WASHINGTON (AP) — Major oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia said they're&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">cutting supplies of crude</a>&nbsp;— again. This time, the decision was a surprise and is underlining worries about where the global economy might be headed.

Russia is joining in by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-65edbc5ba28370c0face621b7db0ce74">extending its own cuts</a>&nbsp;for the rest of the year. In theory, less oil flowing to refineries should mean higher gasoline prices for drivers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-economy-moscow-prices-9bcc886c4d5f8d341cf8939f88705781">could boost the inflation</a>&nbsp;hitting the U.S. and Europe. And that may also help Russia weather Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine at the expense of the U.S.

The decision by oil producers, many of them in the OPEC oil cartel, to cut production by more than 1 million barrels a day comes after prices for international benchmark crude slumped amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-economic-impact-ef6e4c4443743ccbf7740892fb0b4f3b?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_09">slowing global economy</a>&nbsp;that needs less fuel for travel and industry.

It adds to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-health-germany-elections-d873521f8b165774de3902439dd5a6ee">cut of 2 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;announced in October. Between the two cuts, that's about 3% of the world's oil supply.

Here are key things to know about the cutbacks:

Saudi Arabia, OPEC's dominant member, said Sunday that the move is “precautionary” to avoid a deeper slide in oil prices.

Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman has consistently taken a cautious approach to future demand and favored being proactive in adjusting supply ahead of a possible downturn in oil needs.

That stance seemed to be borne out as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-5f010ed0b66fb71e8d46040419a70203">oil prices fell from highs</a>&nbsp;of over $120 per barrel last summer to $73 last month. Prices jumped after Sunday's announcement, with international benchmark Brent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/03d9d1bfb51e2ce4a42bf7744bf1bafa">crude trading at about $85</a>&nbsp;on Monday, up 6%.

With fears of a U.S. recession exacerbated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/banks-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-lending-rescue-a04875a164165b50e971ff4576bf4e27">bank collapses</a>, a lack of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-inflation-economic-growth-5fa7942504507e3ca708c8e4591ed8d8">European economic growth</a>&nbsp;and China’s rebound from COVID-19 taking longer than many expected, oil producers are wary of a sudden collapse in prices like during the pandemic and the global financial crisis in 2008-2009.

Capital markets analyst Mohammed Ali Yasin said most people had been waiting for the June 4 meeting of the OPEC+ alliance of OPEC members and allied producers, most prominently Russia. The decision underlined the urgency felt by producers.

“It was a surprise to all, I think, watchers and the market followers,” he said. “The swiftness of the move, the timing of the move and the size of the move were all significant.”

The aim now is to ward off "a continous slide of the oil price” to levels below $70 per barrel, which would be “very negative” for producer economies, Yasin said.

Part of the October cut of 2 millions barrels per day was on paper only as some OPEC+ countries aren’t able to produce their share. The new cut of 1.15 million barrels per day is distributed among countries that are hitting their quotas — so it amounts to roughly the same size cut as in October.

Governments announced the decision outside the usual OPEC+ framework. The Saudis are taking the lead with 500,000 barrels per day, with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Algeria and Kazakhstan contributing smaller cuts.

WILL THE PRODUCTION CUT MAKE INFLATION WORSE?

It certainly could. Analysts say supply and demand are relatively well balanced, which means production cuts could push prices higher in coming months.

The refineries that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-diesel-fuel-embargo-explainer-28b9043593c7cb92e032aa451c837b39">turn crude into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel</a>&nbsp;are getting ready for their summer production surge to meet the annual increase in travel demand.

In the U.S., gasoline prices are highly dependent on crude, which makes up about half of the price per gallon. Lower oil prices have meant U.S. drivers have seen the average price fall from records of over $5 per gallon in mid-2022 to $3.50 per gallon this week, according to motor club AAA.

The cuts, if fully implemented, “would further tighten an already fundamentally tight oil market,” Jorge Leon, senior vice president at Rystad Energy, said in a research note. The cut could boost oil prices by around $10 per barrel and push international Brent to around $110 per barrel by this summer.

Those higher prices could fuel global inflation in a cycle that forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-banks-interest-rates-jobs-91a9185ebce972bbf5ab1f46654f1a53">central banks to keep hiking interest rates</a>, which crimp economic growth, he said.

Given the fears about the overall economy, “the market may interpret the cuts as a vote of no confidence in the recovery of oil demand and could even carry a downside price risk — but that will only be for the very short term,” Leon said.

Moscow says it will extend a cut of 500,000 barrels per day through the rest of the year. It needs oil revenue to support its economy and state budget hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-russia-government-moscow-europe-china-a855facf78132a8805c9ba52dd0fab60">wide-ranging sanctions</a>&nbsp;from the U.S., European Union and other allies of Ukraine.

Analysts think, however, that Russia's cut may simply be putting the best face on reduced demand for its oil. The West shunned Russian barrels even before sanctions were imposed, with Moscow managing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-business-china-middle-east-b6a90423ee7e2245e3eafc713083896f">reroute much of its oil to India, China</a>&nbsp;and Turkey.

But the Group of Seven major democracies imposed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-moscow-europe-european-union-825506b6a349cce7e5971c0ac550aeaa">price cap of $60 per barrel</a>&nbsp;on Russian shipments, enforced by bans on Western companies that dominate shipping or insurance. Russia is selling oil at a discount, with revenue sagging at the start of this year.

President Joe Biden addressed the OPEC+ cut on Monday before returning to the White House from a trip to Minnesota, predicting, “It’s not going to be as bad as you think.”

Earlier, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed U.S. opposition to the move, saying, “We don’t think that production cuts are advisable at this moment given market uncertainty, and we made that clear.”

But he insisted that the oil market is in a different place from last year when prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

“We’re focused on prices, we’re not focused on barrels,” he told reporters Monday, adding that the U.S. was given a heads-up before the announcement.

The White House response was milder than in October, when cuts came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections in which soaring gas prices were a major issue. Biden vowed at the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">there would be “consequences,”</a>&nbsp;and Democratic lawmakers called for freezing cooperation with the Saudis.

Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist at Capital Economics, said the cutback shows "the group's support for Russia and flies in the face of the Biden administration’s efforts to lower oil prices.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/6/1654949375429.png" alt="The White House response to the cuts was milder than in October, when cuts came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections where soaring gas prices were a major issue. President Joe Biden vowed at the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">there would be “consequences,”</a>&nbsp;and Democratic lawmakers called for freezing cooperation with the Saudis." />
 <figcaption>The White House response to the cuts was milder than in October, when cuts came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections where soaring gas prices were a major issue. President Joe Biden vowed at the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">there would be “consequences,”</a>&nbsp;and Democratic lawmakers called for freezing cooperation with the Saudis.</figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON (AP) — Major oil-producing countries led by Saudi Arabia said they're&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/saudi-oil-production-cut-6d34316ce6820c749d2a6cd66a9fffea">cutting supplies of crude</a>&nbsp;— again. This time, the decision was a surprise and is underlining worries about where the global economy might be headed.Russia is joining in by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-65edbc5ba28370c0face621b7db0ce74">extending its own cuts</a>&nbsp;for the rest of the year. In theory, less oil flowing to refineries should mean higher gasoline prices for drivers and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-economy-moscow-prices-9bcc886c4d5f8d341cf8939f88705781">could boost the inflation</a>&nbsp;hitting the U.S. and Europe. And that may also help Russia weather Western sanctions over its invasion of Ukraine at the expense of the U.S.The decision by oil producers, many of them in the OPEC oil cartel, to cut production by more than 1 million barrels a day comes after prices for international benchmark crude slumped amid a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-economic-impact-ef6e4c4443743ccbf7740892fb0b4f3b?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_09">slowing global economy</a>&nbsp;that needs less fuel for travel and industry.It adds to a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-inflation-health-germany-elections-d873521f8b165774de3902439dd5a6ee">cut of 2 million barrels per day</a>&nbsp;announced in October. Between the two cuts, that's about 3% of the world's oil supply.Here are key things to know about the cutbacks:WHY ARE OIL PRODUCERS CUTTING BACK?Saudi Arabia, OPEC's dominant member, said Sunday that the move is “precautionary” to avoid a deeper slide in oil prices.Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman has consistently taken a cautious approach to future demand and favored being proactive in adjusting supply ahead of a possible downturn in oil needs.That stance seemed to be borne out as&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/inflation-prices-5f010ed0b66fb71e8d46040419a70203">oil prices fell from highs</a>&nbsp;of over $120 per barrel last summer to $73 last month. Prices jumped after Sunday's announcement, with international benchmark Brent&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/03d9d1bfb51e2ce4a42bf7744bf1bafa">crude trading at about $85</a>&nbsp;on Monday, up 6%.With fears of a U.S. recession exacerbated by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/banks-federal-reserve-silicon-valley-lending-rescue-a04875a164165b50e971ff4576bf4e27">bank collapses</a>, a lack of&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/europe-inflation-economic-growth-5fa7942504507e3ca708c8e4591ed8d8">European economic growth</a>&nbsp;and China’s rebound from COVID-19 taking longer than many expected, oil producers are wary of a sudden collapse in prices like during the pandemic and the global financial crisis in 2008-2009.Capital markets analyst Mohammed Ali Yasin said most people had been waiting for the June 4 meeting of the OPEC+ alliance of OPEC members and allied producers, most prominently Russia. The decision underlined the urgency felt by producers.“It was a surprise to all, I think, watchers and the market followers,” he said. “The swiftness of the move, the timing of the move and the size of the move were all significant.”The aim now is to ward off "a continous slide of the oil price” to levels below $70 per barrel, which would be “very negative” for producer economies, Yasin said.Part of the October cut of 2 millions barrels per day was on paper only as some OPEC+ countries aren’t able to produce their share. The new cut of 1.15 million barrels per day is distributed among countries that are hitting their quotas — so it amounts to roughly the same size cut as in October.Governments announced the decision outside the usual OPEC+ framework. The Saudis are taking the lead with 500,000 barrels per day, with the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Iraq, Oman, Algeria and Kazakhstan contributing smaller cuts.WILL THE PRODUCTION CUT MAKE INFLATION WORSE?It certainly could. Analysts say supply and demand are relatively well balanced, which means production cuts could push prices higher in coming months.The refineries that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russian-diesel-fuel-embargo-explainer-28b9043593c7cb92e032aa451c837b39">turn crude into gasoline, diesel and jet fuel</a>&nbsp;are getting ready for their summer production surge to meet the annual increase in travel demand.In the U.S., gasoline prices are highly dependent on crude, which makes up about half of the price per gallon. Lower oil prices have meant U.S. drivers have seen the average price fall from records of over $5 per gallon in mid-2022 to $3.50 per gallon this week, according to motor club AAA.The cuts, if fully implemented, “would further tighten an already fundamentally tight oil market,” Jorge Leon, senior vice president at Rystad Energy, said in a research note. The cut could boost oil prices by around $10 per barrel and push international Brent to around $110 per barrel by this summer.Those higher prices could fuel global inflation in a cycle that forces&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/federal-reserve-inflation-banks-interest-rates-jobs-91a9185ebce972bbf5ab1f46654f1a53">central banks to keep hiking interest rates</a>, which crimp economic growth, he said.Given the fears about the overall economy, “the market may interpret the cuts as a vote of no confidence in the recovery of oil demand and could even carry a downside price risk — but that will only be for the very short term,” Leon said.WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR RUSSIA?Moscow says it will extend a cut of 500,000 barrels per day through the rest of the year. It needs oil revenue to support its economy and state budget hit by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/european-union-russia-government-moscow-europe-china-a855facf78132a8805c9ba52dd0fab60">wide-ranging sanctions</a>&nbsp;from the U.S., European Union and other allies of Ukraine.Analysts think, however, that Russia's cut may simply be putting the best face on reduced demand for its oil. The West shunned Russian barrels even before sanctions were imposed, with Moscow managing to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-politics-business-china-middle-east-b6a90423ee7e2245e3eafc713083896f">reroute much of its oil to India, China</a>&nbsp;and Turkey.But the Group of Seven major democracies imposed a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-business-moscow-europe-european-union-825506b6a349cce7e5971c0ac550aeaa">price cap of $60 per barrel</a>&nbsp;on Russian shipments, enforced by bans on Western companies that dominate shipping or insurance. Russia is selling oil at a discount, with revenue sagging at the start of this year.WHAT DOES THE WHITE HOUSE SAY?President Joe Biden addressed the OPEC+ cut on Monday before returning to the White House from a trip to Minnesota, predicting, “It’s not going to be as bad as you think.”Earlier, White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed U.S. opposition to the move, saying, “We don’t think that production cuts are advisable at this moment given market uncertainty, and we made that clear.”But he insisted that the oil market is in a different place from last year when prices surged following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.“We’re focused on prices, we’re not focused on barrels,” he told reporters Monday, adding that the U.S. was given a heads-up before the announcement.The White House response was milder than in October, when cuts came on the eve of U.S. midterm elections in which soaring gas prices were a major issue. Biden vowed at the time that&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-biden-business-saudi-arabia-middle-east-ea75287315c4e8a78014a4eccb114abe">there would be “consequences,”</a>&nbsp;and Democratic lawmakers called for freezing cooperation with the Saudis.Caroline Bain, chief commodities economist at Capital Economics, said the cutback shows "the group's support for Russia and flies in the face of the Biden administration’s efforts to lower oil prices.”___

Biden responds to cuts by oil producers that could boost gas prices

KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman who was caring for a toddler that died with fentanyl and another drug in her system is facing criminal charges, and authorities say the woman may be responsible for the drug-related deaths of three other children.

Mary Curtis, 30, of Jennings, Missouri, was jailed on $1 million cash-only bond. St. Louis County prosecutors on Thursday charged her with endangering the welfare of a child, in the death of 17-month-old Brailey Stevenson. Police did not disclose Curtis' relationship with the child.

Curtis was watching Brailey in her home on March 20, when Brailey went to sleep on the floor, according to police. Curtis took the child to another home and called police. The child was pronounced dead at a hospital. A toxicology report found lethal levels of fentanyl and xylazine in her system, police said. The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes xylazine as a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use that has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths.

A phone message left Monday with Curtis' attorney wasn't immediately returned.

Curtis was out on bond in connection with the death of a previous child. Police declined to elaborate, but Curtis' mother, Nadine Richardon, told&nbsp;<a href="https://fox2now.com/news/fox-files/courts-connect-four-st-louis-infant-exposure-deaths-to-one-woman/">KTVI-TV</a>&nbsp;that the earlier charge was filed after Curtis' 17-day-old child died in 2021. Richardon said Curtis was using methadone to treat a heroin addiction at the time.

Curtis also was connected to two other child overdose cases that resulted in deaths, according to police, but they didn't elaborate. Richardson said Curtis had drug-exposed twins born five months prematurely, who died soon after they were born in 2020.

It wasn't clear if Curtis was being investigated in those two additional deaths.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680555256182.png" alt="Curtis-photo St. Louis Co. PD" />
 <figcaption>Curtis-photo St. Louis Co. PD</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — A woman who was caring for a toddler that died with fentanyl and another drug in her system is facing criminal charges, and authorities say the woman may be responsible for the drug-related deaths of three other children.Mary Curtis, 30, of Jennings, Missouri, was jailed on $1 million cash-only bond. St. Louis County prosecutors on Thursday charged her with endangering the welfare of a child, in the death of 17-month-old Brailey Stevenson. Police did not disclose Curtis' relationship with the child.Curtis was watching Brailey in her home on March 20, when Brailey went to sleep on the floor, according to police. Curtis took the child to another home and called police. The child was pronounced dead at a hospital. A toxicology report found lethal levels of fentanyl and xylazine in her system, police said. The National Institute on Drug Abuse describes xylazine as a non-opioid veterinary tranquilizer not approved for human use that has been linked to an increasing number of overdose deaths.A phone message left Monday with Curtis' attorney wasn't immediately returned.Curtis was out on bond in connection with the death of a previous child. Police declined to elaborate, but Curtis' mother, Nadine Richardon, told&nbsp;<a href="https://fox2now.com/news/fox-files/courts-connect-four-st-louis-infant-exposure-deaths-to-one-woman/">KTVI-TV</a>&nbsp;that the earlier charge was filed after Curtis' 17-day-old child died in 2021. Richardon said Curtis was using methadone to treat a heroin addiction at the time.Curtis also was connected to two other child overdose cases that resulted in deaths, according to police, but they didn't elaborate. Richardson said Curtis had drug-exposed twins born five months prematurely, who died soon after they were born in 2020.It wasn't clear if Curtis was being investigated in those two additional deaths.

Police: Woman charged in toddler's fentanyl death

TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators gave final approval Monday to a bill that would make it easier to pursue criminal charges or file lawsuits over childhood sexual abuse years after the abuse occurred.

The House approved the measure, 120-0. It goes to Gov. Laura Kelly because the Senate approved it last week, 40-0.

Abuse survivors and advocates have been pushing for changes in recent years in the wake of reports of abuse by clergy across the U.S.

The bill would eliminate limits on how long prosecutors have to file charges against suspects for any of a dozen violent sexual offenses against children, including indecent liberties, aggravated human trafficking and internet trading in child pornography.

