SEDGWICK COUNTY —A&nbsp; judge&nbsp;sentenced a Kansas&nbsp; man Wednesday for the July 2019 sex assault murder of a woman in her home.

John D. Pepper, 57, Wichita, was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years for first-degree murder and 195 months for aggravated criminal sodomy, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The sentences will run consecutively.&nbsp;

Prosecutors said Pepper killed Rita Golden during the commission of a sex crime. Police said Golden let Pepper stay in her backyard and sometimes let him take naps and eat insider her home. 

An autopsy determined Golden died from a heart condition but she also had injuries associated with smothering and sexual assault.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2019/12/1577734968737.png" alt="John Pepper-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>John Pepper-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A&nbsp; judge&nbsp;sentenced a Kansas&nbsp; man Wednesday for the July 2019 sex assault murder of a woman in her home.John D. Pepper, 57, Wichita, was sentenced to life in prison with parole eligibility after 25 years for first-degree murder and 195 months for aggravated criminal sodomy, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. The sentences will run consecutively.&nbsp;Prosecutors said Pepper killed Rita Golden during the commission of a sex crime. Police said Golden let Pepper stay in her backyard and sometimes let him take naps and eat insider her home. An autopsy determined Golden died from a heart condition but she also had injuries associated with smothering and sexual assault.--------

Kan. man sentenced in sex assault killing of woman who helped him

EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Fire officials say several rural brush fires set in two Kansas counties were arson. The fires were set Tuesday in Chase and Lyon counties. 

No one was injured and no buildings were damaged. The Emporia Gazette reports the Kansas Fire Marshal’s office believes the fires are connected and is helping with the investigation. 

Chase County Sheriff Richard Dorneker said four fires were reported in his county Tuesday morning. He said it's not clear how those fires were set. Lyon County crews handled at least seven brush fires in Tuesday afternoon and evening, most of them west of Emporia.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642716271109.png" alt="No one was injured and no buildings were damaged-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>No one was injured and no buildings were damaged-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>EMPORIA, Kan. (AP) — Fire officials say several rural brush fires set in two Kansas counties were arson. The fires were set Tuesday in Chase and Lyon counties. No one was injured and no buildings were damaged. The Emporia Gazette reports the Kansas Fire Marshal’s office believes the fires are connected and is helping with the investigation. Chase County Sheriff Richard Dorneker said four fires were reported in his county Tuesday morning. He said it's not clear how those fires were set. Lyon County crews handled at least seven brush fires in Tuesday afternoon and evening, most of them west of Emporia.

Kansas fire officials say several rural fires were arson

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-one-year-07788eba2c1eb84de0edf3dbe3f2d412">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;ends&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-europe-donald-trump-422b4b87a6e7b961977cedd9d33bb03c">his first year in the White House</a>&nbsp;with a clear majority of Americans for the first time disapproving of his handling of the presidency in the face of an unrelenting pandemic and roaring inflation, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

More Americans disapprove than approve of how Biden is handling his job as president, 56% to 43%. As of now, just 28% of Americans say they want Biden to run for reelection in 2024, including only 48% of Democrats.

Asked on Wednesday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-fdc4e641dc797b2a75131fd290c70f6d">a wide-ranging news conference</a>&nbsp;about his flagging popularity, Biden responded, “I don’t believe the polls.”

It’s a stark reversal from early in Biden’s presidency.

In July, 59% of Americans said they approved of Biden’s job performance in an AP-NORC poll. His approval rating dipped to 50% by late September in the aftermath of the chaotic and bloody U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and amid surging coronavirus infections and the administration’s fitful efforts to push economic, infrastructure and tax policies through Congress.

The latest poll shows that Americans’ confidence in Biden’s handling of the pandemic — seen as a strength early in his administration — has further eroded as the omicron variant strains the health care system and further exhausts an American electorate that had hoped life would be back to a semblance of normalcy by now.

Just 45% say they approve of Biden’s handling of COVID-19, down from 57% in December and from 66% in July 2021.

Americans are even more downbeat about his handling of the economy, with just 37% approving. Growing angst about his economic policies comes as inflation rose at its fastest pace in nearly 40 years last month, a 7% spike from a year earlier that is increasing household expenses and eating into wage gains.

Joyce Bowen, 61, of Knoxville, Tennessee, said Biden deserves credit for encouraging Americans to get vaccinated, but she expressed frustration about the administration’s response to soaring inflation.

The part-time cleaner at a public library said she and her older brother, who she helps support, have been eating less meat to offset rising grocery costs and intermittent spikes at the gas pump that have whittled the purchasing power of her $754 biweekly paycheck.

“It’s just hard to keep food on the table and gas in the tank,” said Bowen, who voted for Biden but said she’d prefer he didn’t run again in 2024.

Only about a quarter were very confident that Biden “has the mental capability to serve effectively as president” or “is healthy enough to serve effectively as president.” Close to half are not confident in Biden’s mental capability or health.

Asked by a reporter at Wednesday’s news conference about other polling that shows a significant percentage of Americans had concerns about Biden’s mental health, the president shrugged off those findings.

Gary Cameron, 66, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, said the president’s verbal gaffes and age — at 79 Biden is the oldest U.S. president in history — don’t give him confidence that Biden has the skill or energy to pull the country out of its malaise.

“Whenever he does a speech on television, in your mind, you’re thinking ‘God, is this guy even going to get through this this speech?’” said Cameron, an independent who voted for Donald Trump in 2020.

Other respondents said that Biden’s age — and life experience that’s come with it — has proven to be an asset.

Nicole Jensen-Oost, 79, of Plano, Texas, said that Biden has demonstrated leadership and empathy through the pandemic by speaking of his own personal grief.

Biden frequently raises the deaths of his first wife and a daughter in a 1972 car crash as well as the loss of an adult son who died of cancer as he has sought to reassure Americans who have lost loved ones to the virus.

“This man has heart,” said Jensen-Oost, a Democrat and among the minority of respondents who said Biden is healthy enough to serve effectively as president. “He’s compassionate and the country needs that right now. We didn’t see a lot of compassion in the previous four years.”

The poll shows only about a quarter of Americans think the phrase “strong leader” describes Biden very well, while about that many say it’s a somewhat good description. Roughly half say he is not a strong leader. Views of Biden’s understanding of “the needs and problems of people like you” are similar.

Just 16% think Biden’s presidency has made the country more united; 43% think it’s more divided.

Harlan Epstein, of Cleveland, didn’t vote for Biden but was hopeful that the 46th president, who sold himself to American voters as a consensus builder, would govern from the ideological middle.

But Epstein, an independent, said Biden’s push for a $2 trillion climate and social services spending bill and his effort to force larger employers to require their workers to get vaccinated or undergo regular testing have undercut Biden’s centrist reputation.

“He’s got to tamp down his far-left wing and start focusing on moderate policies,” Epstein said.

Some on the left have also been frustrated with Biden.

The president’s first-year legislative victories included passage of a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package and a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, but he failed to win passage of his signature domestic spending initiative.

Zachary Lindahl, 34, of Raleigh, North Carolina, said he was disappointed that Biden has been unable to pass the spending package dubbed “Build Back Better,” as Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona balk at the costs and scope.

“It started off well with them passing the $1,400 checks,” said Lindahl, referring to stimulus payments that were part of the coronavirus relief package passed early in Biden’s term. “But as time went on, it’s been just more of the status quo. Any big idea, they are willing to compromise it down until there is no longer anything there.”

Not all is lost for Biden: Many continue to be at least somewhat positive toward the president, his character and his governing.

The new AP-NORC poll shows Biden is in a better position than Trump was at a similar point in his presidency. In February of 2018, just 35% of Americans said they approved of Trump,

Overall, though, 28% of Americans say they have “a great deal of confidence” in Biden to effectively manage the White House, down from 44% who said that one year ago, just after Biden took office. Another 33% say they have some confidence, while 38% say they have hardly any confidence in Biden to manage the executive branch.

Rev. Joseph Courtney, 32, an Episcopal chaplain in Los Angeles, said that Biden in some ways has been pretty much the president he expected, bringing a measure of confidence to the electorate by empowering experts and scientists in the country’s battle against the health and economic crises caused by the pandemic.

But Courtney said that Biden has yet to deliver on his promise to build consensus with Republicans or even some of the more conservative lawmakers in his Democratic party. Biden on the campaign trail said that his experience over 36 years in the Senate — and eight years as vice president — would help him rebuild Washington’s “broken” politics.

