ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his Republican rival,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, will meet Thursday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bidentrumppresidentialdebate-0e7577e9a354a69f50675494fea54ca9">the first general election debate</a>&nbsp;of the 2024 season — a chance for both candidates to try to reshape the political narrative and persuade undecided voters.

CNN is carrying the debate live on its broadcast network,

Viewers can also stream on the Post<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?536407-1/cnn-presidential-debate-atlanta">&nbsp;Click here&nbsp;</a>to watch.

Biden, the Democratic incumbent, has the opportunity to reassure voters that,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-union-mental-capacity-trump-reelection-66d8784586d21f30885d8153f949510c">at 81, he’s capable</a>&nbsp;of guiding the U.S. through a range of challenges. Meanwhile, the 78-year-old Trump could use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debatehowtowatch-biden-trump-ff14d6659b6ba50e8456d35035222e85">the moment</a>&nbsp;to try to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">his felony conviction in New York</a>&nbsp;and convince an audience of tens of millions that he’s temperamentally suited to return to the Oval Office.

Thursday's debate in Atlanta will mark at least a couple of firsts — never before have two White House contenders faced off at such advanced ages, and never before has CNN hosted a general election presidential debate.

ATLANTA (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-election-presidential-debates-biden-trump-6b1d1dbb2ed61c7637041b23662d7da8">first general election debate</a>&nbsp;of the 2024 election season is here, and it's a historic moment no matter what happens on stage.

President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are taking part in Thursday night's debate in Atlanta. Not only is it the first-ever matchup between a sitting president and a former one, but it's also the first debate for either candidate in this year's election. And it's happening so early in the general election campaign cycle that neither man will have accepted their party's formal nomination yet.

The debate will start at 8 p.m. CDT Thursday. It’s being moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.

&nbsp;CNN International, CNN en Español and CNN Max will also carry the debate along with several national networks.

The setting for the first general election debate is CNN's studios in Atlanta. Unlike the Republican primary debates, no audience will be present.

Once a Republican stronghold, Georgia was a pivotal battleground in 2020. Both parties are preparing for another closely contested race in the state this year. Trump also faces an indictment in Georgia for his push to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-raffensperger-phone-call-georgia-d503c8b4e58f7cd648fbf9a746131ec9">“find 11,780 votes”</a>&nbsp;and overturn Biden’s victory based on false or unproven theories of voter fraud.

Two candidates — Biden and Trump — will be on stage. For a time, it seemed like they wouldn't be meeting up at all.

Biden’s campaign had proposed excluding third-party candidates, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-097ac973a32ddf2e8e4edecd6a8f3153">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, from the debates outright. Under the debate commission’s rules, Kennedy or other third-party candidates could qualify if they secured ballot access sufficient to claim 270 Electoral Votes and polled at 15% or higher in a selection of national surveys.

Both CNN and ABC announced the same qualification threshold, saying candidates will need to reach at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet their standards, between March 13 and a week ahead of Thursday’s match up. Last week, CNN announced that Kennedy hadn’t met those markers.

Trump didn’t take part in any of the GOP primary debates, so this is his first time on stage this cycle. Biden didn’t debate any of the Democrats challenging him, either.

Last month, Biden announced that he would not participate in fall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/political-debates">presidential debates</a>&nbsp;sponsored by the nonpartisan commission that has organized them for more than three decades. Instead, his campaign proposed that media outlets directly organize the debates between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/presumptive-nominee-biden-trump-6b2a3beb31896894ded9e96aa30cfcec">the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees</a>.

Hours later, Biden said he had accepted an invitation from CNN, adding, “Over to you, Donald.” Trump, who had insisted he would debate Biden anytime and anyplace, said on Truth Social he’d be there, too, adding, “Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!” Soon after that, they agreed to a second debate.

ABC will host the second debate on Sept. 10. The network has not offered details on where its event would be held, only that it would be moderated by anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis.

And don't forget about the running mates. Trump hasn't named his yet, but Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted an invitation from CBS News to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-debate-negotiations-19c44db099680cab6fe702638394cd82">debate</a>&nbsp;her eventual rival in studio on either July 23 or Aug. 13.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/3/1710295653190.png" alt="Photo Associated Press" />
 <figcaption>Photo Associated Press</figcaption>
 </figure>ATLANTA (AP) — U.S. President&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>&nbsp;and his Republican rival,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/donald-trump">Donald Trump</a>, will meet Thursday for&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bidentrumppresidentialdebate-0e7577e9a354a69f50675494fea54ca9">the first general election debate</a>&nbsp;of the 2024 season — a chance for both candidates to try to reshape the political narrative and persuade undecided voters.<h2>What channel is the debate on?</h2>CNN is carrying the debate live on its broadcast network,Viewers can also stream on the Post<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?536407-1/cnn-presidential-debate-atlanta">&nbsp;Click here&nbsp;</a>to watch.Biden, the Democratic incumbent, has the opportunity to reassure voters that,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/biden-state-of-union-mental-capacity-trump-reelection-66d8784586d21f30885d8153f949510c">at 81, he’s capable</a>&nbsp;of guiding the U.S. through a range of challenges. Meanwhile, the 78-year-old Trump could use&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/debatehowtowatch-biden-trump-ff14d6659b6ba50e8456d35035222e85">the moment</a>&nbsp;to try to move past&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-trial-deliberations-jury-testimony-verdict-85558c6d08efb434d05b694364470aa0">his felony conviction in New York</a>&nbsp;and convince an audience of tens of millions that he’s temperamentally suited to return to the Oval Office.Thursday's debate in Atlanta will mark at least a couple of firsts — never before have two White House contenders faced off at such advanced ages, and never before has CNN hosted a general election presidential debate.----------------ATLANTA (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/2024-election-presidential-debates-biden-trump-6b1d1dbb2ed61c7637041b23662d7da8">first general election debate</a>&nbsp;of the 2024 election season is here, and it's a historic moment no matter what happens on stage.President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are taking part in Thursday night's debate in Atlanta. Not only is it the first-ever matchup between a sitting president and a former one, but it's also the first debate for either candidate in this year's election. And it's happening so early in the general election campaign cycle that neither man will have accepted their party's formal nomination yet.Here’s how to watch the debate:<h2>What time is the debate?</h2>The debate will start at 8 p.m. CDT Thursday. It’s being moderated by CNN’s Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.<h2>What channel is the debate on?</h2>CNN is carrying the debate live on its broadcast network,Viewers can also stream on the Post<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?536407-1/cnn-presidential-debate-atlanta">&nbsp;Click here&nbsp;</a>to watch.&nbsp;CNN International, CNN en Español and CNN Max will also carry the debate along with several national networks.<h2>Where is the debate?</h2>The setting for the first general election debate is CNN's studios in Atlanta. Unlike the Republican primary debates, no audience will be present.Once a Republican stronghold, Georgia was a pivotal battleground in 2020. Both parties are preparing for another closely contested race in the state this year. Trump also faces an indictment in Georgia for his push to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-raffensperger-phone-call-georgia-d503c8b4e58f7cd648fbf9a746131ec9">“find 11,780 votes”</a>&nbsp;and overturn Biden’s victory based on false or unproven theories of voter fraud.<h2>Which candidates will be on stage?</h2>Two candidates — Biden and Trump — will be on stage. For a time, it seemed like they wouldn't be meeting up at all.Biden’s campaign had proposed excluding third-party candidates, such as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/who-is-robert-f-kennedy-jr-rfk-097ac973a32ddf2e8e4edecd6a8f3153">Robert F. Kennedy Jr.</a>, from the debates outright. Under the debate commission’s rules, Kennedy or other third-party candidates could qualify if they secured ballot access sufficient to claim 270 Electoral Votes and polled at 15% or higher in a selection of national surveys.Both CNN and ABC announced the same qualification threshold, saying candidates will need to reach at least 15% in four separate national polls of registered or likely voters that meet their standards, between March 13 and a week ahead of Thursday’s match up. Last week, CNN announced that Kennedy hadn’t met those markers.Trump didn’t take part in any of the GOP primary debates, so this is his first time on stage this cycle. Biden didn’t debate any of the Democrats challenging him, either.Last month, Biden announced that he would not participate in fall&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/political-debates">presidential debates</a>&nbsp;sponsored by the nonpartisan commission that has organized them for more than three decades. Instead, his campaign proposed that media outlets directly organize the debates between&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/presumptive-nominee-biden-trump-6b2a3beb31896894ded9e96aa30cfcec">the presumptive Democratic and Republican nominees</a>.Hours later, Biden said he had accepted an invitation from CNN, adding, “Over to you, Donald.” Trump, who had insisted he would debate Biden anytime and anyplace, said on Truth Social he’d be there, too, adding, “Let’s get ready to Rumble!!!” Soon after that, they agreed to a second debate.<h2>What’s up next?</h2>ABC will host the second debate on Sept. 10. The network has not offered details on where its event would be held, only that it would be moderated by anchors David Muir and Linsey Davis.And don't forget about the running mates. Trump hasn't named his yet, but Vice President Kamala Harris has accepted an invitation from CBS News to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-biden-debate-negotiations-19c44db099680cab6fe702638394cd82">debate</a>&nbsp;her eventual rival in studio on either July 23 or Aug. 13.

