Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Trump-Higher Education
Far beyond Harvard, conservative efforts to reshape higher education are gaining steam
SUMMARY: Far beyond Harvard University and its standoff with the Trump administration, Republican officials in several states have been pushing for changes at public universities. As at Harvard, which Trump has decried as overly influenced by liberal thinking, those officials increasingly have focused on university governance — the rules for who picks university presidents and boards. In Indiana, the Republican governor removed three alumni-elected members from Indiana University’s Board of Trustees and handpicked their replacements. In Florida, the state university system board rejected a candidate for the presidency at the University of Florida, despite a unanimous vote of approval by the school’s own board of trustees.
WORDS: 1227 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 10:46 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–Plane Maneuver-Bomber
Air traffic controllers didn’t warn a B-52 bomber crew about a nearby airliner, the Air Force says
SUMMARY: The U.S. Air Force says air traffic controllers at Minot International Airport in North Dakota failed to warn a military B-52 bomber crew about a nearby commercial plane. A SkyWest pilot performed a sharp turn, startling passengers, to avoid colliding with the B-52 bomber Friday. The pilot said the bomber was in the plane’s flight path as he prepared to land Friday at Minot International Airport. The bomber was conducting a preapproved flyover for the North Dakota State Fair. The Air Force says the Minot tower directed the bomber crew but didn’t inform them of the inbound SkyWest flight. The FAA, Air Force, and SkyWest are investigating.
WORDS: 887 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 10:07 a.m. CDT
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US–Public-Defenders-Pay-Dispute
Charges dropped against more than 120 defendants in Massachusetts because they can’t get attorney
SUMMARY: More than 120 defendants in Massachusetts have had their charges — ranging from assault to drug possession — dropped after public defenders refused to take new cases over a long-running pay dispute. The dismissals Monday in Boston were the result of a court ruling that requires they be dropped if a defendant has not had representation for 45 days. Earlier, scores of suspects in jail were released under the same rule, known as the Lavallee protocol, if they have been held without an attorney for at least seven days. Public defenders started refusing new cases after their calls for a raise were rebuffed by state lawmakers.
WORDS: 887 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 4:52 p.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Plane Maneuver-Bomber
Air traffic controllers didn’t warn a B-52 bomber crew about a nearby airliner, the Air Force says
SUMMARY: The U.S. Air Force says air traffic controllers at Minot International Airport in North Dakota failed to warn a military B-52 bomber crew about a nearby commercial plane. A SkyWest pilot performed a sharp turn, startling passengers, to avoid colliding with the B-52 bomber Friday. The pilot said the bomber was in the plane’s flight path as he prepared to land Friday at Minot International Airport. The bomber was conducting a preapproved flyover for the North Dakota State Fair. The Air Force says the Minot tower directed the bomber crew but didn’t inform them of the inbound SkyWest flight. The FAA, Air Force, and SkyWest are investigating.
WORDS: 887 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 10:07 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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ML–Syria-Druze American Killed
A Syrian American man is among members of the Druze community killed in sectarian clashes in Syria
SUMMARY: Relatives and officials say a Syrian-American man of the Druze religious minority is among dozens of civilians killed in sectarian clashes in southern Syria. The U.S. State Department confirmed on Tuesday the death of Hossam Soraya in the city of Sweida. Family members and friends say Saraya, in his mid-30s from Oklahoma, was visiting his family in Syria when he got caught up in the outbreak of violence. The Syrian Defense Ministry says it’s investigating “shocking and serious violations committed by an unknown group wearing military uniforms” in Sweida, without giving further details. The ministry did not specifically mention Saraya’s killing.
WORDS: 793 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 3:57 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big Ten-Commissioner
Big Ten’s Petitti: No support for SEC’s at-large bid preference for College Football Playoff
SUMMARY: The Big Ten commissioner is reiterating the league’s preference for multiple automatic qualifiers in the next version of the College Football Playoff, increasing the likelihood of a showdown with the Southeastern Conference when the format for 2026 is decided. Commissioner Tony Petitti says any change that adds at-large bids and increases the discretion and role of a selection committee — a format the SEC and others have shown a preference for — “will have a difficulft time getting support of the Big Ten.”
