Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Climate-Wildfire Smoke-Politics
As Canada wildfires choke US with smoke, Republicans demand action. But not on climate change
SUMMARY: Republican lawmakers are blaming Canada for not preventing and containing wildfires, whose smoke has fouled the air in several states this year. In letters expressing outrage and indignation, they’re demanding more forest thinning, prescribed burns and other measures. They warned the smoke is hurting relations between the countries and suggested the U.S. could make it an issue in tariff talks. But they don’t mention climate change, caused primarily by burning fossil fuels like coal and gas. Scientists say that’s a glaring omission that also ignores the U.S. contribution to heat-trapping gases that help set the stage for more intense wildfires.
WORDS: 1113 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 8:26 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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MN–Minnesota-Red Flag Law
To combat gun violence, Minnesota law enforcement turns to ‘red flag’ law
SUMMARY: Minnesota Judicial Branch data shows that more emergency petitions to take someone’s guns away were filed throughout the state in the first seven months of this year than all of 2024, when the law went into effect. Of the 284 petitions filed through Aug. 1, just 5% were rejected by a state court judge. Gun control is a centerstage issue following the assassination of Democratic House leader Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman. Petitions are on the rise because there is growing buy-in from police, though gun owners have expressed concerns that the law short circuits due process.
WORDS: 1401 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 4:41 p.m. CDT
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US-UnitedHealth-CEO-Family-Threats
New York man charged with cyberstalking a family member of killed UnitedHealthcare CEO
SUMMARY: A New York man has been charged with cyberstalking a family member of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, allegedly leaving threatening voicemails that expressed glee about the insurance executive’s killing. Federal prosecutors on Wednesday said 40-year-old Shane Daley placed multiple calls to Thompson’s family member after the shooting, justifying the killing and saying that the person deserved to die in a similar manner. Daley, of Galway, New York, a small town north of Albany, was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon. Information on whether Daley has an attorney was not immediately available in online federal court records.
WORDS: 280 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 2:24 p.m. CDT
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US–Climate-Wildfire Smoke-Politics
As Canada wildfires choke US with smoke, Republicans demand action. But not on climate change
SUMMARY: Republican lawmakers are blaming Canada for not preventing and containing wildfires, whose smoke has fouled the air in several states this year. In letters expressing outrage and indignation, they’re demanding more forest thinning, prescribed burns and other measures. They warned the smoke is hurting relations between the countries and suggested the U.S. could make it an issue in tariff talks. But they don’t mention climate change, caused primarily by burning fossil fuels like coal and gas. Scientists say that’s a glaring omission that also ignores the U.S. contribution to heat-trapping gases that help set the stage for more intense wildfires.
WORDS: 1113 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 8:26 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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Food-Frozen Drinks Guide
Milkshakes, malts, concretes, frappes and more: A (delicious) guide to frozen drinks
SUMMARY: It’s summer, the time for cold, creamy, brain-freezing frozen drinks. Frozen drinks look different depending on where you are. The most iconic is the milkshake. It’s typically a smooth blend of ice cream and milk, sometimes with other flavorings or fruit thrown in. Malts are essentially milkshakes plus a scoop of malted milk powder. That gives the drink a nostalgic, toasted, almost nutty flavor. Or consider the frappe. In Massachusetts, it’s what most of us would call a milkshake. And it’s pronounced “frap.” But there’s another kind of frappe popularized by chains like Starbucks. Think icy, blended lattes, often topped with whipped cream. And those are pronounced “frap-pays.”
WORDS: 1147 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 9:33 a.m. CDT
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US–Abandoned Infant-Four Dead
3 people charged with helping suspected killer of 4 are accused of giving him shelter, phones
SUMMARY: A prosecutor says three people charged with helping a Tennessee man accused of fatally shooting four people are suspected of providing him with shelter, phones and rides as he evaded authorities after the killings. Austin Robert Drummond made a brief court appearance by video feed Thursday in the rural city of Tiptonville. Drummond has pleaded not guilty to four counts of first-degree murder in the the late July deaths of the parents, grandmother and uncle of an infant found abandoned in a home’s front yard. A local district attorney has said prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty if Drummond is convicted of first-degree murder at trial.
