KANSAS CITY, Mo. —Authorities are investigating the cause of a townhome fire in Kansas City.

Just after 8p.m. Sunday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported fire in the 1700 block of Woodland, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.

First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story 4-plex townhome. After inital interior operations crews were forced to evacuate when the roof became unstable. Searches of the adjoining structures came back all clear. The fire was placed under control at 8:26 p.m. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744625941039.png" alt="View of the fire scene- photo KMBC" />
 <figcaption>View of the fire scene- photo KMBC</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. —Authorities are investigating the cause of a townhome fire in Kansas City.Just after 8p.m. Sunday, crews&nbsp;responded to a reported fire in the 1700 block of Woodland, according to Battalion Chief Michael Hopkins.First responders reported heavy fire from a two-story 4-plex townhome. After inital interior operations crews were forced to evacuate when the roof became unstable. Searches of the adjoining structures came back all clear. The fire was placed under control at 8:26 p.m. No injuries were reported.&nbsp;

Cause of massive KC townhome fire under investigation

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Kansas City.

A Dodge Challenger was southbound on Prospect Avenue from Gregory Blvd. at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver lost control and was ejected. 

EMS pronounced him deceased on scene. Police released no additional details early Monday including the name of the victim.

KANSAS CITY, Mo.—One person died in an accident just before 11p.m. Sunday in Kansas City.A Dodge Challenger was southbound on Prospect Avenue from Gregory Blvd. at a high rate of speed, according to KCPD&nbsp;Officer Alayna Gonzalez. The driver lost control and was ejected. EMS pronounced him deceased on scene. Police released no additional details early Monday including the name of the victim.

Driver dies after ejected from car crash in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man who fled to Mexico and faked his own death has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and possessing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.

On April 9, Diego Antonio Rafael Camargo-Wasserman, 32, formerly of Columbia, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carmargo-Wasserman to 10 years of supervised release following&nbsp; his release from custody. Carmargo-Wasserman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.

On August 8, 2024, Camargo-Wasserman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

The investigation began on July 1, 2010, as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the internet.&nbsp; During a search warrant execution, Camargo-Wasserman admitted to using Limewire to download child pornography.&nbsp; Multiple videos depicting child pornography were found on Camargo-Wasserman’s cell phone.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was previously indicted on federal charges for this offense in 2010, however in 2013, a bail bond agent provided documentation from Mexico stating Camargo-Wasserman had died on October 5, 2012.&nbsp; Federal charges were dismissed.

In July 2017, the FBI received information that Camargo-Wasserman was alive and was residing in Mexico.&nbsp;Federal charges were filed again in 2018 followed by extradition proceedings to return Camargo-Wasserman to the United States.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was brought to the United States to face charges in 2024.&nbsp;Camargo-Wasserman is a dual citizen of both the United States and Mexico.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744585150152.png" alt="Camargo-Wasserman photo Boone Co. Jail" />
 <figcaption>Camargo-Wasserman photo Boone Co. Jail</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. – A man who fled to Mexico and faked his own death has been sentenced in federal court for receiving and possessing child pornography, according to the United State's Attorney.On April 9, Diego Antonio Rafael Camargo-Wasserman, 32, formerly of Columbia, Missouri, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Steven R. Bough to 10 years in federal prison without parole. The court also sentenced Carmargo-Wasserman to 10 years of supervised release following&nbsp; his release from custody. Carmargo-Wasserman will be required to register as a sex offender upon his release from prison and will be subject to federal and state sex offender registration requirements, which may apply throughout his life.On August 8, 2024, Camargo-Wasserman pleaded guilty to one count of receipt of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.The investigation began on July 1, 2010, as part of an ongoing investigation into the distribution of child pornography over the internet.&nbsp; During a search warrant execution, Camargo-Wasserman admitted to using Limewire to download child pornography.&nbsp; Multiple videos depicting child pornography were found on Camargo-Wasserman’s cell phone.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was previously indicted on federal charges for this offense in 2010, however in 2013, a bail bond agent provided documentation from Mexico stating Camargo-Wasserman had died on October 5, 2012.&nbsp; Federal charges were dismissed.In July 2017, the FBI received information that Camargo-Wasserman was alive and was residing in Mexico.&nbsp;Federal charges were filed again in 2018 followed by extradition proceedings to return Camargo-Wasserman to the United States.&nbsp; Camargo-Wasserman was brought to the United States to face charges in 2024.&nbsp;Camargo-Wasserman is a dual citizen of both the United States and Mexico.

Mo. man who fled to Mexico, faked his own death is going to prison

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for causing a $1.2&nbsp;&nbsp;million loss to a company by submitting false invoices in connection a performance incentive rewards program, according to the United State's Attorney. The prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release, and Cummings is ordered to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution.

According to court documents, Barry Cummings, 52, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. An energy management company offered a performance-based rewards program as an incentive to non-employee resellers, contractors, and others to sell its products. Participants submitted information regarding sales to earn points they could then redeem for items like airline vouchers, hotel stays, gift cards, and electronic devices.

In 2017, a business in Lenexa, Kansas, hired Cummings, and he enrolled in the victim company’s rewards program through that affiliation. In his plea agreement, Cummings admitted to orchestrating a years-long scheme to defraud the victim company’s rewards program. Cummings admitted to logging into the rewards site and submitting fraudulent sales claims, which falsely represented that he had sold the company’s products. Cummings admitted that he never sold a single one of the company’s products despite the thousands of sales claims he submitted representing that he did.

After his termination from the Lenexa business in April 2018, Cummings continually logged into the rewards website to submit fraudulent invoices and redeem points, using the email he previously had at the Lenexa business. As an example, during a 12-hour period in November 2018, Cummings submitted 834 fraudulent invoices for which he received more than 2.8 million points. In 2019, he submitted 5,543 false claims for 22.5 million points. Cummings used point redemptions to receive more than 2,000 rewards at a value that caused a $1,233,024 loss to the victim company.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. The victim energy company cooperated and provided invaluable assistance in the investigation. 

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – A Kansas man was sentenced to 15 months in prison for causing a $1.2&nbsp;&nbsp;million loss to a company by submitting false invoices in connection a performance incentive rewards program, according to the United State's Attorney. The prison sentence will be followed by two years of supervised release, and Cummings is ordered to pay more than $1.2 million in restitution.According to court documents, Barry Cummings, 52, of Overland Park, pleaded guilty to one count of mail fraud. An energy management company offered a performance-based rewards program as an incentive to non-employee resellers, contractors, and others to sell its products. Participants submitted information regarding sales to earn points they could then redeem for items like airline vouchers, hotel stays, gift cards, and electronic devices.In 2017, a business in Lenexa, Kansas, hired Cummings, and he enrolled in the victim company’s rewards program through that affiliation. In his plea agreement, Cummings admitted to orchestrating a years-long scheme to defraud the victim company’s rewards program. Cummings admitted to logging into the rewards site and submitting fraudulent sales claims, which falsely represented that he had sold the company’s products. Cummings admitted that he never sold a single one of the company’s products despite the thousands of sales claims he submitted representing that he did.After his termination from the Lenexa business in April 2018, Cummings continually logged into the rewards website to submit fraudulent invoices and redeem points, using the email he previously had at the Lenexa business. As an example, during a 12-hour period in November 2018, Cummings submitted 834 fraudulent invoices for which he received more than 2.8 million points. In 2019, he submitted 5,543 false claims for 22.5 million points. Cummings used point redemptions to receive more than 2,000 rewards at a value that caused a $1,233,024 loss to the victim company.The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) investigated the case. The victim energy company cooperated and provided invaluable assistance in the investigation.

Prison: Kan. man cheated business incentive rewards program

WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) has been alerted of a scam impacting incarcerated individuals and their families where callers are identifying themselves as FBOP employees to secure money for community placement services. 

