LONDON (AP) — Instagram users under 16 won’t be able to livestream or unblur nudity in direct messages they’ve received without parental approval, owner Meta Platforms said Tuesday as it widened its safety measures for teenagers.

The social media company also said it was extending safeguards for users under 18 to Facebook and Messenger.

Meta launched its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-meta-teen-accounts-kids-425a05cc37f81b6ff2b7439d3884c54a">teen account program</a>&nbsp;for Instagram in September to give parents more options to supervise their children’s online activity amid a growing backlash against how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-social-media-mental-health-df321c791493863001754401676f165c">social media affects</a>&nbsp;the lives of young people.

The latest changes will roll out first to users in the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia, before going out to global users in the following months.

Under the changes, teens under 16 are blocked from using Instagram Live unless parents give permission. They also need permission to “turn off our feature that blurs images containing suspected nudity” in direct messages, Meta said in a blog post.

In another major update, Meta said it’s extending the teen account safeguards to its Facebook and Messenger platforms,

These will include protections already in place for teen Instagram users, including setting teen accounts to private by default, blocking private messages from strangers, strict limits on sensitive content like fight videos, reminders to get off the app after 60 minutes and notifications that are halted during bedtime hours.

“Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will offer similar, automatic protections to limit inappropriate content and unwanted contact, as well as ways to ensure teens’ time is well spent,” Meta said.

The company said at least 54 million teen accounts have been set up since the program launched in September.

LONDON (AP) — Instagram users under 16 won’t be able to livestream or unblur nudity in direct messages they’ve received without parental approval, owner Meta Platforms said Tuesday as it widened its safety measures for teenagers.The social media company also said it was extending safeguards for users under 18 to Facebook and Messenger.Meta launched its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/instagram-meta-teen-accounts-kids-425a05cc37f81b6ff2b7439d3884c54a">teen account program</a>&nbsp;for Instagram in September to give parents more options to supervise their children’s online activity amid a growing backlash against how&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/surgeon-general-social-media-mental-health-df321c791493863001754401676f165c">social media affects</a>&nbsp;the lives of young people.The latest changes will roll out first to users in the United States, Britain, Canada and Australia, before going out to global users in the following months.Under the changes, teens under 16 are blocked from using Instagram Live unless parents give permission. They also need permission to “turn off our feature that blurs images containing suspected nudity” in direct messages, Meta said in a blog post.In another major update, Meta said it’s extending the teen account safeguards to its Facebook and Messenger platforms,These will include protections already in place for teen Instagram users, including setting teen accounts to private by default, blocking private messages from strangers, strict limits on sensitive content like fight videos, reminders to get off the app after 60 minutes and notifications that are halted during bedtime hours.“Teen Accounts on Facebook and Messenger will offer similar, automatic protections to limit inappropriate content and unwanted contact, as well as ways to ensure teens’ time is well spent,” Meta said.The company said at least 54 million teen accounts have been set up since the program launched in September.

New rules will limit kids under 16 on Instagram 

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man involved in a fatal 2022 shooting captured on a security camera is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.

Michael Austin, Jr., 40, Wichita, is scheduled to appear in Judge Eric Williams' courtroom Tuesday afternoon for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

In the March 2022 shooting, Amyion Mcdowell-Mitchell, 18, died following an argument during a party at a home in the 5000 block of Osie in Wichita, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; Security camera images showed a suspect, later identified as Austin, running from the scene of the crime. Police arrested Austin in March of 2023

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677942669452.png" alt="Austin photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Austin photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A Kansas man involved in a fatal 2022 shooting captured on a security camera is scheduled to learn his fate Tuesday.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1677943190851.png" alt="Image from the security camera video released by police" />
 <figcaption>Image from the security camera video released by police</figcaption>
 </figure>Michael Austin, Jr., 40, Wichita, is scheduled to appear in Judge Eric Williams' courtroom Tuesday afternoon for sentencing, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.In the March 2022 shooting, Amyion Mcdowell-Mitchell, 18, died following an argument during a party at a home in the 5000 block of Osie in Wichita, according to Wichita Police.&nbsp; Security camera images showed a suspect, later identified as Austin, running from the scene of the crime. Police arrested Austin in March of 2023

Sentencing day: For Kansas killer caught on security camera

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday blocked an order for the Trump administration to return to work thousands of federal employees who were let go in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-firings-federal-workers-trump-administration-7cc7320f469cc65529367aaea2fd9dcb">mass firings</a>&nbsp;aimed at dramatically downsizing the federal government.

The justices acted in the administration’s emergency appeal of a ruling by a federal judge in California ordering that 16,000 probationary employees be reinstated while a lawsuit plays out because their firings didn’t follow federal law.

The effect of the high court’s order will keep employees in six federal agencies on paid administrative leave for now. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson said they would have kept the judge's order in place.

A second lawsuit, filed in Maryland, also resulted in an order blocking the firings at those same six agencies, plus roughly a dozen more. But that order only applies in the 19 states and the District of Columbia that sued the administration.

The Justice Department is separately appealing the Maryland order.

At least 24,000 probationary employees have been terminated since Trump took office, the lawsuits claim, though the government has not confirmed that number.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ruled that the terminations were improperly directed by the Office of Personnel Management and its acting director. He ordered rehiring at the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury.

His order came in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and nonprofit organizations that argued they’d be affected by the reduced manpower.

Alsup, who was nominated by Democratic President Bill Clinton, expressed frustration with what he called the government’s attempt to sidestep laws and regulations by firing probationary workers with fewer legal protections.

He said he was appalled that employees were told they were being fired for poor performance despite receiving glowing evaluations just months earlier.

The administration has insisted that the agencies themselves directed the firings and they “have since decided to stand by those terminations,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the court.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741729690736.png" alt="File photo- Hundreds of workers at the U.S. Dept. of Education among those fired." />
 <figcaption>File photo- Hundreds of workers at the U.S. Dept. of Education among those fired.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday blocked an order for the Trump administration to return to work thousands of federal employees who were let go in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mass-firings-federal-workers-trump-administration-7cc7320f469cc65529367aaea2fd9dcb">mass firings</a>&nbsp;aimed at dramatically downsizing the federal government.The justices acted in the administration’s emergency appeal of a ruling by a federal judge in California ordering that 16,000 probationary employees be reinstated while a lawsuit plays out because their firings didn’t follow federal law.The effect of the high court’s order will keep employees in six federal agencies on paid administrative leave for now. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ketanji Brown Jackson said they would have kept the judge's order in place.A second lawsuit, filed in Maryland, also resulted in an order blocking the firings at those same six agencies, plus roughly a dozen more. But that order only applies in the 19 states and the District of Columbia that sued the administration.The Justice Department is separately appealing the Maryland order.At least 24,000 probationary employees have been terminated since Trump took office, the lawsuits claim, though the government has not confirmed that number.U.S. District Judge William Alsup in San Francisco ruled that the terminations were improperly directed by the Office of Personnel Management and its acting director. He ordered rehiring at the departments of Veterans Affairs, Agriculture, Defense, Energy, the Interior and the Treasury.His order came in a lawsuit filed by a coalition of labor unions and nonprofit organizations that argued they’d be affected by the reduced manpower.Alsup, who was nominated by Democratic President Bill Clinton, expressed frustration with what he called the government’s attempt to sidestep laws and regulations by firing probationary workers with fewer legal protections.He said he was appalled that employees were told they were being fired for poor performance despite receiving glowing evaluations just months earlier.The administration has insisted that the agencies themselves directed the firings and they “have since decided to stand by those terminations,” Solicitor General D. John Sauer told the court.

U.S. Supreme Court halts reinstatement of fired federal workers

<a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JAMIE%20STENGLE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press</a>

A day care facility in a Texas county that's part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">measles outbreak</a>&nbsp;has multiple cases, including children too young to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">fully vaccinated</a>, public health officials say.

West Texas is in the middle of a still-growing measles outbreak with 481 cases Friday. The state expanded the number of counties in the outbreak area this week to 10. The highly contagious virus began to spread in late January and health officials say it has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mexico.

Three people who were unvaccinated have died from measles-related illnesses this year, including two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;in Texas. The second child died Thursday at a Lubbock hospital, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the funeral</a>&nbsp;in Seminole, the epicenter of the outbreak.

