Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Climate-Heat Wave-Humidity
Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest
SUMMARY: Summer will make a dramatic entrance in the U.S. this week with a heat dome that will bring stifling heat and uncomfortable humidity to millions. The heat will be particularly worrisome this weekend across wide stretches of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, where forecasters are warning of extreme temperature impacts. This will be the first stretch of true summertime weather for many from Midwest to the East Coast, according to meteorologist Tom Kines of AccuWeather. The soupy conditions will stretch into next week and the humid conditions will make it feel extra toasty.
WORDS: 784 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 1:23 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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US–Fly Factory-Texas
The US plans to open a fly factory in Texas as part of its fight against a flesh-eating parasite
SUMMARY: The U.S. government plans to open what amounts to a fly factory by the end of the year to breed millions of the insects in Texas near the border with Mexico as part of an effort to keep a flesh-eating parasite from infesting American cattle. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins Rollins said Wednesday that sterile male New World screwworm flies bred at the $8.5 million facility would be released into the wild. They would mate with females and prevent them from laying the eggs in wounds that become flesh-eating larva. It would be only the second facility for breeding such flies in the Western Hemisphere, after one in Panama.
WORDS: 723 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 4:40 p.m. CDT
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US–Climate-Heat Wave-Humidity
Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest
SUMMARY: Summer will make a dramatic entrance in the U.S. this week with a heat dome that will bring stifling heat and uncomfortable humidity to millions. The heat will be particularly worrisome this weekend across wide stretches of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, where forecasters are warning of extreme temperature impacts. This will be the first stretch of true summertime weather for many from Midwest to the East Coast, according to meteorologist Tom Kines of AccuWeather. The soupy conditions will stretch into next week and the humid conditions will make it feel extra toasty.
WORDS: 784 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 1:23 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–Nippon-US Steel
Nippon Steel finalizes $15B takeover of US Steel after sealing national security agreement
SUMMARY: Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel say they’ve finalized their “historic partnership,” a year-and-a-half after the Japanese company first proposed its deal to buy the iconic American steelmaker for nearly $15 billion. The bid by Nippon Steel was buffeted by national security concerns and presidential politics, delaying the transaction for more than a year after U.S. Steel shareholders approved it. It also forced Nippon Steel to expand the deal, including giving the federal government a say in some matters. The combined company will become the world’s fourth-largest steelmaker, and bring what analysts say is Nippon Steel’s top-notch technology to U.S. Steel. In exchange, Nippon Steel gets access to a robust U.S. steel market.
WORDS: 785 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 9:44 a.m. CDT
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US–Minnesota-Lawmakers Shot
Man charged with killing prominent lawmaker could face a rarity for Minnesota: the death penalty
SUMMARY: The man charged with killing a prominent Minnesota lawmaker and wounding another could face the death penalty, something that is a rarity for Minnesota but could become more common under the Trump administration. The state abolished capital punishment in 1911, and its last execution was a botched hanging in 1906. But federal prosecutors announced charges against Vance Boelter on Monday that can carry the death penalty. Boelter is accused of fatally shooting former Democratic House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in their home early Saturday. Authorities say he also shot and wounded another Democrat, Sen. John Hoffman, and his wife, Yvette,
WORDS: 1128 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 11:04 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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US–Climate-Heat Wave-Humidity
Heat dome will blanket much of the US, with worrisome temperatures in Midwest
SUMMARY: Summer will make a dramatic entrance in the U.S. this week with a heat dome that will bring stifling heat and uncomfortable humidity to millions. The heat will be particularly worrisome this weekend across wide stretches of Nebraska, Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa, where forecasters are warning of extreme temperature impacts. This will be the first stretch of true summertime weather for many from Midwest to the East Coast, according to meteorologist Tom Kines of AccuWeather. The soupy conditions will stretch into next week and the humid conditions will make it feel extra toasty.