The FBOP will not contact individuals to request personal information or money. Also, there appear to be other scams affecting incarcerated individuals and their families. Specifically, callers are identifying as “Federal Bureau of Prisons Reentry Division Services” to gain personal information or money for early release and/or community placement services.

Individuals who are contacted by persons purporting to be employees of the FBOP requesting money and/or compensation should report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission online <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">by clicking here</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712245575011.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) has been alerted of a scam impacting incarcerated individuals and their families where callers are identifying themselves as FBOP employees to secure money for community placement services. The FBOP will not contact individuals to request personal information or money. Also, there appear to be other scams affecting incarcerated individuals and their families. Specifically, callers are identifying as “Federal Bureau of Prisons Reentry Division Services” to gain personal information or money for early release and/or community placement services.Individuals who are contacted by persons purporting to be employees of the FBOP requesting money and/or compensation should report these calls to the Federal Trade Commission online <a href="https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/">by clicking here</a>&nbsp;or by phone at 1-877-382-4357 (9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.).

Federal Bureau of Prisons alerts public to a scam

By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marysanchez/">Mary Sanchez</a>

Evenezer Cortez Martinez is back on U.S. soil, landing in Kansas City Tuesday afternoon after being deported.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/DACA" target="_blank">DACA</a>&nbsp;recipient and Kansas father of three feared that he wouldn’t be able to return from Mexico, a country he left at the age of 4. His Roeland Park family embraced in a tearful and joyful reunion at Kansas City International airport.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection had stopped Cortez Martinez at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport more than two weeks ago, after he took a short trip to Mexico to visit his grandfather’s grave.

Instead, he was detained and questioned, then put back on a plane to Mexico City on March 23.

Cortez Martinez is a recipient of DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.

He had never been back to his birth nation, having been brought to the U.S. by his parents as a toddler. His farmworker father tended grapevines in California.

Prior to his scheduled trip to Mexico, Cortez Martinez had applied for and received permission to travel and return to the U.S., a process called “advance parole.”

His case is an example of an immigrant who “did everything the right way” and still ran into problems, said&nbsp;<a href="https://sharma-crawford.com/" target="_blank">Rekha Sharma-Crawford</a>, the Kansas City-based immigration attorney who filed a lawsuit April 2 on behalf of Cortez Martinez with the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas. The case,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/04/03/kansas-man-deported-after-visiting-grandfathers-grave-in-mexico/" target="_blank">first reported by The Beacon</a>, drew national attention.

“The lawsuit has been dismissed because you are home and that was really the point of the lawsuit,” Sharma-Crawford told her client at the airport.

The government had asked for time to respond, indicating that the issue could be resolved without the judge hearing the case, said Sharma-Crawford.

There seemed to be some confusion at the time when he was detained in Dallas, Cortez Martinez recalled, because a supervisor had been called over.

Still, Cortez Martinez said he was told that he’d been ordered removed in absentia on June 11, 2024, and that his documents allowing him to travel had been issued in error.

Cortez Martinez said he was never made aware of that order.

“I never got any notice,” he said. “I check everything because there is all of the paper that we get for DACA renewal.”

His current DACA is valid until October 2026.

Cortez Martinez will now have an opportunity to resolve the re-calendaring of removal proceedings in Kansas City’s immigration court, said Sharma-Crawford.

“I trust you,” Cortez Martinez said to Sharma-Crawford. “Let’s talk as soon as possible.”

His children carried a poster they’d made, each signing a note to their father.

They also brought mylar “Happy Birthday” balloons.

Cortez Martinez turned 40 while he was gone. Several other family members also had recent birthdays.

Laughing, Cortez Martinez hugged his wife and declared, “We’ll have one single party.”

This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/04/08/daca-recipient-deported-after-visiting-mexico-back-in-kansas-city/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744549104964.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/marysanchez/">Mary Sanchez</a>Evenezer Cortez Martinez is back on U.S. soil, landing in Kansas City Tuesday afternoon after being deported.The&nbsp;<a href="https://www.uscis.gov/DACA" target="_blank">DACA</a>&nbsp;recipient and Kansas father of three feared that he wouldn’t be able to return from Mexico, a country he left at the age of 4. His Roeland Park family embraced in a tearful and joyful reunion at Kansas City International airport.U.S. Customs and Border Protection had stopped Cortez Martinez at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport more than two weeks ago, after he took a short trip to Mexico to visit his grandfather’s grave.He was trying to return to Kansas City.Instead, he was detained and questioned, then put back on a plane to Mexico City on March 23.Cortez Martinez is a recipient of DACA, or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals.He had never been back to his birth nation, having been brought to the U.S. by his parents as a toddler. His farmworker father tended grapevines in California.Prior to his scheduled trip to Mexico, Cortez Martinez had applied for and received permission to travel and return to the U.S., a process called “advance parole.”His case is an example of an immigrant who “did everything the right way” and still ran into problems, said&nbsp;<a href="https://sharma-crawford.com/" target="_blank">Rekha Sharma-Crawford</a>, the Kansas City-based immigration attorney who filed a lawsuit April 2 on behalf of Cortez Martinez with the U.S. District Court of the Northern District of Texas. The case,&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/04/03/kansas-man-deported-after-visiting-grandfathers-grave-in-mexico/" target="_blank">first reported by The Beacon</a>, drew national attention.“The lawsuit has been dismissed because you are home and that was really the point of the lawsuit,” Sharma-Crawford told her client at the airport.The government had asked for time to respond, indicating that the issue could be resolved without the judge hearing the case, said Sharma-Crawford.There seemed to be some confusion at the time when he was detained in Dallas, Cortez Martinez recalled, because a supervisor had been called over.Still, Cortez Martinez said he was told that he’d been ordered removed in absentia on June 11, 2024, and that his documents allowing him to travel had been issued in error.Cortez Martinez said he was never made aware of that order.“I never got any notice,” he said. “I check everything because there is all of the paper that we get for DACA renewal.”His current DACA is valid until October 2026.Cortez Martinez will now have an opportunity to resolve the re-calendaring of removal proceedings in Kansas City’s immigration court, said Sharma-Crawford.“I trust you,” Cortez Martinez said to Sharma-Crawford. “Let’s talk as soon as possible.”His children carried a poster they’d made, each signing a note to their father.They also brought mylar “Happy Birthday” balloons.Cortez Martinez turned 40 while he was gone. Several other family members also had recent birthdays.Laughing, Cortez Martinez hugged his wife and declared, “We’ll have one single party.”This&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/stories/2025/04/08/daca-recipient-deported-after-visiting-mexico-back-in-kansas-city/" target="_blank">article</a>&nbsp;first appeared on&nbsp;<a href="https://thebeaconnews.org/" target="_blank">Beacon: Kansas City</a>&nbsp;and is republished here under a&nbsp;<a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/" target="_blank">Creative Commons Attribution-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License</a>.

Man deported after visiting family grave in Mexico is back in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are searching for the driver of an ATV who drove over and critically injured Kansas City, Missouri Police officer.

Just before 7p.m. on Saturday, police responded to a disturbance involving an officer at E. Truman Road and S. Main Street, according to KCPD Officer Alyana Gonzalez.

First responders found the driver of an ATV had attempted to avoid tire deflation devices. The driver popped a wheelie and struck the officer who set the devices. The impact caused the officer to fall to the ground before the ATV drove over him and sped off.

The officer was transported to a hospital for treatment of a critical head injury.&nbsp;

Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

KANSAS CITY—Law enforcement are searching for the driver of an ATV who drove over and critically injured Kansas City, Missouri Police officer.Just before 7p.m. on Saturday, police responded to a disturbance involving an officer at E. Truman Road and S. Main Street, according to KCPD Officer Alyana Gonzalez.First responders found the driver of an ATV had attempted to avoid tire deflation devices. The driver popped a wheelie and struck the officer who set the devices. The impact caused the officer to fall to the ground before the ATV drove over him and sped off.The officer was transported to a hospital for treatment of a critical head injury.&nbsp;Anyone with information about the incident should report it to the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS.

