Great Plains News Digest
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MISSOURI
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US–Florida-Execution
Florida carries out record 14th execution this year on man convicted of killing 2 women
SUMMARY: A man convicted of killing two women whose bodies were found in a rural pond has become the 14th person executed in Florida this year. Seventy-two-year-old Samuel Lee Smithers was pronounced dead Tuesday evening following a lethal injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. The state’s 14th execution of 2025 was a record total for Florida for a single year. Smithers was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder and sentenced to die for the 1996 killings of Christy Cowan and Denise Roach. Florida has scheduled two more executions this year, one later this month and another in mid-November.
WORDS: 722 – MOVED: 10/13/2025 11:00 p.m. CDT
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US–Missouri-Execution
Missouri man executed for the fatal shooting of a state trooper in 2005
SUMMARY: A Missouri man who long maintained his innocence has been executed for the fatal shooting of a state trooper more than 20 years ago. Lance Shockley was pronounced dead at 6:13 p.m. Tuesday after being given a lethal injection at the state prison in Bonne Terre. He was convicted of killing Missouri State Highway Patrol Sgt. Carl Dewayne Graham Jr. in March 2005. Prosecutors said Shockley waited for hours near the Graham’s Van Buren home before shooting him with a rifle and shotgun after the trooper exited his patrol vehicle. Shockley’s attorneys said prosecutors presented no direct evidence connecting him to the killing.
WORDS: 1034 – MOVED: 10/13/2025 11:04 p.m. CDT
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US–Execution-Mississippi
Mississippi is set to execute a man convicted of raping and killing a college student
SUMMARY: A Mississippi man convicted of kidnapping, raping and killing a 20-year-old community college student is set to be executed Wednesday evening at the Mississippi State Penitentiary in Parchman. Charles Crawford has also been convicted of raping a 17-year-old girl and attacking her friend with a hammer. In both attacks, he claimed he blacked out and did not recall what happened. Crawford’s execution date comes after the 59-year-old spent more than 30 years on death row. It would mark the state’s second execution this year. Mississippi previously executed Gerald Jordan, the state’s longest-serving death-row inmate, in June. The number of executions has increased nationwide in 2025.
WORDS: 669 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 11:02 p.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Roosevelt Library-Isolation
Theodore Roosevelt library takes ‘calculated risk’ with remote North Dakota site
SUMMARY: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is rising from the rugged Badlands of western North Dakota, where the 26th president roamed as a young man in the 1880s. But the location is remote for a presidential library, in contrast with existing and planned libraries, including an Obama center in Chicago and a proposed Trump library in Miami. The Roosevelt library is set to open July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Officials and historians praise its location but acknowledge the site in rural North Dakota and the region’s often brutal winters could be challenges for visitors.
WORDS: 1119 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 9:15 a.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Roosevelt Library-Isolation
Theodore Roosevelt library takes ‘calculated risk’ with remote North Dakota site
SUMMARY: The Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library is rising from the rugged Badlands of western North Dakota, where the 26th president roamed as a young man in the 1880s. But the location is remote for a presidential library, in contrast with existing and planned libraries, including an Obama center in Chicago and a proposed Trump library in Miami. The Roosevelt library is set to open July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of America’s independence. Officials and historians praise its location but acknowledge the site in rural North Dakota and the region’s often brutal winters could be challenges for visitors.
WORDS: 1119 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 9:15 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big 12 Midseason Awards
No. 24 Cincinnati is the surprise team in Big 12 midseason awards after 5-game winning streak
SUMMARY: The Big 12 season has reached its midpoint with Texas Tech and BYU both at 6-0. Cincinnati was voted the most surprising team by journalists who cover the Big 12. Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire and BYU’s Kalani Sitake tied as top coaches. Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson was voted top offensive player and the defensive honor went to Texas Tech’s David Bailey. Kansas State was voted the Big 12’s most disappointing team.
WORDS: 859 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 3:18 p.m. CDT
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FBC–T25-Cincinnati Turnaround
Cincinnati emerges as a Big 12 contender with its 1st AP poll ranking in nearly 3 years
SUMMARY: Cincinnati has emerged as a strong contender in the Big 12 during its third season. The Bearcats are on a five-game winning streak and have entered the AP Top 25 for the first time in nearly three years. Coach Scott Satterfield credits the team’s success to retaining key players and adding new talent. Cincinnati joined the Big 12 in 2023 and struggled initially, but now they are tied with Texas Tech and BYU at the top of the conference. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby leads the team with impressive passing and rushing stats, supported by a strong defense.
