WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers 
to use IRS online tools and resources to find the information they need 
to be ready to file their 2021 federal tax returns, including important 
special steps related to Economic Impact Payments and advance Child Tax 
Credit payments.

Individuals, especially those who don't usually file a tax return, are urged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file their 2021 tax return electronically</a>
 beginning January 24, 2022. Using tax preparation software or a trusted
 tax professional will help guide people through the process and avoid 
making errors. Filing an incomplete or inaccurate return may mean a 
processing delay that slows the resulting tax refund.

"There are some simple steps people can take to make sure they avoid 
delays and receive a quick refund," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "It's
 critical this year to avoid a paper tax return whenever possible and 
file electronically with direct deposit. And it's more important than 
ever to make sure you're filing an accurate tax return. The IRS urges 
people to review some straightforward tips that can help them avoid 
problems and get their tax refunds quickly."

This is the third in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">special page</a>, updated and available on IRS.gov, outlines steps taxpayers can take now to make tax filing easier.

IRS.gov tools are easy to use and available 24 hours a day. Millions 
of people use them to find information about their accounts, get answers
 to tax questions or file and pay taxes.

Recovery Rebate Credit/Economic Impact Payments

Individuals who didn't qualify for a third Economic Impact Payment or
 got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the Recovery 
Rebate Credit. They will need to know the total amount of their third <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-information-letters-to-advance-child-tax-credit-recipients-and-recipients-of-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-taxpayers-should-hold-onto-letters-to-help-the-2022-filing-season">Economic Impact Payments</a>
 received to calculate their correct 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit amount 
when they file their 2021 tax return. Ensuring they use the correct 
payment amounts will help them avoid a processing delay that may slow 
their refund. Beginning in late January, the IRS will send Letter 6475 
with the total amount of the third Economic Impact Payment received. 
People can also view their economic impact payments using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>.

People will need to know the total amount of advance payments they received in 2021 to compare them with the full amount of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Child Tax Credit</a> that they can properly claim when they file their 2021 tax return. People who received the advance <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-information-letters-to-advance-child-tax-credit-recipients-and-recipients-of-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-taxpayers-should-hold-onto-letters-to-help-the-2022-filing-season">payments</a>
 can access their online account to check the total amount of their 
payments. The IRS is also sending Letter 6419 to provide the total 
amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments received in 2021. Eligible 
families who did not get monthly advance payments in 2021 can still get a
 lump-sum payment by claiming the Child Tax Credit when they file a 2021
 federal income tax return this year. This includes families who don't 
normally need to file a return.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;answers
 general tax law questions, including helping to determine if a type of 
income is taxable or if someone is eligible to claim certain credits and
 deductions. With changes to income and other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/did-you-know-life-events-like-marriage-birth-and-divorce-may-have-a-significant-tax-impact">life events</a>&nbsp;for many in 2021, tax&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions">credits and deductions</a>&nbsp;can mean more money in a taxpayer's pocket. Thinking about eligibility now can help make tax filing easier.

Taxpayers can use their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 to securely see important information when preparing to file their tax 
return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can view the 
amount they owe, make and track payments and view payment plan details. 
Taxpayers can now also manage their communication preferences to go 
paperless for certain notices from the IRS, or to receive email 
notifications when the IRS sends them a new digital notice. They can 
also access information about Economic Impact Payments and advance Child
 Tax Credit payments needed to file a complete and accurate return. Act 
now to create an account.

Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool.
 The status is available within 24 hours after the IRS accepts their 
e-filed tax return or up to four weeks after they mailed a paper return.
 The Where's My Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually 
overnight, so taxpayers only need to check once a day.

Get ready to use direct deposit for tax refunds

<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">Direct deposit</a>&nbsp;gives taxpayers access to their refund faster than a paper check.&nbsp;Individuals
 can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct 
deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers. Learn how 
to open an account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the National&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">Credit Union Locator Tool</a>. Veterans should see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.

Everyone can file electronically for free. Starting January 14, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File program</a>, available only through IRS.gov or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go app</a>,
 offers brand-name tax preparation software packages. For those who 
earned $73,000 or less in 2021, they may qualify for Free File guided 
tax software. The software does all the work of finding deductions, 
credits and exemptions. Some of the Free File offers may include a free 
state tax return. Taxpayers comfortable filling out tax forms, can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, the electronic federal tax forms paper version to file their tax returns online, regardless of income.

Members of the military and qualifying veterans can use <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services/">MilTax</a>,
 a Department of Defense program that generally offers free online tax 
preparation and e-filing software for federal returns and up to three 
state returns.

The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help</a> and e-file for taxpayers who qualify.

The IRS has several options for finding a tax preparer.&nbsp;The IRS provides an online database to help taxpayers locate an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/authorized-irs-e-file-providers-for-individuals">authorized e-file provider</a> in their area who can electronically file their tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> provides information for selecting a tax professional. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find preparers in their area who currently hold 
professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an Annual 
Filing Season Program Record of Completion. Taxpayers need to remember 
that they, not the tax preparer, are responsible for information on 
their tax return once they sign it.

