Great Plains News Digest
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MINNESOTA
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US–Trump-Minnesota-Lawmakers Shot
Trump says he won’t call Minnesota Gov. Walz after lawmaker shootings because it would ‘waste time’
SUMMARY: A spokesperson for Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz says the governor wishes Donald Trump would be a “president for all Americans.” That statement comes after Trump said that he won’t call Walz after two Democratic lawmakers were shot, one fatally. Trump says doing so would “waste time.” Trump told reporters he could “be nice” and call the governor, “but why waste time?” Walz was the 2024 Democratic vice presidential candidate and he often branded Trump as “weird.” Walz said on social media that he’s heartened at times of tragedy “when people of different views and even different nations can rally together around our shared humanity,.”
WORDS: 723 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 6:47 a.m. CDT
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US–Minnesota-Lawmakers Shot-Glance
Many lawmakers named in writings of suspected Minnesota shooter vow not to bow down
SUMMARY: From a legislator in downtown Minneapolis to a veteran Ohio congresswoman, many lawmakers included in the suspected Minnesota gunman’s writings and list of targets are vowing not to bow down. An acting U.S. Attorney says the dozens of politicians included in the suspect’s writing were Democrats. While some say the violence has prompted them to double down on their legislative work, at least one lawmaker postponed a town hall after learning she was a potential target.
WORDS: 877 – MOVED: 06/16/2025 10:22 p.m. CDT
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US–Minnesota Shootings-Congress
Threats to lawmakers are on the rise, security officials tell senators after Minnesota shootings
SUMMARY: Threats to members of Congress are on the rise, security officials told senators at an emergency briefing in the wake of the killing of a Minnesota state lawmaker in her home over the weekend. U.S. Capitol Police leaders and Senate security officials said that threats against elected officials, including federal lawmakers, has “dramatically increased,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer after the briefing, “and that means we need more protection.” The suspect in the Minnesota attack had dozens of members of Congress listed in his writings, in addition to the state lawmakers and others he’s accused of targeting.
WORDS: 1252 – MOVED: 06/16/2025 11:26 p.m. CDT
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US–Minnesota-Lawmakers-Shot-Roommate
Childhood friend says Minnesota suspect had ‘darkness inside of him’
SUMMARY: A lifelong friend of the alleged Minnesota gunman says Vance Boelter had been struggling to find work and was wrestling with a “darkness that was inside of him” at the time of the shootings. But David Carlson told The Associated Press on Tuesday that his friend’s involvement was as surprising as “getting struck by lightning.” Carlson said Boelter did not hold back when it came to his distaste for Democrats but he never seemed threatening or talked to him about any of the officials who were targeted. The FBI said Boelter “made lists containing the names and home addresses of many Minnesota public officials, mostly or all Democrats.”
WORDS: 845 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 6:18 p.m. CDT
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US–Nippon-US Steel
Nippon Steel finalizes $15B takeover of US Steel after sealing national security agreement
SUMMARY: Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel say they’ve finalized their “historic partnership,” a year-and-a-half after the Japanese company first proposed its deal to buy the iconic American steelmaker for nearly $15 billion. The bid by Nippon Steel was buffeted by national security concerns and presidential politics, delaying the transaction for more than a year after U.S. Steel shareholders approved it. It also forced Nippon Steel to expand the deal, including giving the federal government a say in some matters. The combined company will become the world’s fourth-largest steelmaker, and bring what analysts say is Nippon Steel’s top-notch technology to U.S. Steel. In exchange, Nippon Steel gets access to a robust U.S. steel market.
WORDS: 463 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 9:44 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US–Minnesota-Lawmakers Shot-Glance
Many lawmakers named in writings of suspected Minnesota shooter vow not to bow down
SUMMARY: From a legislator in downtown Minneapolis to a veteran Ohio congresswoman, many lawmakers included in the suspected Minnesota gunman’s writings and list of targets are vowing not to bow down. An acting U.S. Attorney says the dozens of politicians included in the suspect’s writing were Democrats. While some say the violence has prompted them to double down on their legislative work, at least one lawmaker postponed a town hall after learning she was a potential target.