🎥Watch the debate here: Biden and Trump face off for history

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a child in Shawnee County and have arrested the child's mother.

Shortly after 11:30 a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding an incident on SW Worwick Town Road, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

First responders found a 9-year-old child located inside the residence, suffering from multiple wounds to the chest and neck. The child was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Detectives were in the process of executing a search warrant at the&nbsp; home. The mother of the deceased child, Shyla M. Goracke, 29, of Topeka, has been placed into custody in connection with the matter. She is currently at a local hospital. An autopsy examination is scheduled for Friday.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a child in Shawnee County.

First responders found&nbsp;a deceased child and took an adult into custody.

SW Worwick Town Road was currently closed between SW Gamwell Road and SW 40th Street while the investigation continues.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1718926370319.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a child in Shawnee County and have arrested the child's mother.Shortly after 11:30 a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding an incident on SW Worwick Town Road, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.First responders found a 9-year-old child located inside the residence, suffering from multiple wounds to the chest and neck. The child was pronounced deceased at the scene.Detectives were in the process of executing a search warrant at the&nbsp; home. The mother of the deceased child, Shyla M. Goracke, 29, of Topeka, has been placed into custody in connection with the matter. She is currently at a local hospital. An autopsy examination is scheduled for Friday.----------------SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating the death of a child in Shawnee County.Shortly after 11:30 a.m. Thursday, the Shawnee County Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call regarding an incident on SW Worwick Town Road, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.First responders found&nbsp;a deceased child and took an adult into custody.SW Worwick Town Road was currently closed between SW Gamwell Road and SW 40th Street while the investigation continues.

Sheriff: Child dead, Kansas suspect in custody

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Shawnee County have identified the woman who died as Rita M. Cline of Topeka, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.

Investigators determined, while assisting a friend that was backing up a UTV,&nbsp; Cline was struck and became trapped under what was originally reported as a tractor.&nbsp;

The friend immediately called 911. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and removed the UTV from Cline's body. CPR was attempted until American Medical Response arrived on scene.&nbsp; Cline was pronounced deceased at the scene .This accident is still under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office

SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m.&nbsp; Wednesday in Shawnee County.

Deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding an individual trapped under a tractor in the 3200 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.

Firs responders found an individual suffering from significant injuries. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.

Check the Post for additional information as it is released.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Authorities investigating a fatal accident that occurred just after 10a.m. Wednesday in Shawnee County have identified the woman who died as Rita M. Cline of Topeka, according to Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian.Investigators determined, while assisting a friend that was backing up a UTV,&nbsp; Cline was struck and became trapped under what was originally reported as a tractor.&nbsp;The friend immediately called 911. Deputies and fire personnel arrived and removed the UTV from Cline's body. CPR was attempted until American Medical Response arrived on scene.&nbsp; Cline was pronounced deceased at the scene .This accident is still under investigation by the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office-------------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—One person died in an accident just after 10a.m.&nbsp; Wednesday in Shawnee County.Deputies and emergency crews responded to a 911 call regarding an individual trapped under a tractor in the 3200 block of SW 93rd Street, according to Deputy Abigail Christian.Firs responders found an individual suffering from significant injuries. The individual was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;This incident is still under investigation.Check the Post for additional information as it is released.

Sheriff: 1 dead in rural Kansas UTV accident

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police in Wichita reported Wednesday the arrest of Jeremiah Walker in connection with the the death of&nbsp;27- year-old Quentin Gordon, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses. Police are no longer looking for&nbsp;Anjaliyah S. Orange in connection with the case.

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police are trying to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about a homicide that occurred on June 4.

Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.

Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found 27- year-old Quentin Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators, in collaboration with patrol officers, immediately began their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.

If you have any information about Anjaliyah and Jeremiah's whereabouts or have seen them, please call 911, Crimestoppers at 316-267-2111, or WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/6/1717697125559.png" alt="Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker-photo Wichita Police&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Police in Wichita reported Wednesday the arrest of Jeremiah Walker in connection with the the death of&nbsp;27- year-old Quentin Gordon, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses. Police are no longer looking for&nbsp;Anjaliyah S. Orange in connection with the case.---------SEDGWICK COUNTY —Wichita Police are trying to locate Anjaliyah S. Orange and Jeremiah Z. Walker as they may have information about a homicide that occurred on June 4.Just after 9:30p.m. Tuesday, Sedgwick County Emergency Communications received a 911 call reporting a shooting in the 4800 block of East Funston, according to Police Captain Aaron Moses.Wichita Police, Wichita Fire, and Sedgwick County EMS responded to the scene and found 27- year-old Quentin Gordon suffering from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead at the scene.Wichita Police Department Homicide Investigators, in collaboration with patrol officers, immediately began their investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that Gordon was involved in an argument with another individual when the shooting occurred, indicating that this was not a random act of violence, according to Moses.If you have any information about Anjaliyah and Jeremiah's whereabouts or have seen them, please call 911, Crimestoppers at 316-267-2111, or WPD Investigators at 316-268-4407.

Search continues for 2 in Kansas homicide investigation

SEWARD COUNTY —A man injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Liberal has died.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris UTV driven by Tucker J. Smith, 26, Kismet, was northbound in 1800 Block of Frontage Road, 50-feet north of the Cosmetology Building at Seward County Community College.

