Millions of Americans were — for a time — eligible for student loan forgiveness, but a legal battle over the constitutionality of the Biden administration's plan put everything on hold.

Monday evening, the U.S. Department of Education pulled a mea culpa on emails sent in late November that told recipients they were approved for student loan forgiveness, citing a "vendor error."

Due to a vendor error, you recently received an email with a subject line indicating your application for the one-time Student Loan Debt Relief Plan had been approved. The subject line was inaccurate. The body of the previous email was accurate.&nbsp;

We have received your application but are not permitted to review your eligibility because of ongoing litigation. We will keep your application information and review your eligibility if and when we prevail in court.

We apologize for the confusion, and you do not need to take any further action at this time. We will keep you updated with any developments.

Millions of Americans were — for a time — eligible for student loan forgiveness, but a legal battle over the constitutionality of the Biden administration's plan put everything on hold.Monday evening, the U.S. Department of Education pulled a mea culpa on emails sent in late November that told recipients they were approved for student loan forgiveness, citing a "vendor error."-----The correction read:Due to a vendor error, you recently received an email with a subject line indicating your application for the one-time Student Loan Debt Relief Plan had been approved. The subject line was inaccurate. The body of the previous email was accurate.&nbsp;We have received your application but are not permitted to review your eligibility because of ongoing litigation. We will keep your application information and review your eligibility if and when we prevail in court.We apologize for the confusion, and you do not need to take any further action at this time. We will keep you updated with any developments.

U.S. Dept. of Ed issues correction to loan forgiveness email

By DYLAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-12/250-workers-deployed-to-the-keystone-pipeline-spill-in-kansas-but-the-end-to-cleanup-isnt-in-sight">Kansas News Service</a>

The largest inland oil spill in nearly a decade has prompted the 
owner of the Keystone pipeline to build an earthen dam three miles 
downstream from the release in an attempt to limit the contamination in 
north-central Kansas.

Canadian company TC Energy also said it’s 
deployed some 250 workers to limit the damage from the pipeline’s 
rupture last week and the release of 14,000 barrels worth of crude — 
enough sludge to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.

Meantime, federal regulators said it appears the oil has not fouled groundwater.

TC
 Energy says it’s unclear how long it will take to clean up the damage 
and remediate the soil in Washington County, just south of the Nebraska 
border.

On Monday, its workers further surveyed the damage and 
prepared for rainy weather in the forecast. The pipeline company said 
it’s also conducting air quality checks, but it has detected no reason 
for public health concerns.

The company said it will continue 
clean-up efforts at the site until it is completely remedied and the 
pipeline will not restart until regulators say it’s safe.

“The 
health and safety of onsite staff and personnel, the surrounding 
community, and mitigating risk to the environment is our primary focus 
right now,” TC Energy said on its website.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3eeb9a56-7c04-4a38-b0b7-0739d7358e02">Click HERE for drone footage of the spill site.</a>

The spill of roughly 580,000 gallons came with <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-08/keystone-pipeline-spills-in-kansas-dirtying-creek-and-causing-oil-prices-to-spike" target="_blank">pipeline rupture last week</a> that had residents waking up to an odor that smelled like petroleum.

Kellen
 Ashford, a spokesperson for the U.S. The Environmental Protection 
Agency, said Monday the cause of the rupture will be determined by crews
 from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which 
is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Officials for that 
agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Ashford said the EPA has no timeline for TC Energy’s remediation efforts.

The
 oil had made it about three miles downstream in Mill Creek but was 
contained within the dam waterway. No groundwater has been affected, 
Ashford said.

“The only water that has been impacted has been the 
surface water in the creek,” the EPA spokesperson said. “The drinking 
water has not been impacted by the pipeline rupture.”

The type of 
oil in the Keystone pipeline is sludgy and often sinks to the bottom of 
waterways – making it more difficult to clean than conventional crude 
oil. The pipeline carries oil from Canada to American refineries. It has
 previously leaked in South Dakota and North Dakota, CNN reported.

TC
 Energy had planned to build an additional pipeline called the Keystone 
XL, which sparked years of political debate, legal wrestling and 
protests — primarily generated by environmental groups worried that 
expanding fossil fuels infrastructure would hurt efforts to fight carbon
 emissions and slow climate change. President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/inauguration-day-live-updates/2021/01/20/958823085/biden-order-blocks-keystone-xl-pipeline" target="_blank">blocked the XL pipeline</a> immediately upon taking office.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670881926358.png" alt="A massive oil spill in north-central Kansas seeped into Mill Creek and traveled about three miles downstream. Clean up crews contained the spill with a dam about four miles downstream. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency" />
 <figcaption>A massive oil spill in north-central Kansas seeped into Mill Creek and traveled about three miles downstream. Clean up crews contained the spill with a dam about four miles downstream. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency</figcaption>
 </figure>By DYLAN LYSEN <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-12/250-workers-deployed-to-the-keystone-pipeline-spill-in-kansas-but-the-end-to-cleanup-isnt-in-sight">Kansas News Service</a>The largest inland oil spill in nearly a decade has prompted the 
owner of the Keystone pipeline to build an earthen dam three miles 
downstream from the release in an attempt to limit the contamination in 
north-central Kansas.Canadian company TC Energy also said it’s 
deployed some 250 workers to limit the damage from the pipeline’s 
rupture last week and the release of 14,000 barrels worth of crude — 
enough sludge to fill an Olympic-sized swimming pool.Meantime, federal regulators said it appears the oil has not fouled groundwater.TC
 Energy says it’s unclear how long it will take to clean up the damage 
and remediate the soil in Washington County, just south of the Nebraska 
border.On Monday, its workers further surveyed the damage and 
prepared for rainy weather in the forecast. The pipeline company said 
it’s also conducting air quality checks, but it has detected no reason 
for public health concerns.The company said it will continue 
clean-up efforts at the site until it is completely remedied and the 
pipeline will not restart until regulators say it’s safe.“The 
health and safety of onsite staff and personnel, the surrounding 
community, and mitigating risk to the environment is our primary focus 
right now,” TC Energy said on its website.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/3eeb9a56-7c04-4a38-b0b7-0739d7358e02">Click HERE for drone footage of the spill site.</a>The spill of roughly 580,000 gallons came with <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-08/keystone-pipeline-spills-in-kansas-dirtying-creek-and-causing-oil-prices-to-spike" target="_blank">pipeline rupture last week</a> that had residents waking up to an odor that smelled like petroleum.Kellen
 Ashford, a spokesperson for the U.S. The Environmental Protection 
Agency, said Monday the cause of the rupture will be determined by crews
 from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, which 
is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation. Officials for that 
agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment.Ashford said the EPA has no timeline for TC Energy’s remediation efforts.The
 oil had made it about three miles downstream in Mill Creek but was 
contained within the dam waterway. No groundwater has been affected, 
Ashford said.“The only water that has been impacted has been the 
surface water in the creek,” the EPA spokesperson said. “The drinking 
water has not been impacted by the pipeline rupture.”The type of 
oil in the Keystone pipeline is sludgy and often sinks to the bottom of 
waterways – making it more difficult to clean than conventional crude 
oil. The pipeline carries oil from Canada to American refineries. It has
 previously leaked in South Dakota and North Dakota, CNN reported.TC
 Energy had planned to build an additional pipeline called the Keystone 
XL, which sparked years of political debate, legal wrestling and 
protests — primarily generated by environmental groups worried that 
expanding fossil fuels infrastructure would hurt efforts to fight carbon
 emissions and slow climate change. President Joe Biden <a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/inauguration-day-live-updates/2021/01/20/958823085/biden-order-blocks-keystone-xl-pipeline" target="_blank">blocked the XL pipeline</a> immediately upon taking office.

250 deployed to Kan. pipeline spill; cleanup's end isn't in sight

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Chris Beard, who coached Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA championship game and was hired away by Texas with expectations he’d elevate his alma mater to the same elite level, was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge after a woman told police he strangled and bit her.

The school suspended Beard without pay “until further notice” and said assistant Rodney Terry would coach the No. 7 Longhorns against Rice on Monday night.

Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at the Travis County jail at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded. The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.

According to the arrest affidavit first reported by the Austin American-Statesman, the woman told police she is his fiance and they have been in a relationship for six years. She said they had been in an argument where she broke his glasses before he “just snapped on me and became super violent.”

According to the affidavit, the woman told police “he choked me, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around and going nuts.”

She told police Beard choked her from behind with his arm around her neck and she couldn’t breathe for about five seconds. Police say she she had a bite mark on her right arm and an abrasion to her right temple among other visible injuries.

When questioned by police, Beard said he had audio recordings of the incident that would show he was not the primary aggressor. But he refused to share them with officers, police said.