As of Friday, there were seven cases at a day care where one young child who was infectious gave it to two other children before it spread to other classrooms, Lubbock Public Health director Katherine Wells said.

“Measles is so contagious I won’t be surprised if it enters other facilities,” Wells said.

There are more than 200 children at the day care, Wells said, and most have had least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is first recommended between 12 and 15 months old and a second shot between 4 and 6 years old.

“We do have some children that have only received one dose that are now infected,” she said.

The public health department is recommending that any child with only one vaccine get their second dose early, and changed its recommendation for kids in Lubbock County to get the first vaccine dose at 6 months old instead of 1. A child who is unvaccinated and attends the day care must stay home for 21 days since their last exposure, Wells said.

Case count and hospitalization numbers in Texas have climbed steadily since the outbreak began, and spiked by 81 cases from March 28 to April 4, with 16 more people hospitalized in that time.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention met with Texas officials Monday to determine how many people it would send to West Texas to assist with the outbreak response, spokesman Jason McDonald said Monday. He expected a small team to arrive later this week, followed by a bigger group on the ground next week.

The CDC said its first team was in the region from early March to April 1, withdrawing on-the-ground support days before a second child died in the outbreak.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1743085628490.png" alt="Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.png" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Tatiana Lanzieri Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.png</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search/?query=byline:%22JAMIE%20STENGLE%22&amp;mediaType=text&amp;st=keyword&amp;sortOrder=newest">By JAMIE STENGLE Associated Press</a>A day care facility in a Texas county that's part of the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-texas-new-mexico-vaccine-rfk-d5444b3397ac7c4034e63becc219aa33">measles outbreak</a>&nbsp;has multiple cases, including children too young to be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-mmr-vaccine-texas-rfk-ff8e744b19ead87698d7217de02814ee">fully vaccinated</a>, public health officials say.West Texas is in the middle of a still-growing measles outbreak with 481 cases Friday. The state expanded the number of counties in the outbreak area this week to 10. The highly contagious virus began to spread in late January and health officials say it has spread to New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas and Mexico.Three people who were unvaccinated have died from measles-related illnesses this year, including two&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-outbreak-west-texas-death-rfk-41adc66641e4a56ce2b2677480031ab9">elementary school-aged children</a>&nbsp;in Texas. The second child died Thursday at a Lubbock hospital, and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/measles-texas-rfk-death-vaccine-4e28b0edf5cab47980b40b2d47f0ec50">Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended the funeral</a>&nbsp;in Seminole, the epicenter of the outbreak.As of Friday, there were seven cases at a day care where one young child who was infectious gave it to two other children before it spread to other classrooms, Lubbock Public Health director Katherine Wells said.“Measles is so contagious I won’t be surprised if it enters other facilities,” Wells said.There are more than 200 children at the day care, Wells said, and most have had least one dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, which is first recommended between 12 and 15 months old and a second shot between 4 and 6 years old.“We do have some children that have only received one dose that are now infected,” she said.The public health department is recommending that any child with only one vaccine get their second dose early, and changed its recommendation for kids in Lubbock County to get the first vaccine dose at 6 months old instead of 1. A child who is unvaccinated and attends the day care must stay home for 21 days since their last exposure, Wells said.Case count and hospitalization numbers in Texas have climbed steadily since the outbreak began, and spiked by 81 cases from March 28 to April 4, with 16 more people hospitalized in that time.The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention met with Texas officials Monday to determine how many people it would send to West Texas to assist with the outbreak response, spokesman Jason McDonald said Monday. He expected a small team to arrive later this week, followed by a bigger group on the ground next week.The CDC said its first team was in the region from early March to April 1, withdrawing on-the-ground support days before a second child died in the outbreak.

Measles outbreak includes multiple cases at a day care 

SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas mom convicted on charges connected with a crash that left another woman severely injured is going to prison.

On April 3, a judge sentenced 28-year-old Alexandria Rodriquez to 38 months in prison for a DUI crash into a woman who was in a crosswalk., according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;

She must also pay $17,000 in restitution to the woman injured in the crash.

Just after 6p.m. December 2, 2024, police responded to report of an injury accident at the intersection of Lincoln and Rock Road in Wichita, according to police.

Investigators determined a vehicle driven by Rodriguez was northbound on Rock Road and struck a pedestrian walking east to west in the crosswalk.&nbsp; Police took Rodriguez into custody. EMS transported the female pedestrian to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Rodriguez had three children in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733494691695.png" alt="Rodriguez photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Rodriguez photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY— A Kansas mom convicted on charges connected with a crash that left another woman severely injured is going to prison.On April 3, a judge sentenced 28-year-old Alexandria Rodriquez to 38 months in prison for a DUI crash into a woman who was in a crosswalk., according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.&nbsp;She must also pay $17,000 in restitution to the woman injured in the crash.Just after 6p.m. December 2, 2024, police responded to report of an injury accident at the intersection of Lincoln and Rock Road in Wichita, according to police.Investigators determined a vehicle driven by Rodriguez was northbound on Rock Road and struck a pedestrian walking east to west in the crosswalk.&nbsp; Police took Rodriguez into custody. EMS transported the female pedestrian to a local hospital for treatment of critical injuries. Rodriguez had three children in the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Prison: Kan. mom struck woman in crosswalk while driving drunk

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a bill that bans policies requiring adopted and foster parents to affirm a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity if it conflicts with the parents’ religious or moral beliefs.

<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2311/" target="_blank">House Bill 2311</a>&nbsp;would forbid the secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families from placing children in homes based on a guardian’s beliefs on sexual orientation or gender identity, which opponents said could leave LGBTQ+ young people in Kansas’ foster care system vulnerable to prejudicial households. The legislation also would allow people to sue DCF for damages and attorney fees if barriers to foster care or adoption were enforced after July 1, when the bill was set to go into effect.&nbsp;

The governor said Monday the bill detracts from the state’s “best interest of the child” standard.

“Children in need of care already face unique and complex challenges. I will not sign legislation that could further complicate their lives,” Kelly said in a news release. “I also have concerns that this bill could expose the state to frivolous lawsuits and hinder the agency by taking time and resources away from critical services.”

Republican leadership saw the bill differently, characterizing it as a way to ensure foster parents aren’t discriminated against for their religious beliefs.&nbsp;

In a joint statement, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, and Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, called the veto “perplexing” because, in their view, the legislation would extend First Amendment protections to foster parents.&nbsp;

“Our foster care system depends on strong and stable families to care for the children in our system,” they said. “The last thing any administration should be doing is discriminating against qualified families due to their religious and moral beliefs.”

The bill has been framed as a freedom of religious expression issue, but it also targets LGBTQ+ children in the state’s foster care and adoption systems.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/21/kansas-house-embraces-bill-on-religious-moral-liberty-within-states-foster-care-program/">Proponents argued</a>&nbsp;religious foster parents shouldn’t have to bury their beliefs to adopt or act as foster parents, but opponents say LGBTQ+ kids in the foster care system deserve loving, accepting families.&nbsp;

House Minority Leader Rep. Brandon Woodard, a Lenexa Democrat, thanked Kelly for the veto, describing the bill as “potentially harmful” because it would “allow adoption and foster care agencies to prioritize religious beliefs over the best interests of children.”

LGBTQ+ youths report disproportionately higher rates of depression, suicide and bullying than their peers. The Trevor Project, one of the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, conducts an annual national survey on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youths, which in 2024 showed&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/state-reports-kansas-2024/" target="_blank">63% of LGBTQ+ young people surveyed</a>&nbsp;in Kansas said they’ve been discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past year.

“LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities,” the organization’s 2024 survey found.