Kansas City Police Officer hospitalized after struck by ATV

POLK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in Polk County.&nbsp;

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Traverse driven by a 24-year-old Louisburg man was southbound on Highway D in Polk. The SUV struck a 70-year-old Polk man who was on the roadway.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to Citizen's Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

POLK COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 8p.m. Saturday in Polk County.&nbsp;The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2018 Chevy Traverse driven by a 24-year-old Louisburg man was southbound on Highway D in Polk. The SUV struck a 70-year-old Polk man who was on the roadway.&nbsp; EMS transported the victim to Citizen's Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.&nbsp; The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man dies in pedestrian accident 

KANSAS CITY —A woman who was identified by SAVE KC as high-risk for violence, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for her involvement in a double homicide that took place in south Kansas City last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2566/LINDA-ATER-PLEA-AGREEMENT">Linda Ater, 18,&nbsp; pled guilty</a>&nbsp;to 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. She received 18 years for 2nd Degree Murder and 15 years for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, which will be served at the same time. She also received a three-year sentence for Armed Criminal Action, which will run consecutively, for a total of 21 years.&nbsp;

SAVE KC is a focused deterrence strategy involving the Prosecutor’s Office, the Kansas City Police Department, the City, and service providers, targeting those at-risk of violence. The identified clients are invited to a call-in where they are warned about enhanced enforcement and consequences if they continue engaging in criminal activity. Clients are offered services including housing support, job placement, mental health counseling, and more.&nbsp;

While the defendant was on the SAVE KC target list and was invited to a call-in, she did not attend.

“SAVE KC’s message is clear: give up crime, accept help, or face the full weight of prosecution. There are some, including the defendant, who do not heed our warnings and reject help. As a result, this young woman will spend the rest of her young years in prison,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “As we explain to SAVE KC clients, we care about your future, but violence will never be tolerated.”

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2567/LINDA-ATER-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road on Dec. 9 and located a man&nbsp; in the driver’s seat of a Nissan Sentra and a woman on the ground near the vehicle both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims were confirmed deceased.&nbsp;

Video surveillance shows the Nissan pulling into the apartment complex parking lot and park in front of the building. An individual, later identified as Ater, exits the Nissan holding a firearm with an extended magazine. Just a minute later, the defendant fires in the direction of the victim in the driver’s seat and then retreats into another vehicle, which flees the scene.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744318371060.png" alt="Ater photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Ater photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —A woman who was identified by SAVE KC as high-risk for violence, has been sentenced to 21 years in prison for her involvement in a double homicide that took place in south Kansas City last year, according to&nbsp;Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson.<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2566/LINDA-ATER-PLEA-AGREEMENT">Linda Ater, 18,&nbsp; pled guilty</a>&nbsp;to 2nd Degree Murder, Armed Criminal Action, and Unlawful Use of a Weapon. She received 18 years for 2nd Degree Murder and 15 years for Unlawful Use of a Weapon, which will be served at the same time. She also received a three-year sentence for Armed Criminal Action, which will run consecutively, for a total of 21 years.&nbsp;SAVE KC is a focused deterrence strategy involving the Prosecutor’s Office, the Kansas City Police Department, the City, and service providers, targeting those at-risk of violence. The identified clients are invited to a call-in where they are warned about enhanced enforcement and consequences if they continue engaging in criminal activity. Clients are offered services including housing support, job placement, mental health counseling, and more.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/12/1733792910134.png" alt="Police on the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'" />
 <figcaption>Police on the scene of the investigation -photo Sheriff Daryl Forte'</figcaption>
 </figure>While the defendant was on the SAVE KC target list and was invited to a call-in, she did not attend.“SAVE KC’s message is clear: give up crime, accept help, or face the full weight of prosecution. There are some, including the defendant, who do not heed our warnings and reject help. As a result, this young woman will spend the rest of her young years in prison,”&nbsp;said Prosecutor Johnson. “As we explain to SAVE KC clients, we care about your future, but violence will never be tolerated.”<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2567/LINDA-ATER-PCREDACTED">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to the 6000 block of Blue Hills Road on Dec. 9 and located a man&nbsp; in the driver’s seat of a Nissan Sentra and a woman on the ground near the vehicle both suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. Both victims were confirmed deceased.&nbsp;Video surveillance shows the Nissan pulling into the apartment complex parking lot and park in front of the building. An individual, later identified as Ater, exits the Nissan holding a firearm with an extended magazine. Just a minute later, the defendant fires in the direction of the victim in the driver’s seat and then retreats into another vehicle, which flees the scene.&nbsp;

 Security camera showed KC teen commit murder

GREENE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Saturday in Greene&nbsp; &nbsp;County.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Aprilla Tuono motorcycle driven by a 42-year-old Springfield man was westbound on Route YY one and one half miles east of Springfield. 

The motorcycle traveled off the road at a high rate of speed and struck an embankment. The driver was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

GREENE COUNTY —One person died in an accident just after 1p.m. Saturday in Greene&nbsp; &nbsp;County.The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 2021 Aprilla Tuono motorcycle driven by a 42-year-old Springfield man was westbound on Route YY one and one half miles east of Springfield. The motorcycle traveled off the road at a high rate of speed and struck an embankment. The driver was ejected and pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet, according to the MSHP. The Patrol no longer releases names of accident victims.

Missouri man dies after ejected in motorcycle accident

KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after he broke into a home in a Kansas City suburb.

Just after 11p.m. April 9, police responded to a burglary in progress at a residence near SE Ranson Road and SE 11th Street in Lee's Summit, according to a media release. As officers were arriving on scene the caller reported that they had located a prowler inside the home in a child’s bedroom and were physically detaining him. 

 Officers on scene quickly entered the home and took the man into custody without incident.  Investigation on scene would reveal that the suspect,&nbsp; later identified as&nbsp;42-year-old Robert M McDowell III &nbsp;had entered the home by breaking in a back door prior to being found in the child’s bedroom.

&nbsp;There were no injuries reported by the homeowner, the suspect reported minor injuries and was treated and released at a local hospital into police custody.&nbsp; Based on spontaneous statements by McDowell on scene, investigators obtained a search warrant for McDowell’s cell phone. 

 Investigators were also attempting to determine if the defendant was intoxicated or impaired during the incident. The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office charged McDowell with Burglary 1st Degree and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography 1st Degree, with an $80,000.00 bond. The Lee’s Summit Police Department is working with providers to offer assistance resources to the victims.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744459997697.png" alt="McDowell photo Lee's Summit Police" />
 <figcaption>McDowell photo Lee's Summit Police</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY —Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on multiple allegations after he broke into a home in a Kansas City suburb.Just after 11p.m. April 9, police responded to a burglary in progress at a residence near SE Ranson Road and SE 11th Street in Lee's Summit, according to a media release. As officers were arriving on scene the caller reported that they had located a prowler inside the home in a child’s bedroom and were physically detaining him. Officers on scene quickly entered the home and took the man into custody without incident. Investigation on scene would reveal that the suspect,&nbsp; later identified as&nbsp;42-year-old Robert M McDowell III &nbsp;had entered the home by breaking in a back door prior to being found in the child’s bedroom.&nbsp;There were no injuries reported by the homeowner, the suspect reported minor injuries and was treated and released at a local hospital into police custody.&nbsp; Based on spontaneous statements by McDowell on scene, investigators obtained a search warrant for McDowell’s cell phone. Investigators were also attempting to determine if the defendant was intoxicated or impaired during the incident. The Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office charged McDowell with Burglary 1st Degree and two counts of Possession of Child Pornography 1st Degree, with an $80,000.00 bond. The Lee’s Summit Police Department is working with providers to offer assistance resources to the victims.

Burglary suspect caught in child's bedroom in KC suburb

SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man is in custody following a stolen vehicle investigation in Shawnee County.

On Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received information regarding someone attempting to sell a stolen vehicle on Facebook Marketplace, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The Sheriff’s Proactive Operational Response Ream (S.P.O.R.T.) was activated immediately.&nbsp; They determined a location for the seller and vehicle.

Just before 1 p.m. near NW Lower Silver Lake Road and NW Brickyard Road, deputies located a red Chevrolet Corvette that was reported stolen out of Olathe, Kansas. Deputies also found a stolen firearm out of Johnson County.

Cooper E. Rash, 19, of Lecompton, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Possession of stolen property: firearm with value less than $25,000; Possession of stolen property; value $25,000 to $100,000.

Rash also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest out of Shawnee County.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744374212055.png" alt="Rash photo Shawnee Co." />
 <figcaption>Rash photo Shawnee Co.</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY—A Kansas man is in custody following a stolen vehicle investigation in Shawnee County.On Thursday, the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division received information regarding someone attempting to sell a stolen vehicle on Facebook Marketplace, according to Deputy Abigail Christian. The Sheriff’s Proactive Operational Response Ream (S.P.O.R.T.) was activated immediately.&nbsp; They determined a location for the seller and vehicle.Just before 1 p.m. near NW Lower Silver Lake Road and NW Brickyard Road, deputies located a red Chevrolet Corvette that was reported stolen out of Olathe, Kansas. Deputies also found a stolen firearm out of Johnson County.Cooper E. Rash, 19, of Lecompton, Kan., was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges Possession of stolen property: firearm with value less than $25,000; Possession of stolen property; value $25,000 to $100,000.Rash also had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest out of Shawnee County.

Sheriff: Kan. teen tried to sell stolen car on Facebook Marketplace

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>

WASHINGTON — Fired federal probationary workers saw setbacks this week, as the U.S. Supreme Court and an appeals court dealt blows in two separate cases, leaving the newly hired or recently promoted employees hit by the administration’s mass firings once again in limbo.

In a case that affected up to 24,000 fired probationary employees across 17 federal agencies, the U.S. Appeals Court for the 4th Circuit on Wednesday blocked a lower court order requiring the government to rehire the workers.

A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 to stay the order, writing that the Trump administration is “likely to succeed in showing the district court lacked jurisdiction over Plaintiffs’ claims.”

Judge Allison Rushing, appointed by President Donald Trump in 2019, directed the order, with Judge James Wilkinson, a President Ronald Reagan appointee, concurring. Judge DeAndrea Benjamin, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2023, dissented.

The case centered on a lawsuit filed by the Democratic attorneys general for 19 states and the District of Columbia, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-attorneys-general-face-trump-administration-over-rehiring-fired-feds" target="_blank">allege</a>&nbsp;economic harm because the federal government did not provide legally required warning ahead of an influx of unemployed state residents.

Federal Judge James Bredar for the District of Maryland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-orders-fired-federal-probationary-workers-reinstated-19-states-dc" target="_blank">issued a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;on April 2 requiring the government to rehire thousands of workers who either lived or reported to work only in the 19 plaintiff states and the District of Columbia while the case moved forward. They included:

The case marked the first time the government provided the number of probationary employees fired at each agency.

Bredar required the figures from the government to show compliance with his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/second-federal-judge-orders-reversal-some-trump-workforce-cuts" target="_blank">mid-March emergency order</a>&nbsp;that the agencies reinstate the workers. The documents showed that the majority of the employees were not recalled to active duty, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fired-fed-workers-won-their-jobs-back-many-linger-administrative-leave-limbo" target="_blank">placed on administrative leave</a>.

In the second case bearing on fired federal workers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a lower court order mandating the federal government reinstate the jobs of 16,000 fired probationary federal workers across six agencies.

The unsigned two-page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/040825zr_1b8e.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;stated the nine nonprofits that brought the case do not have legal standing. The justices did not address the question at the center of the lawsuit: whether the firings were illegal.

The Trump administration had escalated the case to the Supreme Court’s emergency docket after the U.S. Appeals Court for the 9th Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-appeals-court-turns-down-trump-attempt-block-rehiring-fired-workers" target="_blank">denied</a>&nbsp;the government’s request to block the agencies from rehiring the employees.

U.S. District Judge William Alsup for the Northern District of California&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-orders-rehiring-thousands-fired-probationary-federal-employees" target="_blank">extended</a>&nbsp;his temporary emergency order on March 13, mandating the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury and Veterans Affairs reinstate employees who were fired under a directive from the Office of Personnel Management as part of an agenda by President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-workforce-hit-trumps-sweeping-firings-thousands-probationary-employees" target="_blank">slash the federal workforce</a>.

As the case continues on the lower court track, lawyers for the American Federal of Government Employees, AFL-CIO faced the Trump administration in court Wednesday before Alsup, a Clinton appointee. Alsup ordered both to provide more information by the end of the day Friday, including a comprehensive list of those fired and statements about economic harms.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/3/1741729690736.png" alt="Department of Education in Washington -AP photo" />
 <figcaption>Department of Education in Washington -AP photo</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://kansasreflector.com/author/ashley-murray/">ASHLEY MURRAY</a>WASHINGTON — Fired federal probationary workers saw setbacks this week, as the U.S. Supreme Court and an appeals court dealt blows in two separate cases, leaving the newly hired or recently promoted employees hit by the administration’s mass firings once again in limbo.In a case that affected up to 24,000 fired probationary employees across 17 federal agencies, the U.S. Appeals Court for the 4th Circuit on Wednesday blocked a lower court order requiring the government to rehire the workers.A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 to stay the order, writing that the Trump administration is “likely to succeed in showing the district court lacked jurisdiction over Plaintiffs’ claims.”Judge Allison Rushing, appointed by President Donald Trump in 2019, directed the order, with Judge James Wilkinson, a President Ronald Reagan appointee, concurring. Judge DeAndrea Benjamin, appointed by President Joe Biden in 2023, dissented.The case centered on a lawsuit filed by the Democratic attorneys general for 19 states and the District of Columbia, who&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/democratic-attorneys-general-face-trump-administration-over-rehiring-fired-feds" target="_blank">allege</a>&nbsp;economic harm because the federal government did not provide legally required warning ahead of an influx of unemployed state residents.Federal Judge James Bredar for the District of Maryland&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-orders-fired-federal-probationary-workers-reinstated-19-states-dc" target="_blank">issued a preliminary injunction</a>&nbsp;on April 2 requiring the government to rehire thousands of workers who either lived or reported to work only in the 19 plaintiff states and the District of Columbia while the case moved forward. They included:<ul>
 <li>Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin.</li>
 </ul>The affected agencies included:<ul>
 <li>The departments of Agriculture, Commerce, Defense (civilian employees only), Education, Energy, Health and Human Services, Homeland Security, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Labor, Transportation, Treasury and Veterans Affairs, as well as the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Environmental Protection Agency, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, General Services Administration, Office of Personnel Management, Small Business Administration and the U.S. Agency for International Development.</li>
 </ul>The case marked the first time the government provided the number of probationary employees fired at each agency.Bredar required the figures from the government to show compliance with his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/second-federal-judge-orders-reversal-some-trump-workforce-cuts" target="_blank">mid-March emergency order</a>&nbsp;that the agencies reinstate the workers. The documents showed that the majority of the employees were not recalled to active duty, but&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/fired-fed-workers-won-their-jobs-back-many-linger-administrative-leave-limbo" target="_blank">placed on administrative leave</a>.<h2>Supreme Court action</h2>In the second case bearing on fired federal workers, the Supreme Court on Tuesday blocked a lower court order mandating the federal government reinstate the jobs of 16,000 fired probationary federal workers across six agencies.The unsigned two-page&nbsp;<a href="https://www.supremecourt.gov/orders/courtorders/040825zr_1b8e.pdf" target="_blank">order</a>&nbsp;stated the nine nonprofits that brought the case do not have legal standing. The justices did not address the question at the center of the lawsuit: whether the firings were illegal.The Trump administration had escalated the case to the Supreme Court’s emergency docket after the U.S. Appeals Court for the 9th Circuit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-appeals-court-turns-down-trump-attempt-block-rehiring-fired-workers" target="_blank">denied</a>&nbsp;the government’s request to block the agencies from rehiring the employees.U.S. District Judge William Alsup for the Northern District of California&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/judge-orders-rehiring-thousands-fired-probationary-federal-employees" target="_blank">extended</a>&nbsp;his temporary emergency order on March 13, mandating the departments of Agriculture, Defense, Energy, Interior, Treasury and Veterans Affairs reinstate employees who were fired under a directive from the Office of Personnel Management as part of an agenda by President Donald Trump and adviser Elon Musk to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/federal-workforce-hit-trumps-sweeping-firings-thousands-probationary-employees" target="_blank">slash the federal workforce</a>.As the case continues on the lower court track, lawyers for the American Federal of Government Employees, AFL-CIO faced the Trump administration in court Wednesday before Alsup, a Clinton appointee. Alsup ordered both to provide more information by the end of the day Friday, including a comprehensive list of those fired and statements about economic harms.&nbsp;

