Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US-Redistricting Lawsuit-North Dakota
Appeals court rules against North Dakota tribes in voting rights case that could go to Supreme Court
SUMMARY: A federal appeals court has upheld its decision against two Native American tribes challenging North Dakota’s redistricting map. The tribes argued the map diluted their power, violating the federal Voting Rights Act. In May, a three-judge panel ruled that only the U.S. Department of Justice, not private individuals or groups, can sue under the Act. The decision conflicts with decades of rulings in other circuits, creating a legal split that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. On Thursday, the appeals court denied a rehearing request from the tribes and advocacy groups. The tribes are now exploring further legal options.
WORDS: 631 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 2:03 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US-Redistricting Lawsuit-North Dakota
Appeals court rules against North Dakota tribes in voting rights case that could go to Supreme Court
SUMMARY: A federal appeals court has upheld its decision against two Native American tribes challenging North Dakota’s redistricting map. The tribes argued the map diluted their power, violating the federal Voting Rights Act. In May, a three-judge panel ruled that only the U.S. Department of Justice, not private individuals or groups, can sue under the Act. The decision conflicts with decades of rulings in other circuits, creating a legal split that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. On Thursday, the appeals court denied a rehearing request from the tribes and advocacy groups. The tribes are now exploring further legal options.
WORDS: 631 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 2:03 p.m. CDT
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US–Minnesota Lawmakers Shot
Minnesota state Sen. John Hoffman, shot 9 times by a man posing as an officer, leaves the hospital
SUMMARY: A Minnesota state senator who was shot nine times during an attack in June has been moved to a rehabilitation facility. John Hoffman’s family issued Monday night that saying he was out of the hospital but has a long road to recovery. Hoffman and his wife were attacked in their home by a man posing as a police officer. Authorities allege the gunman was Vance Boelter. They say he also killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband. Prosecutors have called it an assassination. Boelter is charged with murder and attempted murder. Federal authorities may pursue the death penalty.
WORDS: 433 – MOVED: 07/08/2025 11:56 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US-Redistricting Lawsuit-North Dakota
Appeals court rules against North Dakota tribes in voting rights case that could go to Supreme Court
SUMMARY: A federal appeals court has upheld its decision against two Native American tribes challenging North Dakota’s redistricting map. The tribes argued the map diluted their power, violating the federal Voting Rights Act. In May, a three-judge panel ruled that only the U.S. Department of Justice, not private individuals or groups, can sue under the Act. The decision conflicts with decades of rulings in other circuits, creating a legal split that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. On Thursday, the appeals court denied a rehearing request from the tribes and advocacy groups. The tribes are now exploring further legal options.
WORDS: 631 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 2:03 p.m. CDT
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US-REL–New Adventist Leader
Newly-elected Seventh-day Adventist Church leader reflects on challenges and faith’s healthy living
SUMMARY: Erton Köhler, a pastor from Brazil, has been elected president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church General Conference. He is the first South American to hold the position, leading a global denomination with 23 million members in over 200 countries. Köhler emphasizes unity as a key challenge, given the church’s diverse membership. He plans to focus on involving young people, increasing women’s leadership roles, and using technology to connect with new generations. Köhler also highlights the church’s emphasis on healthy living and religious freedom. He invites others to engage directly with Adventists to better understand their mission and values.
WORDS: 1052 – MOVED: 07/08/2025 6:04 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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US-Redistricting Lawsuit-North Dakota
Appeals court rules against North Dakota tribes in voting rights case that could go to Supreme Court
SUMMARY: A federal appeals court has upheld its decision against two Native American tribes challenging North Dakota’s redistricting map. The tribes argued the map diluted their power, violating the federal Voting Rights Act. In May, a three-judge panel ruled that only the U.S. Department of Justice, not private individuals or groups, can sue under the Act. The decision conflicts with decades of rulings in other circuits, creating a legal split that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. On Thursday, the appeals court denied a rehearing request from the tribes and advocacy groups. The tribes are now exploring further legal options.
WORDS: 631 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 2:03 p.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US-Redistricting Lawsuit-North Dakota
Appeals court rules against North Dakota tribes in voting rights case that could go to Supreme Court
SUMMARY: A federal appeals court has upheld its decision against two Native American tribes challenging North Dakota’s redistricting map. The tribes argued the map diluted their power, violating the federal Voting Rights Act. In May, a three-judge panel ruled that only the U.S. Department of Justice, not private individuals or groups, can sue under the Act. The decision conflicts with decades of rulings in other circuits, creating a legal split that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. On Thursday, the appeals court denied a rehearing request from the tribes and advocacy groups. The tribes are now exploring further legal options.
