Great Plains News Digest
To see stories that have already moved, please visit AP Newsroom. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
US–Target CEO
Target CEO to step down amid company struggles
SUMMARY: Target has named an insider as its next chief executive officer. The announced on Wednesday comes as the discount retailer tries to reverse a persistent sales malaise and to revive its reputation as the place to go for affordable but stylish products. Minneapolis-based Target said CEO Brian Cornell, who has led the company for 11 years, would step down on Feb. 1. The board of directors chose Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke to succeed him. Target has struggled to find its footing since inflation caused pinched shoppers to curtail their spending. Customers have complained of messy stores with merchandise that didn’t reflect the expensive-looking but budget-priced niche that earned the retailer the nickname “Tarzhay.”
WORDS: 1043 – MOVED: 08/20/2025 5:36 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
US–Flight Delayed-Jazz Band
Dave Koz and his band were in flight delay hell. So they picked up their instruments
SUMMARY: Passengers plagued by delays on a flight from St. Louis to Seattle got an unexpected pick-me-up when jazz saxophonist Dave Koz and bandmates held an impromptu jam session on the plane. It happened last week when the plane was stuck on the tarmac in Boise, Idaho. Koz and fellow musicians on the Summer Horns Tour were headed to Seattle for two shows. Their flight was supposed to be direct but had to divert to Boise after flight crew members timed out. Later there was a mechanical issue. Koz says a flight attendant asked them to play a song, and the video of their performance has gone viral.
WORDS: 375 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 11:13 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
NEBRASKA
————-———————
US–Nebraska-Detention Center
Nebraska announces plan for immigration detention center dubbed the ‘Cornhusker Clink’
SUMMARY: Nebraska has announced plans for an immigration detention center in the state’s remote southwest corner as President Donald Trump’s administration races to expand the infrastructure necessary for increasing deportations. The Trump administration is adding new detention facilities across the country to hold the growing number of immigrants it has arrested and accused of being in the country illegally. The facilities include the remote detention center in the Florida Everglades known as “Alligator Alcatraz.” The Nebraska facility has already been dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement centers held more than 56,000 immigrants in June, the most since 2019.
WORDS: 931 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 4:07 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
US–Oklahoma-Teacher Test
Oklahoma ideology test for teachers from New York and California draws criticism
SUMMARY: Oklahoma will require applicants for teaching jobs from California and New York to pass an exam that the state’s top education official says is designed to safeguard against “radical leftist ideology.” Opponents decry the exam as a “MAGA loyalty test.” Ryan Walters, the state public schools superintendent, said Monday that any teacher coming from the two blue states will be required to pass Oklahoma’s PragerU assessment test before getting a certification. PragerU is short for Prager University and promotes itself as a leading conservative nonprofit. State education officials say the 50-question test is finalized and will be rolling out “very soon.”
WORDS: 721 – MOVED: 08/18/2025 6:27 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
SOUTH DAKOTA
————-———————
US–Newspapers Acquired
Newspapers are rescued from closure in Wyoming and South Dakota as buyers swoop in
SUMMARY: A dozen newspapers in Wyoming and South Dakota are set to publish again after buyers stepped in to keep the communities from becoming news deserts where little or no local media remains. This quick action is notable in an industry where, according to a 2024 report from the Medill School of Journalism, more than two newspapers close each week. Illinois-based News Media Corporation had announced the closure of 31 outlets in five states. Within two weeks, new buyers in Wyoming and North Carolina purchased 12 of these papers, offering staff a chance to return.
WORDS: 665 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 4:46 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
——————————-—
IOWA
————-———————
GYM-USA-Gymnastics-Abuse-Takeaways
Takeaways from AP’s reporting on coach accused of abuse at renowned US gymnastics academy
SUMMARY: A coach at a center in Iowa that has trained Olympic champions is facing allegations that he abused young female gymnasts and secretly photographed others undressing at a prior job in Mississippi. Sean Gardner, who coached at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, has been temporarily barred from all contact with USA Gymnastics since July 2022 due to unspecified allegations of misconduct. He has not been charged criminally while a police investigation continues. But three years after abuse allegations were reported to police and he was removed from USA Gymnastics, the FBI arrested him last week on a federal child pornography charge. He has been ordered detained pending further proceedings in Mississippi.