“He just keeps getting railroaded time and time again,” Courtney said. “I don’t understand specifically what he’s adding to the presidency that would make me want to support him running another term.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642678816205.png" alt="Just 45% say they approve of Biden’s handling of COVID-19, down from 57% in December and from 66% in July 2021-White House photo" />
 <figcaption>Just 45% say they approve of Biden’s handling of COVID-19, down from 57% in December and from 66% in July 2021-White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-one-year-07788eba2c1eb84de0edf3dbe3f2d412">President Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;ends&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-europe-donald-trump-422b4b87a6e7b961977cedd9d33bb03c">his first year in the White House</a>&nbsp;with a clear majority of Americans for the first time disapproving of his handling of the presidency in the face of an unrelenting pandemic and roaring inflation, according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F486629802833516%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=6" 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>More Americans disapprove than approve of how Biden is handling his job as president, 56% to 43%. As of now, just 28% of Americans say they want Biden to run for reelection in 2024, including only 48% of Democrats.Asked on Wednesday at&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-fdc4e641dc797b2a75131fd290c70f6d">a wide-ranging news conference</a>&nbsp;about his flagging popularity, Biden responded, “I don’t believe the polls.”It’s a stark reversal from early in Biden’s presidency.In July, 59% of Americans said they approved of Biden’s job performance in an AP-NORC poll. His approval rating dipped to 50% by late September in the aftermath of the chaotic and bloody U.S. military withdrawal from Afghanistan and amid surging coronavirus infections and the administration’s fitful efforts to push economic, infrastructure and tax policies through Congress.The latest poll shows that Americans’ confidence in Biden’s handling of the pandemic — seen as a strength early in his administration — has further eroded as the omicron variant strains the health care system and further exhausts an American electorate that had hoped life would be back to a semblance of normalcy by now.Just 45% say they approve of Biden’s handling of COVID-19, down from 57% in December and from 66% in July 2021.Americans are even more downbeat about his handling of the economy, with just 37% approving. Growing angst about his economic policies comes as inflation rose at its fastest pace in nearly 40 years last month, a 7% spike from a year earlier that is increasing household expenses and eating into wage gains.Joyce Bowen, 61, of Knoxville, Tennessee, said Biden deserves credit for encouraging Americans to get vaccinated, but she expressed frustration about the administration’s response to soaring inflation.The part-time cleaner at a public library said she and her older brother, who she helps support, have been eating less meat to offset rising grocery costs and intermittent spikes at the gas pump that have whittled the purchasing power of her $754 biweekly paycheck.“It’s just hard to keep food on the table and gas in the tank,” said Bowen, who voted for Biden but said she’d prefer he didn’t run again in 2024.Only about a quarter were very confident that Biden “has the mental capability to serve effectively as president” or “is healthy enough to serve effectively as president.” Close to half are not confident in Biden’s mental capability or health.Asked by a reporter at Wednesday’s news conference about other polling that shows a significant percentage of Americans had concerns about Biden’s mental health, the president shrugged off those findings.Gary Cameron, 66, of Midwest City, Oklahoma, said the president’s verbal gaffes and age — at 79 Biden is the oldest U.S. president in history — don’t give him confidence that Biden has the skill or energy to pull the country out of its malaise.“Whenever he does a speech on television, in your mind, you’re thinking ‘God, is this guy even going to get through this this speech?’” said Cameron, an independent who voted for Donald Trump in 2020.Other respondents said that Biden’s age — and life experience that’s come with it — has proven to be an asset.Nicole Jensen-Oost, 79, of Plano, Texas, said that Biden has demonstrated leadership and empathy through the pandemic by speaking of his own personal grief.Biden frequently raises the deaths of his first wife and a daughter in a 1972 car crash as well as the loss of an adult son who died of cancer as he has sought to reassure Americans who have lost loved ones to the virus.“This man has heart,” said Jensen-Oost, a Democrat and among the minority of respondents who said Biden is healthy enough to serve effectively as president. “He’s compassionate and the country needs that right now. We didn’t see a lot of compassion in the previous four years.”The poll shows only about a quarter of Americans think the phrase “strong leader” describes Biden very well, while about that many say it’s a somewhat good description. Roughly half say he is not a strong leader. Views of Biden’s understanding of “the needs and problems of people like you” are similar.Just 16% think Biden’s presidency has made the country more united; 43% think it’s more divided.Harlan Epstein, of Cleveland, didn’t vote for Biden but was hopeful that the 46th president, who sold himself to American voters as a consensus builder, would govern from the ideological middle.But Epstein, an independent, said Biden’s push for a $2 trillion climate and social services spending bill and his effort to force larger employers to require their workers to get vaccinated or undergo regular testing have undercut Biden’s centrist reputation.“He’s got to tamp down his far-left wing and start focusing on moderate policies,” Epstein said.Some on the left have also been frustrated with Biden.The president’s first-year legislative victories included passage of a $1.9 trillion COVID relief package and a $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, but he failed to win passage of his signature domestic spending initiative.Zachary Lindahl, 34, of Raleigh, North Carolina, said he was disappointed that Biden has been unable to pass the spending package dubbed “Build Back Better,” as Democratic Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona balk at the costs and scope.“It started off well with them passing the $1,400 checks,” said Lindahl, referring to stimulus payments that were part of the coronavirus relief package passed early in Biden’s term. “But as time went on, it’s been just more of the status quo. Any big idea, they are willing to compromise it down until there is no longer anything there.”Not all is lost for Biden: Many continue to be at least somewhat positive toward the president, his character and his governing.The new AP-NORC poll shows Biden is in a better position than Trump was at a similar point in his presidency. In February of 2018, just 35% of Americans said they approved of Trump,Overall, though, 28% of Americans say they have “a great deal of confidence” in Biden to effectively manage the White House, down from 44% who said that one year ago, just after Biden took office. Another 33% say they have some confidence, while 38% say they have hardly any confidence in Biden to manage the executive branch.Rev. Joseph Courtney, 32, an Episcopal chaplain in Los Angeles, said that Biden in some ways has been pretty much the president he expected, bringing a measure of confidence to the electorate by empowering experts and scientists in the country’s battle against the health and economic crises caused by the pandemic.But Courtney said that Biden has yet to deliver on his promise to build consensus with Republicans or even some of the more conservative lawmakers in his Democratic party. Biden on the campaign trail said that his experience over 36 years in the Senate — and eight years as vice president — would help him rebuild Washington’s “broken” politics.“He just keeps getting railroaded time and time again,” Courtney said. “I don’t understand specifically what he’s adding to the presidency that would make me want to support him running another term.”

🎥 Poll: Biden approval hits new low at one-year mark as President

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/ku-administrator-resigns-after-plagiarizing-message-on-mlk-day/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The interim vice provost
 of diversity at the University of Kansas resigned after found to have 
plagiarized content of a message sent to the campus community on Martin 
Luther King Jr. Day.

D.A. Graham, who was hired by KU in 2017, acknowledged the academic 
misconduct and submitted his resignation. It was accepted by Barbara 
Bichelmeyer, KU provost and executive vice chancellor.

“I appreciate D.A.’s acceptance of 
responsibility for this act as well as his recognition of the serious 
mistake he made,” Bichelmeyer said Wednesday. “Plagiarism is never 
acceptable behavior for students, faculty, staff or administrators. 
While this is a consequence that befits the action, it is a sad day for 
all who aspire to greater diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at 
KU.”

She said Graham had performed his duties at the university with “compassion and grace.”

The Lawrence Journal-World first reported 
contents of Graham’s campus message included phrases and sentences from 
the writing of Curtis Coy, who for more than 20 years was a senior 
executive in the federal government and served in the U.S. Navy for 24 
years following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy.

Graham was hired by KU to be the university’s ombuds, a job that 
involved reviewing complaints about university policies and practices. 
In 2020, he was appointed interim vice provost for diversity, equity, 
inclusion and belonging.

Bichelmeyer said the university would select a committee to conduct a
 search for a new vice provost to fill the void left by Graham’s 
departure. An interim vice provost will be appointed, she said.

“This is a moment for us to recognize that 
each one of us is virtuous, flawed and complex as part of our shared 
human condition,” the provost said.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642700778499.png" alt="Graham photo courtesy University of Kansas" />
 <figcaption>Graham photo courtesy University of Kansas</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/briefs/ku-administrator-resigns-after-plagiarizing-message-on-mlk-day/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The interim vice provost
 of diversity at the University of Kansas resigned after found to have 
plagiarized content of a message sent to the campus community on Martin 
Luther King Jr. Day.D.A. Graham, who was hired by KU in 2017, acknowledged the academic 
misconduct and submitted his resignation. It was accepted by Barbara 
Bichelmeyer, KU provost and executive vice chancellor.“I appreciate D.A.’s acceptance of 
responsibility for this act as well as his recognition of the serious 
mistake he made,” Bichelmeyer said Wednesday. “Plagiarism is never 
acceptable behavior for students, faculty, staff or administrators. 
While this is a consequence that befits the action, it is a sad day for 
all who aspire to greater diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging at 
KU.”She said Graham had performed his duties at the university with “compassion and grace.”The Lawrence Journal-World first reported 
contents of Graham’s campus message included phrases and sentences from 
the writing of Curtis Coy, who for more than 20 years was a senior 
executive in the federal government and served in the U.S. Navy for 24 
years following graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy.Graham was hired by KU to be the university’s ombuds, a job that 
involved reviewing complaints about university policies and practices. 
In 2020, he was appointed interim vice provost for diversity, equity, 
inclusion and belonging.Bichelmeyer said the university would select a committee to conduct a
 search for a new vice provost to fill the void left by Graham’s 
departure. An interim vice provost will be appointed, she said.“This is a moment for us to recognize that 
each one of us is virtuous, flawed and complex as part of our shared 
human condition,” the provost said.