The driver accelerated as the UTV turned the corner to travel east. An occupant in the bed of the UTV identified as Jacob G. Still, 29, Tyrone, Oklahoma, lost his balance and fell out.

EMS transported&nbsp;Still to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a serious injury. He was pronounced deceased just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday.

Smith and another passenger were not injured.&nbsp;

SEWARD COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Liberal.

EMS transported&nbsp;Still to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a serious injury. Smith and another passenger were not injured.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717029313292.png" alt="Google image" />
 <figcaption>Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>SEWARD COUNTY —A man injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Liberal has died.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris UTV driven by Tucker J. Smith, 26, Kismet, was northbound in 1800 Block of Frontage Road, 50-feet north of the Cosmetology Building at Seward County Community College.The driver accelerated as the UTV turned the corner to travel east. An occupant in the bed of the UTV identified as Jacob G. Still, 29, Tyrone, Oklahoma, lost his balance and fell out.EMS transported&nbsp;Still to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a serious injury. He was pronounced deceased just before 11:30p.m. Wednesday.Smith and another passenger were not injured.&nbsp;--------------SEWARD COUNTY —One person was injured in an accident just before 11a.m. Wednesday in Liberal.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a Polaris UTV driven by Tucker J. Smith, 26, Kismet, was northbound in 1800 Block of Frontage Road, 50-feet north of the Cosmetology Building at Seward County Community College.The driver accelerated as the UTV turned the corner to travel east. An occupant in the bed of the UTV identified as Jacob G. Still, 29, Tyrone, Oklahoma, lost his balance and fell out.EMS transported&nbsp;Still to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita for treatment of a serious injury. Smith and another passenger were not injured.&nbsp;

Man hospitalized after fall from UTV at SW Kansas college 

CRAWFORD COUNTY – The Frontenac Police Department reported to the KBI that Jean Joyce was located and is in good condition. She will be transported home. The statewide Silver Alert is now canceled

CRAWFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Frontenac Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a woman last seen in Frontenac, Kansas.

The whereabouts of 70-year-old Jean Marie Joyce, of Frontenac, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.

Joyce walked away from a nursing facility at 316 Wickware Dr., in Frontenac, at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29. She was last seen wearing jeans and a pink jacket.

Joyce is a white female who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds. She has brown and grey hair and blue eyes. Joyce has dementia.

If you see Jean Joyce, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Frontenac Police Department at (620)&nbsp;231-9216.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1717063147359.png" alt="Jean Marie Joyce -courtesy photo" />
 <figcaption>Jean Marie Joyce -courtesy photo</figcaption>
 </figure>CRAWFORD COUNTY – The Frontenac Police Department reported to the KBI that Jean Joyce was located and is in good condition. She will be transported home. The statewide Silver Alert is now canceled-----------CRAWFORD COUNTY –&nbsp;The Frontenac Police Department requested the Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) issue a statewide Silver Alert for a woman last seen in Frontenac, Kansas.The whereabouts of 70-year-old Jean Marie Joyce, of Frontenac, are unknown, and the public’s assistance is requested to help locate her.Joyce walked away from a nursing facility at 316 Wickware Dr., in Frontenac, at around 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 29. She was last seen wearing jeans and a pink jacket.Joyce is a white female who is 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighs around 120 pounds. She has brown and grey hair and blue eyes. Joyce has dementia.If you see Jean Joyce, please call 911 immediately. If you have other information about her whereabouts, call the Frontenac Police Department at (620)&nbsp;231-9216.

KBI: Silver Alert canceled; missing Kan. woman found in good condition

SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.

After 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, deputies were checking the security of a business in the 5500 block of SW Randolph Avenue, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies found indications of recent damage to the property and evidence of a suspected burglary. Evidence was collected and they continued surveillance of the property.

The Sheriff’s Office said around 4:40 a.m., a black 2000 Mercury Mountaineer arrived and parked near the area where deputies observed the damage to the property. Multiple law enforcement officers surrounded the property and deployed a drone. A few minutes later, an individual wearing a face mask and carrying a pry bar emerged from the property and was immediately arrested. A second individual located inside the suspect vehicle was also arrested at the scene.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, Zackery W. Slover, 42, and Richard M. Lane, 42, both of Topeka, were booked into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snco.us/doc/" target="_blank">Shawnee County Department of Corrections</a>&nbsp;on requested charges of burglary.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716151885045.png" alt="Lane-photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Lane-photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY — Law enforcement authorities are investigating a burglary and have two suspects in custody.After 12:15 a.m. on Thursday, deputies were checking the security of a business in the 5500 block of SW Randolph Avenue, according to Shawnee County Sheriff's Deputy Abigail Christian. Deputies found indications of recent damage to the property and evidence of a suspected burglary. Evidence was collected and they continued surveillance of the property.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1716151826361.png" alt="Slover -photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Slover -photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The Sheriff’s Office said around 4:40 a.m., a black 2000 Mercury Mountaineer arrived and parked near the area where deputies observed the damage to the property. Multiple law enforcement officers surrounded the property and deployed a drone. A few minutes later, an individual wearing a face mask and carrying a pry bar emerged from the property and was immediately arrested. A second individual located inside the suspect vehicle was also arrested at the scene.According to the Sheriff’s Office, Zackery W. Slover, 42, and Richard M. Lane, 42, both of Topeka, were booked into the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.snco.us/doc/" target="_blank">Shawnee County Department of Corrections</a>&nbsp;on requested charges of burglary.

Kansas burglary suspect caught carrying a pry bar

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson in Ogden.

Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of aggravated arson and arson in the 100 block of Eighth Street in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.

A 57-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man reported a known suspect pour gas onto a vehicle and set it on fire. 

 The fire then spread to another vehicle and the residence.  There were no injuries as a result of the arson. Total estimated loss is still being calculated.&nbsp;

RILEY COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating alleged arson in Ogden.Just after 9:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of aggravated arson and arson in the 100 block of Eighth Street in Ogden, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.A 57-year-old man, a 28-year-old woman and a 29-year-old man reported a known suspect pour gas onto a vehicle and set it on fire. The fire then spread to another vehicle and the residence. There were no injuries as a result of the arson. Total estimated loss is still being calculated.&nbsp;

RCPD investigating alleged arson in Ogden

FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (AP) —A Virginia school board voted Friday to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to a high school and an elementary school, four years after the names were removed amid nationwide protests calling for a reckoning over racial injustice.

In a reversal experts believe was the first of its kind, Shenandoah County's school board voted 5-1 to rename Mountain View High School as Stonewall Jackson High School and Honey Run Elementary as Ashby Lee Elementary.

Friday's vote reversed a decision by the school board in 2020 when school systems across Virginia and the South were removing Confederate names from schools and other public locations in response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/black-lives-matter">Black Lives Matter</a>&nbsp;movement.

The Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project, which maintains a database of more than 2,000 Confederate memorials nationwide, is not aware of another case of a school system restoring a Confederate name that was removed, said senior research analyst Rivka Maizlish.

Overall, the trend toward removal of Confederate names and memorials has continued, even if it has slowed somewhat since 2020, she said, noting that the Army renamed nine installations named for Confederate leaders, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arlington-national-cemetery-confederate-memorial-removal-88f1d672070c440a4da080da91bd57b7">removed a Confederate memorial</a>&nbsp;from Arlington National Cemetery.