The Legislature’s veto session is set to convene Thursday, when Republicans with expanded supermajorities can override any of the governor’s vetoes with two-thirds of votes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/2/1739315068850.png" alt="File -Gov. Laura Kelly during the 2025 State of the State address" />
 <figcaption>File -Gov. Laura Kelly during the 2025 State of the State address</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/akaminski/">ANNA KAMINSKI</a> <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/01/03/kansas-state-garden-city-cc-striving-to-shrink-bachelors-degree-educational-desert/?emci=8e6f56cf-3bca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;emdi=a9416bb1-82ca-ef11-88d0-0022482a9b45&amp;ceid=115039">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly vetoed a bill that bans policies requiring adopted and foster parents to affirm a child’s sexual orientation or gender identity if it conflicts with the parents’ religious or moral beliefs.<a href="https://www.kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/hb2311/" target="_blank">House Bill 2311</a>&nbsp;would forbid the secretary of the Kansas Department for Children and Families from placing children in homes based on a guardian’s beliefs on sexual orientation or gender identity, which opponents said could leave LGBTQ+ young people in Kansas’ foster care system vulnerable to prejudicial households. The legislation also would allow people to sue DCF for damages and attorney fees if barriers to foster care or adoption were enforced after July 1, when the bill was set to go into effect.&nbsp;The governor said Monday the bill detracts from the state’s “best interest of the child” standard.“Children in need of care already face unique and complex challenges. I will not sign legislation that could further complicate their lives,” Kelly said in a news release. “I also have concerns that this bill could expose the state to frivolous lawsuits and hinder the agency by taking time and resources away from critical services.”Republican leadership saw the bill differently, characterizing it as a way to ensure foster parents aren’t discriminated against for their religious beliefs.&nbsp;In a joint statement, House Speaker Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, and Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican, called the veto “perplexing” because, in their view, the legislation would extend First Amendment protections to foster parents.&nbsp;The veto cannot stand, they said.“Our foster care system depends on strong and stable families to care for the children in our system,” they said. “The last thing any administration should be doing is discriminating against qualified families due to their religious and moral beliefs.”The bill has been framed as a freedom of religious expression issue, but it also targets LGBTQ+ children in the state’s foster care and adoption systems.&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2025/02/21/kansas-house-embraces-bill-on-religious-moral-liberty-within-states-foster-care-program/">Proponents argued</a>&nbsp;religious foster parents shouldn’t have to bury their beliefs to adopt or act as foster parents, but opponents say LGBTQ+ kids in the foster care system deserve loving, accepting families.&nbsp;House Minority Leader Rep. Brandon Woodard, a Lenexa Democrat, thanked Kelly for the veto, describing the bill as “potentially harmful” because it would “allow adoption and foster care agencies to prioritize religious beliefs over the best interests of children.”LGBTQ+ youths report disproportionately higher rates of depression, suicide and bullying than their peers. The Trevor Project, one of the nation’s leading LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, conducts an annual national survey on the mental health of LGBTQ+ youths, which in 2024 showed&nbsp;that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thetrevorproject.org/state-reports-kansas-2024/" target="_blank">63% of LGBTQ+ young people surveyed</a>&nbsp;in Kansas said they’ve been discriminated against because of their sexual orientation or gender identity in the past year.“LGBTQ+ young people who reported living in very accepting communities attempted suicide at less than half the rate of those who reported living in very unaccepting communities,” the organization’s 2024 survey found.The Legislature’s veto session is set to convene Thursday, when Republicans with expanded supermajorities can override any of the governor’s vetoes with two-thirds of votes.

Kan. governor vetoes bill that removes protections for LGBTQ+ foster kids in religious households

SHAWNE COUNTY—The Topeka Rescue Mission reported on Monday a staff member was injured during a “tragic incident” outside of the mission.

According to a statement from the mission, the incident occurred Friday.

“Our entire TRM team is devastated by this event,” said CEO, La Manda Cunningham. “Each of our employees is precious to our team and our mission, so when one of us is injured in any way it has a significant and far-reaching impact.  Due to this being a personnel issue coupled with our desire to respect our employee’s privacy we are unable to share much information at this time."

The employee remains in stable but critical condition, according to the statement.

The mission is working closely with and fully cooperating with the Topeka Police Department in their investigation.

"The mission will continue to provide support to our injured employee, all affected employees, family members, and guests staying with us at the mission, as well as those unsheltered neighbors who are also impacted by the occurrence."

“Each of our staff members is precious to us, not just as employees but also as loved members of God's family.  We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, and we will be working closely with authorities to understand this event while also praying for the suspect who was apprehended immediately,” added Mrs. Cunningham.&nbsp; The mission is "providing spiritual support to all employees who are struggling with the emotional impact of this incident."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744109113316.png" alt="Photo courtesy Topeka Rescue Mission" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy Topeka Rescue Mission</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNE COUNTY—The Topeka Rescue Mission reported on Monday a staff member was injured during a “tragic incident” outside of the mission.According to a statement from the mission, the incident occurred Friday.“Our entire TRM team is devastated by this event,” said CEO, La Manda Cunningham. “Each of our employees is precious to our team and our mission, so when one of us is injured in any way it has a significant and far-reaching impact. Due to this being a personnel issue coupled with our desire to respect our employee’s privacy we are unable to share much information at this time."The employee remains in stable but critical condition, according to the statement.The mission is working closely with and fully cooperating with the Topeka Police Department in their investigation."The mission will continue to provide support to our injured employee, all affected employees, family members, and guests staying with us at the mission, as well as those unsheltered neighbors who are also impacted by the occurrence."“Each of our staff members is precious to us, not just as employees but also as loved members of God's family. We are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our staff, and we will be working closely with authorities to understand this event while also praying for the suspect who was apprehended immediately,” added Mrs. Cunningham.&nbsp; The mission is "providing spiritual support to all employees who are struggling with the emotional impact of this incident."

Police investigate after Rescue Mission staff member critically injured

SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult for a double murder will go to trial for the crime next month.

On Monday morning, Judge Christopher Magana determined there was enough evidence to hold 15-year-old Elias Cerda over for trial, according to the Sedgwick County district Attorney's office.&nbsp; The trial is scheduled to begin May 2.

In December, Judge Shawn Elliot charged Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the District Attorney's office.

In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E. Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.

Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.

Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1734098604588.png" alt="Cerda photo Sedgwick Co." />
 <figcaption>Cerda photo Sedgwick Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —A Kansas teen charged as an adult for a double murder will go to trial for the crime next month.On Monday morning, Judge Christopher Magana determined there was enough evidence to hold 15-year-old Elias Cerda over for trial, according to the Sedgwick County district Attorney's office.&nbsp; The trial is scheduled to begin May 2.In December, Judge Shawn Elliot charged Cerda with two counts of first degree murder and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, according to the District Attorney's office.In January 2024, police responded to reports of shots being fired in the area of 5200 E. Kensington in Wichita, according to Officer Juan Rebolledo.Around the same time, officers were dispatched to an area hospital for the report of two walk-in shooting victims later identified as 14-year-old Emoni Shears and 19-year-old Jhiquez Roberts both of Wichita. They were later pronounced deceased at the hospital.Detectives and patrol officers immediately began investigating this case and following up on leads. Police arrested Cerda, who was 14 at the time. He was booked into the Sedgwick County jail on November 27, according to online jail records.&nbsp;

Judge: Kansas boy will go to trial for killing two teens

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee,&nbsp; introduced bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, according to a statement from the senator's office.

Kansas U. S. Senator Jerry Moran joined a dozen other Senators to co-sponsored the bill. Kansas Junior Senator Roger Marshall and the Senators from Missouri are have not signed on to support the bill.

The Trade Review Act of 2025, modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, would reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.

“Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade. This bill reasserts Congress’s role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public. Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses,”&nbsp;Sen. Cantwell said.&nbsp;“As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”

The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:

The full bill text is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/04032025_trade_review_act.pdf">HERE</a>.

On Monday, Cantwell announced that the National Retail Federation (NRF) sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/download/national-retail-federation-letter-of-support-for-trade-review-act">letter</a>&nbsp;endorsing the bipartisan Trade Review Act.

The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/download/national-retail-federation-letter-of-support-for-trade-review-act">letter</a>, David French, the NRF’s Executive Vice President, Government Relations, writes:

“The Trade Review Act of 2025 will provide Congress with the opportunity to review and vote on whether to keep announced tariff actions in place. Requiring an explanation as well as an assessment of the tariff actions from the administration is critical. We have seen that the recently announced ‘reciprocal’ tariffs will have a significant negative impact on businesses, especially small retailers. One estimate indicates these tariffs could lead to a $2,100 tax increase per household. The increased tariffs are not sustainable for small businesses that have to pay the tax. Many are concerned about their ability to stay in business as a result.”

