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
——————————-—
IOWA
————-———————
US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 669 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
——————————
US–Climate Heat Farmworkers Pregnancy
As heat gets more extreme, pregnant farmworkers are increasingly at risk
SUMMARY: Agricultural workers are among the people most vulnerable to extreme heat. They toil under the hot sun and in humid greenhouses or nurseries, often with few breaks and places to adequately cool. For pregnant agricultural workers, those risks are higher because the body must work harder to cool down and requires more liquids, making it more easily dehydrated. Coupled with exertion, extreme heat exposes workers to more health risks, including miscarriages, stillbirths, preterm births and low birth weight in infants. The Associated Press talked to agricultural workers who recounted working in extreme heat while pregnant. As global temperatures rise, advocates say more protections are needed to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant agricultural workers and their babies.
WORDS: 1734 – MOVED: 10/23/2025 7:08 a.m. CDT
——————————
US–Climate Heat Farmworkers Pregnancy-Takeaways
Takeaways from AP’s report on the growing dangers of heat on pregnant agriculture workers
SUMMARY: Agricultural workers are already among the most vulnerable to extreme heat. For pregnant workers, those risks are higher because the body must work harder to cool down and requires more liquids, making it more easily dehydrated. While protections exist, experts say they need better enforcement and more are needed. Compounding these risks is the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Here are takeaways from The Associated Press’ report on the dangers of heat on pregnant farmworkers. As global temperatures rise, advocates say more protections are needed to ensure the health and well-being of pregnant agricultural workers and their babies.
WORDS: 711 – MOVED: 10/23/2025 7:11 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 669 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
——————————
US–Election 2026 Redistricting What to Know
What to know about redistricting efforts across US at Trump’s prodding
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s desire to secure the Republican majority in Congress has led to a mid-decade redistricting battle among states. North Carolina’s Republican-led legislature is the latest to approve revised U.S. House maps intended to help Republicans win in next year’s election. Texas Republicans were the first to answer Trump’s call. California Democrats countered by asking voters to approve new districts. Then Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature approved a new U.S. House map. Other states also are considering redistricting. The process of drawing U.S. House districts normally occurs once a decade after each census. But Trump urged it now to try to help Republicans hold onto their slim House majority through the midterm elections.
WORDS: 1101 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 5:02 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 669 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
——————————
US–Fitzgerald Shipwreck-Life Ring
Michigan is paying $600K to settle a police case and getting an artifact from a famous shipwreck
SUMMARY: The state of Michigan has acquired a life ring that washed ashore 50 years ago from the Edmund Fitzgerald. The artifact strangely became part of a settlement in a lawsuit that had nothing to do with the famous shipwreck. Michigan taxpayers are paying $600,000 to settle a lawsuit by Larry Orr, who accused a state police officer of violating his rights during a sexual abuse investigation. Orr, in turn, agreed to give up the life ring, which he legally owned. His attorney says it probably represented half the value of the settlement.
WORDS: 398 – MOVED: 10/23/2025 11:31 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
ICE-Restraint Device
ICE’s use of full-body restraints during deportations raises concerns over inhumane treatment
SUMMARY: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been using a full-body restraint device called the WRAP during deportations. The Associated Press spoke to a number of people who said they were placed in the device after they had already been shackled. ICE’s use of the WRAP has continued despite concerns about its safety expressed two years ago by a watchdog division of its parent agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The manufacturer says the device is intended for violent individuals, but detainees claim it is used to intimidate or punish them. A DHS spokesperson says ICE’s use of the restraints is “fully in line with established legal standards.”
WORDS: 2903 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 7:00 a.m. CDT
——————————
ICE-Restraint Device-Takeaways
Takeaways from the AP investigation into ICE’s use of a full-body restraint device known as the WRAP
SUMMARY: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers have been using a full-body restraint device called the WRAP during deportations. The Associated Press spoke to a number of people who said they were placed in the device after they had already been shackled. ICE’s use of the WRAP has continued despite concerns about its safety expressed two years ago by a watchdog division of its parent agency, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The manufacturer says the device is intended for violent individuals, but detainees claim it is used to intimidate or punish them. A DHS spokesperson says ICE’s use of the restraints is “fully in line with established legal standards.”