Fired federal probationary employees thrown back in limbo after court losses

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged assault in Manhattan.

Just before 8:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault in the 700 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.. &nbsp;

A 31-year-old man reported that a 41-year-old man armed himself with a sledge hammer during an incident, placing the victim in fear of harm.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

RILEY COUNTY —Law enforcement are investigating an alleged assault in Manhattan.Just before 8:30p.m. Thursday, officers filed a report of aggravated assault in the 700 block of Colorado Street in Manhattan, according to the Riley County Police Department activity report.. &nbsp;A 31-year-old man reported that a 41-year-old man armed himself with a sledge hammer during an incident, placing the victim in fear of harm.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; Anyone with information can contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.rileycountypolice.org/287/Crime-Stoppers">Crime Stoppers</a>. Using Crime Stoppers allows you to remain anonymous and could qualify you for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Police: Kan. man threatened another with a sledge hammer

SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was injured while at the scene of a fire Wednesday night in Topeka.

Just after 10:30p.m. firefighters responded to a reported fire in a building at Cable Dahmer Chevrolet, 3731 SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp; First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a building at the dealership. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire.

The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, originating on or near the ventilation unit for the paint booth located in the vehicle body repair garage. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries on the scene.&nbsp; Authorities have not released an estimate on damage.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744381127495.png" alt="Photo courtesy WIBW TV" />
 <figcaption>Photo courtesy WIBW TV</figcaption>
 </figure>SHAWNEE COUNTY —One person was injured while at the scene of a fire Wednesday night in Topeka.Just after 10:30p.m. firefighters responded to a reported fire in a building at Cable Dahmer Chevrolet, 3731 SW Topeka Boulevard, according to Fire Marshal Alan Stahl.&nbsp; First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a building at the dealership. Crews were able to quickly extinguish the fire.The cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, originating on or near the ventilation unit for the paint booth located in the vehicle body repair garage. One firefighter was treated for minor injuries on the scene.&nbsp; Authorities have not released an estimate on damage.

Firefighter injured fighting blaze at Kansas car dealership

KANSAS CITY — A woman has established an online fundraiser for her nephew after a deadly home explosion on Wednesday night in the Kansas City suburb of Lexington, Missouri.

<a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jacob-cami-after-tragic-explosion?attribution_id=sl:bbd7666e-a17d-46eb-89a9-49432439c68f&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp13_t1-amp15_t3&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link">Click here to view the online fundraiser.</a>

&nbsp;"The fundraiser is for Jacob Cunningham's family who were tragically impacted by this gas leak turned explosion."

"Jake, Cami and Alistair had just returned home for the evening. I am being told that when Jake flipped the light switch, the home exploded. Leaving only debris. Also causing damage to several other homes on the block, the woman wrote on the online fundraiser."

"Jake his 10 year old daughter Cami Lamb were transported to a local hospital. Soon after Jake was Life Flighted to Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Cami was Life Flighted to Children's Mercy Hospital. Both were severely burned." 

" Jake's 5 year old son Alistair died as a result of the explosion. Both Jake and Cami are considered critical but stable." 

The immediate need is for funeral cost for Alistar. Then costs associated with the medical care for both Jake and Cami, There will loss of income while Jake is out of work recovering from injuries. as he is the sole provider for his family.

The family has also set up an Account at Bank Midwest Bank 1211 Main street, Lexington, MO 64067 c/o Catherine Woods (Cathie). She is handling all the arrangements at this time for the family.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744302842121.jpeg" alt="KANSAS CITY — A woman has established an online fundraiser for her nephew after a deadly home explosion on Wednesday night in a Kansas City suburb." />
 <figcaption>KANSAS CITY — A woman has established an online fundraiser for her nephew after a deadly home explosion on Wednesday night in a Kansas City suburb.</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — A woman has established an online fundraiser for her nephew after a deadly home explosion on Wednesday night in the Kansas City suburb of Lexington, Missouri.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744331759176.png" alt="Jacob Cunningham with his two children-photo GoFundMe" />
 <figcaption>Jacob Cunningham with his two children-photo GoFundMe</figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-jacob-cami-after-tragic-explosion?attribution_id=sl:bbd7666e-a17d-46eb-89a9-49432439c68f&amp;lang=en_US&amp;utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&amp;utm_content=amp13_t1-amp15_t3&amp;utm_medium=customer&amp;utm_source=copy_link">Click here to view the online fundraiser.</a>&nbsp;"The fundraiser is for Jacob Cunningham's family who were tragically impacted by this gas leak turned explosion.""Jake, Cami and Alistair had just returned home for the evening. I am being told that when Jake flipped the light switch, the home exploded. Leaving only debris. Also causing damage to several other homes on the block, the woman wrote on the online fundraiser.""Jake his 10 year old daughter Cami Lamb were transported to a local hospital. Soon after Jake was Life Flighted to Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. Cami was Life Flighted to Children's Mercy Hospital. Both were severely burned." " Jake's 5 year old son Alistair died as a result of the explosion. Both Jake and Cami are considered critical but stable." The immediate need is for funeral cost for Alistar. Then costs associated with the medical care for both Jake and Cami, There will loss of income while Jake is out of work recovering from injuries. as he is the sole provider for his family.The family has also set up an Account at Bank Midwest Bank 1211 Main street, Lexington, MO 64067 c/o Catherine Woods (Cathie). She is handling all the arrangements at this time for the family.-----------

Online fundraiser for family in deadly KC area home explosion

SALINE COUNTY —Two people including a Salina Police officer were injured&nbsp; in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Thursday in Salina.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Freestar driven by Susan K. Price, 71, Salina, was southbound on Lewis Street at a stop sign at Crawford Street. The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2024 Ford Explorer driven by Officer Melissa K.&nbsp;Short-Eshleman, 49, Salina, who had lights and sirens on and was responding to another accident.

EMS transported both drivers to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

SALINE COUNTY —Two people including a Salina Police officer were injured&nbsp; in an accident just before 7:30p.m. Thursday in Salina.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Ford Freestar driven by Susan K. Price, 71, Salina, was southbound on Lewis Street at a stop sign at Crawford Street. The driver failed to yield to an eastbound 2024 Ford Explorer driven by Officer Melissa K.&nbsp;Short-Eshleman, 49, Salina, who had lights and sirens on and was responding to another accident.EMS transported both drivers to Salina Regional Health Center for treatment of minor injuries.&nbsp; Both were properly restrained, according to the KHP.

