Manhattan —Investigators say improperly discarding of smoking material caused a fire at a home in Manhattan.

Just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 156 North Dartmouth, according to assistant Fire Chief Mike Kaus.

First responders found the two-story home with heavy fire on the back of the residence.&nbsp; The fire extended into the attic space and was extinguished within 30 minutes.&nbsp; Riley County EMS evaluated one occupant for smoke inhalation.

&nbsp;The residents evacuated prior to the fire department's arrival. Loss is estimated at $25,000 to contents and $75,000 to the structure. 

The fire cause is accidental due to discarded smoking materials.&nbsp; A reminder to discard smoking materials in an approved container filled with sand or water.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681898577954.png" alt="Photos Manhattan Fire Department" />
 <figcaption>Photos Manhattan Fire Department</figcaption>
 </figure>Manhattan —Investigators say improperly discarding of smoking material caused a fire at a home in Manhattan.Just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Manhattan Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire at 156 North Dartmouth, according to assistant Fire Chief Mike Kaus.First responders found the two-story home with heavy fire on the back of the residence.&nbsp; The fire extended into the attic space and was extinguished within 30 minutes.&nbsp; Riley County EMS evaluated one occupant for smoke inhalation.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681899979579.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The residents evacuated prior to the fire department's arrival. Loss is estimated at $25,000 to contents and $75,000 to the structure. The fire cause is accidental due to discarded smoking materials.&nbsp; A reminder to discard smoking materials in an approved container filled with sand or water.

Improperly discarded smoking material caused Kan. house fire

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A powerful Missouri state senator on Tuesday unveiled a $2.8 billion plan to widen Interstate 70 to at least three lanes across the state, an even more ambitious proposal than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-state-government-st-louis-columbia-kansas-city-29d87e49bedb4c134ecc02fb43b39ff9">what the governor originally asked</a>&nbsp;of lawmakers.

Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough added the plan to a draft state budget for the upcoming fiscal year during a committee hearing.

Half the project would be funded with bonds. Hough estimated the state would pay around $132 million a year over for at most 15 years to pay off the expansion.

Republican Gov. Mike Parson earlier this year asked lawmakers for $860 million to expand I-70 in the most congested areas: suburban St. Louis, Columbia and suburban Kansas City.

House lawmakers initially balked at the request but on Tuesday gave initial approval to another budget bill that includes $860 million for the interstate. The House also on Tuesday voted to spend $28 million on Interstate 44 improvements, along with a $20 million environmental impact study that's needed before more expansive work can be done on the roadway.

Proposals have existed for years to widen I-70 from two to three lanes in each direction across the entire state, but Missouri has never had the money to do it.

Lawmakers now have an opportunity to tap into the state’s historic budget surplus to make that happen.

Hough urged fellow lawmakers to pump more money into I-70, citing current rates on government bonds and Missouri's few outstanding debts.

“The infrastructure improvements that we can make right now given the cash balances we have are transformative,” Hough said.

An Associated Press request for comment to Parson's office was not immediately returned Tuesday.

The committee and the full Senate still need to vote on Hough's plan. If passed the budget bill would head back to the House for another vote before it could go to Parson's desk for approval.

Lawmakers face a May 5 constitutional deadline to pass a budget.

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A powerful Missouri state senator on Tuesday unveiled a $2.8 billion plan to widen Interstate 70 to at least three lanes across the state, an even more ambitious proposal than&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/missouri-state-government-st-louis-columbia-kansas-city-29d87e49bedb4c134ecc02fb43b39ff9">what the governor originally asked</a>&nbsp;of lawmakers.Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Lincoln Hough added the plan to a draft state budget for the upcoming fiscal year during a committee hearing.Half the project would be funded with bonds. Hough estimated the state would pay around $132 million a year over for at most 15 years to pay off the expansion.Republican Gov. Mike Parson earlier this year asked lawmakers for $860 million to expand I-70 in the most congested areas: suburban St. Louis, Columbia and suburban Kansas City.House lawmakers initially balked at the request but on Tuesday gave initial approval to another budget bill that includes $860 million for the interstate. The House also on Tuesday voted to spend $28 million on Interstate 44 improvements, along with a $20 million environmental impact study that's needed before more expansive work can be done on the roadway.Proposals have existed for years to widen I-70 from two to three lanes in each direction across the entire state, but Missouri has never had the money to do it.Lawmakers now have an opportunity to tap into the state’s historic budget surplus to make that happen.Hough urged fellow lawmakers to pump more money into I-70, citing current rates on government bonds and Missouri's few outstanding debts.“The infrastructure improvements that we can make right now given the cash balances we have are transformative,” Hough said.An Associated Press request for comment to Parson's office was not immediately returned Tuesday.The committee and the full Senate still need to vote on Hough's plan. If passed the budget bill would head back to the House for another vote before it could go to Parson's desk for approval.Lawmakers face a May 5 constitutional deadline to pass a budget.

Top Missouri lawmaker unveils $2.8B plan to expand I-70

SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in the death of a woman in March of 2021 made a first court appearance Monday.

Jon Lovell, 42 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office.

 Attorneys are scheduled to discuss future dates in the case (22CR1953) on 5/1/23.  He is in jail on a half-million dollar bond.

on Lovell has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death&nbsp;of Natasha Arvidson in 2021.

In March of 2021, police responded to a home in the 10600 Block of West Taft in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.

First responders found the body of 38-year-old&nbsp;Natasha Arvidson. The suspect, later identified as Lovell took her 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis and fled the crime scene.&nbsp; Police booked him in the Sedgwick County jail on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Lovell has previous convictions for aggravated robbery, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, giving false alarm, DUI, Driving while habitual violator, and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.

Lovell's bond has been set at $500,000 and will next appear in court on May 1.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681766174905.png" alt="Lovell-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Lovell-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY—A man accused in the death of a woman in March of 2021 made a first court appearance Monday.Jon Lovell, 42 of Wichita, is charged with 1st degree murder, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney's office. Attorneys are scheduled to discuss future dates in the case (22CR1953) on 5/1/23. He is in jail on a half-million dollar bond.on Lovell has been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the death&nbsp;of Natasha Arvidson in 2021.In March of 2021, police responded to a home in the 10600 Block of West Taft in Wichita, according to Officer Charley Davidson.First responders found the body of 38-year-old&nbsp;Natasha Arvidson. The suspect, later identified as Lovell took her 2000 Mercury Grand Marquis and fled the crime scene.&nbsp; Police booked him in the Sedgwick County jail on Thursday.&nbsp;&nbsp;Lovell has previous convictions for aggravated robbery, flee or attempt to elude law enforcement, giving false alarm, DUI, Driving while habitual violator, and for drugs, according to the Kansas Department of Corrections.Lovell's bond has been set at $500,000 and will next appear in court on May 1.

Kansas felon charged in woman's murder

SHAWNEE COUNTY–Law enforcement authorities are investigating another fatal shooting in Topeka.

Just before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 900 block of SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.

Officers located an man suffering from a life threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;

Police have not released the name of victim or possible suspect details.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681864464057.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–Law enforcement authorities are investigating another fatal shooting in Topeka.Just before 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to report of a shooting in the 900 block of SW 17th Street in Topeka, according to Lt. Ron Ekis.Officers located an man suffering from a life threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he later succumbed to his injuries.&nbsp;Police have not released the name of victim or possible suspect details.

Police investigate 2nd homicide this week in Topeka

OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.

Just before 1a.m. April 16, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop at 221st and US-75 Highway for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.

The driver of the vehicle, Matthew W. Rickel, 47, of Vassar, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Criminal use of weapons.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681505785270.png" alt="Rickel-photo Osage County" />
 <figcaption>Rickel-photo Osage County</figcaption>
 </figure>OSAGE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after a traffic stop.Just before 1a.m. April 16, a sheriff's deputy conducted a traffic stop at 221st and US-75 Highway for a traffic violation, according to Sheriff Chris Wells. During the stop, illegal narcotics were located.The driver of the vehicle, Matthew W. Rickel, 47, of Vassar, was taken into custody and transported to the Osage County Jail Facility on requested charges of&nbsp;Possession of methamphetamine, Possession of marijuana and Criminal use of weapons.