In Virginia, local governments had been banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the law was changed in 2020, though the statute did not apply to school names.

On Friday, school board members who voted to restore the Confederate names said the previous board ignored popular sentiment and due process when the names were stripped.

Elections in 2023 significantly changed the school board's makeup, with one board member writing in an op-ed for the Northern Virginia Daily that the results gave Shenandoah County “the first 100% conservative board since anyone can remember.”

That board member, Gloria Carlineo, said during the six-hour meeting that began Thursday night that opponents of the Confederate names should “stop bringing racism and prejudice into everything” because it “detracts from true cases of racism.”

The lone board member to vote against restoring the Confederate names, Kyle Gutshall, said he respected both sides of the debate but believed a majority of residents in his district wanted to leave the Mountain View and Honey Run names in place.

“I don't judge anybody or look down on anybody for the decision they're making,” he said. “It's a complex issue.”

During several hours of public comment, county residents spoke up on both sides of the issue.

Beth Ogle, a longtime resident with children in the school system, said restoring the Confederate names is “a statement to the world that you do not value the dignity and respect of your minority students, faculty and staff.”

Kenny Wakeman, a lifelong county resident, said the Stonewall Jackson name “stood proudly for 60 years until 2020," when he said the “actions of a rogue police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” prompted a move to change the name, a reference to the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">Floyd</a>&nbsp;that propelled nationwide protests and debate over racial injustice.

Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was a Confederate general from Virginia who gained fame at the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas in 1861 and died in 1863 after he was shot and had his arm amputated. Jackson's name&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/88a3c977101353baf3fc76dc3084056b">was also removed from another high school in Virginia's Prince William County in 2020</a>&nbsp;that is now known as Unity Reed High School.

Ashby Lee is named for both Gen. Robert E. Lee, a Virginia native who commanded Confederate forces, and for Turner Ashby, a Confederate cavalry officer who was killed in battle in 1862 near Harrisonburg, Virginia. A high school near Harrisonburg is also named for Ashby.

The resolution approved by the school board states that private donations would be used to pay for the name changes.

Shenandoah County, a largely rural jurisdiction with a population of about 45,000, roughly 100 miles west of the nation's capital, has long been politically conservative. In 2020, Republican Donald Trump won 70% of the presidential vote in Shenandoah, even as Biden won Virginia by 10 points.

In Virginia, local governments were banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the 2020 law lifted those restrictions. Statues of Confederate leaders, including Lee, Jackson and Confederate President Jefferson Davis were removed from Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue in 2020 and 2021 following protests and vandalizing of the statues.

Maizlish, from the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it's unusual, though not unprecedented, that conservative jurisdictions like Shenandoah removed Confederate names in the first place.

She said that while there's no evidence other jurisdictions have restored Confederate names or monuments, she is “always concerned about people who work to continue to promote Lost Cause propaganda.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715377992875.png" alt="File photo Virginia removed the statue of Robert E. Lee from the U.S. Capitol in December 2020 -photo by Jack Mayer, Office of former Governor Ralph Northam" />
 <figcaption>File photo Virginia removed the statue of Robert E. Lee from the U.S. Capitol in December 2020 -photo by Jack Mayer, Office of former Governor Ralph Northam</figcaption>
 </figure>FALLS CHURCH, Virginia (AP) —A Virginia school board voted Friday to restore the names of Confederate military leaders to a high school and an elementary school, four years after the names were removed amid nationwide protests calling for a reckoning over racial injustice.In a reversal experts believe was the first of its kind, Shenandoah County's school board voted 5-1 to rename Mountain View High School as Stonewall Jackson High School and Honey Run Elementary as Ashby Lee Elementary.Friday's vote reversed a decision by the school board in 2020 when school systems across Virginia and the South were removing Confederate names from schools and other public locations in response to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/black-lives-matter">Black Lives Matter</a>&nbsp;movement.The Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project, which maintains a database of more than 2,000 Confederate memorials nationwide, is not aware of another case of a school system restoring a Confederate name that was removed, said senior research analyst Rivka Maizlish.Overall, the trend toward removal of Confederate names and memorials has continued, even if it has slowed somewhat since 2020, she said, noting that the Army renamed nine installations named for Confederate leaders, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/arlington-national-cemetery-confederate-memorial-removal-88f1d672070c440a4da080da91bd57b7">removed a Confederate memorial</a>&nbsp;from Arlington National Cemetery.In Virginia, local governments had been banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the law was changed in 2020, though the statute did not apply to school names.On Friday, school board members who voted to restore the Confederate names said the previous board ignored popular sentiment and due process when the names were stripped.Elections in 2023 significantly changed the school board's makeup, with one board member writing in an op-ed for the Northern Virginia Daily that the results gave Shenandoah County “the first 100% conservative board since anyone can remember.”That board member, Gloria Carlineo, said during the six-hour meeting that began Thursday night that opponents of the Confederate names should “stop bringing racism and prejudice into everything” because it “detracts from true cases of racism.”The lone board member to vote against restoring the Confederate names, Kyle Gutshall, said he respected both sides of the debate but believed a majority of residents in his district wanted to leave the Mountain View and Honey Run names in place.“I don't judge anybody or look down on anybody for the decision they're making,” he said. “It's a complex issue.”During several hours of public comment, county residents spoke up on both sides of the issue.Beth Ogle, a longtime resident with children in the school system, said restoring the Confederate names is “a statement to the world that you do not value the dignity and respect of your minority students, faculty and staff.”Kenny Wakeman, a lifelong county resident, said the Stonewall Jackson name “stood proudly for 60 years until 2020," when he said the “actions of a rogue police officer in Minneapolis, Minnesota,” prompted a move to change the name, a reference to the killing of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/death-of-george-floyd">Floyd</a>&nbsp;that propelled nationwide protests and debate over racial injustice.Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson was a Confederate general from Virginia who gained fame at the First Battle of Bull Run near Manassas in 1861 and died in 1863 after he was shot and had his arm amputated. Jackson's name&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/88a3c977101353baf3fc76dc3084056b">was also removed from another high school in Virginia's Prince William County in 2020</a>&nbsp;that is now known as Unity Reed High School.Ashby Lee is named for both Gen. Robert E. Lee, a Virginia native who commanded Confederate forces, and for Turner Ashby, a Confederate cavalry officer who was killed in battle in 1862 near Harrisonburg, Virginia. A high school near Harrisonburg is also named for Ashby.The resolution approved by the school board states that private donations would be used to pay for the name changes.Shenandoah County, a largely rural jurisdiction with a population of about 45,000, roughly 100 miles west of the nation's capital, has long been politically conservative. In 2020, Republican Donald Trump won 70% of the presidential vote in Shenandoah, even as Biden won Virginia by 10 points.In Virginia, local governments were banned from removing Confederate memorials and statues until the 2020 law lifted those restrictions. Statues of Confederate leaders, including Lee, Jackson and Confederate President Jefferson Davis were removed from Richmond’s famed Monument Avenue in 2020 and 2021 following protests and vandalizing of the statues.Maizlish, from the Southern Poverty Law Center, said it's unusual, though not unprecedented, that conservative jurisdictions like Shenandoah removed Confederate names in the first place.She said that while there's no evidence other jurisdictions have restored Confederate names or monuments, she is “always concerned about people who work to continue to promote Lost Cause propaganda.”___

In reversal, school board votes to restore Confederate names to 2 schools

by BECKY GOFF Little Apple Post

RILEY COUNTY - The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Tornado Watch including areas of northeast Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.&nbsp;

The Tornado Watch is in effect until 11:00 pm CDT.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/5/1715028852069.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>by BECKY GOFF Little Apple PostRILEY COUNTY - The National Weather Service in Topeka has issued a Tornado Watch including areas of northeast Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa and Missouri.&nbsp;The Tornado Watch is in effect until 11:00 pm CDT.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">A tornado watch has been issued for parts of Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska until 11 PM CDT <a href="https://t.co/DXTHRiai7x">pic.twitter.com/DXTHRiai7x</a>&mdash; NWS Topeka (@NWSTopeka) <a href="https://twitter.com/NWSTopeka/status/1787585445347651761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>

Tornado Watch issued for Riley County, surrounding area

SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.