Links to online tools, publications, and other helpful resources are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page. For more information about planning ahead, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5348.pdf">Publication 5348, Get Ready to File</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5349.pdf">Publication 5349, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone</a>&nbsp;PDF.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today encouraged taxpayers 
to use IRS online tools and resources to find the information they need 
to be ready to file their 2021 federal tax returns, including important 
special steps related to Economic Impact Payments and advance Child Tax 
Credit payments.Individuals, especially those who don't usually file a tax return, are urged to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">file their 2021 tax return electronically</a>
 beginning January 24, 2022. Using tax preparation software or a trusted
 tax professional will help guide people through the process and avoid 
making errors. Filing an incomplete or inaccurate return may mean a 
processing delay that slows the resulting tax refund."There are some simple steps people can take to make sure they avoid 
delays and receive a quick refund," IRS Commissioner Chuck Rettig. "It's
 critical this year to avoid a paper tax return whenever possible and 
file electronically with direct deposit. And it's more important than 
ever to make sure you're filing an accurate tax return. The IRS urges 
people to review some straightforward tips that can help them avoid 
problems and get their tax refunds quickly."This is the third in a series of reminders to help taxpayers get ready for the upcoming tax filing season. A <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">special page</a>, updated and available on IRS.gov, outlines steps taxpayers can take now to make tax filing easier.IRS.gov tools are easy to use and available 24 hours a day. Millions 
of people use them to find information about their accounts, get answers
 to tax questions or file and pay taxes.<h2>Recovery Rebate Credit/Economic Impact Payments</h2>Individuals who didn't qualify for a third Economic Impact Payment or
 got less than the full amount may be eligible to claim the Recovery 
Rebate Credit. They will need to know the total amount of their third <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-information-letters-to-advance-child-tax-credit-recipients-and-recipients-of-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-taxpayers-should-hold-onto-letters-to-help-the-2022-filing-season">Economic Impact Payments</a>
 received to calculate their correct 2021 Recovery Rebate Credit amount 
when they file their 2021 tax return. Ensuring they use the correct 
payment amounts will help them avoid a processing delay that may slow 
their refund. Beginning in late January, the IRS will send Letter 6475 
with the total amount of the third Economic Impact Payment received. 
People can also view their economic impact payments using their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>.<h2>Advance Child Tax Credit payments</h2>People will need to know the total amount of advance payments they received in 2021 to compare them with the full amount of the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/2021-child-tax-credit-and-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-topic-h-reconciling-your-advance-child-tax-credit-payments-on-your-2021-tax-return">Child Tax Credit</a> that they can properly claim when they file their 2021 tax return. People who received the advance <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-issues-information-letters-to-advance-child-tax-credit-recipients-and-recipients-of-the-third-round-of-economic-impact-payments-taxpayers-should-hold-onto-letters-to-help-the-2022-filing-season">payments</a>
 can access their online account to check the total amount of their 
payments. The IRS is also sending Letter 6419 to provide the total 
amount of advance Child Tax Credit payments received in 2021. Eligible 
families who did not get monthly advance payments in 2021 can still get a
 lump-sum payment by claiming the Child Tax Credit when they file a 2021
 federal income tax return this year. This includes families who don't 
normally need to file a return.<h2>Interactive Tax Assistant</h2>The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/ita">Interactive Tax Assistant</a>&nbsp;answers
 general tax law questions, including helping to determine if a type of 
income is taxable or if someone is eligible to claim certain credits and
 deductions. With changes to income and other&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/did-you-know-life-events-like-marriage-birth-and-divorce-may-have-a-significant-tax-impact">life events</a>&nbsp;for many in 2021, tax&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-and-deductions">credits and deductions</a>&nbsp;can mean more money in a taxpayer's pocket. Thinking about eligibility now can help make tax filing easier.<h2>Online Account</h2>Taxpayers can use their <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">Online Account</a>
 to securely see important information when preparing to file their tax 
return or following up on balances or notices. Taxpayers can view the 
amount they owe, make and track payments and view payment plan details. 
Taxpayers can now also manage their communication preferences to go 
paperless for certain notices from the IRS, or to receive email 
notifications when the IRS sends them a new digital notice. They can 
also access information about Economic Impact Payments and advance Child
 Tax Credit payments needed to file a complete and accurate return. Act 
now to create an account.<h2>Where's My Refund?</h2>Taxpayers can check the status of their refund using the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">Where's My Refund?</a>&nbsp;tool.
 The status is available within 24 hours after the IRS accepts their 
e-filed tax return or up to four weeks after they mailed a paper return.
 The Where's My Refund? tool updates once every 24 hours, usually 
overnight, so taxpayers only need to check once a day.<h2>Get ready to use direct deposit for tax refunds</h2><a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds/get-your-refund-faster-tell-irs-to-direct-deposit-your-refund-to-one-two-or-three-accounts">Direct deposit</a>&nbsp;gives taxpayers access to their refund faster than a paper check.&nbsp;Individuals
 can use a bank account, prepaid debit card or mobile app to use direct 
deposit and will need to provide routing and account numbers. Learn how 
to open an account at an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fdic.gov/getbanked/">FDIC-Insured bank</a>&nbsp;or through the National&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mycreditunion.gov/about-credit-unions/credit-union-locator">Credit Union Locator Tool</a>. Veterans should see the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/banking.asp">Veterans Benefits Banking Program</a>&nbsp;for access to financial services at participating banks.<h2>IRS Free File</h2>Everyone can file electronically for free. Starting January 14, the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File program</a>, available only through IRS.gov or the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go app</a>,
 offers brand-name tax preparation software packages. For those who 
earned $73,000 or less in 2021, they may qualify for Free File guided 
tax software. The software does all the work of finding deductions, 
credits and exemptions. Some of the Free File offers may include a free 
state tax return. Taxpayers comfortable filling out tax forms, can use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/free-file-fillable-forms">Free File Fillable Forms</a>, the electronic federal tax forms paper version to file their tax returns online, regardless of income.Members of the military and qualifying veterans can use <a href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/financial-legal/tax-resource-center/miltax-military-tax-services/">MilTax</a>,
 a Department of Defense program that generally offers free online tax 
preparation and e-filing software for federal returns and up to three 
state returns.<h2>Free tax return preparation site</h2>The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">free tax help</a> and e-file for taxpayers who qualify.<h2>Choosing a preparer</h2>The IRS has several options for finding a tax preparer.&nbsp;The IRS provides an online database to help taxpayers locate an <a href="https://www.irs.gov/e-file-providers/authorized-irs-e-file-providers-for-individuals">authorized e-file provider</a> in their area who can electronically file their tax return. <a href="https://www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/choosing-a-tax-professional">Choosing a Tax Professional</a> provides information for selecting a tax professional. The&nbsp;<a href="https://irs.treasury.gov/rpo/rpo.jsf">Directory of Federal Tax Return Preparers with Credentials and Select Qualifications</a>&nbsp;can
 help taxpayers find preparers in their area who currently hold 
professional credentials recognized by the IRS, or who hold an Annual 
Filing Season Program Record of Completion. Taxpayers need to remember 
that they, not the tax preparer, are responsible for information on 
their tax return once they sign it.<h2>IRS.gov/getready</h2>Links to online tools, publications, and other helpful resources are available on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">Get Ready</a>&nbsp;page. For more information about planning ahead, see&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5348.pdf">Publication 5348, Get Ready to File</a>&nbsp;PDF&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p5349.pdf">Publication 5349, Year-Round Tax Planning is for Everyone</a>&nbsp;PDF.

Get ready for taxes: Resources, online tools for before, during and after filing

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Amid this crisis, doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available, according to a statement from the organization.

Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.

“While some types of medical care can wait, others can’t,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross. “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country. We’re doing everything we can to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors. We need the help of the American people.”

The Red Cross asks the country to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)

The Red Cross has experienced a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to confront relentless issues due to the pandemic, including ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations. Adding to the concern is the surge of COVID-19 cases. The Red Cross has experienced low donor turnout ever since the delta variant began spreading in August, and that trend continues as the Omicron variant takes over.

All types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood crisis. If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient blood supply

Supplying 40% of the nation’s blood, the Red Cross has had to limit blood distributions to hospitals in recent weeks. In fact, on certain days, some hospitals may not receive as much as one-quarter of the blood products requested. Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors.

All of this comes as January marks National Blood Donor Month, a time to raise awareness about the need for blood donations when regular seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu, as well as winter weather often leads to a decline in donations.

“Every community in America needs blood on a daily basis. At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges – the Red Cross is no different. And while we are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others – donating blood must continue to be part of it,” added Dr. Young.

The Red Cross appreciates the patience of blood donors and blood drive hosts. As the nation faces the latest challenges of this pandemic environment, there may not be an immediate appointment available or an individual may be asked to reschedule an appointment — but the Red Cross still needs donors. The Red Cross is grateful for donors’ understanding as the organization works tirelessly to meet the needs of patients.

The Personal Impact of Blood Shortages

Kristen Mill of Spring Grove, Illinois, suffers from ongoing health problems caused by a tick bite in 2008. Her body doesn’t produce enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen in her blood, and when her hemoglobin levels drop, blood transfusions are essential for her to survive. She has needed weekly transfusions to treat this condition for much of the summer and fall of 2021.

On a recent visit to the hospital for a transfusion, she was told the hospital had no blood that matched her blood type and she would have to wait until the right match became available.

“The hospital came to me and they apologized, and they said, ‘We’re so sorry, our blood bank is depleted to the point where we don’t have anyone that matches with you,’” said Kristen. “It’s very scary, especially if you don’t know if the blood is coming, because this is something that you need to live.”

Unfortunately, Kristen has had to wait for blood on multiple occasions in recent weeks. “It has become quite common that I would have to wait two or three days for blood. Then my condition would get worse, and I’d need to be hospitalized while waiting for blood. It usually took two days, sometimes three days, which is a long time when you are waiting for something that could save your life,” said Kristen.

Kristen worries that the next time she needs blood, it may not arrive in time to keep her alive. After seeing firsthand what a blood shortage means, she has become an advocate for blood donation.

“I don’t want this to happen to other people,” Kristen said. “There is nothing greater you can give someone than the gift of life. To have people donating lifesaving blood is just incredible and essential.”

Special Thank You to Those Who Come to Give

The Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to kick off 2022 with a blood or platelet donation. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html">RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl</a>&nbsp;for more information.

In addition to blood donors, the Red Cross also needs the help of volunteers to support critical blood collections across the country. Blood drive volunteers play an important role by greeting, registering, answering questions and providing information to blood donors throughout the donation process. Blood transportation specialists – another volunteer opportunity – provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in communities across the country. To volunteer to support Red Cross blood collections, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday">redcross.org/volunteertoday</a>.

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood and platelets. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they receive is important in determining blood donation eligibility.

A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">donate blood</a>. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®&nbsp;to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the Blood Donor App.