Sheriff: Kansas man caught with meth, pot and guns

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — As 16-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-black-teen-shooting-9602deefd974b9b91220aaa8a94f25c7">Ralph Yarl</a>&nbsp;struggled to come to grips with being shot for going to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers, the white Kansas City, Missouri, homeowner who shot the Black teenager turned himself in on Tuesday.&nbsp;

Andrew Lester, 84, surrendered at the Clay County Detention Center and was booked on a $200,000 bond, a day after being charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Just before 2:30p.m., he bonded out of jail, according to online jail records.

Some civil rights leaders urged a hate crime charge but Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said first-degree assault is a higher-level crime with a longer sentence — up to life in prison.

Meanwhile, Yarl was home recovering from his wounds.

“Ralph is doing considerably well," his mother, Cleo Nagbe, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs-mornings/">“CBS Mornings”</a>&nbsp;co-host Gayle King. "Physically, mornings are hard, but his spirits are in a good place. I borrow from his spirits.”

Nagbe said the trauma remains evident. She said her son is “able to communicate mostly when he feels like it, but mostly he just sits there and stares and the buckets of tears just rolls down his eyes.”

“You can see that he is just replaying the situation over and over again, and that just doesn’t stop my tears either,” she said.

The shooting happened about 10 p.m. on Thursday. Police Chief Stacey Graves said that Yarl’s parents asked him to pick up his twin brothers at a home on 115th Terrace.

Yarl, an honor student and all-state band member, mistakenly went to 115th Street — a block away from where he meant to be. When he rang the bell, Lester came to the door and shot Yarl in the forehead — then shot him again, in the right forearm.

Lester faces arraignment Wednesday afternoon. He does not yet have a listed attorney.

Lester told police he lives alone and was “scared to death” when he saw a Black male on the porch and thought someone was trying to break in, according to the probable cause statement.

No words were exchanged before the shooting, but afterward, as Yarl got up to run, he heard Lester yell, “Don’t come around here,” the statement said.

Yarl ran to “multiple” homes asking for help before finding someone who would call the police, the statement said.

James Lynch was the neighbor who found Yarl. Lynch didn’t immediately respond to an interview request but his wife, Tiffany, in a brief interview, confirmed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/good-samaritan-helped-ralph-yarl-found-bloody-motionless-didnt-deserve-rcna80116?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma">NBC News</a>&nbsp;report that said Lynch heard shouting and saw Yarl banging on the door of another home.

“I heard somebody screaming, ‘Help, help, I’ve been shot!’” Lynch, who is white, told NBC. The father of three ran out and found Yarl covered in blood. Lynch checked his pulse and, when another neighbor came out with towels, helped stem the bleeding until paramedics arrived.

“He just wants the family to know that Ralph wasn’t alone,” Tiffany Lynch said, adding that the action was typical of her husband.

“He helps out anyone he can and always has,” she said.

The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. Civic and political leaders — including President Joe Biden — demanded justice. Biden also invited Yarl to the White House.

“No parent should have to worry that their kid will be shot after ringing the wrong doorbell,” Biden said on Twitter. “We’ve got to keep up the fight against gun violence.”

“And Ralph, we’ll see you in the Oval once you feel better.”

Thompson said Monday that there was a “racial component” to the shooting. He did not elaborate. But Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Alexander Higginbotham clarified in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that “there is not a racial element to the legal charges that were filed.”

Still, some — including lawyers for Yarl's family — pressed the racial dimension of the case. A protest rally was planned Tuesday afternoon, and several civil rights organizations planned a news conference there.

“The police are not treating this case in the same way Black people accused of murder are treated," Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. said in a statement. "A Black suspect would have been in jail.”

Higginbotham said the prosecutor's office policy is to wait for a criminal referral from police. “KCPD submitted their referral to us on Monday afternoon and charges were filed within approximately an hour of the case being referred to us by law enforcement,” he said in an email.

The assault charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Lester also was charged with armed criminal action, which has a penalty range of three to 15 years in prison.

It wasn't immediately clear if the U.S. Department of Justice was investigating. Messages left with a spokesman were not immediately returned.

Charging Lester with a hate crime would have potentially meant a shorter sentence if he's convicted, experts said.

Washington University School of Law Professor Peter Joy said the state hate crime law is used only to enhance low-level felony or misdemeanor charges, taking them no higher than a class-C felony level, with a penalty range of three to 10 years upon conviction.

“What the prosecutor did was charge (Lester) with the highest degree of felony they could charge him with,” Joy said.

Legal experts believe Lester's lawyers will claim self-defense under Missouri’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The law allows for use of deadly force if a person is in fear for their life. Missouri is among roughly 30 states with such statutes.

Robert Spitzer, a professor emeritus of political science at the State University of New York, Cortland, whose research focuses on gun policy and politics, said the Missouri law provides “wide latitude for people to use lethal force.”

St. Louis defense attorney Nina McDonnell agreed. She said prosecutors have a strong case but the Stand Your Ground law defense is a “huge hurdle” to overcome.

“The defendant was in his house and has expressed that he was in fear," McDonnell said.

By Tuesday morning, a GoFundMe page set up for Yarl had raised $2.9 million from 77,000 donations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681844207619.png" alt="Andrew Lester-photo Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Andrew Lester-photo Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — As 16-year-old&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-black-teen-shooting-9602deefd974b9b91220aaa8a94f25c7">Ralph Yarl</a>&nbsp;struggled to come to grips with being shot for going to the wrong house to pick up his younger brothers, the white Kansas City, Missouri, homeowner who shot the Black teenager turned himself in on Tuesday.&nbsp;Andrew Lester, 84, surrendered at the Clay County Detention Center and was booked on a $200,000 bond, a day after being charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Just before 2:30p.m., he bonded out of jail, according to online jail records.Some civil rights leaders urged a hate crime charge but Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said first-degree assault is a higher-level crime with a longer sentence — up to life in prison.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="-Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>-Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>Meanwhile, Yarl was home recovering from his wounds.“Ralph is doing considerably well," his mother, Cleo Nagbe, told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs-mornings/">“CBS Mornings”</a>&nbsp;co-host Gayle King. "Physically, mornings are hard, but his spirits are in a good place. I borrow from his spirits.”Nagbe said the trauma remains evident. She said her son is “able to communicate mostly when he feels like it, but mostly he just sits there and stares and the buckets of tears just rolls down his eyes.”“You can see that he is just replaying the situation over and over again, and that just doesn’t stop my tears either,” she said.The shooting happened about 10 p.m. on Thursday. Police Chief Stacey Graves said that Yarl’s parents asked him to pick up his twin brothers at a home on 115th Terrace.Yarl, an honor student and all-state band member, mistakenly went to 115th Street — a block away from where he meant to be. When he rang the bell, Lester came to the door and shot Yarl in the forehead — then shot him again, in the right forearm.Lester faces arraignment Wednesday afternoon. He does not yet have a listed attorney.Lester told police he lives alone and was “scared to death” when he saw a Black male on the porch and thought someone was trying to break in, according to the probable cause statement.No words were exchanged before the shooting, but afterward, as Yarl got up to run, he heard Lester yell, “Don’t come around here,” the statement said.Yarl ran to “multiple” homes asking for help before finding someone who would call the police, the statement said.James Lynch was the neighbor who found Yarl. Lynch didn’t immediately respond to an interview request but his wife, Tiffany, in a brief interview, confirmed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/good-samaritan-helped-ralph-yarl-found-bloody-motionless-didnt-deserve-rcna80116?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma">NBC News</a>&nbsp;report that said Lynch heard shouting and saw Yarl banging on the door of another home.“I heard somebody screaming, ‘Help, help, I’ve been shot!’” Lynch, who is white, told NBC. The father of three ran out and found Yarl covered in blood. Lynch checked his pulse and, when another neighbor came out with towels, helped stem the bleeding until paramedics arrived.“He just wants the family to know that Ralph wasn’t alone,” Tiffany Lynch said, adding that the action was typical of her husband.“He helps out anyone he can and always has,” she said.The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. Civic and political leaders — including President Joe Biden — demanded justice. Biden also invited Yarl to the White House.“No parent should have to worry that their kid will be shot after ringing the wrong doorbell,” Biden said on Twitter. “We’ve got to keep up the fight against gun violence.”“And Ralph, we’ll see you in the Oval once you feel better.”Thompson said Monday that there was a “racial component” to the shooting. He did not elaborate. But Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Alexander Higginbotham clarified in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that “there is not a racial element to the legal charges that were filed.”Still, some — including lawyers for Yarl's family — pressed the racial dimension of the case. A protest rally was planned Tuesday afternoon, and several civil rights organizations planned a news conference there.“The police are not treating this case in the same way Black people accused of murder are treated," Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. said in a statement. "A Black suspect would have been in jail.”Higginbotham said the prosecutor's office policy is to wait for a criminal referral from police. “KCPD submitted their referral to us on Monday afternoon and charges were filed within approximately an hour of the case being referred to us by law enforcement,” he said in an email.The assault charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Lester also was charged with armed criminal action, which has a penalty range of three to 15 years in prison.It wasn't immediately clear if the U.S. Department of Justice was investigating. Messages left with a spokesman were not immediately returned.Charging Lester with a hate crime would have potentially meant a shorter sentence if he's convicted, experts said.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Proud today to stand with the Staley High School Black Student Union and the entire student body who marched in unity today to support their classmate, Ralph Yarl. Our young people will change this world for the better. <a href="https://t.co/UOFx6fHhmW">pic.twitter.com/UOFx6fHhmW</a>&mdash; Mayor Q (@QuintonLucasKC) <a href="https://twitter.com/QuintonLucasKC/status/1648420140827156480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Washington University School of Law Professor Peter Joy said the state hate crime law is used only to enhance low-level felony or misdemeanor charges, taking them no higher than a class-C felony level, with a penalty range of three to 10 years upon conviction.“What the prosecutor did was charge (Lester) with the highest degree of felony they could charge him with,” Joy said.Legal experts believe Lester's lawyers will claim self-defense under Missouri’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The law allows for use of deadly force if a person is in fear for their life. Missouri is among roughly 30 states with such statutes.Robert Spitzer, a professor emeritus of political science at the State University of New York, Cortland, whose research focuses on gun policy and politics, said the Missouri law provides “wide latitude for people to use lethal force.”St. Louis defense attorney Nina McDonnell agreed. She said prosecutors have a strong case but the Stand Your Ground law defense is a “huge hurdle” to overcome.“The defendant was in his house and has expressed that he was in fear," McDonnell said.By Tuesday morning, a GoFundMe page set up for Yarl had raised $2.9 million from 77,000 donations.

