Great Plains News Digest

To see stories that have already moved, please visit AP Newsroom. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan
——————————-—
IOWA
————-———————
US–Carbon-Capture-Pipeline
Iowa governor rejects GOP bill to increase regulations of Summit’s carbon dioxide pipeline
SUMMARY: Iowa Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds has rejected a bill that could have introduced more complications for a massive carbon-capture pipeline project routed across several Midwestern states. The veto Wednesday is a rarity in the Republican-controlled statehouse. The legislation was designed by Iowa House Republicans to increase regulations for Summit Carbon Solutions’ estimated $8.9 billion, 2,500-mile project that cuts across Iowa and already has an approved permit in the state. The bill would have prohibited the renewal of permits for a carbon dioxide pipeline, limited the use of such a pipeline to 25 years and significantly increased the insurance coverage requirements for the pipeline company.
WORDS: 965 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 4:21 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
US–Flag Day-Things to Know
The reverence for Old Glory that inspired Flag Day arose decades after Betsy Ross sewed her first
SUMMARY: The reverence for Old Glory that inspired Flag Day came decades after the lifetime of the woman often credited with sewing the first United States national flag. Betsy Ross may have been puzzled by the annual celebrations each year on June 14. The reverence is a product of the Civil War when the Union army used flags to show soldiers how they should move on the battlefield. The men performed fatal heroics to keep the flags aloft. A 1949 federal law designated Flag Day to honor the date in 1777 on which the Continental Congress approved the first national flag design. But local observances started as early as 1885.
WORDS: 735 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 11:09 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
US–Congress-Sanctuary Cities
Democratic governors defend immigration policies before Republican-led House panel
SUMMARY: Republicans in Congress called several Democratic governors to Washington on Thursday to question them over policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The governors of Illinois, Minnesota and New York testified Thursday before the House Oversight Committee, which has been investigating sanctuary jurisdictions. The hearing comes amid heightened tensions and protests over President Donald Trump’s stepped-up enforcement of immigration laws. Trump’s administration recently listed Illinois, Minnesota and New York among hundreds of jurisdictions it says are defying federal immigration law. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz rejected the description of his state as a sanctuary jurisdiction but said immigration enforcement is not the role of state and local governments.
WORDS: 1090 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 5:55 a.m. CDT
——————————
US–Supreme Court-Disability Rights
Supreme Court win for girl with epilepsy expected to make disability lawsuits against schools easier
SUMMARY: A teenage girl with a rare form of epilepsy has won a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that’s expected to make it easier for families of children with disabilities to sue schools over access to education. Thursday’s ruling comes after her family said her Minnesota school district didn’t do enough to get her the disability accommodations she needs to learn. The girl and her family appealed to the Supreme Court after lower courts ruled against their disability discrimination case. Some courts had been holding schools to a different legal standard. The Osseo Area Schools district has argued changing the standard could expose understaffed schools to more lawsuits even when they’re making good faith efforts.
WORDS: 277 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 9:42 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
US–IRS Commissioner
Ex-congressman Billy Long confirmed as commissioner of the IRS, an agency he once sought to abolish
SUMMARY: Former congressman Billy Long of Missouri has been confirmed to lead the Internal Revenue Service, an agency he once sought to abolish. Long’s confirmation on a 53-44 Senate vote Thursday gives the beleaguered IRS a permanent commissioner after months of acting leaders and massive staffing cuts that have threatened to derail next year’s tax filing system. Democratic senators strongly opposed Long’s nomination based on the Republican’s past work for a firm that pitched a fraud-ridden coronavirus pandemic-era tax break and on campaign contributions he received after President Donald Trump picked him. While in Congress, Long sponsored legislation to get rid of the IRS, the agency he’s now tasked with leading.
WORDS: 739 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 12:08 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
NEBRASKA
————-———————
US–Immigration Raid-Omaha
An Omaha food plant owner says he followed the rules for hiring immigrants. It was raided anyway.