For such crimes, other than rape and aggravated sodomy, prosecutors currently can file criminal charges until the victim turns 28 or up to a year after DNA evidence establishes a suspect, whichever is later.

The deadline for filing a lawsuit seeking monetary damages would be when abuse survivors turn 31 or three years after the abuser is convicted of a sexually violent crime against a child. Lawsuits currently must be filed by the time a survivor turns 21 or three years after a survivor “discovered or reasonably should have discovered” that childhood abuse caused an injury or illness.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680272388494.png" alt="-The Kansas Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the bill-image from the legislature's YouTube page" />
 <figcaption>-The Kansas Senate voted unanimously on Wednesday to approve the bill-image from the legislature's YouTube page</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Kansas legislators gave final approval Monday to a bill that would make it easier to pursue criminal charges or file lawsuits over childhood sexual abuse years after the abuse occurred.The House approved the measure, 120-0. It goes to Gov. Laura Kelly because the Senate approved it last week, 40-0.Abuse survivors and advocates have been pushing for changes in recent years in the wake of reports of abuse by clergy across the U.S.The bill would eliminate limits on how long prosecutors have to file charges against suspects for any of a dozen violent sexual offenses against children, including indecent liberties, aggravated human trafficking and internet trading in child pornography.For such crimes, other than rape and aggravated sodomy, prosecutors currently can file criminal charges until the victim turns 28 or up to a year after DNA evidence establishes a suspect, whichever is later.The deadline for filing a lawsuit seeking monetary damages would be when abuse survivors turn 31 or three years after the abuser is convicted of a sexually violent crime against a child. Lawsuits currently must be filed by the time a survivor turns 21 or three years after a survivor “discovered or reasonably should have discovered” that childhood abuse caused an injury or illness.

Unanimous: Kan. takes action to help child sex abuse survivors

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.

Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a reported shooting&nbsp;in the 6400 block of Manchester in Kansas City, according to a media release.

First responders located a man in an apartment with gunshot wounds.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the scene. Police did not release the name of the victim or additional detials.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal shooting.Just before 1a.m. Tuesday, police responded to a reported shooting&nbsp;in the 6400 block of Manchester in Kansas City, according to a media release.First responders located a man in an apartment with gunshot wounds.&nbsp; He was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;Homicide detectives and Crime Scene Personnel responded to the scene. Police did not release the name of the victim or additional detials.

Police: Man dead in Kansas City apartment building shooting

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide at a Kansas home are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as&nbsp;Jeffrey D. Arnold, 52, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Arnold also commonly goes by the nickname, “Cheese.”

Just after 10 a.m. March 26, police responded to a shooting at a home in the&nbsp; 1500 Block of SE Quincy in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks

Police found 38-year-old Deaundreya D. Caraway suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680199641904.png" alt="Jeffrey Arnold -photo Topeka PD" />
 <figcaption>Jeffrey Arnold -photo Topeka PD</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating a homicide at a Kansas home are asking the public for help to locate a suspect identified as&nbsp;Jeffrey D. Arnold, 52, of Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols. Arnold also commonly goes by the nickname, “Cheese.”<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1680199619912.png" alt="Arnold-photo Topeka Police" />
 <figcaption>Arnold-photo Topeka Police</figcaption>
 </figure>Just after 10 a.m. March 26, police responded to a shooting at a home in the&nbsp; 1500 Block of SE Quincy in Topeka, according to Police Lt. Donna Eubanks<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/3/1679948290709.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>Police found 38-year-old Deaundreya D. Caraway suffering from a gunshot wound. She was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Police continue search for suspect in murder of Kansas woman

NEW YORK (AP) — An extraordinary moment in U.S. history is set to soon unfold in a Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday: Former President Donald Trump, who faces multiple election-related investigations, will surrender to face criminal charges stemming from 2016 hush money payments.

The booking and arraignment are likely to be relatively brief — though hardly routine — as Trump is fingerprinted, learns the charges against him and pleads, as expected, not guilty. Judge Juan Merchan has ruled that TV cameras won't be allowed in the courtroom.

Trump, who was impeached twice by the U.S. House but was never convicted in the U.S. Senate, will become the first former president to face criminal charges. The nation's 45th commander in chief will be escorted from Trump Tower to the courthouse by the Secret Service and may have his mug shot taken.

Trump lawyer Joe Tacopina said Tuesday that Trump wouldn't plead guilty to lesser charges, even if it might resolve the case. He said he didn't believe the case would ever make it to a jury, but he conceded, "Really, there's a lot of mystery here because we're doing something that's never been done before."

"I think there will be a typical processing, which does not take long, 20-30 minutes. There won't be handcuffs," Tacopina told ABC's "Good Morning America." "But, yeah, he'll be processed the way anyone else would be — to a degree."

New York police are braced for protests by Trump supporters, who share the Republican former president's belief that the New York grand jury indictment and three additional pending investigations are politically motivated and intended to weaken his bid to retake the White House in 2024.

Trump, a former reality TV star, has been hyping that narrative to his political advantage, saying he raised $8 million in the less than a week since the indictment on claims of a "witch hunt." He has assailed the Manhattan district attorney, egged on supporters to protest and claimed without evidence that the judge presiding over the case "hates me" — something his own lawyer has said is not true.

Trump is scheduled to return to his Palm Beach, Florida, home, Mar-a-Lago, on Tuesday evening to hold a rally, punctuating his new reality: submitting to the dour demands of the American criminal justice system while projecting an aura of defiance and victimhood at celebratory campaign events. At least 500 prominent supporters have been invited, with some of the most pro-Trump congressional Republicans expected to attend.

A conviction would not prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.

Inside the Manhattan courtroom, prosecutors led by New York's district attorney, Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, are expected to unseal the indictment issued last week by a grand jury. This is when Trump and his defense lawyers will get their first glimpse of the precise allegations against him.

The indictment contains multiple charges of falsifying business records, including at least one felony offense, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press last week.

After the arraignment, Trump is expected to be released by authorities because the charges against him don't require that bail be set.

The investigation is scrutinizing six-figure payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Both say they had sexual encounters with the married Trump years before he got into politics. Trump denies having sexual liaisons with either woman and has denied any wrongdoing involving payments.

The arraignment will unfold against the backdrop of heavy security in New York, coming more than two years after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a failed bid to halt the congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden's win.

Though police said they had no intelligence suggesting any violence was likely, they were on high alert for any potential disruptions.

"While there may be some rabble rousers thinking of coming to our city tomorrow, our message is clear and simple: Control yourselves," Mayor Eric Adams said. He also singled out Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump's staunchest supporters in Congress, who is organizing a rally Tuesday at a park across from the courthouse: "While you're in town, be on your best behavior," Adams said.

Trump pollster John McLaughlin said the former president would approach the day with "dignity."

"He will be a gentleman," McLaughlin said. "He'll show strength and he'll show dignity and ... we'll get through this and win the election."

But Trump was also defiant. In a post late Monday night on his social media network he lashed out at Biden, suggesting the current president should be facing legal troubles of his own.

Despite that, the scene around Trump Tower and the courthouse where Trump will stand before a judge was quiet overnight. There were signs both supporting and decrying the former president stuck to posts, one urging passers-by to donate to help fund Trump's presidential library and another showing a shouting Trump behind bars.

The public fascination with the case was evident Monday as national television carried live images of Trump's motorcade from his Mar-a-Lago club to a private, red, white and blue Boeing 757 stenciled with his name. From there, Trump was flown to New York, where cameras followed his motorcade into Manhattan and he spent the night at Trump Tower as he prepared to turn himself in.

The former president and his aides are embracing the media circus. After initially being caught off guard when news of the indictment broke Thursday evening, Trump and his team are hoping to use the case to his advantage. Still, they asked the judge in a Monday filing to ban photo and video coverage of the arraignment.

Though prosecutors routinely insist that no person is above the law, bringing criminal charges against a former president carries instant logistical complications.

New York's ability to carry out safe and drama-free courthouse proceedings in a case involving a polarizing ex-president could be an important test case as prosecutors in Atlanta and Washington conduct their own investigations of Trump that could also result in charges. Those investigations concern efforts to undo the 2020 election results as well as the possible mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.

Top Republicans, including some of Trump's potential rivals in next year's GOP presidential primary, have criticized the case against him. Biden, who has yet to formally announce that he's seeking reelection next year, and other leading Democrats have largely had little to say about it.

Prosecutors insist their case against Trump has nothing to do with politics.

NEW YORK (AP) —Former President Donald Trump’s court appearance Tuesday will kick off an intense legal battle as the 2024 Republican presidential candidate also fights to return to the White House.

Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-new-york-florida-hush-money-election-764309dce49f81a50bf9f610ffd5ceb6?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">expected to turn himself in and be arraigned in a New York courtroom</a>, a stunning moment in American history as he becomes the first former president to stand before a judge to answer for criminal charges.

