery — a last-minute heads up from a staffer — seemed little short of a slap in the face to Biden. A rejection of the legislation has been seen by many as unthinkable because of the political damage it could inflict on Democrats.It is rare for a member of a president’s own party to administer a fatal blow to their paramount legislative objective. Manchin’s decision called to mind the famous thumbs-down vote by Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., that killed President Donald Trump’s 2017 effort to repeal the health care law enacted under President Barack Obama.Manchin’s comments, as Congress was on a holiday recess, drew fury from Democratic colleagues he already has enraged and frustrated for months. Other problems have arisen, caused by another moderate Democrat, Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, and bickering between progressives and centrists, but none has approached the magnitude of Manchin’s stands.Senate Budget Committee Chairman Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said in a written statement that if Manchin wants to oppose the legislation, “He should have the opportunity to do so with a floor vote as soon as the Senate returns.” Rep. Pramila Jayapal of Washington state, a leader of House progressives, said Manchin can no longer say “he is a man of his word.”Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said it would be “extremely disappointing” to abandon top priorities but that a package helping families, containing health care costs and creating clean energy jobs “would go a long way toward addressing our challenges.”Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., reiterated moderates’ desire to see the bill refocused on fewer programs. “Failure is not an option,” she said.South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee, had spent weeks trying to turn Manchin against the bill by saying it was too expensive. “I very much appreciate” Manchin’s opposition, Graham said.Manchin said he was opposing the 10-year, roughly $2 trillion bill because of his concerns about inflation, growing federal debt and a need to focus on the omicron COVID-19 variant. He accused Democrats in a written statement later of trying to “dramatically reshape our society in a way that leaves our country even more vulnerable to the threats we face,” seemingly delineating an ideological gap between himself and his party.He also wants the bill’s initiatives to last the measure’s full 10-year duration. Democrats made many of them temporary to limit the bill’s cost, which Manchin says is misleading.The bill’s extension of enhanced child tax credit benefits, including monthly checks to millions of families, would only be extended one year. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office projected the credit’s full 10-year cost at $1.6 trillion, nearly the size of the entire package Manchin says he’d accept. To fit, any compromise would likely have to reduce the tax credit’s benefits and deeply cut many other proposals.Democrats dismiss Manchin’s assertions that the bill would fuel inflation and worsen budget deficits.They say its annual spending would be a tiny percentage of the country’s $23 trillion economy and have little impact on prices. Its job training, education and other initiatives would spur economic growth and curb inflation long-term, they say.Democrats note that CBO estimated the bill’s savings would leave it adding $200 billion to federal deficits over the coming decade, small compared to the $12 trillion in red ink already projected.

President won't get his $2 trillion spending plan for Christmas

Visit&nbsp;Jonathan Petramala's page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1896149283930704/user/100050660641565/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <iframe width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ifv6z07m2FE"></iframe>
 <figcaption>Courtesy of Jonathan Petramala</figcaption>
 </figure>Visit&nbsp;Jonathan Petramala's page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1896149283930704/user/100050660641565/">HERE</a>.&nbsp;

🎥 Freelance journalist spotlights tragedy in NW Kansas

🎥Freelance journalist spotlights tragedy in NW Kansas

KANSAS CITY —A judge on Friday sentenced a 61-year-old Kansas City-area man to consecutive life sentences for the fatal May 2018 road rage incident, the stabbing of Cody M. Harter on an interstate roadside in Lee's Summit, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

In August, a jury convicted Nicholas M. Webb, 62, Pleasant Hill, of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges. On Friday, a Jackson County judge on Friday sentenced Webb to life in prison for the Murder 2nd Degree conviction and life in prison on the Armed Criminal Action conviction. He set those sentences to run consecutively..&nbsp;

According to court records, Lee's Summit Police officers responded to Interstate 470 in the area of Colbern Road on a reported man on the ground. They found the victim with a large wound. The victim's vehicle was still at the scene. Witnesses and surveillance video of the victim's and the suspect's vehicles led police to the suspect. 