WORDS: 877 – MOVED: 06/16/2025 10:22 p.m. CDT
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US–Trump-HHS-Funding Clawback-Local
Trump administration blocked from cutting local health funding for four municipalities
SUMMARY: A federal court has temporarily blocked the Trump administration from clawing back millions in public health funding for four Democrat-led municipalities in GOP-governed states. It’s the second such federal ruling to reinstate public health funding for several states. Harris County, Texas and three cities — Columbus, Ohio, Nashville, Tennessee, and Kansas City, Missouri — were owed about $32.7 million when the grants were terminated. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper in Washington, D.C., declined to extend the ruling beyond the four local governments.
WORDS: 606 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 5:56 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Juneteenth-Native Tribes-Freedmen
In Oklahoma, Juneteenth highlights tribal slavery descendants’ fight for recognition and citizenship
SUMMARY: While many across the country recognize Juneteenth as the end to the institution of slavery in America in 1865, some tribal nations in Oklahoma continued to own slaves until the following year, 1866. Today, many of the descendants of those formerly enslaved people are still fighting for full citizenship within those tribal nations. For them, Juneteenth is both a celebration of freedom for people of African descent and a reminder of their struggle to be fully embraced by Indigenous people with whom they share an ancestral heritage.
WORDS: 1398 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 12:17 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs Minicamp
Tight end Travis Kelce, franchised guard Trey Smith attend Chiefs minicamp
SUMMARY: Four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith, who skipped voluntary workouts after receiving the franchise tag, were present for the start of the Chiefs’ mandatory three-day minicamp Tuesday. Kansas City is coming off a lopsided loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. Smith’s decision to attend was particularly noteworthy as he continues to seek a long-term contract with Kansas City. The sides face a mid-July deadline. If they are unable to come to an agreement, he would play the upcoming season on a one-year, $23.4 million deal.
WORDS: 535 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 1:49 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Rangers
Perez homers twice, Witt goes deep in hometown for 1st time as Royals beat Rangers 6-1
SUMMARY: Salvador Perez homered twice, Bobby Witt Jr. went deep in his hometown team’s ballpark for the first time and the Kansas City Royals stopped a six-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers. Seth Lugo struck out a season-high nine for his first win since May 1. Perez’s seventh homer of the year was a two-run shot for a 3-0 lead in the first inning. His eighth was a solo drive in the sixth. Witt also homered off Jack Leiter in a matchup between sons of former major league pitchers.
WORDS: 338 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 9:42 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-All-Star Reprise
Royals’ All-Star reprise in Texas includes homer from Witt against his hometown team
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals enjoyed an All-Star reprise in a 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers. Bobby Witt homered in his hometown team’s ballpark for the first time in his first trip to Globe Life Field since the Midsummer Classic last July. Witt finished second in the Home Run Derby in front of the home folks. Salvador Perez homered twice, and Seth Lugo struck out a season-high nine in the right-hander’s first win since May 1. The fourth Kansas City All-Star from a year ago is on the injured list. Left-hander Cole Ragans has an injured rotator cuff.
WORDS: 508 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 11:19 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BBO–Twins-Reds
Friedl drives in a pair and Reds rally for 3rd straight win, 6-5 over Twins
SUMMARY: TJ Friedl hit a decisive two-out, two-run double in the sixth inning and the Cincinnati Reds rallied for their third straight win, 6-5 over the Minnesota Twins. Cincinnati has won eight of its last 11 games to climb within two games of the third NL wild-card spot. Harrison Bader’s had a three-run homer for the Twins. Emilio Pagán pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 17th save. Scott Barlow (2-0) earned the victory for Cincinnati with 1 1/3 innings, striking out two.
WORDS: 345 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 9:26 p.m. CDT
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HKW–IIHF-Female Player-Poulin
Canada’s Marie-Philip Poulin named IIHF’s female player of the year; US goalie Gwyn Philips 2nd
SUMMARY: Canada’s “Captain Clutch” Marie-Philip Poulin has another honor add to her already celebrated hockey career in being voted the IIHF’s Female Player of the Year. Poulin earned 33.1% of the votes in finishing ahead of five Americans, with Ottawa Charge rookie goalie Gwyneth Philips second with 22.3% of the votes. U.S. national team captain and the inaugural winner of award three years ago, Hilary Knight, finished third at 20.2%. The 34-year-old Poulin earned MVP honors at the world championships in April with a tournament-leading 12 points. The Montreal Victoire captain is also a PWHL MVP finalist after leading the league with 19 goals.
