Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Beef Prices-Explainer
Beef prices have soared in the US — and not just during grilling season
SUMMARY: Anyone firing up the grill this summer already knows hamburgers and steaks are expensive, but the latest numbers show prices have climbed to record highs. And experts say consumers shouldn’t expect much relief soon either. According to U.S. government data, the average price of a pound of ground beef rose to $6.12 in June, up nearly 12% from a year ago. The average price of all uncooked beef steaks rose 8% to $11.49 per pound. But this is not a recent phenomenon. Beef prices have been steadily rising over the past 20 years because the supply of cattle remains tight while beef remains popular. That’s not likely to change.
WORDS: 1030 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 4:12 p.m. CDT
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US–Philanthropy-AI
Funders commit $1B toward developing AI tools for frontline workers
SUMMARY: A coalition of philanthropic funders will spend $1 billion over 15 years to help develop artificial intelligence tools to help spur economic mobility. The funders announced Thursday that they will create a new entity, NextLadder Ventures, to offer grants and investments to nonprofits and for-profits that develop tools to help frontline case workers manage often huge caseloads. The group includes the Gates Foundation, Ballmer Group, Stand Together, Valhalla Foundation and hedge fund founder John Overdeck. The AI company Anthropic will offer technical expertise and access to its technologies to the nonprofits and companies NextLadder invests in.
WORDS: 1034 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 7:00 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US–Good Trouble Protests
Nationwide protests begin against Trump’s immigration crackdown and health care cuts
SUMMARY: Protests and events against President Donald Trump’s controversial policies that include mass deportations and cuts to Medicaid and other safety nets for poor people have started at more than 1,600 locations around the country. The “Good Trouble Lives On” national day of action is held in honor of the late Congressman John Lewis. The protests are taking place along streets, at court houses and other public spaces. Organizers are calling for them to be peaceful. The phrase “Good Trouble” was coined by the late congressman who helped lead civil rights protest marches in the 1960s.
WORDS: 536 – MOVED: 07/16/2025 11:02 p.m. CDT
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US–IRS Commissioner
Billy Long will be sworn in as IRS commissioner, taking over an agency he once sought to close
SUMMARY: Former Missouri congressman Billy Long is set to be ceremonially sworn in as IRS commissioner on Friday. Long, who once advocated for abolishing the IRS, takes over an agency struggling with staffing cuts and leadership turnover. He was confirmed by the Senate last month despite Democratic concerns over his ties to a tax credit scheme and campaign contributions linked to his nomination by then President-elect Donald Trump. Long, who lacks tax administration experience, has pledged to improve the agency’s culture. His appointment follows a trend of Trump appointees leading agencies they previously criticized or sought to dismantle.
WORDS: 576 – MOVED: 07/18/2025 6:06 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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US–Beef Prices-Explainer
Beef prices have soared in the US — and not just during grilling season
SUMMARY: Anyone firing up the grill this summer already knows hamburgers and steaks are expensive, but the latest numbers show prices have climbed to record highs. And experts say consumers shouldn’t expect much relief soon either. According to U.S. government data, the average price of a pound of ground beef rose to $6.12 in June, up nearly 12% from a year ago. The average price of all uncooked beef steaks rose 8% to $11.49 per pound. But this is not a recent phenomenon. Beef prices have been steadily rising over the past 20 years because the supply of cattle remains tight while beef remains popular. That’s not likely to change.
WORDS: 1030 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 4:12 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBN–Top 5-Interior DL
Chiefs’ Chris Jones voted top interior defensive lineman by AP panel
SUMMARY: Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs has been voted the top interior defensive lineman by the Associated Press. A panel of AP Pro Football Writers ranked players based on their current status entering the 2025 season. Jones earned seven out of eight first-place votes, dominating the competition. Despite a lower sack total last season, he remains a key defensive force with 72 sacks over the past seven seasons, tying him with Aaron Donald among interior linemen. Dexter Lawrence of the Giants and Jalen Carter of the Eagles ranked second and third, respectively, with Cam Heyward and Quinnen Williams rounding out the top five.
WORDS: 572 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 6:56 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Top 5-Interior OL
Falcons’ Chris Lindstrom voted top interior offensive lineman by AP
SUMMARY: Chris Lindstrom has been voted the NFL’s top interior offensive lineman by the Associated Press. Despite playing for the Atlanta Falcons, a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017, Lindstrom’s skills in run blocking and pass protection have earned him recognition. A panel of AP writers ranked him first, with three first-place votes. Lindstrom has been Pro Football Focus’s top-graded guard for three consecutive seasons. Joe Thuney, now with the Chicago Bears, ranked second, while Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey came in third. Denver’s Quinn Meinerz and Indianapolis’ Quenton Nelson rounded out the top five.