Homeowner who shot black KC teen bonds out of county jail

HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; City Beverage, a beer distributor in Hutchinson, issued a statement on social media Tuesday addressing Bud Light's partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681838709394.jpeg" alt="Photo Courtesy City Beverage" />
 <figcaption>Photo Courtesy City Beverage</figcaption>
 </figure>HUTCHINSON, Kan. —&nbsp; City Beverage, a beer distributor in Hutchinson, issued a statement on social media Tuesday addressing Bud Light's partnership with trans influencer Dylan Mulvaney.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681838615205.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Kan. beer distributor responds to Bud Light can controversy

WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s that day when throngs of taxpayers&nbsp; file their income tax returns before the deadline. Many often pay to use software from private companies such as Intuit and H&amp;R Block.

Almost one-quarter of Americans wait until the last minute to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taxes-deadline-refund-irs-extension-penalties-563500015ec236b55a75798c3138ba60">file their taxes</a>.

There could be a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-free-file-system-expansion-one-step-closer-democrats-b2c39db83e4a95f1d1cd1aa488495256">new, free option in future years</a>. The IRS has been tasked with looking into how to create a government-operated electronic free-file tax return system for all. But that doesn’t sit well with the big tax-prep companies.

The idea has been batted around and hotly debated for a long time. Congress now has directed the IRS to report in on how such a system might work.

The order came as part of the $80 billion infusion of money for the tax agency over the next 10 years under the Democrats' flagship climate and health care measure, known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-seniors-medicare-economy-68f2df858de98487e82e236ab31fab7e">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-health-congress-climate-and-environment-63df07e15002c01fb560a6f0e69fcb03">President Joe Biden signed</a>&nbsp;last summer. It gave the IRS nine months and $15 million to report in on how it might implement such a program and how much it would cost.

Next month, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-taxes-audits-customer-service-wealthy-taxpayers-c845bfbfb32aaf24ae52f464b537e6cb">will release</a>&nbsp;the first in a series of reports looking into how it might be done.

The possibility of an electronic free-file system operated by Washington is being celebrated by some taxpayer advocates who for years have said that would reflect good governance and well serve taxpayers. Critics voice skepticism about the IRS taking on the dual roles of both tax collector and tax preparer, arguing that the new service could create a power imbalance between taxpayers and the government.

Robert Marvin, an IRS spokesperson, said in an email that a key goal of the study is to “look for ways to make filing taxes as easy as possible.”

“It’s important that Americans have choices that work best for them when preparing their taxes, whether it’s by using a tax professional, tax software or free options,” he said.

But big tax preparation companies have millions of dollars to lose if the program comes to fruition. Last year, more than 60 million taxpayers were serviced between Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, and H&amp;R Block.

Tens of millions of dollars have been spent trying to influence policymakers on the issue, and lobbying data shows that the big tax companies in particular have spent heavily.

An analysis shows that Intuit, H&amp;R Block, and other private companies and advocacy groups for large tax preparation businesses, as well as proponents in favor of electronic free file, have reported spending $39.3 million since 2006 to lobby on “free-file” and other matters. Federal law doesn’t require domestic lobbyists to itemize expenses by specific issue, so the sums are not limited to free-file.

Intuit has spent $25.6 million since 2006 on lobbying, H&amp;R Block about $9.6 million and the conservative Americans for Tax Reform roughly $3 million.

Derrick Plummer, a spokesman for Intuit, said taxpayers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-internal-revenue-service-5e5a3d855ba42d3e0174462050f11b3c">can already file</a>&nbsp;their taxes for free and there are online free-file programs available to some people. Individuals of all income levels can submit their returns for free via the mail.

A “direct-to-IRS e-file system is a solution in search of a problem, and that solution will unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars,” he said. “We will continue unapologetically advocating for American taxpayers and against a direct-to-IRS e-file system because it’s a bad idea.”

Starting in 2006,&nbsp;<a href="https://freefilealliance.org/">an agreement between</a>&nbsp;the IRS and some commercial tax preparation companies, known as the Free File Alliance, prevented the IRS from creating its own free tax return filing system. In exchange, tax preparation companies agreed to provide free services to taxpayers making $73,000 or less.

The provision that barred the IRS from exploring a free-file system expired in 2019, but the Free File Alliance agreement to provide free services for low-income taxpayers remains in effect.

Ariel Jurow-Kleiman, a tax law professor at Loyola Law School, and the New America think tank have been selected by the IRS to conduct the congressionally mandated study for the agency. Jurow-Kleiman said their mandate is “evaluating the feasibility, approach, schedule, cost, organizational design, and IRS capacity to deliver a possible direct e-file system.”

But she has faced pushback from Republicans who say she does not fit the law’s requirement that an independent third party assess what it would take to deliver a direct file program.

Rep. Jason Smith, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to the IRS in March questioning Jurow-Kleiman’s ability to be an independent reviewer, saying her work indicates “a clear preference for an expansive government-run system.”

Smith, R-Mo., said the selection of Jurow-Kleiman and New America shows that “the Administration has already predetermined that a government-directed e-file system should exist regardless of what might be found in a truly nonpartisan, independent, third-party review.”

Jurow-Kleiman said the GOP pushback to her selection was based on an unpublished draft of an article about tax compliance costs and that none of her writings have “addressed the questions that we are assessing in the feasibility study.”

Molly Martin, director of strategy at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newamerica.org/">New America</a>, referred requests for comment to the IRS, saying the organization “is still working on its report.”

David Williams, at the right-leaning, nonprofit Taxpayers Protection Alliance, says the “government preparing taxes is problematic.”

“The taxpayer is looking for the biggest refund possible, but for the IRS that’s not their job to look for the biggest refund for filers,” he said. “We’re concerned about that conflict of interest, but also really the ability of the IRS to do this.”

