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
————-———————
NC–AI-Predicting Mental Illness
Duke researchers receive $15M federal grant to expand AI model designed to predict mental illness
SUMMARY: Researchers at Duke University have received a $15 million federal grant to expand an artificial intelligence model designed to predict mental illness in adolescents. The Duke Predictive Model of Adolescent Mental Health is used to predict who is most likely to develop a mental illness within a year. It also identifies the key factors driving those predictions, creating the potential to offer preventive interventions. The model achieved 84% accuracy in identifying adolescents ranging in age from 10 to 15 who are at risk for future serious mental health issues. The new grant will fund a study of the tool in evaluating 2,000 adolescents in rural areas in North Carolina, Minnesota and North Dakota.
WORDS: 630 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 1:47 p.m. CDT
——————————
US–UnitedHealthcare CEO-Killed
Prosecutors say no harm was done by social media posts about assassination of UnitedHealthcare CEO
SUMMARY: Federal prosecutors say no harm was done to the prospects for a fair trial when two U.S. Justice Department officials reposted potentially inflammatory comments President Donald Trump made about Luigi Mangione after his arrest in the killing of UnitedHealthcare’s CEO. Prosecutors sent a letter Wednesday to a Manhattan federal judge who last month asked them to explain the posts and what steps the department had taken to ensure it doesn’t happen again. Mangione has pleaded not guilty to state and federal charges in the fatal shooting of Brian Thompson on Dec. 4. The assassination happened as he arrived at a Manhattan hotel for his company’s annual investor conference.
WORDS: 523 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 8:58 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
US–Rehoming Hair Art
Hair museum filled with century-old mementos closes its doors, scattering contents around the nation
SUMMARY: Century-old wreaths made from human hair fill the walls of Leila’s Hair Museum, and glass cases overflow with necklaces and watch bands made from the locks of the dead. There also are strands of hair purported to come from past presidents, Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe and even Jesus. For around 30 years, this small attraction in the Kansas City suburb of Independence attracted an eclectic group of gawkers that included the likes of heavy metal legend Ozzy Osbourne. But the museum’s namesake, Leila Cohoon, died last November at the age of 92. Now the collection of more than 3,000 pieces is headed to museums around the country.
WORDS: 778 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 11:04 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
NEBRASKA
————-———————
CN–Canada Trump Pipeline
Canada’s prime minister discussed reviving contentious Keystone XL pipeline with Trump
SUMMARY: A Canadian government official familiar with the matter says Prime Minister Mark Carney raised the prospect of reviving the contentious Keystone XL pipeline project during his White House meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump this week. A Canadian company pulled the plug on it four years ago after the Canadian government failed to persuade then President Joe Biden to reverse his cancellation of its permit on the day he took office. It was to transport crude from the oil sand fields of western Canada to Steele City, Nebraska. President Donald Trump previously revived the long-delayed project during his first term after it had stalled under the Obama administration. The Canadian government official says Trump was receptive to the idea.
WORDS: 423 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 7:13 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
NORTH DAKOTA
————-———————
NC–AI-Predicting Mental Illness
Duke researchers receive $15M federal grant to expand AI model designed to predict mental illness
SUMMARY: Researchers at Duke University have received a $15 million federal grant to expand an artificial intelligence model designed to predict mental illness in adolescents. The Duke Predictive Model of Adolescent Mental Health is used to predict who is most likely to develop a mental illness within a year. It also identifies the key factors driving those predictions, creating the potential to offer preventive interventions. The model achieved 84% accuracy in identifying adolescents ranging in age from 10 to 15 who are at risk for future serious mental health issues. The new grant will fund a study of the tool in evaluating 2,000 adolescents in rural areas in North Carolina, Minnesota and North Dakota.
WORDS: 630 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 1:47 p.m. CDT
——————————
US–Transgender Health-North Dakota
Judge upholds North Dakota’s ban on gender-affirming care for kids
SUMMARY: A North Dakota judge has upheld the state’s ban on gender-affirming care for kids. Judge Jackson Lofgren’s ruling Wednesday dealt a blow to families who have had to travel out of state to receive the medical treatments they said are crucial for their kids’ well-being. The Republican-controlled Legislature passed the ban in 2023, and then-Gov. Doug Burgum signed it into law. Supporters of the ban say it protects children from what they believe are irreversible effects of treatments and surgeries. Opponents say it harms transgender youth by denying them important medical care.