Beard went before a magistrate judge for his bond hearing, wearing jailhouse black-and-grey stripes and his hands cuffed in front at his waist. Beard was told he could communicate with the woman but not in a threatening manner, was ordered to stay 200 yards away from the residence where police were called and was told he is barred from possessing a firearm.

Beard nodded his head and answered “yes, sir” several times when addressing the judge. Jail records show Beard posted $10,000 bond. He didn’t answer questions when he left the jail with his attorney Perry Minton.

Minton declined comment but earlier told the American-Statesman the coach is innocent.

“He should never have been arrested,” Minton told the newspaper. “The complainant wants him released immediately and all charges dismissed. It is truly inconceivable.”

It wasn’t immediately known if the woman has an attorney. She was identified in the affidavit, but The Associated Press does not typically identify alleged victims of extreme violence without their consent.

“The university takes matters of interpersonal violence involving members of its community seriously,” the school said in announcing Beard’s suspension. It did not commit to Terry as the acting coach beyond Monday night. Terry was a head coach at UTEP (2018-21) and Fresno State (2011-18).

Beard is in his second season of a seven-year guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year. Before that, he was 112-55 in five seasons with the Red Raiders. He was named The Associated Press coach of the year in 2019 as he guided Texas Tech to a 31-7 finish and lost in an overtime thriller to Virginia in the national championship game.

His departure for Texas — a deal reached after a meeting with Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte that included a McDonald’s breakfast an hour’s drive north of Lubbock — left Texas Tech officials frustrated.

Beard said it was a difficult move, but he could not turn down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-texas-longhorns-mens-basketball-texas-tech-red-raiders-mens-basketball-chris-beard-texas-a65e56eee131de24a128b0f9f9cb4d2c">a chance to coach at his alma mater, where he was a student assistant three decades ago.</a>&nbsp;Earlier this year, he led Texas to a first-round victory over Virginia Tech that was the Longhorns’ first NCAA Tournament win since 2014.

Beard’s contract includes a provision under which he can be fired for cause for conduct the administration reasonably determines reflects poorly on the coach, program, school or university system. That includes being charged with a felony. University of Texas System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife did not return a message seeking comment.

Texas freshman guard Arterio Morris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-mens-college-basketball-chris-beard-fed29b4832f13e492868d779e3207406">faces a misdemeanor family violence charge stemming from a June arrest after an incident with a former girlfriend.</a>&nbsp;He faces a Wednesday court hearing in Denton County near Dallas.

Morris, a top national recruit, has been allowed to play this season despite the charge, and averages 17 minutes and 6.5 points per game. Morris’ attorney, Justin Moore, has said Moore is innocent of the assault charge.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge, according to Travis County Jail records.&nbsp;

Just after midnight, police responded to a 911 call for a disturbance at a home in the 1900 Block of Vista Lane, according to a media release from Austin Police. The caller reported the disturbance was no longer ongoing and one of the individuals had left the house.&nbsp;

Police responded and found a woman a woman who stated she had been assaulted and strangled by Chris Beard.

The county Sheriff’s Office said the 49-year-old Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking, in common terms.

The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison. The jail records showed Beard had not yet posted bond as of Monday morning and did not indicate when he would be making an initial court appearance. No attorney for him was listed.

“The university is aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard. We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process,” the school said in a statement.

The Longhorns (7-1), who have been ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 this season, host Rice on Monday night.

Beard is in his second season of a seven-year guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year. Before coming to Texas, he Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA Tournament championship game.

Texas freshman guard Arterio Morris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-mens-college-basketball-chris-beard-fed29b4832f13e492868d779e3207406">also faces a misdemeanor family violence charge stemming from a June arrest after an incident with a former girlfriend</a>&nbsp;and faces a Wednesday court hearing in Denton County near Dallas.

Morris was a top national recruit out of Dallas and has been allowed to play this season despite the charge, and averages 17 minutes and 6.5 points per game. Morris’ attorney Justin Moore has said Moore is innocent of the assault charge.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670872672542.png" alt="Beard-photo Travis County" />
 <figcaption>Beard-photo Travis County</figcaption>
 </figure>AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Chris Beard, who coached Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA championship game and was hired away by Texas with expectations he’d elevate his alma mater to the same elite level, was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge after a woman told police he strangled and bit her.The school suspended Beard without pay “until further notice” and said assistant Rodney Terry would coach the No. 7 Longhorns against Rice on Monday night.Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at the Travis County jail at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded. The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison.According to the arrest affidavit first reported by the Austin American-Statesman, the woman told police she is his fiance and they have been in a relationship for six years. She said they had been in an argument where she broke his glasses before he “just snapped on me and became super violent.”According to the affidavit, the woman told police “he choked me, bit me, bruises all over my leg, throwing me around and going nuts.”She told police Beard choked her from behind with his arm around her neck and she couldn’t breathe for about five seconds. Police say she she had a bite mark on her right arm and an abrasion to her right temple among other visible injuries.When questioned by police, Beard said he had audio recordings of the incident that would show he was not the primary aggressor. But he refused to share them with officers, police said.Beard went before a magistrate judge for his bond hearing, wearing jailhouse black-and-grey stripes and his hands cuffed in front at his waist. Beard was told he could communicate with the woman but not in a threatening manner, was ordered to stay 200 yards away from the residence where police were called and was told he is barred from possessing a firearm.Beard nodded his head and answered “yes, sir” several times when addressing the judge. Jail records show Beard posted $10,000 bond. He didn’t answer questions when he left the jail with his attorney Perry Minton.Minton declined comment but earlier told the American-Statesman the coach is innocent.“He should never have been arrested,” Minton told the newspaper. “The complainant wants him released immediately and all charges dismissed. It is truly inconceivable.”It wasn’t immediately known if the woman has an attorney. She was identified in the affidavit, but The Associated Press does not typically identify alleged victims of extreme violence without their consent.“The university takes matters of interpersonal violence involving members of its community seriously,” the school said in announcing Beard’s suspension. It did not commit to Terry as the acting coach beyond Monday night. Terry was a head coach at UTEP (2018-21) and Fresno State (2011-18).Beard is in his second season of a seven-year guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year. Before that, he was 112-55 in five seasons with the Red Raiders. He was named The Associated Press coach of the year in 2019 as he guided Texas Tech to a 31-7 finish and lost in an overtime thriller to Virginia in the national championship game.His departure for Texas — a deal reached after a meeting with Texas athletic director Chris Del Conte that included a McDonald’s breakfast an hour’s drive north of Lubbock — left Texas Tech officials frustrated.Beard said it was a difficult move, but he could not turn down&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/basketball-texas-longhorns-mens-basketball-texas-tech-red-raiders-mens-basketball-chris-beard-texas-a65e56eee131de24a128b0f9f9cb4d2c">a chance to coach at his alma mater, where he was a student assistant three decades ago.</a>&nbsp;Earlier this year, he led Texas to a first-round victory over Virginia Tech that was the Longhorns’ first NCAA Tournament win since 2014.Beard’s contract includes a provision under which he can be fired for cause for conduct the administration reasonably determines reflects poorly on the coach, program, school or university system. That includes being charged with a felony. University of Texas System Board of Regents Chairman Kevin Eltife did not return a message seeking comment.Texas freshman guard Arterio Morris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-mens-college-basketball-chris-beard-fed29b4832f13e492868d779e3207406">faces a misdemeanor family violence charge stemming from a June arrest after an incident with a former girlfriend.</a>&nbsp;He faces a Wednesday court hearing in Denton County near Dallas.Morris, a top national recruit, has been allowed to play this season despite the charge, and averages 17 minutes and 6.5 points per game. Morris’ attorney, Justin Moore, has said Moore is innocent of the assault charge.-------------AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas men’s basketball coach Chris Beard was arrested early Monday on a felony family violence charge, according to Travis County Jail records.&nbsp;Just after midnight, police responded to a 911 call for a disturbance at a home in the 1900 Block of Vista Lane, according to a media release from Austin Police. The caller reported the disturbance was no longer ongoing and one of the individuals had left the house.&nbsp;Police responded and found a woman a woman who stated she had been assaulted and strangled by Chris Beard.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670863360648.png" alt="Travis County jail records" />
 <figcaption>Travis County jail records</figcaption>
 </figure>The county Sheriff’s Office said the 49-year-old Beard was arrested by Austin police and booked at 4:18 a.m. on a charge of assault on a family or household member in which their breath was impeded, or choking, in common terms.The charge is a third-degree felony in Texas, with a possible punishment of two to 10 years in prison. The jail records showed Beard had not yet posted bond as of Monday morning and did not indicate when he would be making an initial court appearance. No attorney for him was listed.“The university is aware of the situation regarding Chris Beard. We are continuing to gather information and monitoring the legal process,” the school said in a statement.The Longhorns (7-1), who have been ranked in the top 10 of the AP Top 25 this season, host Rice on Monday night.Beard is in his second season of a seven-year guaranteed contract that pays him more than $5 million per year. Before coming to Texas, he Texas Tech to the 2019 NCAA Tournament championship game.Texas freshman guard Arterio Morris&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/sports-texas-mens-college-basketball-chris-beard-fed29b4832f13e492868d779e3207406">also faces a misdemeanor family violence charge stemming from a June arrest after an incident with a former girlfriend</a>&nbsp;and faces a Wednesday court hearing in Denton County near Dallas.Morris was a top national recruit out of Dallas and has been allowed to play this season despite the charge, and averages 17 minutes and 6.5 points per game. Morris’ attorney Justin Moore has said Moore is innocent of the assault charge.