KU diversity head resigns for plagiarizing message on MLK Day

By DANIEL CAUDILL <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-19/sedgwick-county-commission-mandates-covid-vaccine-for-county-health-workers">Kansas News Service</a>

About 550 Sedgwick County health employees are now required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

The
 Sedgwick County Commission unanimously approved a policy on Wednesday 
that mandates the vaccine for employees of the county health department 
and the county’s COMCARE program.

“The only (county health 
employees) that would not be included in the mandate is if they are 100%
 remote and not interacting with the public or other staff,” said Anna 
Meyerhoff-Cole, deputy chief human resources officer for the county.

The
 policy comes after the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a federal 
vaccine requirement for health care workers at Medicare and 
Medicaid-certified facilities.

Republican Commissioner Jim Howell 
said he didn’t agree with the mandate but feared the county could lose 
Medicare and Medicaid funding if it didn’t accept it.

“There’s the danger of taking $11.8 million in federal money,” he said. “They control us.”

With
 multiple county departments short-staffed, Howell also said he hopes 
the county can find ways to accommodate employees who refuse the 
vaccine.

The policy allows employees to request medical and 
religious exemptions. A recent state law makes it easy for employees to 
file and receive a religious exemption.

County health employees with exemptions must wear a mask while working.

Nonexempt
 employees need to receive either one dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson 
vaccine or two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine by Feb. 28.

The mandate does not require booster shots.

County
 officials said they do not have current vaccination rates for employees
 affected by the new mandate but will collect that information now that 
the policy is in place.

About 53% of Sedgwick County residents 5 and older are fully vaccinated. The CDC <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-people-onedose-pop-5yr" target="_blank">reports</a> that rate is about 67% for the whole country.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642701866347.png" alt="Nadya Faulx / KMUW" />
 <figcaption>Nadya Faulx / KMUW</figcaption>
 </figure>By DANIEL CAUDILL <a href="https://www.kmuw.org/2022-01-19/sedgwick-county-commission-mandates-covid-vaccine-for-county-health-workers">Kansas News Service</a>About 550 Sedgwick County health employees are now required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.The
 Sedgwick County Commission unanimously approved a policy on Wednesday 
that mandates the vaccine for employees of the county health department 
and the county’s COMCARE program.“The only (county health 
employees) that would not be included in the mandate is if they are 100%
 remote and not interacting with the public or other staff,” said Anna 
Meyerhoff-Cole, deputy chief human resources officer for the county.The
 policy comes after the U.S. Supreme Court recently upheld a federal 
vaccine requirement for health care workers at Medicare and 
Medicaid-certified facilities.Republican Commissioner Jim Howell 
said he didn’t agree with the mandate but feared the county could lose 
Medicare and Medicaid funding if it didn’t accept it.“There’s the danger of taking $11.8 million in federal money,” he said. “They control us.”With
 multiple county departments short-staffed, Howell also said he hopes 
the county can find ways to accommodate employees who refuse the 
vaccine.The policy allows employees to request medical and 
religious exemptions. A recent state law makes it easy for employees to 
file and receive a religious exemption.County health employees with exemptions must wear a mask while working.Nonexempt
 employees need to receive either one dose of the Johnson &amp; Johnson 
vaccine or two doses of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine by Feb. 28.The mandate does not require booster shots.County
 officials said they do not have current vaccination rates for employees
 affected by the new mandate but will collect that information now that 
the policy is in place.About 53% of Sedgwick County residents 5 and older are fully vaccinated. The CDC <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#vaccinations_vacc-people-onedose-pop-5yr" target="_blank">reports</a> that rate is about 67% for the whole country.

Sedgwick Co. mandates COVID vaccine for county health workers

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Over the past month, the highly infectious and transmittable Omicron variant of COVID-19 has significantly increased case rates and demand for testing in the United States and Kansas, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Health.

KDHE continues monitoring the spread and impact of Omicron since the first case was confirmed in Kansas in mid-December 2021.

As of January 16, 2022, the daily case rate has been more than 7,800 daily COVID-19 cases, that is a significant increase from about 1,200 cases per day in early December 2021.

Over the same period of time, KDHE saw testing rates increase. This increase in demand for COVID-19 tests has led to longer wait times, delays in turnaround of test results, and decrease in availability of rapid over-the-counter antigen tests.

KDHE is actively working to increase testing availability for all Kansans. Outlined below are a few of the steps KDHE has and continues to take to reduce wait times, improve turnaround times, and increase the number of&nbsp;mass testing&nbsp;sites in Kansas:

Up to date information on testing locations and hours can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rbm93YmVmb3JleW91Z29rcy5jb20_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.JOZWecWNbA8u9yOiukXrL0itdrUC3ssVYKXHFBP9O6c/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>.

KDHE is taking additional actions to expand testing access:

Additionally, at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are now available for free at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3ZpZHRlc3RzLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Si4u4H1LnnSeuW8KrF4uA-gwWY13DLtCBSEaXfkomMk/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">covidtests.gov</a>. All households are eligible to order 4 free at-home tests, which will typically ship within 7-12 days. The first shipments of tests will begin in late January.

For Kansans with a health insurance plan, over-the-counter tests can be&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbXMuZ292L2hvdy10by1nZXQteW91ci1hdC1ob21lLU9UQy1DT1ZJRC0xOS10ZXN0LWZvci1mcmVlP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.coH5-dT_hG7c-6l-XWRSNsbT1vKqDLChj5s8VWizw1M/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">purchased at no cost or reimbursed</a>&nbsp;through your health plan as of January 15. Check with your health plan for details and keep your receipt to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. For Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries, please check with your plan or state agency for information.

KDHE will continue to develop and pursue additional initiatives to increase testing capacity and shorten turnaround times to keep Kansans safe. In the meantime, KDHE continues to urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant:

To find a free testing location in your community, or guidance about who should get tested, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rbm93YmVmb3JleW91Z29rcy5jb20_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Wbm55zkooM3qE6V1e3rOHUi1tsOa78kIZBGYpznh3Ho/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>.

To learn more about the vaccines, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXN2YWNjaW5lLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.fRkgfFujREwVLSAJuQbqiatIuOygTMnRvySg_gJRO1w/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">kansasvaccine.gov</a>.