WORDS: 911 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 10:44 a.m. CDT
——————————
GYM-USA-Gymnastics-Abuse Inquiry
Years after abuse reports, ex-coach at renowned US gymnastics academy is arrested by FBI
SUMMARY: A coach at a center in Iowa that has trained Olympic champions is facing allegations that he abused young female gymnasts and secretly photographed others undressing at a prior job in Mississippi. Sean Gardner, who coached at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, has been temporarily barred from all contact with USA Gymnastics since July 2022 due to unspecified allegations of misconduct. He has not been charged criminally while a police investigation continues. But three years after abuse allegations were reported to police and he was removed from USA Gymnastics, the FBI arrested him last week on a federal child pornography charge. He has been ordered detained pending further proceedings in Mississippi.
WORDS: 2154 – MOVED: 08/18/2025 11:07 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
BBO–Rangers-deGrom
All-Star pitcher Jacob deGrom to miss scheduled start for Texas Rangers due to shoulder fatigue
SUMMARY: The Texas Rangers are skipping Jacob deGrom’s scheduled start this week due to shoulder fatigue. The team says it’s just managing his workload, and he isn’t expected to go on the injured list. The five-time All-Star was set to pitch Wednesday night in Kansas City but was examined in Texas by Dr. Keith Meister. The checks came back clean, so deGrom could start as soon as next week. The right-hander has pitched 140 1/3 innings this season, by far his most since 2019. He missed most of 2022 with a shoulder issue and had Tommy John surgery the following year.
WORDS: 186 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 5:39 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Rangers-Royals
Pasquantino and Witt back Lugo’s stellar start, powering Royals to 5-2 win over Rangers
SUMMARY: Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the first inning and scored the go-ahead run in the seventh, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. Bobby Witt Jr. added a two-run shot in the eighth for his 100th career homer. The Royals have won five straight and improved to 7-1 on their 10-game homestand. Rangers reliever Hoby Milner allowed three consecutive hits in the seventh, including Pasquantino’s double. Cole Winn hit Jonathan India with his first pitch, giving Kansas City its first lead. Angel Zerpa got five outs for the Royals, and John Schreiber secured the ninth for his first save.
WORDS: 365 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 9:02 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Royals-Witt
The Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. hits 100th homer, joining some select company in MLB history
SUMMARY: Bobby Witt Jr. has hit his 100th career home run, making him the youngest player in Kansas City Royals history to reach that milestone. The two-run shot on Tuesday night helped the Royals secure a 5-2 win over Texas, marking their fifth straight victory. Witt, at 25 years old, joins an elite group of players with at least 100 homers and 100 stolen bases in their first four seasons. His performance has been crucial to the Royals’ recent success as they push for an AL wild-card spot. Witt’s consistency and skill have made him a standout player in the league.
WORDS: 690 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 10:09 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
BKL–Lynx-Liberty
Jonquel Jones and Sabrina Ionescu have double-doubles, Liberty snap streak of losses to Lynx 85-75
SUMMARY: Jonquel Jones had 22 points and 10 rebounds, Sabrina Ionescu added 17 points and 11 assists, and the New York Liberty beat the Minnesota Lynx 85-75 after losing the first three meetings between the teams this season. Courtney Williams and Natisha Hiedeman led the way for Minnesota (28-6), scoring 17 points and 16 points, respectively. Both teams were without a star player — Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier missed her fifth game with a right ankle sprain, and the Liberty’s Breanna Stewart is still sidelined with a bone bruise in her knee.
WORDS: 215 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 8:14 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Athletics-Twins
Langeliers hits 2-run homer and Soderstrom extends hitting streak as Athletics top Twins 6-3
SUMMARY: Shea Langeliers hit his 27th home run, Tyler Soderstrom extended his hitting streak to 17 games and the Athletics beat the Minnesota Twins 6-3. Rookie slugger Nick Kurtz went 3 for 3 with two walks, including a leadoff double in the first inning and an RBI double that capped a three-run fourth. Brett Harris had a sacrifice fly and Luis Urías delivered an RBI single in the inning as the A’s took a 5-1 lead against All-Star pitcher Joe Ryan. Jacob Lopez struck out eight in six innings of four-hit ball for the win. He allowed three runs — two earned. Justin Sterner pitched two scoreless innings and Hogan Harris worked a perfect ninth for his first major league save.