WORDS: 824 – MOVED: 10/14/2025 7:04 a.m. CDT
——————————
US–Election 2026 Redistricting What to Know
What to know about redistricting efforts across US at Trump’s prodding
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s desire to secure the Republican majority in Congress has led to a mid-decade redistricting battle among states. North Carolina’s Republican-led legislature is the latest to approve revised U.S. House maps intended to help Republicans win in next year’s election. Texas Republicans were the first to answer Trump’s call. California Democrats countered by asking voters to approve new districts. Then Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature approved a new U.S. House map. Other states also are considering redistricting. The process of drawing U.S. House districts normally occurs once a decade after each census. But Trump urged it now to try to help Republicans hold onto their slim House majority through the midterm elections.
WORDS: 1101 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 5:02 p.m. CDT
——————————
US–Earns-Railroads
Union Pacific reports 7% higher profits as its CEO makes the case for Norfolk Southern merger
SUMMARY: Union Pacific delivered 7% growth in its third-quarter earnings Thursday as its CEO continues to make the case for the potential benefits of acquiring one of the railroad’s eastern rivals. The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad said it earned $1.788 billion, or $3.01 per share in the quarter. Union Pacific wants to buy Norfolk Southern in a $85 billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad. Norfolk Southern will report its earnings Thursday afternoon. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena stressed why he thinks the merger is great for America because it would enable the railroad to deliver goods more quickly and help the companies that rely on its deliveries of raw materials and finished products.
WORDS: 748 – MOVED: 10/23/2025 7:27 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
NEBRASKA
————-———————
US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 669 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
——————————
US–Election 2026 Redistricting What to Know
What to know about redistricting efforts across US at Trump’s prodding
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s desire to secure the Republican majority in Congress has led to a mid-decade redistricting battle among states. North Carolina’s Republican-led legislature is the latest to approve revised U.S. House maps intended to help Republicans win in next year’s election. Texas Republicans were the first to answer Trump’s call. California Democrats countered by asking voters to approve new districts. Then Missouri’s Republican-led Legislature approved a new U.S. House map. Other states also are considering redistricting. The process of drawing U.S. House districts normally occurs once a decade after each census. But Trump urged it now to try to help Republicans hold onto their slim House majority through the midterm elections.
WORDS: 1101 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 5:02 p.m. CDT
——————————
US–Earns-Railroads
Union Pacific reports 7% higher profits as its CEO makes the case for Norfolk Southern merger
SUMMARY: Union Pacific delivered 7% growth in its third-quarter earnings Thursday as its CEO continues to make the case for the potential benefits of acquiring one of the railroad’s eastern rivals. The Omaha, Nebraska-based railroad said it earned $1.788 billion, or $3.01 per share in the quarter. Union Pacific wants to buy Norfolk Southern in a $85 billion deal that would create the first transcontinental railroad. Norfolk Southern will report its earnings Thursday afternoon. Union Pacific CEO Jim Vena stressed why he thinks the merger is great for America because it would enable the railroad to deliver goods more quickly and help the companies that rely on its deliveries of raw materials and finished products.
WORDS: 748 – MOVED: 10/23/2025 7:27 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
NORTH DAKOTA
————-———————
US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 669 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
——————————
SD–Survival Bunker-Lawsuit
Survival bunker renters sue owner of former South Dakota munitions bunkers over lease, amenities
SUMMARY: People who are renting former military munitions bunkers in southwestern South Dakota as survival bunkers are suing the owner of the property saying his company had them sign illegal leases and hasn’t provided promised amenities. The community includes hundreds of above-ground, earth-covered concreate bunkers that were used by the U.S. military to store munitions from 1942 to 1967. California businessman Robert Vicino bought part of the facility in 2016. The bunkers are rented as residences, mostly to ‘preppers’ who want to live off the grid and survive a global catastrophe. Vicino did not respond to South Dakota News Watch’s efforts to get comment. The lawsuit seeks damages or for residents to own their bunkers.