Find and schedule a vaccination appointment at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy52YWNjaW5lcy5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.xVf6dVpZ7dBnOL2l5KPJ6zOyOjzhjmD2RQL20Vc5kgc/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642691511487.png" alt="Drive up Covid testing last month -photo courtesy Johnson Co. Dept. of Health" />
 <figcaption>Drive up Covid testing last month -photo courtesy Johnson Co. Dept. of Health</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;– Over the past month, the highly infectious and transmittable Omicron variant of COVID-19 has significantly increased case rates and demand for testing in the United States and Kansas, according to a media release from the Kansas Department of Health.KDHE continues monitoring the spread and impact of Omicron since the first case was confirmed in Kansas in mid-December 2021.As of January 16, 2022, the daily case rate has been more than 7,800 daily COVID-19 cases, that is a significant increase from about 1,200 cases per day in early December 2021.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642615556956.png" alt="Wednesday January 19, 2022 KDHE image" />
 <figcaption>Wednesday January 19, 2022 KDHE image</figcaption>
 </figure>Over the same period of time, KDHE saw testing rates increase. This increase in demand for COVID-19 tests has led to longer wait times, delays in turnaround of test results, and decrease in availability of rapid over-the-counter antigen tests.KDHE is actively working to increase testing availability for all Kansans. Outlined below are a few of the steps KDHE has and continues to take to reduce wait times, improve turnaround times, and increase the number of&nbsp;mass testing&nbsp;sites in Kansas:<ul>
 <li>Coordinating with health departments to increase staff at existing sites across the state. The following locations are now open from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Saturday:Johnson County – Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KSJohnson County – Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS</li><li>Johnson County – Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd., Overland Park, KS</li><li>Johnson County – Church of the Resurrection, 13720 Roe Ave., Leawood, KS</li><li>Adding new testing sites to reduce wait times. KDHE is currently working to add 13 new testing sites, beginning with the following locations:Johnson County – Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS, opening January 19.Johnson County – Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, KS, opening January 21.Ellis County – Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., Hays, KS, opening January 21.Crawford County – Countryside Christian Church, 1901 E 4th, Pittsburg, KS, opening January 21.</li><li>Johnson County – Shawnee Mission Park, 7900 Renner Rd., Shawnee, KS, opening January 19.</li><li>Johnson County – Roeland Park Community Center, 4850 Rosewood Dr., Roeland Park, KS, opening January 21.</li><li>Ellis County – Big Creek Crossing, 2918 Vine St., Hays, KS, opening January 21.</li><li>Crawford County – Countryside Christian Church, 1901 E 4th, Pittsburg, KS, opening January 21.</li><li>Identifying new partner labs to increase testing capacity and reduce test result turnaround times.</li><li>Sourcing indoor locations for mass testing sites to reduce closures due to weather.</li>
 </ul>Up to date information on testing locations and hours can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDAsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rbm93YmVmb3JleW91Z29rcy5jb20_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.JOZWecWNbA8u9yOiukXrL0itdrUC3ssVYKXHFBP9O6c/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642696523736.png" alt="COVID testing in Topeka this week" />
 <figcaption>COVID testing in Topeka this week</figcaption>
 </figure>KDHE is taking additional actions to expand testing access:<ul>
 <li>Community Testing Partners (CTPs):&nbsp;expanding the number and geographic footprint of partners (such as pharmacies, local health departments, and hospitals) to ensure broader availability of testing across the state.</li><li>Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs):&nbsp;extending funding for PCR testing through March 2022 for Long Term Care Facilities to ensure they have screening and surveillance testing to protect the most vulnerable.</li><li>K-12 testing:&nbsp;prioritizing antigen testing kits for school districts, sourcing over 520,000 additional antigen test kits, and updating testing protocols to continue to keep Kansas schoolchildren safe.</li>
 </ul>Additionally, at-home COVID-19 rapid tests are now available for free at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jb3ZpZHRlc3RzLmdvdi8_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Si4u4H1LnnSeuW8KrF4uA-gwWY13DLtCBSEaXfkomMk/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">covidtests.gov</a>. All households are eligible to order 4 free at-home tests, which will typically ship within 7-12 days. The first shipments of tests will begin in late January.For Kansans with a health insurance plan, over-the-counter tests can be&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5jbXMuZ292L2hvdy10by1nZXQteW91ci1hdC1ob21lLU9UQy1DT1ZJRC0xOS10ZXN0LWZvci1mcmVlP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.coH5-dT_hG7c-6l-XWRSNsbT1vKqDLChj5s8VWizw1M/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">purchased at no cost or reimbursed</a>&nbsp;through your health plan as of January 15. Check with your health plan for details and keep your receipt to submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement. For Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP beneficiaries, please check with your plan or state agency for information.KDHE will continue to develop and pursue additional initiatives to increase testing capacity and shorten turnaround times to keep Kansans safe. In the meantime, KDHE continues to urge Kansans to use the following tools to protect against COVID-19 and the Omicron variant:<ul>
 <li>Get vaccinated and boosted. Vaccines remain the best tool to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging. The authorized COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious illness, hospitalizations and death.</li><li>Wear a mask. Masks offer protection against all variants. It is recommended that people in Kansas wear a well-fitting mask in public indoor settings, where COVID-19 transmission remains high, regardless of vaccination status.</li><li>Social distance. People should avoid large gatherings and stay at least 6 feet from others when in public settings, especially if you are at higher risk of getting sick.</li><li>Stay home. If you have tested positive or are showing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a sore throat, cough, or fever, avoid spreading the virus by staying isolated. Consult a healthcare provider on your recommended course of treatment.</li>
 </ul>To find a free testing location in your community, or guidance about who should get tested, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rbm93YmVmb3JleW91Z29rcy5jb20_dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fc291cmNlPWdvdmRlbGl2ZXJ5In0.Wbm55zkooM3qE6V1e3rOHUi1tsOa78kIZBGYpznh3Ho/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">knowbeforeyougoKS.com</a>.To learn more about the vaccines, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDQsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy5rYW5zYXN2YWNjaW5lLmdvdj91dG1fbWVkaXVtPWVtYWlsJnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkifQ.fRkgfFujREwVLSAJuQbqiatIuOygTMnRvySg_gJRO1w/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">kansasvaccine.gov</a>.Find and schedule a vaccination appointment at&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDUsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyMjAxMjAuNTIwODA5NzEiLCJ1cmwiOiJodHRwczovL3d3dy52YWNjaW5lcy5nb3YvP3V0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSJ9.xVf6dVpZ7dBnOL2l5KPJ6zOyOjzhjmD2RQL20Vc5kgc/s/1305913448/br/125360826977-l" target="_blank">vaccines.gov</a>.

KDHE improves access to and speed of COVID-19 testing

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have identified the man who died as 33-year-old Steven Hommertzheim of Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.

Investigators learned Hommertzheim was southbound on a motorcycle in the 3800 Block of Seneca when he collided with a pickup truck that was making a left-hand turn into a private drive from northbound Seneca street.

Hommertzheim was pronounced dead at the scene.

SEDGWICK COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities investigating a fatal motorcycle crash have identified the man who died as 33-year-old Steven Hommertzheim of Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.Investigators learned Hommertzheim was southbound on a motorcycle in the 3800 Block of Seneca when he collided with a pickup truck that was making a left-hand turn into a private drive from northbound Seneca street.Hommertzheim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police ID Kansas man who died in motorcycle, pickup crash

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden ends his first year in the White House with a clear majority of Americans for the first time disapproving of his handling of the presidency in the face of an unrelenting pandemic and roaring inflation. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. More Americans disapprove than approve of how Biden is handling his job as president by a margin of 56% to 43%. As of now, just 28% of Americans say they want Biden to run for reelection in 2024, including only 48% of Democrats.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642678816205.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden ends his first year in the White House with a clear majority of Americans for the first time disapproving of his handling of the presidency in the face of an unrelenting pandemic and roaring inflation. That's according to a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. More Americans disapprove than approve of how Biden is handling his job as president by a margin of 56% to 43%. As of now, just 28% of Americans say they want Biden to run for reelection in 2024, including only 48% of Democrats.

Biden approval ratings sink

KANSAS CITY —During the frigid Thursday morning Kansas City police officers came on scene of a fully involved residential fire near 25th and Prospect and called the KCMO fire department, according to a social media report.

East Patrol Capt. Jennifer Jones saw the flames erupting from the home. She rushed to the door looking for anyone inside. She saw a man trying to escape the house and pulled him to safety.&nbsp;

He was treated and transported with minor injury. Authorities have not released additional details on cause of the fire.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642697855086.png" alt="Capt. Jennifer Jones-courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Capt. Jennifer Jones-courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —During the frigid Thursday morning Kansas City police officers came on scene of a fully involved residential fire near 25th and Prospect and called the KCMO fire department, according to a social media report.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642697819403.png" alt="Photo KCMO Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photo KCMO Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>East Patrol Capt. Jennifer Jones saw the flames erupting from the home. She rushed to the door looking for anyone inside. She saw a man trying to escape the house and pulled him to safety.&nbsp;He was treated and transported with minor injury. Authorities have not released additional details on cause of the fire.

KC police captain pulls man from burning home

MANHATTAN— A Missouri man has been arrested in connection to a rape reported to have occurred in Manhattan in July 2021, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.

On November 1, 2021, officers filed a report for rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated criminal sodomy, listing a now 14-year-old female as the victim and a 19-year-old male as the suspect. 

Marcus Quintin Hall II, 19, of Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. was arrested on a warrant Wednesday afternoon after being extradited from the Pulaski County Mo. Jail on requested charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.

Hall is confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $150,000.00.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642691960971.png" alt="Hall photo Pulaski Co. Sheriff" />
 <figcaption>Hall photo Pulaski Co. Sheriff</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN— A Missouri man has been arrested in connection to a rape reported to have occurred in Manhattan in July 2021, according to a media release from the Riley County Police Department.On November 1, 2021, officers filed a report for rape, aggravated indecent liberties with a child and aggravated criminal sodomy, listing a now 14-year-old female as the victim and a 19-year-old male as the suspect. Marcus Quintin Hall II, 19, of Ft. Leonard Wood, Mo. was arrested on a warrant Wednesday afternoon after being extradited from the Pulaski County Mo. Jail on requested charges of rape, aggravated criminal sodomy and aggravated indecent liberties with a child.Hall is confined in the Riley County Jail on a total bond of $150,000.00.

Police: Missouri man accused of child sex crimes in Kansas

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man who participated in last year's riot at the U.S. Capitol was sentenced Wednesday to home detention and probation.

Carey Jon Walden was sentenced to 30 days of home detention, three years’ probation, 60 hours of community service and a $500 fine after pleading guilty to one misdemeanor, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article257441767.html">reported</a>.

“I didn’t see a lot (of) what I saw on TV when I was there," Walden told the judge just before his sentencing. "It was a terrible day, and I’m really ashamed of myself that I was a part of that."

U.S District Judge Dabney Friedrich noted the Walden did not injure anyone, damage property, carry weapons or help plan the events on Jan. 6, 2021.

But she said “He was a willing participant in a riot, or an insurrection, that undermined our democratic electoral process and values,” she said.

Walden. a Navy and Marine Corps veteran, pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in any of the Capitol buildings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642690674033.png" alt="Walden -photo courtesy FBI" />
 <figcaption>Walden -photo courtesy FBI</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A Kansas City man who participated in last year's riot at the U.S. Capitol was sentenced Wednesday to home detention and probation.Carey Jon Walden was sentenced to 30 days of home detention, three years’ probation, 60 hours of community service and a $500 fine after pleading guilty to one misdemeanor, The Kansas City Star&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kansascity.com/news/politics-government/article257441767.html">reported</a>.“I didn’t see a lot (of) what I saw on TV when I was there," Walden told the judge just before his sentencing. "It was a terrible day, and I’m really ashamed of myself that I was a part of that."U.S District Judge Dabney Friedrich noted the Walden did not injure anyone, damage property, carry weapons or help plan the events on Jan. 6, 2021.But she said “He was a willing participant in a riot, or an insurrection, that undermined our democratic electoral process and values,” she said.Walden. a Navy and Marine Corps veteran, pleaded guilty to parading, demonstrating or picketing in any of the Capitol buildings.