The American Red Cross is facing a national blood crisis – its worst blood shortage in over a decade, posing a concerning risk to patient care. Amid this crisis, doctors have been forced to make difficult decisions about who receives blood transfusions and who will need to wait until more products become available, according to a statement from the organization.Blood and platelet donations are critically needed to help prevent further delays in vital medical treatments.“While some types of medical care can wait, others can’t,” said Dr. Pampee Young, chief medical officer of the Red Cross. “Hospitals are still seeing accident victims, cancer patients, those with blood disorders like sickle cell disease, and individuals who are seriously ill who all need blood transfusions to live even as Omicron cases surge across the country. We’re doing everything we can to increase blood donations to ensure every patient can receive medical treatments without delay, but we cannot do it without more donors. We need the help of the American people.”The Red Cross asks the country to roll up a sleeve to help ensure people receive the care they need. Make an appointment to give blood or platelets as soon as possible by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App, visiting&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/">RedCrossBlood.org</a>&nbsp;or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767)The Red Cross has experienced a 10% decline in the number of people donating blood since the beginning of the pandemic and continues to confront relentless issues due to the pandemic, including ongoing blood drive cancellations and staffing limitations. Adding to the concern is the surge of COVID-19 cases. The Red Cross has experienced low donor turnout ever since the delta variant began spreading in August, and that trend continues as the Omicron variant takes over.All types are needed now, especially types O positive and O negative, as well as platelet donations, to help reverse this national blood crisis. If there is not an immediate opportunity available to donate, donors are asked to make an appointment in the days and weeks ahead to ensure the Red Cross can replenish and maintain a sufficient blood supplyBlood Donation ChallengesSupplying 40% of the nation’s blood, the Red Cross has had to limit blood distributions to hospitals in recent weeks. In fact, on certain days, some hospitals may not receive as much as one-quarter of the blood products requested. Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors.All of this comes as January marks National Blood Donor Month, a time to raise awareness about the need for blood donations when regular seasonal illnesses like colds and the flu, as well as winter weather often leads to a decline in donations.“Every community in America needs blood on a daily basis. At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges – the Red Cross is no different. And while we are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others – donating blood must continue to be part of it,” added Dr. Young.The Red Cross appreciates the patience of blood donors and blood drive hosts. As the nation faces the latest challenges of this pandemic environment, there may not be an immediate appointment available or an individual may be asked to reschedule an appointment — but the Red Cross still needs donors. The Red Cross is grateful for donors’ understanding as the organization works tirelessly to meet the needs of patients.The Personal Impact of Blood ShortagesKristen Mill of Spring Grove, Illinois, suffers from ongoing health problems caused by a tick bite in 2008. Her body doesn’t produce enough hemoglobin to carry oxygen in her blood, and when her hemoglobin levels drop, blood transfusions are essential for her to survive. She has needed weekly transfusions to treat this condition for much of the summer and fall of 2021.On a recent visit to the hospital for a transfusion, she was told the hospital had no blood that matched her blood type and she would have to wait until the right match became available.“The hospital came to me and they apologized, and they said, ‘We’re so sorry, our blood bank is depleted to the point where we don’t have anyone that matches with you,’” said Kristen. “It’s very scary, especially if you don’t know if the blood is coming, because this is something that you need to live.”Unfortunately, Kristen has had to wait for blood on multiple occasions in recent weeks. “It has become quite common that I would have to wait two or three days for blood. Then my condition would get worse, and I’d need to be hospitalized while waiting for blood. It usually took two days, sometimes three days, which is a long time when you are waiting for something that could save your life,” said Kristen.Kristen worries that the next time she needs blood, it may not arrive in time to keep her alive. After seeing firsthand what a blood shortage means, she has become an advocate for blood donation.“I don’t want this to happen to other people,” Kristen said. “There is nothing greater you can give someone than the gift of life. To have people donating lifesaving blood is just incredible and essential.”Special Thank You to Those Who Come to GiveThe Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals to kick off 2022 with a blood or platelet donation. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. As an extra thank-you from the Red Cross, those who come to donate will also be automatically entered to win a home theater package and a $500 e-gift card. Terms apply; visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/local-homepage/events/super_bowl.html">RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl</a>&nbsp;for more information.Blood Drive Volunteers NeededIn addition to blood donors, the Red Cross also needs the help of volunteers to support critical blood collections across the country. Blood drive volunteers play an important role by greeting, registering, answering questions and providing information to blood donors throughout the donation process. Blood transportation specialists – another volunteer opportunity – provide a critical link between blood donors and blood recipients by delivering blood to hospitals in communities across the country. To volunteer to support Red Cross blood collections, please visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcross.org/volunteertoday">redcross.org/volunteertoday</a>.COVID-19 Safety ProtocolsEach Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control. Individuals who have received a COVID-19 vaccine are still eligible to donate blood and platelets. Knowing the name of the manufacturer of the vaccine they receive is important in determining blood donation eligibility.About Blood DonationA blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age in most states (16 with parental consent where allowed by state law), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive">donate blood</a>. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.Blood and platelet donors can save time at their next donation by using RapidPass®&nbsp;to complete their pre-donation reading and health history questionnaire online, on the day of their donation, before arriving at the blood drive. To get started, follow the instructions at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.redcrossblood.org/rapidpass">RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass</a>&nbsp;or use the Blood Donor App.

Red Cross declares first-ever blood crisis amid Omicron surge

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested an assistant warden in the Nebraska prison system on charges alleging that she sexually abused an inmate. 

Forty-five-year-old Sarah Nelson Torsiello was booked into the Lancaster County Jail on Tuesday on felony charges of having sexually abused an inmate and having had unauthorized communication with a prisoner. 

Online court records don't list an attorney for her. 

Torsiello also resigned from her job as an assistant warden at the Department of Correctional Services’ Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln.

 The treatment center focuses on inmates with mental health issues and offers education programs.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — The Nebraska State Patrol has arrested an assistant warden in the Nebraska prison system on charges alleging that she sexually abused an inmate. Forty-five-year-old Sarah Nelson Torsiello was booked into the Lancaster County Jail on Tuesday on felony charges of having sexually abused an inmate and having had unauthorized communication with a prisoner. Online court records don't list an attorney for her. Torsiello also resigned from her job as an assistant warden at the Department of Correctional Services’ Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln. The treatment center focuses on inmates with mental health issues and offers education programs.

Nebraska prison official accused of inmate sexual abuse

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks says she has raised nearly $210,000 in her campaign for the state’s 1st Congessional District. 

Pansing Brooks, a Democrat, said she has raised $209,777 from a total of 954 donors in the most recent quarterly filing period. 

She entered the race in November, about halfway through that time window.

 Pansing Brooks is looking to unseat nine-term Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who is running for reelection while facing federal charges.

 Fortenberry has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he misled federal authorities who were investigating an illegal donation to his campaign from a foreign national in 2016.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska state Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks says she has raised nearly $210,000 in her campaign for the state’s 1st Congessional District. Pansing Brooks, a Democrat, said she has raised $209,777 from a total of 954 donors in the most recent quarterly filing period. She entered the race in November, about halfway through that time window. Pansing Brooks is looking to unseat nine-term Republican U.S. Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, who is running for reelection while facing federal charges. Fortenberry has pleaded not guilty to allegations that he misled federal authorities who were investigating an illegal donation to his campaign from a foreign national in 2016.

Pansing Brooks reports nearly $210K in campaign donations

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — School officials in Wyoming’s capital have voted to lift a mask mandate and reduce COVID-19 isolation requirements. 

The mask requirement for students and teachers will be lifted Jan. 21 after Monday’s 4-3 vote by the school board in Cheyenne. 

The school district also required people exposed to the coronavirus to stay home. 

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports only people with symptoms and those testing positive for COVID-19 will now need to stay home. 

Those who test positive will need to stay home for five days. 

Mask opponents have greatly outnumbered proponents speaking up at the past few school board meetings.

CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — School officials in Wyoming’s capital have voted to lift a mask mandate and reduce COVID-19 isolation requirements. The mask requirement for students and teachers will be lifted Jan. 21 after Monday’s 4-3 vote by the school board in Cheyenne. The school district also required people exposed to the coronavirus to stay home. The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports only people with symptoms and those testing positive for COVID-19 will now need to stay home. Those who test positive will need to stay home for five days. Mask opponents have greatly outnumbered proponents speaking up at the past few school board meetings.

Cheyenne schools vote 4-3 to lift COVID-19 mask requirement

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the Christmas morning theft of a U-Haul truck that held most of the belongings of a family traveling through Kansas have made arrests.

Just after 4a.m. on Dec. 25, police reported a U-Haul truck was stolen from 1351 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka,&nbsp;according to Lt. Aaron Jones. The truck&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2022/01/07/tpd-officers-chip-help-family-recover-christmas-day-theft/" target="_blank">contained most of the belongings&nbsp;</a>of a family traveling through the area.