WORDS: 579 – MOVED: 10/09/2025 10:28 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
——————————-—
IOWA
————-———————
FBC–Colorado-Sanders’ Health
Deion Sanders back at Colorado practice after procedure for blood clots
SUMMARY: Colorado coach Deion Sanders is back at practice a day undergoing a procedure related to his blood clots. Sanders seems set to coach Saturday when the Buffaloes face No. 22 Iowa State in a Big 12 matchup. His son shared a video of him on the field Wednesday. The elder Sanders discussed the procedure in an earlier video, noting it was his 16th surgery over the last few years. He received support from family and friends, including a visit from longtime NFL cornerback Adam “Pacman” Jones. Sanders has faced blood clot issues before. And last spring, he was diagnosed with bladder cancer.
WORDS: 476 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 3:21 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKW–Big Ten Media Days
JuJu-less Big Ten prepares for another women’s basketball season with UCLA a favorite
SUMMARY: Southern California star JuJu Watkins propelled the Trojans to a Big Ten regular-season title and a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance last season. If the Trojans want to match that success this year, they’ll need to do it without her. The absence of Watkins, who’s sidelined for the season while recovering from an ACL injury she suffered in the NCAA Tournament, has given way to UCLA becoming the lone conference powerhouse, with Maryland not far behind. The Bruins advanced to the Final Four for the first time in program history after defeating the Trojans in the Big Ten tournament title game last season.
WORDS: 681 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 4:42 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
FBC–T25-Alabama-Missouri-Coaches
Missouri’s Drinkwitz has one question for Alabama counterpart DeBoer: What are you wearing Saturday?
SUMMARY: Missouri plans to wear black jerseys for Saturday’s game against Alabama, and Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer might join in with his “Black Hoodie of Death.” DeBoer has a 12-2 record when wearing the hoodie, including a recent win over Vanderbilt. During a conference call, Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz asked DeBoer if he’d wear the hoodie for the game. DeBoer laughed, saying he might, depending on the weather. Alabama fans have mixed feelings about DeBoer’s casual style, but it’s working as the team aims for a fifth straight win. Missouri tries to start 6-0 for the first time since 2013.
WORDS: 509 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 1:46 p.m. CDT
——————————
FBN–Chiefs-Jones
Chiefs’ Chris Jones deactivates social media after costly mistake in loss to Jaguars
SUMMARY: Chris Jones has deactivated his social media accounts after criticism of his performance in the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chiefs had taken the lead, but a late play saw Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence score while Jones stood watching. Chiefs coach Andy Reid emphasized the need to “play the play.” Jones acknowledged the mistake, saying the defense needs to finish plays. This isn’t the first time Jones has faced criticism this season. Despite his high-profile contract, his impact has been limited. The Chiefs now are preparing to face the Lions on Sunday night.
WORDS: 658 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 2:18 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
BKW–Big Ten Media Days
JuJu-less Big Ten prepares for another women’s basketball season with UCLA a favorite
SUMMARY: Southern California star JuJu Watkins propelled the Trojans to a Big Ten regular-season title and a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance last season. If the Trojans want to match that success this year, they’ll need to do it without her. The absence of Watkins, who’s sidelined for the season while recovering from an ACL injury she suffered in the NCAA Tournament, has given way to UCLA becoming the lone conference powerhouse, with Maryland not far behind. The Bruins advanced to the Final Four for the first time in program history after defeating the Trojans in the Big Ten tournament title game last season.
WORDS: 681 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 4:42 p.m. CDT
——————————
HKN–Wild-Tarasenko
Vladimir Tarasenko has found a fresh start and a warm welcome with the Minnesota Wild
SUMMARY: Vladimir Tarasenko has found a fresh start and a warm welcome with the Minnesota Wild. The 14th-year NHL veteran didn’t anticipate such a hearty welcome from his new team. He also couldn’t have envisioned this scenario earlier in his career with the St. Louis Blues. The Wild acquired Tarasenko in an offseason trade after a disappointing year with the Detroit Red Wings. He’ll start on the second line with Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Foligno when Minnesota visits St. Louis to open the season on Thursday. Tarasenko had 25 goals in 51 career games for the Blues against the Wild.
WORDS: 814 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 5:20 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
FBC–T25-Alabama-Missouri-Coaches
Missouri’s Drinkwitz has one question for Alabama counterpart DeBoer: What are you wearing Saturday?
SUMMARY: Missouri plans to wear black jerseys for Saturday’s game against Alabama, and Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer might join in with his “Black Hoodie of Death.” DeBoer has a 12-2 record when wearing the hoodie, including a recent win over Vanderbilt. During a conference call, Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz asked DeBoer if he’d wear the hoodie for the game. DeBoer laughed, saying he might, depending on the weather. Alabama fans have mixed feelings about DeBoer’s casual style, but it’s working as the team aims for a fifth straight win. Missouri tries to start 6-0 for the first time since 2013.