To Gabriel Zucker, who helped create the tool to help families access the Advance Child Tax Credit during the pandemic, successfully setting up a free-file program is possible. "It is a really great way for government to better serve people,'' said Zucker, associate policy director for tax benefits at Code for America.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1579706571729.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — It’s that day when throngs of taxpayers&nbsp; file their income tax returns before the deadline. Many often pay to use software from private companies such as Intuit and H&amp;R Block.Almost one-quarter of Americans wait until the last minute to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/taxes-deadline-refund-irs-extension-penalties-563500015ec236b55a75798c3138ba60">file their taxes</a>.There could be a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-free-file-system-expansion-one-step-closer-democrats-b2c39db83e4a95f1d1cd1aa488495256">new, free option in future years</a>. The IRS has been tasked with looking into how to create a government-operated electronic free-file tax return system for all. But that doesn’t sit well with the big tax-prep companies.The idea has been batted around and hotly debated for a long time. Congress now has directed the IRS to report in on how such a system might work.The order came as part of the $80 billion infusion of money for the tax agency over the next 10 years under the Democrats' flagship climate and health care measure, known as the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-health-seniors-medicare-economy-68f2df858de98487e82e236ab31fab7e">Inflation Reduction Act</a>, that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-biden-health-congress-climate-and-environment-63df07e15002c01fb560a6f0e69fcb03">President Joe Biden signed</a>&nbsp;last summer. It gave the IRS nine months and $15 million to report in on how it might implement such a program and how much it would cost.Next month, the IRS&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/irs-taxes-audits-customer-service-wealthy-taxpayers-c845bfbfb32aaf24ae52f464b537e6cb">will release</a>&nbsp;the first in a series of reports looking into how it might be done.The possibility of an electronic free-file system operated by Washington is being celebrated by some taxpayer advocates who for years have said that would reflect good governance and well serve taxpayers. Critics voice skepticism about the IRS taking on the dual roles of both tax collector and tax preparer, arguing that the new service could create a power imbalance between taxpayers and the government.Robert Marvin, an IRS spokesperson, said in an email that a key goal of the study is to “look for ways to make filing taxes as easy as possible.”“It’s important that Americans have choices that work best for them when preparing their taxes, whether it’s by using a tax professional, tax software or free options,” he said.But big tax preparation companies have millions of dollars to lose if the program comes to fruition. Last year, more than 60 million taxpayers were serviced between Intuit, the parent company of TurboTax, and H&amp;R Block.Tens of millions of dollars have been spent trying to influence policymakers on the issue, and lobbying data shows that the big tax companies in particular have spent heavily.An analysis shows that Intuit, H&amp;R Block, and other private companies and advocacy groups for large tax preparation businesses, as well as proponents in favor of electronic free file, have reported spending $39.3 million since 2006 to lobby on “free-file” and other matters. Federal law doesn’t require domestic lobbyists to itemize expenses by specific issue, so the sums are not limited to free-file.Intuit has spent $25.6 million since 2006 on lobbying, H&amp;R Block about $9.6 million and the conservative Americans for Tax Reform roughly $3 million.Derrick Plummer, a spokesman for Intuit, said taxpayers&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-personal-taxes-internal-revenue-service-5e5a3d855ba42d3e0174462050f11b3c">can already file</a>&nbsp;their taxes for free and there are online free-file programs available to some people. Individuals of all income levels can submit their returns for free via the mail.A “direct-to-IRS e-file system is a solution in search of a problem, and that solution will unnecessarily cost taxpayers billions of dollars,” he said. “We will continue unapologetically advocating for American taxpayers and against a direct-to-IRS e-file system because it’s a bad idea.”Starting in 2006,&nbsp;<a href="https://freefilealliance.org/">an agreement between</a>&nbsp;the IRS and some commercial tax preparation companies, known as the Free File Alliance, prevented the IRS from creating its own free tax return filing system. In exchange, tax preparation companies agreed to provide free services to taxpayers making $73,000 or less.The provision that barred the IRS from exploring a free-file system expired in 2019, but the Free File Alliance agreement to provide free services for low-income taxpayers remains in effect.Ariel Jurow-Kleiman, a tax law professor at Loyola Law School, and the New America think tank have been selected by the IRS to conduct the congressionally mandated study for the agency. Jurow-Kleiman said their mandate is “evaluating the feasibility, approach, schedule, cost, organizational design, and IRS capacity to deliver a possible direct e-file system.”But she has faced pushback from Republicans who say she does not fit the law’s requirement that an independent third party assess what it would take to deliver a direct file program.Rep. Jason Smith, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, sent a letter to the IRS in March questioning Jurow-Kleiman’s ability to be an independent reviewer, saying her work indicates “a clear preference for an expansive government-run system.”Smith, R-Mo., said the selection of Jurow-Kleiman and New America shows that “the Administration has already predetermined that a government-directed e-file system should exist regardless of what might be found in a truly nonpartisan, independent, third-party review.”Jurow-Kleiman said the GOP pushback to her selection was based on an unpublished draft of an article about tax compliance costs and that none of her writings have “addressed the questions that we are assessing in the feasibility study.”Molly Martin, director of strategy at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newamerica.org/">New America</a>, referred requests for comment to the IRS, saying the organization “is still working on its report.”David Williams, at the right-leaning, nonprofit Taxpayers Protection Alliance, says the “government preparing taxes is problematic.”“The taxpayer is looking for the biggest refund possible, but for the IRS that’s not their job to look for the biggest refund for filers,” he said. “We’re concerned about that conflict of interest, but also really the ability of the IRS to do this.”To Gabriel Zucker, who helped create the tool to help families access the Advance Child Tax Credit during the pandemic, successfully setting up a free-file program is possible. "It is a really great way for government to better serve people,'' said Zucker, associate policy director for tax benefits at Code for America.

On Tax Day there is a push for free electronic tax-filing system 

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Wearing a red cap and a Buffalo Bills pullover, safety Damar Hamlin sat down at the podium and declared he’s ready to resume playing football.

“This event was life-changing, but it’s not the end of my story,” Hamlin said Tuesday, speaking at a news conference at the team’s facility for the first time since he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati four months ago.

“I plan on making a comeback to the NFL,” Hamlin added. “My heart is still in the game.”

Hamlin spoke a few hours after general manager Brandon Beane announced Hamlin was cleared to play and was attending the team’s voluntary workout program, the latest and biggest steps in the 25-year-old’s remarkable recovery.

“He’s fully cleared. He’s here and he is of the mindset. He’s in a great headspace to come back and make his return,” Beane told reporters.

Beane said the clearance came after Hamlin met with a third and final specialist on Friday, with all three being in agreement that Hamlin can resume playing without any fear of setbacks or complications. While the Bills had their head athletic trainer sit in on Hamlin’s meetings with specialists, Beane said the team is following the lead of the specialists.

“He’s such a great kid and has such a great family, and it’s exciting to go from a guy who was fighting for his life to now,” Beane said. “His story hasn’t been written. Now it’s about his comeback.”

Hamlin’s teammates were elated to see him back in the facility working out.

“D-Ham is a special person, a beautiful soul,” fellow safety Micah Hyde said. “I look up to him, especially how he’s bounced back after facing adversity. A little scary. But to see him well and in the building and move around a little bit, it gives you a little energy.”

Hamlin’s recovery is personal to many who watched in shock as Hamlin collapsed on the field on a nationally televised “Monday Night Football” game, but moreso for Beane. While the Bills returned home after the game initially was suspended and eventually canceled, Beane spent the first four days at Hamlin’s side, including when he was awakened from a medically induced coma at the University Cincinnati Medical Center.

“It was all about his health, and it’s always going to be about his health,” Beane said. “But to truly, you know, however many months later be talking about he’s fully cleared is pretty remarkable. And I’m excited for him and his family where for where they are on his journey.”

Hamlin collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter of a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals. His collapse led to an outporing of support from around the NFL and across North America, with donations made to Hamlin’s charitable organization topping more than $9 million.

The second-year player from Pittsburgh’s exurb of McKee’s Rock spent nearly 10 days recovering in hospitals in Cincinnati and Buffalo before being released. He eventually began visiting the Bills’ facility and attended the team’s season-ending 27-10 loss to Cincinnati in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Hamlin has since made numerous appearances around the country, including meeting with President Joe Biden last month.

Biden posted a tweet on the visit that read: “Hamlin’s courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people. And what’s more: he turned recovery into action — and our country is better for it.”

The White House said in a statement that Hamlin’s efforts during his recovery had helped to “make life-saving technologies more widely available.” Biden previously spoke by phone with Hamlin’s parents while visiting Cincinnati on Jan. 4, two days after the game and while Hamlin was in the hospital.