WORDS: 413 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 11:28 a.m. CDT
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ML–Iran-Minnesota-Biking the World
A Minnesota man’s biking dream is cut short in Iran as he flees the Israel-Iran conflict
SUMMARY: A man from Minnesota was biking through Iran last week when Israel launched strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and the country’s military leaders, drawing Tehran’s swift response. Ian Andersen was on a yearslong, personal mission to cycle across all seven continents. He had been touring Iran and sharing videos of his journey with tens of thousands of social media followers. He says he didn’t expect to get caught up in what looked like a real war zone and he eventually fled to neighboring Azerbaijan. He spoke to The Associated Press over Zoom on Wednesday from a hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital. He says it was all “extremely scary.”
WORDS: 511 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 11:31 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs Minicamp
Tight end Travis Kelce, franchised guard Trey Smith attend Chiefs minicamp
SUMMARY: Four-time All-Pro tight end Travis Kelce and Pro Bowl right guard Trey Smith, who skipped voluntary workouts after receiving the franchise tag, were present for the start of the Chiefs’ mandatory three-day minicamp Tuesday. Kansas City is coming off a lopsided loss to Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. Smith’s decision to attend was particularly noteworthy as he continues to seek a long-term contract with Kansas City. The sides face a mid-July deadline. If they are unable to come to an agreement, he would play the upcoming season on a one-year, $23.4 million deal.
WORDS: 535 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 1:49 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Rangers
Perez homers twice, Witt goes deep in hometown for 1st time as Royals beat Rangers 6-1
SUMMARY: Salvador Perez homered twice, Bobby Witt Jr. went deep in his hometown team’s ballpark for the first time and the Kansas City Royals stopped a six-game losing streak with a 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers. Seth Lugo struck out a season-high nine for his first win since May 1. Perez’s seventh homer of the year was a two-run shot for a 3-0 lead in the first inning. His eighth was a solo drive in the sixth. Witt also homered off Jack Leiter in a matchup between sons of former major league pitchers.
WORDS: 338 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 9:42 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-White Sox
Cardinals’ Donovan and Herrera shine in 12-2 rout of White Sox
SUMMARY: Brendan Donovan had four hits and Iván Herrera drove in four runs to back a strong start by Matthew Liberatore as the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Chicago White Sox 12-2. Alec Burleson went 3 for 5 for St. Louis, including his sixth home run, and Victor Scott II hit a two-run homer. Liberatore (4-6) gave up two runs on five hits in six innings for his first win since May 6. Edgar Quero and Vinny Capra drove in Chicago’s runs. St. Louis handed Chicago rookie Shane Smith (3-4) his worst defeat.
WORDS: 337 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 9:49 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-All-Star Reprise
Royals’ All-Star reprise in Texas includes homer from Witt against his hometown team
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals enjoyed an All-Star reprise in a 6-1 victory over the Texas Rangers. Bobby Witt homered in his hometown team’s ballpark for the first time in his first trip to Globe Life Field since the Midsummer Classic last July. Witt finished second in the Home Run Derby in front of the home folks. Salvador Perez homered twice, and Seth Lugo struck out a season-high nine in the right-hander’s first win since May 1. The fourth Kansas City All-Star from a year ago is on the injured list. Left-hander Cole Ragans has an injured rotator cuff.
WORDS: 508 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 11:19 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Jets-Kickers
Jets sign ‘The Thiccer Kicker’ Harrison Mevis and release veteran Anders Carlson
SUMMARY: The New York Jets signed United Football League standout kicker Harrison Mevis and released veteran kicker Anders Carlson. Mevis earned the popular nickname “The Thiccer Kicker” for his 5-foot-11, 243-pound frame. He was 20 of 21 on field goal attempts for the Birmingham Stallions this season. He’s also Missouri’s career scoring leader with 405 points and holds the school mark with 86 field goals. Mevis will compete with rookie Caden Davis for the kicking job in training camp. Mevis booted a game-winning 61-yard field goal for Missouri against Kansas State in 2023, to set the SEC record for longest kick.
WORDS: 274 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 12:52 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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BBC–CWS-UCLA-LSU
Jared Jones’ early go-ahead homer helps send LSU to CWS bracket final with a 9-5 win over UCLA
SUMMARY: Jared Jones hit a go-ahead three-run homer before rain suspended play Monday night, freshman reliever Casan Evans pitched 4 1/3 shutout innings after play resumed and LSU advanced to its College World Series bracket final with an 9-5 victory over UCLA. The Tigers next play Wednesday night against the winner of Tuesday night’s elimination game between Arkansas and the Bruins. LSU, going for its second national championship in three years, needs one more win to reach the best-of-three finals. LSU was up 5-3 at the end of the third inning Monday night when the game was suspended.