“We applaud you for introducing such important legislation to reassert Congress’s role in setting trade and tariff policy. We strongly urge the Senate to quickly support and pass the bill.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1743626000304.png" alt="President Trump announcing his tariffs on Wednesday- White House photo" />
 <figcaption>President Trump announcing his tariffs on Wednesday- White House photo</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee,&nbsp; introduced bipartisan legislation to reaffirm Congress’ key role in setting and approving U.S. trade policy, according to a statement from the senator's office.Kansas U. S. Senator Jerry Moran joined a dozen other Senators to co-sponsored the bill. Kansas Junior Senator Roger Marshall and the Senators from Missouri are have not signed on to support the bill.The Trade Review Act of 2025, modeled after the War Powers Resolution of 1973, would reestablish limits on the president’s ability to impose unilateral tariffs without the approval of Congress.“Trade wars can be as devastating, which is why the Founding Fathers gave Congress the clear Constitutional authority over war and trade. This bill reasserts Congress’s role over trade policy to ensure rules-based trade policies are transparent, consistent, and benefit the American public. Arbitrary tariffs, particularly on our allies, damage U.S. export opportunities and raise prices for American consumers and businesses,”&nbsp;Sen. Cantwell said.&nbsp;“As representatives of the American people, Congress has a duty to stop actions that will cause them harm.”The bill restores Congress’ authority and responsibility over tariffs as outlined in Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution by placing the following limits on the president’s power to impose tariffs:<ul>
 <li>To enact a new tariff, the president must notify Congress of the imposition of (or increase in) the tariff within 48 hours.</li><li>The Congressional notification must include an explanation of the president’s reasoning for imposing or raising the tariff, and</li><li>Provide analysis of potential impact on American businesses and consumers.</li><li>Within 60 days, Congress must pass a joint resolution of approval on the new tariff, otherwise all new tariffs on imports expire after that deadline.</li><li>Under the bill, Congress has the ability to end tariffs at any time by passing a resolution of disapproval.</li><li>Anti-dumping and countervailing duties are excluded.</li>
 </ul>The full bill text is available&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/04032025_trade_review_act.pdf">HERE</a>.On Monday, Cantwell announced that the National Retail Federation (NRF) sent a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/download/national-retail-federation-letter-of-support-for-trade-review-act">letter</a>&nbsp;endorsing the bipartisan Trade Review Act.The NRF is the world’s largest retail trade association. In the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cantwell.senate.gov/download/national-retail-federation-letter-of-support-for-trade-review-act">letter</a>, David French, the NRF’s Executive Vice President, Government Relations, writes:“The Trade Review Act of 2025 will provide Congress with the opportunity to review and vote on whether to keep announced tariff actions in place. Requiring an explanation as well as an assessment of the tariff actions from the administration is critical. We have seen that the recently announced ‘reciprocal’ tariffs will have a significant negative impact on businesses, especially small retailers. One estimate indicates these tariffs could lead to a $2,100 tax increase per household. The increased tariffs are not sustainable for small businesses that have to pay the tax. Many are concerned about their ability to stay in business as a result.”“We applaud you for introducing such important legislation to reassert Congress’s role in setting trade and tariff policy. We strongly urge the Senate to quickly support and pass the bill.”

One Kansas U.S. Senator co-sponsors bill to give Congress oversight of tariffs

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a Kansas City area house fire on Monday.

Just after 12:30a.m., crews were dispatched to a house fire on N. Cottage Avenue in Independence, according to a social media report.

  First arriving companies reported moderate smoke showing from the back of the home and went on an aggressive interior fire attack.  During the primary search, firefighters found a woman and removed her from the residence. 

 She was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries.  The fire was extinguished, and the origin and cause are under investigation by IFD and the Missouri Fire Marshals Office.

KANSAS CITY—One person was injured in a Kansas City area house fire on Monday.Just after 12:30a.m., crews were dispatched to a house fire on N. Cottage Avenue in Independence, according to a social media report. First arriving companies reported moderate smoke showing from the back of the home and went on an aggressive interior fire attack. During the primary search, firefighters found a woman and removed her from the residence. She was transported to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The fire was extinguished, and the origin and cause are under investigation by IFD and the Missouri Fire Marshals Office.

Woman critically injured in KC area house fire

FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend incident in southwest Kansas.

Just before 11p.m. April 5, to the north part of Garden City where a suspect with a firearm was refusing to let a victim leave a residence, according to a media release.

When Officers arrived, they made contact with Marc Guitron, 24, and the victim who had injuries. Officers learned the individuals were involved in a fight, and Guitron had pointed a firearm at the victim before hitting them in the face with it, took their phone, and refused to let them leave. 

Guitron was found to have the firearm on him and was taken into custody. He is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping, Battery LEO, and Interference LEO.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/8/1692981398343.png" alt="Guitron from an August 2023 arrest in Finney County" />
 <figcaption>Guitron from an August 2023 arrest in Finney County</figcaption>
 </figure>FINNEY COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a weekend incident in southwest Kansas.Just before 11p.m. April 5, to the north part of Garden City where a suspect with a firearm was refusing to let a victim leave a residence, according to a media release.When Officers arrived, they made contact with Marc Guitron, 24, and the victim who had injuries. Officers learned the individuals were involved in a fight, and Guitron had pointed a firearm at the victim before hitting them in the face with it, took their phone, and refused to let them leave. Guitron was found to have the firearm on him and was taken into custody. He is being held in the Finney County Jail on requested charges of Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Robbery, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Kidnapping, Battery LEO, and Interference LEO.

Sheriff: SW Kansas man accused of kidnapping, assault

ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest in March.

On April 3, Justin D. Metz, 42, Leavenworth, was charged with aggravated internet trading in child pornography according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.

He remains in the Atchison County Jail. This charge is the result of an on-going investigation by Atchison Police following the March 16th arrest of Metz for rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, and theft. 

On March 9th police began an investigation that focused on crimes committed against a 32-year-old woman that occurred at the Walmart store at 1920 U.S.73.in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.

The victim had reported that on the late afternoon of March 9th as she was leaving the store she was approached by a man who identified himself as being an asset protection officer with Walmart.

The man escorted her to a restroom at the back of of the store where he sexually assaulted her. It was quickly determined that the suspect was not working for Walmart. The investigation continued and on at around 4p.m. Sunday, police were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store.

Officers located&nbsp; 42-year-old Justin Metz inside the store and took him into custody on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery.

Bond on the latest charge was set at $2,000,000.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1742227712683.png" alt="Metz photo Atchison Co." />
 <figcaption>Metz photo Atchison Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>ATCHISON COUNTY—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on new allegations after an arrest in March.On April 3, Justin D. Metz, 42, Leavenworth, was charged with aggravated internet trading in child pornography according to Atchison Police Chief Mike Wilson.He remains in the Atchison County Jail. This charge is the result of an on-going investigation by Atchison Police following the March 16th arrest of Metz for rape, kidnapping, aggravated sexual battery, and theft. On March 9th police began an investigation that focused on crimes committed against a 32-year-old woman that occurred at the Walmart store at 1920 U.S.73.in Atchison, according to Police Chief Mike Wilson.The victim had reported that on the late afternoon of March 9th as she was leaving the store she was approached by a man who identified himself as being an asset protection officer with Walmart.The man escorted her to a restroom at the back of of the store where he sexually assaulted her. It was quickly determined that the suspect was not working for Walmart. The investigation continued and on at around 4p.m. Sunday, police were notified that the suspect was back at Walmart, walking around the store.Officers located&nbsp; 42-year-old Justin Metz inside the store and took him into custody on requested charges of kidnapping, rape, and sexual battery.Bond on the latest charge was set at $2,000,000.

Kan. man jailed for alleged rape of shopper faces new charge

WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday allowed the Trump administration to use an 18th century&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">wartime law</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-el-salvador-immigration-dd4f61999f85c4dd8bcaba7d4fc7c9af">deport Venezuelan migrants</a>, but said they must get a court hearing before they are taken from the United States.

In a bitterly divided 5-4 decision, the court said the administration must give Venezuelans who it claims are gang members “reasonable time” to go to court.

But the conservative majority said the legal challenges must take place in Texas, instead of a Washington courtroom.

In dissent, the three liberal justices said the administration has sought to avoid judicial review in this case and the court “now rewards the government for its behavior.” Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined portions of the dissent.