Hamlin’s visit to Washington came as part of the player’s desire to back a bill that would increase access to defibrillators in public and private elementary and secondary schools.

During the Super Bowl festivities in Arizona in February, he received the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award. He also took part in a pregame ceremony in which the NFL honored the Bills’ and Bengals’ training and medical staffs and first responders who treated him.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Wearing a red cap and a Buffalo Bills pullover, safety Damar Hamlin sat down at the podium and declared he’s ready to resume playing football.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">“This is not the end of my story. I plan to make a comeback to the NFL.” 🫶 <a href="https://t.co/jlAMdErKWk">pic.twitter.com/jlAMdErKWk</a>&mdash; Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1648384392128020481?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“This event was life-changing, but it’s not the end of my story,” Hamlin said Tuesday, speaking at a news conference at the team’s facility for the first time since he went into cardiac arrest and had to be resuscitated on the field during a game at Cincinnati four months ago.“I plan on making a comeback to the NFL,” Hamlin added. “My heart is still in the game.”Hamlin spoke a few hours after general manager Brandon Beane announced Hamlin was cleared to play and was attending the team’s voluntary workout program, the latest and biggest steps in the 25-year-old’s remarkable recovery.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Per GM Brandon Beane, Damar Hamlin has been cleared to resume full football activities.<a href="https://twitter.com/HamlinIsland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@HamlinIsland</a> is in Buffalo and in a great headspace. ❤️💙 <a href="https://t.co/wa2ZfGm8mX">pic.twitter.com/wa2ZfGm8mX</a>&mdash; Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1648340190140956676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“He’s fully cleared. He’s here and he is of the mindset. He’s in a great headspace to come back and make his return,” Beane told reporters.Beane said the clearance came after Hamlin met with a third and final specialist on Friday, with all three being in agreement that Hamlin can resume playing without any fear of setbacks or complications. While the Bills had their head athletic trainer sit in on Hamlin’s meetings with specialists, Beane said the team is following the lead of the specialists.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Damar Hamlin is working out with the team today in Buffalo. Glad to have you back, 3. 🫶 <a href="https://t.co/n80HheSIaG">pic.twitter.com/n80HheSIaG</a>&mdash; Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) <a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1648342750566182915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>“He’s such a great kid and has such a great family, and it’s exciting to go from a guy who was fighting for his life to now,” Beane said. “His story hasn’t been written. Now it’s about his comeback.”Hamlin’s teammates were elated to see him back in the facility working out.“D-Ham is a special person, a beautiful soul,” fellow safety Micah Hyde said. “I look up to him, especially how he’s bounced back after facing adversity. A little scary. But to see him well and in the building and move around a little bit, it gives you a little energy.”Hamlin’s recovery is personal to many who watched in shock as Hamlin collapsed on the field on a nationally televised “Monday Night Football” game, but moreso for Beane. While the Bills returned home after the game initially was suspended and eventually canceled, Beane spent the first four days at Hamlin’s side, including when he was awakened from a medically induced coma at the University Cincinnati Medical Center.“It was all about his health, and it’s always going to be about his health,” Beane said. “But to truly, you know, however many months later be talking about he’s fully cleared is pretty remarkable. And I’m excited for him and his family where for where they are on his journey.”Hamlin collapsed after making what appeared to be a routine tackle in the first quarter of a Jan. 2 game against the Bengals. His collapse led to an outporing of support from around the NFL and across North America, with donations made to Hamlin’s charitable organization topping more than $9 million.The second-year player from Pittsburgh’s exurb of McKee’s Rock spent nearly 10 days recovering in hospitals in Cincinnati and Buffalo before being released. He eventually began visiting the Bills’ facility and attended the team’s season-ending 27-10 loss to Cincinnati in the divisional round of the playoffs.Hamlin has since made numerous appearances around the country, including meeting with President Joe Biden last month.Biden posted a tweet on the visit that read: “Hamlin’s courage, resilience, and spirit inspired the American people. And what’s more: he turned recovery into action — and our country is better for it.”The White House said in a statement that Hamlin’s efforts during his recovery had helped to “make life-saving technologies more widely available.” Biden previously spoke by phone with Hamlin’s parents while visiting Cincinnati on Jan. 4, two days after the game and while Hamlin was in the hospital.Hamlin’s visit to Washington came as part of the player’s desire to back a bill that would increase access to defibrillators in public and private elementary and secondary schools.During the Super Bowl festivities in Arizona in February, he received the NFLPA’s Alan Page Community Award. He also took part in a pregame ceremony in which the NFL honored the Bills’ and Bengals’ training and medical staffs and first responders who treated him.___

🎥Damar Hamlin cleared to play football after cardiac arrest

BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.

Just before 5p.m. April 15, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop for speeding on US 36 near Horned Owl Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.

The deputy spoke with a female driver less than 18 years of age and it was discovered that she did not possess a valid drivers license. 

A Brown County K-9 arrived and Carla alerted on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and items of evidence were seized such as an open container of whiskey, methamphetamine, marijuana, syringes, fentanyl, paraphernalia, scales etc. 

An investigation following the search resulted in the arrest of the passenger in the vehicle, Camden Hubbard 42 of Wamego.

Hubbard was booked on requested Charges of Aggravated Human Trafficking victim &gt;14, Aggravated Child Endangerment &lt;18, Contributing to a Child's Misconduct, Conspiracy Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Use Communication Device to Facilitate Felony, Transport Open Container, Improper Vehicle Registration, Possession of Opiate, Possession of Stimulant, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.

The case will be forwarded to the Brown County attorney for review.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681813980364.png" alt="Hubbard-photo Brown County" />
 <figcaption>Hubbard-photo Brown County</figcaption>
 </figure>BROWN COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a traffic stop.Just before 5p.m. April 15, a sheriff's deputy initiated a traffic stop for speeding on US 36 near Horned Owl Road, according to Sheriff John Merchant.The deputy spoke with a female driver less than 18 years of age and it was discovered that she did not possess a valid drivers license. A Brown County K-9 arrived and Carla alerted on the vehicle. A search of the vehicle was conducted and items of evidence were seized such as an open container of whiskey, methamphetamine, marijuana, syringes, fentanyl, paraphernalia, scales etc. An investigation following the search resulted in the arrest of the passenger in the vehicle, Camden Hubbard 42 of Wamego. Hubbard was booked on requested Charges of Aggravated Human Trafficking victim &gt;14, Aggravated Child Endangerment &lt;18, Contributing to a Child's Misconduct, Conspiracy Sexual Exploitation of a Child, Use Communication Device to Facilitate Felony, Transport Open Container, Improper Vehicle Registration, Possession of Opiate, Possession of Stimulant, Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He remains in custody, according to online jail records.The case will be forwarded to the Brown County attorney for review.

Kansas man accused of child sex trafficking

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The mother of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-black-teen-shooting-9602deefd974b9b91220aaa8a94f25c7">Ralph Yarl</a>, the Black teenager shot when he mistakenly went to the wrong Kansas City, Missouri, home to pick up his younger brothers, said her son is crying “buckets of tears” as he comes to grips with what happened to him.

Meanwhile, the 84-year-old man charged in the shooting turned himself in Tuesday at the Clay County Detention Center, the sheriff's office said. Andrew Lester surrendered a day after being charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Some civil rights leaders urged a hate crime charge but Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said first-degree assault is a higher-level crime with a longer sentence — up to life in prison.

“Ralph is doing considerably well," Cleo Nagbe told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs-mornings/">“CBS Mornings”</a>&nbsp;co-host Gayle King on Tuesday. "Physically, mornings are hard, but his spirits are in a good place. I borrow from his spirits.”

Nagbe said the trauma remains evident. She said her 16-year-old son is “able to communicate mostly when he feels like it, but mostly he just sits there and stares and the buckets of tears just rolls down his eyes.”

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nf36y-cover-medical-expenses">Click here to view</a>&nbsp;the the GoFundMe to assist the Yarl family

The shooting happened about 10 p.m. Thursday. Police Chief Stacey Graves said that Yarl’s parents asked him to pick up his twin brothers at a home on 115th Terrace.

Yarl, an honor student and all-state band member, mistakenly went to 115th Street. When he rang the bell, Lester came to the door and shot Yarl in the forehead — then shot him again, in the right forearm.