Univ. of Texas suspends coach over family violence charge

By: Nebraska Dept. of Transportation

 Nebraska looks to be in store for a major blizzard from Monday night into Thursday morning, impacting travelers in western Nebraska with potential closures anticipated throughout the state.

For the first major snow event of this winter season, Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) crews are prepared. While the forecast could fluctuate, concerns are a high potential for heavy snowfall coupled with sustained high winds, creating low visibility, especially in the panhandle.

This system will work its way through the state beginning this evening and will continue through Thursday morning, with blizzard conditions expected through tomorrow,&nbsp; Wednesday and into Thursday morning,&nbsp; Travel after 6 p.m. is not advised.&nbsp; Motorists are encouraged to adjust or delay any travel as this major system moves through the region.&nbsp; NDOT crews will be out to clear the highways as weather allows.

"This winter storm looks to impact much of the western part of Nebraska, with potential for significant snowfall coupled with high winds along the I-80 corridor,” said NDOT Director John Selmer. "Regardless of the time of day or night, our crews at NDOT remain ready to address this winter storm and the different challenges it will bring. Drivers are encouraged to be informed about weather and road conditions before making the decision to travel by checking 511.nebraska.gov and plows.nebraska.gov.&nbsp; 

Remember to slow down, increase following distance, turn off your cruise control and always buckle up." “The time to adjust travel plans is now because this storm will have a major impact on travel in the Panhandle and much of western Nebraska,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.&nbsp; “There are many tools available through NDOT to monitor conditions in real-time across the state.&nbsp; Stay up to date with weather forecasts and check 511 to make sure you know the conditions before you attempt to travel.&nbsp; If you do travel and become stranded,&nbsp; call the NSP Highway Helpline and we can send help.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1639067919163.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Nebraska Dept. of Transportation Nebraska looks to be in store for a major blizzard from Monday night into Thursday morning, impacting travelers in western Nebraska with potential closures anticipated throughout the state.For the first major snow event of this winter season, Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) crews are prepared. While the forecast could fluctuate, concerns are a high potential for heavy snowfall coupled with sustained high winds, creating low visibility, especially in the panhandle.This system will work its way through the state beginning this evening and will continue through Thursday morning, with blizzard conditions expected through tomorrow,&nbsp; Wednesday and into Thursday morning,&nbsp; Travel after 6 p.m. is not advised.&nbsp; Motorists are encouraged to adjust or delay any travel as this major system moves through the region.&nbsp; NDOT crews will be out to clear the highways as weather allows."This winter storm looks to impact much of the western part of Nebraska, with potential for significant snowfall coupled with high winds along the I-80 corridor,” said NDOT Director John Selmer. "Regardless of the time of day or night, our crews at NDOT remain ready to address this winter storm and the different challenges it will bring. Drivers are encouraged to be informed about weather and road conditions before making the decision to travel by checking 511.nebraska.gov and plows.nebraska.gov.&nbsp; Remember to slow down, increase following distance, turn off your cruise control and always buckle up." “The time to adjust travel plans is now because this storm will have a major impact on travel in the Panhandle and much of western Nebraska,” said Colonel John Bolduc, Superintendent of the Nebraska State Patrol.&nbsp; “There are many tools available through NDOT to monitor conditions in real-time across the state.&nbsp; Stay up to date with weather forecasts and check 511 to make sure you know the conditions before you attempt to travel.&nbsp; If you do travel and become stranded,&nbsp; call the NSP Highway Helpline and we can send help.”

NDOT and NSP Cautions Drivers as Major Storm Impacts State

By CARLA K. JOHNSON and LAURA UNGAR&nbsp;

KANSAS CITY (AP) —Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths and&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/covid-19/covid-19-nursing-home-data">less than half of nursing home residents up to date</a>&nbsp;on COVID-19 vaccinations.

These alarming signs portend a difficult winter for seniors, which worries 81-year-old nursing home resident Bartley O'Hara, who said he is “vaccinated up to the eyeballs” and tracks coronavirus hospital trends as they "zoom up” for older adults, but remain flat for younger folks.

“The sense of urgency is not universal," said O'Hara of Washington, D.C. But "if you're 21, you probably should worry about your granny. We’re all in this together.”

One troubling indicator for seniors:&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#new-hospital-admissions">Hospitalizations for people with COVID-19 rose</a>&nbsp;by more than 30% in two weeks. Much of the increase is driven by older people and those with existing health problems, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers include everyone testing positive, no matter why they are admitted.

When it comes to protecting seniors, “we’re doing a terrible job of that in this country,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute.

As nursing home leaders redouble efforts to get staff and residents boosted with the new vaccine version,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-covid-us-food-and-drug-administration-4e23cb1532f66bbb62318a461203095b">now recommended for those 6 months and older,</a>&nbsp;they face complacency, misinformation and COVID-19 fatigue. They are calling on the White House for help with an “all hands on deck” approach.

Clear messages about what the vaccine can do — and what it can’t — are needed, said Katie Smith Sloan, president of LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit nursing homes.

Breakthrough infections do not mean the vaccine has failed, she said, but that false perception has been hard to fight.

“We need to change our messaging to be accurate about what it does, which is prevent serious illness and hospitalization and death,” Sloan said. “This virus is insidious, and it just keeps popping up everywhere. We just need to be real about that.”

Problems include unwarranted hesitance to prescribe the antiviral pill Paxlovid quickly in the elderly, which prompted five major medical societies to hold a web-based educational session for doctors, “Vax &amp; Pax: How to Keep Your Patients Safe This Winter.”

Easing restrictions, broader immunity in the general population and mixed messages about whether the pandemic is over have softened the sense of threat felt by younger adults. That may be a welcome development for most, but the attitude has seeped into nursing homes in troubling ways.

Getting family consent for vaccinating nursing home residents has become more difficult, nursing home leaders say. Some residents who can give their own consent are declining the shots. Only 23% of nursing home staff are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.

Cissy Sanders of Austin, Texas, met multiple obstacles trying to get a booster for her 73-year-old mother, who is in a nursing home. No booster clinic was scheduled. The facility told her they couldn’t find a vaccinator. So she made plans to take her mom to Walgreens later this month.

“I’m concerned about the uptick in hospitalizations and deaths among seniors, and concerned about the lack of urgency at my mother’s nursing home in getting the residents and staff vaccinated" with the latest booster, she said.

Staff and visitors are potential entry points to nursing homes for the virus. The best facilities use a multi-layered approach, protecting residents with masks, screening questions, temperature checks and enhanced infection control.

“What we’ve learned during COVID is that the rate of spread is dependent on the community rate of spread,” said Tina Sandri, CEO of Forest Hills of D.C., a nursing home in the nation’s capital. “I feel safer in my building than anywhere else, including the grocery store.”

Meanwhile, hospitals across the country are seeing an influx of senior patients that Topol calls “pretty alarming.” Nationally, the rate of daily hospital admissions for those 70 and older with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 rose from 8.8 per 100,000 people on Nov. 15, to 12.1 per 100,000 people on Dec. 6, according to statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services. In California and New York, Topol said, hospitalizations for seniors with COVID-19 have already surpassed those during spring and summer omicron waves.

At NYU Langone Health, chief hospital epidemiologist Dr. Michael Phillips said a growing number of seniors are being admitted to his hospital with COVID-19. But the biggest increase he’s seen is in the emergency department, “which is very, very busy” with COVID-19, as well as flu patients.

Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas, said his hospital has also seen an increase in COVID-19 admissions over the last couple of weeks — and many of the patients are seniors with other health problems. Some are admitted for different illnesses and test positive for COVID-19 in the hospital. The good news? “We haven’t seen an increase in ICU admissions,” he said.

The new combination booster shot, which targets both omicron and the original coronavirus, provides protection against one of the main omicron variants pushing up cases lately: BQ.1.1, which is especially adept at escaping immunity.

“But our booster rates among seniors are pathetically low,” Topol said, with only about a third getting the shot.