Kansas police officer injured in 2-vehicle crash

KANSAS CITY — Charges&nbsp; have been filed against a man who broke into a Kansas CIty wine bar last Month, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2563/Werts_Evan--Complaint_Redacted2">Evan A. Werts faces</a>&nbsp;2nd Degree Burglary, 1st Degree Property Damage, and two counts of Stealing.&nbsp;

Werts was previously charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Property Damage for an incident last year and posted bond. He had been complying with a GPS monitoring system and strict special conditions of his bond for months, which led to the court’s decision to allow modifications of some of his restrictions.&nbsp;

While out on bond, the defendant turned off his GPS monitoring system right before committing a weekend’s burglary. As a result, the Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to revoke bond, and the court issued a no-bond warrant.&nbsp;

“In this case, the defendant was given an opportunity, based on his compliance and positive behavior, to have access to tools to improve himself, but instead chose to commit a new felony," said Prosecutor Johnson.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2562/Werts_Evan--PC-Statement_redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to Vita’s Place on a burglary call on March 30. Video footage revealed a male, later identified as Werts attempt to kick in the rear door of the business but was unsuccessful. He then broke in and entered a window on the front door of the business. Two bottles of wine, one bottle of whiskey, and cash from the register were missing from the business.&nbsp;

Werts is being held for a mental health evaluation and will be taken into custody as soon as he is released.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744317708339.png" alt="Werts as seen in security camera images from Vitas Place" />
 <figcaption>Werts as seen in security camera images from Vitas Place</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY — Charges&nbsp; have been filed against a man who broke into a Kansas CIty wine bar last Month, according to Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2563/Werts_Evan--Complaint_Redacted2">Evan A. Werts faces</a>&nbsp;2nd Degree Burglary, 1st Degree Property Damage, and two counts of Stealing.&nbsp;Werts was previously charged with two counts of 2nd Degree Property Damage for an incident last year and posted bond. He had been complying with a GPS monitoring system and strict special conditions of his bond for months, which led to the court’s decision to allow modifications of some of his restrictions.&nbsp;While out on bond, the defendant turned off his GPS monitoring system right before committing a weekend’s burglary. As a result, the Prosecutor’s Office has filed a motion to revoke bond, and the court issued a no-bond warrant.&nbsp;“In this case, the defendant was given an opportunity, based on his compliance and positive behavior, to have access to tools to improve himself, but instead chose to commit a new felony," said Prosecutor Johnson.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/DocumentCenter/View/2562/Werts_Evan--PC-Statement_redacted">According to court records</a>, Kansas City police were dispatched to Vita’s Place on a burglary call on March 30. Video footage revealed a male, later identified as Werts attempt to kick in the rear door of the business but was unsuccessful. He then broke in and entered a window on the front door of the business. Two bottles of wine, one bottle of whiskey, and cash from the register were missing from the business.&nbsp;Werts is being held for a mental health evaluation and will be taken into custody as soon as he is released.&nbsp;

Doorbell camera saw man breaking into KC wine bar

&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.

Jus after 1:30p.m. April 4, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a reckless driver on U.S. 75 near 266th Road. The suspect was driving on the shoulder of the highway and into oncoming traffic.&nbsp; A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle, a 2019 Toyota Avalon driving south on U.S. 75, just north of Holton.

 The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle near 192nd Road. As a result of the traffic stop, the driver, Josiah Desmond Jerrell Williams, 38, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of cocaine, possession of stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, incapable of safely operating; 2nd offense, transporting an open container of alcohol, violation of driving restrictions, improper driving on laned roadway and traffic contraband into correctional facility.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744146190527.png" alt="Williams photo Jackson County" />
 <figcaption>Williams photo Jackson County</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;JACKSON COUNTY, Kan.—Law enforcement are investigating a suspect on drug allegations.Jus after 1:30p.m. April 4, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a reckless driver on U.S. 75 near 266th Road. The suspect was driving on the shoulder of the highway and into oncoming traffic.&nbsp; A Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle, a 2019 Toyota Avalon driving south on U.S. 75, just north of Holton. The deputy initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle near 192nd Road. As a result of the traffic stop, the driver, Josiah Desmond Jerrell Williams, 38, of Topeka was arrested and booked into the Jackson County Jail on requested charges that include possession of cocaine, possession of stimulant, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of drugs/alcohol, incapable of safely operating; 2nd offense, transporting an open container of alcohol, violation of driving restrictions, improper driving on laned roadway and traffic contraband into correctional facility.

Sheriff: Reckless Kansas driver was transporting cocaine

By COLE REIF Great Bend Post

The Immanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas was built in 1887. The
church was moved from the unincorporated community in south Russell County to
south Hoisington in 1971. Mostly unused for decades, Debbie Deutsch has had her
eye on the structure for years.

Deutsch opened the Corinthians Hill Event
Center, just north of Great Bend and Barton Community College, in 2020 with the
idea to have a church on site for wedding ceremonies and receptions.


"This was always the vision," said Deutsch. "I wanted to be able to offer weddings that can be done in a church as well as for inclement weather. Rather than having to sit at a table to watch a bride and groom when it's pouring outside. You can at least go inside a church while it's pouring. It was always the plan."

With more than 40 years of interior design experience, Deutsch operates
Cornerstone Interiors in Great Bend, and eventually started decorating for
people’s weddings. 


Along with a house and venues on site for receptions and events, Deutsch hired
a moving company to haul the church Wednesday morning from its location near Hoisington
to the foundation installed at Corinthians Hill.


"I have wanted this church for about 10 years," said Deutsch. "Probably five years ago, I approached the owner and asked him if he would be willing to sell it. He said yes. I wasn't quite ready for it. When I was ready for it about a month ago, I approached him again. We made a deal, and the movers had availability."

Deutsch said the church is roughly 61 feet long by 32 feet wide and was listed
to fit “300 souls” inside. Renovations to the church will get started soon in
its new location.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

"I have a vision for the whole thing," added Deutsch. "I'm not done, trust me."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744218088588.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>By COLE REIF Great Bend PostThe Immanuel Lutheran Church in Milberger, Kansas was built in 1887. The
church was moved from the unincorporated community in south Russell County to
south Hoisington in 1971. Mostly unused for decades, Debbie Deutsch has had her
eye on the structure for years.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DFjBjgl076Q?si=_ttp4d6RoSmjnAK9&amp;start=1" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Deutsch opened the Corinthians Hill Event
Center, just north of Great Bend and Barton Community College, in 2020 with the
idea to have a church on site for wedding ceremonies and receptions.
"This was always the vision," said Deutsch. "I wanted to be able to offer weddings that can be done in a church as well as for inclement weather. Rather than having to sit at a table to watch a bride and groom when it's pouring outside. You can at least go inside a church while it's pouring. It was always the plan."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744218056494.jpeg" alt=" " />
 <figcaption> </figcaption>
 </figure>With more than 40 years of interior design experience, Deutsch operates
Cornerstone Interiors in Great Bend, and eventually started decorating for
people’s weddings. 
Along with a house and venues on site for receptions and events, Deutsch hired
a moving company to haul the church Wednesday morning from its location near Hoisington
to the foundation installed at Corinthians Hill.
"I have wanted this church for about 10 years," said Deutsch. "Probably five years ago, I approached the owner and asked him if he would be willing to sell it. He said yes. I wasn't quite ready for it. When I was ready for it about a month ago, I approached him again. We made a deal, and the movers had availability."Deutsch said the church is roughly 61 feet long by 32 feet wide and was listed
to fit “300 souls” inside. Renovations to the church will get started soon in
its new location.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;"I have a vision for the whole thing," added Deutsch. "I'm not done, trust me."

🎥Historic Kansas church moved a second time

JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7:30 a.m. Thursday in Johnson County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Peterbilt semi driven by Eugene Merrell, 48, Tonganoxie, was northbound on U.S. 69 just north of 270th Street&nbsp;n the number two lane.

The semi traveled off the road to the right, struck the bridge rail over 207th street, crossed into the number one lane, traveled off the road to the left, entered the median and overturned in the median. Vehicle one came to rest in the Southbound lanes facing East. The semi's water tank came to rest in the median approximately 50 feet north of the vehicle.