James Lynch was the neighbor who found Yarl. Lynch didn’t immediately respond to an interview request but his wife, Tiffany, in a brief interview confirmed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/good-samaritan-helped-ralph-yarl-found-bloody-motionless-didnt-deserve-rcna80116?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma">NBC News</a>&nbsp;report that said Lynch heard shouting and saw Yarl banging on the door of another home.

The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. Civic and political leaders — including President Joe Biden — demanded justice.

The civil rights attorneys for Yarl’s family, Ben Crump and Lee Merritt, said in a statement that Biden called the teen’s family and offered “prayers for Ralph’s health and for justice.” Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on Twitter that “No child should ever live in fear of being shot for ringing the wrong doorbell.”

Still, some — including lawyers for Yarl's family — pressed the racial dimension of the case. A protest rally was planned for Tuesday afternoon, and several civil rights organizations planned a news conference at the rally site.

Legal experts believe Lester's lawyers will claim self-defense under Missouri’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The law allows for use of deadly force if a person is in fear for his or her life. Missouri is among roughly 30 states with such statutes.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681726215314.png" alt="Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Ralph Yarl photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The mother of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kansas-city-black-teen-shooting-9602deefd974b9b91220aaa8a94f25c7">Ralph Yarl</a>, the Black teenager shot when he mistakenly went to the wrong Kansas City, Missouri, home to pick up his younger brothers, said her son is crying “buckets of tears” as he comes to grips with what happened to him.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Andrew Lester, charged in the shooting of Ralph Yarl, has surrendered at our Detention Center. He is in custody.&mdash; Clay County, Missouri Sheriff (@SheriffClayCo) <a href="https://twitter.com/SheriffClayCo/status/1648387530016825358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Meanwhile, the 84-year-old man charged in the shooting turned himself in Tuesday at the Clay County Detention Center, the sheriff's office said. Andrew Lester surrendered a day after being charged with first-degree assault and armed criminal action. Some civil rights leaders urged a hate crime charge but Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zachary Thompson said first-degree assault is a higher-level crime with a longer sentence — up to life in prison.“Ralph is doing considerably well," Cleo Nagbe told&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cbs.com/shows/cbs-mornings/">“CBS Mornings”</a>&nbsp;co-host Gayle King on Tuesday. "Physically, mornings are hard, but his spirits are in a good place. I borrow from his spirits.”Nagbe said the trauma remains evident. She said her 16-year-old son is “able to communicate mostly when he feels like it, but mostly he just sits there and stares and the buckets of tears just rolls down his eyes.”“You can see that he is just replaying the situation over and over again, and that just doesn’t stop my tears either,” she said.<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/nf36y-cover-medical-expenses">Click here to view</a>&nbsp;the the GoFundMe to assist the Yarl family<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681844207619.png" alt="Lester in his Tuesday afternoon booking photo released by Clay County" />
 <figcaption>Lester in his Tuesday afternoon booking photo released by Clay County</figcaption>
 </figure>The shooting happened about 10 p.m. Thursday. Police Chief Stacey Graves said that Yarl’s parents asked him to pick up his twin brothers at a home on 115th Terrace.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Last night, I had a chance to call Ralph Yarl and his family. No parent should have to worry that their kid will be shot after ringing the wrong doorbell. We&#39;ve got to keep up the fight against gun violence. And Ralph, we&#39;ll see you in the Oval once you feel better. <a href="https://t.co/mPXiM1X6nK">pic.twitter.com/mPXiM1X6nK</a>&mdash; President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1648390965797744640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Yarl, an honor student and all-state band member, mistakenly went to 115th Street. When he rang the bell, Lester came to the door and shot Yarl in the forehead — then shot him again, in the right forearm.Lester told police he lives alone and was “scared to death” when he saw a Black male on the porch and thought someone was trying to break in, according to the probable cause statement.No words were exchanged before the shooting, but afterward, as Yarl got up to run, he heard Lester yell, “Don’t come around here,” the statement said.Yarl ran to “multiple” homes asking for help before finding someone who would call the police, the statement said.James Lynch was the neighbor who found Yarl. Lynch didn’t immediately respond to an interview request but his wife, Tiffany, in a brief interview confirmed an&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/good-samaritan-helped-ralph-yarl-found-bloody-motionless-didnt-deserve-rcna80116?cid=sm_npd_nn_tw_ma">NBC News</a>&nbsp;report that said Lynch heard shouting and saw Yarl banging on the door of another home.“I heard somebody screaming, ‘Help, help, I’ve been shot!’” Lynch, who is white, told NBC. The father of three ran out and found Yarl covered in blood. Lynch checked his pulse and, when another neighbor came out with towels, helped stem the bleeding until paramedics arrived.“He just wants the family to know that Ralph wasn’t alone,” Tiffany Lynch said, adding that the action was typical of her husband.“He helps out anyone he can and always has,” she said.The shooting outraged many in Kansas City and across the country. Civic and political leaders — including President Joe Biden — demanded justice.The civil rights attorneys for Yarl’s family, Ben Crump and Lee Merritt, said in a statement that Biden called the teen’s family and offered “prayers for Ralph’s health and for justice.” Vice President Kamala Harris wrote on Twitter that “No child should ever live in fear of being shot for ringing the wrong doorbell.”Thompson said Monday that there was a “racial component” to the shooting. He did not elaborate. But Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Alexander Higginbotham clarified in an email to The Associated Press on Tuesday that “there is not a racial element to the legal charges that were filed.”Still, some — including lawyers for Yarl's family — pressed the racial dimension of the case. A protest rally was planned for Tuesday afternoon, and several civil rights organizations planned a news conference at the rally site.“The police are not treating this case in the same way Black people accused of murder are treated," Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. said in a statement. "A Black suspect would have been in jail.”The assault charge carries a penalty of up to life in prison. Lester also was charged with armed criminal action, which has a penalty range of three to 15 years in prison.It wasn't immediately clear if the U.S. Department of Justice was investigating. Messages left with a spokesman were not immediately returned.Charging Lester with a hate crime would have potentially meant a shorter sentence if he's convicted, experts said.Washington University School of Law Professor Peter Joy said the state hate crime law is used only to enhance low-level felony or misdemeanor charges, taking them no higher than a class-C felony level, with a penalty range of three to 10 years upon conviction.“What the prosecutor did was charge (Lester) with the highest degree of felony they could charge him with,” Joy said.Legal experts believe Lester's lawyers will claim self-defense under Missouri’s “Stand Your Ground” law. The law allows for use of deadly force if a person is in fear for his or her life. Missouri is among roughly 30 states with such statutes.Robert Spitzer, a professor emeritus of political science at the State University of New York, Cortland, whose research focuses on gun policy and politics, said the Missouri law provides “wide latitude for people to use lethal force.”St. Louis defense attorney Nina McDonnell agreed. She said prosecutors have a strong case but the Stand Your Ground law defense is a “huge hurdle” to overcome.“The defendant was in his house and has expressed that he was in fear," McDonnell said.By Tuesday morning, a GoFundMe page set up for Yarl had raised $2.9 million from 77,000 donations.___

Homeowner who shot black KC teen turns himself in at county jail

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

Just after 6:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 2300 block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley. 

First responders found an adult man suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.

Late Monday, police reported the&nbsp;victim was pronounced deceased. Police reported no additional details including the victim's name early Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681821530853.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation Monday evening-Photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation Monday evening-Photo by Phil Anderson courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just after 6:30p.m. Monday, police were dispatched to a report of gunshots in the 2300 block of SE Bellview Avenue in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Edward Stanley. First responders found an adult man suffering from a life-threatening gunshot wound. The victim was transported by ambulance to a local hospital.Late Monday, police reported the&nbsp;victim was pronounced deceased. Police reported no additional details including the victim's name early Tuesday.

Police: Victim in Kansas shooting has died

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines planes were grounded nationwide for what the airline called an intermittent technology issue, causing more than 1,700 flight delays Tuesday just four months after the carrier suffered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-transportation-us-department-of-0925834b8cfcf1150358f874334d16d7">meltdown</a>&nbsp;over the Christmas travel rush.

The hold on departures was lifted by late morning, shortly after it was announced, according to Southwest and the Federal Aviation Administration, but not before traffic at airports from Denver to New York City backed up.