More details are expected to emerge Tuesday about the Manhattan district attorney's case against Trump. The indictment has remained under seal since the grand jury investigating hush money payments made to women during his 2016 campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-new-york-indictment-election-027d0e5ac1881a4c55c6379deae75faa">voted to bring charges against Trump</a>. But the indictment will soon be made public.

Here's what to know about the hush money investigation, the charges against Trump and the ramifications for his bid to reclaim the presidency:

The grand jury spent weeks investigating money paid during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to two women who alleged that they had extramarital sexual encounters with him. Trump has denied the allegations.

Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, who testified as a key prosecution witness, paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 through a shell company he set up and was then reimbursed by Trump, whose company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses.

Earlier in 2016, Cohen also arranged for former Playboy model Karen McDougal to be paid $150,000 by the publisher of the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer, which squelched her story in a journalistically dubious practice known as “catch and kill.”

An indictment is the formal charge brought against someone after a grand jury — which is made up of members of the community — votes and enough members agree there's sufficient evidence to charge someone with a crime.

The indictment against Trump remains sealed, as is standard in New York before an arraignment. But once the document is made public, it will lay out the crime or crimes that Trump is accused of committing. Sometimes indictments include a lengthy narrative with lots of details about the allegations, while others are more basic and just outline the charges a defendant is facing.

Trump is facing multiple charges of falsifying business records,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-new-york-hush-money-election-488c76cf92269e2c258d5203a6e981a1">including at least one felony offense</a>, according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information that isn’t yet public.

Under the law, prosecutors must prove there was an “intent to defraud.” The felony falsifying business records offense requires prosecutors to prove that the records were falsified with the intention of committing, aiding or concealing a second crime. It's not clear yet what prosecutors allege the second crime to be, but experts have said it is probably some kind of campaign finance violation.

An arraignment is generally the first time a defendant appears in court after being charged. The judge will tell Trump the charges against him and advise him of his right to go to trial and other things. Trump will enter a plea of not guilty — as is standard for defendants to do at arraignment. The indictment is expected to be unsealed upon his arraignment.

Trump is expected to walk out of the courtroom because the charges against him don’t require that bail be set in New York. It’s possible — but unlikely — that Judge Juan Merchan could decide that Trump is a flight risk and order him held, with or without bail, though Trump's lawyers would vigorously fight that.

Trump's lawyers have vowed to “vigorously fight this political prosecution in court.” Defense attorney Joe Tacopina has described Trump as a victim of extortion who had to pay the money because the allegations were going to be embarrassing to him. But he says it had nothing to do with the campaign.

Trump will no doubt try to fight the case on multiple fronts. He may try to have the case moved out of Manhattan or New York City entirely — arguing he can't get a fair trial there — though it's rare for judges to agree to do that.

Trump may also argue that the statute of limitations has passed. Trump has complained that the statute of limitations “long ago expired” because the hush money payments and Cohen’s reimbursements happened more than six years ago.

New York’s statute of limitations for most felonies is five years. For misdemeanors, it’s just two years. But in New York, the clock can stop on the statute of limitations when a potential defendant is continuously outside the state. Trump visited New York rarely over the four years of his presidency and now lives mostly in Florida and New Jersey.

WHAT'S THIS GRAND JURY AND WHO TESTIFIED?

A grand jury is made up of people drawn from the community, similar to a trial jury. But unlike juries that hear trials, grand juries don’t decide whether someone is guilty or innocent. They only decide whether there is enough evidence for someone to be charged.

Proceedings are closed to the public, including the media. New York grand juries have 23 people. At least 16 must be present to hear evidence or deliberate, and 12 have to agree there is enough evidence in order to issue an indictment.

The key prosecution witness was Cohen. Trump’s company “grossed up” Cohen’s reimbursement for the Daniels payment to defray tax payments, according to federal prosecutors who filed criminal charges against the lawyer in connection with the payments in 2018. In all, Cohen got $360,000 plus a $60,000 bonus, for a total of $420,000.

Cohen pleaded guilty to violating federal campaign finance law in connection with the payments. Federal prosecutors say the payments amounted to illegal, unreported assistance to Trump’s campaign. But they declined to file charges against Trump himself.

Trump was invited to testify, but didn’t. The grand jury, however, heard from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-grand-jury-new-york-costello-7fbb5cfdd0db010cea262d34f60efd5c">Robert Costello</a>, who was once a legal adviser to Cohen. Costello indicated he has information he believes undercuts Cohen’s credibility and contradicts his incriminating statements about Trump.

Another key witness was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-manhattan-investigations-grand-jury-742461a52c86bb491667b085bc1aaa0b">David Pecker</a>, a longtime Trump friend and the former chief executive of the parent company of The National Enquirer.

Pecker's company, American Media Inc., secretly assisted Trump’s campaign by paying $150,000 to McDougal in August 2016 for the rights to her story about an alleged affair with Trump. The company then suppressed McDougal’s story until after the election.

In a case with some parallels, federal prosecutors in 2011 brought charges over hush money payments against former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, a onetime Democratic presidential candidate and nominee for vice president. Edwards was charged with funneling nearly $1 million in under-the-table campaign contributions to hide his pregnant lover during his 2008 run for president.

Edwards had argued that the payments were a personal matter — intended to keep an affair secret from his wife — and had nothing to do with the election. A jury acquitted the Democrat on one charge and deadlocked on other counts. He wasn’t retried.

But that was a federal case. Trump’s case deals with New York state law.

WHAT ARE THE POLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS FOR TRUMP?

Neither the indictment itself nor a conviction would prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.

Already, the charges have been a boon to his fundraising. The campaign announced Friday evening that it had raised over $4 million in the 24 hours after the indictment became public, far smashing its previous record after the FBI search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club.

Trump’s team over the weekend blasted out emails full of supportive comments from dozens of top Republicans, many of whom had already been supportive of him leading up to the indictment.

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republicans-trump-2016-campaign-lessons-2024-election-f513fbcb3eb6c30c6590edc5dee3ce97">Those likely to be facing off with Trump</a>&nbsp;in next year’s GOP primary contests have also slammed the prosecution.

Former Vice President Mike Pence called the indictment “an outrage” and “nothing more than a political prosecution.” Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said on Twitter that the indictment “is more about revenge than it is about justice." Biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy, who is also seeking the GOP presidential nomination, called the indictment “a dark moment in American history."

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday accused Bragg of weaponizing the law “for political purposes” to bring a case against a former president, never mentioning Trump by name.

The New York case is just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-else-is-trump-being-investigated-for-bbc926171b5bdf91eabd76db93411b8b?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_03">one of many legal woes</a>&nbsp;Trump is facing.

The Justice Department is also investigating his retention of top secret government documents at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, after leaving the White House. Federal investigators are also still probing the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and efforts to overturn the 2020 election that Trump falsely claimed was stolen.

In Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been investigating whether Trump and his allies illegally meddled in the 2020 election. The foreperson of a special grand jury, which heard from dozens of witnesses, said last month that the panel had recommended that numerous people be indicted, and hinted Trump could be among them. It is ultimately up to Willis to decide whether to move forward.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680567348231.png" alt="Former President Donald Trump waves to supporters upon arriving at Trump Tower, Monday, April 3, 2023, in New York. Trump arrived in New York on Monday for his expected booking and arraignment the following day on charges arising from hush money payments during his 2016 campaign. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)" />
 <figcaption>Former President Donald Trump waves to supporters upon arriving at Trump Tower, Monday, April 3, 2023, in New York. Trump arrived in New York on Monday for his expected booking and arraignment the following day on charges arising from hush money payments during his 2016 campaign. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — An extraordinary moment in U.S. history is set to soon unfold in a Manhattan courthouse on Tuesday: Former President Donald Trump, who faces multiple election-related investigations, will surrender to face criminal charges stemming from 2016 hush money payments.The booking and arraignment are likely to be relatively brief — though hardly routine — as Trump is fingerprinted, learns the charges against him and pleads, as expected, not guilty. Judge Juan Merchan has ruled that TV cameras won't be allowed in the courtroom.Trump, who was impeached twice by the U.S. House but was never convicted in the U.S. Senate, will become the first former president to face criminal charges. The nation's 45th commander in chief will be escorted from Trump Tower to the courthouse by the Secret Service and may have his mug shot taken.Trump lawyer Joe Tacopina said Tuesday that Trump wouldn't plead guilty to lesser charges, even if it might resolve the case. He said he didn't believe the case would ever make it to a jury, but he conceded, "Really, there's a lot of mystery here because we're doing something that's never been done before.""I think there will be a typical processing, which does not take long, 20-30 minutes. There won't be handcuffs," Tacopina told ABC's "Good Morning America." "But, yeah, he'll be processed the way anyone else would be — to a degree."New York police are braced for protests by Trump supporters, who share the Republican former president's belief that the New York grand jury indictment and three additional pending investigations are politically motivated and intended to weaken his bid to retake the White House in 2024.Trump, a former reality TV star, has been hyping that narrative to his political advantage, saying he raised $8 million in the less than a week since the indictment on claims of a "witch hunt." He has assailed the Manhattan district attorney, egged on supporters to protest and claimed without evidence that the judge presiding over the case "hates me" — something his own lawyer has said is not true.Trump is scheduled to return to his Palm Beach, Florida, home, Mar-a-Lago, on Tuesday evening to hold a rally, punctuating his new reality: submitting to the dour demands of the American criminal justice system while projecting an aura of defiance and victimhood at celebratory campaign events. At least 500 prominent supporters have been invited, with some of the most pro-Trump congressional Republicans expected to attend.A conviction would not prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.Inside the Manhattan courtroom, prosecutors led by New York's district attorney, Alvin Bragg, a Democrat, are expected to unseal the indictment issued last week by a grand jury. This is when Trump and his defense lawyers will get their first glimpse of the precise allegations against him.The indictment contains multiple charges of falsifying business records, including at least one felony offense, two people familiar with the matter told The Associated Press last week.After the arraignment, Trump is expected to be released by authorities because the charges against him don't require that bail be set.The investigation is scrutinizing six-figure payments made to porn actor Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal. Both say they had sexual encounters with the married Trump years before he got into politics. Trump denies having sexual liaisons with either woman and has denied any wrongdoing involving payments.The arraignment will unfold against the backdrop of heavy security in New York, coming more than two years after Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol in a failed bid to halt the congressional certification of Democrat Joe Biden's win.Though police said they had no intelligence suggesting any violence was likely, they were on high alert for any potential disruptions."While there may be some rabble rousers thinking of coming to our city tomorrow, our message is clear and simple: Control yourselves," Mayor Eric Adams said. He also singled out Georgia Republican Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, one of Trump's staunchest supporters in Congress, who is organizing a rally Tuesday at a park across from the courthouse: "While you're in town, be on your best behavior," Adams said.Trump pollster John McLaughlin said the former president would approach the day with "dignity.""He will be a gentleman," McLaughlin said. "He'll show strength and he'll show dignity and ... we'll get through this and win the election."But Trump was also defiant. In a post late Monday night on his social media network he lashed out at Biden, suggesting the current president should be facing legal troubles of his own.Despite that, the scene around Trump Tower and the courthouse where Trump will stand before a judge was quiet overnight. There were signs both supporting and decrying the former president stuck to posts, one urging passers-by to donate to help fund Trump's presidential library and another showing a shouting Trump behind bars.The public fascination with the case was evident Monday as national television carried live images of Trump's motorcade from his Mar-a-Lago club to a private, red, white and blue Boeing 757 stenciled with his name. From there, Trump was flown to New York, where cameras followed his motorcade into Manhattan and he spent the night at Trump Tower as he prepared to turn himself in.The former president and his aides are embracing the media circus. After initially being caught off guard when news of the indictment broke Thursday evening, Trump and his team are hoping to use the case to his advantage. Still, they asked the judge in a Monday filing to ban photo and video coverage of the arraignment.Though prosecutors routinely insist that no person is above the law, bringing criminal charges against a former president carries instant logistical complications.New York's ability to carry out safe and drama-free courthouse proceedings in a case involving a polarizing ex-president could be an important test case as prosecutors in Atlanta and Washington conduct their own investigations of Trump that could also result in charges. Those investigations concern efforts to undo the 2020 election results as well as the possible mishandling of classified documents at Mar-a-Lago.Top Republicans, including some of Trump's potential rivals in next year's GOP presidential primary, have criticized the case against him. Biden, who has yet to formally announce that he's seeking reelection next year, and other leading Democrats have largely had little to say about it.Prosecutors insist their case against Trump has nothing to do with politics.___NEW YORK (AP) —Former President Donald Trump’s court appearance Tuesday will kick off an intense legal battle as the 2024 Republican presidential candidate also fights to return to the White House.Trump is&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-new-york-florida-hush-money-election-764309dce49f81a50bf9f610ffd5ceb6?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=TopNews&amp;utm_campaign=position_01">expected to turn himself in and be arraigned in a New York courtroom</a>, a stunning moment in American history as he becomes the first former president to stand before a judge to answer for criminal charges.More details are expected to emerge Tuesday about the Manhattan district attorney's case against Trump. The indictment has remained under seal since the grand jury investigating hush money payments made to women during his 2016 campaign&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-new-york-indictment-election-027d0e5ac1881a4c55c6379deae75faa">voted to bring charges against Trump</a>. But the indictment will soon be made public.Here's what to know about the hush money investigation, the charges against Trump and the ramifications for his bid to reclaim the presidency:WHAT'S THIS CASE ABOUT?The grand jury spent weeks investigating money paid during Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign to two women who alleged that they had extramarital sexual encounters with him. Trump has denied the allegations.Trump’s former lawyer Michael Cohen, who testified as a key prosecution witness, paid porn actor Stormy Daniels $130,000 through a shell company he set up and was then reimbursed by Trump, whose company logged the reimbursements as legal expenses.Earlier in 2016, Cohen also arranged for former Playboy model Karen McDougal to be paid $150,000 by the publisher of the supermarket tabloid the National Enquirer, which squelched her story in a journalistically dubious practice known as “catch and kill.”WHAT'S AN INDICTMENT?An indictment is the formal charge brought against someone after a grand jury — which is made up of members of the community — votes and enough members agree there's sufficient evidence to charge someone with a crime.The indictment against Trump remains sealed, as is standard in New York before an arraignment. But once the document is made public, it will lay out the crime or crimes that Trump is accused of committing. Sometimes indictments include a lengthy narrative with lots of details about the allegations, while others are more basic and just outline the charges a defendant is facing.WHAT ARE THE CHARGES?Trump is facing multiple charges of falsifying business records,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-indictment-new-york-hush-money-election-488c76cf92269e2c258d5203a6e981a1">including at least one felony offense</a>, according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss information that isn’t yet public.Under the law, prosecutors must prove there was an “intent to defraud.” The felony falsifying business records offense requires prosecutors to prove that the records were falsified with the intention of committing, aiding or concealing a second crime. It's not clear yet what prosecutors allege the second crime to be, but experts have said it is probably some kind of campaign finance violation.WHAT'S AN ARRAIGNMENT?An arraignment is generally the first time a defendant appears in court after being charged. The judge will tell Trump the charges against him and advise him of his right to go to trial and other things. Trump will enter a plea of not guilty — as is standard for defendants to do at arraignment. The indictment is expected to be unsealed upon his arraignment.Trump is expected to walk out of the courtroom because the charges against him don’t require that bail be set in New York. It’s possible — but unlikely — that Judge Juan Merchan could decide that Trump is a flight risk and order him held, with or without bail, though Trump's lawyers would vigorously fight that.WHAT WILL TRUMP'S DEFENSE BE?Trump's lawyers have vowed to “vigorously fight this political prosecution in court.” Defense attorney Joe Tacopina has described Trump as a victim of extortion who had to pay the money because the allegations were going to be embarrassing to him. But he says it had nothing to do with the campaign.Trump will no doubt try to fight the case on multiple fronts. He may try to have the case moved out of Manhattan or New York City entirely — arguing he can't get a fair trial there — though it's rare for judges to agree to do that.Trump may also argue that the statute of limitations has passed. Trump has complained that the statute of limitations “long ago expired” because the hush money payments and Cohen’s reimbursements happened more than six years ago.New York’s statute of limitations for most felonies is five years. For misdemeanors, it’s just two years. But in New York, the clock can stop on the statute of limitations when a potential defendant is continuously outside the state. Trump visited New York rarely over the four years of his presidency and now lives mostly in Florida and New Jersey.WHAT'S THIS GRAND JURY AND WHO TESTIFIED?A grand jury is made up of people drawn from the community, similar to a trial jury. But unlike juries that hear trials, grand juries don’t decide whether someone is guilty or innocent. They only decide whether there is enough evidence for someone to be charged.Proceedings are closed to the public, including the media. New York grand juries have 23 people. At least 16 must be present to hear evidence or deliberate, and 12 have to agree there is enough evidence in order to issue an indictment.The key prosecution witness was Cohen. Trump’s company “grossed up” Cohen’s reimbursement for the Daniels payment to defray tax payments, according to federal prosecutors who filed criminal charges against the lawyer in connection with the payments in 2018. In all, Cohen got $360,000 plus a $60,000 bonus, for a total of $420,000.Cohen pleaded guilty to violating federal campaign finance law in connection with the payments. Federal prosecutors say the payments amounted to illegal, unreported assistance to Trump’s campaign. But they declined to file charges against Trump himself.Trump was invited to testify, but didn’t. The grand jury, however, heard from&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-grand-jury-new-york-costello-7fbb5cfdd0db010cea262d34f60efd5c">Robert Costello</a>, who was once a legal adviser to Cohen. Costello indicated he has information he believes undercuts Cohen’s credibility and contradicts his incriminating statements about Trump.Another key witness was&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/trump-hush-money-manhattan-investigations-grand-jury-742461a52c86bb491667b085bc1aaa0b">David Pecker</a>, a longtime Trump friend and the former chief executive of the parent company of The National Enquirer.Pecker's company, American Media Inc., secretly assisted Trump’s campaign by paying $150,000 to McDougal in August 2016 for the rights to her story about an alleged affair with Trump. The company then suppressed McDougal’s story until after the election.WHAT ABOUT SIMILAR CASES?In a case with some parallels, federal prosecutors in 2011 brought charges over hush money payments against former U.S. Sen. John Edwards, a onetime Democratic presidential candidate and nominee for vice president. Edwards was charged with funneling nearly $1 million in under-the-table campaign contributions to hide his pregnant lover during his 2008 run for president.Edwards had argued that the payments were a personal matter — intended to keep an affair secret from his wife — and had nothing to do with the election. A jury acquitted the Democrat on one charge and deadlocked on other counts. He wasn’t retried.But that was a federal case. Trump’s case deals with New York state law.WHAT ARE THE POLITICAL RAMIFICATIONS FOR TRUMP?Neither the indictment itself nor a conviction would prevent Trump from running for or winning the presidency in 2024.Already, the charges have been a boon to his fundraising. The campaign announced Friday evening that it had raised over $4 million in the 24 hours after the indictment became public, far smashing its previous record after the FBI search of Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club.Trump’s team over the weekend blasted out emails full of supportive comments from dozens of top Republicans, many of whom had already been supportive of him leading up to the indictment.<a href="https://apnews.com/article/republicans-trump-2016-campaign-lessons-2024-election-f513fbcb3eb6c30c6590edc5dee3ce97">Those likely to be facing off with Trump</a>&nbsp;in next year’s GOP primary contests have also slammed the prosecution.Former Vice President Mike Pence called the indictment “an outrage” and “nothing more than a political prosecution.” Former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley said on Twitter that the indictment “is more about revenge than it is about justice." Biotech investor Vivek Ramaswamy, who is also seeking the GOP presidential nomination, called the indictment “a dark moment in American history."Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Saturday accused Bragg of weaponizing the law “for political purposes” to bring a case against a former president, never mentioning Trump by name.WHAT ABOUT OTHER TRUMP INVESTIGATIONS?The New York case is just&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/what-else-is-trump-being-investigated-for-bbc926171b5bdf91eabd76db93411b8b?utm_source=homepage&amp;utm_medium=RelatedStories&amp;utm_campaign=position_03">one of many legal woes</a>&nbsp;Trump is facing.The Justice Department is also investigating his retention of top secret government documents at his Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, after leaving the White House. Federal investigators are also still probing the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol and efforts to overturn the 2020 election that Trump falsely claimed was stolen.In Georgia, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis has been investigating whether Trump and his allies illegally meddled in the 2020 election. The foreperson of a special grand jury, which heard from dozens of witnesses, said last month that the panel had recommended that numerous people be indicted, and hinted Trump could be among them. It is ultimately up to Willis to decide whether to move forward.