At around 3:10 p.m., TPD received a 911 call reporting that a suspect connected to an armed carjacking that occurred in Topeka earlier in the day, was in the area of 16th&nbsp;and Harrison Street.

Preliminary information indicates that TPD officers responded and observed the suspect, Terrell D. Hayes-Osby, 34, of Topeka, fleeing on foot. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit heading west on 16th&nbsp;St., across Topeka Blvd. During the pursuit, Hayes-Osby fired in the direction of officers. Four officers from TPD returned fire. Hayes-Osby was struck. The shooting occurred around 3:25 p.m. near 16th&nbsp;and Tyler St.

Medical aid was rendered. EMS responded and transported Hayes-Osby to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.

Currently, Hayes-Osby’s condition is serious, but he is expected to survive.

SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Topeka.

&nbsp;Just before 2 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a citizen report of an armed robbery in the 2700 block of SE California Avenue in Topeka where a vehicle was taken by force, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. The suspect is alleged to have been armed with a firearm and acting erratically.

During the investigation, officers received additional citizen calls with information of suspect sightings. With the assistance of multiple citizens, the responding officers were able to locate the suspect in central Topeka.&nbsp; Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect who ran.

At approximately 3:30 p.m., in the 500 block of SW 16th Street, the suspect fired a weapon at the pursuing officers causing the officers to return fire, in self-defense. The suspect was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries.

 No police officers or other were injured in this incident.

The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will take over the investigation. Per policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713660808243.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation-photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY –&nbsp;The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) is investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred Saturday afternoon in Topeka, according to a media release from the KBI.At around 3:10 p.m., TPD received a 911 call reporting that a suspect connected to an armed carjacking that occurred in Topeka earlier in the day, was in the area of 16th&nbsp;and Harrison Street.Preliminary information indicates that TPD officers responded and observed the suspect, Terrell D. Hayes-Osby, 34, of Topeka, fleeing on foot. Officers engaged in a foot pursuit heading west on 16th&nbsp;St., across Topeka Blvd. During the pursuit, Hayes-Osby fired in the direction of officers. Four officers from TPD returned fire. Hayes-Osby was struck. The shooting occurred around 3:25 p.m. near 16th&nbsp;and Tyler St.Medical aid was rendered. EMS responded and transported Hayes-Osby to a local hospital. No law enforcement officers were injured in the incident.Currently, Hayes-Osby’s condition is serious, but he is expected to survive.---------------SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting in Topeka.&nbsp;Just before 2 p.m. Saturday, police responded to a citizen report of an armed robbery in the 2700 block of SE California Avenue in Topeka where a vehicle was taken by force, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. The suspect is alleged to have been armed with a firearm and acting erratically.During the investigation, officers received additional citizen calls with information of suspect sightings. With the assistance of multiple citizens, the responding officers were able to locate the suspect in central Topeka.&nbsp; Officers attempted to make contact with the suspect who ran.At approximately 3:30 p.m., in the 500 block of SW 16th Street, the suspect fired a weapon at the pursuing officers causing the officers to return fire, in self-defense. The suspect was transported to a local hospital to be treated for life-threatening injuries. No police officers or other were injured in this incident.The Kansas Bureau of Investigation will take over the investigation. Per policy, the involved officers have been placed on administrative leave while the incident is under investigation.&nbsp; Police did not release the name of the suspect.

Kansas carjacking suspect wounded in gunfight with police

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has dismissed all impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Alejandro Mayorkas</a>, ending the House Republican push to remove the Cabinet secretary from office over his handling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>&nbsp;and ending his trial before arguments even began.

<a href="https://www.c-span.org/video/?534981-1/senate-session&amp;live">Click here to watch the Senate</a> impeachment trial 12 noon CDT

<a href="https://d3i6fh83elv35t.cloudfront.net/static/2024/01/Articles-of-Impeachment.pdf">Click here to read full</a>&nbsp;articles of impeachment against Sec. Mayorkas

Senators voted to dismiss both articles of impeachment and end the trial, with Democrats arguing that the articles were unconstitutional. The first article charged Mayorkas with “willful and systemic refusal to comply" with immigration law. The second article charged Mayorkas with a “breach of trust” for saying the border was secure. The votes were 51-48 and 51-49, both along party lines.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the House Republicans’ case failed to meet “the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors” and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate’s integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today’s charges,” said Schumer, D-N.Y., as he opened Wednesday’s session.

Senate Republicans had argued for a full impeachment trial after the House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of the border, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. The House vote was the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary was impeached.

An outright dismissal of House Republicans’ prosecution of Mayorkas, with no chance to argue the case, is an embarrassing defeat for House Republicans and embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who made the impeachment a priority. And it is likely to resonate politically for both Republicans and Democrats in a presidential election year when border security has been a top issue.

Republicans argue that President Joe Biden has been weak on the border as arrests for illegal crossings skyrocketed to more than 2 million people during the last two years of his term, though they have fallen from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-crossings-mexico-biden-18ac91ef502e0c5433f74de6cc629b32">a record-high</a>&nbsp;of 250,000 in December amid heightened enforcement in Mexico. Democrats say that instead of impeaching Mayorkas, Republicans should have accepted a bipartisan Senate compromise aimed at reducing the number of migrants who come into the U.S. illegally.

House impeachment managers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-mayorkas-impeachment-trial-border-security-63e9ec242ec8a2f0a95f84497c506e0d">delivered the charges to the Senate</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators. But they did not get a chance to present the case before the Senate dismissed it.

Once the senators were sworn in on Wednesday, the chamber turned into the court of impeachment, with Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington presiding. Murray is the president pro tempore of the Senate, or the senior-most member of the majority party who sits in for the vice president. Senators approached the front of the Senate in groups of four to sign an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/political-news-57ef0cdd29d9875b13713f4974eab9d5">oath book</a>&nbsp;that is stored in the National Archives.

Schumer then called for the votes to dismiss the trial after Republicans rejected a proposed agreement for Senate debate time and several votes on GOP objections. Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt said Democrats were “bulldozing 200 years of precedent" on impeachments by trying to dismiss the trial.

Angry Republicans called for several votes to delay the inevitable final outcome, but none of them passed as all Democrats and three Independents held together.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said “history will not judge this moment well.”