Long said health care providers at Houston Methodist promote the booster “every chance we get.” But they don’t administer it to people hospitalized with COVID-19, who are generally told to wait three months after being infected to get it.

Phillips also urges people to get their boosters, especially if they are at risk of serious illness or planning to spend time with someone who is. He said they see many more hospitalizations among people who are unvaccinated.

Deaths, like hospitalizations, are now rising.

The ultimate worry is that more seniors will die. Last spring and summer, death rates declined overall as more people gained protection from vaccination and prior infection. But the share of COVID-19–related deaths for the oldest old — adults 85 and older, who make up 2% of the population —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/data-review/index.html">grew to 40%.</a>

Over the course of the pandemic, 1 in 5 COVID-19 deaths was among those who were in a long-term care facility.

Dr. Walid Michelen, chief medical officer for seven nonprofit nursing homes operated by the Archdiocese of New York, said Americans need to continue taking the pandemic seriously.

“It’s not going away. It’s here to stay,” he said. “We’re going to get a new variant, and who knows how aggressive that variant is going to be? That keeps me up at night.”

By CARLA K. JOHNSON and LAURA UNGAR&nbsp;KANSAS CITY (AP) —Coronavirus-related hospital admissions are climbing again in the United States, with older adults a growing share of U.S. deaths and&nbsp;<a href="https://data.cms.gov/covid-19/covid-19-nursing-home-data">less than half of nursing home residents up to date</a>&nbsp;on COVID-19 vaccinations.These alarming signs portend a difficult winter for seniors, which worries 81-year-old nursing home resident Bartley O'Hara, who said he is “vaccinated up to the eyeballs” and tracks coronavirus hospital trends as they "zoom up” for older adults, but remain flat for younger folks.“The sense of urgency is not universal," said O'Hara of Washington, D.C. But "if you're 21, you probably should worry about your granny. We’re all in this together.”One troubling indicator for seniors:&nbsp;<a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#new-hospital-admissions">Hospitalizations for people with COVID-19 rose</a>&nbsp;by more than 30% in two weeks. Much of the increase is driven by older people and those with existing health problems, said Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The numbers include everyone testing positive, no matter why they are admitted.When it comes to protecting seniors, “we’re doing a terrible job of that in this country,” said Dr. Eric Topol, head of Scripps Research Translational Institute.As nursing home leaders redouble efforts to get staff and residents boosted with the new vaccine version,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/health-business-covid-us-food-and-drug-administration-4e23cb1532f66bbb62318a461203095b">now recommended for those 6 months and older,</a>&nbsp;they face complacency, misinformation and COVID-19 fatigue. They are calling on the White House for help with an “all hands on deck” approach.Clear messages about what the vaccine can do — and what it can’t — are needed, said Katie Smith Sloan, president of LeadingAge, which represents nonprofit nursing homes.Breakthrough infections do not mean the vaccine has failed, she said, but that false perception has been hard to fight.“We need to change our messaging to be accurate about what it does, which is prevent serious illness and hospitalization and death,” Sloan said. “This virus is insidious, and it just keeps popping up everywhere. We just need to be real about that.”Problems include unwarranted hesitance to prescribe the antiviral pill Paxlovid quickly in the elderly, which prompted five major medical societies to hold a web-based educational session for doctors, “Vax &amp; Pax: How to Keep Your Patients Safe This Winter.”Easing restrictions, broader immunity in the general population and mixed messages about whether the pandemic is over have softened the sense of threat felt by younger adults. That may be a welcome development for most, but the attitude has seeped into nursing homes in troubling ways.Getting family consent for vaccinating nursing home residents has become more difficult, nursing home leaders say. Some residents who can give their own consent are declining the shots. Only 23% of nursing home staff are up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations.Cissy Sanders of Austin, Texas, met multiple obstacles trying to get a booster for her 73-year-old mother, who is in a nursing home. No booster clinic was scheduled. The facility told her they couldn’t find a vaccinator. So she made plans to take her mom to Walgreens later this month.“I’m concerned about the uptick in hospitalizations and deaths among seniors, and concerned about the lack of urgency at my mother’s nursing home in getting the residents and staff vaccinated" with the latest booster, she said.Staff and visitors are potential entry points to nursing homes for the virus. The best facilities use a multi-layered approach, protecting residents with masks, screening questions, temperature checks and enhanced infection control.“What we’ve learned during COVID is that the rate of spread is dependent on the community rate of spread,” said Tina Sandri, CEO of Forest Hills of D.C., a nursing home in the nation’s capital. “I feel safer in my building than anywhere else, including the grocery store.”Meanwhile, hospitals across the country are seeing an influx of senior patients that Topol calls “pretty alarming.” Nationally, the rate of daily hospital admissions for those 70 and older with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 rose from 8.8 per 100,000 people on Nov. 15, to 12.1 per 100,000 people on Dec. 6, according to statistics from the Department of Health and Human Services. In California and New York, Topol said, hospitalizations for seniors with COVID-19 have already surpassed those during spring and summer omicron waves.At NYU Langone Health, chief hospital epidemiologist Dr. Michael Phillips said a growing number of seniors are being admitted to his hospital with COVID-19. But the biggest increase he’s seen is in the emergency department, “which is very, very busy” with COVID-19, as well as flu patients.Dr. Wesley Long, a pathologist at Houston Methodist in Texas, said his hospital has also seen an increase in COVID-19 admissions over the last couple of weeks — and many of the patients are seniors with other health problems. Some are admitted for different illnesses and test positive for COVID-19 in the hospital. The good news? “We haven’t seen an increase in ICU admissions,” he said.The new combination booster shot, which targets both omicron and the original coronavirus, provides protection against one of the main omicron variants pushing up cases lately: BQ.1.1, which is especially adept at escaping immunity.“But our booster rates among seniors are pathetically low,” Topol said, with only about a third getting the shot.Long said health care providers at Houston Methodist promote the booster “every chance we get.” But they don’t administer it to people hospitalized with COVID-19, who are generally told to wait three months after being infected to get it.Phillips also urges people to get their boosters, especially if they are at risk of serious illness or planning to spend time with someone who is. He said they see many more hospitalizations among people who are unvaccinated.Deaths, like hospitalizations, are now rising.The ultimate worry is that more seniors will die. Last spring and summer, death rates declined overall as more people gained protection from vaccination and prior infection. But the share of COVID-19–related deaths for the oldest old — adults 85 and older, who make up 2% of the population —&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/data-review/index.html">grew to 40%.</a>Over the course of the pandemic, 1 in 5 COVID-19 deaths was among those who were in a long-term care facility.Dr. Walid Michelen, chief medical officer for seven nonprofit nursing homes operated by the Archdiocese of New York, said Americans need to continue taking the pandemic seriously.“It’s not going away. It’s here to stay,” he said. “We’re going to get a new variant, and who knows how aggressive that variant is going to be? That keeps me up at night.”

Hospitalizations signal rising COVID-19 risk for US seniors

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/registered-nurses-license-revoked-for-patient-abuse-unprofessional-conduct/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — The State of Nebraska has suspended the medical license of a
 registered nurse for being belligerent and disrespectful with 
colleagues and overly aggressive with patients.

In one instance, cited by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, 
nurse Scott Shoff left a patient’s mouth and nose bloody after 
physically pushing the person onto a hospital bed. A colleague quoted 
him as saying, “I’m going to put your ass to sleep, I’m going to tie you
 down, act like a man, you weren’t invited to the hospital.”

Shoff, in a settlement agreement with the Nebraska Department of 
Health and Human Services, agreed to the allegations against him and 
consented to a revocation of his nursing license.

Court records indicate that Shoff, a Kearney resident, had been 
licensed as a nurse since 1994. He also held nursing licenses in the 
states of Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Messages sent to Shoff seeking comment on Friday were not returned. 
Nurses in other stories have said that working during the pandemic, 
often with short staffs, has been particularly stressful.

Under the settlement agreement, Shoff could file for reinstatement of
 his license in two years, but it would have to be approved by the 
health department and state nursing board.

A seven-page disciplinary petition filed last month stated that in 
August 2019, Shoff had been warned by Mary Lanning Hospital of Hastings 
that his conduct, which included swearing at patients and being 
combative with staff, violated hospital standards.

Shoff agreed then to improve his behavior. But on Jan. 1, 2021, while
 dealing with an agitated patient undergoing treatment for substance 
abuse and altered mental status, Shoff asked a co-worker to leave the 
room and obtain restraints for the patient.

He grabbed the patient’s forehead and pushed him onto the bed, the 
co-worker said, and held him down so hard across the chest that the 
patient’s face turned red. Shoff’s forearm was left bloodied, as was the
 patient’s nose and mouth.

The hospital terminated Shoff on Jan. 25, 2021, after citing additional instances of misconduct.