WORDS: 784 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 1:23 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs-Discrimination Lawsuit
Ex-NFL player Ramzee Robinson sues Chiefs for wrongful termination, racial discrimination
SUMMARY: Former NFL player Ramzee Robinson has sued the Kansas City Chiefs for wrongful termination from his job as director of player engagement after accusing the franchise of discriminating against him because he is Black. The lawsuit was filed Sunday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. It claims that Robinson was called into a meeting and accused of attacking a female co-worker, and that Chiefs refused to show him security video. Robinson also claims that “the Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.” A team spokesman did not discuss specifics of the case but said “the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”
WORDS: 268 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 2:35 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Ragans
Royals’ Ragans will be shut down for 4 weeks with a mild rotator cuff strain
SUMMARY: Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans will be shut down for four weeks because of a mild rotator cuff strain. Manager Matt Quatraro says Ragans needs to rest. The 27-year-old Ragans, an All-Star for Kansas City last season, was recently reevaluated after being placed on the 15-day injured list last week. He is 2-3 with a 5.18 ERA in 10 starts this season.
WORDS: 146 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 6:13 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Rangers
Maikel Garcia homers to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-3
SUMMARY: Maikel Garcia homered and drove in four runs, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-3. Garcia capped Kansas City’s four-run third inning with a three-run drive for his career-best eighth homer. He also tripled in Bobby Witt Jr. in the eighth. Garcia’s three hits matched a season high, and his four RBIs equaled a career best. The Royals have taken the first two in their three-game set at Texas following an 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season. Kris Bubic earned his first win since May 19.
WORDS: 323 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 10:11 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Kelce
Travis Kelce’s decision to return for another season with Chiefs wasn’t much of a decision at all
SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce says he never seriously considered retirement after last year’s loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. Once the emotions died down, the four-time All-Pro realized he still had something to prove. In fact, Kelce seemed to indicate after the second day of the Chiefs’ mandatory three-day minicamp that playing the 2026 season isn’t entirely out of the question. But for now, his focus is firmly on the upcoming season, and getting back to the big game. That much was evident just by looking at Kelce, who dismissed claims that he had dropped about 25 pounds but was noticeably slimmer all the same.
WORDS: 821 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 2:10 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Minicamp
Chiefs coach Andy Reid says WR Rashee Rice and LT Josh Simmons are ready for training camp
SUMMARY: Andy Reid expects to have wide receiver Rashee Rice and first-round draft pick Josh Simmons fully available when the Kansas City Chiefs report to training camp at Missouri Western State University the last full week of July. Rice is coming off a torn ACL that limited him to four games last season, while Simmons tore his patellar tendon last season at Ohio State. That likely caused the left tackle’s draft stock to fall to where the Chiefs could pick him No. 32 overall. The Chiefs hope that a healthy Rice and Simmons, combined with the return of Travis Kelce, can help their offense take a big step forward after a subpar last season.
WORDS: 655 – MOVED: 06/19/2025 11:41 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BBO–Twins-Reds
Steer hits a 2-run homer and Reds win rain-shortened game 4-2 over Twins.
SUMMARY: Spencer Steer hit a two-run home run and Nick Lodolo allowed two runs on three hits in five innings to help the Cincinnati Reds beat the Minnesota Twins 4-2 in a rain-shortened game. The start was delayed two hours and seven minutes by severe weather. With two outs in the bottom of the sixth, rain returned and the game was called after a 53-minute delay. Byron Buxton’s 11th career leadoff homer put the Twins ahead 1-0. Steer put the Reds ahead 2-1 in the first with a two-out, two-run homer off Bailey Ober (4-4). RBI singles by Matt McLain and Will Benson in extended the lead to 4-1.