Kansas City man sentenced for role in U.S. Capitol riot

NEW YORK (AP) —NBC will not be sending its announcers and most hosts to the Beijing Olympics due to continued concerns about rising COVID-19 cases worldwide and China’s strict policy about those who test positive.

It will be the second straight Games for which the broadcast teams will work mostly out of NBC Sports headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, rather than the host city.

“Something significant has changed virtually every day for the last three months, forcing us to adjust our plan numerous times. And I expect that to continue as well as the challenge of doing the Olympics,” said Molly Solomon, the head of NBC’s Olympics production unit.

“With COVID’s changing conditions and China’s zero-tolerance policy, it’s just added a layer of complexity to all of this, so we need to make sure we can provide the same quality experience to the American viewers. That’s why we are split between the two cities.”

NBC Sports spokesman Greg Hughes said in a phone interview the network no longer plans to send announcing teams for Alpine skiing, figure skating and snowboarding to China. Those had been among the handful of announcers expected to travel, but NBC’s plans changed over the past couple of weeks.

“Our plans will continue to evolve based on the conditions, and we’re going to stay flexible as we move through this,” Hughes said.

NBC Olympics president Gary Zenkel is one of 250 people the network already has in Beijing. Most of those are technical staff.

“We are in a closed loop. It is restrictive access, but it does allow us to access the broadcast center and venues,” he said.

Olympic athletes, media and workers will be cut off from the rest of China during the Games, with the only places they can go being competition venues, their accommodations and transportation between the two. China plans to isolate anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 for at least two days, pending a negative result. The country also has a mandatory 21-day isolation period for anyone entering the country who isn’t vaccinated.

USA Today was first to report on NBC’s decision.

Most of NBC’s announcers were stateside for the Summer Games, but the marquee sports of track and field, swimming and gymnastics had announcers in Tokyo.

NBC is expected to be transparent about the fact that its announcers are not onsite.

Prime-time host Mike Tirico will anchor coverage from Beijing from Feb. 3-10 before flying to Los Angeles to host the next three days and the network’s coverage of the Super Bowl. NBC said it would determine over Super Bowl weekend where Tirico would be based for the final week of the Games.

Some reporters from NBC’s sports and news divisions will be based in Beijing during the Games. With Beijing 13 hours ahead of Connecticut, most announcers will be up at night calling the action.

NBC has called action remotely for some sports during past Olympics, including basketball and hockey. Remote coverage became common on all networks during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in 2020 and early last year when fans were not allowed in many arenas and stadiums.

NEW YORK (AP) —NBC will not be sending its announcers and most hosts to the Beijing Olympics due to continued concerns about rising COVID-19 cases worldwide and China’s strict policy about those who test positive.It will be the second straight Games for which the broadcast teams will work mostly out of NBC Sports headquarters in Stamford, Connecticut, rather than the host city.“Something significant has changed virtually every day for the last three months, forcing us to adjust our plan numerous times. And I expect that to continue as well as the challenge of doing the Olympics,” said Molly Solomon, the head of NBC’s Olympics production unit.“With COVID’s changing conditions and China’s zero-tolerance policy, it’s just added a layer of complexity to all of this, so we need to make sure we can provide the same quality experience to the American viewers. That’s why we are split between the two cities.”NBC Sports spokesman Greg Hughes said in a phone interview the network no longer plans to send announcing teams for Alpine skiing, figure skating and snowboarding to China. Those had been among the handful of announcers expected to travel, but NBC’s plans changed over the past couple of weeks.“Our plans will continue to evolve based on the conditions, and we’re going to stay flexible as we move through this,” Hughes said.NBC Olympics president Gary Zenkel is one of 250 people the network already has in Beijing. Most of those are technical staff.“We are in a closed loop. It is restrictive access, but it does allow us to access the broadcast center and venues,” he said.Olympic athletes, media and workers will be cut off from the rest of China during the Games, with the only places they can go being competition venues, their accommodations and transportation between the two. China plans to isolate anyone who tests positive for COVID-19 for at least two days, pending a negative result. The country also has a mandatory 21-day isolation period for anyone entering the country who isn’t vaccinated.USA Today was first to report on NBC’s decision.Most of NBC’s announcers were stateside for the Summer Games, but the marquee sports of track and field, swimming and gymnastics had announcers in Tokyo.NBC is expected to be transparent about the fact that its announcers are not onsite.Prime-time host Mike Tirico will anchor coverage from Beijing from Feb. 3-10 before flying to Los Angeles to host the next three days and the network’s coverage of the Super Bowl. NBC said it would determine over Super Bowl weekend where Tirico would be based for the final week of the Games.Some reporters from NBC’s sports and news divisions will be based in Beijing during the Games. With Beijing 13 hours ahead of Connecticut, most announcers will be up at night calling the action.NBC has called action remotely for some sports during past Olympics, including basketball and hockey. Remote coverage became common on all networks during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in 2020 and early last year when fans were not allowed in many arenas and stadiums.___

NBC will not send announcers to China for Winter Olympics

Kansas' Marshall and Moran join Republican opposition to bill

WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-voting-elections-congress-election-2020-ea1282000b96d73298b22bf2092ba57d">Voting legislation</a>&nbsp;that Democrats and civil rights leaders say is vital to protecting democracy collapsed late Wednesday when two senators refused to join their own party in changing Senate rules to overcome a Republican filibuster after a raw, emotional debate.

The outcome was a stinging defeat for President Joe Biden and his party, coming at the tumultuous close to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-economy-6f49a98b7d04d41a4e9eb975c24fddc2">first year in office</a>.

Despite a day of piercing debate and speeches that often carried echoes of an earlier era when the Senate filibuster was deployed by opponents of civil rights legislation, Democrats could not persuade holdout senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kyrsten-sinema">Kyrsten Sinema</a>&nbsp;of Arizona and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin of West Virginia</a>&nbsp;to change the Senate procedures on this one bill and allow a simple majority to advance it.

“I am profoundly disappointed,” Biden said in a statement after the vote.

However, the president said he is “not deterred” and vowed to “explore every measure and use every tool at our disposal to stand up for democracy.”

Voting rights advocates are warning that Republican-led states nationwide are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-voting-elections-congress-election-2020-ea1282000b96d73298b22bf2092ba57d">passing laws&nbsp;</a>making it more difficult for Black Americans and others to vote by consolidating polling locations, requiring certain types of identification and ordering other changes.

Vice President Kamala Harris briefly presided over the Senate, able to break a tie in the 50-50 Senate if needed, but she left before the final vote. The rules change was rejected 52-48, with Manchin and Sinema joining the Republicans including Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall in opposition.

The nighttime voting brought an end, for now, to legislation that has been a top Democratic priority since the party took control of Congress and the White House.

“This is a moral moment,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.

The Democrats’ bill, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, would make Election Day a national holiday, ensure access to early voting and mail-in ballots — which have become especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic — and enable the Justice Department to intervene in states with a history of voter interference, among other changes. It has passed the House.

Both Manchin and Sinema say they support the legislation, but Democrats fell far short of the 60 votes needed to push the bill over the Republican filibuster. It failed to advance 51-49 on a largely party-line vote. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., cast a procedural vote against so the bill could be considered later.

Next, Schumer put forward a rules change for a “talking filibuster” on this one bill. It would require senators to stand at their desks and exhaust the debate before holding a simple majority vote, rather than the current practice that simply allows senators to privately signal their objections.

But that, too, failed because Manchin and Sinema were unwilling to change the Senate rules a party-line vote by Democrats alone.

Emotions were on display during the floor debate.

When Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., asked Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky whether he would pause for a question, McConnell left the chamber, refusing to respond.

Durbin said he would have asked McConnell, “Does he really believe that there’s no evidence of voter suppression?”

The No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, said at one point, “I am not a racist.”

McConnell, who led his party in doing away with the filibuster’s 60-vote threshold for Supreme Court nominees during Donald Trump’s presidency, warned against changing the rules again.

McConnell derided the “fake hysteria” from Democrats over the states’ new voting laws and called the pending bill a federal takeover of election systems. He admonished Democrats in a fiery speech and said doing away with filibuster rules would “break the Senate.”

Manchin drew a roomful of senators for his own speech, upstaging the president’s news conference and defending the filibuster. He said changing to a majority-rule Senate would only add to the “dysfunction that is tearing this nation apart.”

Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus walked across the Capitol for the proceedings. “We want this Senate to act today in a favorable way. But if it don’t, we ain’t giving up,” said Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., the highest-ranking Black member of Congress.

Manchin did open the door to a more tailored package of voting law changes, including to the Electoral Count Act, which was tested during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. He said senators from both parties are working on that and it could draw Republican support.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said a bipartisan coalition should work on legislation to ensure voter access, particularly in far-flung areas like her state, and to shore up Americans’ faith in democracy.

“We don’t need, we do not need a repeat of 2020 when by all accounts our last president, having lost the election, sought to change the results,” said Murkowski.

She said the Senate debate had declined to a troubling state: “You’re either a racist or a hypocrite. Really, really? Is that where we are?”