Donald Trump set to be arraigned in historic court moment

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri Democrats on Monday called for the removal of the leader of the state's Human Rights Commission after he testified last week against a bill for LGBTQ+ rights.

Timothy Faber, chairman of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, has “lost the trust of elected leaders," Senate Democrats wrote in a letter to Gov. Mike Parson, who appointed the fellow Republican to the commission in 2021. The commission handles cases of alleged discrimination in the state.

The bill in question, brought by the state’s only openly gay senator, would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It would offer protections against landlords refusing to rent to LGBTQ+ people or employers firing them.

Faber testified against it last week, telling Senate committee members that “this bill cannot be separated from religion, and particularly religious liberty.”

“The U.S. Constitution and the Missouri Constitution both guarantee the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech,” he continued. “This bill sets up a host of conflicts against such freedoms.”

Faber spoke against the legislation as part of his other job as a lobbyist for the Missouri Baptist Convention, which he accepted in January. Faber confirmed his role as the human rights chairman to lawmakers after being questioned by a Democratic senator, which Democrats said came across as an attempt to conceal his work on the commission.

“While Mr. Faber has a right to express his personal views or the views of other organizations with which he may be affiliated, his decision to place these roles before his duties as chairman makes it clear he can no longer continue in this capacity,” Democrats wrote.

Faber said Monday that he was not trying to hide his position on the commission and he will continue to advocate for the Baptist Convention. He argued that there is no conflict in him serving in both roles, including lobbying on legislation that would impact his work on the commission.

“If every private citizen is not allowed to speak on issues in other capacities, or even as a private citizen, without jeopardizing their position on a board or commission that they serve on, we’re never going to get anybody to serve in these positions,” Faber said.

Faber also testified previously in favor of a bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-sports-missouri-d4297eebf904ef58c0fb1dabed93e331">ban gender-affirming care for minors</a>&nbsp;during a February committee hearing.

Parson's spokeswoman and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights executive director did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Only four of the commission's 11 seats are currently filled, and Faber said the body has not had enough members to do business since August. He said the commission currently faces a backlog of cases.

Efforts to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender have failed for years in the Missouri Legislature. Even receiving a hearing, as the legislation did this year, is a notable departure.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680568193904.png" alt="Timothy Faber-photo courtesy Missouri Commission of Human RIghts" />
 <figcaption>Timothy Faber-photo courtesy Missouri Commission of Human RIghts</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY (AP) — Missouri Democrats on Monday called for the removal of the leader of the state's Human Rights Commission after he testified last week against a bill for LGBTQ+ rights.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680567953030.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Timothy Faber, chairman of the Missouri Commission on Human Rights, has “lost the trust of elected leaders," Senate Democrats wrote in a letter to Gov. Mike Parson, who appointed the fellow Republican to the commission in 2021. The commission handles cases of alleged discrimination in the state.The bill in question, brought by the state’s only openly gay senator, would ban discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. It would offer protections against landlords refusing to rent to LGBTQ+ people or employers firing them.Faber testified against it last week, telling Senate committee members that “this bill cannot be separated from religion, and particularly religious liberty.”“The U.S. Constitution and the Missouri Constitution both guarantee the freedom of religion and the freedom of speech,” he continued. “This bill sets up a host of conflicts against such freedoms.”Faber spoke against the legislation as part of his other job as a lobbyist for the Missouri Baptist Convention, which he accepted in January. Faber confirmed his role as the human rights chairman to lawmakers after being questioned by a Democratic senator, which Democrats said came across as an attempt to conceal his work on the commission.“While Mr. Faber has a right to express his personal views or the views of other organizations with which he may be affiliated, his decision to place these roles before his duties as chairman makes it clear he can no longer continue in this capacity,” Democrats wrote.Faber said Monday that he was not trying to hide his position on the commission and he will continue to advocate for the Baptist Convention. He argued that there is no conflict in him serving in both roles, including lobbying on legislation that would impact his work on the commission.“If every private citizen is not allowed to speak on issues in other capacities, or even as a private citizen, without jeopardizing their position on a board or commission that they serve on, we’re never going to get anybody to serve in these positions,” Faber said.Faber also testified previously in favor of a bill to&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/transgender-health-care-sports-missouri-d4297eebf904ef58c0fb1dabed93e331">ban gender-affirming care for minors</a>&nbsp;during a February committee hearing.Parson's spokeswoman and the Missouri Commission on Human Rights executive director did not immediately respond to requests for comment.Only four of the commission's 11 seats are currently filled, and Faber said the body has not had enough members to do business since August. He said the commission currently faces a backlog of cases.Efforts to outlaw discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender have failed for years in the Missouri Legislature. Even receiving a hearing, as the legislation did this year, is a notable departure.

Official under fire for opposing LGBTQ+ protections

&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in the fatal shooting on March 13, 2023, inside a south Kansas City residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.

Jaylen E. McDaniel, 31,&nbsp; faces Murder 2nd Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

According to court records, on March 13, 2023, Kansas City police officers were dispatched to the 11500 block of Food Lane on a reported shooting. Officers found the victim, Trianna Tisdale inside the residence. She was transported to a hospital and later died. A juvenile witness was located who told police the victim and the defendant had been arguing. The witness saw the defendant shoot the victim then flee the scene in the victim's car. Police collected evidence at the scene and a computer check showed the defendant was a convicted felon.

