Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Election 2026 Redistricting What to Know
More states are moving to redraw US House districts after Trump urged it for partisan gain
SUMMARY: A battle over congressional redistricting is playing out across the U.S. as states redraw House districts for partisan advantage. The push began when President Donald Trump urged Texas to reshape districts to favor Republicans. Since then, lawmakers in Democratic-led California and Republican-led Missouri have passed revised maps. Utah lawmakers endorsed a new map on Monday — though that was in response to a court ruling, not Trump’s suggestion. The stakes are high, because Democrats need to gain just three seats in the 2026 elections to control the House. Other states such as Kansas, Indiana and Ohio also are considering or undertaking redistricting.
WORDS: 1254 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 4:34 p.m. CDT
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US–Governors Association-Political Tensions
Bipartisan US governors’ group faces division over Trump’s deployment of troops to states
SUMMARY: Democratic governors from California and Illinois are threatening to leave the National Governors Association unless it denounces President Donald Trump’s troop deployments to states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker contend that Trump’s deployment of the Guard against a governor’s will is a violation of state sovereignty. The bipartisan group, founded in 1908, usually advocates for issues where governors find common ground. However, some Republican governors support Trump’s actions, and the group hasn’t taken a position on the troop deployments. Democratic governors from Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota have already left the association this year.
WORDS: 772 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:04 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–Governors Association-Political Tensions
Bipartisan US governors’ group faces division over Trump’s deployment of troops to states
SUMMARY: Democratic governors from California and Illinois are threatening to leave the National Governors Association unless it denounces President Donald Trump’s troop deployments to states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker contend that Trump’s deployment of the Guard against a governor’s will is a violation of state sovereignty. The bipartisan group, founded in 1908, usually advocates for issues where governors find common ground. However, some Republican governors support Trump’s actions, and the group hasn’t taken a position on the troop deployments. Democratic governors from Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota have already left the association this year.
WORDS: 772 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:04 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US–Bear Mauling-Arkansas
Authorities shoot and kill black bear believed to have fatally mauled man in Arkansas
SUMMARY: Arkansas authorities have shot and killed a male black bear that they believe fatally mauled a 60-year-old Missouri man last week. The man’s body was discovered Thursday near his campsite in the Ozark National Forest in northwest Arkansas. Newton County Sheriff Glenn Wheeler says a deputy found the body after the man’s family reported him missing not long after he sent them a photo of a black bear at his campground. Wheeler identified the man as Max Thomas. It is the second fatal bear attack in Arkansas in recent weeks. Wildlife experts say such deadly attacks are extremely rare and the last known deadly attack in the state was more than 100 years ago.
WORDS: 442 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 1:50 p.m. CDT
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US–Election 2026 Redistricting What to Know
More states are moving to redraw US House districts after Trump urged it for partisan gain
SUMMARY: A battle over congressional redistricting is playing out across the U.S. as states redraw House districts for partisan advantage. The push began when President Donald Trump urged Texas to reshape districts to favor Republicans. Since then, lawmakers in Democratic-led California and Republican-led Missouri have passed revised maps. Utah lawmakers endorsed a new map on Monday — though that was in response to a court ruling, not Trump’s suggestion. The stakes are high, because Democrats need to gain just three seats in the 2026 elections to control the House. Other states such as Kansas, Indiana and Ohio also are considering or undertaking redistricting.
WORDS: 1254 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 4:34 p.m. CDT
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US–Governors Association-Political Tensions
Bipartisan US governors’ group faces division over Trump’s deployment of troops to states
SUMMARY: Democratic governors from California and Illinois are threatening to leave the National Governors Association unless it denounces President Donald Trump’s troop deployments to states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker contend that Trump’s deployment of the Guard against a governor’s will is a violation of state sovereignty. The bipartisan group, founded in 1908, usually advocates for issues where governors find common ground. However, some Republican governors support Trump’s actions, and the group hasn’t taken a position on the troop deployments. Democratic governors from Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota have already left the association this year.
WORDS: 772 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:04 p.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Historic Tornado
EF5 tornado that killed 3 in North Dakota was the nation’s first in 12 years
SUMMARY: Meteorologists say a deadly tornado in North Dakota this summer has been upgraded to a top-of-the-scale EF5, and was the first on American soil in 12 years. The June 20 twister killed three people and at its largest was over a mile wide as it touched down for just over 12 miles. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service estimated Monday that the tornado had winds in excess of 210 miles per hour. The 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado in Oklahoma holds the record of the strongest winds ever recorded in the U.S. at 321 miles per hour. Since the National Weather Service began using Enhanced Fujita scale in 2007, there have been 10 tornadoes categorized as EF5.