Merrell was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Johnson County Medical Examiners Office.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger Colin&nbsp;Cowdin, 28, Ottawa, to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. They were both properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744314060936.png" alt="Image of the crash scene KC Scout camera" />
 <figcaption>Image of the crash scene KC Scout camera</figcaption>
 </figure>JOHNSON COUNTY —One person died in an accident just before 7:30 a.m. Thursday in Johnson County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2005 Peterbilt semi driven by Eugene Merrell, 48, Tonganoxie, was northbound on U.S. 69 just north of 270th Street&nbsp;n the number two lane.The semi traveled off the road to the right, struck the bridge rail over 207th street, crossed into the number one lane, traveled off the road to the left, entered the median and overturned in the median. Vehicle one came to rest in the Southbound lanes facing East. The semi's water tank came to rest in the median approximately 50 feet north of the vehicle.Merrell was pronounced dead at the scene and was transported to&nbsp;Johnson County Medical Examiners Office.&nbsp; EMS transported a passenger Colin&nbsp;Cowdin, 28, Ottawa, to Overland Park Regional Medical Center. They were both properly restrained, according to the KHP.&nbsp;

Kansas man dies when semi carrying water tank overturns

BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>

WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans adopted a budget resolution Thursday, clearing the way for both chambers of Congress to write a bill extending 2017 tax cuts and bolstering funding for border security and defense, though the blueprint set vastly different targets for spending cuts.

<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025100" target="_blank">The cliff-hanger 216-214 vote</a>&nbsp;followed a tumultuous week on Capitol Hill. Far-right members of the GOP Conference said repeatedly they wouldn’t accept the outline, since it requires the House to write a bill that cuts spending by at least $1.5 trillion, while senators set themselves a floor of $4 billion in cuts.

Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-punts-vote-trump-backed-budget-now-amid-battle-over-spending-cuts" target="_blank">forced to postpone a floor vote</a>&nbsp;on the budget resolution on Wednesday evening. But Johnson was able to secure the votes needed after he and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., announced Thursday morning that they were in agreement about meeting the higher threshold for spending cuts.

Johnson said both chambers of Congress “are committed to finding at least $1.5 trillion in savings for the American people, while also preserving our essential programs.”

“Many of us are going to aim much higher and find those savings because we believe they are there,” Johnson said. “We want to make the government more efficient, effective and leaner for the American people. And I think that will serve every American of every party. And we’re happy to do that.”

Despite the difference in reconciliation instructions, Thune said the Senate is “aligned with the House” when it comes to cutting spending over the next decade.

“The speaker has talked about $1.5 trillion,” Thune said. “We have a lot of United States senators who believe that is a minimum.”

Thune added he believes it’s time for Congress “to get the country on a more sustainable fiscal path and that entails us taking a hard scrub of our government and figuring out where we can find those savings.”

Democrats, and some centrist Republicans, have expressed deep concerns the House’s instructions require the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, to cut at least $880 billion.

The panel, which also oversees Medicare and other programs, could not recoup that level of spending without pulling hundreds of billions from Medicaid,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-tax-cut-plans-may-depend-savings-medicaid-what-it-and-who-relies-it" target="_blank">the state-federal program</a>&nbsp;for lower-income Americans and some people with disabilities.

The budget resolution has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, who’s repeatedly urged the House to adopt the measure. “Great News! “The Big, Beautiful Bill” is coming along really well. Republicans are working together nicely. Biggest Tax Cuts in USA History!!! Getting close. DJT,” Trump posted on social media Thursday morning prior to the vote.

Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz were the only members of the Republican Party to vote against approval.

“If you were trying to hasten financial collapse of our country and bribe voters to go along with it, the strategy wouldn’t look much different than what Congress is doing today,” Massie wrote on social media. “The big beautiful bill cuts taxes while keeping spending on an increasingly unsustainable trajectory.”

Spartz wrote in a social media post of her own that the reconciliation instructions “we voted on today are still setting us up for the largest deficit increase in the history of our Republic, &amp; opening up a ‘pandora’s box’ by changing accounting rules to hide it.

“In good conscience, I couldn’t vote YES.”

The House adopting the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/14/text" target="_blank">68-page budget resolution</a>&nbsp;only marks the start of the months-long journey of writing and voting on the reconciliation package.

Republicans hope to use that bill to permanently extend the 2017 tax law, increase spending on border security and defense by hundreds of billions of dollars and rework energy policy.

The budget resolution includes different budget targets for many of those goals, and for raising the debt limit. It calls on the House to increase the country’s borrowing authority by $4 trillion, while the Senate’s instructions say that chamber would lift the debt ceiling by up to $5 trillion.

Writing the various elements of the reconciliation package will fall to 11 committee chairs in the House and 10 committee leaders in the Senate, as well as Johnson, Thune and a lot of staffers.

In the House, the Agriculture Committee needs to slice at least $230 billion; Education and Workforce must reduce spending by a minimum of $330 billion; Energy and Commerce needs to cut no less than $880 billion; Financial Services must find at least $1 billion in savings; Natural Resources has a minimum of $1 billion; Oversight and Government Reform has a floor of $50 billion; and the Transportation Committee needs to reduce deficits by $10 billion or more.

Four Senate committees — Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP — must each find at least $1 billion in spending cuts over the 10-year budget window.

House committees that can increase the federal deficit include the Armed Services Committee with a cap of $100 billion in new spending, Homeland Security with a $90 billion ceiling for new funding for programs it oversees, Judiciary with a maximum of $110 billion and Ways and Means, which can increase deficits up to $4.5 trillion for tax cuts.

Senate committees also got instructions for increasing the deficit, which will allow them to spend up to the dollar amount outlined in the budget resolution. Those committees include Armed Services at $150 billion; Commerce, Science and Transportation with $20 billion; Environment and Public Works at $1 billion; Finance with $1.5 trillion in new deficits, likely for tax cuts; Homeland Security at $175 billion and Judiciary with $175 billion.

If the process to reach agreement on a final reconciliation package is anything like the path to adopting the budget resolution, it will be long, winding and filled with drama.

The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-adopts-plan-b-budget-gop-seeks-billions-border-security" target="_blank">voted for a completely different budget resolution</a>&nbsp;in February that would have set up Congress to enact Republicans’ agenda in two reconciliation bills instead of one.

Budget Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., referred to the reconciliation instructions in that budget proposal as “Plan B.”

That tax-and-spending blueprint would have had lawmakers first write a bill increasing funding for border security and defense, and rewriting energy policy, before debating another bill later in the year to extend the 2017 tax law and cut federal spending.

The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-republicans-overcome-own-members-doubts-push-through-sweeping-budget" target="_blank">voted about a week later to approve its original budget resolution</a>, but not without a bit of theatrics.

Johnson didn’t originally have the votes and opted to recess the chamber before calling lawmakers back about 15 minutes later to approve that version of the budget resolution.

The Senate made changes to its reconciliation instructions in the House-approved budget resolution, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-gop-wins-approval-sprawling-budget-blueprint-shipping-it-house" target="_blank">voting to send it back across the Capitol</a>&nbsp;for their colleagues to vote on final approval, which they did Thursday.

Each time the Senate voted on a budget resolution it undertook a marathon amendment voting session, known as a vote-a-rama, where lawmakers stay on the floor overnight to debate various aspects of the outline.

Senators will need to undertake one more of those when they debate the actual reconciliation package later this year, though the stakes will be much higher.

The budget resolution is a blueprint for how Congress wants to shape tax and spending policy during the 10-year budget window. It’s not a bill so it never becomes law. And it contains no actual money, it’s simply a plan for how lawmakers want to structure policy.

The reconciliation package, once written, will have the chance of becoming law, so any amendments offered during the Senate’s vote-a-rama will carry greater weight than the proposals voted on when the chamber took up the two budget resolutions.