The defendant was taken into custody in southern Missouri earlier in the week.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680440301325.png" alt="McDaniels-photo Jackson Co." />
 <figcaption>McDaniels-photo Jackson Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;KANSAS CITY —A Kansas City man has been charged in the fatal shooting on March 13, 2023, inside a south Kansas City residence, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker.Jaylen E. McDaniel, 31,&nbsp; faces Murder 2nd Degree, Armed Criminal Action, Endangering the Welfare of a Child and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.According to court records, on March 13, 2023, Kansas City police officers were dispatched to the 11500 block of Food Lane on a reported shooting. Officers found the victim, Trianna Tisdale inside the residence. She was transported to a hospital and later died. A juvenile witness was located who told police the victim and the defendant had been arguing. The witness saw the defendant shoot the victim then flee the scene in the victim's car. Police collected evidence at the scene and a computer check showed the defendant was a convicted felon.The defendant was taken into custody in southern Missouri earlier in the week.

Juvenile witness IDs KC man in woman's murder

HARVEY COUNTY — The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after human remains were found in eastern Harvey County Monday afternoon, according to a media release from&nbsp; county public information officer Kyle McCaskey.

Just before 5p.m. Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call received after a man found the remains near a hedge row near East First Street and North Rock Road.

Officials are working to identity the remains and cause of death.

HARVEY COUNTY — The Harvey County Sheriff’s Office is investigating after human remains were found in eastern Harvey County Monday afternoon, according to a media release from&nbsp; county public information officer Kyle McCaskey.Just before 5p.m. Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a call received after a man found the remains near a hedge row near East First Street and North Rock Road.Officials are working to identity the remains and cause of death.

Human remains found in Harvey County

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 3:30p.m. March 31 in Pottawatomie County

According to the sheriff's office, a motorcycle driven by Abbott Mumaw, 17, of Louisville, Kansas, was westbound on Gerard Road, rural Belvue. The driver&nbsp; lost control and crashed. 

 Abbott was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff.

The Pottawatomie County EMS, Belvue Fire Department, Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office responded to the accident.

POTTAWATOMIE COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating a fatal accident that occurred just before 3:30p.m. March 31 in Pottawatomie CountyAccording to the sheriff's office, a motorcycle driven by Abbott Mumaw, 17, of Louisville, Kansas, was westbound on Gerard Road, rural Belvue. The driver&nbsp; lost control and crashed. Abbott was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. He was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, according to the sheriff.The Pottawatomie County EMS, Belvue Fire Department, Pottawatomie County Consolidated Fire and the Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office responded to the accident.

Sheriff IDs Kansas teen who died in motorcycle crash

BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged aggravated assault on a police officer in Hoisington and asking the pubic for help finding&nbsp; 38-year-old William Thomas Frederick Jr.&nbsp;

Just before 2:30a.m. Saturday, a Hoisington police officer was investigating a suspicious vehicle near a business in&nbsp; Hoisington, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, at which point it fled eastbound on Kansas 4 Highway at a high rate of speed. 

During the pursuit, the Hoisington officer reported on the radio he heard a backfire or gunshot. His vehicle then began to overheat and was disabled. It was later discovered a bullet had struck the radiator in the patrol car.

By this time, a Barton County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. had caught up to the chase and continued pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued east on Kansas 4 Highway, entering the City of Claflin turning onto city streets when it crashed into a utility box and the vehicle was disabled. 

Review of the dash camera in the Sheriff’s Office vehicle indicates a suspect fired at least three shots while the Sheriff’s Office was in pursuit. Sheriff’s deputies captured two of the three occupants of the vehicle at the scene.

The driver was identified as Rylan J. Witmer, age 21 of Wilson and is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony attempt to flee and elude and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Witmer was booked in the Barton County Jail and released&nbsp; Monday on a $10,000 bond.

A passenger in the vehicle identified as Frederick Jr., fled from the scene and is believed to be the shooter. Frederick's last known address was in the Salina area. He may also be in Ellsworth or Rice counties.

Law Enforcement agencies including the United States Marshals Service are currently seeking the whereabouts of Frederick. He is wanted for questioning in reference to attempted murder on the Hoisington officer and aggravated assault of law enforcement officer regarding the deputies. 

Frederick was on Community Corrections and listed as an absconder at the time of the incident. Frederick is described as a white male, medium build, 5-foot -6, 165 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.

After the chase, a vehicle was stolen in the Claflin area. It is believed Frederick may be driving a 2015 Toyota RAV4 bearing Kansas tag 602 CVU, bronze in color.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680559144029.jpeg" alt="William Frederick-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>William Frederick-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged aggravated assault on a police officer in Hoisington and asking the pubic for help finding&nbsp; 38-year-old William Thomas Frederick Jr.&nbsp;Just before 2:30a.m. Saturday, a Hoisington police officer was investigating a suspicious vehicle near a business in&nbsp; Hoisington, according to Sheriff Brian Bellendir. The officer attempted to stop the vehicle, at which point it fled eastbound on Kansas 4 Highway at a high rate of speed. During the pursuit, the Hoisington officer reported on the radio he heard a backfire or gunshot. His vehicle then began to overheat and was disabled. It was later discovered a bullet had struck the radiator in the patrol car.By this time, a Barton County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. had caught up to the chase and continued pursuit. The suspect vehicle continued east on Kansas 4 Highway, entering the City of Claflin turning onto city streets when it crashed into a utility box and the vehicle was disabled. Review of the dash camera in the Sheriff’s Office vehicle indicates a suspect fired at least three shots while the Sheriff’s Office was in pursuit. Sheriff’s deputies captured two of the three occupants of the vehicle at the scene.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680559184588.jpeg" alt="Witmer-photo Barton Co." />
 <figcaption>Witmer-photo Barton Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>The driver was identified as Rylan J. Witmer, age 21 of Wilson and is being held on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine, felony attempt to flee and elude and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. Witmer was booked in the Barton County Jail and released&nbsp; Monday on a $10,000 bond.A passenger in the vehicle identified as Frederick Jr., fled from the scene and is believed to be the shooter. Frederick's last known address was in the Salina area. He may also be in Ellsworth or Rice counties.Law Enforcement agencies including the United States Marshals Service are currently seeking the whereabouts of Frederick. He is wanted for questioning in reference to attempted murder on the Hoisington officer and aggravated assault of law enforcement officer regarding the deputies. Frederick was on Community Corrections and listed as an absconder at the time of the incident. Frederick is described as a white male, medium build, 5-foot -6, 165 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes.After the chase, a vehicle was stolen in the Claflin area. It is believed Frederick may be driving a 2015 Toyota RAV4 bearing Kansas tag 602 CVU, bronze in color.

Search continues for suspect who fired shots at Kan. officer

By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/22/house-passes-kansas-bill-creating-method-of-anonymously-surrendering-an-infant/">Kansas Reflector</a>

TOPEKA — The Kansas House rejected legislation Monday authorizing a 2024 presidential primary approved by the Kansas Senate with opponents objecting to the minimum $4 million price tag and the new state filing fee or petition signature requirements of candidates.

The House voted 56-64 to sideline House Bill 2053, which was approved by a bipartisan majority of 28-12 in the Senate. It would have given the Republican and Democratic political parties the option of participating in a preference primary March 19, 2024, rather than continue the traditional caucus system whereby Kansans convene across the state to pick partisan winners.

“Vote no on this,” said Rep. Trevor Jacobs, a Fort Scott Republican. “This is a one-time spend just for junk.”

The Republican or Democratic parties could choose to skip the chance to have presidential aspirants visit Kansas, but all candidates entering the Kansas showdowns would pay a $10,000 filing fee or obtain the signature of 5,000 registered voters to be eligible. Analysts predicted county and state election officials would require $4 million to $5 million to administer the one-issue, one-ballot primary next year.

Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican and chairman of the House Elections Committee, made a motion for the House to concur with the Senate on the bill. The Senate measure would enable independent registered voters to participate in the primary election by declaring a party affiliation as late as the primary date.

“We’re actually in a minority of states,” Proctor said. “(In) 43 states the government runs to some degree the presidential preference primaries.”

Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, said the Legislature had for years chosen to stay out of the wild presidential primary business due to cost and likelihood voting in other states would make decisions in Kansas irrelevant to the nominations. There was no compelling reason for Kansas to change course, she said.

“The size of the fiscal (cost) was large enough that it was better to spend that money elsewhere,” Landwehr said. “If the parties want to have them, they can organize them and have their vote.”