Lee's Summit police took the defendant into custody. The defendant told police he had exchanged words with driver of a truck and acknowledged getting out of his vehicle. He also stated the victim looked familiar. Lee's Summit police also found that Webb had been arrested in Liberty on the same day as the homicide. Information from that arrest showed Webb had a knife in his pants pocket.

As an Air National Guardsman, Harter had served in Iraq and Qatar and helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628246838266.png" alt="Webb-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>Webb-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A judge on Friday sentenced a 61-year-old Kansas City-area man to consecutive life sentences for the fatal May 2018 road rage incident, the stabbing of Cody M. Harter on an interstate roadside in Lee's Summit, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.In August, a jury convicted Nicholas M. Webb, 62, Pleasant Hill, of Murder 2nd Degree and Armed Criminal Action charges. On Friday, a Jackson County judge on Friday sentenced Webb to life in prison for the Murder 2nd Degree conviction and life in prison on the Armed Criminal Action conviction. He set those sentences to run consecutively..&nbsp;According to court records, Lee's Summit Police officers responded to Interstate 470 in the area of Colbern Road on a reported man on the ground. They found the victim with a large wound. The victim's vehicle was still at the scene. Witnesses and surveillance video of the victim's and the suspect's vehicles led police to the suspect. Lee's Summit police took the defendant into custody. The defendant told police he had exchanged words with driver of a truck and acknowledged getting out of his vehicle. He also stated the victim looked familiar. Lee's Summit police also found that Webb had been arrested in Liberty on the same day as the homicide. Information from that arrest showed Webb had a knife in his pants pocket.As an Air National Guardsman, Harter had served in Iraq and Qatar and helped with hurricane relief in Houston and Puerto Rico.

Man sentenced for KC-area road-rage killing of National Guardsman

WASHINGTON (AP) — As strained U.S. hospitals brace for a new surge of COVID-19 cases caused by the fast-spreading omicron variant, doctors are warning of yet another challenge: the two standard drugs they’ve used to fight infections are unlikely to work against the new strain.

For more than a year antibody drugs from Regeneron and Eli Lilly have been the go-to treatments for early COVID-19, thanks to their ability to head off severe disease and keep patients out of the hospital.

But both drugmakers recently warned that laboratory testing suggests their therapies will be much less potent against omicron, which contains dozens of mutations that make it harder for antibodies to attack the virus. And while the companies say they can quickly develop new omicron-targeting antibodies, those aren’t expected to launch for at least several months.

A third antibody from British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline appears to be the best positioned to fight omicron. But Glaxo’s drug is not widely available in the U.S., accounting for a small portion of the millions of doses purchased and distributed by the federal government. U.S. health officials are now rationing scarce drug supplies to states.

“I think there’s going to be a shortage,” said Dr. Jonathan Li, director of the Harvard/Brigham Virology Specialty Laboratory. “We’re down to one FDA-authorized monoclonal antibody” with omicron because of the reduced effectiveness of Regeneron and Lilly’s drugs.

The delta variant still accounts for more than 95% of estimated U.S. cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But agency leaders say omicron is spreading faster than any past variant and will become the dominant strain nationwide within weeks.

Delivered by injection or infusion, antibodies are laboratory-made versions of human proteins that help the immune system fight off viruses and other infections.

Glaxo’s drug, developed with Vir Biotechnology, was specifically formulated to bind to a part of the virus that is less likely to mutate, according to the companies. Early studies of laboratory-simulated omicron by the drugmakers and outside researchers show promising results.

Supply of the drug is “extremely limited, and additional doses of the product will not be available until the week of January 3rd,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in an statement posted online.

After pausing distribution last month to conserve supply, HHS is now shipping 55,000 doses of the drug, called sotrovimab, to state health departments, with the doses arriving as early as Tuesday. An additional 300,000 are expected in January.

The agency said it is distributing the drug to states based on their levels of infections and hospitalizations.