The justices acted on the administration’s emergency appeal after the federal appeals court in Washington left in place an order temporarily prohibiting deportations of the migrants accused of being gang members under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744068208069.png" alt="Image from video provided by U.S. Senator from Missouri Eric Schmitt" />
 <figcaption>Image from video provided by U.S. Senator from Missouri Eric Schmitt</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — The&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>&nbsp;on Monday allowed the Trump administration to use an 18th century&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/alien-enemies-trump-immigration-deportations-21a62ede23b8c493b60d00a9c125722f">wartime law</a>&nbsp;to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-el-salvador-immigration-dd4f61999f85c4dd8bcaba7d4fc7c9af">deport Venezuelan migrants</a>, but said they must get a court hearing before they are taken from the United States.In a bitterly divided 5-4 decision, the court said the administration must give Venezuelans who it claims are gang members “reasonable time” to go to court.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">President Trump was proven RIGHT once again! SCOTUS confirms our Commander-in-Chief Donald J. Trump has the power to stop the invasion of our country by terrorists using war time powers. LEAVE NOW or we will arrest you, lock you up and deport you. <a href="https://t.co/irLTSEo0GF">pic.twitter.com/irLTSEo0GF</a>&mdash; Secretary Kristi Noem (@Sec_Noem) <a href="https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/1909384333263298865?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>But the conservative majority said the legal challenges must take place in Texas, instead of a Washington courtroom.In dissent, the three liberal justices said the administration has sought to avoid judicial review in this case and the court “now rewards the government for its behavior.” Justice Amy Coney Barrett joined portions of the dissent.The justices acted on the administration’s emergency appeal after the federal appeals court in Washington left in place an order temporarily prohibiting deportations of the migrants accused of being gang members under the rarely used Alien Enemies Act.

U.S. Supreme Court backs Trump on deportations under 1798 law

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide last month in Kansas City, Missouri have identified a possible suspecxt.

Just after 8:30p.m. March 28, patrol officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Park in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. 

First responders found a man, later identified as 53-year-old Chad&nbsp;Doberstein lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics responded and pronounced him deceased.  Police have not reported an arrest in this case.

Detectives have identified as subject of interest in the case, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina and the case is progressing as detectives work collaboratively with prosecutors

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement investigating a homicide last month in Kansas City, Missouri have identified a possible suspecxt.Just after 8:30p.m. March 28, patrol officers were dispatched to the 400 block of Park in Kansas City on a reported shooting, according to KCPD Sergeant Phil DiMartino. First responders found a man, later identified as 53-year-old Chad&nbsp;Doberstein lying in the roadway suffering from gunshot wounds. Officers immediately began performing life saving measures and ordered EMS to the scene. Medics responded and pronounced him deceased. Police have not reported an arrest in this case.Detectives have identified as subject of interest in the case, according to KCPD Captain Jake Becchina and the case is progressing as detectives work collaboratively with prosecutors

Police ID suspect in murder of 53-year-old Kansas City man

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks careened through a manic Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-52a00ea2bb92a067ee72343941b02cd4">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;threatened to crank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">his tariffs</a>&nbsp;higher, despite a stunning display showing how dearly Wall Street wants him to do the opposite.

The S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.2% at the end of a day full of heart-racing reversals as battered financial markets try to figure out what Trump’s ultimate goal is for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-china-trade-4e130e740f3955feccec226d6c0084d9">trade war</a>. If it’s to get other countries to agree to trade deals, he could lower his tariffs and avoid a possible recession. But if it’s to remake the economy and stick with tariffs for the long haul, stock prices may need to fall further.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 349 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite edged up by 0.1%.

All three indexes started the day sharply lower, and the Dow plunged as many as 1,700 points following even worse losses elsewhere in the world. But it suddenly surged to a gain of nearly 900 points in the late morning. The S&amp;P 500, meanwhile, went from a loss of 4.7% to a leap of 3.4%, which would have been its biggest jump in years.

The sudden rise followed a false rumor that Trump was considering a 90-day pause on his tariffs, one that a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1909254710361575428">White House account on X</a>&nbsp;quickly labeled as “fake news.” That a rumor could move trillions of dollars’ worth of investments shows how much investors are hoping to see signs that Trump may let up on tariffs.

Stocks quickly turned back down, and shortly afterward, Trump dug in further and said he may&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-52a00ea2bb92a067ee72343941b02cd4">raise tariffs more against China</a>&nbsp;after the world’s second-largest economy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-tariff-trade-trump-earths-02cd23e913649f32985f075058e787c4">retaliated last week</a>&nbsp;with its own set of tariffs on U.S. products.

It’s a slap in the face to Wall Street, not just because of the sharp losses it’s taken, but because it suggests Trump may not be moved by its pain. Many professional investors had long thought that a president who used to crow about records reached under his watch would pull back on policies if they sent the Dow reeling.

On Sunday Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-recession-financial-markets-negotiations-retaliation-860760cdc1aa2cc58853c9aab987e36d">wasn’t concerned about a sell-off</a>&nbsp;and that “sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.”

Trump has given several reasons for his stiff tariffs, including to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, which is a process that could take years. Trump on Sunday said he wanted to bring down the numbers for how much more the United States imports from other countries versus how much it sends to them.

Indexes nevertheless did keep swinging between losses and gains Monday after Trump’s latest tariff threat, in part because hope still remains in markets that negotiations may still come.

“We’re not calling the all-clear at all, but when you have this type of volatility in the market, of course you’re going to have back and forth” in markets not just day to day but also hour to hour, said Nate Thooft, a senior portfolio manager at Manulife Investment Management.

“We’re all waiting for the next bit of information,” he said. “Literally a Truth Social tweet or an announcement of some sort about real negotiations could dramatically move this market. This is the world we live in right now.”

All that seemed certain Monday was the financial pain hammering investments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mideast-stock-markets-546a2d4a86138458987131c5c347151f">around the world</a>&nbsp;for a third day after Trump announced tariffs in his “Liberation Day.”

Stocks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-tariffs-trade-trump-5dd928eabb83b9cc560e1d6971f52e7f">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;plunged 13.2% for their worst day since 1997. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude oil dipped below $60 during the morning for the first time since 2021, hurt by worries that a global economy weakened by trade barriers will burn less fuel.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-reserve-trump-crypto-sacks-5c91a1ab3dab9a8c86d4bc42b8db3f8f">Bitcoin</a>&nbsp;sank below $79,000, down from its record above $100,000 set in January, after holding steadier than other markets last week.

Trump’s tariffs are an attack on the globalization that’s remade the world’s economy, which helped bring down prices for products on the shelves of U.S. stores but also caused production jobs to leave for other countries.

It also adds&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-economy-trump-powell-490417656971634592bbeb3b2ade3593">pressure on the Federal Reserve</a>. Investors have become nearly conditioned to expect the central bank to swoop in as a hero by slashing interest rates to protect the economy during every downturn. But the Fed may have less freedom to act this time around because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-consumer-spending-tariffs-c8be092ecf06a81ad79c4c8f921c7cbe">inflation</a>&nbsp;remains higher than the Fed would like. And while lower interest rates can goose the economy, they can also put upward pressure on inflation.

“The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession,” JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, one of the most influential executives on Wall Street, wrote in his annual letter to shareholders Monday. “Whether or not the menu of tariffs causes a recession remains in question, but it will slow down growth.”

In the bond market, Treasury yields rallied to recover some of their sharp drops from earlier weeks. Some of the big move may have been because of reduced expectations for cuts to interest rates by the Fed. Some analysts also said it could be due to investors outside of the United States wanting to pare their U.S. investments.

The yield on the 10-year Treasury jumped to 4.20% from 4.01% late Friday.

Earlier in the day, the S&amp;P 500 briefly fell more than 20% below its record set&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-china-asia-technology-5d60888d8ea6f1e9c7dc19e8c89833e8">less than two months ago</a>. If it finishes a day below that bar, it would be a big enough drop that Wall Street has a name for it. A “bear market” signifies a downturn that’s moved beyond a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-tariffs-1c8e59d6f2661c6e3c6aeda8ab07a583">run-of-the-mill 10% drop</a>, which happens every year or so, and has graduated into something more vicious.

The S&amp;P 500, which sits at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dow-jones-industrial-average-record-rally-22aaf53da73b4550af35e7c40cf30214#:~:text=NEW%20YORK%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The,good%20year%20for%20Wall%20Street.">heart of many investors’ 401(k) accounts</a>, is coming off its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/market-rates-trump-tariffs-d86db525c370e9da834e6dfb76e23b86">worst week since COVID</a>&nbsp;began crashing the global economy in March 2020.