Kansas conducted presidential primaries in 1980 and 1992. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas GOP opted not to conduct a caucus in 2020 due to popularity of Republican President Donald Trump. He went on to carry Kansas in the general election. Kansas Democrats conducted a mail-in primary in 2020 won by former Vice President Joe Biden, who later prevailed against Trump in the national election for president.

The Senate’s bill rejected by the House would have applied only to a primary in 2024, meaning the Legislature would have to take further action to host primaries in 2028 and beyond.

Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, said he supported the legislation and would prefer Kansas permanently employ the primary approach.

“I think primaries encourage more people to be involved,” he said. “I wish that this would go on beyond just the 2024 election.

In the Senate, Republican Mike Thompson of Shawnee said he also was convinced partisan primaries would increase participation of voters. Some people cannot attend the Sunday caucuses, he said, but would be available for a Tuesday vote or engage in the advance voting process.

<figure>
 <img src="https://kansasreflector.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/PB161862-1024x614.jpg" alt="- Rep. Trevor Jacobs, R-Fort Scott, successfully persuaded the Kansas House to vote down a bill approved by the Kansas Senate to authorize a presidential preference primary for both major political parties in March 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)" />
 <figcaption>- Rep. Trevor Jacobs, R-Fort Scott, successfully persuaded the Kansas House to vote down a bill approved by the Kansas Senate to authorize a presidential preference primary for both major political parties in March 2024. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)</figcaption>
 </figure>By TIM CARPENTER <a href="https://kansasreflector.com/2023/02/22/house-passes-kansas-bill-creating-method-of-anonymously-surrendering-an-infant/">Kansas Reflector</a>TOPEKA — The Kansas House rejected legislation Monday authorizing a 2024 presidential primary approved by the Kansas Senate with opponents objecting to the minimum $4 million price tag and the new state filing fee or petition signature requirements of candidates.The House voted 56-64 to sideline House Bill 2053, which was approved by a bipartisan majority of 28-12 in the Senate. It would have given the Republican and Democratic political parties the option of participating in a preference primary March 19, 2024, rather than continue the traditional caucus system whereby Kansans convene across the state to pick partisan winners.“Vote no on this,” said Rep. Trevor Jacobs, a Fort Scott Republican. “This is a one-time spend just for junk.”The Republican or Democratic parties could choose to skip the chance to have presidential aspirants visit Kansas, but all candidates entering the Kansas showdowns would pay a $10,000 filing fee or obtain the signature of 5,000 registered voters to be eligible. Analysts predicted county and state election officials would require $4 million to $5 million to administer the one-issue, one-ballot primary next year.Rep. Pat Proctor, a Leavenworth Republican and chairman of the House Elections Committee, made a motion for the House to concur with the Senate on the bill. The Senate measure would enable independent registered voters to participate in the primary election by declaring a party affiliation as late as the primary date.“We’re actually in a minority of states,” Proctor said. “(In) 43 states the government runs to some degree the presidential preference primaries.”Rep. Brenda Landwehr, R-Wichita, said the Legislature had for years chosen to stay out of the wild presidential primary business due to cost and likelihood voting in other states would make decisions in Kansas irrelevant to the nominations. There was no compelling reason for Kansas to change course, she said.“The size of the fiscal (cost) was large enough that it was better to spend that money elsewhere,” Landwehr said. “If the parties want to have them, they can organize them and have their vote.”Kansas conducted presidential primaries in 1980 and 1992. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kansas GOP opted not to conduct a caucus in 2020 due to popularity of Republican President Donald Trump. He went on to carry Kansas in the general election. Kansas Democrats conducted a mail-in primary in 2020 won by former Vice President Joe Biden, who later prevailed against Trump in the national election for president.The Senate’s bill rejected by the House would have applied only to a primary in 2024, meaning the Legislature would have to take further action to host primaries in 2028 and beyond.Rep. Brandon Woodard, D-Lenexa, said he supported the legislation and would prefer Kansas permanently employ the primary approach.“I think primaries encourage more people to be involved,” he said. “I wish that this would go on beyond just the 2024 election.In the Senate, Republican Mike Thompson of Shawnee said he also was convinced partisan primaries would increase participation of voters. Some people cannot attend the Sunday caucuses, he said, but would be available for a Tuesday vote or engage in the advance voting process.

Kan. House rejects Senate plan for presidential preference primary

BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged arson fire and have taken a registered Kansas sex offender into custody.

Just before 9:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to 3910 Cedar Park Place Apt. 8A in Great Bend in reference to smoke entering the apartment.

Police and fire crews discovered the smoke was entering apartment 8A from the wall conjoined with apartment 8B. The Great Bend Fire Department made entry into apartment 8B and was able to extinguish the fire inside the residence.

Fire crews reported to officers on scene of signs of arson inside the residence. An officer also observed an individual walking away from the complex that he has taken multiple calls about during the weekend. The officer identified the man as 27-year-old&nbsp; Michael Leeper.

Police found Leeper at a residence in Great Bend and he was detained pending investigation.

During the investigation, officers and firefighters located a broken glass and blood throughout the crime scene. When officers located Leeper, he had injuries to his hands and arms, consistent with burns and cuts. 

The Great Bend Fire Department treated Leeper and placed. him under arrest and transported him to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on requested charges of aggravated arson. He has a previous conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and has been registered as a sex offender since 2017, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/4/1680552601164.png" alt="Leeper-photo KBI Offender Registry" />
 <figcaption>Leeper-photo KBI Offender Registry</figcaption>
 </figure>BARTON COUNTY—Law enforcement authorities are investigating an alleged arson fire and have taken a registered Kansas sex offender into custody.Just before 9:30p.m. Sunday, police were dispatched to 3910 Cedar Park Place Apt. 8A in Great Bend in reference to smoke entering the apartment.Police and fire crews discovered the smoke was entering apartment 8A from the wall conjoined with apartment 8B. The Great Bend Fire Department made entry into apartment 8B and was able to extinguish the fire inside the residence.Fire crews reported to officers on scene of signs of arson inside the residence. An officer also observed an individual walking away from the complex that he has taken multiple calls about during the weekend. The officer identified the man as 27-year-old&nbsp; Michael Leeper.Police found Leeper at a residence in Great Bend and he was detained pending investigation.During the investigation, officers and firefighters located a broken glass and blood throughout the crime scene. When officers located Leeper, he had injuries to his hands and arms, consistent with burns and cuts. The Great Bend Fire Department treated Leeper and placed. him under arrest and transported him to the Barton County Jail where he was booked on requested charges of aggravated arson. He has a previous conviction for aggravated indecent liberties with a child and has been registered as a sex offender since 2017, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.&nbsp; He is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Kansas sex offender jailed for alleged arson

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that total tax collections for March 2023 were $758.3 million. That is $64.9 million, or 9.4%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also $78.7 million, or 11.6%, more than March 2022, according to a statement from the governor's office.

“Time and again, we have exceeded our estimated tax collections, providing further proof that we can responsibly axe taxes on groceries, retirement, and property for Kansans,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.

Individual income tax collections were $314.6 million. That is $438,000 less than the estimate but $16.4 million, or 5.5%, more than March 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $102.6 million, which is $75.6 million, or 279.9%, more than the estimate and $74.9 million, or 271.1%, more than March 2022.

Combined sales and compensating use tax receipts were $275.4 million, which is $422,000 more than the estimate and $4.9 million, or 1.7%, less than March 2022. The reduced year-over-year receipts for March from these tax sources are due in part to the reduction of state sales tax on food and food ingredients.

The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 20. The Group will review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.

TOPEKA&nbsp;– Governor Laura Kelly announced Monday that total tax collections for March 2023 were $758.3 million. That is $64.9 million, or 9.4%, more than the monthly estimate. That is also $78.7 million, or 11.6%, more than March 2022, according to a statement from the governor's office.“Time and again, we have exceeded our estimated tax collections, providing further proof that we can responsibly axe taxes on groceries, retirement, and property for Kansans,”&nbsp;said Governor Laura Kelly.Individual income tax collections were $314.6 million. That is $438,000 less than the estimate but $16.4 million, or 5.5%, more than March 2022. Corporate income tax collections were $102.6 million, which is $75.6 million, or 279.9%, more than the estimate and $74.9 million, or 271.1%, more than March 2022.Combined sales and compensating use tax receipts were $275.4 million, which is $422,000 more than the estimate and $4.9 million, or 1.7%, less than March 2022. The reduced year-over-year receipts for March from these tax sources are due in part to the reduction of state sales tax on food and food ingredients.The Consensus Revenue Estimating Group, comprised of the Kansas Department of Revenue, Division of Budget, Legislative Research Department, and economists from the University of Kansas, Kansas State University, and Wichita State University, will meet on April 20. The Group will review the fall estimate and make any revisions it may consider necessary.