Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Aircraft-Down-Investigation
Worries over military chopper routes, FAA staffing levels emerge as factors in midair crash inquiry
SUMMARY: Long-standing concerns about military helicopters flying in crowded airspace and worries over short staffing among federal aviation workers have emerged as key factors in investigators’ inquiry into the fatal midair crash between an Army helicopter and a commercial airliner earlier this year. The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a public inquiry into the January crash over the Potomac River that killed 67 people and was the nation’s deadliest plane crash since November 2001. On Thursday, the board focused on air traffic control, noting that pilots often rely on visual separation. This practice is common in Washington D.C.’s complex airspace. However, some pilots find it difficult to identify aircraft at night.
WORDS: 1341 – MOVED: 07/30/2025 11:04 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–Turbulence-Explainer
What in-flight turbulence is and when it becomes dangerous for passengers and crews
SUMMARY: A Delta Air Lines flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam has been hit by severe turbulence, sending 25 people to hospitals and forcing a diversion to Minnesota. The Wednesday evening flight highlights the dangers of traveling through unstable air. Experts note that the number of turbulence-related injuries has increased, possibly due to climate change affecting flying conditions. Turbulence-related fatalities are rare. Experts advise travelers to stay vigilant and wear seat belts. Airlines have also tried to improve safety.
WORDS: 986 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 1:59 p.m. CDT
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US–Delta Turbulence
Turbulence forces Delta flight to land and sends 25 people to hospitals
SUMMARY: Delta Air Lines says a flight from Salt Lake City to Amsterdam was hit by serious turbulence, sending 25 people to hospitals and forcing the flight to divert to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. The airline says that first responders met the flight Wednesday evening. One passenger said people who weren’t wearing seat belts were thrown about the cabin. The plane was carrying 275 customers and a 13-member crew. Delta says seven crew members were treated at hospitals and released. The airline also said some passengers were treated and released, but didn’t provide an exact number. Delta is cooperating a National Transportation Safety Board investigation.
WORDS: 465 – MOVED: 07/30/2025 11:57 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Executions-Glance
A look at the status of US executions in 2025
SUMMARY: Twenty-seven men have died by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S. Nine other people are scheduled to be put to death in seven states during the remainder of 2025. A man who killed his wife and two children was put to death Thursday. Alabama, Indiana, Missouri, Tennessee, Texas and Utah also have scheduled executions for later this year. Executions have been carried out this year in Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. The number of executions this year exceeds the 25 executions carried out last year and in 2018.
WORDS: 1232 – MOVED: 07/25/2025 5:15 p.m. CDT
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US–Arkansas Hikers Killed
Teacher admits to fatally stabbing couple on a hike with their kids in a random attack in Arkansas
SUMMARY: A father and mother who died on an Arkansas hiking trail were stabbed to death and a 28-year-old schoolteacher has been charged in the killings. Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said during a news conference Thursday that authorities are trying to determine a motive for the attack. They have no reason to believe Andrew James McGann knew the couple or their children. McGann was arrested on Wednesday. Clinton and Cristen Brink were found dead on a walking trail at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday. Two of their three daughters who were with them at the time were not hurt in the attack.
WORDS: 1006 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 12:27 a.m. CDT
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US–Arkansas Hikers Killed
Teacher charged in fatal stabbings in Arkansas bounced between schools in 3 states
SUMMARY: A teacher who authorities say admitted to fatally stabbing two hikers he didn’t know in an Arkansas state park has bounced between four school districts in three states. Andrew James McGann is charged with two counts of capital murder in the killing Saturday of 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and 41-year-old Cristen Amanda Brink. He is being held without bond and briefly appeared before a judge Friday morning at the Washington County Detention Center. He has been assigned a public defender and scheduled for an arraignment on Aug. 25. The Associated Press has left messages at numbers listed for McGann.
WORDS: 893 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 11:38 p.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Arkansas Hikers Killed
Teacher admits to fatally stabbing couple on a hike with their kids in a random attack in Arkansas
SUMMARY: A father and mother who died on an Arkansas hiking trail were stabbed to death and a 28-year-old schoolteacher has been charged in the killings. Arkansas State Police Col. Mike Hagar said during a news conference Thursday that authorities are trying to determine a motive for the attack. They have no reason to believe Andrew James McGann knew the couple or their children. McGann was arrested on Wednesday. Clinton and Cristen Brink were found dead on a walking trail at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday. Two of their three daughters who were with them at the time were not hurt in the attack.
WORDS: 1006 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 12:27 a.m. CDT
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US–Arkansas Hikers Killed
Teacher charged in fatal stabbings in Arkansas bounced between schools in 3 states
SUMMARY: A teacher who authorities say admitted to fatally stabbing two hikers he didn’t know in an Arkansas state park has bounced between four school districts in three states. Andrew James McGann is charged with two counts of capital murder in the killing Saturday of 43-year-old Clinton David Brink and 41-year-old Cristen Amanda Brink. He is being held without bond and briefly appeared before a judge Friday morning at the Washington County Detention Center. He has been assigned a public defender and scheduled for an arraignment on Aug. 25. The Associated Press has left messages at numbers listed for McGann.
WORDS: 893 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 11:38 p.m. CDT
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US–Arkansas Hikers Killed-Things to Know
A teacher is charged with killing a couple hiking with their kids in Arkansas. Here’s what to know
SUMMARY: Arkansas authorities say a 28-year-old schoolteacher has admitted killing a couple who were hiking with their two young daughters at a state park. Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink were found dead on a walking trail at Devil’s Den State Park on Saturday. Authorities say their 7- and 8-year-old daughters were not hurt and are being cared for by family members. State Police arrested Andrew James McGann on Wednesday after a five-day search and a flood of tips. A judge assigned McGann’s case to the public defenders’ office on Friday. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 25.