WORDS: 631 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 2:03 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–RFK Jr-Ultraprocessed Foods
RFK Jr. promoted a food company he says will make Americans healthy. Their meals are ultraprocessed
SUMMARY: Health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. raved in social media posts on Monday about the $7-a-pop meals that are delivered directly to the homes of Medicaid and Medicare enrollees. He even thanked Mom’s Meals for sending taxpayer-funded meals “without additives” to the homes of sick or elderly Americans. The spreads include chicken bacon ranch pasta for dinner and French toast sticks with fruit or ham patties. But an Associated Press review of Mom’s Meals menu, including the ingredients and nutrition labels, reveals that the company’s foods are the type of heat-and-eat, ultraprocessed food that Kennedy routinely criticizes.
WORDS: 667 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 3:39 p.m. CDT
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US–Tiger King-Sentencing
Latest ‘Tiger King’ twist finds ‘Doc’ Antle facing possible prison sentence for animal trafficking
SUMMARY: Bhagavan “Doc” Antle from the Netflix series “Tiger King” could be sent to prison as he is sentenced in a federal courtroom in South Carolina. Antle pleaded guilty in November 2023 to charges of exotic animal trafficking and money laundering. Prosecutors say he illegally traded animals like lions and cheetahs and laundered over $500,000, allegedly tied to human smuggling. Antle ran Myrtle Beach Safari and gained fame for offering pricey animal encounters. His sentencing marks the final legal chapter of the “Tiger King” saga that captivated audiences during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown. Joe Exotic and other figures from the series are also serving prison sentences for various crimes.
WORDS: 616 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 10:52 p.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US-Redistricting Lawsuit-North Dakota
Appeals court rules against North Dakota tribes in voting rights case that could go to Supreme Court
SUMMARY: A federal appeals court has upheld its decision against two Native American tribes challenging North Dakota’s redistricting map. The tribes argued the map diluted their power, violating the federal Voting Rights Act. In May, a three-judge panel ruled that only the U.S. Department of Justice, not private individuals or groups, can sue under the Act. The decision conflicts with decades of rulings in other circuits, creating a legal split that could reach the U.S. Supreme Court. On Thursday, the appeals court denied a rehearing request from the tribes and advocacy groups. The tribes are now exploring further legal options.
WORDS: 631 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 2:03 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big 12-Preseason Awards
Arizona State QB Leavitt and Texas Tech LB Rodriguez are preseason Big 12 players of year
SUMMARY: Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez are the preseason Big 12 Conference players of the year. The Big 12 on Monday announced the awards, which are determined by a vote of media members who cover the league. The Big 12 Football Media Days start Tuesday in Frisco, Texas. There is no preseason poll since the Big 12 discontinued that this year, joining the Big Ten as power conferences without one. The Big 12’s move comes a year after then-newcomer Arizona State was picked to finish last in the 16-team league before going on to win the conference championship game.
WORDS: 260 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 4:04 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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BBO–Pirates-Scoreless Streak Ends
Pirates stop 30-inning scoreless streak with Tommy Pham’s 2-run homer vs. Royals
SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Pirates are back on the board. Tommy Pham’s two-run home run in the third inning at Kansas City ended a 30-inning scoreless streak for the Pirates. They were shut out in all three games at Seattle during their previous series. The Pirates had blanked St. Louis in three consecutive home games before beginning this nine-game trip with the sweep by the Mariners. Their streak of playing in six straight shutouts matched the longest in major league history.
WORDS: 138 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 7:58 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BBO–Home Run Derby
Twins slugger and Georgia native Byron Buxton becomes 4th participant in next week’s Home Run Derby
SUMMARY: Minnesota Twins outfielder and Georgia native Byron Buxton has been announced as the fourth participant in the Home Run Derby. It will take place next Monday, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Buxton joins Nationals outfielder James Wood, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the competition. Buxton has 20 homers this season. He’s from Baxley, Georgia, and was the second overall pick by the Twins in the 2012 draft. New York Mets slugger and two-time winner Pete Alonso joined Philadelphia designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in electing to skip the event.
WORDS: 434 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 11:10 a.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Buxton
Byron Buxton is an All-Star again. His most important superpower for the Twins is availability.