SUMMARY: The owner of an Omaha food packaging company says his business has been unfairly hamstrung by Tuesday’s raid carried out by federal immigration officials. More than half Glenn Valley Foods’ workforce was arrested in the raid. That is despite the company following the government’s own system for verifying that workers are in the country legally. Owner Gary Rohwer says the plant is now is operating at about 30% of capacity as it scrambles to hire more workers. Rohwer says he’s “very upset” by the raid, adding that “we did everything we could possibly do” to ensure employees were legally allowed to work.
WORDS: 724 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 6:02 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
US–Oklahoma Execution-Hanson
Oklahoma court clears the way for execution of a man convicted in a Tulsa woman’s killing
SUMMARY: An Oklahoma appeals court has ordered a stay of execution for a man on death row to be lifted, clearing the way for him to receive a lethal injection. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals issued its order on Wednesday. John Fitzgerald Hanson has been scheduled to be executed Thursday for killing a Tulsa woman in 1999. A district court judge temporarily halted the execution Monday after Hanson’s attorneys argued he didn’t receive a fair clemency hearing before the state’s Pardon and Parole Board. The attorneys argued the 3-2 vote against Hanson was tainted because one board member worked for the district attorney’s office that prosecuted his case.
WORDS: 386 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 11:39 a.m. CDT
——————————
US–Oklahoma Execution-Hanson
Oklahoma executes a man who was transferred from federal custody by Trump officials
SUMMARY: Oklahoma has executed a man whose transfer to state custody was expedited by the Trump administration. John Fitzgerald Hanson received a lethal injection Thursday at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester. Prison officials say Hanson was pronounced dead at 10:11 a.m. The 61-year-old was sentenced to die after he was convicted of carjacking, kidnapping and killing Tulsa woman Mary Bowles in 1999. Hanson had been serving a life sentence in federal prison in Louisiana for several unrelated federal convictions. Federal officials transferred him to Oklahoma custody in March, following through on President Donald Trump’s executive order to more actively support the death penalty.
WORDS: 521 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 11:01 p.m. CDT
——————————
US–Executions-Glance
A look at the status of US executions in 2025
SUMMARY: Twenty-two men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S. Eight other people are scheduled to be put to death in six states during the remainder of 2025. An Oklahoma man was put to death Thursday after an appeals court lifted a temporary stay of execution issued by a district court. That followed the execution Tuesday evening of two men in Florida and in Alabama. Another man is scheduled to be put to death in South Carolina on Friday. So far this year, executions have been carried out in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.
WORDS: 1054 – MOVED: 05/15/2025 12:20 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
SOUTH DAKOTA
————-———————
SD–Concealed Carry-Campuses
What concealed carry on campus means for South Dakota schools
SUMMARY: The boards that oversee South Dakota’s 10 public colleges are drafting policies in accordance with a new state law that will allow students to carry concealed weapons on campus. Starting July 1, the four-year and technical institutions will no longer be able to restrict the lawful concealed carry of firearms and weapons on campuses. Gov. Larry Rhoden signed Senate Bill 100 into law on March 31, making South Dakota the 12th state to allow concealed carry on college campuses. It applies to students 18 and older and staff members who have an enhanced permit. Officials say campuses are working to get policies in place in July.
WORDS: 1735 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 11:37 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
US-Missouri Special Session
Missouri approves stadium aid for Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and disaster relief for St. Louis
SUMMARY: Missouri lawmakers have approved hundreds of millions of dollars of incentives to try to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to keep playing in Missouri. A bill given final approval Wednesday also provides millions of dollars of disaster relief following tornadoes in St. Louis and elsewhere. The legislation now goes to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who called lawmakers into special session. The Chiefs and Royals currently play in side-by-side stadiums in Kansas City, Missouri, under leases due to expire in 2031. Missouri is competing with Kansas to be the site for new or renovated stadiums.
WORDS: 815 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 3:11 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Royals-Injuries
Royals place All-Star pitcher Cole Ragans back on the IL and activate reliever Lucas Erceg
SUMMARY: The Royals have put left-hander Cole Ragans back on the injured list after one dismal start against the Cardinals, this time with a left rotator cuff strain. The All-Star had been dealing with a groin strain during his previous stint. Kansas City made the move before Wednesday night’s game against the Yankees. The Royals also activated reliever Lucas Erceg from the IL, recalled right-hander Jonathan Bowlan from Triple-A Omaha and designated right-hander Trevor Richards for assignment.