WORDS: 842 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 2:17 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Big Ten Notebook
Big Ten notebook: Hoosiers ready to prove they’re no one-hit wonder
SUMMARY: After a surprising 10-0 start, a program-record 11 wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff, some believe Indiana is destined to take a step backward in 2025. Coach Curt Cignetti and his team, however, didn’t get the memo. The coach said at Bif Ten football media days on Tuesday that he’s looking to improve on the most surprising story of the 2024 football season. He says the Hoosiers can do it by having all the right people in place to make an encore.
WORDS: 895 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 6:36 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs-Camp Begins
Chiefs open training camp focused on Super Bowl redemption following humbling loss to Philadelphia
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have started training camp with a focus on redemption after last season’s Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. Coach Andy Reid emphasized urgency, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the defeat speaks for itself. The Chiefs, who had a strong 15-2 season and reached the Super Bowl, were overwhelmed by Philadelphia in a 40-22 loss. General Manager Brett Veach addressed weaknesses in the offseason, signing key players and extending contracts for stars such as Trey Smith and George Karlaftis. Mahomes says the team is motivated to improve and determined to finish the season stronger this time.
WORDS: 681 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 1:15 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Saints-Mathieu Retires
Saints safety Tyrann ‘Honey Badger’ Mathieu retires after 12 NFL seasons
SUMMARY: New Orleans safety Tyrann Mathieu announced on the day the Saints opened training camp that he’s retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons. The three-time All-Pro was known as the “Honey Badger” for the relentless play in college that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist. The 33-year-old Mathieu grew up in New Orleans and went to LSU. In college, his toughness earned comparisons to the honey badger, a carnivorous mammal known to fight off much larger predators like lions and hyena. In 12 NFL seasons with Cardinals, Texans, Chiefs and Saints, Mathieu intercepted 36 passes, running four back for touchdowns, and forced seven fumbles. He was a member of Kansas City’s 2019 championship team.
WORDS: 412 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 3:25 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Cubs
Matthew Boyd sharp for 11th win, Cubs blank Royals and Rich Hill 6-0.
SUMMARY: Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. The left-hander retired the first eight Royals batters and didn’t allow a hit until Nick Loftin led off the fifth with a line single. Caleb Thielbar followed with a perfect eighth and Daniel Palencia worked around two singles in the ninth to complete a six-hitter. Hill (0-1) became the oldest active player in baseball after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha.
WORDS: 396 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 9:53 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Hill
Rich Hill becomes oldest player in majors at 45 with start against Cubs
SUMMARY: Kansas City’s Rich Hill seemed a bit rusty in his return to the majors as baseball’s oldest active player. His Royals teammates didn’t make the 45-year-old left-hander’s start against the Cubs any easier. Hill gave up three runs and six hits over five innings in his first major league appearance since last September with Boston. He threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one. He left with Chicago leading 3-0. Hill’s start at Wrigley Field marked the debut of his 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record. Hill became the oldest player to start a major league game since May 27, 2012, when lefty Jamie Moyer tossed his final game with Colorado at age 49.
WORDS: 728 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 7:18 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Moves
Royals place infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on concussion IL, recall MJ Melendez
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals placed infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on the seven-day concussion injured list and recalled outfielder MJ Melendez from Triple-A Omaha before Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against the Cubs in Chicago. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker both got the day off to rest sore right knees. The Royals and Cubs have Thursday off, giving the two All-Stars two days to rest and recover. Both Witt and Tucker were available to pinch-hit Wednesday.
WORDS: 297 – MOVED: 07/23/2025 12:46 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BKL–Around the WNBA
WNBA set to quickly tip off second half of season after short All-Star break
SUMMARY: The WNBA tips off the second half of its season on Tuesday night with 10 of the 13 teams playing. Players weren’t thrilled having to play so soon after the All-Star break and hope to add more of a break in the next collective bargaining agreement that they are currently negotiating with the league. Atlanta has back-to-back games on Tuesday and Wednesday while New York and many other teams have three games this week.
WORDS: 559 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 11:02 a.m. CDT
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FBC–Big Ten-Commissioner
Big Ten’s Petitti: No support for SEC’s at-large bid preference for College Football Playoff
SUMMARY: The Big Ten commissioner is reiterating the league’s preference for multiple automatic qualifiers in the next version of the College Football Playoff, increasing the likelihood of a showdown with the Southeastern Conference when the format for 2026 is decided. Commissioner Tony Petitti says any change that adds at-large bids and increases the discretion and role of a selection committee — a format the SEC and others have shown a preference for — “will have a difficulft time getting support of the Big Ten.”