Later that day, Police Lt. Ron Ekis reported the truck was seen in Wabaunsee County.

As a result of the investigation, a series of search warrants were served and on Monday police arrested four Topeka men including 25-year-old Jayden Flowers on requested charges of Burglary to Vehicle to Commit Felony, Theft $25,000&lt;$100,000 from Motor Vehicle (2 counts) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon; 26-year-old Joshua Long on requested charges of&nbsp;Theft of $25,000&lt;$100,000 from a Motor Vehicle; 27-year-old Jacob Slusser&nbsp;on requested charges of Theft of $25,000&lt;$100,000 from a Motor Vehicle and 

Police also arrested 28-year-old Nicholas Mora on requested charge of Theft $25,000&lt;$100,000 from Motor Vehicle. He is&nbsp; Fugitive from Justice in another state.

According to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz,&nbsp; some of the items seized from the warrants were stolen from the U-Haul, among other places. The investigation continues to identify those items and other potential victims.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of a U-Haul truck early Christmas morning.

Just after 4a.m. Saturday,&nbsp;a U-haul truck was stolen from 1351 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.

The victim is a family traveling with most of their belongings. Those belongings were in the truck at the time of the theft. The truck is a 2021 Ford F650 with Arizona tag:&nbsp;AK25435.

Image of the actual vehicle -photo Topeka Police

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368- 9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641929519733.png" alt="Flowers-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Flowers-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the Christmas morning theft of a U-Haul truck that held most of the belongings of a family traveling through Kansas have made arrests.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641930122174.png" alt="Long photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Long photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 4a.m. on Dec. 25, police reported a U-Haul truck was stolen from 1351 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka,&nbsp;according to Lt. Aaron Jones. The truck&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wibw.com/2022/01/07/tpd-officers-chip-help-family-recover-christmas-day-theft/" target="_blank">contained most of the belongings&nbsp;</a>of a family traveling through the area.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641930188091.png" alt="Slusser-photo Shawnee Co" />
 <figcaption>Slusser-photo Shawnee Co</figcaption>
 </figure>Later that day, Police Lt. Ron Ekis reported the truck was seen in Wabaunsee County.As a result of the investigation, a series of search warrants were served and on Monday police arrested four Topeka men including 25-year-old Jayden Flowers on requested charges of Burglary to Vehicle to Commit Felony, Theft $25,000&lt;$100,000 from Motor Vehicle (2 counts) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon by a Felon; 26-year-old Joshua Long on requested charges of&nbsp;Theft of $25,000&lt;$100,000 from a Motor Vehicle; 27-year-old Jacob Slusser&nbsp;on requested charges of Theft of $25,000&lt;$100,000 from a Motor Vehicle and <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641930280239.png" alt="Mora-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Mora-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>Police also arrested 28-year-old Nicholas Mora on requested charge of Theft $25,000&lt;$100,000 from Motor Vehicle. He is&nbsp; Fugitive from Justice in another state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640443765750.png" alt="Photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>According to Police Lt. Manuel Munoz,&nbsp; some of the items seized from the warrants were stolen from the U-Haul, among other places. The investigation continues to identify those items and other potential victims.----------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating the theft of a U-Haul truck early Christmas morning.Just after 4a.m. Saturday,&nbsp;a U-haul truck was stolen from 1351 SW Arvonia Place in Topeka, according to Lt. Aaron Jones.The victim is a family traveling with most of their belongings. Those belongings were in the truck at the time of the theft. The truck is a 2021 Ford F650 with Arizona tag:&nbsp;AK25435.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/12/1640443741162.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Image of the actual vehicle -photo Topeka PoliceAnyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to email telltpd@topeka.org or contact the Topeka Police Criminal Investigation Bureau at 785-368- 9400. Anonymous tips can be made by calling Shawnee County Crime Stoppers at 785

Grinch: 4 jailed in Kan. for Christmas theft of family's loaded U-Haul 

ATLANTA (AP) — Pounding his hand for emphasis, President Joe Biden challenged senators Tuesday to “stand against voter suppression” by changing Senate rules to pass voting rights legislation that Republicans are blocking from debate and votes.

Biden told a crowd in Atlanta gathered on the grounds of Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University that he’d been having quiet conversations with senators for months over the two bills — a lack of progress that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-voting-atlanta-stacey-abrams-7bb6e8cd4ad78267cc56d713ecdbf39d">brought him criticism from activists</a>&nbsp;in his own party.

“I’m tired of being quiet!” he shouted to cheers from the crowd.

In his remarks, Biden invoked the civil rights battles of the 1960s. He likened the wrongs of the past to modern-day efforts to subvert elections through the Capitol riot a year ago and a series of GOP-backed laws passed after former President Donald Trump lost in 2020 and then falsely claimed widespread voter fraud. Biden chastised Republicans for falling in line behind Trump’s election lies.

“Today, we call on Congress to get done what history will judge,” Biden said. “Pass the freedom to vote act.”

Biden’s speech was forceful, blunt and explicit, referring to new efforts to limit voting access as “Jim Crow 2.0.” For the first time, he directly advocated eliminating the Senate’s vote-blocking device called the filibuster in order to debate and vote on election and voting rights legislation. Though his focus brings more national attention to the debate ahead, it’s not clear what impact his newfound fire will have.

Current rules require 60 votes to advance most legislation — a threshold that Senate Democrats can’t meet alone because they have just a 50-50 majority with Vice President Kamala Harris to break ties. Republicans unanimously oppose the voting rights measures.

There also aren’t enough Democratic votes to change the Senate rule. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin threw more cold water on the idea Tuesday, saying he believes any changes should be made with substantial Republican buy-in. And there aren’t any Republican senators willing to sign on.

“Not a single Republican has displayed the courage to stand up to a defeated president to protect Americans’ right to vote,” Biden said. “Not one. Not one.”

Congressional Democrats have written voting legislation that would usher in the biggest overhaul of U.S. elections in a generation by striking down hurdles to voting enacted in the name of election security. The legislation also would reduce the influence of big money in politics and limit partisan influence over the drawing of congressional districts.

The package would create national election standards that would trump state-level GOP laws. It would also restore the ability of the Justice Department to police election laws in states with a history of discrimination.

Republicans say the changes are not aimed at fairness but at giving Democrats an advantage in elections.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky accused Biden of invoking “the brutal racial hatred of Jim Crow Segregation to smear states’” new voting laws.

And it is coming from “a sitting president of the United States who pledged to lower the temperature and unite America,” McConnell said.

Even if Democrats clear the obstacles to passing the legislation, it could be too late to counter voting restrictions passed in 19 states following Trump’s 2020 loss and his lies — embraced by many in the GOP -- that the election was stolen through voter fraud.

Voting rights advocates in Georgia and nationwide are increasingly anxious about what may happen in 2022 and beyond. They view the changes in many states as a subtler form of ballot restrictions like literacy tests and poll taxes once used to disenfranchise Black voters, a key Democratic constituency.

“This matters to all of us,” Biden insisted. “The goal of the former president and his allies is to disenfranchise anyone who votes against him, simple as that.”

The president spent decades in the Senate, and he spoke with regret of how much it’s changed for the worse, calling it “a shell of its former self.” He spoke of an era not long ago when an issue like voting rights would never have been so rancorously partisan.

He recalled working with segregationist lawmakers in the Senate to get legislation passed and for it then to be signed into law by Republican presidents. But now, the filibuster has been used frequently to block even the debating of some legislation.

“How do you want to be remembered?” he asked his former congressional colleagues.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has set next Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a deadline to either pass voting legislation or consider revising the rules. Biden told his audience, “The next few days, when these bills come to a vote, will mark a turning point in this nation’s history.”

“Will we choose democracy over autocracy, light over shadow, justice over injustice? I know where I stand. I will not yield. I will not flinch,” he declared. “I will defend the right to vote, our democracy, against all enemies foreign, yes and domestic. The question is where will the institution of the United States Senate stand?”

Biden also visited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-georgia-senate-2563753b703f7a46af9a0e75565b84db">Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church</a>, where the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once held forth from the pulpit. He stood quietly as Martin Luther King III placed a wreath outside at the crypt of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.

Some voting rights advocates boycotted Biden’s speech out of frustration over Washington’s inaction. Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, known for her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stacey-abrams-voting-rights-georgia-731808e4a90a398acb104150054f304b">untiring voting rights work</a>, said she skipped the event because of a scheduling conflict, which she did not explain further.