WORDS: 448 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 3:19 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Yankees-Injuries
Yankees’ Stroman allows 1 run in rehab start, Stanton hits RBI double for Double-A Somerset
SUMMARY: Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman has made his first rehab start for Double-A Somerset, allowing one run over 3 1/3 innings in a game against Portland. His outing Wednesday was his first since landing on the injured list April 12 with left knee inflammation. In the same game, Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton had another hit as he works his way back to the big league club. He had two hits in his first rehab game Tuesday night. Meanwhile, right-hander Luke Weaver felt good after a throwing session Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium. It was his second bullpen outing as Weaver ramps back up following a left hamstring strain that landed him on the injured list June 3.
WORDS: 439 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 5:56 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Yankees-Royals
Aaron Judge homers in third straight game, Clarke Schmidt dazzles as Yankees beat the Royals, 6-3
SUMMARY: Aaron Judge homered for the third consecutive game, helping the Yankees to a 6-3 win over the Royals on Wednesday night. Clarke Schmidt earned the win, allowing two hits over six innings while walking three and striking out seven. Paul Goldschmidt had a pair of RBIs during a five-run second inning that set the tone for New York. Kris Bubic allowed all five of those runs for Kansas City, lasting just 4 1/3 innings. The Yankees improved to 5-0 against Kansas City this season and 12-3 since the start of last season, including their series win in the playoffs. Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the ninth for the Royals.
WORDS: 422 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 9:44 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
BBO–Twins-Wentz
Twins claim lefty Joey Wentz off waivers from Pirates
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins claimed left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz off waivers from the Pittsburgh Pirates for a reinforcement for their injury-thinned staff. The 27-year-old Wentz had a 4.15 ERA in 19 relief appearances this season for the Pirates with 11 walks and 22 strikeouts in 26 innings. Wentz was designated for assignment last week by the Pirates. They claimed him off waivers last September from the Detroit Tigers. Wentz will give the Twins additional depth for a bullpen that could be strained in the coming weeks in light of shoulder injuries last week that sidelined starters Pablo López and Zebby Matthews.
WORDS: 185 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 2:51 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKN–Knicks Coaching Search
Knicks denied permission to interview Kidd, Udoka and Finch in coaching search, AP sources say
SUMMARY: The New York Knicks have been denied permission to speak with coaches Jason Kidd of Dallas, Ime Udoka of Houston and Chris Finch of Minnesota in a slow start to find Tom Thibodeau’s replacement. All three coaches are under contract and two people with knowledge of the details say their organizations declined to make them available for interviews with the Knicks. The people spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the interview process was to remain private. The Knicks fired Thibodeau on June 3, despite reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years.
WORDS: 417 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 4:28 p.m. CDT
——————————
FBN–Raiders-Specialists
Kicker Daniel Carlson and punter AJ Cole put best feet forward for Raiders
SUMMARY: Neither took the easy path to get here. But Daniel Carlson and AJ Cole persevered and the Raiders have perhaps the best kicker-punter duo in the NFL. Las Vegas showed its appreciation to Cole by signing him late last month to an extension that briefly made him the league’s highest-paid punter. Now the question is whether the Raiders will show the same kind of appreciation toward Carlson. He enters the final season of his four-year, $18.4 million deal.
WORDS: 852 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 6:37 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Rangers-Twins
Buxton’s 479-foot homer powers Twins to 6-2 win over Rangers
SUMMARY: Byron Buxton launched a 479-foot home run, the second-longest in the majors this season, to power the Minnesota Twins past the Texas Rangers 6-2. Buxton’s three-run shot to center field off starter Jack Leiter was the longest of his 144 career homers, and it gave Minnesota a 3-2 lead in the third inning. The only big league home run hit farther this year was a 484-foot drive by Angels star Mike Trout on April 19. Buxton finished with three hits and a stolen base. His titanic homer came moments after he made a highlight-reel catch in the outfield that potentially saved two runs and resulted in a standing ovation from fans. Willi Castro added a two-run triple for Minnesota and scored on Carlos Correa’s ground-rule double.