WORDS: 842 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 2:17 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Big Ten Notebook
Big Ten notebook: Hoosiers ready to prove they’re no one-hit wonder
SUMMARY: After a surprising 10-0 start, a program-record 11 wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff, some believe Indiana is destined to take a step backward in 2025. Coach Curt Cignetti and his team, however, didn’t get the memo. The coach said at Bif Ten football media days on Tuesday that he’s looking to improve on the most surprising story of the 2024 football season. He says the Hoosiers can do it by having all the right people in place to make an encore.
WORDS: 895 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 6:36 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Vikings-Camp
Vikings report for camp realizing the hard work required to better a 14-win season
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have been motivated by a “more is required” mantra in light of their lopsided loss that bounced a 14-win team from the playoffs. Veteran edge rusher Jonathan Greenard inspired the team by turning a social media post into a T-shirt that was given to each player during the offseason. Coach Kevin O’Connell also emphasized the need for everyone in the organization to take responsibility for self-reflection and self-improvement through hard work. O’Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah had their contracts extended during the offseason. They’re entering their fourth year without a playoff win.
WORDS: 656 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 6:52 p.m. CDT
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BKL–Sky-Lynx
McBride, Collier score 19 points apiece as Lynx beat Sky 91-68 and improve to 13-0 at home
SUMMARY: Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier scored 19 points apiece and the Minnesota Lynx dominated the middle quarters in a 91-68 win over Chicago Sky, improving to 13-0 in home games. Down 24-18 after one quarter, the Lynx outscored the Sky 29-14 in the second for a 47-38 lead at halftime. A 23-12 scoring edge in the third quarter made it 70-50 entering the fourth. Bridget Carlton had 11 points for the Lynx (21-4) and Alanna Sith and Courtney Williams each had 10. Kia Nurse, starting in place of the injured Ariel Atkins, scored 16 points to lead the Sky (7-16).
WORDS: 264 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 9:32 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Dodgers
Royce Lewis, Christian Vazquez each drive in 3 runs as Twins beat Dodgers 10-7
SUMMARY: Royce Lewis and Christian Vazquez each drove in three runs as the Minnesota Twins beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 10-7. Lewis, a native of nearby Orange County, Calif., had a runs-scoring fielder’s choice in the second inning, a bases-loaded walk in the sixth, and a run-scoring grounder in the seventh that brought in two more runs on pitcher Edgardo Henriquez’s throwing error. Reliever Brock Stewart (2-1) pitched a scoreless fifth inning to earn the win. Andy Pages hit a three-run home run and Shohei Ohtani had a two-run shot for the Dodgers, who managed to end a six-game home losing streak Monday but have now dropped 11 of their past 14 overall since July 4. It is the first time Ohtani has hit a home run in four consecutive games.
WORDS: 395 – MOVED: 07/23/2025 12:46 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs-Camp Begins
Chiefs open training camp focused on Super Bowl redemption following humbling loss to Philadelphia
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have started training camp with a focus on redemption after last season’s Super Bowl loss to the Eagles. Coach Andy Reid emphasized urgency, while quarterback Patrick Mahomes said the defeat speaks for itself. The Chiefs, who had a strong 15-2 season and reached the Super Bowl, were overwhelmed by Philadelphia in a 40-22 loss. General Manager Brett Veach addressed weaknesses in the offseason, signing key players and extending contracts for stars such as Trey Smith and George Karlaftis. Mahomes says the team is motivated to improve and determined to finish the season stronger this time.
WORDS: 681 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 1:15 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Saints-Mathieu Retires
Saints safety Tyrann ‘Honey Badger’ Mathieu retires after 12 NFL seasons
SUMMARY: New Orleans safety Tyrann Mathieu announced on the day the Saints opened training camp that he’s retiring from the NFL after 12 seasons. The three-time All-Pro was known as the “Honey Badger” for the relentless play in college that made him a Heisman Trophy finalist. The 33-year-old Mathieu grew up in New Orleans and went to LSU. In college, his toughness earned comparisons to the honey badger, a carnivorous mammal known to fight off much larger predators like lions and hyena. In 12 NFL seasons with Cardinals, Texans, Chiefs and Saints, Mathieu intercepted 36 passes, running four back for touchdowns, and forced seven fumbles. He was a member of Kansas City’s 2019 championship team.