“This process must not be abused," McConnell said. "It must not be short-circuited."

Still, Republicans similarly moved to dismiss former President Donald Trump's second impeachment trial in 2021, weeks after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2021-united-states-capitol-riot">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol. All but five GOP senators — including McConnell — voted to end the trial, arguing it was unconstitutional because Trump had already left office.

As Johnson signed the articles Monday in preparation for sending them across the Capitol, he said Schumer should convene a trial to “hold those who engineered this crisis to full account.”

Schumer “is the only impediment to delivering accountability for the American people,” Johnson said. “Pursuant to the Constitution, the House demands a trial.”

Even if the Senate held a trial, Republicans would not be able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office — Democrats control the Senate, 51-49, and they appear to be united against the impeachment effort. Not one House Democrat supported it, either.

Mayorkas, who was in New York on Wednesday to launch a campaign for children’s online safety, reiterated that he’s focused on the work of his department. “The Senate is going to do what the Senate considers to be appropriate as that proceeds,” he said. “I am here in New York City on Wednesday morning fighting online sexual exploitation and abuse. I’m focused on our mission.”

Johnson delayed sending the articles to the Senate for weeks while both chambers finished work on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-shutdown-budget-speaker-johnson-85dc1e93f6c49c154c02a166d0e8e784">government funding</a>&nbsp;legislation and took a two-week recess. Johnson had said he would send them to the Senate last week, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayorkas-impeachment-house-speaker-johnson-border-534cbf59e92c9cf141bba1ff38dc01cf">punted again</a>&nbsp;after Senate Republicans said they wanted more time to prepare.

At a hearing with Mayorkas on Tuesday about President Joe Biden's budget request for the department, some of the House impeachment managers previewed the arguments they would have made.

Tennessee Rep. Mark Green, the chairman of the House Homeland Security panel, told the secretary that he has a duty under the law to control and guard U.S. borders, and “during your three years as secretary, you have failed to fulfill this oath. You have refused to comply with the laws passed by Congress, and you have breached the public trust.”

Mayorkas defended the department's efforts but said the nation's immigration system is “fundamentally broken, and only Congress can fix it."

The impeachment trial is the third in five years. Democrats impeached President Donald Trump twice, once over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-politics-election-2020-d78192d45b176f73ad435ae9fb926ed3">his dealings with Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">second time</a>&nbsp;in the days after the Capitol attack.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-ut-state-wire-acquittals-politics-93c85dcfb0e6b2185391965e77ebea51">Trump was acquitted</a>&nbsp;by the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">both times</a>.

If the Senate had moved to a trial on Mayorkas, senators would have been forced to sit in their seats for the duration, maybe weeks, while the House impeachment managers and lawyers representing Mayorkas made their cases.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate has voted to dismiss the first of two articles of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Alejandro Mayorkas</a>, the first step in ending its trial on his handling of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>,

Democrats said the article, which charged Mayorkas with “willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law,” is unconstitutional. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for a second vote that would dismiss the second article, which charges Mayorkas with a breach of trust over saying that the border was secure.

The vote to dismiss the first article was 51-48 along party lines, with Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska voting “present.”

If the Senate votes to dismiss both articles, the trial will be over before arguments start. Schumer said the House Republicans' case fails to meet "the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors" and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate's integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today's charges,” said Schumer, D-N.Y., as he opened Wednesday's session.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of the border, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. House impeachment managers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/senate-mayorkas-impeachment-trial-border-security-63e9ec242ec8a2f0a95f84497c506e0d">delivered the charges to the Senate</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators.

An outright dismissal of House Republicans’ prosecution of Mayorkas, with no chance to argue the case, would be an embarrassing defeat for House Republicans and embattled House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who made the impeachment a priority. And it is likely to resonate politically for both Republicans and Democrats in a presidential election year when border security has been a top issue.

Schumer then called for the votes to dismiss the trial after Republicans rejected a proposed agreement for Senate debate time and several votes on GOP objections. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell called for a delay in the proceedings while Republican senators huddled on the floor to discuss how to proceed and called for several votes to delay the final outcome. All the votes were party-line.

In any case, Republicans would not be able to win the support of the two-thirds of the Senate that is needed to convict and remove Mayorkas from office — Democrats control the Senate, 51-49, and they appear to be united against the impeachment effort. Not one House Democrat supported it, either.

While most Republicans oppose quick dismissal, some have hinted they could vote with Democrats.

Sen. Mitt Romney, R-Utah, said last week he wasn’t sure what he would do if there were a move to dismiss the trial. “I think it’s virtually certain that there will not be the conviction of someone when the constitutional test has not been met,” he said.

At the same time, Romney said he wants to at least express his view that “Mayorkas has done a terrible job, but he’s following the direction of the president and has not met the constitutional test of a high crime or misdemeanor.”

The two articles argue that Mayorkas not only refused to enforce existing law but also breached the public trust by lying to Congress and saying the border was secure. The House vote was the first time in nearly 150 years that a Cabinet secretary was impeached.

Since then, Johnson delayed sending the articles to the Senate for weeks while both chambers finished work on&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/congress-shutdown-budget-speaker-johnson-85dc1e93f6c49c154c02a166d0e8e784">government funding</a>&nbsp;legislation and took a two-week recess. Johnson had said he would send them to the Senate last week, but he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mayorkas-impeachment-house-speaker-johnson-border-534cbf59e92c9cf141bba1ff38dc01cf">punted again</a>&nbsp;after Senate Republicans said they wanted more time to prepare.

House impeachment managers previewed some of their arguments at a hearing with Mayorkas on Tuesday morning about President Joe Biden's budget request for the department.

Other impeachment managers are Michael McCaul of Texas, Andy Biggs of Arizona, Ben Cline of Virginia, Andrew Garbarino of New York, Michael Guest of Mississippi, Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, Clay Higgins of Louisiana, Laurel Lee of Florida, August Plfuger of Texas and Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia.

If Democrats were unable to dismiss or table both articles, they could follow the precedent of several impeachment trials for federal judges over the last century and hold a vote to create a trial committee that would investigate the charges. While there is sufficient precedent for this approach, Democrats may prefer to end the process completely, especially in a presidential election year when immigration and border security are top issues.

The impeachment trial is the third in five years. Democrats impeached President Donald Trump twice, once over&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-elections-politics-election-2020-d78192d45b176f73ad435ae9fb926ed3">his dealings with Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-impeachment-vote-capitol-siege-0a6f2a348a6e43f27d5e1dc486027860">a second time</a>&nbsp;in the days after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/2021-united-states-capitol-riot">the Jan. 6, 2021, attack</a>&nbsp;on the Capitol.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-ap-top-news-ut-state-wire-acquittals-politics-93c85dcfb0e6b2185391965e77ebea51">Trump was acquitted</a>&nbsp;by the Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-riots-trials-impeachments-b245b52fd7d4a079ae199c954baba452">both times</a>.

At a trial, senators would be forced to sit in their seats for the duration, maybe weeks, while the House impeachment managers and lawyers representing Mayorkas make their cases. The Senate is allowed to call witnesses, as well, if it so decides, and it can ask questions of both sides after the opening arguments are finished.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate on Wednesday opened the impeachment trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;over his handling of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, swearing in senators as jurors while Democrats said they wanted to end the trial before arguments even begin.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said that he will move to dismiss the trial, arguing that House Republicans' two impeachment articles “fail to meet the high standard of high crimes and misdemeanors" and could set a dangerous precedent.