WORDS: 363 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 9:40 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Twins-Buxton Homer
Twins’ Byron Buxton hits 479-foot homer, second-longest in majors this season
SUMMARY: Byron Buxton hit the second-longest home run in the majors this season, a 479-foot, three-run shot for the Minnesota Twins on Wednesday night in a 6-2 victory over the Texas Rangers. Buxton connected off Rangers starter Jack Leiter in the third inning, with the ball landing in the second deck in center field. It was the longest of Buxton’s 144 career home runs. Mike Trout has the longest this season, a 484-footer for the Los Angeles Angels on April 19. Buxton moved into sole possession of 15th place on the Twins’ career home run list, breaking a tie with Hall of Famer Joe Mauer. In the half inning before the homer, Buxton made a spectacular diving catch in center field against Marcus Semien for the third out.
WORDS: 339 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 7:59 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Twins Red Sox Trade
Twins trade reliever Alcala to Red Sox for minor leaguer
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins have dealt struggling reliever Jorge Alcala to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for minor leaguer Andy Lugo. The 29-year-old Alcala has an 8.88 ERA in 22 appearances for the Twins this year. His final outing with Minnesota came Tuesday when he gave up five runs — four earned — in the Twins’ 16-4 loss to Texas. Alcala debuted with the Twins in 2019 and pitched in a career-high 59 games in 2021. Lugo, 21, was batting .265 with four home runs and 20 RBIs in 44 games for High-A Greenville.
WORDS: 251 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 11:18 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKL–Lynx-Storm
Seattle ends Minnesota’s season-opening winning streak at 9, beating the Lynx 94-84
SUMMARY: Nneka Ogwumike had 21 points and 10 rebounds, Erica Wheeler added 20 points and six assists and the Seattle Storm ended Minnesota’s season-opening winning streak at nine, beating the Lynx 94-84 on Wednesday night. After Minnesota had a basket taken away following an official review for a shot-clock violation, Skylar Diggins made a 3-pointer to give Seattle (6-4) an 83-79 lead. Kayla McBridemade a 3-pointer from the wing with 1:07 left to pull Minnesota (9-1) to 85-84, but Wheeler answered with a 3-pointer at the other end. After Alanna Smith missed an open layup under the basket, Wheeler added two free throws with 25 seconds left to seal it. Napheesa Collier had 25 points for Minnesota.
WORDS: 233 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 11:21 p.m. CDT
——————————
ATH–NCAA Track Championships
Zaltos, Mantzouranis go 1-2 in hammer to help Minnesota take lead in NCAA track championships
SUMMARY: Kostas Zaltos won the NCAA hammer throw and fellow Greek thrower Angelos Mantzouranis was second to help Minnesota take the Day 1 lead at the outdoor track and field championships Wednesday. Zaltos and Mantzouranis are the first teammates to go 1-2 in the NCAA hammer throw since Virginia Tech did it in 2011. Zaltos won with a throw of 256 feet, 2 inches in the fourth round to become the first Minnesota outdoor champion since 2018 and just the third since 1971. New Mexico also went 1-2 in the 10,000 meters when freshman Ishmael Kipkurui beat defending champion Habtom Samuel with a time of 29 minutes, 7.70 seconds. Minnesota had 23 points, with New Mexico and Florida tied for second at 18.
WORDS: 319 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 12:19 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
BBO–Brewers-Misiorowski
Jacob Misiorowski, who threw 103 mph pitch last month, set to debut for Brewers against Cardinals
SUMMARY: Jacob Misiorowski, whose 103 mph pitch last month at Triple-A was the highest recorded by a true starter in the majors or minors since Statcast started tracking in 2015, was set to make his major league debut Thursday night in the opener of a four-game series against the St. Louis Cardinals. The 23-year-old, 6-foot-7 right-hander arrived Tuesday night from Triple-A Nashville, where he was 4-2 with a 2.13 ERA in 12 starts ad one relief appearances with 80 strikeouts and 31 walks in 63 1/3 innings.