The revocation agreement with the state, approved Nov. 22, cited abuse of a resident, dishonorable conduct, unprofessional conduct and violation of work policies and procedures.

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/briefs/registered-nurses-license-revoked-for-patient-abuse-unprofessional-conduct/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — The State of Nebraska has suspended the medical license of a
 registered nurse for being belligerent and disrespectful with 
colleagues and overly aggressive with patients.In one instance, cited by the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, 
nurse Scott Shoff left a patient’s mouth and nose bloody after 
physically pushing the person onto a hospital bed. A colleague quoted 
him as saying, “I’m going to put your ass to sleep, I’m going to tie you
 down, act like a man, you weren’t invited to the hospital.”Shoff, in a settlement agreement with the Nebraska Department of 
Health and Human Services, agreed to the allegations against him and 
consented to a revocation of his nursing license.<h2>A nurse since 1994</h2>Court records indicate that Shoff, a Kearney resident, had been 
licensed as a nurse since 1994. He also held nursing licenses in the 
states of Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Nevada, South Dakota and Wyoming.Messages sent to Shoff seeking comment on Friday were not returned. 
Nurses in other stories have said that working during the pandemic, 
often with short staffs, has been particularly stressful.Under the settlement agreement, Shoff could file for reinstatement of
 his license in two years, but it would have to be approved by the 
health department and state nursing board.A seven-page disciplinary petition filed last month stated that in 
August 2019, Shoff had been warned by Mary Lanning Hospital of Hastings 
that his conduct, which included swearing at patients and being 
combative with staff, violated hospital standards.<h2>Agreed to improve conduct</h2>Shoff agreed then to improve his behavior. But on Jan. 1, 2021, while
 dealing with an agitated patient undergoing treatment for substance 
abuse and altered mental status, Shoff asked a co-worker to leave the 
room and obtain restraints for the patient.He grabbed the patient’s forehead and pushed him onto the bed, the 
co-worker said, and held him down so hard across the chest that the 
patient’s face turned red. Shoff’s forearm was left bloodied, as was the
 patient’s nose and mouth.The hospital terminated Shoff on Jan. 25, 2021, after citing additional instances of misconduct.The revocation agreement with the state, approved Nov. 22, cited abuse of a resident, dishonorable conduct, unprofessional conduct and violation of work policies and procedures.

Nurse’s license revoked for patient abuse, unprofessional conduct

By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/12/democrat-ann-ashford-is-among-applicants-to-fill-vacancy-in-u-s-senate/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

LINCOLN — Ann Ashford, an attorney who ran unsuccessfully for the 
U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, is among the applicants for the 
U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.

Ashford, a Democrat and the widow of former U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford of
 Omaha, said she would put “constituents over party (affiliation) every 
time,” if appointed to the job by Gov.-elect Jim Pillen, a Republican.

She said Friday that she hoped Pillen would be “broad-minded enough to consider my qualifications over my party affiliation.”

Gov. Pete Ricketts, a GOP political ally and supporter of Pillen’s, 
is widely seen as the solid front-runner for the appointment.

Ricketts, 58, said last <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/06/gov-ricketts-now-says-hell-be-an-applicant-for-vacant-u-s-senate-seat/">Tuesday that he would apply</a> for the post being vacated by Sasse, who is resigning to become president of the University of Florida.

Since then, the Examiner has learned of three other applicants, in addition to Ricketts and Ashford, who are vying for the job:

A spokesman for Pillen said Friday he was not revealing how many applications have been received or who has applied.

Pillen, who takes office Jan. 5, has said he wants to fill the vacancy quickly. He set a Dec. 23 deadline for applications.

Ricketts has rejected suggestions that his appointment is a done deal
 because he endorsed Pillen and contributed more than $1.3 million to 
his successful primary campaign over two competitive GOP rivals.

The governor, who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2006, 
said that he wasn’t aware there would be an opening until October and 
that he supported Pillen because they were long-time friends and share 
political views.

There’s some history in Nebraska of a governor eventually serving in 
Washington. Past Govs. James Exon, Bob Kerrey, Ben Nelson and Mike 
Johanns were all elected to the U.S. Senate. None was appointed.

Ashford, who ran for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in 
2012, said the U.S. Senate post is “not the executive branch.”

She said that she has experience working out divergent viewpoints 
with others through her work career and by watching her late husband 
operate.

“The Senate is a deliberative body and members should be willing to 
work with one another to achieve the consensus necessary to move the 
country forward….” Ashford said in a text message Friday.

It should be noted that the Examiner, in June, published a submitted commentary by Ashford about <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/annashford/">preventing gun violence</a>. Her husband, who died in April, has also <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/bradashford/">submitted several essays</a> that were posted by the Examiner.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670858929509.jpeg" alt="Ann Ashford (Courtesy photograph)" />
 <figcaption>Ann Ashford (Courtesy photograph)</figcaption>
 </figure>By PAUL HAMMEL <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/12/democrat-ann-ashford-is-among-applicants-to-fill-vacancy-in-u-s-senate/">Nebraska Examiner</a>LINCOLN — Ann Ashford, an attorney who ran unsuccessfully for the 
U.S. House of Representatives in 2020, is among the applicants for the 
U.S. Senate seat soon to be vacated by U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.Ashford, a Democrat and the widow of former U.S. Rep. Brad Ashford of
 Omaha, said she would put “constituents over party (affiliation) every 
time,” if appointed to the job by Gov.-elect Jim Pillen, a Republican.She said Friday that she hoped Pillen would be “broad-minded enough to consider my qualifications over my party affiliation.”<h2>Ricketts seen as front-runner</h2>Gov. Pete Ricketts, a GOP political ally and supporter of Pillen’s, 
is widely seen as the solid front-runner for the appointment.Ricketts, 58, said last <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/06/gov-ricketts-now-says-hell-be-an-applicant-for-vacant-u-s-senate-seat/">Tuesday that he would apply</a> for the post being vacated by Sasse, who is resigning to become president of the University of Florida.Since then, the Examiner has learned of three other applicants, in addition to Ricketts and Ashford, who are vying for the job:<ul>
 <li>Retired Lt. Col. John Weaver of Omaha, who was an unsuccessful GOP candidate for U.S. Congress this year.</li><li>Melanie Standiford, the former news director of a North Platte 
television station. Standiford was fired in October, according to 
Nebraska Public Media, for seeking signatures for an anti-abortion 
ballot initiative, in violation of station policy that prohibits 
political involvement.</li><li>Larry Bolinger of Alliance. Bolinger has run unsuccessfully in the 
past for Alliance City Council and the Nebraska Legislature. He lost 
primary bids for the 3rd Congressional District as a Republican in 2018 
and 2020. This year he ran for attorney general as a member of the Legal
 Marijuana Now Party.</li>
 </ul><h2>Not revealing who applied</h2>A spokesman for Pillen said Friday he was not revealing how many applications have been received or who has applied.Pillen, who takes office Jan. 5, has said he wants to fill the vacancy quickly. He set a Dec. 23 deadline for applications.Ricketts has rejected suggestions that his appointment is a done deal
 because he endorsed Pillen and contributed more than $1.3 million to 
his successful primary campaign over two competitive GOP rivals.The governor, who ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. Senate in 2006, 
said that he wasn’t aware there would be an opening until October and 
that he supported Pillen because they were long-time friends and share 
political views.<h2>Past governors have served in Senate</h2>There’s some history in Nebraska of a governor eventually serving in 
Washington. Past Govs. James Exon, Bob Kerrey, Ben Nelson and Mike 
Johanns were all elected to the U.S. Senate. None was appointed.Ashford, who ran for the University of Nebraska Board of Regents in 
2012, said the U.S. Senate post is “not the executive branch.”She said that she has experience working out divergent viewpoints 
with others through her work career and by watching her late husband 
operate.<h2>Consensus necessary</h2>“The Senate is a deliberative body and members should be willing to 
work with one another to achieve the consensus necessary to move the 
country forward….” Ashford said in a text message Friday.It should be noted that the Examiner, in June, published a submitted commentary by Ashford about <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/annashford/">preventing gun violence</a>. Her husband, who died in April, has also <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/author/bradashford/">submitted several essays</a> that were posted by the Examiner.

Democrat among applicants to fill vacancy in U.S. Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — A decade ago, then-Vice President Joe Biden shocked the political world and preempted his boss by suddenly declaring his support for gay marriage on national television. But not everyone was surprised.

A small group had attended a private fundraiser with Biden weeks earlier in Los Angeles, where he disclosed not only his approval but his firm conclusion about a positive future for same-sex marriage.

He predicted, “Things are changing so rapidly, it’s going to become a political liability in the near term for someone to say, ‘I oppose gay marriage.'"

"Mark my words. And my job — our job — is to keep this momentum rolling to the inevitable.”