“Southwest has resumed operations after temporarily pausing flight activity this morning to work through data connection issues resulting from a firewall failure,” the Dallas airline said in a prepared statement. “Early this morning, a vendor-supplied firewall went down and connection to some operational data was unexpectedly lost.”

The airline urged customers to check on their flight status “and explore self-service options” for travel as the airline worked on restoring its operation.

By late morning on the East Coast, Southwest accounted for well over half of all delays nationwide, but the airline had canceled fewer than a dozen flights, according to FlightAware.

Tuesday's flight freeze was brief, but it added to the picture of an airline that has struggled more than most with technology issues. CEO Robert Jordan has embarked on a campaign to repair the airline's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-texas-arizona-california-da3b72f2350b0f77498f7f67316facb5">damaged reputation</a>.

In December, Southwest canceled nearly 17,000 flights over the Christmas holiday due to bad weather and its crew-scheduling system becoming overwhelmed. Those cancellations cost the airline more than $1 billion. The Transportation Department is investigating the breakdown.

The airline’s unions have said they warned management about problems with the crew-scheduling system after a previous meltdown in October 2021.

Southwest said last month it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-cancellations-technology-weather-314069ab4bb9de5eb804c566927606ec">add deicing equipment and increase staffing</a>&nbsp;during winter weather that is cold enough to limit the amount of time that ground workers can stay outside.

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines planes were stopped from taking off nationwide for what the airline called an intermittent technology issue, causing more than 1,500 flight delays Tuesday just four months after the carrier suffered a meltdown over the Christmas travel rush.

Southwest and the Federal Aviation Administration said by late morning on the East Coast that the pause had been lifted.

In December, Southwest canceled nearly 17,000 flights over the Christmas holiday due to bad weather and its crew-scheduling system becoming overwhelmed. Those cancellations cost the airline more than $1 billion and are being investigated by the Transportation Department.

DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers.

y late morning on the East Coast, more than 1,500 Southwest flights had been delayed, accounting for well over half of all delays nationwide, according to FlightAware.

Southwest said on Twitter that it asked the Federal Aviation Administration to hold up departures because of “intermittent" technical issues and hoped to resume flights as soon as possible.

The airline did not immediately respond to questions about the nature of the technical problem.

The FAA said only that Southwest requested the pause on flights, and referred questions to the Dallas-based airline.

KANSAS CITY —All Southwest Airlines flight departures were halted nationwide just before 10a.m. Tuesday due to technical issues, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Grounds stops prevent any flights not already in the air from departing, according to the FAA.

Check the Post for additional details as they become available.

In December, Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681829765447.png" alt="Image Kansas City International Airport" />
 <figcaption>Image Kansas City International Airport</figcaption>
 </figure><div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">This morning <a href="https://twitter.com/SouthwestAir?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SouthwestAir</a> experienced a technical issue with one of their internal systems. At the airline’s request, the FAA paused Southwest’s departures as they resolved the issue. The pause has been lifted and their service has resumed.&mdash; The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews/status/1648343231569035266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines planes were grounded nationwide for what the airline called an intermittent technology issue, causing more than 1,700 flight delays Tuesday just four months after the carrier suffered a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-transportation-us-department-of-0925834b8cfcf1150358f874334d16d7">meltdown</a>&nbsp;over the Christmas travel rush.The hold on departures was lifted by late morning, shortly after it was announced, according to Southwest and the Federal Aviation Administration, but not before traffic at airports from Denver to New York City backed up.“Southwest has resumed operations after temporarily pausing flight activity this morning to work through data connection issues resulting from a firewall failure,” the Dallas airline said in a prepared statement. “Early this morning, a vendor-supplied firewall went down and connection to some operational data was unexpectedly lost.”The airline urged customers to check on their flight status “and explore self-service options” for travel as the airline worked on restoring its operation.By late morning on the East Coast, Southwest accounted for well over half of all delays nationwide, but the airline had canceled fewer than a dozen flights, according to FlightAware.Tuesday's flight freeze was brief, but it added to the picture of an airline that has struggled more than most with technology issues. CEO Robert Jordan has embarked on a campaign to repair the airline's&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/business-texas-arizona-california-da3b72f2350b0f77498f7f67316facb5">damaged reputation</a>.In December, Southwest canceled nearly 17,000 flights over the Christmas holiday due to bad weather and its crew-scheduling system becoming overwhelmed. Those cancellations cost the airline more than $1 billion. The Transportation Department is investigating the breakdown.The airline’s unions have said they warned management about problems with the crew-scheduling system after a previous meltdown in October 2021.Southwest said last month it would&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/southwest-airlines-cancellations-technology-weather-314069ab4bb9de5eb804c566927606ec">add deicing equipment and increase staffing</a>&nbsp;during winter weather that is cold enough to limit the amount of time that ground workers can stay outside.------------DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines planes were stopped from taking off nationwide for what the airline called an intermittent technology issue, causing more than 1,500 flight delays Tuesday just four months after the carrier suffered a meltdown over the Christmas travel rush.Southwest and the Federal Aviation Administration said by late morning on the East Coast that the pause had been lifted.“Southwest has resumed operations after temporarily pausing flight activity this morning to work through data connection issues resulting from a firewall failure,” the Dallas airline said in a prepared statement. “Early this morning, a vendor-supplied firewall went down and connection to some operational data was unexpectedly lost.”By late morning on the East Coast, Southwest accounted for well over half of all delays nationwide, but the airline had canceled fewer than a dozen flights, according to FlightAware.In December, Southwest canceled nearly 17,000 flights over the Christmas holiday due to bad weather and its crew-scheduling system becoming overwhelmed. Those cancellations cost the airline more than $1 billion and are being investigated by the Transportation Department.------------DALLAS (AP) — Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights again Tuesday in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S., and the federal government said it would investigate why the company lagged so far behind other carriers.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Southwest Airlines requested the FAA pause the airline’s departures. Please contact Southwest Airlines for more.&mdash; The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews/status/1648334637574356994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>y late morning on the East Coast, more than 1,500 Southwest flights had been delayed, accounting for well over half of all delays nationwide, according to FlightAware.Southwest said on Twitter that it asked the Federal Aviation Administration to hold up departures because of “intermittent" technical issues and hoped to resume flights as soon as possible.The airline did not immediately respond to questions about the nature of the technical problem.The FAA said only that Southwest requested the pause on flights, and referred questions to the Dallas-based airline.In December, Southwest canceled nearly 17,000 flights over the Christmas holiday due to bad weather and its crew-scheduling system becoming overwhelmed. Those cancellations cost the airline more than $1 billion and are being investigated by the Transportation Department.-----------------KANSAS CITY —All Southwest Airlines flight departures were halted nationwide just before 10a.m. Tuesday due to technical issues, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Southwest Airlines requested the FAA pause the airline’s departures. Please contact Southwest Airlines for more.&mdash; The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) <a href="https://twitter.com/FAANews/status/1648334637574356994?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>Grounds stops prevent any flights not already in the air from departing, according to the FAA.Check the Post for additional details as they become available.In December, Southwest Airlines scrubbed thousands of flights in the aftermath of the massive winter storm that wrecked Christmas travel plans across the U.S.

Southwest passengers face delays after nationwide grounding

CONSHOKOCKEN, Pa. (AP) — David’s Bridal has filed for bankruptcy protection, the second time for the chain in the past five years.

The announcement Monday arrives days after the company, one of the largest sellers of wedding gowns and formal wear, said it could eliminate more than 9,200 jobs across the United States. Based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company has about 300 stores across dozens of states and employs more than 11,000 workers,

David’s Bridal is looking to sell the company, but its stores remain open and its fulfilling orders without delay. Its online platforms also remain available to help people with their wedding planning needs.

The company last filed for bankruptcy protection in 2018 but reemerged a year later. Monday's filing was made in New Jersey.

The company has stores in Wichita, Topeka, Lenexa and two additional stores in Kansas City.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681826105095.png" alt="David's Bridal in Topeka- The company has 3 locations in Kansas- Google image" />
 <figcaption>David's Bridal in Topeka- The company has 3 locations in Kansas- Google image</figcaption>
 </figure>CONSHOKOCKEN, Pa. (AP) — David’s Bridal has filed for bankruptcy protection, the second time for the chain in the past five years.The announcement Monday arrives days after the company, one of the largest sellers of wedding gowns and formal wear, said it could eliminate more than 9,200 jobs across the United States. Based in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, the company has about 300 stores across dozens of states and employs more than 11,000 workers,David’s Bridal is looking to sell the company, but its stores remain open and its fulfilling orders without delay. Its online platforms also remain available to help people with their wedding planning needs.The company last filed for bankruptcy protection in 2018 but reemerged a year later. Monday's filing was made in New Jersey.The company has stores in Wichita, Topeka, Lenexa and two additional stores in Kansas City.