All told, the index fell 11.83 points Monday to 5,062.25. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 349.26 to 37,965.60, and the Nasdaq composite added 15.48 to 15,603.26.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722962507580.png" alt="File (AP Photo/Richard Drew)" />
 <figcaption>File (AP Photo/Richard Drew)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks careened through a manic Monday after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-52a00ea2bb92a067ee72343941b02cd4">President Donald Trump</a>&nbsp;threatened to crank&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-liberation-day-2a031b3c16120a5672a6ddd01da09933">his tariffs</a>&nbsp;higher, despite a stunning display showing how dearly Wall Street wants him to do the opposite.The S&amp;P 500 slipped 0.2% at the end of a day full of heart-racing reversals as battered financial markets try to figure out what Trump’s ultimate goal is for his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-china-trade-4e130e740f3955feccec226d6c0084d9">trade war</a>. If it’s to get other countries to agree to trade deals, he could lower his tariffs and avoid a possible recession. But if it’s to remake the economy and stick with tariffs for the long haul, stock prices may need to fall further.The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 349 points, or 0.9%, and the Nasdaq composite edged up by 0.1%.All three indexes started the day sharply lower, and the Dow plunged as many as 1,700 points following even worse losses elsewhere in the world. But it suddenly surged to a gain of nearly 900 points in the late morning. The S&amp;P 500, meanwhile, went from a loss of 4.7% to a leap of 3.4%, which would have been its biggest jump in years.The sudden rise followed a false rumor that Trump was considering a 90-day pause on his tariffs, one that a&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/RapidResponse47/status/1909254710361575428">White House account on X</a>&nbsp;quickly labeled as “fake news.” That a rumor could move trillions of dollars’ worth of investments shows how much investors are hoping to see signs that Trump may let up on tariffs.Stocks quickly turned back down, and shortly afterward, Trump dug in further and said he may&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-52a00ea2bb92a067ee72343941b02cd4">raise tariffs more against China</a>&nbsp;after the world’s second-largest economy&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-tariff-trade-trump-earths-02cd23e913649f32985f075058e787c4">retaliated last week</a>&nbsp;with its own set of tariffs on U.S. products.It’s a slap in the face to Wall Street, not just because of the sharp losses it’s taken, but because it suggests Trump may not be moved by its pain. Many professional investors had long thought that a president who used to crow about records reached under his watch would pull back on policies if they sent the Dow reeling.On Sunday Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that he&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-recession-financial-markets-negotiations-retaliation-860760cdc1aa2cc58853c9aab987e36d">wasn’t concerned about a sell-off</a>&nbsp;and that “sometimes you have to take medicine to fix something.”Trump has given several reasons for his stiff tariffs, including to bring manufacturing jobs back to the United States, which is a process that could take years. Trump on Sunday said he wanted to bring down the numbers for how much more the United States imports from other countries versus how much it sends to them.Indexes nevertheless did keep swinging between losses and gains Monday after Trump’s latest tariff threat, in part because hope still remains in markets that negotiations may still come.“We’re not calling the all-clear at all, but when you have this type of volatility in the market, of course you’re going to have back and forth” in markets not just day to day but also hour to hour, said Nate Thooft, a senior portfolio manager at Manulife Investment Management.“We’re all waiting for the next bit of information,” he said. “Literally a Truth Social tweet or an announcement of some sort about real negotiations could dramatically move this market. This is the world we live in right now.”All that seemed certain Monday was the financial pain hammering investments&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mideast-stock-markets-546a2d4a86138458987131c5c347151f">around the world</a>&nbsp;for a third day after Trump announced tariffs in his “Liberation Day.”Stocks in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/china-us-tariffs-trade-trump-5dd928eabb83b9cc560e1d6971f52e7f">Hong Kong</a>&nbsp;plunged 13.2% for their worst day since 1997. A barrel of benchmark U.S. crude oil dipped below $60 during the morning for the first time since 2021, hurt by worries that a global economy weakened by trade barriers will burn less fuel.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bitcoin-reserve-trump-crypto-sacks-5c91a1ab3dab9a8c86d4bc42b8db3f8f">Bitcoin</a>&nbsp;sank below $79,000, down from its record above $100,000 set in January, after holding steadier than other markets last week.Trump’s tariffs are an attack on the globalization that’s remade the world’s economy, which helped bring down prices for products on the shelves of U.S. stores but also caused production jobs to leave for other countries.It also adds&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/tariffs-inflation-economy-trump-powell-490417656971634592bbeb3b2ade3593">pressure on the Federal Reserve</a>. Investors have become nearly conditioned to expect the central bank to swoop in as a hero by slashing interest rates to protect the economy during every downturn. But the Fed may have less freedom to act this time around because&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/economy-consumer-spending-tariffs-c8be092ecf06a81ad79c4c8f921c7cbe">inflation</a>&nbsp;remains higher than the Fed would like. And while lower interest rates can goose the economy, they can also put upward pressure on inflation.“The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession,” JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon, one of the most influential executives on Wall Street, wrote in his annual letter to shareholders Monday. “Whether or not the menu of tariffs causes a recession remains in question, but it will slow down growth.”In the bond market, Treasury yields rallied to recover some of their sharp drops from earlier weeks. Some of the big move may have been because of reduced expectations for cuts to interest rates by the Fed. Some analysts also said it could be due to investors outside of the United States wanting to pare their U.S. investments.The yield on the 10-year Treasury jumped to 4.20% from 4.01% late Friday.Earlier in the day, the S&amp;P 500 briefly fell more than 20% below its record set&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stock-market-china-asia-technology-5d60888d8ea6f1e9c7dc19e8c89833e8">less than two months ago</a>. If it finishes a day below that bar, it would be a big enough drop that Wall Street has a name for it. A “bear market” signifies a downturn that’s moved beyond a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/stocks-markets-rates-tariffs-1c8e59d6f2661c6e3c6aeda8ab07a583">run-of-the-mill 10% drop</a>, which happens every year or so, and has graduated into something more vicious.The S&amp;P 500, which sits at the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/dow-jones-industrial-average-record-rally-22aaf53da73b4550af35e7c40cf30214#:~:text=NEW%20YORK%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The,good%20year%20for%20Wall%20Street.">heart of many investors’ 401(k) accounts</a>, is coming off its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/market-rates-trump-tariffs-d86db525c370e9da834e6dfb76e23b86">worst week since COVID</a>&nbsp;began crashing the global economy in March 2020.All told, the index fell 11.83 points Monday to 5,062.25. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 349.26 to 37,965.60, and the Nasdaq composite added 15.48 to 15,603.26.___

US stocks careen through a manic day following Trump's latest tariff threat

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend accident that occurred just before 1:30a.m. Saturday in Shawnee County have identified the victim as 33-year-old Tramayne N. Smith of Topeka, according to Police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

A&nbsp; vehicle driven by Smith was traveling on a portion of Interstate 70 that was blocked off and under construction. The vehicle traveled off the Interstate overpass near 2nd and S. Kansas Avenue.

Medical personnel pronounced Smith deceased on scene. No other vehicles were involved, and Smith was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement investigating a fatal weekend accident that occurred just before 1:30a.m. Saturday in Shawnee County have identified the victim as 33-year-old Tramayne N. Smith of Topeka, according to Police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.A&nbsp; vehicle driven by Smith was traveling on a portion of Interstate 70 that was blocked off and under construction. The vehicle traveled off the Interstate overpass near 2nd and S. Kansas Avenue.Medical personnel pronounced Smith deceased on scene. No other vehicles were involved, and Smith was the sole occupant of the vehicle.

Police ID driver who died after car traveled off I-70 overpass

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. will hold direct talks with Iran about its nuclear program, while warning Tehran it would be in “great danger” if the talks aren’t successful.

The president, in comments to reporters after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the talks will start Saturday. He insisted Tehran can’t get nuclear weapons.

“We’re dealing with them directly and maybe a deal is going to be made,” Trump said. He added that “doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.”

Asked if he would commit to military action against Iran should his negotiators be unable to come to terms with Tehran, Trump responded that “Iran is going to be in great danger, and I hate to say it.”

“If the talks aren’t successful, I think it’s going to be a very bad day for Iran,” Trump said.

Trump during his first White House term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-iran-cead755353a1455bbef08ef289448994">withdrew the U.S.</a>&nbsp;from the landmark nuclear accord with Iran negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration.