WORDS: 445 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 1:19 p.m. CDT
——————————
US-Missouri Special Session
Missouri approves stadium aid for Kansas City Chiefs and Royals and disaster relief for St. Louis
SUMMARY: Missouri lawmakers have approved hundreds of millions of dollars of incentives to try to persuade the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals to keep playing in Missouri. A bill given final approval Wednesday also provides millions of dollars of disaster relief following tornadoes in St. Louis and elsewhere. The legislation now goes to Gov. Mike Kehoe, who called lawmakers into special session. The Chiefs and Royals currently play in side-by-side stadiums in Kansas City, Missouri, under leases due to expire in 2031. Missouri is competing with Kansas to be the site for new or renovated stadiums.
WORDS: 815 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 3:11 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Blue Jays-Cardinals
Ernie Clement homers and Blue Jays beat Cardinals 5-2 for 3-game sweep
SUMMARY: Ernie Clement homered and Spencer Turnbull worked two scoreless innings to win his Toronto debut as the Blue Jays beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-2 for a three-game sweep. Clement finished with three hits but did not take the field in the ninth at third base after suffering an apparent leg injury. He dove for a grounder in the eighth and needed some attention but finished the inning. Clement’s fourth homer gave Toronto a 5-2 lead in the fifth. Toronto won for the seventh time in eight games and is 22-10 over its last 32. The Cardinals lost their fourth straight.
WORDS: 338 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 4:41 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Royals-Injuries
Royals place All-Star pitcher Cole Ragans back on the IL and activate reliever Lucas Erceg
SUMMARY: The Royals have put left-hander Cole Ragans back on the injured list after one dismal start against the Cardinals, this time with a left rotator cuff strain. The All-Star had been dealing with a groin strain during his previous stint. Kansas City made the move before Wednesday night’s game against the Yankees. The Royals also activated reliever Lucas Erceg from the IL, recalled right-hander Jonathan Bowlan from Triple-A Omaha and designated right-hander Trevor Richards for assignment.
WORDS: 448 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 3:19 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Yankees-Injuries
Yankees’ Stroman allows 1 run in rehab start, Stanton hits RBI double for Double-A Somerset
SUMMARY: Yankees right-hander Marcus Stroman has made his first rehab start for Double-A Somerset, allowing one run over 3 1/3 innings in a game against Portland. His outing Wednesday was his first since landing on the injured list April 12 with left knee inflammation. In the same game, Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton had another hit as he works his way back to the big league club. He had two hits in his first rehab game Tuesday night. Meanwhile, right-hander Luke Weaver felt good after a throwing session Wednesday at Kauffman Stadium. It was his second bullpen outing as Weaver ramps back up following a left hamstring strain that landed him on the injured list June 3.
WORDS: 439 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 5:56 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Blue Jays-Clement
Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement leaves game in 9th after banging knee diving for a grounder
SUMMARY: Toronto Blue Jays third baseman Ernie Clement left in the ninth inning Wednesday against St. Louis after banging his knee in the eighth when he dove for a grounder. Clement needed some attention but finished the inning. He was replaced in the field by Addison Barger for the ninth, and Toronto beat the Cardinals 5-2. Clement had three hits, including his fourth homer of the season that gave the Blue Jays a 5-2 lead in the fifth. He raised his batting average to .280 for the season.
WORDS: 136 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 6:38 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Yankees-Royals
Aaron Judge homers in third straight game, Clarke Schmidt dazzles as Yankees beat the Royals, 6-3
SUMMARY: Aaron Judge homered for the third consecutive game, helping the Yankees to a 6-3 win over the Royals on Wednesday night. Clarke Schmidt earned the win, allowing two hits over six innings while walking three and striking out seven. Paul Goldschmidt had a pair of RBIs during a five-run second inning that set the tone for New York. Kris Bubic allowed all five of those runs for Kansas City, lasting just 4 1/3 innings. The Yankees improved to 5-0 against Kansas City this season and 12-3 since the start of last season, including their series win in the playoffs. Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the ninth for the Royals.