WORDS: 686 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 12:46 p.m. CDT
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BBC–CWS-Oregon St-Louisville
Louisville walks off Oregon St 7-6 on King’s sacrifice fly in College World Series elimination game
SUMMARY: Eddie King Jr. drove in the winning run with a sacrifice fly in the bottom of the ninth inning that gave Louisville a 7-6 victory over Oregon State and knocked the Beavers out of the College World Series. The Cardinals avenged a 4-3 walk-off loss to Oregon State last Friday and advanced to the Bracket 2 final. They must beat Coastal Carolina on Wednesday and again Thursday to reach the best-of-three CWS finals. Just like Oregon State on Friday, Louisville squandered a late lead only to come back and win.
WORDS: 646 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 5:51 p.m. CDT
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BBC–CWS-UCLA-Arkansas
Wehiwa Aloy’s big hits, Zach Root’s strong start help Arkansas oust UCLA from the CWS with a 7-3 win
SUMMARY: Wehiwa Aloy drove in Arkansas’ first three runs with a homer and triple, Zach Root bounced back from a rocky start to pitch five strong innings, and the Razorbacks eliminated the Bruins from the College World Series with a 7-3 victory. Arkansas will play SEC rival LSU on Wednesday night and would have to beat the Tigers twice in two days to advance to the best-of-three CWS finals. LSU won two of three against the Razorbacks in the regular season and beat them 4-1 in a CWS opener last Saturday.
WORDS: 800 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 10:04 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–NBA Finals-Rest
The rest that’s built into the NBA Finals can be a good thing, especially now
SUMMARY: Given the way Indiana guard Tyrese Haliburton was limping on his way out of the postgame news conference after Game 5 of the NBA Finals, it’s safe to assume he’s a fan of the schedule right about now. Put simply, he could use a couple of days off — at least. Haliburton has a lower leg injury and it seems to be the sort that if this were a back-to-back situation in December, he’d be missing at least one game. But these are the finals. This is June. There no back-to-backs in the playoffs. And when the league gets to the last series, two-day breaks between games aren’t uncommon.
WORDS: 872 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 8:02 a.m. CDT
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WRE–Real American Freestyle Event
Real American Freestyle wrestling to debut at Cleveland’s Wolstein Center with Olympic medalists
SUMMARY: Real American Freestyle wrestling’s inaugural event will be held at the 13,000-seat Wolstein Center in Cleveland, Ohio on Aug. 30. Commissioner Hulk Hogan says the first two women’s matches are Olympic gold medalist Sarah Hildebrandt vs. Zeltzin Hernandez Guerra and Olympic silver medalist Kennedy Blades vs. Debanhi Tapia Garcia. The men’s matches are Real Woods vs. Darrion Caldwell and Austin Gomez vs. Lance Palmer.
WORDS: 160 – MOVED: 06/18/2025 2:02 a.m. CDT
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BKN–NBA Finals-Pacers-Haliburton
Haliburton is likely going to be a game-time decision for Game 6, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle says
SUMMARY: The Indiana Pacers are preparing for the possibility of not having Tyrese Haliburton available to play in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, coach Rick Carlisle said in a radio interview. Haliburton has been dealing with a lower right leg injury throughout the series and it worsened during Monday’s Game 5 loss in Indianapolis. Haliburton played through it for most of his 34 minutes, but failed to make a field goal in the game and Indiana lost to Oklahoma City 120-109 — falling behind 3-2 in the title series. Carlisle says Haliburton “probably will be a game-time decision for Game 6.”
WORDS: 637 – MOVED: 06/17/2025 4:40 p.m. CDT
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BKN–NBA Finals Guide
NBA Finals guide: When the games are, how to watch, what the odds are
SUMMARY: Oklahoma City is one win away from an NBA championship. And the Indiana Pacers don’t know if guard Tyrese Haliburton will be able to play against the Thunder on Thursday night. The Thunder beat the Pacers 120-109 in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Monday night, taking a 3-2 lead in the title matchup. Jalen Williams scored 40 and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander added 31 to lead the Thunder. Game 6 is in Indianapolis on Thursday and, if necessary, the final game of the season will be back at OKC on Sunday.
WORDS: 1026 – MOVED: 06/01/2025 8:57 a.m. CDT
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