King said in a statement that he was happy to host Biden, but that he also supported those who chose to skip the speech.

“We’ve seen what’s possible when President Biden uses the full weight of his office to deliver for bridges,” he said, referencing Biden’s successful push for a $1 trillion infrastructure spending deal. “And now we need to see him do the same for voting rights.”

Republicans who have fallen in line behind Trump’s election misinformation are separately promoting efforts to influence future elections by installing sympathetic leaders in local election posts and by backing for elective office some of those who participated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol.

Vice President Kamala Harris spoke before Biden on Tuesday, warning that the barrage of new state laws means there is “a danger of becoming accustomed to these laws, a danger of adjusting to these laws as though they are normal.”

“There is nothing normal about a law that makes it illegal to pass out water or food to people standing in long voting lines,” she said, to cheers.

Georgia is at the center of it all,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">one of the key battleground states in the 2020 elections</a>. After the votes were counted and recounted, Trump told the top state election official he wanted the official to “find” enough votes to overturn his loss. The state’s votes nonetheless went to Biden, and both of its Senate seats went to Democrats as well.

Last year, the state’s Republican governor signed a sweeping rewrite of election rules that, among other things, gives the State Election Board new powers to intervene in county election offices and to remove and replace local election officials. That has led to concerns that the Republican-controlled state board could exert more influence over the administration of elections, including the certification of county results.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641939310468.png" alt="President Biden and&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris on the stage in Atlanta Tuesday-photo courtesy White House" />
 <figcaption>President Biden and&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris on the stage in Atlanta Tuesday-photo courtesy White House</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — Pounding his hand for emphasis, President Joe Biden challenged senators Tuesday to “stand against voter suppression” by changing Senate rules to pass voting rights legislation that Republicans are blocking from debate and votes.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F4807407156007994%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=642" width="560" height="314" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="true" allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowFullScreen="true"></iframe></div>Biden told a crowd in Atlanta gathered on the grounds of Morehouse College and Clark Atlanta University that he’d been having quiet conversations with senators for months over the two bills — a lack of progress that has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-voting-atlanta-stacey-abrams-7bb6e8cd4ad78267cc56d713ecdbf39d">brought him criticism from activists</a>&nbsp;in his own party.“I’m tired of being quiet!” he shouted to cheers from the crowd.In his remarks, Biden invoked the civil rights battles of the 1960s. He likened the wrongs of the past to modern-day efforts to subvert elections through the Capitol riot a year ago and a series of GOP-backed laws passed after former President Donald Trump lost in 2020 and then falsely claimed widespread voter fraud. Biden chastised Republicans for falling in line behind Trump’s election lies.“Today, we call on Congress to get done what history will judge,” Biden said. “Pass the freedom to vote act.”Biden’s speech was forceful, blunt and explicit, referring to new efforts to limit voting access as “Jim Crow 2.0.” For the first time, he directly advocated eliminating the Senate’s vote-blocking device called the filibuster in order to debate and vote on election and voting rights legislation. Though his focus brings more national attention to the debate ahead, it’s not clear what impact his newfound fire will have.Current rules require 60 votes to advance most legislation — a threshold that Senate Democrats can’t meet alone because they have just a 50-50 majority with Vice President Kamala Harris to break ties. Republicans unanimously oppose the voting rights measures.There also aren’t enough Democratic votes to change the Senate rule. West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin threw more cold water on the idea Tuesday, saying he believes any changes should be made with substantial Republican buy-in. And there aren’t any Republican senators willing to sign on.“Not a single Republican has displayed the courage to stand up to a defeated president to protect Americans’ right to vote,” Biden said. “Not one. Not one.”Congressional Democrats have written voting legislation that would usher in the biggest overhaul of U.S. elections in a generation by striking down hurdles to voting enacted in the name of election security. The legislation also would reduce the influence of big money in politics and limit partisan influence over the drawing of congressional districts.The package would create national election standards that would trump state-level GOP laws. It would also restore the ability of the Justice Department to police election laws in states with a history of discrimination.Republicans say the changes are not aimed at fairness but at giving Democrats an advantage in elections.Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky accused Biden of invoking “the brutal racial hatred of Jim Crow Segregation to smear states’” new voting laws.And it is coming from “a sitting president of the United States who pledged to lower the temperature and unite America,” McConnell said.Even if Democrats clear the obstacles to passing the legislation, it could be too late to counter voting restrictions passed in 19 states following Trump’s 2020 loss and his lies — embraced by many in the GOP -- that the election was stolen through voter fraud.Voting rights advocates in Georgia and nationwide are increasingly anxious about what may happen in 2022 and beyond. They view the changes in many states as a subtler form of ballot restrictions like literacy tests and poll taxes once used to disenfranchise Black voters, a key Democratic constituency.“This matters to all of us,” Biden insisted. “The goal of the former president and his allies is to disenfranchise anyone who votes against him, simple as that.”The president spent decades in the Senate, and he spoke with regret of how much it’s changed for the worse, calling it “a shell of its former self.” He spoke of an era not long ago when an issue like voting rights would never have been so rancorously partisan.He recalled working with segregationist lawmakers in the Senate to get legislation passed and for it then to be signed into law by Republican presidents. But now, the filibuster has been used frequently to block even the debating of some legislation.“How do you want to be remembered?” he asked his former congressional colleagues.Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., has set next Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day as a deadline to either pass voting legislation or consider revising the rules. Biden told his audience, “The next few days, when these bills come to a vote, will mark a turning point in this nation’s history.”“Will we choose democracy over autocracy, light over shadow, justice over injustice? I know where I stand. I will not yield. I will not flinch,” he declared. “I will defend the right to vote, our democracy, against all enemies foreign, yes and domestic. The question is where will the institution of the United States Senate stand?”Biden also visited&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/race-and-ethnicity-georgia-senate-2563753b703f7a46af9a0e75565b84db">Atlanta’s historic Ebenezer Baptist Church</a>, where the late Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. once held forth from the pulpit. He stood quietly as Martin Luther King III placed a wreath outside at the crypt of King and his wife, Coretta Scott King.Some voting rights advocates boycotted Biden’s speech out of frustration over Washington’s inaction. Georgia Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams, known for her&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stacey-abrams-voting-rights-georgia-731808e4a90a398acb104150054f304b">untiring voting rights work</a>, said she skipped the event because of a scheduling conflict, which she did not explain further.King said in a statement that he was happy to host Biden, but that he also supported those who chose to skip the speech.“We’ve seen what’s possible when President Biden uses the full weight of his office to deliver for bridges,” he said, referencing Biden’s successful push for a $1 trillion infrastructure spending deal. “And now we need to see him do the same for voting rights.”Republicans who have fallen in line behind Trump’s election misinformation are separately promoting efforts to influence future elections by installing sympathetic leaders in local election posts and by backing for elective office some of those who participated in the riot at the U.S. Capitol.Vice President Kamala Harris spoke before Biden on Tuesday, warning that the barrage of new state laws means there is “a danger of becoming accustomed to these laws, a danger of adjusting to these laws as though they are normal.”“There is nothing normal about a law that makes it illegal to pass out water or food to people standing in long voting lines,” she said, to cheers.Georgia is at the center of it all,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/election-2020-joe-biden-donald-trump-georgia-elections-bb997641ca36805c0f53f406a3529d87">one of the key battleground states in the 2020 elections</a>. After the votes were counted and recounted, Trump told the top state election official he wanted the official to “find” enough votes to overturn his loss. The state’s votes nonetheless went to Biden, and both of its Senate seats went to Democrats as well.Last year, the state’s Republican governor signed a sweeping rewrite of election rules that, among other things, gives the State Election Board new powers to intervene in county election offices and to remove and replace local election officials. That has led to concerns that the Republican-controlled state board could exert more influence over the administration of elections, including the certification of county results.

🎥 Biden wants to change Senate rules to overhaul U.S. elections

KANSAS CITY —Police reported just after 5:30a.m. they had located the parents of a child found wandering alone in Kansas City overnight.

The child was found on the northeast corner of Parvin Road and Davidson Road in Kansas City.

Family has been located and detectives are now in touch with them.