WORDS: 304 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 10:57 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs-Discrimination Lawsuit
Ex-NFL player Ramzee Robinson sues Chiefs for wrongful termination, racial discrimination
SUMMARY: Former NFL player Ramzee Robinson has sued the Kansas City Chiefs for wrongful termination from his job as director of player engagement after accusing the franchise of discriminating against him because he is Black. The lawsuit was filed Sunday in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri. It claims that Robinson was called into a meeting and accused of attacking a female co-worker, and that Chiefs refused to show him security video. Robinson also claims that “the Chiefs paid African-American business employees less than their white counterparts.” A team spokesman did not discuss specifics of the case but said “the Chiefs do not tolerate discrimination of any kind.”
WORDS: 268 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 2:35 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Ragans
Royals’ Ragans will be shut down for 4 weeks with a mild rotator cuff strain
SUMMARY: Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans will be shut down for four weeks because of a mild rotator cuff strain. Manager Matt Quatraro says Ragans needs to rest. The 27-year-old Ragans, an All-Star for Kansas City last season, was recently reevaluated after being placed on the 15-day injured list last week. He is 2-3 with a 5.18 ERA in 10 starts this season.
WORDS: 146 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 6:13 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-White Sox PPD
Cardinals-White Sox game postponed because of rain
SUMMARY: The St. Louis Cardinals’ game at the Chicago White Sox has been postponed because of persistent rain. It was rescheduled for Thursday afternoon as part of a straight doubleheader. Erick Fedde will pitch for St. Louis in the first game, and Michael McGreevy will start for the Cardinals in the series finale. Sean Burke and Mike Vasil will take the mound for Chicago. Fedde is looking for his first win since May 9. He was traded by Chicago to St. Louis as part of a three-team deal in July 2024 that also included the Los Angeles Dodgers.
WORDS: 144 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 5:42 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Rangers
Maikel Garcia homers to help the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-3
SUMMARY: Maikel Garcia homered and drove in four runs, helping the Kansas City Royals beat the Texas Rangers 6-3. Garcia capped Kansas City’s four-run third inning with a three-run drive for his career-best eighth homer. He also tripled in Bobby Witt Jr. in the eighth. Garcia’s three hits matched a season high, and his four RBIs equaled a career best. The Royals have taken the first two in their three-game set at Texas following an 0-6 homestand that matched their longest losing streak of the season. Kris Bubic earned his first win since May 19.
WORDS: 323 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 10:11 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Kelce
Travis Kelce’s decision to return for another season with Chiefs wasn’t much of a decision at all
SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce says he never seriously considered retirement after last year’s loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. Once the emotions died down, the four-time All-Pro realized he still had something to prove. In fact, Kelce seemed to indicate after the second day of the Chiefs’ mandatory three-day minicamp that playing the 2026 season isn’t entirely out of the question. But for now, his focus is firmly on the upcoming season, and getting back to the big game. That much was evident just by looking at Kelce, who dismissed claims that he had dropped about 25 pounds but was noticeably slimmer all the same.
WORDS: 821 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 2:10 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Minicamp
Chiefs coach Andy Reid says WR Rashee Rice and LT Josh Simmons are ready for training camp
SUMMARY: Andy Reid expects to have wide receiver Rashee Rice and first-round draft pick Josh Simmons fully available when the Kansas City Chiefs report to training camp at Missouri Western State University the last full week of July. Rice is coming off a torn ACL that limited him to four games last season, while Simmons tore his patellar tendon last season at Ohio State. That likely caused the left tackle’s draft stock to fall to where the Chiefs could pick him No. 32 overall. The Chiefs hope that a healthy Rice and Simmons, combined with the return of Travis Kelce, can help their offense take a big step forward after a subpar last season.
WORDS: 655 – MOVED: 06/19/2025 11:41 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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BBC–CWS-Louisville-Coastal Carolina
Coastal Carolina jumps on Louisville for an 11-3 win and earns a spot in College World Series finals
SUMMARY: Coastal Carolina advanced to the College World Series finals with a 11-3 victory over Louisville. The Chanticleers scored five of their six first-inning runs before making an out and extended their win streak to 26 games. Coastal Carolina will face LSU in the best-of-three finals starting Saturday. They Chanticleers are going for their second national championship in two all-time appearances in Omaha. They won their first in 2016.