WORDS: 1276 – MOVED: 10/23/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
SOUTH DAKOTA
————-———————
US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 669 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
——————————
SD–Survival Bunker-Lawsuit
Survival bunker renters sue owner of former South Dakota munitions bunkers over lease, amenities
SUMMARY: People who are renting former military munitions bunkers in southwestern South Dakota as survival bunkers are suing the owner of the property saying his company had them sign illegal leases and hasn’t provided promised amenities. The community includes hundreds of above-ground, earth-covered concreate bunkers that were used by the U.S. military to store munitions from 1942 to 1967. California businessman Robert Vicino bought part of the facility in 2016. The bunkers are rented as residences, mostly to ‘preppers’ who want to live off the grid and survive a global catastrophe. Vicino did not respond to South Dakota News Watch’s efforts to get comment. The lawsuit seeks damages or for residents to own their bunkers.
WORDS: 1276 – MOVED: 10/23/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
——————————-—
IOWA
————-———————
FBC–Minnesota-Dominating Defense
Gophers defense stays together and strong behind first-time coordinator Danny Collins
SUMMARY: Minnesota’s defense is thriving under first-year coordinator Danny Collins. The Gophers in a 24-6 win racked up a school-record nine sacks on a Nebraska team last week that was ranked 25th in the AP poll and averaging 41 points per game. Collins has been with coach P.J. Fleck for all nine seasons at Minnesota and four at Western Michigan before that. He was the safeties coach and defensive pass game coordinator before his promotion this year to replace the departed Corey Heatherman. He went to a higher-profile program at Miami. The Gophers are 5-2. They play at Iowa this week.
WORDS: 654 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 5:17 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKW–T25-Iowa St-Williams
Influencer-point guard Jada Williams brings million-plus followers along with her to No. 14 Iowa St
SUMMARY: Jada Williams is thriving at Iowa State, balancing home ownership and her role as a starting point guard. At 20, she manages household chores and leads the 14th-ranked women’s basketball team along with stars Audi Crooks and Addy Brown. Her social media presence, with over a million followers, boosts her NIL earnings. She’s one of the highest-paid women’s college athletes. Williams plans to turn her Ames home into an Airbnb after college. Her move to Iowa State is a fresh start, and she’s eager to prove herself on the court.
WORDS: 914 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 4:50 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
BKC–Big 12 Media Day
Cincinnati and Oklahoma State among Big 12 teams getting early start with exhibition games
SUMMARY: Cincinnati coach Wes Miller is excited about freshman Shon Abaev’s potential, while Oklahoma State’s Steve Lutz praised his team’s road performance. Both teams recently secured impressive exhibition wins. Cincinnati defeated Michigan, and Oklahoma State overcame Auburn. These games are part of a new NCAA rule allowing two exhibition matches without a waiver. The rule change also means schools can benefit financially. Exhibition games have become crucial due to frequent team changes from the transfer portal. They offer valuable preparation for the regular season. Coaches and players appreciate the chance to compete in a real-game environment.
WORDS: 903 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 1:35 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKN–Nuggets-Braun
How Christian Braun earned his $125M contract with the Nuggets
SUMMARY: Christian Braun is thrilled he won’t have to deal with contract talks for a while after signing a five-year, $125 million extension with the Denver Nuggets. Coach David Adelman says Braun earned the deal through hard work, not just talent. Braun, drafted in 2022, became a full-time starter last season. He doubled his scoring average to 15.4 points and led the league in fast-break points. Braun says he was relieved to get a deal done by Monday’s deadline. He says he doesn’t enjoy the process of negotiation and he’s happy to “go into the season with a clear mind.”