HHS recommends states conserve the drug for the highest risk patients who are most likely to have omicron infections, either based on laboratory testing that can identify the variant or elevated levels of omicron spread in local communities, identified as 20% and higher.

High-risk patients include seniors and those with serious health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and immune-system disorders.

Prior to the pause in shipments, Glaxo’s drug accounted for about 10% of the 1.8 million antibody doses distributed to state health officials between mid-September and late November, according to federal figures.

London-based Glaxo says it is on track to produce 2 million doses by May, under contracts with the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Japan and several other countries. The company is working to add more manufacturing capacity next year.

The loss of two leading antibody therapies puts even more focus on a pair of highly anticipated antiviral pills that U.S. regulators are expected to soon authorize.

The drugs from Pfizer and Merck would be the first treatments Americans can take at home to head off severe disease. Pfizer’s drug in particular has shown a powerful effect, curbing hospitalizations and deaths by nearly 90% in high-risk patients.

“If it’s rolled out effectively this has a real big potential,” to make up for antibody treatments, said Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University. “That’s an immediate place where these antivirals could minimize the impact of omicron.”

Still, initial supplies of both drugs are expected to be limited.

The shrinking toolbox of treatments is a painful reminder that the virus still has the upper hand in the U.S., even with more than 200 million Americans fully vaccinated.

Scientists around the world are racing to understand omicron, including whether it causes more or less severe disease and how easily it evades protection from prior infection, vaccination, and antibody drugs.

“We’re certainly going to see hospitalizations rise,” said Dr. James Cutrell of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “If we have a lack of antibodies that’s certainly going to contribute to that many more patients needing to be in the hospital.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/11/1606135921913.png" alt="Delivered by injection or infusion, antibodies are laboratory-made versions of human proteins that help the immune system fight off viruses and other infections.-Photo courtesy Regeneron" />
 <figcaption>Delivered by injection or infusion, antibodies are laboratory-made versions of human proteins that help the immune system fight off viruses and other infections.-Photo courtesy Regeneron</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — As strained U.S. hospitals brace for a new surge of COVID-19 cases caused by the fast-spreading omicron variant, doctors are warning of yet another challenge: the two standard drugs they’ve used to fight infections are unlikely to work against the new strain.For more than a year antibody drugs from Regeneron and Eli Lilly have been the go-to treatments for early COVID-19, thanks to their ability to head off severe disease and keep patients out of the hospital.But both drugmakers recently warned that laboratory testing suggests their therapies will be much less potent against omicron, which contains dozens of mutations that make it harder for antibodies to attack the virus. And while the companies say they can quickly develop new omicron-targeting antibodies, those aren’t expected to launch for at least several months.A third antibody from British drugmaker GlaxoSmithKline appears to be the best positioned to fight omicron. But Glaxo’s drug is not widely available in the U.S., accounting for a small portion of the millions of doses purchased and distributed by the federal government. U.S. health officials are now rationing scarce drug supplies to states.“I think there’s going to be a shortage,” said Dr. Jonathan Li, director of the Harvard/Brigham Virology Specialty Laboratory. “We’re down to one FDA-authorized monoclonal antibody” with omicron because of the reduced effectiveness of Regeneron and Lilly’s drugs.The delta variant still accounts for more than 95% of estimated U.S. cases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But agency leaders say omicron is spreading faster than any past variant and will become the dominant strain nationwide within weeks.Delivered by injection or infusion, antibodies are laboratory-made versions of human proteins that help the immune system fight off viruses and other infections.Glaxo’s drug, developed with Vir Biotechnology, was specifically formulated to bind to a part of the virus that is less likely to mutate, according to the companies. Early studies of laboratory-simulated omicron by the drugmakers and outside researchers show promising results.Supply of the drug is “extremely limited, and additional doses of the product will not be available until the week of January 3rd,” the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said in an statement posted online.After pausing distribution last month to conserve supply, HHS is now shipping 55,000 doses of the drug, called sotrovimab, to state health departments, with the doses arriving as early as Tuesday. An additional 300,000 are expected in January.The agency said it is distributing the drug to states based on their levels of infections and hospitalizations.HHS recommends states conserve the drug for the highest risk patients who are most likely to have omicron infections, either based on laboratory testing that can identify the variant or elevated levels of omicron spread in local communities, identified as 20% and higher.High-risk patients include seniors and those with serious health problems, such as obesity, heart disease, diabetes and immune-system disorders.Prior to the pause in shipments, Glaxo’s drug accounted for about 10% of the 1.8 million antibody doses distributed to state health officials between mid-September and late November, according to federal figures.London-based Glaxo says it is on track to produce 2 million doses by May, under contracts with the U.S., Canada, the U.K., Japan and several other countries. The company is working to add more manufacturing capacity next year.The loss of two leading antibody therapies puts even more focus on a pair of highly anticipated antiviral pills that U.S. regulators are expected to soon authorize.The drugs from Pfizer and Merck would be the first treatments Americans can take at home to head off severe disease. Pfizer’s drug in particular has shown a powerful effect, curbing hospitalizations and deaths by nearly 90% in high-risk patients.“If it’s rolled out effectively this has a real big potential,” to make up for antibody treatments, said Andrew Pekosz, a virologist at Johns Hopkins University. “That’s an immediate place where these antivirals could minimize the impact of omicron.”Still, initial supplies of both drugs are expected to be limited.The shrinking toolbox of treatments is a painful reminder that the virus still has the upper hand in the U.S., even with more than 200 million Americans fully vaccinated.Scientists around the world are racing to understand omicron, including whether it causes more or less severe disease and how easily it evades protection from prior infection, vaccination, and antibody drugs.“We’re certainly going to see hospitalizations rise,” said Dr. James Cutrell of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. “If we have a lack of antibodies that’s certainly going to contribute to that many more patients needing to be in the hospital.”

