Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Des Moines-Water
Near-record nitrate levels in Des Moines, Iowa-area rivers threaten drinking water
SUMMARY: Local officials are warning more than half a million Iowans in the state’s capital city and suburbs that near-record level of pollutants in its rivers could make drinking water dangerous if immediate steps are not taken to reduce demand. But the officials are declining to explain what they believe has caused the surge in nitrate levels, which has historically been tied to runoff from farmland draining into Des Moines-area rivers. The water utility is issuing a first-ever ban on lawn watering for the region after seeing the highest levels of nitrates in the river water since 2013. The officials said water is currently safe to drink, but too-high levels of nitrate can be dangerous for pregnant women and infants.
WORDS: 714 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 5:16 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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US–Aviation Safety-Glance
Is air travel safe? Deadly Air India plane crash renews concerns after a string of other crashes
SUMMARY: The Air India plane crash that killed at least 240 people is just the latest aviation disaster this year. Officials have tried to reassure travelers that flying remains the safest mode of transportation, and statistics support that. But the steady stream of headlines about things going wrong on planes and helicopters is unnerving. There have been at least seven fatal plane crashes in the U.S. since January. And one of the worst aviation disasters in South Korea history happened in December when a plane skidded off a runway into a concrete fence and killed 179 people. Another plane flipped over on landing in Toronto, but everyone survived.
WORDS: 1170 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 2:18 p.m. CDT
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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
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MINNESOTA
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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: 414 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 9:42 a.m. CDT
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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: 1135 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 5:55 a.m. CDT
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US–Trump-Wildfires
Trump moves to merge wildland firefighting into single force, despite ex-officials warning of chaos
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has told government agencies to consolidate their wildland firefighting into a single program. Thursday’s executive order comes after former federal officials warned that such a consolidation could be costly and increase the risk of catastrophic blazes. The move is meant to centralize duties now split among five agencies and two Cabinet departments. Officials have not disclosed how much the change could cost. The Trump administration in its first months sharply reduced the ranks of firefighters through layoffs and retirement offers. The personnel declines and reshuffling of agencies come as global warming makes fires more severe and destructive.
WORDS: 611 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 6:23 p.m. CDT
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US–Plane Crash-Sole Survivors
The lone passenger who survived the deadly Air India crash sparks interest in other sole survivors
SUMMARY: The notion that only one person survived the Air India plane crash that killed 241 people on board is sparking interest on social media about how that could happen and if such a thing has happened before. A medic has said Vishwashkumar Ramesh was thrown out of the plane Thursday and walked to a nearby ambulance for aid. Dr. Dhaval Gameti, who treated Ramesh, told The Associated Press that Ramesh was disoriented with multiple injuries all over his body, but that he seemed to be out of danger. Several other people have been the lone survivors of plane crashes in recent decades.
WORDS: 469 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 8:10 p.m. CDT
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US–Trump-Immigration-Medicaid
Trump administration gives personal data of immigrant Medicaid enrollees to deportation officials
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s administration has released to deportation officials the personal data for millions of Medicaid enrollees, including their immigration status. That’s according to an internal memo and emails obtained by The Associated Press. Trump officials have been reaching deep into communities across the country to ramp up deportations and fought for the health data on immigrants from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The dataset released this week includes the information of people living in California, Illinois, Washington state and Washington, D.C., which all allow immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally to enroll in relatively new Medicaid programs that pay for their expenses using only state taxpayer dollars.
WORDS: 1100 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 9:30 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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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: 812 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 12:08 p.m. CDT
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US–Immigration Protests-Roundup
Nationwide protests against immigration raids escalate, leading to arrests and curfews
SUMMARY: Protests over federal immigration enforcement raids are flaring up around the country, and officials in cities large and small are preparing for major demonstrations against President Donald Trump this weekend. While many demonstrations against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency have been peaceful, with marchers chanting slogans and carrying signs, others have led to clashes with police who have sometimes used chemical irritants to disperse crowds. Hundreds have been arrested. So-called No Kings protests against Trump’s policies are scheduled in communities across the country on Saturday. They will coincide with Trump’s planned military parade in Washington, D.C.
WORDS: 773 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 1:20 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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NE–Native Hospital Restored
First Native hospital, built by nation’s first Native doctor, to again care for Nebraskans
SUMMARY: The first hospital built on a Native reservation in Nebraska is being restored. The building is dedicated to sharing the story of Dr. Susan La Flesche Picotte, who became the first Native American to earn a medical degree in 1889 and then returned to the Omaha reservation to treat patients and raise money to build the hospital. The restored building will be celebrated Saturday at a private dedication event. The public can visit at an open house on June 22. The project’s leaders include a combination of tribe members, doctors, community members and La Flesche’s descendants. The building will also offer medical care in Nebraska’s poorest county.
