Great Plains News Digest
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MINNESOTA
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US–Minnesota Lawmakers Shot
Federal grand jury indicts man accused of killing former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman
SUMMARY: A federal grand jury has indicted the man accused of fatally shooting a prominent Minnesota state representative and her husband and seriously wounding a state senator and his wife. The indictment handed up Tuesday lists murder, stalking and firearms charges against Vance Boelter. The murder counts in the deaths of former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband could carry the federal death penalty. Boelter is accused of going to the lawmakers’ homes June 14 disguised as a police officer in a fake squad car with lists of other Democratic officials as potential targets.
WORDS: 1028 – MOVED: 07/15/2025 2:44 p.m. CDT
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US–Minnesota Lawmakers Shot
Man charged with killing Minnesota lawmaker plans to plead not guilty
SUMMARY: The defense lawyer for a man accused of killing the top Democratic leader in the Minnesota House and her husband, and wounding another lawmaker and his wife, says he plans to plead not guilty. Prosecutors say Vance Boelter was disguised as a police officer when he carried out the June 14 shootings. He allegedly killed former House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband and injured Senator John Hoffman and his wife. Authorities call Hortman’s death a political assassination. Boelter was indicted Tuesday on federal charges that could lead to the death penalty. His arraignment is set for Sept. 12.
WORDS: 590 – MOVED: 07/16/2025 11:39 a.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Measles Outbreak-Explainer
Measles outbreaks in Illinois and North Dakota have ended
SUMMARY: Health officials in Illinois and North Dakota say their measles outbreaks are over. The U.S. added 21 new cases since July 9. States with active outbreaks include Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah. Two elementary school-aged children and an adult have died from measles this year. Measles is caused by a highly contagious virus that’s airborne. It is preventable through vaccines and has been considered eliminated from the U.S. since 2000. This year’s U.S. tally is the highest since 1991.
WORDS: 1770 – MOVED: 07/09/2025 3:07 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Philanthropy-Tax and Spending Law
Bipartisan support helps foundations avoid tax increase in new Trump legislation
SUMMARY: Two Republican senators and a broad coalition of funders made a big difference for private foundations during negotiations over President Donald Trump’s tax and spending legislation. Sen. Todd Young of Indiana and Sen. James Lankford of Oklahoma both advocated against the increase in taxes on the earnings of foundation endowments. Young said it took some persuasion but that many in the Republican caucus appreciate the value of the investments private foundations make in their communities. The new law also allows the vast majority of tax filers to take a charitable deduction of up to $1,000 for individuals and $2,000 for married couples.
WORDS: 1093 – MOVED: 07/16/2025 7:02 a.m. CDT
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US–Executions-Glance
A look at the status of US executions in 2025
SUMMARY: Twenty-six men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S. Ten other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025. Michael B. Bell was executed in Florida on Tuesday. Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Utah have scheduled executions for later this year. Executions also have been carried out this year in Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The number of executions this year exceeds the 25 executions carried out last year and in 2018. It is the highest total since there were 28 people put to death in 2015.
WORDS: 1024 – MOVED: 06/24/2025 5:33 p.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Congress-Budget Cuts
Senate votes to move ahead with Trump’s request for $9 billion in spending cuts
SUMMARY: Senate Republicans have advanced President Donald Trump’s request to cancel some $9 billion in previously approved spending. They overcame concerns from some lawmakers about what the rescissions could mean for impoverished people around the globe and for local public radio and television stations in their home states. The Senate vote was 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance breaking the tie. Proponents described the bill as a first step in putting the nation’s fiscal house in order. Democrats questioned their intent given that Republicans just passed a major tax and spending cut bill that is expected to increase federal deficits by an estimated $3.4 trillion over the coming decade.
WORDS: 1044 – MOVED: 07/15/2025 11:52 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKL–Clark At The Garden
Caitlin Clark leaves with apparent injury, marring the mood after the Fever beat the Sun in Boston
SUMMARY: Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark left Tuesday night’s game in the final minute holding back tears after grabbing at her leg — an apparent injury that would be her third this season. Clark walked back downcourt holding her right groin after assisting on the Fever’s final basket of an 85-77 victory over the Connecticut Sun in front of a sold-out crowd at the TD Garden in Boston. As teammate Aliyah Boston tried to console her, Clark walked to the basket stanchion and banged her head against it before heading to the bench. During the timeout, she covered her head with a towel and appeared to be holding back tears.
WORDS: 927 – MOVED: 07/15/2025 9:30 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs-Smith
Chiefs beat franchise tag deadline, sign guard Trey Smith to a 4-year, $94M deal, AP source says
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs beat the deadline to sign franchise-tagged guard Trey Smith to a multiyear contract by agreeing to terms on a $94 million deal, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person tells The Associated Press that the four-year contract includes $70 million guaranteed. His average salary of $23.5 million annually makes Smith the highest-paid player at the position in the NFL. The Chiefs had until 4 p.m. Eastern Tuesday to work out a deal beyond this season after giving Smith the franchise tag in March.