WORDS: 412 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 3:25 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Cubs
Matthew Boyd sharp for 11th win, Cubs blank Royals and Rich Hill 6-0.
SUMMARY: Matthew Boyd pitched seven crisp innings for his 11th win, and the Chicago Cubs spoiled Rich Hill’s return to the majors with a 6-0 win over the Kansas City Royals. Nico Hoerner, Dansby Swanson and Matt Shaw each had two hits as Chicago ended a two-game slide. Boyd (11-3) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in winning his fifth straight start. The left-hander retired the first eight Royals batters and didn’t allow a hit until Nick Loftin led off the fifth with a line single. Caleb Thielbar followed with a perfect eighth and Daniel Palencia worked around two singles in the ninth to complete a six-hitter. Hill (0-1) became the oldest active player in baseball after the Royals selected the 45-year-old from Triple-A Omaha.
WORDS: 396 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 9:53 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Rockies
Ryan McMahon hits 3-run HR, Mickey Moniak adds solo shot as Rockies beat Cardinals 8-4
SUMMARY: Ryan McMahon hit a three-run home run, Bradley Blalock allowed two runs in 5 1/3 innings pitched and the Colorado Rockies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 8-4. Blalock (1-2) earned the win, giving up eight hits, a walk and a hit-by-pitch. Mickey Moniak hit a solo shot off Cardinals starter Erick Fedde (3-10) in the first, Adael Amador hit a two-run double in the second and McMahon’s homer in the third made it 6-0. Nolan Arenado, Masyn Winn, Brendan Donovan and Yohel Pozo each had an RBI for the Cardinals.
WORDS: 303 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 10:32 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Hill
Rich Hill becomes oldest player in majors at 45 with start against Cubs
SUMMARY: Kansas City’s Rich Hill seemed a bit rusty in his return to the majors as baseball’s oldest active player. His Royals teammates didn’t make the 45-year-old left-hander’s start against the Cubs any easier. Hill gave up three runs and six hits over five innings in his first major league appearance since last September with Boston. He threw 90 pitches (55 strikes), walking two and striking out one. He left with Chicago leading 3-0. Hill’s start at Wrigley Field marked the debut of his 21st season in the majors and his first with Kansas City. The Royals are his 14th major league team, matching Edwin Jackson’s record. Hill became the oldest player to start a major league game since May 27, 2012, when lefty Jamie Moyer tossed his final game with Colorado at age 49.
WORDS: 728 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 7:18 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Moves
Royals place infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on concussion IL, recall MJ Melendez
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals placed infielder/outfielder Nick Loftin on the seven-day concussion injured list and recalled outfielder MJ Melendez from Triple-A Omaha before Wednesday afternoon’s series finale against the Cubs in Chicago. Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Cubs right fielder Kyle Tucker both got the day off to rest sore right knees. The Royals and Cubs have Thursday off, giving the two All-Stars two days to rest and recover. Both Witt and Tucker were available to pinch-hit Wednesday.
WORDS: 297 – MOVED: 07/23/2025 12:46 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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FBC–Big Ten-Commissioner
Big Ten’s Petitti: No support for SEC’s at-large bid preference for College Football Playoff
SUMMARY: The Big Ten commissioner is reiterating the league’s preference for multiple automatic qualifiers in the next version of the College Football Playoff, increasing the likelihood of a showdown with the Southeastern Conference when the format for 2026 is decided. Commissioner Tony Petitti says any change that adds at-large bids and increases the discretion and role of a selection committee — a format the SEC and others have shown a preference for — “will have a difficulft time getting support of the Big Ten.”
WORDS: 842 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 2:17 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Big Ten Notebook
Big Ten notebook: Hoosiers ready to prove they’re no one-hit wonder
SUMMARY: After a surprising 10-0 start, a program-record 11 wins and a trip to the College Football Playoff, some believe Indiana is destined to take a step backward in 2025. Coach Curt Cignetti and his team, however, didn’t get the memo. The coach said at Bif Ten football media days on Tuesday that he’s looking to improve on the most surprising story of the 2024 football season. He says the Hoosiers can do it by having all the right people in place to make an encore.
WORDS: 895 – MOVED: 07/22/2025 6:36 p.m. CDT
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