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities asked the public for help to locate the family of child found just before 2a.m. Wednesday. according to a social media report from Kansas City Police

The child is described as 3-foot-6, 40 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes. The child was found in a grey T-Shirt, grey sweatpants, and black socks. 

If you have any information on the juvenile please call the Juvenile Unit at 816-234-5150 or the Shoal Creek Division, 816-413-3400,

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641987011361.png" alt="Photo courtesy KCPD" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy KCPD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Police reported just after 5:30a.m. they had located the parents of a child found wandering alone in Kansas City overnight.The child was found on the northeast corner of Parvin Road and Davidson Road in Kansas City.Family has been located and detectives are now in touch with them.Police released no additional details.-------KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement authorities asked the public for help to locate the family of child found just before 2a.m. Wednesday. according to a social media report from Kansas City PoliceThe child was found on the northeast corner of Parvin Road and Davidson Road in Kansas City.The child is described as 3-foot-6, 40 pounds, with black hair and blue eyes. The child was found in a grey T-Shirt, grey sweatpants, and black socks. If you have any information on the juvenile please call the Juvenile Unit at 816-234-5150 or the Shoal Creek Division, 816-413-3400,

Police locate parents of child found wandering in Kansas City

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is establishing a specialized unit focused on domestic terrorism, the department’s top national security official told lawmakers Tuesday as he described an “elevated” threat from violent extremists in the United States.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, testifying just days after the nation observed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">one-year anniversary of the insurrection</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol, said the number of FBI investigations into suspected domestic violent extremists has more than doubled since the spring of 2020.

“We have seen a growing threat from those who are motivated by racial animus, as well as those who ascribe to extremist anti-government and anti-authority ideologies,” Olsen said.

The formulation of a new unit underscores the extent to which domestic violent extremism, which for years after the Sept. 11 attacks was overshadowed by the threat of international terrorism, has attracted urgent attention inside the federal government and at the White House.

But the issue remains politically freighted and divisive, in part because the absence of a federal domestic terrorism statute has created ambiguities as to precisely what sort of violence meets that definition. The U.S. criminal code defines domestic terrorism as violence intended to coerce or intimidate a civilian population and to influence government policy, but there is no standalone domestic terrorism charge, meaning prosecutors have to rely on other statutes.

Olsen’s assessment about growing domestic threats tracked with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-chris-wray-testify-capitol-riot-9a5539af34b15338bb5c4923907eeb67">a warning last March from FBI Director Christopher Wray</a>, who testified that the threat was “metastasizing.” Jill Sanborn, the executive assistant director in charge of the FBI’s national security branch who testified alongside Olsen, said Tuesday the greatest threat comes from lone extremists or small cells who radicalize online and look to carry out violence at so-called “soft targets.”

“This includes both homegrown violent extremists inspired primarily by foreign terrorist organizations as well as domestic violent extremism,” Sanborn said.

The department’s National Security Division, which Olsen leads, has a counterterrorism section. But Olsen told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has decided to create a specialized domestic terrorism unit “to augment our existing approach” and to “ensure that these cases are properly handled and effectively coordinated” across the country.

The partisan divisions around the domestic terrorism terminology were evident during Tuesday’s hearing.

Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic chairman of the committee, played video of the Jan. 6 riot at the outset of the hearing and urged everyone on the committee to “use this hearing to explicitly condemn the use or threat of violence to advance political goals.”

“It’s a simple request, but sadly a necessary one,” Durbin added. “This committee should speak with a unified voice in saying violence is unacceptable.”

Several Republican senators sought to shift focus away from Jan. 6 and asserted that the insurrection had taken away attention from the 2020 rioting that erupted in American cities and grew out of racial justice protests. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, castigated the law enforcement witnesses for what he said were “wildly disparate standards” in the department’s pursuit of suspects in the 2020 rioting and in the Jan. 6 insurrection.

Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the panel’s top Republican, showed video of the 2020 violence as a counter to the Jan. 6 footage that Durbin showed.

“Those anti-police riots rocked our nation for seven full months,” Grassley said.

The FBI and Justice Department say they treat domestic extremist violence the same regardless of ideology. Sanborn said the FBI has opened more than 800 investigations tied to the 2020 rioting and arrested more than 250 people. Attorney General Merrick Garland&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrick-garland-7556f195cde8dbf04aee94c80a41ec35">said last week</a>&nbsp;that the Justice Department had arrested and charged more than 725 people for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6 attack.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1641943438855.png" alt="Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen photo CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen photo CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is establishing a specialized unit focused on domestic terrorism, the department’s top national security official told lawmakers Tuesday as he described an “elevated” threat from violent extremists in the United States.Assistant Attorney General Matthew Olsen, testifying just days after the nation observed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/capitol-siege">one-year anniversary of the insurrection</a>&nbsp;at the U.S. Capitol, said the number of FBI investigations into suspected domestic violent extremists has more than doubled since the spring of 2020.“We have seen a growing threat from those who are motivated by racial animus, as well as those who ascribe to extremist anti-government and anti-authority ideologies,” Olsen said.The formulation of a new unit underscores the extent to which domestic violent extremism, which for years after the Sept. 11 attacks was overshadowed by the threat of international terrorism, has attracted urgent attention inside the federal government and at the White House.But the issue remains politically freighted and divisive, in part because the absence of a federal domestic terrorism statute has created ambiguities as to precisely what sort of violence meets that definition. The U.S. criminal code defines domestic terrorism as violence intended to coerce or intimidate a civilian population and to influence government policy, but there is no standalone domestic terrorism charge, meaning prosecutors have to rely on other statutes.Olsen’s assessment about growing domestic threats tracked with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/fbi-chris-wray-testify-capitol-riot-9a5539af34b15338bb5c4923907eeb67">a warning last March from FBI Director Christopher Wray</a>, who testified that the threat was “metastasizing.” Jill Sanborn, the executive assistant director in charge of the FBI’s national security branch who testified alongside Olsen, said Tuesday the greatest threat comes from lone extremists or small cells who radicalize online and look to carry out violence at so-called “soft targets.”“This includes both homegrown violent extremists inspired primarily by foreign terrorist organizations as well as domestic violent extremism,” Sanborn said.The department’s National Security Division, which Olsen leads, has a counterterrorism section. But Olsen told the Senate Judiciary Committee that he has decided to create a specialized domestic terrorism unit “to augment our existing approach” and to “ensure that these cases are properly handled and effectively coordinated” across the country.The partisan divisions around the domestic terrorism terminology were evident during Tuesday’s hearing.Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic chairman of the committee, played video of the Jan. 6 riot at the outset of the hearing and urged everyone on the committee to “use this hearing to explicitly condemn the use or threat of violence to advance political goals.”“It’s a simple request, but sadly a necessary one,” Durbin added. “This committee should speak with a unified voice in saying violence is unacceptable.”Several Republican senators sought to shift focus away from Jan. 6 and asserted that the insurrection had taken away attention from the 2020 rioting that erupted in American cities and grew out of racial justice protests. Sen. Ted Cruz, a Texas Republican, castigated the law enforcement witnesses for what he said were “wildly disparate standards” in the department’s pursuit of suspects in the 2020 rioting and in the Jan. 6 insurrection.Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa, the panel’s top Republican, showed video of the 2020 violence as a counter to the Jan. 6 footage that Durbin showed.“Those anti-police riots rocked our nation for seven full months,” Grassley said.The FBI and Justice Department say they treat domestic extremist violence the same regardless of ideology. Sanborn said the FBI has opened more than 800 investigations tied to the 2020 rioting and arrested more than 250 people. Attorney General Merrick Garland&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/merrick-garland-7556f195cde8dbf04aee94c80a41ec35">said last week</a>&nbsp;that the Justice Department had arrested and charged more than 725 people for their alleged roles in the Jan. 6 attack.____

Justice Department's new unit to focus on domestic terrorism

WASHINGTON — National Taxpayer Advocate Erin M. Collins today released her <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/AnnualReport2021">2021 Annual Report to Congress</a>,
 calling calendar year 2021 "the most challenging year taxpayers and tax
 professionals have ever experienced." The report says tens of millions 
of taxpayers experienced delays in the processing of their returns, and 
with 77 percent of individual taxpayers receiving refunds, "processing 
delays translated directly into refund delays."