WORDS: 931 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 10:12 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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FBC–Big 12 Midseason Awards
No. 24 Cincinnati is the surprise team in Big 12 midseason awards after 5-game winning streak
SUMMARY: The Big 12 season has reached its midpoint with Texas Tech and BYU both at 6-0. Cincinnati was voted the most surprising team by journalists who cover the Big 12. Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire and BYU’s Kalani Sitake tied as top coaches. Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson was voted top offensive player and the defensive honor went to Texas Tech’s David Bailey. Kansas State was voted the Big 12’s most disappointing team.
WORDS: 859 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 3:18 p.m. CDT
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FBC—T25-Notre Dame-Hold The Line
No. 13 Notre Dame turns to sophomore Joe Otting to take over at center for showdown with No. 20 USC
SUMMARY: No. 13 Notre Dame will turn to sophomore Joe Otting to take over at center for Saturday’s showdown against No. 20 USC. Otting replaces Ashton Craig, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Notre Dame’s 36-7 victory against N.C. State. Otting was in for 20 plays against N.C. State, and helped the Fighting Irish reach the end zone on a 10-play, 72-yard TD drive.
WORDS: 649 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 11:09 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BKN–Timberwolves-Edwards
Anthony Edwards embraces the ‘boring’ pursuit of greatness as T-wolves seek a more complete player
SUMMARY: Anthony Edwards is still a 24-year-old with plenty of room to improve for all he’s done on the court for the Minnesota Timberwolves over his first five seasons in the NBA. He had more time for his own training this summer after devoting much of the previous two offseasons to the U.S. national team. Edwards stepped up his pursuit of two-way stardom and becoming a true MVP candidate by renewing his commitment to better conditioning for difficult defensive assignments. He also worked hard on his ballhandling. That could help the Wolves’ performance in clutch-time situations that hampered them last season.
WORDS: 1037 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 5:44 p.m. CDT
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HKN–Wild-Stars
Stars 3-0 in coach Glen Gulutzan’s return after 5-2 win over Wild in home opener
SUMMARY: Wyatt Johnston scored on a power play to extend his season-opening goal streak to three games, Jake Oettinger stopped 39 shots and the Dallas Stars won their home opener 5-2 over the Minnesota Wild. Johnston, the 22-year-old in his fourth NHL season, is the first Stars player since Alexander Radulov in 2018-19 to have a goal in each of the first three games. The Stars are 3-0 in Glen Gulutzan’s return as their head coach. Dallas led 3-0 early in the second period, and got two empty-net goals in the final 1:42 on Tuesday night. Matt Boldy and Kiril lKaprizov scored power-play goals for Minnesota in the third period.
WORDS: 338 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 11:40 p.m. CDT
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BKN–Northwest Division Preview
Nikola Jokic considers Nuggets a ‘dark horse’ despite being a top contender to dethrone Thunder
SUMMARY: Nikola Jokic considers the Denver Nuggets a dark horse in the NBA title race despite being a top contender to dethrone the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Northwest Division remains top heavy this season, with the Minnesota Timberwolves also in the mix. In a preseason poll, three of the top four seeds in the West are expected from this division. The Thunder, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are in a strong position to repeat as champions. They have signed key players to extensions. The Nuggets have made significant roster changes, adding Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas, and signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.
WORDS: 937 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 5:41 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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BKW–SEC Media Days
Dawn Staley, South Carolina prepare for season without Chloe Kitts: ‘We’re unafraid’
SUMMARY: South Carolina coach Dawn Staley says it will be business as usual for the second-ranked Gamecocks after losing star Chloe Kitts to a season-ending ACL tear. The team welcomes top freshmen and key transfers like Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot. Staley expressed confidence in returning players like Maryam Dauda and Joyce Edwards. Edwards says she believes the team can collectively fill Kitts’ gap.
WORDS: 465 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 3:34 p.m. CDT
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SOC–US Women-Roster
Trinity Rodman and Europe-based players return to USWNT for October matches
SUMMARY: Trinity Rodman has returned to the U.S. women’s national soccer team for her first matches since April after being sidelined because of a back issue. U.S. coach Emma Hayes announced her 26-player roster for a trio of upcoming matches this month against Portugal and New Zealand. Among those included were the team’s Europe-based players, including Catarina Macario, Emily Fox and Lindsey Heaps, who missed the last international window to recover from the long club season. Hayes says “we are extremely excited to get back together with the team.”