WORDS: 422 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 9:44 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
BKN–NBA Finals-Clark
Caitlin Clark, Reggie Miller, Oscar Robertson among those in crowd for Game 3 of NBA Finals
SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark is at the NBA Finals, taking a baseline seat to cheer on the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night. The WNBA star — wearing a yellow T-shirt emblazoned with the famed “In 49 other states it’s just basketball. But this is Indiana” saying along with a finals logo — was seated with Indiana Fever teammates Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard for the game, in the same end of the floor as the Pacers’ bench. Among the other Indiana basketball royalty at the game: Hall of Famers Oscar Robertson and Reggie Miller, both seated near the court as well, along with Mark Jackson, Dale Davis and many other former Pacers.
WORDS: 272 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 8:29 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKN–NBA Finals
Game 3: Pacers rally in the 4th, beat Thunder 116-107 to take 2-1 lead in NBA Finals
SUMMARY: Bennedict Mathurin scored 27 off the bench, Tyrese Haliburton scored 22 and the Indiana Pacers reclaimed the lead in the NBA Finals by beating the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 in Game 3 on Wednesday night. Haliburton also had 11 assists and nine rebounds for the Pacers, who got 21 points from Pascal Siakam and enjoyed a whopping 49-18 edge in bench points on their way to a 2-1 lead in the series. The Pacers, who lost Game 2 in Oklahoma City, improved to 10-0 in mid-March in the game immediately following a loss. Jalen Williams scored 26 points, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 24 and Chet Holmgren had 20 for the Thunder, who led by five going into the fourth.
WORDS: 518 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 8:25 a.m. CDT
——————————
BKN–NBA Finals-Thunder
Thunder find themselves in familiar territory in NBA Finals, trailing 2-1 in another series
SUMMARY: Game 1, a loss on the opposition’s final shot. Game 2, an easy win. Game 3, another loss to fall behind in the series again. This formula is not the one that would be considered optimal by the Oklahoma City Thunder, especially in the NBA Finals. But if there is some consolation for the overall No. 1 seed in these playoffs, it’s this: the Thunder have been in this spot before and found a way to prevail. That resiliency will be tested yet again after the Indiana Pacers beat the Thunder 116-107 on Wednesday night to take a 2-1 series lead in these finals. Game 4 is in Indianapolis on Friday.
WORDS: 536 – MOVED: 06/11/2025 10:22 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKN–NBA Finals-Pacers Bench
McConnell, Mathurin lead Pacers’ bench charge in Game 3, fueling 2-1 NBA Finals lead over Thunder
SUMMARY: TJ McConnell stole inbounds passes not once, not twice, but three times in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. He waved his arms, pumped his fists and shouted at an already delirious crowd to make more noise. Bennedict Mathurin made just about every shot, calm and cool, always coming up with the bucket that Indiana needed. Separately, they couldn’t seem more different. Together, they were a two-man bench wrecking crew for the Pacers in Game 3 of the NBA Finals — two of the biggest reasons why Indiana has a 2-1 lead over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the title series.
WORDS: 683 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 1:17 a.m. CDT
——————————
BKN–NBA Finals Guide
NBA Finals guide: When the games are, how to watch, what the odds are
SUMMARY: The Indiana Pacers did it again. They are now 10-0 since mid-March in games immediately following a loss, and the latest of those wins came at a big time — in Game 3 of the NBA Finals. The Pacers beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 116-107 for a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 is Friday night in Indianapolis.
WORDS: 1065 – MOVED: 06/01/2025 8:57 a.m. CDT
——————————
WRE–Real American Freestyle-Hildebrandt
Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt leads new Real American Freestyle wrestling signees
SUMMARY: Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt headlines a group of four women who have signed with Real American Freestyle wrestling. Hildebrandt became the fourth American woman to win a gold medal in Olympic wrestling when she defeated Yusneylis Guzman Lopez of Cuba in the 50-kilogram final last year in Paris. Other signees the new company announced are Olympic silver medalist Lucía “Jami” Yepez Guzman, Audrey Jimenez and Zeltin Hernandez Guerra. They join Kennedy Blades, a silver medalist for the United States at the Paris Olympics, as the anchors of the women’s division.
WORDS: 266 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 10:21 a.m. CDT
——————————
If you have a coverage enquiry, please contact Editorial Support (available 24/7) via editorialsupport@ap.org
<END>