The day that Biden envisioned may have arrived. He plans on Tuesday to sign legislation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-gay-interracial-marriage-what-to-know-ad3988c74c639f79112befa18065d4b3">passed by bipartisan majorities in Congress</a>, to protect gay unions — even if the Supreme Court should revisit its ruling supporting a nationwide right of same-sex couples to marry.

Biden's signature will burnish his legacy as a champion of equality at a time when the LGBTQ community is anxious to safeguard legal changes from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-legislature-gay-rights-raleigh-government-and-politics-84892bee21af98cfd80d56481ca05458">a backlash on the right</a>&nbsp;that has used incendiary rhetoric, particularly against transgender people.

The politics were far different a decade ago, when gay rights activists were frustrated with President Barack Obama. He had made some changes, such as eliminating the “don't ask, don't tell” rule that prevented gay people from serving openly in the military, but stopped short of embracing marriage equality.

As Obama's vice president, Biden shared the same stance. So there was some tension in April 2012 when Biden attended the fundraiser at the Los Angeles home of a married gay couple and their children.

Chad Griffin, an activist who had also helped organize the event, decided to ask Biden about it.

“When you came in tonight, you met Michael and Sonny and their two beautiful kids," he said to Biden. "And I wonder if you can just sort of talk in a frank, honest way about your own personal views as it relates to marriage equality.”

Biden responded, “All you got to do is look in the eyes of those kids. And no one can wonder, no one can wonder whether or not they are cared for and nurtured and loved and reinforced. And folks, what’s happening is, everybody is beginning to see it."

Just over two weeks later, Biden was on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyjYg3ZYFfQ">NBC's “Meet the Press,”</a>&nbsp;and host David Gregory asked whether he supported gay marriage.

Biden said the issue came down to "will you be loyal to the person you love? And that's what people are finding out is what all marriages, at their root, are about, whether they're marriages of lesbians, or gay men, or heterosexuals.”

Biden said the president, not him, “sets the policies.” But he said gay couples should have “all the civil rights, all the civil liberties."

It was an unusually unscripted moment in carefully choreographed Washington.

For Biden, "all politics is personal," said Bruce Reed, the White House deputy chief of staff who also was chief of staff in Biden's vice presidential office. “And I think that’s what prompted him to speak his mind."

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-lifestyle-barack-obama-election-2020-marriage-d73965f26aa54d0fab2e9eca7830ef76">Not everyone was pleased.</a>&nbsp;Obama was left trailing a step behind his vice president, and three days later did an interview to disclose his own support for gay marriage. He said Biden had gotten “a little over his skis" but there were no hard feelings.

The following year, the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional, and Jim Obergefell proposed to his partner, John Arthur.

They married in Maryland, where it was legal, but their home state of Ohio would not recognize their union. Although Arthur died, their legal battle continued to the Supreme Court. Obergefell met Biden for the first time in 2015.

“I just remember walking up to him and he hugged me and the first words out of his mouth were condolences for the loss of my husband," he said.

The Supreme Court soon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">legalized gay marriage nationwide</a>&nbsp;in a decision known as Obergefell v. Hodges.

The issue resurfaced in June when the court's conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in 1973. In a concurring opinion,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-gun-politics-gay-rights-marriage-b9062feb4f80c49de088c36b0f17aa7c">Justice Clarence Thomas</a>&nbsp;wrote that the court “should reconsider” other precedents as well, including the Obergefell ruling.

Supporters believed they could rally enough Republican votes to sidestep a filibuster in the Senate and safeguard gay marriages. They were right.

Obergefell, however, is not experiencing a sense of satisfaction.

“We now know that rights that people counted on and expected are no longer safe,” he said.

It's a common sentiment right now in the face of political attacks over LGBTQ issues.

Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., signed legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-dont-say-gay-law-signed-56aee61f075a12663f25990c7b31624d">limiting teachers' ability</a>&nbsp;to talk about sexual orientation or gender identity in schools. In Texas, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott wants state child welfare investigators to consider gender-affirming care as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-child-abuse-child-welfare-greg-abbott-ken-paxton-65c054b6ccd9040e81ad1a4be11403b9">a form of abuse.</a>

Protesters, sometimes armed, have shown up at events where drag queens read to children. Five people were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-colorado-springs-e098d88261db6bcfc0774434abbb7a8f">shot to death</a>&nbsp;at a gay club in Colorado last month. The suspect has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-colorado-hate-crimes-springs-b9be567920a55986c57af59535ac9f61">charged with hate crimes.</a>

Biden has taken steps to safeguard rights for transgender people, such as reinstating anti-discrimination provisions eliminated by Donald Trump. He also ended the ban on transgender people serving in the military.

Sarah McBride, a transgender state senator from Biden's home state of Delaware, said it’s a comfort “for so many of us, who feel frightened or vulnerable or alone, to know that the leader of this country, the leader of the free world, not only sees us but embraces us."

McBride worked for Biden's eldest son, Beau, during his campaigns for Delaware attorney general. Before Beau died from brain cancer in 2015, he helped pass Delaware laws that legalized gay marriage and banned discrimination over gender identity. McBride said the experience deepened the elder Biden's own commitment to these issues and “he's carrying on Beau’s legacy."

As last month's midterm elections approached, the White House played host to Dylan Mulvaney, a Broadway performer who has chronicled her gender transition on TikTok, to talk about transgender issues with Biden.

Asked by Mulvaney how leaders can better advocate for transgender people, Biden responded that it was important to be “seen with people like you.”