Netanyahu says he supports Trump’s diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement with Iran, adding that Israel and the U.S. share the same goal of ensuring that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.

The Israeli leader, known for his hawkish views on Iran and past calls for military pressure, said he would welcome a diplomatic agreement along the lines of Libya’s deal with the international community in 2003.

“I think that would be a good thing,” he said. “But whatever happens, we have to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.”

Trump said the talks would happen “at almost the highest level,” but declined to say where the negotiations would take place or who he was dispatching for the sensitive diplomacy.

He announced plans for the surprise engagement as Netanyahu made a hastily arranged visit to the White House — his second in just over two months — to discuss the tariffs Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-52a00ea2bb92a067ee72343941b02cd4">unleashed on countries around the world</a>, Iran’s nuclear program and the Israel-Hamas war.

In withdrawing the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Trump declared he was making the world safer, but he also deepened his isolation on the world stage and revived doubts about American credibility.

The agreement, which also included Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, had lifted most U.S. and international economic sanctions against Iran.

“I think it’ll be, different and maybe a lot stronger,” Trump said on how a new deal might be different from the one negotiated by Obama officials.

Trump and Netanyahu said they also discussed tensions with Iran, Israel-Turkey ties and the International Criminal Court, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/icc-israel-hamas-warrants-netanyahu-palestinian-arrest-73c854d072e0a1a41b19b2cb2cdd07fa">issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader</a>&nbsp;last year. Trump in February signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-icc-sanctions-israel-order-01beee050ae84d0d9eae66d00bc8ead9">executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC</a>&nbsp;over its investigations of Israel.

Before his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. All three leaders have been key interlocutors in efforts to tamp down tensions in the Middle East and bring an end to the Israel-Hamas war.

The prime minister soon after arriving in Washington on Sunday evening met with senior Trump administration officials, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer, to discuss the tariffs. And Netanyahu met on Monday with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, ahead of his sit down with the president.

On tariffs, Netanyahu said he assured Trump that his government would move to erase United States trade deficit.

“We will eliminate the trade deficit with the United States,” Netanyahu said “We intend to do it very quickly.”

Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations, said he expected Trump to use the tariffs as leverage to force concessions from Netanyahu.

In Israel’s case, those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mideast-stock-markets-546a2d4a86138458987131c5c347151f">concessions might not be economic</a>. Trump may pressure Netanyahu to move toward ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in Gaza</a>&nbsp;— at the very least through some interim truce with Hamas that would pause the fighting and free more hostages.

Gilboa said Trump is hoping to return from his first overseas trip — expected next month to Saudi Arabia — with some movement on a deal to normalize relations with Israel, which would likely require significant Israeli concessions on Gaza.

If he does manage to move toward bolstering ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, that would act as a regional diplomatic counterweight to pressure Iran, against which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-rejects-direct-negotiations-trump-letter-us-c414743a567c574b6f48f64a2e889f31">Trump has threatened new sanctions</a>&nbsp;and suggested military action over its nuclear program.

In a preemptive move last week, Israel announced that it was removing all tariffs on goods from the U.S., mostly on imported food and agricultural products, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.

But the tactic failed, and with a 17% rate, Israel was just one of dozens of countries that were slapped with tariffs on Trump’s so-called Liberation Day last week.

Although Israel is a tiny market for U.S. products, the United States is a key trade partner of Israel. Much of that trade is for high-tech services, which are not directly affected by the tariffs, but key Israeli industries could be impacted.

The Manufacturers Association of Israel estimates that the tariffs will cost Israel about $3 billion in exports each year and lead to the loss of 26,000 jobs in industries that include biotechnology, chemicals, plastics and electronics. The World Bank says Israel’s gross domestic product, a measure of economic output, is over $500 billion a year.

“The damage won’t stop at exports,” said Ron Tomer, the group’s president. “It will scare investors, encourage companies to leave Israel and undermine our image as a global center of innovation.” He called on the government to work urgently to protect the economy.

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. will hold direct talks with Iran about its nuclear program, while warning Tehran it would be in “great danger” if the talks aren’t successful.The president, in comments to reporters after meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said the talks will start Saturday. He insisted Tehran can’t get nuclear weapons.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">&quot;We&#39;re having direct talks with Iran,&quot; says <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>. &quot;I think everybody agrees that doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/I8QdtR3h1S">pic.twitter.com/I8QdtR3h1S</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/1909326940785307992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“We’re dealing with them directly and maybe a deal is going to be made,” Trump said. He added that “doing a deal would be preferable to doing the obvious.”Asked if he would commit to military action against Iran should his negotiators be unable to come to terms with Tehran, Trump responded that “Iran is going to be in great danger, and I hate to say it.”“If the talks aren’t successful, I think it’s going to be a very bad day for Iran,” Trump said.Trump during his first White House term&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/north-america-donald-trump-ap-top-news-politics-iran-cead755353a1455bbef08ef289448994">withdrew the U.S.</a>&nbsp;from the landmark nuclear accord with Iran negotiated by Democratic President Barack Obama’s administration.Netanyahu says he supports Trump’s diplomatic efforts to reach a settlement with Iran, adding that Israel and the U.S. share the same goal of ensuring that Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon.The Israeli leader, known for his hawkish views on Iran and past calls for military pressure, said he would welcome a diplomatic agreement along the lines of Libya’s deal with the international community in 2003.“I think that would be a good thing,” he said. “But whatever happens, we have to make sure that Iran does not have nuclear weapons.”Trump said the talks would happen “at almost the highest level,” but declined to say where the negotiations would take place or who he was dispatching for the sensitive diplomacy.He announced plans for the surprise engagement as Netanyahu made a hastily arranged visit to the White House — his second in just over two months — to discuss the tariffs Trump has&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-stock-market-52a00ea2bb92a067ee72343941b02cd4">unleashed on countries around the world</a>, Iran’s nuclear program and the Israel-Hamas war.In withdrawing the U.S. from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, Trump declared he was making the world safer, but he also deepened his isolation on the world stage and revived doubts about American credibility.The agreement, which also included Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia, had lifted most U.S. and international economic sanctions against Iran.“I think it’ll be, different and maybe a lot stronger,” Trump said on how a new deal might be different from the one negotiated by Obama officials.Trump and Netanyahu said they also discussed tensions with Iran, Israel-Turkey ties and the International Criminal Court, which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/icc-israel-hamas-warrants-netanyahu-palestinian-arrest-73c854d072e0a1a41b19b2cb2cdd07fa">issued an arrest warrant against the Israeli leader</a>&nbsp;last year. Trump in February signed an&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-icc-sanctions-israel-order-01beee050ae84d0d9eae66d00bc8ead9">executive order imposing sanctions on the ICC</a>&nbsp;over its investigations of Israel.Before his meeting with Netanyahu, Trump held a call with French President Emmanuel Macron, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. All three leaders have been key interlocutors in efforts to tamp down tensions in the Middle East and bring an end to the Israel-Hamas war.The prime minister soon after arriving in Washington on Sunday evening met with senior Trump administration officials, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and U.S. Trade Representative Jameson Greer, to discuss the tariffs. And Netanyahu met on Monday with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, ahead of his sit down with the president.On tariffs, Netanyahu said he assured Trump that his government would move to erase United States trade deficit.“We will eliminate the trade deficit with the United States,” Netanyahu said “We intend to do it very quickly.”Eytan Gilboa, an expert on U.S.-Israel relations, said he expected Trump to use the tariffs as leverage to force concessions from Netanyahu.In Israel’s case, those&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-tariffs-mideast-stock-markets-546a2d4a86138458987131c5c347151f">concessions might not be economic</a>. Trump may pressure Netanyahu to move toward ending&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war">the war in Gaza</a>&nbsp;— at the very least through some interim truce with Hamas that would pause the fighting and free more hostages.Gilboa said Trump is hoping to return from his first overseas trip — expected next month to Saudi Arabia — with some movement on a deal to normalize relations with Israel, which would likely require significant Israeli concessions on Gaza.If he does manage to move toward bolstering ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, that would act as a regional diplomatic counterweight to pressure Iran, against which&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/iran-rejects-direct-negotiations-trump-letter-us-c414743a567c574b6f48f64a2e889f31">Trump has threatened new sanctions</a>&nbsp;and suggested military action over its nuclear program.In a preemptive move last week, Israel announced that it was removing all tariffs on goods from the U.S., mostly on imported food and agricultural products, according to a statement from Netanyahu’s office.But the tactic failed, and with a 17% rate, Israel was just one of dozens of countries that were slapped with tariffs on Trump’s so-called Liberation Day last week.Although Israel is a tiny market for U.S. products, the United States is a key trade partner of Israel. Much of that trade is for high-tech services, which are not directly affected by the tariffs, but key Israeli industries could be impacted.The Manufacturers Association of Israel estimates that the tariffs will cost Israel about $3 billion in exports each year and lead to the loss of 26,000 jobs in industries that include biotechnology, chemicals, plastics and electronics. The World Bank says Israel’s gross domestic product, a measure of economic output, is over $500 billion a year.“The damage won’t stop at exports,” said Ron Tomer, the group’s president. “It will scare investors, encourage companies to leave Israel and undermine our image as a global center of innovation.” He called on the government to work urgently to protect the economy.