At one point, senators broke out in applause after a spirited debate between Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, among the more experienced lawmakers, and new Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., over the history of the Voting Rights Act.

Sinema sat in her chair throughout much of the day’s the debate, largely glued to her phone, but rose to her feet to deliver her vote against the rules change.

In a statement, Sinema said the outcome “must not be the end of our work to protect our democracy.” But she warned, “these challenges cannot be solved by one party or Washington alone.”

Schumer contended the fight is not over and he ridiculed Republican claims that the new election laws in the states will not end up hurting voter access and turnout, comparing it to Trump’s “big lie” about the 2020 presidential election.

Democrats decided to press ahead despite the potential for high-stakes defeat as Biden is marking his first year in office with his priorities stalling out in the face of solid Republican opposition and the Democrats’ inability to unite around their own goals. They wanted to force senators on the record — even their own party’s holdouts — to show voters where they stand.

Once reluctant himself to change Senate rules, Biden has stepped up his pressure on senators to do just that. But the push from the White House, including Biden’s blistering speech last week in Atlanta comparing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-georgia-voting-martin-luther-king-jr-dc4544c23622f35fc95d63afe512554d">opponents to segregationists</a>, is seen as too late.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642677318546.png" alt="Senator Joe Manchin drew a roomful of senators for his own speech, upstaging the president’s news conference and defending the filibuster-photo courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>Senator Joe Manchin drew a roomful of senators for his own speech, upstaging the president’s news conference and defending the filibuster-photo courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure><h2>Kansas' Marshall and Moran join Republican opposition to bill</h2>WASHINGTON (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-voting-elections-congress-election-2020-ea1282000b96d73298b22bf2092ba57d">Voting legislation</a>&nbsp;that Democrats and civil rights leaders say is vital to protecting democracy collapsed late Wednesday when two senators refused to join their own party in changing Senate rules to overcome a Republican filibuster after a raw, emotional debate.The outcome was a stinging defeat for President Joe Biden and his party, coming at the tumultuous close to his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-economy-6f49a98b7d04d41a4e9eb975c24fddc2">first year in office</a>.Despite a day of piercing debate and speeches that often carried echoes of an earlier era when the Senate filibuster was deployed by opponents of civil rights legislation, Democrats could not persuade holdout senators&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/kyrsten-sinema">Kyrsten Sinema</a>&nbsp;of Arizona and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-manchin">Joe Manchin of West Virginia</a>&nbsp;to change the Senate procedures on this one bill and allow a simple majority to advance it.“I am profoundly disappointed,” Biden said in a statement after the vote.However, the president said he is “not deterred” and vowed to “explore every measure and use every tool at our disposal to stand up for democracy.”Voting rights advocates are warning that Republican-led states nationwide are&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-voting-elections-congress-election-2020-ea1282000b96d73298b22bf2092ba57d">passing laws&nbsp;</a>making it more difficult for Black Americans and others to vote by consolidating polling locations, requiring certain types of identification and ordering other changes.Vice President Kamala Harris briefly presided over the Senate, able to break a tie in the 50-50 Senate if needed, but she left before the final vote. The rules change was rejected 52-48, with Manchin and Sinema joining the Republicans including Kansas Senators Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall in opposition.The nighttime voting brought an end, for now, to legislation that has been a top Democratic priority since the party took control of Congress and the White House.“This is a moral moment,” said Sen. Raphael Warnock, D-Ga.The Democrats’ bill, the Freedom to Vote: John R. Lewis Act, would make Election Day a national holiday, ensure access to early voting and mail-in ballots — which have become especially popular during the COVID-19 pandemic — and enable the Justice Department to intervene in states with a history of voter interference, among other changes. It has passed the House.Both Manchin and Sinema say they support the legislation, but Democrats fell far short of the 60 votes needed to push the bill over the Republican filibuster. It failed to advance 51-49 on a largely party-line vote. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., cast a procedural vote against so the bill could be considered later.Next, Schumer put forward a rules change for a “talking filibuster” on this one bill. It would require senators to stand at their desks and exhaust the debate before holding a simple majority vote, rather than the current practice that simply allows senators to privately signal their objections.But that, too, failed because Manchin and Sinema were unwilling to change the Senate rules a party-line vote by Democrats alone.Emotions were on display during the floor debate.When Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., asked Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky whether he would pause for a question, McConnell left the chamber, refusing to respond.Durbin said he would have asked McConnell, “Does he really believe that there’s no evidence of voter suppression?”The No. 2 Republican, Sen. John Thune of South Dakota, said at one point, “I am not a racist.”McConnell, who led his party in doing away with the filibuster’s 60-vote threshold for Supreme Court nominees during Donald Trump’s presidency, warned against changing the rules again.McConnell derided the “fake hysteria” from Democrats over the states’ new voting laws and called the pending bill a federal takeover of election systems. He admonished Democrats in a fiery speech and said doing away with filibuster rules would “break the Senate.”Manchin drew a roomful of senators for his own speech, upstaging the president’s news conference and defending the filibuster. He said changing to a majority-rule Senate would only add to the “dysfunction that is tearing this nation apart.”Several members of the Congressional Black Caucus walked across the Capitol for the proceedings. “We want this Senate to act today in a favorable way. But if it don’t, we ain’t giving up,” said Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C., the highest-ranking Black member of Congress.Manchin did open the door to a more tailored package of voting law changes, including to the Electoral Count Act, which was tested during the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the Capitol. He said senators from both parties are working on that and it could draw Republican support.Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said a bipartisan coalition should work on legislation to ensure voter access, particularly in far-flung areas like her state, and to shore up Americans’ faith in democracy.“We don’t need, we do not need a repeat of 2020 when by all accounts our last president, having lost the election, sought to change the results,” said Murkowski.She said the Senate debate had declined to a troubling state: “You’re either a racist or a hypocrite. Really, really? Is that where we are?”At one point, senators broke out in applause after a spirited debate between Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, among the more experienced lawmakers, and new Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., over the history of the Voting Rights Act.Sinema sat in her chair throughout much of the day’s the debate, largely glued to her phone, but rose to her feet to deliver her vote against the rules change.In a statement, Sinema said the outcome “must not be the end of our work to protect our democracy.” But she warned, “these challenges cannot be solved by one party or Washington alone.”Schumer contended the fight is not over and he ridiculed Republican claims that the new election laws in the states will not end up hurting voter access and turnout, comparing it to Trump’s “big lie” about the 2020 presidential election.Democrats decided to press ahead despite the potential for high-stakes defeat as Biden is marking his first year in office with his priorities stalling out in the face of solid Republican opposition and the Democrats’ inability to unite around their own goals. They wanted to force senators on the record — even their own party’s holdouts — to show voters where they stand.Once reluctant himself to change Senate rules, Biden has stepped up his pressure on senators to do just that. But the push from the White House, including Biden’s blistering speech last week in Atlanta comparing&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/voting-rights-joe-biden-georgia-voting-martin-luther-king-jr-dc4544c23622f35fc95d63afe512554d">opponents to segregationists</a>, is seen as too late.___

GOP, two Democrats help kill voting rights bill in the Senate

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas school paraeducator for alleged sex crimes involving a student.

On Tuesday, police arrested 32-year-old Daniel Alonzo-Hernandez of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County booking report. He is accused&nbsp; unlawful sexual relations; teacher with student.&nbsp;

On Tuesday a former Wichita high school student reported that as a 17-year-old she was involved in a consensual sexual relationship with a 32-year-old para-educator later identified as Alonzo-Hernandez, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; Police arrested and booked him on a requested charge involving sex with the student. He is no longer in custody.

Alonzo-Hernandez is a paraeducator at Wichita South High School, according to online records and is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to USD 259.

Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642615381537.png" alt="Alonso-Hernandez-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Alonso-Hernandez-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas school paraeducator for alleged sex crimes involving a student.On Tuesday, police arrested 32-year-old Daniel Alonzo-Hernandez of Wichita, according to the Sedgwick County booking report. He is accused&nbsp; unlawful sexual relations; teacher with student.&nbsp;On Tuesday a former Wichita high school student reported that as a 17-year-old she was involved in a consensual sexual relationship with a 32-year-old para-educator later identified as Alonzo-Hernandez, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; Police arrested and booked him on a requested charge involving sex with the student. He is no longer in custody.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/1/1642615486972.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Alonzo-Hernandez is a paraeducator at Wichita South High School, according to online records and is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation, according to USD 259.Police will present the case to the Sedgwick County District Attorney.&nbsp;

Para-educator at Kansas school accused of sex with student

WASHINGTON — With filing season beginning January 24, the Internal 
Revenue Service reminded taxpayers about several key items to keep in 
mind when filing their federal income tax returns this year.

Given the unprecedented circumstances around the pandemic and unique 
challenges for this tax season, the IRS offers a 5-point checklist that 
can help many people speed tax return processing and refund delivery 
while avoiding delays.

1. File an accurate return and use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays. Taxpayers should electronically file and choose&nbsp;<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;as
 soon as they have everything they need to file an accurate return. 
Taxpayers have many choices, including using a trusted tax professional.
 For those using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file,</a>
 the software helps individuals avoid mistakes by doing the math. It 
guides people through each section of their tax return using a 
question-and-answer format.