The report credits the Internal Revenue Service for performing well 
under difficult circumstances. Since the start of the pandemic, the IRS,
 in addition to its traditional work, has implemented significant 
programs enacted by Congress. Among other things, it has issued 478 
million stimulus payments (referred to as Economic Impact Payments or 
"EIPs") totaling $812 billion and has sent Advance Child Tax Credit 
(AdvCTC) payments to over 36 million families totaling over $93 billion.

The report says "[t]he imbalance between the IRS's workload and its 
resources has never been greater." Since fiscal year (FY) 2010, the 
IRS's workforce has shrunk by 17 percent, while its workload – as 
measured by the number of individual return filings – has increased by 
19 percent. The report reiterates the National Taxpayer Advocate's 
longstanding recommendation that Congress provide the IRS with 
sufficient funding to serve taxpayers well.

"There is no way to sugarcoat the year 2021 in tax administration," 
Collins wrote. "The year 2021 provided no shortage of taxpayer 
problems."

"While my report focuses primarily on the problems of 2021, I am 
deeply concerned about the upcoming filing season," Collins added in 
releasing the report. "Paper is the IRS's Kryptonite, and the agency is 
still buried in it." As of late December, the IRS had backlogs of 6 
million unprocessed original individual returns (Forms 1040), 2.3 
million unprocessed amended individual returns (Forms 1040-X), more than
 2&nbsp;million unprocessed employer's quarterly tax returns (Forms 941 and 
941-X), and about 5 million pieces of taxpayer correspondence – with 
some of these submissions dating back at least to April and many 
taxpayers still waiting for their refunds nine months later.

Although e-filed returns fared better than paper returns, the report 
says millions of e-filed returns were suspended during processing due to
 discrepancies between amounts claimed on the returns and amounts 
reflected on IRS records. The most common discrepancy involved Recovery 
Rebate Credit (RRC) claims by taxpayers who did not receive some or all 
of their stimulus payments as EIPs the prior year. These returns had to 
be manually reviewed, and the IRS issued more than 11 million math error
 notices to taxpayers over RRC discrepancies with IRS records. When a 
taxpayer disagreed with a math error notice and submitted a response, 
the taxpayer's response went into the IRS's paper processing backlog, 
further delaying the refund.

Collins is concerned that the number of returns suspended and 
requiring manual processing is likely to be high again in 2022. In 
March, Congress authorized two advance tax credits that may result in 
additional discrepancies between amounts claimed on tax returns and in 
IRS records. It authorized a third round of EIPs that may be claimed as 
RRCs by taxpayers who did not receive them, and it authorized monthly 
payments of the Advance Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) for the second half 
of&nbsp;2021, both of which will have to be claimed and/or reconciled on 2021
 individual tax returns. The IRS is attempting to minimize discrepancies
 by sending notices to taxpayers who received EIPs and AdvCTC showing 
how much they received, but millions of discrepancies – and math error 
notices – remain likely.

At the postponed filing deadline of May 17, 2021, the IRS was holding
 35.3 million tax returns for employee review that consisted of roughly 
half unprocessed paper returns and half tax returns suspended during 
processing, leading to refund delays for many of these taxpayers. 
"Refund delays have a disproportionate impact on low-income taxpayers," 
the report says. "Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) benefits are worth up 
to $6,660, Child Tax Credit benefits [were] worth up to $2,000 per 
qualifying child under tax year 2020 rules, and RRCs are potentially 
worth several thousand dollars for families who did not receive some or 
all of their EIPs. Millions of taxpayers rely on the benefits from these
 programs to pay their basic living expenses, and when refunds are 
substantially delayed, the financial impact can range from mild 
inconvenience to severe financial hardship."

The report says processing delays led to a cascade of customer service problems:

The IRS's "Where's My Refund?" tool often could not answer the question.
 Taxpayers attempted to check the status of their refunds on IRS.gov 
more than 632 million times last year, but "Where's My Refund?" does not
 provide information on unprocessed returns, and it does not explain any
 status delays, the reasons for delays, where returns stand in the 
processing pipeline, or what actions taxpayers need to take, if any. For
 taxpayers who experienced significant refund delays, the tool often did
 not do its job.

Telephone service was the worst it has ever been. 
The combination of processing delays and questions about new programs 
like the AdvCTC caused call volumes to almost triple from the prior year
 to a record 282 million telephone calls. Customer service 
representatives (CSRs) only answered about 32 million, or 11 percent, of
 those calls. As a result, most callers could not obtain answers to 
their tax law questions, get help with account problems, or speak with a
 CSR about a compliance notice. "Among the lucky one in nine callers who
 was able to reach a CSR, the IRS reported that hold times averaged 
23&nbsp;minutes," the report says. "Practitioners and taxpayers have reported
 that hold times were often much longer, and frustration and 
dissatisfaction was high throughout the year with the low level of phone
 service."

The IRS took months to process taxpayer responses to its notices, further delaying refunds.
 The IRS sent tens of millions of notices to taxpayers during 2021. 
These included nearly 14 million math error notices, Automated 
Underreporter notices (where an amount reported on a tax return did not 
match the corresponding amount reported to the IRS on a Form 1099 or 
other information reporting document), notices requesting a taxpayer 
authenticate his or her identity where IRS filters flagged a return as 
potentially fraudulent, correspondence examination notices and 
collection notices. In many cases, taxpayer responses were required, and
 if the IRS did not process a response, its automated processes could 
take adverse action or not release the refund claimed on the tax return.
 The IRS received 6.2&nbsp;million taxpayer responses to proposed adjustments
 and took an average of 199 days to process them – up from 74 days in FY
 2019, the most recent pre-pandemic year.

The ten most serious problems encountered by taxpayers.
 By statute, the National Taxpayer Advocate is required to identify the 
ten most serious problems encountered by taxpayers in their dealings 
with the IRS. This year's report details the following problems: 
processing and refund delays; challenges in employee recruitment, 
hiring, and training; telephone and in-person taxpayer service; 
transparency and clarity; filing season delays; limitations of online 
taxpayer accounts; limitations in digital taxpayer communications, 
including e-mail; e-filing barriers; correspondence audits; and the 
impact of collection policies on low-income taxpayers. For each problem,
 the report includes an IRS response.

Taxpayer Advocate Service administrative recommendations to the IRS

The report makes numerous recommendations to address taxpayer problems, including the following:

National Taxpayer Advocate "Purple Book" of legislative recommendations

The National Taxpayer Advocate's 2022 Purple Book proposes 68 
legislative recommendations for consideration by Congress. Among them 
are the following:

The report contains a taxpayer rights assessment that presents 
performance measures and other relevant data, a description of TAS's 
case advocacy operations during FY 2021, a summary of key TAS systemic 
advocacy accomplishments, and a discussion of the ten federal tax issues
 most frequently litigated during the preceding year. The section on 
most litigated tax issues for the first time contains an analysis of 
substantially all cases petitioned in the Tax Court rather than simply 
decided cases, providing a much broader view of issues taxpayers bring 
to court. Also for the first time, the report includes a section titled 
"At a Glance," which provides concise summaries of the ten "most serious
 problems." It is intended to give readers a quick overview of each 
issue so they can decide which ones they want to read about in depth.

Please visit <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/AnnualReport2021">2021 National Taxpayer Advocate Annual Report to Congress</a>&nbsp;for more information.

TAS is an independent organization within the IRS that helps
 taxpayers and protects taxpayer rights. Your local advocate's number is
 available in your local directory and at <a href="https://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/contact-us">Contact Us</a>. You may also call TAS toll-free at <a href="tel:877-777-4778">877-777-4778</a>.
 TAS can help if you need assistance resolving an IRS problem, if your 
problem is causing financial difficulty, or if you believe an IRS system
 or procedure isn't working as it should. And our service is free. For 
more information about TAS and your rights under the Taxpayer Bill of 
Rights, go to the <a href="http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/">Taxpayer Advocate Service website</a>.&nbsp;You can get updates on tax topics at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/YourVoiceAtIRS">YourVoiceAtIRS</a>&nbsp;(Facebook),&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/YourVoiceatIRS">YourVoiceatIRS</a>&nbsp;(Twitter) and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/TASNTA">TASNTA</a>&nbsp;(YouTube).

Congress receives report focusing on impact of tax refund delays

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will mark the beginning of the state’s legislative session Tuesday. 