WORDS: 547 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 12:49 p.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Climate-Wildfire Smoke-Politics
As Canada wildfires choke US with smoke, Republicans demand action. But not on climate change
SUMMARY: Republican lawmakers are blaming Canada for not preventing and containing wildfires, whose smoke has fouled the air in several states this year. In letters expressing outrage and indignation, they’re demanding more forest thinning, prescribed burns and other measures. They warned the smoke is hurting relations between the countries and suggested the U.S. could make it an issue in tariff talks. But they don’t mention climate change, caused primarily by burning fossil fuels like coal and gas. Scientists say that’s a glaring omission that also ignores the U.S. contribution to heat-trapping gases that help set the stage for more intense wildfires.
WORDS: 1113 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 8:26 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–All-America-Military Teams
How a quirk of wartime football led to an extra list of AP All-Americans during the 1940s
SUMMARY: During World War II, some NFL players found themselves back in college football, thanks to military service teams. These teams, formed at U.S. military posts, competed against college programs and were included in AP rankings. In 1943, Dick Todd, who played for Washington’s 1942 NFL championship team, became an All-American while playing for Iowa Pre-Flight. This team ranked No. 2 in the AP poll. Historian Denis Crawford notes that service teams also existed in World War I. That’s how the 1918 Rose Bowl came to pit Camp Lewis against Mare Island.
WORDS: 570 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 11:10 a.m. CDT
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FBC–AP All-Time All-America
100 years of AP All-America football teams: Here’s who we think are the best of the best
SUMMARY: Ohio State and Pittsburgh each placed three players on The Associated Press All-Time All-America football team and four other schools have two players each on the first team. The unveiling of the all-time team is part of the news organization’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the AP All-America team. The Big Ten led all conferences with seven selections, two more than the Southeastern Conference. A panel of 12 AP sports writers who cover college football selected the all-time team. It cannot be considered definitive. There have been far more great players over the last century than spots available.
WORDS: 1026 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 11:05 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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BBO–Nationals-Royals
Daylen Lile’s 9th-inning single leads Nationals past Royals 8-7
SUMMARY: Daylen Lile’s two-out, ninth-inning single boosted the Washington Nationals over the Kansas City Royals 8-7 on Wednesday. After the Royals tied the game in the eighth, Luis García Jr. doubled, then scored on Lile’s single to right for the lead. Jose A. Ferrer recorded four outs for the win. Carlos Estévez took the loss after allowing one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth. The Nationals took a five-run lead in the first, highlighted by Nathaniel Lowe’s grand slam.
WORDS: 353 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 4:53 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BKN–NBA-Amazon Schedule
Amazon to broadcast 17 NBA Cup games, including championship, on Prime Video
SUMMARY: Amazon has announced its NBA Cup broadcast schedule, with Prime Video set to air 17 games, including the championship. The league also revealed the overall NBA Cup schedule on Wednesday. Prime will show 10 group games and the knockout rounds. Starting Oct. 31, Prime’s NBA Cup Nights will feature five weeks of doubleheaders. The other 50 group games will be split between ESPN, NBC, and NBA League Pass. The full NBA schedule will be released Thursday.
WORDS: 311 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 2:21 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Ownership
Twins owners opt to halt the sale and keep the club in the family, adding new investors instead
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins are no longer for sale after a 10-month exploratory process, according to executive chair Joe Pohlad. Pohlad announced that his family will remain the principal owner and add two new investment groups instead. His grandfather, Carl Pohlad, bought the Twins in 1984. Pohlad in his announcement said the family was “fully open to all possibilities” and focused on “what’s best for the long-term future of the Twins.” Fans have been frustrated recently by a spending cut on the roster. The Twins are on track for their lowest attendance total in 16 seasons at Target Field.
WORDS: 787 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 10:12 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Patriots-Vikings Practice
Patriots-Vikings joint practice prompts plenty of reunions and valuable tests, with no tussling
SUMMARY: The New England Patriots and Minnesota Vikings are teaming up this week for two days of joint practices in advance of their preseason game. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell made a point to invite the Patriots after coach Mike Vrabel was hired earlier this year. They were teammates with the Patriots in 2008. Vrabel brought the Tennessee Titans to Minnesota for workouts in 2023. The first session was valuable for both sides and came with no trouble. O’Connell and Vrabel are not the only connections between the two teams. Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs and center Garrett Bradbury were longtime Vikings.