WORDS: 1924 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 11:52 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKL–Fever-Clark
She’s back: Fever say Caitlin Clark will be ready to play in showdown with Liberty on Saturday
SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark is ready to play again, meaning the Indiana Fever will have their best player back in time to play the reigning WNBA champion New York Liberty on Saturday afternoon. The Fever made the less-than-surprising announcement Friday. Clark missed five games with a quadriceps injury, then practiced this week with all signs pointed toward her playing against the undefeated defending champs. Fever coach Stephanie White says “as long as we don’t have any regressions, she’s going to be ready to roll.”
WORDS: 647 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 12:59 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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BBO–Yankees-Moves
Yankees recall right-handed reliever Scott Effross from Triple-A
SUMMARY: The New York Yankees have recalled right-handed relief pitcher Scott Effross from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals. Effross was 2-1 with a 9.00 ERA in nine games, including one start, at three levels in the Yankees’ farm system this season. Following Wednesday’s game, the Yankees optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A. They also released lefty Brandon Leibrandt, who signed with the CTBC Brothers Baseball Club in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
WORDS: 180 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 5:36 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Moves
Cards promote Granillo and Siani while sending Roycroft to Triple-A
SUMMARY: The St. Louis Cardinals called up right-handed reliever Andre Granillo and outfielder Michael Siani from Triple-A Memphis, optioned right-handed pitcher Chris Roycroft to Memphis and designated outfielder Ryan Vilade for assignment Thursday. St. Louis made the moves before beginning a four-game series at Milwaukee. Granillo has gone 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA and one save in 18 relief appearances with Memphis this season. Granillo made his major league debut Thursday and threw 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief in the Cardinals’ 6-0 loss to the Brewers.
WORDS: 390 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 3:00 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Yankees-Royals
Yankees scratch across late run to edge Royals 1-0 and complete season sweep
SUMMARY: Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped and still scrambled home safely on a wild play in the eighth inning, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. New York completed a three-game sweep to finish 6-0 against the Royals this season after eliminating them 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October. Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter as the AL East leaders moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They have the best road record in the majors at 21-13. Mark Leiter Jr. got one out for the win, and Devin Williams earned his ninth save. The game was interrupted by rain for 28 minutes in the top of the sixth.
WORDS: 455 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 10:05 p.m. CDT
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CAR–IndyCar-McLaughlin Rebound
Penske driver Scott McLaughlin’s tough month ends with hope for a fresh start at Gateway
SUMMARY: Scott McLaughlin’s miserable month of May is finally over. He crashed twice at the Indianapolis 500, caused a crash at Detroit and then engaged in a post-race social media feud with Tony Kanaan. Now he’s off to Gateway outside of St. Louis and a fresh start for the Team Penske driver as IndyCar prepares for only its second race on an oval this season and first televised in prime-time by Fox. McLaughlin has two wins on ovals, at Iowa and Milwaukee, and a pair of podium finishes at Gateway. McLaughlin finished second there last year.
WORDS: 863 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 10:10 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BBO–Rangers-Twins
Rangers hit season-high 6 home runs in a 16-3 romp over the Twins
SUMMARY: Josh Smith, Jake Burger and Wyatt Langford went deep in the first two innings and the Texas Rangers hit a season-high six home runs in a 16-3 romp over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday. Evan Carter, Adolis Garcia and Sam Haggerty also homered as Texas scored 16 runs for the second time in three games. The Rangers beat Minnesota 16-4 on Tuesday night. Patrick Corbin (4-5) allowed three runs in five-plus innings for his first victory since May 14, retiring 12 straight hitters at one point. He hasn’t allowed more than three earned runs in his dozen starts this season. Minnesota has lost five of seven.
WORDS: 328 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 3:09 p.m. CDT
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BKW–Minnesota-Plitzuweit
Minnesota women’s coach Dawn Plitzuweit gets 2-year contract extension with raise
SUMMARY: Minnesota women’s basketball coach Dawn Plitzuweit has received a two-year contract extension that was approved by the university’s board of regents. Plitzuweit is 47-29 over two seasons at Minnesota with leading scorer Mara Braun missing much of them with foot injuries. The Gophers are 13-23 in Big Ten play under Plitzuweit. They capped her second year by winning the WBIT championship. Minnesota has not appeared in the NCAA Tournament since 2018. Plitzuweit’s new deal covers the next six seasons through 2031 and gives her a raise of roughly 7% to bring her base salary to $900,000 for the 2025-26 season.