SUMMARY: Byron Buxton has had an All-Star season for the Minnesota Twins highlighted by his consistent presence in the lineup. He has started 73 games in his healthiest season in years. Buxton’s all-around performance includes 20 home runs, 15 steals and his usual Gold Glove-caliber defense. He is also savoring his selection to the All-Star Game that will be held next week in his home state of Georgia. Buxton’s only setback this season was a concussion that cost him 11 games in May. He’s on pace to play in the second-most games of his injury-altered career.
WORDS: 689 – MOVED: 07/08/2025 12:36 a.m. CDT
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BKL–WNBA All-Star Draft
Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier will reveal the teams they drafted for the WNBA All-Star Game
SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark and Napheesa Collier each have their draft strategy for the WNBA All-Star Game. The two captains chose their teams for the game that will be played on July 19 at Clark’s home arena in Indianapolis. The squads will be revealed Tuesday night. There’s intrigue whether Clark will draft Fever teammate Aliyah Boston with the No. 1 pick that the guard earned by getting the most fan votes. Or will she take three-time league MVP A’ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces. Clark also may try to draft All-Star reserve Kelsey Mitchell, who is another Indiana teammate.
WORDS: 394 – MOVED: 07/08/2025 9:07 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBC–Big 12-Preseason Awards
Arizona State QB Leavitt and Texas Tech LB Rodriguez are preseason Big 12 players of year
SUMMARY: Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez are the preseason Big 12 Conference players of the year. The Big 12 on Monday announced the awards, which are determined by a vote of media members who cover the league. The Big 12 Football Media Days start Tuesday in Frisco, Texas. There is no preseason poll since the Big 12 discontinued that this year, joining the Big Ten as power conferences without one. The Big 12’s move comes a year after then-newcomer Arizona State was picked to finish last in the 16-team league before going on to win the conference championship game.
WORDS: 260 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 4:04 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Pirates-Scoreless Streak Ends
Pirates stop 30-inning scoreless streak with Tommy Pham’s 2-run homer vs. Royals
SUMMARY: The Pittsburgh Pirates are back on the board. Tommy Pham’s two-run home run in the third inning at Kansas City ended a 30-inning scoreless streak for the Pirates. They were shut out in all three games at Seattle during their previous series. The Pirates had blanked St. Louis in three consecutive home games before beginning this nine-game trip with the sweep by the Mariners. Their streak of playing in six straight shutouts matched the longest in major league history.
WORDS: 138 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 7:58 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Pirates-Royals
Witt Jr. and Perez homer to back Cameron’s strong start as Royals beat Pirates 9-3
SUMMARY: Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez hit two of Kansas City’s four home runs to back a strong start by rookie Noah Cameron, and the Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on Monday night. Cameron struck out seven in a season-high seven innings. The left-hander allowed three hits, a walk, and two runs — on Tommy Pham’s two-run shot in the third. Witt went 2 for 3 and scored twice to extend his hitting streak to 11 games. Witt hit his 13th homer, a two-run shot the opposite way to right-center field off reliever Chase Shugart to give the Royals a 6-2 lead in the fourth.
WORDS: 357 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 9:25 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–Big 12-Preseason Awards
Arizona State QB Leavitt and Texas Tech LB Rodriguez are preseason Big 12 players of year
SUMMARY: Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez are the preseason Big 12 Conference players of the year. The Big 12 on Monday announced the awards, which are determined by a vote of media members who cover the league. The Big 12 Football Media Days start Tuesday in Frisco, Texas. There is no preseason poll since the Big 12 discontinued that this year, joining the Big Ten as power conferences without one. The Big 12’s move comes a year after then-newcomer Arizona State was picked to finish last in the 16-team league before going on to win the conference championship game.
WORDS: 260 – MOVED: 07/07/2025 4:04 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Oklahoma-Castiglione
Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione announces retirement plans
SUMMARY: Oklahoma athletic director Joe Castiglione has announced that the upcoming academic year will be his last in charge of the department, with an official retirement planned for June 2028. The 67-year-old Castiglione spoke at a news conference Tuesday to explain his decision to step down after 27 years of leadership. He said he’d been thinking over the past couple of months about his life journey and family. Castiglione will help the university with its search for a replacement during the 2025-2026 academic year before transitioning into a special projects role for a couple of years.
WORDS: 425 – MOVED: 07/08/2025 11:36 a.m. CDT
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