WORDS: 509 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 1:46 p.m. CDT
——————————
FBN–Chiefs-Jones
Chiefs’ Chris Jones deactivates social media after costly mistake in loss to Jaguars
SUMMARY: Chris Jones has deactivated his social media accounts after criticism of his performance in the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. The Chiefs had taken the lead, but a late play saw Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence score while Jones stood watching. Chiefs coach Andy Reid emphasized the need to “play the play.” Jones acknowledged the mistake, saying the defense needs to finish plays. This isn’t the first time Jones has faced criticism this season. Despite his high-profile contract, his impact has been limited. The Chiefs now are preparing to face the Lions on Sunday night.
WORDS: 658 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 2:18 p.m. CDT
——————————
HKN–Wild-Tarasenko
Vladimir Tarasenko has found a fresh start and a warm welcome with the Minnesota Wild
SUMMARY: Vladimir Tarasenko has found a fresh start and a warm welcome with the Minnesota Wild. The 14th-year NHL veteran didn’t anticipate such a hearty welcome from his new team. He also couldn’t have envisioned this scenario earlier in his career with the St. Louis Blues. The Wild acquired Tarasenko in an offseason trade after a disappointing year with the Detroit Red Wings. He’ll start on the second line with Joel Eriksson Ek and Marcus Foligno when Minnesota visits St. Louis to open the season on Thursday. Tarasenko had 25 goals in 51 career games for the Blues against the Wild.
WORDS: 814 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 5:20 p.m. CDT
——————————
FBC–T25-Alabama-Proctor
Alabama standout LT Kadyn Proctor has an affinity for Krispy Kreme and carrying the rock
SUMMARY: No. 8 Alabama has turned to a supersized offensive lineman to carry the ball the last two games. Left tackle Kadyn Proctor is the go-to guy in a package called “Krispy.” The nickname is an ode to Proctor’s affinity for Krispy Kreme doughnuts. The 6-foot-7, 359-pound junior could be in the spotlight again when the Tide visit No. 14 Missouri on Saturday. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer says “just give it to the big man and let him rumble.” Proctor ran for 11 yards against No. 10 Georgia last month to set up a touchdown and moved the chains last week against No. 20 Vanderbilt to help seal a win.
WORDS: 604 – MOVED: 10/09/2025 9:11 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
NEBRASKA
————-———————
BKW–Big Ten Media Days
JuJu-less Big Ten prepares for another women’s basketball season with UCLA a favorite
SUMMARY: Southern California star JuJu Watkins propelled the Trojans to a Big Ten regular-season title and a second consecutive Elite Eight appearance last season. If the Trojans want to match that success this year, they’ll need to do it without her. The absence of Watkins, who’s sidelined for the season while recovering from an ACL injury she suffered in the NCAA Tournament, has given way to UCLA becoming the lone conference powerhouse, with Maryland not far behind. The Bruins advanced to the Final Four for the first time in program history after defeating the Trojans in the Big Ten tournament title game last season.
WORDS: 681 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 4:42 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
FBC–T25-Oklahoma-Texas-Protecting Manning
No. 6 Oklahoma’s ‘Dog Pound’ ready for its turn to chase down Arch Manning and Texas
SUMMARY: Florida chased Arch Manning to the point of exhaustion and left him with enough bruises to make him ache for days. Now comes Oklahoma, which leads the nation in sacks per game. The Sooners have battered opposing quarterbacks with the consistency of a ticking clock that can strike midnight on just about any play. Texas and No. 6 Oklahoma clash in their annual rivalry on Saturday in Dallas, and Texas’ ability to protect Manning or get him beat up again will likely swing the day.
WORDS: 735 – MOVED: 10/08/2025 2:31 p.m. CDT
——————————
FBC–T25-Oklahoma-Venables Rebounds
Oklahoma coach Brent Venables leads Sooners to No. 6 ranking after team finished 6-7 last year
SUMMARY: Oklahoma coach Brent Venables has turned things around after a tough season last year. The Sooners are now ranked sixth and are in the College Football Playoff hunt. They have the nation’s best defense in several categories. Venables is calling the defensive plays this season, and the team has allowed only 36 points through five games. Oklahoma leads the nation in total defense, surrendering only 193 yards per game. On offense, the Sooners brought in new talent, including quarterback John Mateer, who has impressed despite a recent injury. Venables praises the team’s chemistry and determination.
WORDS: 792 – MOVED: 10/09/2025 10:23 a.m. CDT
——————————
If you have a coverage enquiry, please contact Editorial Support (available 24/7) via editorialsupport@ap.org
<END>
