Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Shooting-House Fire-Iowa
Iowa shooting, explosion and fire leave 2 dead and 1 critically injured
SUMMARY: Authorities say a shooting and subsequent explosion and fire in a house in western Iowa left two people dead and a third critically injured. Dispatchers on Wednesday night received reports of a shooting in Glenwood, a town of roughly 5,000 about 150 miles southwest of Des Moines. Glenwood Police Chief Eric Johansen says at least two people were shot in the home and an explosion shortly after the shootings led to a raging fire. He says a person of interest in the shootings and fire was taken into custody. The chief says there was no further threat to the community.
WORDS: 215 – MOVED: 08/07/2025 9:34 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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US–Education-Digital Surveillance
Students have been called to the office — and even arrested — for AI surveillance false alarms
SUMMARY: Surveillance systems in American schools increasingly monitor everything students write on school accounts and devices. Thousands of school districts across the country use software like Gaggle to track kids’ online activities, looking for signs they might hurt themselves or others. With the help of artificial intelligence, technology can dip into online conversations and immediately notify both school officials and law enforcement. Educators say the technology has saved lives. But it also brings risk that a thoughtless statement could upend a child’s life. In Tennessee, for example, an eighth-grade girl spent a night in jail for sending what her mother calls a stupid joke that was flagged by Gaggle without context.
WORDS: 1331 – MOVED: 08/07/2025 6:03 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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MN–Municipal Cannabis Stores
Blazing new trails: 13 Minnesota cities are considering municipal cannabis stores
SUMMARY: As some Minnesota cities fret over regulating newly legalized and normalized marijuana sales, others see an opportunity. Elk River is among 13 Minnesota cities considering opening municipally owned cannabis stores. City Administrator Cal Portner says city officials are trying to make the most of the situation. He says revenue potential and assuring compliance with the law factor into the decision. The concept is new, but Minnesota’s established municipal model for liquor sales gives Portner confidence in the feasibility of the idea. He said cities have entrepreneurial experience on their sides, including already selling hemp-based THC products in liquor stores. Municipal liquor sales add nearly $1 million to Elk River’s annual budget.
WORDS: 926 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 1:35 p.m. CDT
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US–Minnesota Lawmakers Shot
Man charged with killing a top Minnesota House Democrat pleads not guilty
SUMMARY: A man has pleaded not guilty in the killings of the top Democrat in the Minnesota House and her husband. Fifty-eight-year-old Vance Boelter is also accused of shooting and injuring state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife on June 14. He was indicted last month on murder and other charges that could carry the federal death penalty. One of Boelter’s attorneys entered the plea on Boelter’s behalf during Thursday’s arraignment. Prosecutors earlier released a rambling letter in which they say Boelter confessed to the attacks. His motivations remain murky. The case has generated a vast amount of evidence to review, including thousands of hours of video and extensive documentation.
WORDS: 634 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 11:02 p.m. CDT
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US–Immigration-Tuition-What to Know
What to know as Trump’s immigration crackdown strips tuition breaks from thousands of students
SUMMARY: Tens of thousands of U.S. college students without legal residency are losing access to in-state tuition as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. The Justice Department has been suing states to end these tuition breaks. The lawsuits started in Texas in June and have expanded to Kentucky, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. Federal law prohibits in-state tuition benefits for students in the country illegally if those benefits are denied to out-of-state U.S. citizens. Texas’ program, once widely supported, has faced criticism from Republicans as they take a tougher stance on immigration. The impact is being felt nationwide, with some states ending or reconsidering these tuition breaks.
WORDS: 703 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 4:24 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US-Election-2026-Redistricting-Other States
Several states threaten to redraw congressional maps after Texas kicks off fight
SUMMARY: Texas Republicans have launched efforts to redraw congressional maps to secure more GOP seats in the U.S. House. This move has ignited a fierce battle between blue and red states, each considering similar actions. On Monday, dozens of Texas Democrats left the state to prevent a quorum, halting the vote. Governor Greg Abbott and Republicans threaten to arrest and fine those who fled. Meanwhile, California Democrats propose reshaping their district maps to counter Texas. Other states like Missouri, New York, and Wisconsin are also exploring redistricting options, with varying strategies and challenges.