WORDS: 628 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 11:51 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Governors Association-Political Tensions
Bipartisan US governors’ group faces division over Trump’s deployment of troops to states
SUMMARY: Democratic governors from California and Illinois are threatening to leave the National Governors Association unless it denounces President Donald Trump’s troop deployments to states. California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker contend that Trump’s deployment of the Guard against a governor’s will is a violation of state sovereignty. The bipartisan group, founded in 1908, usually advocates for issues where governors find common ground. However, some Republican governors support Trump’s actions, and the group hasn’t taken a position on the troop deployments. Democratic governors from Kansas, Michigan, and Minnesota have already left the association this year.
WORDS: 772 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:04 p.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Historic Tornado
EF5 tornado that killed 3 in North Dakota was the nation’s first in 12 years
SUMMARY: Meteorologists say a deadly tornado in North Dakota this summer has been upgraded to a top-of-the-scale EF5, and was the first on American soil in 12 years. The June 20 twister killed three people and at its largest was over a mile wide as it touched down for just over 12 miles. Meteorologists from the National Weather Service estimated Monday that the tornado had winds in excess of 210 miles per hour. The 1999 Bridge Creek-Moore tornado in Oklahoma holds the record of the strongest winds ever recorded in the U.S. at 321 miles per hour. Since the National Weather Service began using Enhanced Fujita scale in 2007, there have been 10 tornadoes categorized as EF5.
WORDS: 628 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 11:51 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs-Jaguars Inactives
Jaguars without starting DE Travon Walker for MNF. Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy available
SUMMARY: The Jacksonville Jaguars were without starting defensive end Travon Walker for Monday night’s game against Kansas City. The Chiefs had receiver Xavier Worthy available. Worthy had a swollen ankle after the flight to Jacksonville on Sunday. Walker, the top pick in 2022 NFL draft, injured his left wrist in last week’s victory at San Francisco and had surgery the following day. He missed two days of practice and then was limited Saturday while wearing a cast covered in heavy padding. Walker has 12 tackles, including two sacks, this season.
WORDS: 239 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 5:54 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence’s wild run lifts the Jaguars to a 31-28 win over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs
SUMMARY: Trevor Lawrence tripped, got up and scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown with 23 seconds remaining, and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat Kansas City 31-28. The crazy ending halted the Jags’ eight-game losing streak to the Chiefs. Lawrence ran for two touchdowns on the night and also threw for a score, helping balance a performance that included two turnovers. But he was nearly perfect when it mattered most for the Jaguars. Devin Lloyd returned an interception 99 yards for a score for Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes accounted for two touchdowns and Kareem Hunt ran for two scores for the Chiefs.
WORDS: 895 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 10:31 p.m. CDT
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SOC–NWSL-Current-Angel City
Cooper’s second half goal gives the Current a 1-0 win over Angel City
SUMMARY: Michelle Cooper scored in the 59th minute and the Kansas City Current extended their unbeaten run to 16 straight matches with a 1-0 victory over Angel City on Monday night in the National Women’s Soccer League. It was a league record 19th win this season for the first-place Current, who have already clinched a playoff spot and the NWSL Shield. It was also Kansas City’s 10th win on the road. The loss snapped a three game unbeaten streak at home for Angel City.
WORDS: 219 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 11:50 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Mistake-Prone Chiefs
Mistake-prone Chiefs blame themselves for crushing loss at Jaguars
SUMMARY: Kansas City won’t have to dig deep to figure out where things were awry in Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes had an interception returned 99 yards for a touchdown and the Chiefs were flagged 13 times for 109 yards in a 31-28 loss to the Jaguars. Four of those penalties came in the final 1:45. The mounting mistakes proved to be the difference in a back-and-forth game, the fifth one of the NFL’s Week 5 decided in the final 30 seconds. Chiefs coach Andy Reid says “it’s the score that matters, and we’ve got to take care of business there.”
WORDS: 531 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:26 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ penalty woes continue in loss to Jaguars, their third straight one-score defeat
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled with penalties and close games this season. They lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night, marking their third consecutive one-score loss. The Chiefs were penalized 13 times for 109 yards, while the Jaguars had only four penalties. Mistakes, including a 99-yard interception return and a kickoff out of bounds, contributed to the loss. Despite strong performances from players like Tyquan Thornton, the Chiefs have a 2-3 record. They face the Detroit Lions next on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
WORDS: 775 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:19 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings Analysis
Vikings lean again on strong team chemistry to fuel clutch win despite adverse circumstances
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings showed again their hidden strength of being able to win close games in adverse conditions by beating the Cleveland Browns at the end of a difficult 10-day road trip. Carson Wentz went 9 for 9 for 71 yards and the go-ahead touchdown pass with 25 seconds left in the 21-17 victory that put the banged-up Vikings at 3-2 entering their much-needed bye week. The Vikings were without four starting offensive linemen down the stretch in London. Several other key players remained out with injuries as well. Minnesota hosts Philadelphia in Week 7.