WORDS: 660 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 4:49 p.m. CDT
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BBC–CWS-Arkansas-LSU
LSU capitalizes on big break in 9th for a 6-5 walk-off win over Arkansas for CWS finals berth
SUMMARY: Jared Jones hit a line drive that glanced off a glove for the winning run moments after LSU got a big break to tie the game, and the Tigers posted a 6-5 walk-off victory over SEC rival Arkansas to advance to the College World Series finals. The Tigers will play for their second national championship in three years when they square off against Coastal Carolina in the best-of-three finals starting Saturday.
WORDS: 743 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 9:48 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–NBA Finals-Pacers-Haliburton
Haliburton’s status is a great unknown for Pacers going into Game 6 of NBA Finals
SUMMARY: The Indiana Pacers are preparing for the possibility of not having Tyrese Haliburton available to play in Thursday’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Haliburton has been dealing with a lower right leg injury throughout the series and it worsened during Monday’s Game 5 loss in Indianapolis. Haliburton played through it for most of his 34 minutes, but failed to make a field goal in the game and Indiana lost to Oklahoma City 120-109 — falling behind 3-2 in the title series. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle says Haliburton’s status won’t be known until late Thursday afternoon at the earliest.
WORDS: 811 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 4:40 p.m. CDT
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BKN–NBA Finals-Pacers-McConnell
Pacers guard T.J. McConnell could play key role on whether NBA Finals go to Game 7
SUMMARY: The Indiana Pacers may need their smallest player, T.J. McConnell, to thrive in the biggest role imaginable Thursday night against Oklahoma City. With the Pacers season teetering on the brink and star guard Tyrese Haliburton recovering from a strained right calf, McConnell almost certainly will log extra minutes in Game 6 of the NBA Finals and could be starting in perhaps the most important game in franchise history. But McConnell has thrived in this role throughout his nine-year pro career, and he’s not about to back down from this challenge.
WORDS: 766 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 5:00 p.m. CDT
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BKN–NBA Finals Guide
NBA Finals guide: When the games are, how to watch, what the odds are
SUMMARY: The Larry O’Brien Trophy will be ready for presentation on Thursday night. All the Oklahoma City Thunder have to do is win one more game and they’ll be NBA champions. Standing in their way is the Indiana Pacers, who will have home-court advantage in their quest to force a winner-take-all Game 7. It’s unclear if Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton will be able to play against the Thunder on Thursday night. He has a strained right calf but says he wants to play.
WORDS: 1289 – MOVED: 06/01/2025 8:57 a.m. CDT
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BKN–NBA Finals
Game 6: Thunder look to clinch title, Pacers try to extend NBA Finals
SUMMARY: The NBA season could end on Thursday night. It’s Game 6 of the NBA Finals, with the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the Indiana Pacers 3-2 in the title series. Game 6 is in Indianapolis and Game 7, if necessary, will be Sunday in Oklahoma City. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder are one win away from becoming NBA champions. And Gilgeous-Alexander is on the cusp of a nearly unprecedented season when it comes to individual honors.
WORDS: 296 – MOVED: 06/19/2025 9:08 a.m. CDT
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SOF–Gasso’s Gig
Patty Gasso to make broadcast debut for Athletes Unlimited Softball League
SUMMARY: There’s not much Patty Gasso hasn’t done in the softball world, but she’s found something new to try. The U.S. national coach who has led the University of Oklahoma to eight national titles will be on a broadcast team for the first time. She will assist Amanda Scarborough, Chuckie Kempf and Savanna Collins when the Talons play the Volts in an Athletes Unlimited Softball League game. Gasso is taking advantage of the fact that the AUSL is in a traveling format in its first year and is visiting Oklahoma’s home field for a series.
WORDS: 508 – MOVED: 06/19/2025 9:57 a.m. CDT
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