“For the sake of the Senate's integrity and to protect impeachment for those rare cases we truly need it, senators should dismiss today's charges,” Schumer, D-N.Y., said as he opened the Senate.

Now that the the senators are sworn in, the chamber has turned into the court of impeachment, with Democratic Sen. Patty Murray of Washington presiding. Murray is the president pro tempore of the Senate, or the senior-most member of the majority party who sits in for the vice president. Senators approached the front of the Senate in groups of four to sign an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/political-news-57ef0cdd29d9875b13713f4974eab9d5">oath book</a>&nbsp;that is stored in the National Archives.

The entire process could be done within hours. Schumer said he will seek an agreement from Republicans for a period of debate — an offer they are unlikely to accept — and then allow some Republican objections. He will them move to dismiss the trial and hold a vote.

To win that vote, Schumer will need the support of all of the Senate's Democrats and three independents.

If Democrats are unable to dismiss or table the articles, they could follow the precedent of several impeachment trials for federal judges over the last century and hold a vote to create a trial committee that would investigate the charges. While there is sufficient precedent for this approach, Democrats may prefer to end the process completely, especially in a presidential election year when immigration and border security are top issues.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Democrats could end the impeachment trial of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/alejandro-mayorkas">Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday before arguments even begin.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer is expected to call votes to dismiss two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas after senators are sworn in as jurors midday, a move that could scuttle the trial and frustrate Republicans who have demanded that House prosecutors be able to make their case. Democrats appear to be united in opposition to moving forward.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/house-mayorkas-impeachment-vote-border-security-80cbd5bbb8f512c6814f155f825a1214">narrowly voted</a>&nbsp;in February to impeach Mayorkas for his handling of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/immigration-border-security-migrants-homeland-security-1c6e9f612dff721191c0254f980947a5">the U.S.-Mexico border</a>, arguing in the two articles that he “willfully and systematically” refused to enforce immigration laws. House impeachment managers appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., delivered the charges to the Senate on Tuesday, standing in the well of the Senate and reading them aloud to a captive audience of senators.

The entire process could be done within hours on Wednesday. Majority Democrats have said the GOP case against Mayorkas doesn’t rise to the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/cc4471115abf4d7bad43e07cb64958d7">“high crimes and misdemeanors”</a>&nbsp;laid out as a bar for impeachment in the Constitution, and Schumer probably has enough votes to end the trial immediately if he decides to do so.

Schumer has said he wants to “address this issue as expeditiously as possible.”

“Impeachment should never be used to settle a policy disagreement,” Schumer said. “That would set a horrible precedent for the Congress.”

🎥 Historic impeachment trial of DHS Secretary Mayorkas 

TEXAS COUNTY, OK – On March 30, 2024, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton Kansas, according to a media release from the Bureau.

 Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. OSBI special agents immediately began investigating the vehicle and determined there was evidence to indicate foul play. 

On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.

The OSBI and local law enforcement are still currently working to locate the two victims. 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. Our agency would like to thank the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/texascountysheriff?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Texas County Sheriff's Department</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FBI?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oklahoma.Highway.Patrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Oklahoma Highway Patrol</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KBIKansas?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a>, and several other local agencies for assisting us with this case.&nbsp;

TEXAS COUNTY, OK—The search for two Kansas women continues as authorities have taken four suspects into custody in connection with their&nbsp;disappearance two weeks ago, according to Hunter McKe with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, of Hugoton, Kansas, were driving to Oklahoma to pick up Butler’s children to attend a March 30 birthday party in Kansas but never showed up.&nbsp;

On Saturday, authorities arrested one suspect in Texas County, Oklahoma and three in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. All four were being processed in Texas County.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities released no additional details Saturday afternoon.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712053989356.png" alt="Photo OSBI" />
 <figcaption>Photo OSBI</figcaption>
 </figure>TEXAS COUNTY, OK – On March 30, 2024, the Texas County Sheriff’s Office requested the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation to investigate the suspicious disappearance of 27-year-old Veronica Butler and 39-year-old Jilian Kelley of Hugoton Kansas, according to a media release from the Bureau. Their vehicle was found abandoned near Highway 95 and Road L, south of Elkhart, Kansas, in rural Texas County. OSBI special agents immediately began investigating the vehicle and determined there was evidence to indicate foul play. <figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713056452999.png" alt="Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation" />
 <figcaption>Counterclockwise from top-43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams, 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly -photos Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation</figcaption>
 </figure>On April 13, 43-year-old Tad Bert Cullum; 54-year-old Tifany Machel Adams; 50-year-old Cole Earl Twombly, and 44-year-old Cora Twombly were arrested in Texas and Cimarron Counties, according to Hunter McKee with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.All four individuals were booked into the Texas County Jail on requested charges that include two counts of First-Degree Murder, two counts of Kidnapping, and one count of Conspiracy to Commit Murder in the First Degree.The OSBI and local law enforcement are still currently working to locate the two victims. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the OSBI at tips@osbi.ok.gov or 1-800-522-8017. Our agency would like to thank the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/texascountysheriff?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Texas County Sheriff's Department</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/FBI?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Oklahoma.Highway.Patrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Oklahoma Highway Patrol</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KBIKansas?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Bureau of Investigation</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/kshighwayPatrol?__cft__[0]=AZW3UnIxpH36GuYONjM79vnoR-oyo5ufQLc8XHZABg_GpMGLPEZV5Gfh7QUusxGecGwmgMDkVhRdYnnVPSCBiHn1brMVnJQXPpT9GBDGKZ2rxsUrW2teAM97dm3kGLsyTx9NyWPu4w3KB71ojGy_IdT1f21qAnn0FXL-GxthYpmGpn1LrlfLncwu8_W58TtO6W4&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Kansas Highway Patrol</a>, and several other local agencies for assisting us with this case.&nbsp;------------TEXAS COUNTY, OK—The search for two Kansas women continues as authorities have taken four suspects into custody in connection with their&nbsp;disappearance two weeks ago, according to Hunter McKe with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.Veronica Butler, 27, and Jilian Kelley, 39, of Hugoton, Kansas, were driving to Oklahoma to pick up Butler’s children to attend a March 30 birthday party in Kansas but never showed up.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1711967700182.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>On Saturday, authorities arrested one suspect in Texas County, Oklahoma and three in Cimarron County, Oklahoma. All four were being processed in Texas County.&nbsp; &nbsp;Authorities released no additional details Saturday afternoon.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

4 in custody as search for 2 Kansas women continues

DOUGLAS COUNTY&nbsp; –Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged domestic violence continue asking the public for help to locate Cole Brings Plenty after an incident Sunday morning at an apartment in Lawrence, according to a media release.

The Lawrence Police drone team worked most of Thursday afternoon south of Lawrence to try to cover a lot of ground quickly - hoping to uncover any leads.&nbsp; Police are following up on all the calls and information coming in.

Police also are in close contact with the family, who are very concerned as the days pass and are collaborating with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/298304525732132/about/?locale=pt_PT">Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Trans </a>Chapter of Lawrence.