Democrats will have an opportunity to challenge centrist GOP senators on whether they support or want to remove every single policy that Republicans put in their reconciliation package.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/4/1744299694388.png" alt="House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune during the press briefing ahead of the vote -image courtesy CSPAN" />
 <figcaption>House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune during the press briefing ahead of the vote -image courtesy CSPAN</figcaption>
 </figure>BY:&nbsp;<a href="https://missouriindependent.com/author/jennifer-shutt/">JENNIFER SHUTT</a>WASHINGTON — U.S. House Republicans adopted a budget resolution Thursday, clearing the way for both chambers of Congress to write a bill extending 2017 tax cuts and bolstering funding for border security and defense, though the blueprint set vastly different targets for spending cuts.<a href="https://clerk.house.gov/Votes/2025100" target="_blank">The cliff-hanger 216-214 vote</a>&nbsp;followed a tumultuous week on Capitol Hill. Far-right members of the GOP Conference said repeatedly they wouldn’t accept the outline, since it requires the House to write a bill that cuts spending by at least $1.5 trillion, while senators set themselves a floor of $4 billion in cuts.Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., was&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-gop-punts-vote-trump-backed-budget-now-amid-battle-over-spending-cuts" target="_blank">forced to postpone a floor vote</a>&nbsp;on the budget resolution on Wednesday evening. But Johnson was able to secure the votes needed after he and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., announced Thursday morning that they were in agreement about meeting the higher threshold for spending cuts.Johnson said both chambers of Congress “are committed to finding at least $1.5 trillion in savings for the American people, while also preserving our essential programs.”“Many of us are going to aim much higher and find those savings because we believe they are there,” Johnson said. “We want to make the government more efficient, effective and leaner for the American people. And I think that will serve every American of every party. And we’re happy to do that.”Despite the difference in reconciliation instructions, Thune said the Senate is “aligned with the House” when it comes to cutting spending over the next decade.“The speaker has talked about $1.5 trillion,” Thune said. “We have a lot of United States senators who believe that is a minimum.”Thune added he believes it’s time for Congress “to get the country on a more sustainable fiscal path and that entails us taking a hard scrub of our government and figuring out where we can find those savings.”Democrats, and some centrist Republicans, have expressed deep concerns the House’s instructions require the Energy and Commerce Committee, which oversees Medicaid, to cut at least $880 billion.The panel, which also oversees Medicare and other programs, could not recoup that level of spending without pulling hundreds of billions from Medicaid,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/gop-tax-cut-plans-may-depend-savings-medicaid-what-it-and-who-relies-it" target="_blank">the state-federal program</a>&nbsp;for lower-income Americans and some people with disabilities.The budget resolution has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, who’s repeatedly urged the House to adopt the measure. “Great News! “The Big, Beautiful Bill” is coming along really well. Republicans are working together nicely. Biggest Tax Cuts in USA History!!! Getting close. DJT,” Trump posted on social media Thursday morning prior to the vote.Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie and Indiana Rep. Victoria Spartz were the only members of the Republican Party to vote against approval.“If you were trying to hasten financial collapse of our country and bribe voters to go along with it, the strategy wouldn’t look much different than what Congress is doing today,” Massie wrote on social media. “The big beautiful bill cuts taxes while keeping spending on an increasingly unsustainable trajectory.”Spartz wrote in a social media post of her own that the reconciliation instructions “we voted on today are still setting us up for the largest deficit increase in the history of our Republic, &amp; opening up a ‘pandora’s box’ by changing accounting rules to hide it.“In good conscience, I couldn’t vote YES.”<h2>Only a beginning</h2>The House adopting the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-concurrent-resolution/14/text" target="_blank">68-page budget resolution</a>&nbsp;only marks the start of the months-long journey of writing and voting on the reconciliation package.Republicans hope to use that bill to permanently extend the 2017 tax law, increase spending on border security and defense by hundreds of billions of dollars and rework energy policy.The budget resolution includes different budget targets for many of those goals, and for raising the debt limit. It calls on the House to increase the country’s borrowing authority by $4 trillion, while the Senate’s instructions say that chamber would lift the debt ceiling by up to $5 trillion.Writing the various elements of the reconciliation package will fall to 11 committee chairs in the House and 10 committee leaders in the Senate, as well as Johnson, Thune and a lot of staffers.In the House, the Agriculture Committee needs to slice at least $230 billion; Education and Workforce must reduce spending by a minimum of $330 billion; Energy and Commerce needs to cut no less than $880 billion; Financial Services must find at least $1 billion in savings; Natural Resources has a minimum of $1 billion; Oversight and Government Reform has a floor of $50 billion; and the Transportation Committee needs to reduce deficits by $10 billion or more.Four Senate committees — Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry; Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs; Energy and Natural Resources; and Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, or HELP — must each find at least $1 billion in spending cuts over the 10-year budget window.House committees that can increase the federal deficit include the Armed Services Committee with a cap of $100 billion in new spending, Homeland Security with a $90 billion ceiling for new funding for programs it oversees, Judiciary with a maximum of $110 billion and Ways and Means, which can increase deficits up to $4.5 trillion for tax cuts.Senate committees also got instructions for increasing the deficit, which will allow them to spend up to the dollar amount outlined in the budget resolution. Those committees include Armed Services at $150 billion; Commerce, Science and Transportation with $20 billion; Environment and Public Works at $1 billion; Finance with $1.5 trillion in new deficits, likely for tax cuts; Homeland Security at $175 billion and Judiciary with $175 billion.<h2>The back story</h2>If the process to reach agreement on a final reconciliation package is anything like the path to adopting the budget resolution, it will be long, winding and filled with drama.The Senate&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-adopts-plan-b-budget-gop-seeks-billions-border-security" target="_blank">voted for a completely different budget resolution</a>&nbsp;in February that would have set up Congress to enact Republicans’ agenda in two reconciliation bills instead of one.Budget Chairman Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., referred to the reconciliation instructions in that budget proposal as “Plan B.”That tax-and-spending blueprint would have had lawmakers first write a bill increasing funding for border security and defense, and rewriting energy policy, before debating another bill later in the year to extend the 2017 tax law and cut federal spending.The House&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-house-republicans-overcome-own-members-doubts-push-through-sweeping-budget" target="_blank">voted about a week later to approve its original budget resolution</a>, but not without a bit of theatrics.Johnson didn’t originally have the votes and opted to recess the chamber before calling lawmakers back about 15 minutes later to approve that version of the budget resolution.The Senate made changes to its reconciliation instructions in the House-approved budget resolution, before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-senate-gop-wins-approval-sprawling-budget-blueprint-shipping-it-house" target="_blank">voting to send it back across the Capitol</a>&nbsp;for their colleagues to vote on final approval, which they did Thursday.<h2>Politically difficult votes ahead</h2>Each time the Senate voted on a budget resolution it undertook a marathon amendment voting session, known as a vote-a-rama, where lawmakers stay on the floor overnight to debate various aspects of the outline.Senators will need to undertake one more of those when they debate the actual reconciliation package later this year, though the stakes will be much higher.The budget resolution is a blueprint for how Congress wants to shape tax and spending policy during the 10-year budget window. It’s not a bill so it never becomes law. And it contains no actual money, it’s simply a plan for how lawmakers want to structure policy.The reconciliation package, once written, will have the chance of becoming law, so any amendments offered during the Senate’s vote-a-rama will carry greater weight than the proposals voted on when the chamber took up the two budget resolutions.Democrats will have an opportunity to challenge centrist GOP senators on whether they support or want to remove every single policy that Republicans put in their reconciliation package.That could create real issues for GOP leadership if they include tax policy or spending cuts that cannot garner the backing of senators like Alaska’s Lisa Murkowski, Kentucky’s Mitch McConnell, Maine’s Susan Collins and others.The final reconciliation package will need support from nearly every Republican in Congress. GOP leaders will not be able to lose more than three House lawmakers or three Republican senators, under their very slender majorities.&nbsp;Four or more Republicans opposing the reconciliation package in one chamber, either because it cuts too much spending or doesn’t cut enough, would likely prevent it from becoming law.&nbsp;