WORDS: 211 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 5:19 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Vikings-Flores
Brian Flores still finds joy running the Vikings defense after being passed over for head coach jobs
SUMMARY: Brian Flores is back for a third season as defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings without a hint of bitterness after being passed over for three head coach vacancies around the NFL. He was grateful for the opportunities to interview and happy to return to a job he’s grown fond of. The Vikings offense welcomes his aggressive experimentation with different schemes in practice. Players on defense enjoy Flores for his confidence to try new strategies and stay a step ahead of opponents around the league.
WORDS: 554 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 6:34 p.m. CDT
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SOC–CONCACAF Gold Cup
CONCACAF Gold Cup starts on Saturday with many of the top players missing
SUMMARY: Unlike the World Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup often is contested by B and C teams due to vacation, injuries and youth callups. Defending champion Mexico plays the tournament opener on Saturday against the Dominican Republic, and the United States, on its first four-game losing streak since 2007, starts Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago. Mexico is missing forwards Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and Henry Martín, Canada is without Alphonso Davies and the U.S. without a slew of regulars, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson and Tim Weah. Mexico has won nine Gold Cups, the U.S. seven and Canada one.
WORDS: 537 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 10:26 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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BBO–Yankees-Moves
Yankees recall right-handed reliever Scott Effross from Triple-A
SUMMARY: The New York Yankees have recalled right-handed relief pitcher Scott Effross from Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Kansas City Royals. Effross was 2-1 with a 9.00 ERA in nine games, including one start, at three levels in the Yankees’ farm system this season. Following Wednesday’s game, the Yankees optioned left-hander Brent Headrick to Triple-A. They also released lefty Brandon Leibrandt, who signed with the CTBC Brothers Baseball Club in the Chinese Professional Baseball League.
WORDS: 180 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 5:36 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Brewers
Misiorowski dominates before departing MLB debut with leg cramps as Brewers blank Cardinals 6-0
SUMMARY: Jacob Misiorowski pitched five no-hit innings before leaving his major league debut with cramping in his right calf and quadriceps as the Milwaukee Brewers defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 6-0. Misiorowski slipped on the front part of the mound after throwing his third pitch of the sixth. After medical staff went to check on him, he was removed in favor of Nick Mears. Misiorowski struck out five and walked four while reaching a maximum velocity of 102.2 mph with his fastball. Jackson Chourio homered as the Brewers scored five runs in the fifth off Sonny Gray.
WORDS: 346 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 9:32 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Moves
Cards promote Granillo and Siani while sending Roycroft to Triple-A
SUMMARY: The St. Louis Cardinals called up right-handed reliever Andre Granillo and outfielder Michael Siani from Triple-A Memphis, optioned right-handed pitcher Chris Roycroft to Memphis and designated outfielder Ryan Vilade for assignment Thursday. St. Louis made the moves before beginning a four-game series at Milwaukee. Granillo has gone 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA and one save in 18 relief appearances with Memphis this season. Granillo made his major league debut Thursday and threw 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief in the Cardinals’ 6-0 loss to the Brewers.
WORDS: 390 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 3:00 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Brewers-Civale
Civale says he wants to continue starting – in Milwaukee or elsewhere – after Brewers put him in pen
SUMMARY: Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Aaron Civale is moving to a bullpen role for the first time in his seven-year career. His next move could be out of Milwaukee entirely. Civale says he wants to remain a starting pitcher even if that means getting traded. The Brewers shifted Civale to the bullpen this week to make room for flame-throwing prospect Jacob Misiorowski. Misiorowski’s arrival gave Milwaukee a surplus of starting pitchers. Civale was the odd man out when the Brewers opted to go with a rotation of Misiorowski, Freddy Peralta, José Quintana, Quinn Priester and Chad Patrick.
WORDS: 842 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 5:21 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Brewers-Misiorowski’s Debut
Misiorowski exits Brewers debut with leg cramps after holding Cardinals hitless for 5 innings
SUMMARY: Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski insisted he didn’t realize he had a no-hitter going when the 23-year-old flamethrower took the mound for the sixth inning of his dazzling major league debut. The Brewers couldn’t quite complete the no-no — but they might have gotten even better news. It appears the injury that knocked the 6-foot-7 right-hander out of the game wasn’t serious. Misiorowski said he felt fine after leaving Milwaukee’s 6-0 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals due to cramping in his right calf and quadriceps.