WORDS: 210 – MOVED: 07/15/2025 2:33 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Pirates-Royals Trade
Royals reacquire Adam Frazier in an All-Star break trade with the Pirates
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have reacquired veteran utility player Adam Frazier in an All-Star break trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kansas City sent minor league infielder Cam Devanney to Pittsburgh. Frazier has played in 78 games this season split between second base, left field and right field, hitting .255 with 21 RBIs. He spent last season with KC after bouncing around the majors following his start with the Pirates. The 33-year-old has played every position except catcher and pitcher during his career since debuting in 2016. Frazier joins the Royals as they are 4 1/2 games out of the final AL wild-card spot.
WORDS: 152 – MOVED: 07/16/2025 10:37 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Top 5-Tight Ends
George Kittle’s all-around excellence earns him the honor of top tight end in AP rankings
SUMMARY: George Kittle has been voted as the NFL’s top tight end by The Associated Press. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked players based on their current status entering the 2025 season. Kittle, known for his elite receiving and blocking skills, earned five first-place votes. He had a standout 2024 season, with 78 catches, 1,106 yards, and eight touchdowns. Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers, who set rookie records, came in second, while Kansas City’s Travis Kelce, despite showing signs of slowing at age 35, ranked third. Arizona’s Trey McBride and Baltimore’s Mark Andrews rounded out the top five tight ends.
WORDS: 618 – MOVED: 07/16/2025 11:33 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BKL–WNBA All-Star 3-Point Contest
Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu and Allisha Gray headline WNBA All-Star 3-point contest
SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark will be in a 3-point contest for the first time in her pro career as the Indiana Fever guard will compete Friday night in the WNBA All-Star competition. She’ll be joined by contest record holder Sabrina Ionescu, who is back in the 3-point contest after a one-year hiatus. Ionescu last entered the contest in 2023 and set a record hitting 25 of her 27 shots in the final round, scoring 37 points. It was the most shots made in a 3-point contest in either the WNBA or NBA. The Liberty’s star guard wanted to make sure she was completely healthy before officially entering the contest. She said she’ll be trying to break her own mark.
WORDS: 385 – MOVED: 07/15/2025 2:11 p.m. CDT
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HKN–Emergency Goalies-Rule Changes
Hockey’s beloved emergency backup goalies face an uncertain future with new NHL rule
SUMMARY: The beginning of the NHL’s next collective bargaining agreement brings to an end the possibility that a former Zamboni driver or an accountant who plays beer league hockey could enter a game in the league. Emergency backup goaltenders known as EBUGs have brought some of the best feel-good stories to sports in recent years, from David Ayres beating his hometown Toronto Maple Leafs to Scott Foster winning a game for the Chicago Blackhawks. Each team will soon employ a full-time traveling goaltender to fill that role, but the rules for who qualifies leaves the net wide open for more fairytale moments.
WORDS: 1288 – MOVED: 07/15/2025 1:25 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs-Smith
Chiefs beat franchise tag deadline, sign guard Trey Smith to a 4-year, $94M deal, AP source says
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs beat the deadline to sign franchise-tagged guard Trey Smith to a multiyear contract by agreeing to terms on a $94 million deal, according to a person with knowledge of the move. The person tells The Associated Press that the four-year contract includes $70 million guaranteed. His average salary of $23.5 million annually makes Smith the highest-paid player at the position in the NFL. The Chiefs had until 4 p.m. Eastern Tuesday to work out a deal beyond this season after giving Smith the franchise tag in March.
WORDS: 210 – MOVED: 07/15/2025 2:33 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Pirates-Royals Trade
Royals reacquire Adam Frazier in an All-Star break trade with the Pirates
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have reacquired veteran utility player Adam Frazier in an All-Star break trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Kansas City sent minor league infielder Cam Devanney to Pittsburgh. Frazier has played in 78 games this season split between second base, left field and right field, hitting .255 with 21 RBIs. He spent last season with KC after bouncing around the majors following his start with the Pirates. The 33-year-old has played every position except catcher and pitcher during his career since debuting in 2016. Frazier joins the Royals as they are 4 1/2 games out of the final AL wild-card spot.
WORDS: 152 – MOVED: 07/16/2025 10:37 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Top 5-Tight Ends
George Kittle’s all-around excellence earns him the honor of top tight end in AP rankings
SUMMARY: George Kittle has been voted as the NFL’s top tight end by The Associated Press. A panel of eight AP Pro Football Writers ranked players based on their current status entering the 2025 season. Kittle, known for his elite receiving and blocking skills, earned five first-place votes. He had a standout 2024 season, with 78 catches, 1,106 yards, and eight touchdowns. Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers, who set rookie records, came in second, while Kansas City’s Travis Kelce, despite showing signs of slowing at age 35, ranked third. Arizona’s Trey McBride and Baltimore’s Mark Andrews rounded out the top five tight ends.
WORDS: 618 – MOVED: 07/16/2025 11:33 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–SEC-Auburn
Hugh Freeze, QB Jackson Arnold are confident Auburn can be a winner in 2025
SUMMARY: Auburn coach Hugh Freeze and incoming transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold are both confident the Tigers can consistently win in 2025. Freeze went just 11-14 across his first two seasons in Auburn, the first time in his collegiate coaching career he has suffered back-to-back losing seasons. Bolstered by a strong returning wide receiver corps and what Freeze called his favorite offensive line he has had at Auburn, the Tigers are trying to close the gap on the rest of the SEC, specifically with losing streaks against rivals Alabama and Georgia.
WORDS: 521 – MOVED: 07/15/2025 1:45 p.m. CDT
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