On Sunday officers responded to reports of a woman screaming for help, but the suspect fled before officers arrived. The investigation identified Brings Plenty and traffic cameras showed him leaving the city immediately after the incident.

Brings Plenty’s car was last seen on 59 Highway headed south out of Lawrence.  He drives the 2005 Ford Explorer bearing Kansas license plate 368PXB. If you have any information on his whereabouts or his vehicle, call 911, LKPD at 785.832.7509, or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (785) 843-8477.

&nbsp;If you see Cole Brings Plenty, or his vehicle, call 911 or you can make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785)843-8477

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712085646947.png" alt="Plenty-photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Plenty-photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>DOUGLAS COUNTY&nbsp; –Law enforcement authorities investigating alleged domestic violence continue asking the public for help to locate Cole Brings Plenty after an incident Sunday morning at an apartment in Lawrence, according to a media release.The Lawrence Police drone team worked most of Thursday afternoon south of Lawrence to try to cover a lot of ground quickly - hoping to uncover any leads.&nbsp; Police are following up on all the calls and information coming in.Police also are in close contact with the family, who are very concerned as the days pass and are collaborating with the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/298304525732132/about/?locale=pt_PT">Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit, and Trans </a>Chapter of Lawrence.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712085673888.png" alt="Brings Plenty was last known to be driving the 2005 Ford Explorer bearing Kansas license plate 368PXB - photo Lawrence Police" />
 <figcaption>Brings Plenty was last known to be driving the 2005 Ford Explorer bearing Kansas license plate 368PXB - photo Lawrence Police</figcaption>
 </figure>On Sunday officers responded to reports of a woman screaming for help, but the suspect fled before officers arrived. The investigation identified Brings Plenty and traffic cameras showed him leaving the city immediately after the incident.Brings Plenty’s car was last seen on 59 Highway headed south out of Lawrence. He drives the 2005 Ford Explorer bearing Kansas license plate 368PXB. If you have any information on his whereabouts or his vehicle, call 911, LKPD at 785.832.7509, or make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (785) 843-8477.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712086415073.png" alt="Cole Hauser, who also starred in "Yellowstone"&nbsp; sent&nbsp; i<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QoyFJuLOm/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">nformation about Brings Plenty's disappearance on social media</a>" />
 <figcaption>Cole Hauser, who also starred in "Yellowstone"&nbsp; sent&nbsp; i<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5QoyFJuLOm/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">nformation about Brings Plenty's disappearance on social media</a></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;If you see Cole Brings Plenty, or his vehicle, call 911 or you can make an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers of Lawrence and Douglas County at (785)843-8477

Alleged Kan. domestic violence suspect still hiding from police

DES MOINES (AP) —The stars have aligned in the lottery universe like never before, with two jackpots totaling nearly $2 billion.

With an estimated $1.1 billion Mega Millions prize and an estimated $800 million Powerball jackpot, it's the first time the two nearly national lottery games have each&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/largest-lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-cb473805c48cd3b74a84d7ee4127450d">grown so large</a>&nbsp;at the same time.

Both massive prizes are the results of months without a big winner, but the larger jackpots entice more people to play the games, increasing the chance that someone, somewhere, will finally hit it rich.

Up first is the Powerball drawing on Monday night, followed by Tuesday night's Mega Millions drawing. If there isn't a winner, the next chance to win Powerball will be Wednesday night and the next drawing for Mega Millions will be Friday night.

Lottery prizes have been larger than the current jackpots, but it's the first time both games have offered top prizes of $800 million or more since the games were created decades ago.

DES MOINES (AP) —The stars have aligned in the lottery universe like never before, with two jackpots totaling nearly $2 billion.With an estimated $1.1 billion Mega Millions prize and an estimated $800 million Powerball jackpot, it's the first time the two nearly national lottery games have each&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/largest-lottery-jackpots-mega-millions-powerball-cb473805c48cd3b74a84d7ee4127450d">grown so large</a>&nbsp;at the same time.Both massive prizes are the results of months without a big winner, but the larger jackpots entice more people to play the games, increasing the chance that someone, somewhere, will finally hit it rich.WHEN ARE THE DRAWINGS?Up first is the Powerball drawing on Monday night, followed by Tuesday night's Mega Millions drawing. If there isn't a winner, the next chance to win Powerball will be Wednesday night and the next drawing for Mega Millions will be Friday night.TWO MASSIVE PRIZESLottery prizes have been larger than the current jackpots, but it's the first time both games have offered top prizes of $800 million or more since the games were created decades ago.The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mega-millions-lottery-jackpot-66aa7beb592c6bb408da87d5b677dcab">prizes have grown so big</a>&nbsp;because it has been months since anyone has won a jackpot.The last Mega Millions jackpot winner was on Dec. 8. Since then, there have been 30 consecutive drawings without a winner of the grand prize. No one has won the Powerball jackpot since Jan. 1, making for 35 consecutive drawings without a big winner of the game, which holds three weekly drawings.The Mega Millions prize ranks as the 8th largest in U.S. lottery history and is about half the size of the largest jackpot, a $2.04 billion Powerball prize won in November 2022.“There’s always an air of excitement around the country when the Mega Millions and Powerball jackpots soar simultaneously,” said Gretchen Corbin, president of the Georgia Lottery Corporation and lead director of the Mega Millions Consortium.THE DISMAL ODDSIt's no mystery why months have passed without a jackpot winner — the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-lottery-us-news-ap-top-news-ia-state-wire-b5572da1e5d74f6e974bea45c707b5cb">odds of snagging the big prizes</a>&nbsp;are terrible.For Mega Millions, the odds of matching all six numbers are 1 in 302.6 million. Powerball has slightly better odds of 1 in 292.2 million.To put those odds in perspective, lottery officials note that after a win when jackpots reset at $20 million, total ticket sales typically cover less than 10% of all the possible number combinations. As jackpots climb to $1 billion or more, sales increase dramatically but still usually cover only about half of the possible combinations.That means, there is still a good chance no one will hit a jackpot.Of course, millions or people do win smaller prizes that range from $2 to $2 million. Players of both games have about a 1 in 4 chance of winning some kind of prize.And remember, regardless of how large jackpots grow, the odds of an individual ticket winning never changes.THE WINNINGSAs massive as the jackpots are, winners should brace for much smaller payoffs than the figures advertised on billboards.That's because the state lotteries that run the games promote the total payoff if the prize is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/powerball-jackpot-annuity-vs-cash-0e741f164106c0f4dba89707c5763c99">paid through an annuity</a>&nbsp;over 30 years. That figure is now roughly double the cash prize, which nearly all winners choose because they want to invest the money themselves rather than opt for a defined payout.For Mega Millions, that means the $1.1 billion jackpot actually would pay out an estimated $525.8 million cash prize. For Powerball, the $800 million annuity prize would mean an estimated $384.8 million cash prize.Those prizes will be subject to federal taxes, and many states also tax lottery winnings. There also is a chance that multiple players will hit a jackpot, which would then be split between the winners.THE GAMESMega Millions is played in 45 states plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Powerball also is played in those states as well as Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.The Mega Millions numbers are drawn at a TV studio in Atlanta and Powerball draws numbers at a Florida Lottery studio in Tallahassee.Profits from the games fund state programs.___

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