WORDS: 711 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 5:43 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Yankees
Joe Ryan throws 6 2/3 innings in Twins’ 4-1 victory over the Yankees
SUMMARY: Joe Ryan allowed a run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings and the Minnesota Twins beat the Yankees 4-1 on Wednesday night, breaking a nine-game losing streak to New York. Ryan (12-5) allowed only a homer to Cody Bellinger in the game that was delayed at the start for 1 hour, 52, minutes because of rain. The right-hander struck out seven, walked two and threw his hardest pitch of the season when he struck out Aaron Judge on a 97.7 mph fastball in the first. After Bellinger homered, Ryan struck out the next four hitters and allowed two baserunners the rest of the way. Kody Clemens hit a two-run double in Minnesota’s three-run sixth.
WORDS: 364 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 10:53 p.m. CDT
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FBC–AP All-Time All-America
100 years of AP All-America football teams: Here’s who we think are the best of the best
SUMMARY: Ohio State and Pittsburgh each placed three players on The Associated Press All-Time All-America football team and four other schools have two players each on the first team. The unveiling of the all-time team is part of the news organization’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the AP All-America team. The Big Ten led all conferences with seven selections, two more than the Southeastern Conference. A panel of 12 AP sports writers who cover college football selected the all-time team. It cannot be considered definitive. There have been far more great players over the last century than spots available.
WORDS: 1026 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 11:05 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Flores-Lawsuit
Appeals court agrees NFL can be put on trial over claims Black coaches face discrimination
SUMMARY: A federal appeals court says the NFL can be put on trial over claims that Brian Flores and other Black coaches face discrimination. The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled Thursday. It upheld Manhattan federal Judge Valerie Caproni’s 2023 ruling that Flores can proceed with claims against the league and three teams: the Denver Broncos, the New York Giants and the Houston Texans. In February 2022, Flores sued the league and several teams, saying the league was “rife with racism,” particularly in its hiring and promotion of Black coaches. NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the league disagrees with the ruling and will seek further review.
WORDS: 417 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 9:27 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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BBO–Rockies-Cardinals
Hunter Goodman’s pinch 2-run homer gives the Rockies a 6-5 win over the Cardinals
SUMMARY: Pinch-hitter Hunter Goodman hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning, rallying the Colorado Rockies to a 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. With one out, Goodman connected on a 3-2 sinker from JoJo Romero and sent it 432 feet over the center field fence to score Kyle Karros, who led off with a walk. Goodman leads the Rockies with 24 homers. Mickey Moniak also homered for Colorado, and Karros had two hits and scored twice. Braxton Fulford drove in two runs. Alec Burleson and Lars Nootbaar each homered for St. Louis. Pedro Pagés had two hits and drove in two runs.
WORDS: 331 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 4:02 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Nationals-Royals
Daylen Lile’s 9th-inning single leads Nationals past Royals 8-7
SUMMARY: Daylen Lile’s two-out, ninth-inning single boosted the Washington Nationals over the Kansas City Royals 8-7 on Wednesday. After the Royals tied the game in the eighth, Luis García Jr. doubled, then scored on Lile’s single to right for the lead. Jose A. Ferrer recorded four outs for the win. Carlos Estévez took the loss after allowing one run on two hits and a walk in the ninth. The Nationals took a five-run lead in the first, highlighted by Nathaniel Lowe’s grand slam.
WORDS: 353 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 4:53 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Rockies-Goodman-Borrowed Bat
Rockies slugger Hunter Goodman hits 2 long homers with bat borrowed from Kyle Farmer
SUMMARY: Hunter Goodman has Kyle Farmer to thank for the two long homers the Colorado slugger hit on back-to-back days at St. Louis. Goodman borrowed Farmer’s bat for the 432-foot homer he hit on Wednesday to give the Rockies a 6-5 win over the Cardinals. The All-Star catcher also used Farmer’s lumber a night earlier when he sent a ball 436 feet in Colorado’s 3-0 victory. Farmer said Goodman can consider the bat a gift. Goodman leads the Rockies with 24 homers. He says Farmer’s bat is shorter and he thought he’d try it during the “dog days” of August when fatigue is an issue.