WORDS: 813 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 8:32 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Yankees-Royals
Yankees scratch across late run to edge Royals 1-0 and complete season sweep
SUMMARY: Pablo Reyes stumbled, stopped and still scrambled home safely on a wild play in the eighth inning, taking advantage of a throwing error by reliever Lucas Erceg to give the New York Yankees a 1-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals. New York completed a three-game sweep to finish 6-0 against the Royals this season after eliminating them 3-1 in their best-of-five playoff series last October. Will Warren and four relievers combined on a five-hitter as the AL East leaders moved a season-high 17 games over .500. They have the best road record in the majors at 21-13. Mark Leiter Jr. got one out for the win, and Devin Williams earned his ninth save. The game was interrupted by rain for 28 minutes in the top of the sixth.
WORDS: 455 – MOVED: 06/12/2025 10:05 p.m. CDT
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CAR–IndyCar-McLaughlin Rebound
Penske driver Scott McLaughlin’s tough month ends with hope for a fresh start at Gateway
SUMMARY: Scott McLaughlin’s miserable month of May is finally over. He crashed twice at the Indianapolis 500, caused a crash at Detroit and then engaged in a post-race social media feud with Tony Kanaan. Now he’s off to Gateway outside of St. Louis and a fresh start for the Team Penske driver as IndyCar prepares for only its second race on an oval this season and first televised in prime-time by Fox. McLaughlin has two wins on ovals, at Iowa and Milwaukee, and a pair of podium finishes at Gateway. McLaughlin finished second there last year.
WORDS: 863 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 10:10 a.m. CDT
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SOC–CONCACAF Gold Cup
CONCACAF Gold Cup starts on Saturday with many of the top players missing
SUMMARY: Unlike the World Cup, the CONCACAF Gold Cup often is contested by B and C teams due to vacation, injuries and youth callups. Defending champion Mexico plays the tournament opener on Saturday against the Dominican Republic, and the United States, on its first four-game losing streak since 2007, starts Sunday against Trinidad and Tobago. Mexico is missing forwards Hirving “Chucky” Lozano and Henry Martín, Canada is without Alphonso Davies and the U.S. without a slew of regulars, including Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, Antonee Robinson and Tim Weah. Mexico has won nine Gold Cups, the U.S. seven and Canada one.
WORDS: 537 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 10:26 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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BBC–CWS-Rise Of The Racers
Big offense and big hearts fuel Murray State Racers as their improbable CWS run is about to begin
SUMMARY: The Murray State Racers are about to be embraced as the College World Series’ lovable underdogs by local fans looking to adopt a team for the week. Murray State merchandise already was selling fast among locals who are much more likely to identify the southwestern Kentucky school with basketball alums Ja Morant or Popeye Jones than with the upstart ballclub making its CWS debut. The Racers are the fourth No. 4 regional seed since 1999 to make it to the CWS. They play UCLA on Saturday.
WORDS: 944 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 12:09 a.m. CDT
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BBC–Dick Howser Trophy-Lodise
Florida State SS Alex Lodise wins the Dick Howser Trophy as the top college player in the nation
SUMMARY: Florida State shortstop Alex Lodise has been named winner of the Dick Howser Trophy as the national player of the year. Lodise is the third player in program history to win the Howser, joining J.D. Drew in 1997 and Buster Posey in 2008. The award has been presented annually since 1987 and is named after former FSU All-American and head coach Dick Howser. Lodise was named Atlantic Coast Conference player and defensive player of the year, and he also is a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award as the top amateur player in the nation.
WORDS: 221 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 12:21 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–NBA Finals Guide
NBA Finals guide: When the games are, how to watch, what the odds are
SUMMARY: Let’s get weird. For only the fourth time in NBA history, there is going to be an NBA Finals game on a date that tends to be unlucky, according to superstition. It’s Friday the 13th. Game 4 of the NBA Finals is Friday night, with the Indiana Pacers looking to take a 3-1 lead on the Oklahoma City Thunder. The other Friday the 13th games in finals history — San Antonio beat New Jersey 93-83 on June 13, 2003; Chicago beat Utah 90-86 on June 13, 1997; and New York beat Rochester 79-73 on April 13, 1951.
WORDS: 1089 – MOVED: 06/01/2025 8:57 a.m. CDT
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BKN–NBA Finals
Game 4: Pacers look to move 1 win from title, Thunder seeking to show resiliency once again
SUMMARY: Indiana stole Game 1. Oklahoma City bounced back in Game 2. Indiana showed its resiliency in Game 3. And now, it’s Game 4 on Friday night — where either the Pacers will move one win from a title, or the Thunder will turn this NBA Finals into a best-of-three to decide which team will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy sometime in the next few days. Indiana leads the best-of-seven 2-1 going into Game 4. Oklahoma City has the two leading scorers in the series: NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is averaging 32 points per game, and Jalen Williams is averaging 20.7 per game.
WORDS: 229 – MOVED: 06/13/2025 9:37 a.m. CDT
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