WORDS: 747 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 5:30 p.m. CDT
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US–Arkansas Hikers Killed
Arkansas police arrest man in Devil’s Den park killings after dayslong search, finding him nearby
SUMMARY: Officials say a 28-year-old Arkansas man has been arrested in the killings of a married couple in front of their children at Devil’s Den State Park over the weekend. Arkansas State Police arrested the man from Springdale on Wednesday and charged him with two counts of capital murder. Police did not mention a possible motive. Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink were found dead Saturday on a walking trail at Devil’s Den. Authorities have said their young daughters were not hurt and are being cared for by family members.
WORDS: 658 – MOVED: 07/30/2025 3:46 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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US–Presidential Fitness Test
Trump revives the Presidential Fitness Test, a rite of passage for schoolchildren for decades
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has reestablished the Presidential Fitness Test for American children. This test, a staple in schools since 1966, was phased out during the Obama administration. Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to bring it back and reinvigorate a national sports council. The council includes former and current athletes and will address issues in college athletics. The fitness test will be administered by the health secretary and aims to promote health and athleticism among children. The move has received mixed reactions, with some experts emphasizing the need for comprehensive fitness programs.
WORDS: 981 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 9:56 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Jaguars-Rees-Zammit
Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit giving up pro football and returning to the pitch
SUMMARY: Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit is giving up American football. Rees-Zammit announced his move on social media and says he’s returning to the pitch. He says “it’s been a great experience, but it’s time to come home.” The 24-year-old Rees-Zammit joined the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars last September and changed positions. He switched from running back to receiver in hopes of finding his way onto the playing field. He previously spent five months working as a running back with Kansas City. But he made little progress and was considered a long shot at playing for the Jags in 2025.
WORDS: 373 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 6:56 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-The Fine Line
Royals’ trade deadline moves aim to balance winning now and building for the future
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have made strategic moves at the trade deadline, acting as both buyers and sellers. They believe they are still in the playoff hunt, yet their window to contend could stretch long into the future. So, they traded backup catcher Freddy Fermin and other assets for an outfielder and three pitchers. This strengthens their rotation, which has been hit by injuries, while keeping their prized prospects in their system. Now, they begin a touch stretch Friday night in Toronto before three games against fellow wild-card contender Boston.
WORDS: 695 – MOVED: 08/01/2025 9:45 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BBO–Astros-Twins Trade
Carlos Correa is reuniting with the Astros after a trade from the dismantled Twins
SUMMARY: Carlos Correa is returning to Houston. The Astros reacquired the three-time All-Star shortstop from the Minnesota Twins just before Thursday’s trade deadline. Correa spent his first seven years in Houston. He became one of the most beloved players in franchise history, helping the team to six playoff appearances, three American League pennants and its first World Series title in 2017. That title was tainted by a sign-stealing scandal. The Twins are covering some of Correa’s remaining contract and getting minor-league pitcher Matt Mikulski in return.
WORDS: 1222 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 3:24 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Dizzying Deadline
Twins hit hard reset with 9 pre-deadline trades, happy with haul yet still high on for-sale club
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins have traded nearly 40% of their team this week. They made nine deals including seven swaps leading up to the deadline on Thursday. Key players like Carlos Correa and several relievers were traded, aiming to invest in the team’s future. Starting pitcher Chris Paddack was the first to go on Monday, followed by closer Jhoan Duran on Wednesday. The Twins traded players to various teams, including the Phillies and Dodgers, in a move to rebuild. Despite the changes, the Twins kept their All-Stars and are optimistic about their prospects.
WORDS: 1184 – MOVED: 08/01/2025 1:04 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US–Presidential Fitness Test
Trump revives the Presidential Fitness Test, a rite of passage for schoolchildren for decades
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has reestablished the Presidential Fitness Test for American children. This test, a staple in schools since 1966, was phased out during the Obama administration. Trump signed an executive order on Thursday to bring it back and reinvigorate a national sports council. The council includes former and current athletes and will address issues in college athletics. The fitness test will be administered by the health secretary and aims to promote health and athleticism among children. The move has received mixed reactions, with some experts emphasizing the need for comprehensive fitness programs.
WORDS: 981 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 9:56 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Jaguars-Rees-Zammit
Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit giving up pro football and returning to the pitch
SUMMARY: Welsh rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit is giving up American football. Rees-Zammit announced his move on social media and says he’s returning to the pitch. He says “it’s been a great experience, but it’s time to come home.” The 24-year-old Rees-Zammit joined the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars last September and changed positions. He switched from running back to receiver in hopes of finding his way onto the playing field. He previously spent five months working as a running back with Kansas City. But he made little progress and was considered a long shot at playing for the Jags in 2025.
WORDS: 373 – MOVED: 07/31/2025 6:56 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-The Fine Line
Royals’ trade deadline moves aim to balance winning now and building for the future
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have made strategic moves at the trade deadline, acting as both buyers and sellers. They believe they are still in the playoff hunt, yet their window to contend could stretch long into the future. So, they traded backup catcher Freddy Fermin and other assets for an outfielder and three pitchers. This strengthens their rotation, which has been hit by injuries, while keeping their prized prospects in their system. Now, they begin a touch stretch Friday night in Toronto before three games against fellow wild-card contender Boston.
WORDS: 695 – MOVED: 08/01/2025 9:45 a.m. CDT
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