David's Bridal files for bankruptcy, but your order is safe

SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a weekend standoff.

Just before 5:30p.m. on April 16, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance with a weapon at a home in the 7000 block of West Freeman in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp;

 A 911 caller reported a man identified as 20-year-old Markel Henderson was inside a home and threatened multiple people with a firearm. The 911 caller and another victim reported leaving the house, but Henderson was still inside.

Officers arrived at the&nbsp; home and established a perimeter as the Wichita Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was assembled. Officers were able to make contact with the suspect, who exited the home and was taken into custody shortly before 8:00 p.m.

Henderson was transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on requested charges of aggravated assault,&nbsp; criminal threat and battery. He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681770126430.png" alt="Henderson-photo Sedgwick County" />
 <figcaption>Henderson-photo Sedgwick County</figcaption>
 </figure>SEDGWICK COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansas man on multiple charges after a weekend standoff.Just before 5:30p.m. on April 16, police responded to a domestic violence disturbance with a weapon at a home in the 7000 block of West Freeman in Wichita, according to Officer Trevor Macy.&nbsp; A 911 caller reported a man identified as 20-year-old Markel Henderson was inside a home and threatened multiple people with a firearm. The 911 caller and another victim reported leaving the house, but Henderson was still inside.Officers arrived at the&nbsp; home and established a perimeter as the Wichita Police Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team was assembled. Officers were able to make contact with the suspect, who exited the home and was taken into custody shortly before 8:00 p.m.Henderson was transported to the Sedgwick County Jail and booked on requested charges of aggravated assault,&nbsp; criminal threat and battery. He is being held on a $50,000 bond, according to online jail records.

Kansas man arrested after standoff with SWAT team

MOSCOW (AP) —An American journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-wall-street-journal-reporter-espionage-152e4bc8c9c97c36d263898c9cf44ad9">arrested on spying charges</a>&nbsp;as part of a sweeping Kremlin crackdown on press freedom amid the war in Ukraine will remain jailed, a Russian judge ruled Tuesday. Evan Gershkovich and the U.S. government vehemently deny the allegations.

The Wall Street Journal reporter is the first U.S. correspondent since the Cold War to be detained in Russia on spying allegations and his arrest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-journalists-danger-reporter-detained-2172a2edc07d652ebaf000eb1c3e3618">rattled journalists in the country</a>&nbsp;and elicited outrage in the West.

Dozens of journalists crowded into the courtroom to catch a glimpse of Gershkovich. Clad in pale-blue jeans and a plaid shirt, the 31-year-old reporter looked calm and even smiled at times as he stood inside a glass cage to appeal his detention.

Russian journalist Vasily Polonsky posted a video online of Gerhskovich nodding as Polonsky shouted at him: “Evan, hang in there. Everyone says hello!”

Russia’s Federal Security Service detained the 31-year-old in Yekaterinburg in March and accused him of trying to obtain classified information about a Russian arms factory.

Gershkovich, his employer and the U.S. government deny he was involved in spying and have demanded his release.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1681820900687.png" alt="Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich stands in a glass cage in a courtroom at the Moscow City Court, in Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)" />
 <figcaption>Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich stands in a glass cage in a courtroom at the Moscow City Court, in Moscow, Russia, on Tuesday, April 18, 2023. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)</figcaption>
 </figure>MOSCOW (AP) —An American journalist&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-wall-street-journal-reporter-espionage-152e4bc8c9c97c36d263898c9cf44ad9">arrested on spying charges</a>&nbsp;as part of a sweeping Kremlin crackdown on press freedom amid the war in Ukraine will remain jailed, a Russian judge ruled Tuesday. Evan Gershkovich and the U.S. government vehemently deny the allegations.The Wall Street Journal reporter is the first U.S. correspondent since the Cold War to be detained in Russia on spying allegations and his arrest&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-journalists-danger-reporter-detained-2172a2edc07d652ebaf000eb1c3e3618">rattled journalists in the country</a>&nbsp;and elicited outrage in the West.Dozens of journalists crowded into the courtroom to catch a glimpse of Gershkovich. Clad in pale-blue jeans and a plaid shirt, the 31-year-old reporter looked calm and even smiled at times as he stood inside a glass cage to appeal his detention.Russian journalist Vasily Polonsky posted a video online of Gerhskovich nodding as Polonsky shouted at him: “Evan, hang in there. Everyone says hello!”Russia’s Federal Security Service detained the 31-year-old in Yekaterinburg in March and accused him of trying to obtain classified information about a Russian arms factory.Gershkovich, his employer and the U.S. government deny he was involved in spying and have demanded his release.“Evan is a member of the free press who right up until he was arrested was engaged in newsgathering. Any suggestions otherwise are false," the Journal has said in a statement.Last week, the U.S. officially declared that Gershkovich was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-gershkovich-detained-reporter-ec01fede36db839b4c09c4c071e8da9f">“wrongfully detained.”</a>A judge with the Moscow City Court rejected the reporter’s appeal of his detention on Tuesday, ruling that he must stay in jail until at least May 29.Gershkovich could face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Russian lawyers have said past investigations into espionage cases took a year to 18 months, during which time he could have little contact with the outside world.He has been held in&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/moscow-lefortovo-prison-gershkovich-russia-wall-street-journal-2b160207d8c08f8ca0cc30b619daf6e9">Moscow’s Lefortovo prison</a>, which dates from the czarist era and has been a terrifying symbol of repression since Soviet times.The arrest comes at a moment of bitter tensions between the West and Moscow over its&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/hub/russia-ukraine">invasion of Ukraine</a>&nbsp;and as the Kremlin intensifies a crackdown on opposition activists, independent journalists and civil society groups.The sweeping campaign of repression is unprecedented since the Soviet era. Activists say it often means the very profession of journalism is criminalized, along with the activities of ordinary Russians who oppose the war.Last month, a Russian court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-crackdown-opposition-father-drawing-7ef43a8fb8f0110638b96a677a222b2b">convicted a father over social media posts critical of the war</a>&nbsp;and sentenced him to two years in prison. On Monday, a Russian court&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-kara-murza-sentence-b9d389feeb468ca3d19171d0440faa7d">convicted top opposition figure Vladimir Kara-Murza Jr.</a>&nbsp;of treason for publicly denouncing the war and sentenced him to 25 years in prison.The U.S. has pressed Moscow to grant consular access to Gershkovich. U.S. Ambassador Lynne Tracy, who attended Tuesday's hearing, said a day earlier that she had&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/us-ambassador-visits-evan-gershkovich-russia-prison-245159c600fccbc6b9a300c9a8c2c29e">visited Gershkovich in prison</a>. She said on Twitter that “he is in good health and remains strong,” reiterating a U.S. call for his immediate release.U.S. President Joe Biden spoke to Greshkovich’s parents last week and again condemned his detention.“We’re making it real clear that it’s totally illegal what’s happening, and we declared it so,” he said.Gershkovich is the first American reporter to be arrested on espionage charges in Russia since 1986, when Nicholas Daniloff, a Moscow correspondent for U.S. News and World Report, was arrested. Daniloff was released without charge 20 days later in a swap for an employee of the Soviet Union’s United Nations mission who was arrested by the FBI, also on spying charges.A top Russian diplomat said last week that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-detained-wall-street-journal-reporter-d3a51b09c1db6b1d5b8012367bff51c4">Russia might be willing to discuss</a>&nbsp;a potential prisoner swap with the U.S. involving Gershkovich after his trial. That means any exchange is unlikely to happen any time soon.In December, American basketball star Brittney Griner&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/54de0cc371615a7165053a76eff17380">was exchanged for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout</a>&nbsp;following her trial and conviction on drug possession charges. She had been sentenced to nine years in prison and ended up spending 10 months behind bars.Another American, Michigan corporate security executive Paul Whelan, has been imprisoned in Russia since December 2018 on espionage charges, which his family and the U.S. government have called baseless.