WORDS: 602 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 6:58 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBC–Vikings-Addison
Vikings’ Jordan Addison resolves DUI case by pleading no contest to a lesser charge
SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison has resolved a 2024 DUI charge by pleading no contest to a lesser offense. His attorney announced Thursday that Addison agreed to a “wet reckless” charge in California. The case stems from a July incident in which he was found asleep in his Rolls-Royce, blocking a lane. Wet reckless is a plea in which a person charged with a DUI accepts a misdemeanor charge of reckless driving. The “wet” indicates alcohol or drugs were involved. Addison will pay a fine, complete two online courses, and expects his probation to be reduced from 12 to six months. The NFL may still impose disciplinary action.
WORDS: 241 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 4:59 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBC–SEC Media Days-NIL
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman says House settlement provides level NIL playing field in competitive SEC
SUMMARY: Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman says a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement has leveled the playing field in college football. Speaking Thursday at SEC media days, Pittman explained the settlement allows schools to share up to $20.5 million with athletes, helping Arkansas compete financially with SEC powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama. The settlement, effective July 1, addresses disparities caused by name, image and likeness payments. Pittman says some Arkansas players transferred for better NIL deals elsewhere. Some seniors say NIL payments contributed to their decisions to complete their eligibility instead of leaving school early to pursue opportunities in the NFL.
WORDS: 671 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 2:28 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Rashee Rice-Dallas Crash
Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice sentenced to 30 days in jail over Dallas high-speed crash
SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice has been sentenced to 30 days in jail after authorities said he and another speeding driver caused a chain-reaction crash on a Dallas highway last year. Prosecutors say Rice was driving a Lamborghini Urus SUV at 119 mph when he caused the March 2024 wreck. Multiple people were injured. On Thursday, Rice pleaded guilty to felony charges, including causing serious bodily injury. As part of a plea deal, he also received five years of deferred probation and must pay $115,000 for victims’ medical expenses. In a statement, Rice apologized for the harm caused and pledged to make amends to those affected.
WORDS: 465 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 12:25 p.m. CDT
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FBC–SEC Expectations
SEC coaches and players defend their dominance amid Big Ten’s recent success
SUMMARY: The SEC Media Days this week highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the SEC and the Big Ten in college football. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the conference’s dominance, citing top TV viewership and NFL draft picks. Over the past decade, the SEC has won six national championships, but the last two victories — by Michigan and Ohio State — have fueled competition. Coaches and players, like Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, defended the SEC as the strongest conference. The rivalry continues with key matchups early this season.
WORDS: 792 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 4:47 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Top 5-Interior DL
Chiefs’ Chris Jones voted top interior defensive lineman by AP panel
SUMMARY: Chris Jones of the Kansas City Chiefs has been voted the top interior defensive lineman by the Associated Press. A panel of AP Pro Football Writers ranked players based on their current status entering the 2025 season. Jones earned seven out of eight first-place votes, dominating the competition. Despite a lower sack total last season, he remains a key defensive force with 72 sacks over the past seven seasons, tying him with Aaron Donald among interior linemen. Dexter Lawrence of the Giants and Jalen Carter of the Eagles ranked second and third, respectively, with Cam Heyward and Quinnen Williams rounding out the top five.
WORDS: 572 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 6:56 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Top 5-Interior OL
Falcons’ Chris Lindstrom voted top interior offensive lineman by AP
SUMMARY: Chris Lindstrom has been voted the NFL’s top interior offensive lineman by the Associated Press. Despite playing for the Atlanta Falcons, a team that hasn’t made the playoffs since 2017, Lindstrom’s skills in run blocking and pass protection have earned him recognition. A panel of AP writers ranked him first, with three first-place votes. Lindstrom has been Pro Football Focus’s top-graded guard for three consecutive seasons. Joe Thuney, now with the Chicago Bears, ranked second, while Kansas City’s Creed Humphrey came in third. Denver’s Quinn Meinerz and Indianapolis’ Quenton Nelson rounded out the top five.
WORDS: 602 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 6:58 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–SEC Media Days-NIL
Arkansas coach Sam Pittman says House settlement provides level NIL playing field in competitive SEC
SUMMARY: Arkansas football coach Sam Pittman says a $2.8 billion antitrust settlement has leveled the playing field in college football. Speaking Thursday at SEC media days, Pittman explained the settlement allows schools to share up to $20.5 million with athletes, helping Arkansas compete financially with SEC powerhouses like Georgia and Alabama. The settlement, effective July 1, addresses disparities caused by name, image and likeness payments. Pittman says some Arkansas players transferred for better NIL deals elsewhere. Some seniors say NIL payments contributed to their decisions to complete their eligibility instead of leaving school early to pursue opportunities in the NFL.
WORDS: 671 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 2:28 p.m. CDT
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FBC–SEC Expectations
SEC coaches and players defend their dominance amid Big Ten’s recent success
SUMMARY: The SEC Media Days this week highlighted the ongoing rivalry between the SEC and the Big Ten in college football. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey emphasized the conference’s dominance, citing top TV viewership and NFL draft picks. Over the past decade, the SEC has won six national championships, but the last two victories — by Michigan and Ohio State — have fueled competition. Coaches and players, like Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, defended the SEC as the strongest conference. The rivalry continues with key matchups early this season.
WORDS: 792 – MOVED: 07/17/2025 4:47 p.m. CDT
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