WORDS: 323 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 11:27 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–Big 12 Midseason Awards
No. 24 Cincinnati is the surprise team in Big 12 midseason awards after 5-game winning streak
SUMMARY: The Big 12 season has reached its midpoint with Texas Tech and BYU both at 6-0. Cincinnati was voted the most surprising team by journalists who cover the Big 12. Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire and BYU’s Kalani Sitake tied as top coaches. Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson was voted top offensive player and the defensive honor went to Texas Tech’s David Bailey. Kansas State was voted the Big 12’s most disappointing team.
WORDS: 859 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 3:18 p.m. CDT
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BKW–SEC Media Days
Dawn Staley, South Carolina prepare for season without Chloe Kitts: ‘We’re unafraid’
SUMMARY: South Carolina coach Dawn Staley says it will be business as usual for the second-ranked Gamecocks after losing star Chloe Kitts to a season-ending ACL tear. The team welcomes top freshmen and key transfers like Ta’Niya Latson and Madina Okot. Staley expressed confidence in returning players like Maryam Dauda and Joyce Edwards. Edwards says she believes the team can collectively fill Kitts’ gap.
WORDS: 465 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 3:34 p.m. CDT
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FBC–T25-Oklahoma-Mateer
Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer seeks redemption after worst start of his career
SUMMARY: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer is working to recover from a tough game against Texas. He completed just over 50% of his passes, threw three interceptions, and the Sooners lost 23-6 last Saturday. Coach Brent Venables says that Mateer is handling the situation well, but may be taking too much blame. Offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle believes Mateer needs a mental reset to get back on track. Mateer is looking forward to Saturday’s game at South Carolina, seeing it as an opportunity to bounce back. He was a Heisman frontrunner just weeks ago and still has a chance to regain that status.
WORDS: 635 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 4:50 p.m. CDT
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BKN–Northwest Division Preview
Nikola Jokic considers Nuggets a ‘dark horse’ despite being a top contender to dethrone Thunder
SUMMARY: Nikola Jokic considers the Denver Nuggets a dark horse in the NBA title race despite being a top contender to dethrone the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Northwest Division remains top heavy this season, with the Minnesota Timberwolves also in the mix. In a preseason poll, three of the top four seeds in the West are expected from this division. The Thunder, led by NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are in a strong position to repeat as champions. They have signed key players to extensions. The Nuggets have made significant roster changes, adding Cameron Johnson and Jonas Valanciunas, and signing Tim Hardaway Jr. and Bruce Brown.
WORDS: 937 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 5:41 p.m. CDT
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FBC–T25-Cincinnati Turnaround
Cincinnati emerges as a Big 12 contender with its 1st AP poll ranking in nearly 3 years
SUMMARY: Cincinnati has emerged as a strong contender in the Big 12 during its third season. The Bearcats are on a five-game winning streak and have entered the AP Top 25 for the first time in nearly three years. Coach Scott Satterfield credits the team’s success to retaining key players and adding new talent. Cincinnati joined the Big 12 in 2023 and struggled initially, but now they are tied with Texas Tech and BYU at the top of the conference. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby leads the team with impressive passing and rushing stats, supported by a strong defense.
WORDS: 931 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 10:12 a.m. CDT
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BKN–Kings-Westbrook
Reports: Russell Westbrook, former MVP, to join Sacramento Kings in his 18th NBA season
SUMMARY: Russell Westbrook is planning to join the Sacramento Kings, according to ESPN. The 36-year-old Westbrook is entering his 18th NBA season. He holds the record for the most triple-doubles in league history and ranks 20th in points and eighth in assists. Westbrook began his career with the Oklahoma City Thunder and became league MVP after Kevin Durant left for the Golden State Warriors. He has since played for several teams, including Houston, Washington and the Los Angeles Lakers. Last season, he averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 6.1 assists with the Denver Nuggets.
WORDS: 220 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 12:40 p.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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BKL–Aces-Hammon
Becky Hammon cements her legacy as one of the WNBA’s greatest coaches with another Aces title
SUMMARY: The Aces are gearing up for a championship parade on Friday, celebrating a victory few expected just months ago. Coach Becky Hammon led Las Vegas to its third championship in four years, placing her among the WNBA’s coaching greats. Her strategic prowess was evident in the finals, with key adjustments that secured wins. Despite a challenging season, Hammon guided the team to a 16-game winning streak. Her leadership style focuses on trust and teamwork, involving players in game planning. Hammon remains focused on growth, avoiding comparisons to other coaches, and continues to inspire her team.
WORDS: 938 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 7:41 p.m. CDT
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