WORDS: 924 – MOVED: 08/05/2025 7:01 p.m. CDT
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US–Trump-Census
Trump seeks to change how census collects data and wants to exclude immigrants in US illegally
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has instructed the Commerce Department to change how the Census Bureau collects data, seeking to exclude immigrants in the United States illegally. The Republican president said Thursday the census’ data collections will be based on “modern day facts and figures” and use information gained from the 2024 presidential election. It’s an indication Trump might try to inject his politics into a head count that determines political power and federal spending. Trump says people in the U.S. illegally would be excluded from census counts. Census changes could play into Trump’s efforts to urge Texas and other Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps. A census expert says Trump “cannot unilaterally order” a new one.
WORDS: 1001 – MOVED: 08/07/2025 7:02 a.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Military Base Killings
Military base shootings have ranged from altercations to workplace violence and terrorism
SUMMARY: The shooting of five U.S. Army soldiers at a base in Georgia is the latest in a list of violent occurrences at American military installations over the years. Some shootings have been isolated altercations between service members. But others have been attacks on bases or mass-casualty events. A 2009 shooting at Ford Hood in Texas by an Army psychiatrist left 13 people dead. It was the deadliest attack on a domestic military installation in U.S. history. Wednesday’s shooting in Georgia occurred at Fort Stewart. Authorities said the shooter has been taken into custody. The conditions of the victims were not immediately released.
WORDS: 849 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 1:35 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Immigration-Tuition-What to Know
What to know as Trump’s immigration crackdown strips tuition breaks from thousands of students
SUMMARY: Tens of thousands of U.S. college students without legal residency are losing access to in-state tuition as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration. The Justice Department has been suing states to end these tuition breaks. The lawsuits started in Texas in June and have expanded to Kentucky, Minnesota, and Oklahoma. Federal law prohibits in-state tuition benefits for students in the country illegally if those benefits are denied to out-of-state U.S. citizens. Texas’ program, once widely supported, has faced criticism from Republicans as they take a tougher stance on immigration. The impact is being felt nationwide, with some states ending or reconsidering these tuition breaks.
WORDS: 703 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 4:24 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs-Kelce
Travis Kelce’s transformation: Chiefs star trims down, gears up for another Super Bowl run
SUMMARY: Travis Kelce has trimmed down considerably since last season, and it has been noticeable in the way he’s been making plays in training camp. Chiefs coach Andy Reid describes the four-time All-Pro tight end as “svelte.” Some had speculated a Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia in February might drive Kelce to retire, but instead he seemed to double down on his efforts. He is leaner, quicker and more athletic than he has been in years. And he’s showing as much focus as ever on the football field, despite the number of side projects vying for his time and attention. The goal, he said, is clear: Win another Super Bowl.
WORDS: 823 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 1:23 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Red Sox
Royals end Boston’s 7-game win streak as Jonathan India hits 3-run homer in 7-3 victory
SUMMARY: Jonathan India hits a three-run homer, and Michael Wacha scatters five hits over six innings to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Red Sox on Wednesday night. The Royals end Boston’s seven-game winning streak. Wacha allows two runs, walks none, and strikes out three, earning his second consecutive victory. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is hitless in four at-bats just hours after signing a contract extension.
WORDS: 345 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 8:57 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Starters
Mahomes, Chiefs starters to play in preseason opener against Cardinals
SUMMARY: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is excited to play with the starters in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Mahomes believes getting hit helps him prepare mentally for the season. Coach Andy Reid plans to have each quarterback play a full quarter, with Mahomes starting on Saturday. The Chiefs are eager to see their new offensive line, especially first-round pick Josh Simmons at left tackle. There’s also competition for wide receiver spots due to injuries. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon is taking a similar approach, planning to play starters, including quarterback Kyler Murray, in the preseason.