“People fear what they don’t know. They fear what they don’t know,” he said. “And when people realize, individuals realize, ‘Oh, this is what they’re telling me to be frightened of, this is the problem.’ I mean, people change their minds.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670697376443.png" alt="FILE - People gather in Washington's Lafayette Park to see the White House illuminated with rainbow colors to mark the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to legalize same-sex marriage, June 26, 2015. President Joe Biden plans to sign legislation this coming week that will protect gay unions even if the Supreme Court revisits its ruling supporting a nationwide right of same-sex couples to marry. It's the latest part of Biden's legacy on gay rights, which includes his unexpected endorsement of marriage equality on national television a decade ago when he was vice president. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - People gather in Washington's Lafayette Park to see the White House illuminated with rainbow colors to mark the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to legalize same-sex marriage, June 26, 2015. President Joe Biden plans to sign legislation this coming week that will protect gay unions even if the Supreme Court revisits its ruling supporting a nationwide right of same-sex couples to marry. It's the latest part of Biden's legacy on gay rights, which includes his unexpected endorsement of marriage equality on national television a decade ago when he was vice president. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — A decade ago, then-Vice President Joe Biden shocked the political world and preempted his boss by suddenly declaring his support for gay marriage on national television. But not everyone was surprised.A small group had attended a private fundraiser with Biden weeks earlier in Los Angeles, where he disclosed not only his approval but his firm conclusion about a positive future for same-sex marriage.He predicted, “Things are changing so rapidly, it’s going to become a political liability in the near term for someone to say, ‘I oppose gay marriage.'""Mark my words. And my job — our job — is to keep this momentum rolling to the inevitable.”The day that Biden envisioned may have arrived. He plans on Tuesday to sign legislation,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-gay-interracial-marriage-what-to-know-ad3988c74c639f79112befa18065d4b3">passed by bipartisan majorities in Congress</a>, to protect gay unions — even if the Supreme Court should revisit its ruling supporting a nationwide right of same-sex couples to marry.Biden's signature will burnish his legacy as a champion of equality at a time when the LGBTQ community is anxious to safeguard legal changes from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-carolina-legislature-gay-rights-raleigh-government-and-politics-84892bee21af98cfd80d56481ca05458">a backlash on the right</a>&nbsp;that has used incendiary rhetoric, particularly against transgender people.___The politics were far different a decade ago, when gay rights activists were frustrated with President Barack Obama. He had made some changes, such as eliminating the “don't ask, don't tell” rule that prevented gay people from serving openly in the military, but stopped short of embracing marriage equality.As Obama's vice president, Biden shared the same stance. So there was some tension in April 2012 when Biden attended the fundraiser at the Los Angeles home of a married gay couple and their children.Chad Griffin, an activist who had also helped organize the event, decided to ask Biden about it.“When you came in tonight, you met Michael and Sonny and their two beautiful kids," he said to Biden. "And I wonder if you can just sort of talk in a frank, honest way about your own personal views as it relates to marriage equality.”Biden responded, “All you got to do is look in the eyes of those kids. And no one can wonder, no one can wonder whether or not they are cared for and nurtured and loved and reinforced. And folks, what’s happening is, everybody is beginning to see it."Just over two weeks later, Biden was on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyjYg3ZYFfQ">NBC's “Meet the Press,”</a>&nbsp;and host David Gregory asked whether he supported gay marriage.Biden said the issue came down to "will you be loyal to the person you love? And that's what people are finding out is what all marriages, at their root, are about, whether they're marriages of lesbians, or gay men, or heterosexuals.”Biden said the president, not him, “sets the policies.” But he said gay couples should have “all the civil rights, all the civil liberties."It was an unusually unscripted moment in carefully choreographed Washington.For Biden, "all politics is personal," said Bruce Reed, the White House deputy chief of staff who also was chief of staff in Biden's vice presidential office. “And I think that’s what prompted him to speak his mind."<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-lifestyle-barack-obama-election-2020-marriage-d73965f26aa54d0fab2e9eca7830ef76">Not everyone was pleased.</a>&nbsp;Obama was left trailing a step behind his vice president, and three days later did an interview to disclose his own support for gay marriage. He said Biden had gotten “a little over his skis" but there were no hard feelings.___The following year, the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act was unconstitutional, and Jim Obergefell proposed to his partner, John Arthur.They married in Maryland, where it was legal, but their home state of Ohio would not recognize their union. Although Arthur died, their legal battle continued to the Supreme Court. Obergefell met Biden for the first time in 2015.“I just remember walking up to him and he hugged me and the first words out of his mouth were condolences for the loss of my husband," he said.The Supreme Court soon&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/lifestyle-courts-marriage-supreme-court-of-the-united-states-united-states-government-9e1933cd1e1a4e969ab45f5952bbb45f">legalized gay marriage nationwide</a>&nbsp;in a decision known as Obergefell v. Hodges.The issue resurfaced in June when the court's conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade, which legalized abortion in 1973. In a concurring opinion,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/abortion-us-supreme-court-gun-politics-gay-rights-marriage-b9062feb4f80c49de088c36b0f17aa7c">Justice Clarence Thomas</a>&nbsp;wrote that the court “should reconsider” other precedents as well, including the Obergefell ruling.Supporters believed they could rally enough Republican votes to sidestep a filibuster in the Senate and safeguard gay marriages. They were right.Obergefell, however, is not experiencing a sense of satisfaction.“We now know that rights that people counted on and expected are no longer safe,” he said.___It's a common sentiment right now in the face of political attacks over LGBTQ issues.Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., signed legislation&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/florida-dont-say-gay-law-signed-56aee61f075a12663f25990c7b31624d">limiting teachers' ability</a>&nbsp;to talk about sexual orientation or gender identity in schools. In Texas, GOP Gov. Greg Abbott wants state child welfare investigators to consider gender-affirming care as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/texas-child-abuse-child-welfare-greg-abbott-ken-paxton-65c054b6ccd9040e81ad1a4be11403b9">a form of abuse.</a>Protesters, sometimes armed, have shown up at events where drag queens read to children. Five people were&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/shootings-colorado-springs-e098d88261db6bcfc0774434abbb7a8f">shot to death</a>&nbsp;at a gay club in Colorado last month. The suspect has been&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/crime-shootings-colorado-hate-crimes-springs-b9be567920a55986c57af59535ac9f61">charged with hate crimes.</a>Biden has taken steps to safeguard rights for transgender people, such as reinstating anti-discrimination provisions eliminated by Donald Trump. He also ended the ban on transgender people serving in the military.Sarah McBride, a transgender state senator from Biden's home state of Delaware, said it’s a comfort “for so many of us, who feel frightened or vulnerable or alone, to know that the leader of this country, the leader of the free world, not only sees us but embraces us."McBride worked for Biden's eldest son, Beau, during his campaigns for Delaware attorney general. Before Beau died from brain cancer in 2015, he helped pass Delaware laws that legalized gay marriage and banned discrimination over gender identity. McBride said the experience deepened the elder Biden's own commitment to these issues and “he's carrying on Beau’s legacy."As last month's midterm elections approached, the White House played host to Dylan Mulvaney, a Broadway performer who has chronicled her gender transition on TikTok, to talk about transgender issues with Biden.Asked by Mulvaney how leaders can better advocate for transgender people, Biden responded that it was important to be “seen with people like you.”“People fear what they don’t know. They fear what they don’t know,” he said. “And when people realize, individuals realize, ‘Oh, this is what they’re telling me to be frightened of, this is the problem.’ I mean, people change their minds.”

Biden called gay marriage 'inevitable' and soon it'll be law

By DANIEL WHEATON <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-11/watch-drone-footage-reveals-extent-of-keystone-pipeline-oil-spill">Nebraska Public Media</a>

An oil leak from the Keystone Pipeline is estimated to have released 
14,000 barrels, or about 588,000 gallons. The spill spread over pasture 
ground, and some went into Mill Creek, about five miles northeast of 
Washington, Kansas.

Since the leak became known late Wednesday 
night, crews have begun working on repair and recovery. TC Energy, a 
Canadian firm, said that multiple vacuum trucks are being used to 
recover the crude.

<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-11/watch-drone-footage-reveals-extent-of-keystone-pipeline-oil-spill">CLICK HERE: Aerial footage reveals the extent of the damage.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670783653358.png" alt="Keystone Pipeline oil leaks into Mill Creek in Washington County, Kansas. Tyler Kersting / Nebraska Public Media" />
 <figcaption>Keystone Pipeline oil leaks into Mill Creek in Washington County, Kansas. Tyler Kersting / Nebraska Public Media</figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIEL WHEATON <a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-11/watch-drone-footage-reveals-extent-of-keystone-pipeline-oil-spill">Nebraska Public Media</a>An oil leak from the Keystone Pipeline is estimated to have released 
14,000 barrels, or about 588,000 gallons. The spill spread over pasture 
ground, and some went into Mill Creek, about five miles northeast of 
Washington, Kansas.Since the leak became known late Wednesday 
night, crews have begun working on repair and recovery. TC Energy, a 
Canadian firm, said that multiple vacuum trucks are being used to 
recover the crude.<a href="https://www.kcur.org/news/2022-12-11/watch-drone-footage-reveals-extent-of-keystone-pipeline-oil-spill">CLICK HERE: Aerial footage reveals the extent of the damage.</a>

🎥 Drone footage shows extent of Kansas oil spill

By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/10/omahas-capitol-district-lands-first-major-office-tenant-and-a-350-seat-sports-centric-restaurant/">Nebraska Examiner</a>

OMAHA
 — Two years after construction wrapped up, the downtown Capitol 
District’s three-story mixed-use building is welcoming its first major 
office tenant.&nbsp;

Deloitte, an international audit and 
consulting firm, in mid-December will relocate its Omaha workforce to 
the structure’s top floor, marking the first traditional office-user at 
the Capitol District site touted primarily as an entertainment district.

The broader multimillion-dollar Capitol District campus, which spans a few blocks, is bookended
 by a 333-room Marriott hotel and an apartment tower. A key feature is 
an outdoor plaza with a stage surrounded by bars, restaurants and other 
retailers.

Omaha officials selected the Capitol 
District project in 2011 to rise on the site of what then were public 
parking lots. Actual construction was delayed several years and relied, 
in part, on up to $35 million in City Council-approved public 
tax-increment financing to get off the ground.

Deloitte, currently
 in 26,000 square feet at the First National Tower at 16th and Dodge 
Streets, is to move to about 10,000 square feet of the mixed-use office 
building — which was the last structural piece to complete the $205 
million-plus Capitol District in late 2020.&nbsp;

That finish two years ago came during the pandemic, when many employees were working remotely and office space was not in demand by professional service companies.

More recently, though, the Gene Leahy
 Mall was overhauled. More apartment complexes are rising nearby. 
Entertainment venues such as the Steelhouse Omaha concert hall and 
Kiewit Luminarium science museum also are about to open around the 
Capitol District.

Mutual of Omaha also has plans to 
build a $600 million office tower, the tallest in the central business 
district, on the site of the demolished main public library.&nbsp;

While Deloitte is downsizing its 
footprint and shifting from one urban core spot to another, the latest 
office market report shows improved activity overall in the downtown 
market.

According to Colliers International 
of Omaha, the vacancy rate during the third quarter of this year was 
6.4% in the downtown area, compared to nearly 8% a year ago.

Kristi Andersen of CBRE, which is 
handling some of the leasing at the Capitol District, said her team sees
 excitement mounting in and around the district with the various 
amenities planned.

Said Deloitte spokesman Dan Kinsella: “As a longstanding member of the Omaha community&nbsp;we’re excited to commit to the Capitol District and be at the center of Omaha’s ongoing revitalization of the urban core.”

Andersen acknowledged caution in that some office space both downtown
 and elsewhere in the metro is leased, and producing rent, but is not 
being fully used because of the increase in remote work. The wait is on 
to see what happens to those properties, but Andersen said she she 
remains optimistic for downtown’s future.