Omicron may sideline two leading drugs against COVID-19

KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of illegally possessing a firearm.

Jovell L. Swopes, 43, was found guilty on Dec. 15, of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.

Swopes sold 2.7 grams of marijuana to an undercover Kansas City police officer on July 31, 2019. He was pulled over afterward and placed under arrest. Officers searched the vehicle Swopes was driving and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber pistol on the front passenger seat. Officers found a Glock magazine that contained 21 .40-caliber rounds inside a fanny pack on the rear floorboard of the vehicle.

At the time of his arrest, Swopes was on supervised release after serving almost four years in federal prison for a conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. In addition to his prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Swopes has prior felony convictions for assault, armed criminal action, sale of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/10/1603057195468.png" alt="Swopes-photo KDOC" />
 <figcaption>Swopes-photo KDOC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY— A Kansas City man has been convicted by a federal trial jury of illegally possessing a firearm.Jovell L. Swopes, 43, was found guilty on Dec. 15, of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, according to the United State's Attorney.Swopes sold 2.7 grams of marijuana to an undercover Kansas City police officer on July 31, 2019. He was pulled over afterward and placed under arrest. Officers searched the vehicle Swopes was driving and found a loaded Glock .40-caliber pistol on the front passenger seat. Officers found a Glock magazine that contained 21 .40-caliber rounds inside a fanny pack on the rear floorboard of the vehicle.At the time of his arrest, Swopes was on supervised release after serving almost four years in federal prison for a conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, it is illegal for anyone who has been convicted of a felony to be in possession of any firearm or ammunition. In addition to his prior conviction for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Swopes has prior felony convictions for assault, armed criminal action, sale of a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance.Following the presentation of evidence, the jury in the U.S. District Court in Kansas City, Mo., deliberated for five hours before returning a guilty verdict on this count to U.S. District Judge Roseann Ketchmark, ending a trial that began Monday, Dec. 13.Under federal statutes, Swopes is subject to a maximum sentence of 10 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.