2. For an accurate return, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">collect all documents</a> before preparing a tax return; make sure stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate. In
 addition to collecting W-2s, Form 1099s and other income-related 
statements, it is important people have their advance Child Tax Credit 
and Economic Impact Payment information on hand when filing.

Both letters – 6419 and 6475 – include important information 
that can help people file an accurate 2021 tax return. If a return 
includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review while 
the IRS corrects the error, which may slow the tax refund. Using this 
information when preparing a tax return electronically can reduce errors
 and avoid delays in processing.

3. Avoid lengthy phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS. Phone demand on IRS assistance lines remains at record highs. To avoid lengthy delays, the IRS urges people to use IRS.gov to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-law-questions">get answers to tax questions</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">check a refund status</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">pay taxes</a>. There's no wait time or appointment needed — <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tools">online tools</a> and resources are available 24 hours a day.

Additionally, the IRS has several ways for taxpayers to stay up to date on important tax information:

4. Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? Special tip to help with e-filing a 2021 tax return: In order to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS</a>,
 taxpayers need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most 
recent tax return. For those waiting on their 2020 tax return to be 
processed, here's a special tip to ensure the tax return is accepted by 
the IRS for processing. Make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last 
year's AGI on the 2021 tax return. For those who used a Non-Filer tool 
in 2021 to register for an advance Child Tax Credit or third Economic 
Impact Payment in 2021, they should enter $1 as their prior year AGI. 
Everyone else should enter their prior year's AGI from last year's 
return. Remember, if using the same tax preparation software as last year, this field will auto-populate.

5.&nbsp;Free resources are available to help taxpayers file. During
 this challenging year, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are many options
 for free help, including many resources on IRS.gov. For those looking 
to avoid the delays with a paper tax return, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is an option. With Free File, leading tax software providers make their
 online products available for free as part of a 20-year partnership 
with the Internal Revenue Service. This year, there are eight products 
in English and two in Spanish. IRS Free File is available to any person 
or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. Qualified taxpayers can 
also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through
 the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1599869632873.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>IRSWASHINGTON — With filing season beginning January 24, the Internal 
Revenue Service reminded taxpayers about several key items to keep in 
mind when filing their federal income tax returns this year.Given the unprecedented circumstances around the pandemic and unique 
challenges for this tax season, the IRS offers a 5-point checklist that 
can help many people speed tax return processing and refund delivery 
while avoiding delays.1. File an accurate return and use e-file and direct deposit to avoid delays. Taxpayers should electronically file and choose&nbsp;<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;as
 soon as they have everything they need to file an accurate return. 
Taxpayers have many choices, including using a trusted tax professional.
 For those using <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/e-file-options">e-file,</a>
 the software helps individuals avoid mistakes by doing the math. It 
guides people through each section of their tax return using a 
question-and-answer format.2. For an accurate return, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/steps-to-take-now-to-get-a-jump-on-next-years-taxes">collect all documents</a> before preparing a tax return; make sure stimulus payment and advance Child Tax Credit information is accurate. In
 addition to collecting W-2s, Form 1099s and other income-related 
statements, it is important people have their advance Child Tax Credit 
and Economic Impact Payment information on hand when filing.<ul>
 <li>Advance CTC letter 6419: In late December 2021,
 and continuing into January, the IRS started sending letters to people 
who received advance CTC payments. The letter says, "2021 Total Advance 
Child Tax Credit (AdvCTC) Payments" near the top and, "Letter 6419" on 
the bottom righthand side of the page. Here's what people need to know:

	The letter contains important information that can help ensure the tax return is accurate.People who received advance CTC payments can also check the amount of the payments they received by using the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">CTC Update Portal</a>&nbsp;available on IRS.gov.Eligible taxpayers who received advance Child Tax Credit payments 
should file a 2021 tax return to receive the second half of the credit. 
Eligible taxpayers who did not receive advance Child Tax Credit payments
 can claim the full credit by filing a tax return.</li><li>The letter contains important information that can help ensure the tax return is accurate.</li><li>People who received advance CTC payments can also check the amount of the payments they received by using the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/child-tax-credit-update-portal">CTC Update Portal</a>&nbsp;available on IRS.gov.</li><li>Eligible taxpayers who received advance Child Tax Credit payments 
should file a 2021 tax return to receive the second half of the credit. 
Eligible taxpayers who did not receive advance Child Tax Credit payments
 can claim the full credit by filing a tax return.</li><li>Third Economic Impact Payment letter 6475: In late
 January 2022, the IRS will begin issuing letters to people who received
 a third payment in late January 2021. The letter says, "Your Third 
Economic Impact Payment" near the top and, "Letter 6475" on the bottom 
righthand side of the page. Here's what people need to know:
	Most eligible people already received their stimulus payments. 
This letter will help individuals determine if they are eligible to 
claim the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)</a> for missing stimulus payments.People who are eligible for RRC must file a 2021 tax return to claim their remaining stimulus amount.People can also use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS online account</a>&nbsp;to view their Economic Impact Payment amounts.</li><li>Most eligible people already received their stimulus payments. 
This letter will help individuals determine if they are eligible to 
claim the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/recovery-rebate-credit">Recovery Rebate Credit (RRC)</a> for missing stimulus payments.</li><li>People who are eligible for RRC must file a 2021 tax return to claim their remaining stimulus amount.</li><li>People can also use&nbsp;<a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments/your-online-account">IRS online account</a>&nbsp;to view their Economic Impact Payment amounts.</li>
 </ul>Both letters – 6419 and 6475 – include important information 
that can help people file an accurate 2021 tax return. If a return 
includes errors or is incomplete, it may require further review while 
the IRS corrects the error, which may slow the tax refund. Using this 
information when preparing a tax return electronically can reduce errors
 and avoid delays in processing.3. Avoid lengthy phone delays; use online resources before calling the IRS. Phone demand on IRS assistance lines remains at record highs. To avoid lengthy delays, the IRS urges people to use IRS.gov to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tax-law-questions">get answers to tax questions</a>, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/refunds">check a refund status</a> or <a href="https://www.irs.gov/payments">pay taxes</a>. There's no wait time or appointment needed — <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/tools">online tools</a> and resources are available 24 hours a day.Additionally, the IRS has several ways for taxpayers to stay up to date on important tax information:<ul>
 <li>Follow the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs-social-media">IRS' official social media accounts</a> and <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/e-news-subscriptions">email subscription lists</a> to stay current on the latest tax topics and alerts.</li><li>Download the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/newsroom/irs2goapp">IRS2Go mobile app</a>, watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/irsvideos">IRS YouTube videos</a>,
 or follow the IRS on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram for the 
latest updates on tax changes, scam alerts, initiatives, products and 
services.</li><li>Taxpayers can also get information in their preferred language. The
 IRS translates tax resources into several languages and currently has <a href="https://www.irs.gov/help/languages">basic tax information in 20 languages</a>. People can also file <a href="https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-schedule-lep">Schedule LEP, Request for Change in Language Preference</a>, to receive written communications from the IRS in their preferred language.</li>
 </ul>4. Waiting on a 2020 tax return to be processed? Special tip to help with e-filing a 2021 tax return: In order to <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/electronic-filing-pin-request">validate and successfully submit an electronically filed tax return to the IRS</a>,
 taxpayers need their Adjusted Gross Income, or AGI, from their most 
recent tax return. For those waiting on their 2020 tax return to be 
processed, here's a special tip to ensure the tax return is accepted by 
the IRS for processing. Make sure to enter $0 (zero dollars) for last 
year's AGI on the 2021 tax return. For those who used a Non-Filer tool 
in 2021 to register for an advance Child Tax Credit or third Economic 
Impact Payment in 2021, they should enter $1 as their prior year AGI. 
Everyone else should enter their prior year's AGI from last year's 
return. Remember, if using the same tax preparation software as last year, this field will auto-populate.5.&nbsp;Free resources are available to help taxpayers file. During
 this challenging year, the IRS reminds taxpayers there are many options
 for free help, including many resources on IRS.gov. For those looking 
to avoid the delays with a paper tax return, <a href="https://www.irs.gov/filing/free-file-do-your-federal-taxes-for-free">IRS Free File</a>
 is an option. With Free File, leading tax software providers make their
 online products available for free as part of a 20-year partnership 
with the Internal Revenue Service. This year, there are eight products 
in English and two in Spanish. IRS Free File is available to any person 
or family who earned $73,000 or less in 2021. Qualified taxpayers can 
also find free one-on-one tax preparation help around the nation through
 the <a href="https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers">Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs</a>.

Top 5 things to remember when filing income tax returns in 2022

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden acknowledged Wednesday that the pandemic has left Americans exhausted and demoralized but insisted at a news conference marking his first year in office that he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-ap-fact-check-0e06b60ce6f610114913aa31f89c56bc">“outperformed” expectations</a>&nbsp;in dealing with it.

Facing sagging poll numbers and a stalled legislative agenda, Biden conceded he would likely have to pare back his “build back better” recovery package and instead settle for “big chunks” of his signature economic plan. He promised to further attack inflation and the pandemic and blamed Republicans for uniting in opposition to his proposals rather than offering ideas of their own.