WORDS: 680 – MOVED: 08/07/2025 12:55 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BBO–Twins-Tigers
Luke Keaschall drives in three runs as Twins beat Tigers 9-4
SUMMARY: Luke Keaschall drove in three runs for the second straight game and the Minnesota Twins beat the Detroit Tigers 9-4 on Wednesday. Keaschell is hitting .393 in his nine-game major league career, which was interrupted in April by a broken arm. He returned on Tuesday and has four hits and six RBIs in his first two games back. Thomas Hatch (1-0) picked up the win with 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief. He was claimed off waivers on Monday from the Kansas City Royals. Jack Flaherty (6-11) took the loss, giving up six runs in 4 2/3 innings.
WORDS: 384 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 3:02 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs-Kelce
Travis Kelce’s transformation: Chiefs star trims down, gears up for another Super Bowl run
SUMMARY: Travis Kelce has trimmed down considerably since last season, and it has been noticeable in the way he’s been making plays in training camp. Chiefs coach Andy Reid describes the four-time All-Pro tight end as “svelte.” Some had speculated a Super Bowl loss to Philadelphia in February might drive Kelce to retire, but instead he seemed to double down on his efforts. He is leaner, quicker and more athletic than he has been in years. And he’s showing as much focus as ever on the football field, despite the number of side projects vying for his time and attention. The goal, he said, is clear: Win another Super Bowl.
WORDS: 823 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 1:23 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Dodgers
Ohtani homers for 1,000th hit and strikes out 8, but Cardinals rally past Dodgers 5-3
SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani homered for his 1,000th career hit and struck out a season-high eight in four innings on the mound, but the St. Louis Cardinals rallied to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 5-3. Jordan Walker had three hits for the Cardinals, including an RBI single that tied the score with two outs in the eighth. St. Louis took a 4-3 lead on the same play when rookie third baseman Alex Freeland made a costly throwing error. Lars Nootbaar added a run-scoring double off Brock Stewart in the ninth. Walker was a late addition to the starting lineup. He replaced Willson Contreras, who had a stomach bug. JoJo Romero earned the win with a scoreless inning of relief. Riley O’Brien got four outs for his first major league save.
WORDS: 378 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 6:30 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Dodgers-Ohtani
Ohtani gets 1,000th career hit with go-ahead homer, strikes out 8
SUMMARY: Shohei Ohtani hit a go-ahead, two-run homer for his 1,000th career hit. He also struck out a season-high eight over four innings in his longest mound outing this season for the Los Angeles Dodgers. This marks his eighth mound start of the season after recovering from elbow surgery. Ohtani’s 39th homer traveled 440 feet, giving the Dodgers a 2-1 lead against the St. Louis Cardinals. He retired the side in the first and second innings and touches 100 mph on a fastball in the third. The Dodgers lost 5-3 and dropped two of three to the Cardinals in the series.
WORDS: 613 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 4:28 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Red Sox
Royals end Boston’s 7-game win streak as Jonathan India hits 3-run homer in 7-3 victory
SUMMARY: Jonathan India hits a three-run homer, and Michael Wacha scatters five hits over six innings to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Red Sox on Wednesday night. The Royals end Boston’s seven-game winning streak. Wacha allows two runs, walks none, and strikes out three, earning his second consecutive victory. Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony is hitless in four at-bats just hours after signing a contract extension.
WORDS: 345 – MOVED: 08/06/2025 8:57 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Starters
Mahomes, Chiefs starters to play in preseason opener against Cardinals
SUMMARY: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is excited to play with the starters in the preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals. Mahomes believes getting hit helps him prepare mentally for the season. Coach Andy Reid plans to have each quarterback play a full quarter, with Mahomes starting on Saturday. The Chiefs are eager to see their new offensive line, especially first-round pick Josh Simmons at left tackle. There’s also competition for wide receiver spots due to injuries. Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon is taking a similar approach, planning to play starters, including quarterback Kyler Murray, in the preseason.
WORDS: 680 – MOVED: 08/07/2025 12:55 p.m. CDT
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