But she will be balancing concerns between business groups wanting to ratchet up the state’s economic growth and social conservatives pushing some of the country’s most aggressive legislation aimed at transgender people. 

Business groups warn that bills seen as discriminatory to transgender people may result in the state losing out on sports tournaments and other conventions.

 But conservative lawmakers want to push the governor to take a harder stance on the issue. 

Advocates for transgender people say the legislation bullies a group of people who are already marginalized.

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem will mark the beginning of the state’s legislative session Tuesday. But she will be balancing concerns between business groups wanting to ratchet up the state’s economic growth and social conservatives pushing some of the country’s most aggressive legislation aimed at transgender people. Business groups warn that bills seen as discriminatory to transgender people may result in the state losing out on sports tournaments and other conventions. But conservative lawmakers want to push the governor to take a harder stance on the issue. Advocates for transgender people say the legislation bullies a group of people who are already marginalized.

Noem to start session pulled between social, economic issues

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man who was shot by police after allegedly charging at his mother and officers with a knife has been released from the hospital and booked into jail. 

Omaha police said in a news release Tuesday that Justin Michalak is being held on two counts of assault on an an officer, two counts of use of a weapon to commit a felony and one count of false imprisonment.

 The release said he left the hospital on Saturday.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — An Omaha man who was shot by police after allegedly charging at his mother and officers with a knife has been released from the hospital and booked into jail. Omaha police said in a news release Tuesday that Justin Michalak is being held on two counts of assault on an an officer, two counts of use of a weapon to commit a felony and one count of false imprisonment. The release said he left the hospital on Saturday.

Omaha man released from hospital after police shooting

MISSION, Kan. (AP) — Employee absences fueled by a surge in COVID-19 cases are straining Kansas hospitals, schools and emergency services and raising questions about whether some court trials might need to be delayed.

When students returned from break last week in the Wichita school district, 1,274 of the district’s 47,000 students and 399 of the district’s 7,600 employees weren’t in school because they had been exposed to the virus. That’s more than three times the amount of students and seven times as many staff members who were quarantining in late November.

There were also 172 positive cases among staff members, up from 13 in the week before the break. Some central office staff members with teaching degrees are helping out in schools, said Susan Arensman, a district spokesperson.

The situation has led the Kansas State Board of Education to announce that no in-person attendees will be allowed at its meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday.

The number of patients continues to climb at the University of Kansas Hospital, hitting 162 on Monday. Among them, 119 are still in the infectious phase of the illness, a record amount for the hospital since the start of the pandemic. On top of that, 850 employees were out over the weekend, either isolating because they were positive or because they were waiting for test results.

“So it’s obviously a big number. We’ve got to supplant those individuals at the bedside in every way that we can,” said Chris Ruder, the hospital’s chief operating officer. That means surgeries and clinics have been canceled and staff is being shifted to bedside care.

Ruder attributed the strain to the highly contagious omicron variant.

“It is putting us in the situation we’re in currently today without the ability to provide care across our country and in areas that patients need,” he said.

In the Kansas City area, some paramedics are working 80 hours a week because so many employees are out sick, said Chris Winger, an EMS battalion chief who supervises paramedics in Johnson County, Kansas.

“I can’t emphasize this enough ... our crews are making huge personal sacrifices to make sure that when someone calls 911 that an ambulance is there,” said Winger, who worked 78 hours last week.

Winger said some ambulance patients are being taken straight to the hospital waiting room.

“Emergency services is just very saturated right now,” he said.

Since Dec. 1, Kansas has seen an average of 42 new hospitalizations a day, up from 27 in November, according to state health department data.

Last week, Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez expressed concern about continuing in-person court hearings as COVID-19 cases continue to rise

Valdez said in a news release that she was working to gather input from the public on whether they felt comfortable participating in in-person hearings amid the current surge of cases.

Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, said employers are having to make tough decisions and take precautions like requiring masks again.

“And the bottom line is if we don’t do this and we let the spread continue, you’re going to see the notes on the door that say, you know, we’ve had to close down because we don’t have the staff,” he said.

By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTHMISSION, Kan. (AP) — Employee absences fueled by a surge in COVID-19 cases are straining Kansas hospitals, schools and emergency services and raising questions about whether some court trials might need to be delayed.When students returned from break last week in the Wichita school district, 1,274 of the district’s 47,000 students and 399 of the district’s 7,600 employees weren’t in school because they had been exposed to the virus. That’s more than three times the amount of students and seven times as many staff members who were quarantining in late November.There were also 172 positive cases among staff members, up from 13 in the week before the break. Some central office staff members with teaching degrees are helping out in schools, said Susan Arensman, a district spokesperson.“We have to be creative,” she said.The situation has led the Kansas State Board of Education to announce that no in-person attendees will be allowed at its meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday.The number of patients continues to climb at the University of Kansas Hospital, hitting 162 on Monday. Among them, 119 are still in the infectious phase of the illness, a record amount for the hospital since the start of the pandemic. On top of that, 850 employees were out over the weekend, either isolating because they were positive or because they were waiting for test results.“So it’s obviously a big number. We’ve got to supplant those individuals at the bedside in every way that we can,” said Chris Ruder, the hospital’s chief operating officer. That means surgeries and clinics have been canceled and staff is being shifted to bedside care.Ruder attributed the strain to the highly contagious omicron variant.“It is putting us in the situation we’re in currently today without the ability to provide care across our country and in areas that patients need,” he said.In the Kansas City area, some paramedics are working 80 hours a week because so many employees are out sick, said Chris Winger, an EMS battalion chief who supervises paramedics in Johnson County, Kansas.“I can’t emphasize this enough ... our crews are making huge personal sacrifices to make sure that when someone calls 911 that an ambulance is there,” said Winger, who worked 78 hours last week.Winger said some ambulance patients are being taken straight to the hospital waiting room.“Emergency services is just very saturated right now,” he said.Since Dec. 1, Kansas has seen an average of 42 new hospitalizations a day, up from 27 in November, according to state health department data.Last week, Douglas County District Attorney Suzanne Valdez expressed concern about continuing in-person court hearings as COVID-19 cases continue to riseValdez said in a news release that she was working to gather input from the public on whether they felt comfortable participating in in-person hearings amid the current surge of cases.Joe Reardon, president and CEO of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce, said employers are having to make tough decisions and take precautions like requiring masks again.“And the bottom line is if we don’t do this and we let the spread continue, you’re going to see the notes on the door that say, you know, we’ve had to close down because we don’t have the staff,” he said.___

Staff absences plague schools, health care amid COVID surge

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials are imposing a new mask mandate in Omaha to slow the spread of COVID-19 as surging virus cases continue to strain hospital capacity but the plan is drawing strong opposition.

 Douglas County Health Director Lindsay Huse said Tuesday she decided to impose the mandate over the objections of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Gov. Pete Ricketts to help give hospitals the “breathing room they need.”

 The state said the number of people hospitalized with the virus continues to grow this week and hit 635 on Monday. 

Hospital officials have said they worry that number will soar in the next couple weeks because of the rapid spread of the highly contagious omicron variant of the virus.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Health officials are imposing a new mask mandate in Omaha to slow the spread of COVID-19 as surging virus cases continue to strain hospital capacity but the plan is drawing strong opposition. Douglas County Health Director Lindsay Huse said Tuesday she decided to impose the mandate over the objections of Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and Gov. Pete Ricketts to help give hospitals the “breathing room they need.” The state said the number of people hospitalized with the virus continues to grow this week and hit 635 on Monday. Hospital officials have said they worry that number will soar in the next couple weeks because of the rapid spread of the highly contagious omicron variant of the virus.

New mask mandate planned in Omaha to slow spread of COVID-19

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a driver has struck and killed a pedestrian in Omaha.

 Police said the crash happened late Monday as the pedestrian was crossing a street.

 Emergency crews rushed the pedestrian to a hospital, but the victim died.

 The name of the victim wasn’t immediately released.

 The driver of the Jeep Cherokee that struck the pedestrian wasn’t injured.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Authorities say a driver has struck and killed a pedestrian in Omaha. Police said the crash happened late Monday as the pedestrian was crossing a street. Emergency crews rushed the pedestrian to a hospital, but the victim died. The name of the victim wasn’t immediately released. The driver of the Jeep Cherokee that struck the pedestrian wasn’t injured. Police said the investigation is ongoing.