🎥Trump: US will hold direct talks with Iran on nuclear weapons

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lottery players are going to have a shot at more billion-dollar jackpots and slightly better odds under new Mega Millions rules that go into effect with Tuesday’s drawing.

But the improvements come at a cost — literally: Players will have to shell out $5 per ticket, more than double the previous price. On the other hand, the jackpots are expected to grow much bigger — and at a faster rate — and officials believe sales will rise as people are stopped in their tracks by massive prizes.

“People really want big jackpots,” said Joshua Johnston, the Washington state lottery director who heads the Mega Millions game. “We expect to see a sales lift on this.”

The biggest change is the ticket price hike from $2 to $5. Lottery officials expect that jump to increase revenue from the twice-weekly game, enabling them to lower the odds of winning the jackpot from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million.

The higher ticket price also means the jackpot can start at $50 million, rather than the previous $20 million, and the grand prize is expected to grow more quickly. Each time there isn’t a big winner, the jackpot will jump to a larger mark. Officials expect it will more frequently top the $1 billion threshold that draws extra attention — and bigger sales.

Under the new rules, prizes for tickets not matching all six numbers also will increase, with smaller winners now guaranteed at least $10. Each ticket also will include a randomly assigned multiplier that can increase the prize by up to 10 times, a previous add-on feature that cost an extra $1. The multiplier doesn’t apply to a jackpot.

Yes, but it’s still incredibly unlikely: Odds of 1 in 290 million are still mind-bogglingly hard to beat. And that’s true if you buy one ticket or 100.

“When we hear 1 in 290 million, we don’t have a sense of what that means. We have a greater sense of the fact that there will be a winning number,” said Tim Chartier, a mathematics and computer science professor at Davidson College. “And it’s true that it’s possible, but the issue is the extreme improbability of it.”

How improbable? The chance of hitting a jackpot, even under the new rules, is akin to choosing one single second over a nine-year span, according to Chartier. He said he’s never been willing to risk even a couple bucks on those odds.

The new rules have two main goals: to address what the industry calls “jackpot fatigue” and to differentiate Mega Millions from Powerball, the other lottery draw game played across the country.

Jackpot fatigue is the phenomenon under which prizes must grow to enormous amounts before most players will take note and buy a few tickets. These days, a $300 million prize that once drew lines at mini-marts barely registers.

With the new rules, officials expect those average winning jackpots to climb from about $450 million to $800 million, Johnston said. And they believe that even lottery fatigue is no match for the more frequent billion-dollar prize.

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Lottery players are going to have a shot at more billion-dollar jackpots and slightly better odds under new Mega Millions rules that go into effect with Tuesday’s drawing.But the improvements come at a cost — literally: Players will have to shell out $5 per ticket, more than double the previous price. On the other hand, the jackpots are expected to grow much bigger — and at a faster rate — and officials believe sales will rise as people are stopped in their tracks by massive prizes.“People really want big jackpots,” said Joshua Johnston, the Washington state lottery director who heads the Mega Millions game. “We expect to see a sales lift on this.”<h2>HOW IS MEGA MILLIONS CHANGING?</h2>The biggest change is the ticket price hike from $2 to $5. Lottery officials expect that jump to increase revenue from the twice-weekly game, enabling them to lower the odds of winning the jackpot from 1 in 303 million to 1 in 290 million.The higher ticket price also means the jackpot can start at $50 million, rather than the previous $20 million, and the grand prize is expected to grow more quickly. Each time there isn’t a big winner, the jackpot will jump to a larger mark. Officials expect it will more frequently top the $1 billion threshold that draws extra attention — and bigger sales.Under the new rules, prizes for tickets not matching all six numbers also will increase, with smaller winners now guaranteed at least $10. Each ticket also will include a randomly assigned multiplier that can increase the prize by up to 10 times, a previous add-on feature that cost an extra $1. The multiplier doesn’t apply to a jackpot.<h2>WILL THIS MAKE WINNING A JACKPOT EASIER?</h2>Yes, but it’s still incredibly unlikely: Odds of 1 in 290 million are still mind-bogglingly hard to beat. And that’s true if you buy one ticket or 100.“When we hear 1 in 290 million, we don’t have a sense of what that means. We have a greater sense of the fact that there will be a winning number,” said Tim Chartier, a mathematics and computer science professor at Davidson College. “And it’s true that it’s possible, but the issue is the extreme improbability of it.”How improbable? The chance of hitting a jackpot, even under the new rules, is akin to choosing one single second over a nine-year span, according to Chartier. He said he’s never been willing to risk even a couple bucks on those odds.<h2>WHY IS THE GAME CHANGING?</h2>The new rules have two main goals: to address what the industry calls “jackpot fatigue” and to differentiate Mega Millions from Powerball, the other lottery draw game played across the country.Jackpot fatigue is the phenomenon under which prizes must grow to enormous amounts before most players will take note and buy a few tickets. These days, a $300 million prize that once drew lines at mini-marts barely registers.With the new rules, officials expect those average winning jackpots to climb from about $450 million to $800 million, Johnston said. And they believe that even lottery fatigue is no match for the more frequent billion-dollar prize.“When you get to a billion people are like, ‘Whoa, that’s a whole lot of money,’” Johnston said.ADVERTISEMENTLottery officials said there is a clear correlation between bigger jackpots and higher sales but Sandie Yeaman, of Omaha, Nebraska, expressed puzzlement at the connection.“I’d be satisfied with $1 million, and so would others,” she said. “One person winning $50 million is ridiculous.”<h2>HOW RARE IS A $5 TICKET PRICE?</h2>Mega Millions will be the country’s most expensive lottery draw game, where random numbers are selected to determine a winner.Still, that price is far less than scratch tickets offered by some states. In Texas, for example, some scratch tickets cost $100 each.Outside the U.S., the El Gordo Christmas lottery in Spain limits the number of tickets sold and charges 20 euros for a partial ticket and 200 euros for a full ticket.The higher Mega Millions price left Saeedith Williams of East Point, Georgia, unsure if he’ll keep buying several tickets a week. “Maybe I’ll buy one ticket a week now that it’s $5 a ticket,” he said.<h2>WHAT ABOUT POWERBALL?</h2>After the new rules are implemented, the two lottery games that once were remarkably similar now will have some key differences.The biggest contrast will be the cost, as Powerball will stick with its $2 tickets — $3 in Idaho and Montana where they require a special prize bundle.With that smaller ticket price will come smaller minimal prizes, starting at $4, or less than half the lowest Mega Millions prize. But Powerball players will still be able to pay an extra dollar for “Power Play,” a random multiplier that, as in Mega Millions, can increase all but the grand prize.Powerball drawings will continue to be three times a week — Monday, Wednesday and Saturday nights — while Mega Millions will hold drawings on Tuesday and Friday.The changes will bring the two games’ jackpot odds a little closer, with Powerball jackpot odds of 1 in 292.2 million just a bit worse than the new Mega Millions odds.<h2>Remind me, what’s the point of all this?</h2>For players, it’s a chance to spend a little money on a dream of incredible riches while acknowledging the reality that it almost certainly won’t happen.For the 45 states plus Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands where Mega Millions is played, the game raises money for a variety of services, such as education scholarships. Local lottery agencies run the game in each jurisdiction and decisions about how the profits are divvied up are written into state law.<h2>___</h2>AP writer Margery A. Beck contributed to this story from Omaha, Nebraska.