This is a perilous time for Biden: The nation is gripped by a disruptive new surge of virus cases, and inflation is at a level not seen in a generation. Democrats are bracing for a potential midterm rout if he can’t turn things around.

Biden insisted that voters will come to embrace a more positive view of his tenure — and of his beleaguered party — in time. His appeal to voters for patience came with a pledge to spend more time outside Washington to make the case to them directly.

Biden also addressed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antony-blinken-jen-psaki-vladimir-putin-sergey-lavrov-congress-1df536e9a832830dc3bae2e89aef4116">brewing crisis</a>&nbsp;on the Ukraine border, where Russia has massed some 100,000 troops and raised concerns that Moscow is ready to launch a further invasion.

The president said his “guess” is Russia may move further but he believes President Vladimir Putin doesn’t want full-blown war. He declared Russia would pay a “dear price” if Putin launches a military incursion.

“He has to do something,” Biden said of Putin. “He is trying to find his place in the world between China and the West.”

Biden suggested a “minor incursion” might elicit a lesser response than a full-scale invasion of the country, a comment that drew immediate condemnation from some corners.

“President Biden basically gave Putin a green light to invade Ukraine by yammering about the supposed insignificance of a ‘minor incursion,’” said Republican Sen. Ben Sasse.

White House press secretary Jen Psaki indicated in a subsequent statement that that wasn’t necessarily about tanks and troops.

“President Biden also knows from long experience that the Russians have an extensive playbook of aggression short of military action, including cyberattacks and paramilitary tactics. And he affirmed today that those acts of Russian aggression will be met with a decisive, reciprocal, and united response,” she said.

Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-arts-and-entertainment-9c1fea07322a2891add2ecc7d1c9e6de">held forth for 1 hour and 50 minutes in</a>&nbsp;the East Room of the White House, appearing to relish the opportunity to parry questions from two dozen journalists with doses of wit and a few flashes of anger. At several points, he looked at his watch, smiled and kept calling on reporters.

He fielded questions about inflation, nuclear talks with Iran, voting rights, political division, Vice President Kamala Harris’ place on the 2024 ticket, trade with China and the competency of government. Those questions showed the multitude of challenges confronting the president, each of them as much a risk as an opportunity to prove himself.

The president began by reeling off early progress in fighting the virus and showcasing quick passage of an ambitious bipartisan roads-and-bridges infrastructure deal. But his economic, voting rights, police reform and immigration agenda have all been thwarted in a barely Democratic-controlled Senate, while inflation has emerged as an economic threat to the nation and a political risk for Biden.

Despite his faltering approval numbers, Biden claimed to have “probably outperformed what anybody thought would happen” in a country still coping with the coronavirus.

“After almost two years of physical, emotional and psychological impact of this pandemic, for many of us, it’s been too much to bear,” Biden said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden acknowledged Wednesday that the pandemic has left Americans exhausted and demoralized but insisted at a news conference marking his first year in office that he has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-joe-biden-health-business-ap-fact-check-0e06b60ce6f610114913aa31f89c56bc">“outperformed” expectations</a>&nbsp;in dealing with it.<div><iframe src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?height=314&href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FWhiteHouse%2Fvideos%2F486629802833516%2F&show_text=false&width=560&t=6" 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>Facing sagging poll numbers and a stalled legislative agenda, Biden conceded he would likely have to pare back his “build back better” recovery package and instead settle for “big chunks” of his signature economic plan. He promised to further attack inflation and the pandemic and blamed Republicans for uniting in opposition to his proposals rather than offering ideas of their own.This is a perilous time for Biden: The nation is gripped by a disruptive new surge of virus cases, and inflation is at a level not seen in a generation. Democrats are bracing for a potential midterm rout if he can’t turn things around.Biden insisted that voters will come to embrace a more positive view of his tenure — and of his beleaguered party — in time. His appeal to voters for patience came with a pledge to spend more time outside Washington to make the case to them directly.Biden also addressed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/antony-blinken-jen-psaki-vladimir-putin-sergey-lavrov-congress-1df536e9a832830dc3bae2e89aef4116">brewing crisis</a>&nbsp;on the Ukraine border, where Russia has massed some 100,000 troops and raised concerns that Moscow is ready to launch a further invasion.The president said his “guess” is Russia may move further but he believes President Vladimir Putin doesn’t want full-blown war. He declared Russia would pay a “dear price” if Putin launches a military incursion.“He has to do something,” Biden said of Putin. “He is trying to find his place in the world between China and the West.”Biden suggested a “minor incursion” might elicit a lesser response than a full-scale invasion of the country, a comment that drew immediate condemnation from some corners.“President Biden basically gave Putin a green light to invade Ukraine by yammering about the supposed insignificance of a ‘minor incursion,’” said Republican Sen. Ben Sasse.White House press secretary Jen Psaki indicated in a subsequent statement that that wasn’t necessarily about tanks and troops.“President Biden also knows from long experience that the Russians have an extensive playbook of aggression short of military action, including cyberattacks and paramilitary tactics. And he affirmed today that those acts of Russian aggression will be met with a decisive, reciprocal, and united response,” she said.Biden&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/joe-biden-arts-and-entertainment-9c1fea07322a2891add2ecc7d1c9e6de">held forth for 1 hour and 50 minutes in</a>&nbsp;the East Room of the White House, appearing to relish the opportunity to parry questions from two dozen journalists with doses of wit and a few flashes of anger. At several points, he looked at his watch, smiled and kept calling on reporters.He fielded questions about inflation, nuclear talks with Iran, voting rights, political division, Vice President Kamala Harris’ place on the 2024 ticket, trade with China and the competency of government. Those questions showed the multitude of challenges confronting the president, each of them as much a risk as an opportunity to prove himself.The president began by reeling off early progress in fighting the virus and showcasing quick passage of an ambitious bipartisan roads-and-bridges infrastructure deal. But his economic, voting rights, police reform and immigration agenda have all been thwarted in a barely Democratic-controlled Senate, while inflation has emerged as an economic threat to the nation and a political risk for Biden.Despite his faltering approval numbers, Biden claimed to have “probably outperformed what anybody thought would happen” in a country still coping with the coronavirus.“After almost two years of physical, emotional and psychological impact of this pandemic, for many of us, it’s been too much to bear,” Biden said.“Some people may call what’s happening now ’the new normal,″ he added, his voice rising. “I call it a job not yet finished. It will get better.”On his nearly $2 trillion economic agenda that West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin has blocked from moving forward, Biden said he’ll pass the parts of the package that can net sufficient votes. This likely means not extending the expanded child tax credit or providing financial support to community colleges, Biden said.“I think we can break the package up, get as much as we can now, come back and fight for the rest,” he said, later adding that he would apply the same strategy to his voting reform agenda.The social spending bill was once viewed as a catch-all home for various progressive priorities, but now Democrats are sensing a need to deliver a solid accomplishment to voters in the midterm year and are beginning to come to terms with a slimmed-down package that can overcome Manchin’s reticence.The White House and congressional Democratic leaders are expected to refocus their attention on it beginning next week, after the all-but-certain collapse of the Democrats’ push on voting rights legislation. Talks to craft a new bill that meets Manchin’s demands and can garner the virtually unanimous Democratic support needed to pass Congress will likely take weeks.The Democrats’ goal is to have a package — or be on the cusp of one — that Biden can highlight in his March 1 State of the Union address.If Biden seemed to have one set of regrets so far, it was his inability because of the coronavirus to connect with more Americans outside the capital. He noted that this challenge was most acutely felt by Black voters who wanted him to push more aggressively on expanding access to voting.“I don’t get a chance to look people in the eye because of both COVID and things that are happening in Washington,” he said.Speaking as Democrats were mounting a doomed effort to change Senate rules to pass the voting measure, Biden said he still hoped that it would pass in some form and wasn’t prepared yet to discuss possible executive actions on the issue. The vote spotlighted the constraints on Biden’s influence barely a week after he delivered an impassioned speech in Atlanta suggesting opponents of the measures were taking a historical stance alongside segregationists and exhorting senators to action.Still, he said he understood that civil rights groups were anxious and frustrated about the lack of action, particularly Black voters who question why he didn’t press the issue harder and earlier.There are at least 19 Republican-backed laws in states that make it harder to vote, and Jan. 6 insurrection supporters are filling local election posts and running for office.It was Biden’s seventh solo news conference as president. The ongoing threat from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic">the coronavirus</a>&nbsp;was evident in the setup of Wednesday’s gathering: A limited number of reporters were allowed to attend and all had to have been tested for the virus and wear masks.The president used the event to pay heed to growing anxiety about rising prices. Staring down an inflation rate that has gone from 1.7% at his inauguration to 7%, he called on the Federal Reserve to lessen its monetary boosting of the economy by raising interest rates, which would in theory help to reduce inflation.“Given the strength of our economy, and the pace of recent price increases, it’s important to recalibrate the support that is now necessary,” Biden said. “Now, we need to get inflation under control.”Despite it all, Biden said he’s convinced the country is still with him — even if they don’t tell that to pollsters.“I don’t believe the polls,” he said.