WORDS: 298 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 9:48 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
HKN–Blues-Lucic
Milan Lucic, 37, who last played in 2023, gets a tryout with the Blues
SUMMARY: The St. Louis Blues are bringing in 37-year-old forward Milan Lucic for a tryout. The member of the Boston Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup championship team last played in 2023. Lucic was on long-term injured reserve when police were called to his home by his wife. She told them he pulled her hair and tried to choke her. The charges were dropped when his wife declined to testify in court. Lucic entered the league’s Player Assistance Program. The Blues say he has completed the program and has been reinstated by the NHL.
WORDS: 215 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 1:12 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Rangers-deGrom
All-Star pitcher Jacob deGrom to miss scheduled start for Texas Rangers due to shoulder fatigue
SUMMARY: The Texas Rangers are skipping Jacob deGrom’s scheduled start this week due to shoulder fatigue. The team says it’s just managing his workload, and he isn’t expected to go on the injured list. The five-time All-Star was set to pitch Wednesday night in Kansas City but was examined in Texas by Dr. Keith Meister. The checks came back clean, so deGrom could start as soon as next week. The right-hander has pitched 140 1/3 innings this season, by far his most since 2019. He missed most of 2022 with a shoulder issue and had Tommy John surgery the following year.
WORDS: 186 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 5:39 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Cardinals-Marlins
Saggese and Herrera key the Cardinals to a 7-4 win over the Marlins
SUMMARY: Tyler Saggese went 3 for 4 and scored two runs, Iván Herrera had three RBIs, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Miami Marlins 7-4. Herrera’s RBIs accounted for the first three runs of the game and Pedro Pagés extended his season-high hitting streak to nine games with an RBI single in the fourth to make it 4-0. McGreevy (5-2) pitched six innings, allowing six hits and had five strikeouts for the win. Otto Lopez had a pair of RBIs for Miami. Marlins starting pitcher Edward Cabrera (6-7) allowed a career high 11 hits in the loss.
WORDS: 327 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 8:44 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Rangers-Royals
Pasquantino and Witt back Lugo’s stellar start, powering Royals to 5-2 win over Rangers
SUMMARY: Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the first inning and scored the go-ahead run in the seventh, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 win over the Texas Rangers. Bobby Witt Jr. added a two-run shot in the eighth for his 100th career homer. The Royals have won five straight and improved to 7-1 on their 10-game homestand. Rangers reliever Hoby Milner allowed three consecutive hits in the seventh, including Pasquantino’s double. Cole Winn hit Jonathan India with his first pitch, giving Kansas City its first lead. Angel Zerpa got five outs for the Royals, and John Schreiber secured the ninth for his first save.
WORDS: 365 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 9:02 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Royals-Witt
The Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. hits 100th homer, joining some select company in MLB history
SUMMARY: Bobby Witt Jr. has hit his 100th career home run, making him the youngest player in Kansas City Royals history to reach that milestone. The two-run shot on Tuesday night helped the Royals secure a 5-2 win over Texas, marking their fifth straight victory. Witt, at 25 years old, joins an elite group of players with at least 100 homers and 100 stolen bases in their first four seasons. His performance has been crucial to the Royals’ recent success as they push for an AL wild-card spot. Witt’s consistency and skill have made him a standout player in the league.
WORDS: 690 – MOVED: 08/19/2025 10:09 p.m. CDT
——————————
FBC–Moving On Up
Missouri State and Delaware are making a historic, risky leap to FBS amid college sports upheaval
SUMMARY: Missouri State and Delaware are moving from the Football Championship Subdivision to the Bowl Subdivision this season. And they are doing it at perhaps the most tumultuous time in the history of college athletics. The transition is marked by new facilities, increased funding and higher competition levels. The NCAA recently raised the FBS entry fee to $5 million, but both schools see long-term advantages. Missouri State’s coach, Ryan Beard, is preparing for the challenges ahead, focusing on recruiting and strategic planning. Delaware’s coach, Ryan Carty, is excited about showcasing the school’s brand on a national stage.
WORDS: 1423 – MOVED: 08/20/2025 9:42 a.m. CDT
——————————
If you have a coverage enquiry, please contact Editorial Support (available 24/7) via editorialsupport@ap.org
<END>