Also headed to the Capitol District is a new retailer: a 350-seat, 10,000-square-foot sports bar called Let It Fly.

Inside will be a glass-enclosed 
podcast studio and a 48-foot diagonal curved LED screen above the main 
bar, which will allow patrons to watch sports broadcasters Mike’l Severe
 and Josh Jones interview athletes and coaches while they dine.

Slated to open in spring 2023, the 
sports bar and restaurant — with two outdoor patios and a retail shop — 
will join more than 20 restaurants, bars and businesses in the Capitol 
District, whose lead investor is Paul Smith’s Black Dog Management.

Additional retail and office space is
 available for lease at the district’s mixed-use office building. Let It
 Fly will be next to Texas de Brazil in that structure, 1100 Capitol 
Ave.&nbsp;

Let It Fly founder and president Mike Miller is a former NBA 
basketball player for teams including the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota 
Timberwolves and Miami Heat. Among others involved in the venture, 
according to CBRE, is investor Ryan Miller, who also is assistant 
basketball coach at Creighton University.

The Let It Fly partners said the Capitol District location will 
become the flagship for its restaurants, which also are in Germantown, 
Tennessee, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670780627566.png" alt="The Omaha office of Deloitte, an international audit and consulting firm, is relocating to the Capitol District. It is the first major office tenant to move to the entertainment-centric district that was approved a decade ago by city officials. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption>The Omaha office of Deloitte, an international audit and consulting firm, is relocating to the Capitol District. It is the first major office tenant to move to the entertainment-centric district that was approved a decade ago by city officials. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>By CINDY GONZALEZ <a href="https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2022/12/10/omahas-capitol-district-lands-first-major-office-tenant-and-a-350-seat-sports-centric-restaurant/">Nebraska Examiner</a>OMAHA
 — Two years after construction wrapped up, the downtown Capitol 
District’s three-story mixed-use building is welcoming its first major 
office tenant.&nbsp;Deloitte, an international audit and 
consulting firm, in mid-December will relocate its Omaha workforce to 
the structure’s top floor, marking the first traditional office-user at 
the Capitol District site touted primarily as an entertainment district.<h2>Millions in TIF</h2>The broader multimillion-dollar Capitol District campus, which spans a few blocks, is bookended
 by a 333-room Marriott hotel and an apartment tower. A key feature is 
an outdoor plaza with a stage surrounded by bars, restaurants and other 
retailers.Omaha officials selected the Capitol 
District project in 2011 to rise on the site of what then were public 
parking lots. Actual construction was delayed several years and relied, 
in part, on up to $35 million in City Council-approved public 
tax-increment financing to get off the ground.Deloitte, currently
 in 26,000 square feet at the First National Tower at 16th and Dodge 
Streets, is to move to about 10,000 square feet of the mixed-use office 
building — which was the last structural piece to complete the $205 
million-plus Capitol District in late 2020.&nbsp;That finish two years ago came during the pandemic, when many employees were working remotely and office space was not in demand by professional service companies.<h2>Office market improves</h2>More recently, though, the Gene Leahy
 Mall was overhauled. More apartment complexes are rising nearby. 
Entertainment venues such as the Steelhouse Omaha concert hall and 
Kiewit Luminarium science museum also are about to open around the 
Capitol District.Mutual of Omaha also has plans to 
build a $600 million office tower, the tallest in the central business 
district, on the site of the demolished main public library.&nbsp;While Deloitte is downsizing its 
footprint and shifting from one urban core spot to another, the latest 
office market report shows improved activity overall in the downtown 
market.According to Colliers International 
of Omaha, the vacancy rate during the third quarter of this year was 
6.4% in the downtown area, compared to nearly 8% a year ago.Kristi Andersen of CBRE, which is 
handling some of the leasing at the Capitol District, said her team sees
 excitement mounting in and around the district with the various 
amenities planned.Said Deloitte spokesman Dan Kinsella: “As a longstanding member of the Omaha community&nbsp;we’re excited to commit to the Capitol District and be at the center of Omaha’s ongoing revitalization of the urban core.”Andersen acknowledged caution in that some office space both downtown
 and elsewhere in the metro is leased, and producing rent, but is not 
being fully used because of the increase in remote work. The wait is on 
to see what happens to those properties, but Andersen said she she 
remains optimistic for downtown’s future.<h2>Let it Fly</h2>Also headed to the Capitol District is a new retailer: a 350-seat, 10,000-square-foot sports bar called Let It Fly.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670780694806.jpeg" alt=" Space at Capitol District is tailored for use by coming tenant, the Let It Fly sports bar and restaurant. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)" />
 <figcaption> Space at Capitol District is tailored for use by coming tenant, the Let It Fly sports bar and restaurant. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)</figcaption>
 </figure>Inside will be a glass-enclosed 
podcast studio and a 48-foot diagonal curved LED screen above the main 
bar, which will allow patrons to watch sports broadcasters Mike’l Severe
 and Josh Jones interview athletes and coaches while they dine.Slated to open in spring 2023, the 
sports bar and restaurant — with two outdoor patios and a retail shop — 
will join more than 20 restaurants, bars and businesses in the Capitol 
District, whose lead investor is Paul Smith’s Black Dog Management.Additional retail and office space is
 available for lease at the district’s mixed-use office building. Let It
 Fly will be next to Texas de Brazil in that structure, 1100 Capitol 
Ave.&nbsp;Let It Fly founder and president Mike Miller is a former NBA 
basketball player for teams including the Memphis Grizzlies, Minnesota 
Timberwolves and Miami Heat. Among others involved in the venture, 
according to CBRE, is investor Ryan Miller, who also is assistant 
basketball coach at Creighton University.The Let It Fly partners said the Capitol District location will 
become the flagship for its restaurants, which also are in Germantown, 
Tennessee, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Omaha development lands first major office tenant and restaurant

WASHINGTON —Christmas is two weeks away. First Lady Jill Biden hosted a virtual event Friday on COVID-19 and the Holiday Season.&nbsp;

Click the video to watch the virtual event.

Below are the remarks from the First Lady during the opening of the event:

I’m so grateful to all of you for being with us today—because this time of year is busy, to say the least.

I know you probably have holiday shopping to do: cards to address or cookies to bake. Perhaps you’re wrapping up end-of-the-year work or planning parties for the people you love.

It’s not easy, is it? Sometimes the holidays feel like a full-time job, on top of volunteering, or organizing, or your real full-time job!

But we do that work because it makes the magical moments of this season possible: when our homes fill with the aromas of our favorite family recipes, when we see big smiles on little faces as they open that perfect present, when we have the chance to look around our full table, a clamor of laughter and love, and just feel grateful.

These moments seem even more precious now, knowing what it’s like to lose them to a deadly disease that’s kept us apart.

Which is why the most important thing you can do to prepare for the holidays is get your updated COVID vaccine.

And if you get it now, you’ll be protected in time for winter holiday gatherings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/12/1670611632700.png" alt="Dr. Jha and Dr. Fauci with First Lady Jill Biden -White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Dr. Jha and Dr. Fauci with First Lady Jill Biden -White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON —Christmas is two weeks away. First Lady Jill Biden hosted a virtual event Friday on COVID-19 and the Holiday Season.&nbsp;Click the video to watch the virtual event.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/vbbg8-PokfI?start=114" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Below are the remarks from the First Lady during the opening of the event: I’m so grateful to all of you for being with us today—because this time of year is busy, to say the least.I know you probably have holiday shopping to do: cards to address or cookies to bake. Perhaps you’re wrapping up end-of-the-year work or planning parties for the people you love.It’s not easy, is it? Sometimes the holidays feel like a full-time job, on top of volunteering, or organizing, or your real full-time job!But we do that work because it makes the magical moments of this season possible: when our homes fill with the aromas of our favorite family recipes, when we see big smiles on little faces as they open that perfect present, when we have the chance to look around our full table, a clamor of laughter and love, and just feel grateful.These moments seem even more precious now, knowing what it’s like to lose them to a deadly disease that’s kept us apart.Which is why the most important thing you can do to prepare for the holidays is get your updated COVID vaccine.And if you get it now, you’ll be protected in time for winter holiday gatherings.This updated vaccine offers the best protection for you and your family against the version of the virus we’re facing today.It reduces the risk of catching or spreading the disease—and helps protect you from ending up in the hospital or worse.It’s free, and available all over the country!I know you’re busy, but this is important! I just got mine, too. So join me, because your president and I care about you and we want to make sure you stay healthy.Go to Vaccines.gov today to find an appointment near you.Now, I know some of you might have questions.So, I invited Dr. Jha and Dr. Fauci—two of our nation’s top COVID experts—to be with us and answer your questions. And let me say that we’re especially lucky to have Dr. Fauci, who is leaving his current role at the NIH soon to begin the next chapter of his career.