WORDS: 441 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 5:43 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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FBC–AP All-Time All America-The Impact
‘It’s legendary’ – AP All-America honor resonates for some of college football’s all-time greats
SUMMARY: The AP has named an all-time All-America team to celebrate the 100th anniversary of its first team. Desmond Howard, a former Heisman Trophy winner, reflected on his legacy at Michigan. Hugh Green, a three-time All-America defensive end, recalled Bob Hope’s influence. Herschel Walker expressed pride in inspiring small-town kids. Anthony Carter, a two-time All-America, credited his teammates. Orlando Pace appreciated Ohio State’s Buckeye Grove.
WORDS: 1008 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 11:08 a.m. CDT
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FBC–AP All-Time All-America
100 years of AP All-America football teams: Here’s who we think are the best of the best
SUMMARY: Ohio State and Pittsburgh each placed three players on The Associated Press All-Time All-America football team and four other schools have two players each on the first team. The unveiling of the all-time team is part of the news organization’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the AP All-America team. The Big Ten led all conferences with seven selections, two more than the Southeastern Conference. A panel of 12 AP sports writers who cover college football selected the all-time team. It cannot be considered definitive. There have been far more great players over the last century than spots available.
WORDS: 1026 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 11:05 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–NBA-Amazon Schedule
Amazon to broadcast 17 NBA Cup games, including championship, on Prime Video
SUMMARY: Amazon has announced its NBA Cup broadcast schedule, with Prime Video set to air 17 games, including the championship. The league also revealed the overall NBA Cup schedule on Wednesday. Prime will show 10 group games and the knockout rounds. Starting Oct. 31, Prime’s NBA Cup Nights will feature five weeks of doubleheaders. The other 50 group games will be split between ESPN, NBC, and NBA League Pass. The full NBA schedule will be released Thursday.
WORDS: 311 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 2:21 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Mets-McLean
Mets plan to promote McLean to boost struggling rotation
SUMMARY: Pitching prospect Nolan McLean will make his major league debut Saturday for the New York Mets, who are hoping the right-hander can provide a boost to a struggling rotation. McLean, 24, went 8-5 with a 2.45 ERA in 21 games between Double-A Binghamton and Triple-A Syracuse. He struck out 127 batters in 113 2/3 innings with a five-pitch arsenal. McLean, who played for Oklahoma State, is the first member of the Mets’ 2023 draft class to reach the majors. He is taking the rotation spot of Frankie Montas, who was sent to the bullpen Tuesday.
WORDS: 394 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 5:41 p.m. CDT
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FBC–All-America-Military Teams
How a quirk of wartime football led to an extra list of AP All-Americans during the 1940s
SUMMARY: During World War II, some NFL players found themselves back in college football, thanks to military service teams. These teams, formed at U.S. military posts, competed against college programs and were included in AP rankings. In 1943, Dick Todd, who played for Washington’s 1942 NFL championship team, became an All-American while playing for Iowa Pre-Flight. This team ranked No. 2 in the AP poll. Historian Denis Crawford notes that service teams also existed in World War I. That’s how the 1918 Rose Bowl came to pit Camp Lewis against Mare Island.
WORDS: 570 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 11:10 a.m. CDT
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FBC–AP All-Time All-America
100 years of AP All-America football teams: Here’s who we think are the best of the best
SUMMARY: Ohio State and Pittsburgh each placed three players on The Associated Press All-Time All-America football team and four other schools have two players each on the first team. The unveiling of the all-time team is part of the news organization’s celebration of the 100th anniversary of the AP All-America team. The Big Ten led all conferences with seven selections, two more than the Southeastern Conference. A panel of 12 AP sports writers who cover college football selected the all-time team. It cannot be considered definitive. There have been far more great players over the last century than spots available.
WORDS: 1026 – MOVED: 08/14/2025 11:05 a.m. CDT
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