WORDS: 931 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 5:03 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Kicking Balls
NFL kickers are making more 60-yard field goals than ever and the balls could be part of the reason
SUMMARY: NFL kickers are now making long-distance field goals more frequently, with many kicks exceeding 60 yards. This shift has sparked questions about whether the balls are altered. A rule change this year allows teams to prepare kicking balls before game day, leading to more consistent performance. There have already been four kicks of at least 60 yards this season, close to the single-season record. The new rules have also impacted punts, with average distances increasing. Kickers say the broken-in balls add a few extra yards to their kicks.
WORDS: 1369 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 11:16 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs-Jaguars Inactives
Jaguars without starting DE Travon Walker for MNF. Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy available
SUMMARY: The Jacksonville Jaguars were without starting defensive end Travon Walker for Monday night’s game against Kansas City. The Chiefs had receiver Xavier Worthy available. Worthy had a swollen ankle after the flight to Jacksonville on Sunday. Walker, the top pick in 2022 NFL draft, injured his left wrist in last week’s victory at San Francisco and had surgery the following day. He missed two days of practice and then was limited Saturday while wearing a cast covered in heavy padding. Walker has 12 tackles, including two sacks, this season.
WORDS: 239 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 5:54 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Jaguars
Trevor Lawrence’s wild run lifts the Jaguars to a 31-28 win over Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs
SUMMARY: Trevor Lawrence tripped, got up and scrambled for a 1-yard touchdown with 23 seconds remaining, and the Jacksonville Jaguars beat Kansas City 31-28. The crazy ending halted the Jags’ eight-game losing streak to the Chiefs. Lawrence ran for two touchdowns on the night and also threw for a score, helping balance a performance that included two turnovers. But he was nearly perfect when it mattered most for the Jaguars. Devin Lloyd returned an interception 99 yards for a score for Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes accounted for two touchdowns and Kareem Hunt ran for two scores for the Chiefs.
WORDS: 895 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 10:31 p.m. CDT
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SOC–NWSL-Current-Angel City
Cooper’s second half goal gives the Current a 1-0 win over Angel City
SUMMARY: Michelle Cooper scored in the 59th minute and the Kansas City Current extended their unbeaten run to 16 straight matches with a 1-0 victory over Angel City on Monday night in the National Women’s Soccer League. It was a league record 19th win this season for the first-place Current, who have already clinched a playoff spot and the NWSL Shield. It was also Kansas City’s 10th win on the road. The loss snapped a three game unbeaten streak at home for Angel City.
WORDS: 219 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 11:50 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Mistake-Prone Chiefs
Mistake-prone Chiefs blame themselves for crushing loss at Jaguars
SUMMARY: Kansas City won’t have to dig deep to figure out where things were awry in Jacksonville. Patrick Mahomes had an interception returned 99 yards for a touchdown and the Chiefs were flagged 13 times for 109 yards in a 31-28 loss to the Jaguars. Four of those penalties came in the final 1:45. The mounting mistakes proved to be the difference in a back-and-forth game, the fifth one of the NFL’s Week 5 decided in the final 30 seconds. Chiefs coach Andy Reid says “it’s the score that matters, and we’ve got to take care of business there.”
WORDS: 531 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:26 a.m. CDT
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FBO–UFL-Shifting Strategy
UFL changes 3 cities as new investor shares bullish vision for spring football
SUMMARY: Sports entrepreneur Mike Repole isn’t discouraged by the long odds facing pro spring football as a business model. He is bullish on the future of the United Football League as the UFL announces a plan for three replacement cities. Orlando, Florida, is in along with Columbus, Ohio, and Louisville, Kentucky. The cities being replaced are San Antonio, Detroit and Memphis, Tennessee. Those moves are part of a strategy to get into smaller stadiums. The remaining Texas teams in the Dallas area and Houston are going to smaller venues while also changing names.
WORDS: 722 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 7:31 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ penalty woes continue in loss to Jaguars, their third straight one-score defeat
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have struggled with penalties and close games this season. They lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday night, marking their third consecutive one-score loss. The Chiefs were penalized 13 times for 109 yards, while the Jaguars had only four penalties. Mistakes, including a 99-yard interception return and a kickoff out of bounds, contributed to the loss. Despite strong performances from players like Tyquan Thornton, the Chiefs have a 2-3 record. They face the Detroit Lions next on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
WORDS: 775 – MOVED: 10/07/2025 12:19 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–Thunder-Topic
Thunder rookie Nikola Topic to miss at least four weeks after testicular procedure
SUMMARY: Oklahoma City Thunder rookie Nikola Topic will miss at least four weeks after undergoing a testicular procedure. The team says he will be re-evaluated in a maximum of six weeks. Topic, a 20-year-old Serbian guard, was the 12th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. He missed the season due to a torn ACL, but played in the summer league and started the preseason opener against Charlotte. Veteran guard Alex Caruso expects Topic to be a good addition to the team. Thunder forward Kenrich Williams also had a recent procedure, and rookie center Thomas Sorber will miss the season with a torn ACL.
WORDS: 343 – MOVED: 10/06/2025 4:13 p.m. CDT
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