WORDS: 734 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 3:26 p.m. CDT
——————————
GYM–World Championships
Angelina Melnikova caps return by edging Leanne Wong for gold at the world gymnastics championships
SUMMARY: Angelina Melnikova’s return to international gymnastics after a three-year hiatus ended with a gold medal at the world championships. The 25-year-old Russian edged American Leanne Wong in a tight final to win her second world all-around title. Melnikova recovered from a fall on the balance beam to post a total of 55.066, just ahead of Wong at 54.966. Zhang Qingying of China earned bronze. Melnikova didn’t compete internationally for three years as part of the fallout of Russia’s war with Ukraine. She returned to major competition this year while competing as a neutral athlete, and her performance served notice the Russian program remains among the world’s best.
WORDS: 699 – MOVED: 10/23/2025 9:55 a.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
US–Transgender Athlete-Minnesota
Minnesota court gives win to transgender powerlifter who was barred from competing as a woman
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Supreme Court has delivered a win to transgender weightlifter JayCee Cooper, saying she’s protected by the state’s expansive human rights law. But the organization that banned her from competing in its women’s division said it still has a chance. The high court ruled Wednesday that USA Powerlifting’s policy barring her is “facially discriminatory” under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The high court sent the case back to the trial court for further proceedings but the two sides disagree over whether that matters. USA Powerlifting rejected Cooper’s application in 2018, leading to a lawsuit in 2021. The case has drawn significant national attention.
WORDS: 987 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 9:26 a.m. CDT
——————————
FBC–Minnesota-Dominating Defense
Gophers defense stays together and strong behind first-time coordinator Danny Collins
SUMMARY: Minnesota’s defense is thriving under first-year coordinator Danny Collins. The Gophers in a 24-6 win racked up a school-record nine sacks on a Nebraska team last week that was ranked 25th in the AP poll and averaging 41 points per game. Collins has been with coach P.J. Fleck for all nine seasons at Minnesota and four at Western Michigan before that. He was the safeties coach and defensive pass game coordinator before his promotion this year to replace the departed Corey Heatherman. He went to a higher-profile program at Miami. The Gophers are 5-2. They play at Iowa this week.
WORDS: 654 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 5:17 p.m. CDT
——————————
HKN–Wild-Devils
Nico Daws makes 29 saves, Devils beat Wild 4-1 for 6th straight victory
SUMMARY: Nico Daws made 29 saves, Paul Cotter, Brenden Dillon and rookie Arseny Gritsyuk scored and the New Jersey Devils beat the Minnesota Wild 4-1 on Wednesday night for their sixth straight victory. New Jersey began the streak after an opening loss at Carolina, winning three each at home and on the road. The winning streak is the Devils’ longest since a 13-game run early in the 2022-23 season. Jesper Bratt had an empty-net goal. The 24-year-old Gritsyuk — a fifth-round pick in 2019 — scored his first NHL goal on the power play at 4:53 of the third. Matt Boldy scored for Minnesota.
WORDS: 284 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 8:52 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKN–Timberwolves-Trail Blazers
Edwards has 41 points and Timberwolves rally to beat the Trail Blazers 118-114
SUMMARY: Anthony Edwards had 41 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves rallied in the fourth quarter for a 118-114 season-opening win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Edwards, who set a career high last season with an average of 27.6 points, was questionable for the game because of back spasms, but started. Edwards hit a step-back jumper to pull Minnesota within 107-105, then made a 3-pointer to make it 108-107 with 3:36 left. Another Edwards 3 gave Minnesota a 114-112 lead and Rudy Gobert’s dunk with 32.1 seconds to go sealed it. Jerami Grant led the Blazers with 29 points.
WORDS: 334 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 11:49 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
BKC–Big 12 Media Day
Cincinnati and Oklahoma State among Big 12 teams getting early start with exhibition games
SUMMARY: Cincinnati coach Wes Miller is excited about freshman Shon Abaev’s potential, while Oklahoma State’s Steve Lutz praised his team’s road performance. Both teams recently secured impressive exhibition wins. Cincinnati defeated Michigan, and Oklahoma State overcame Auburn. These games are part of a new NCAA rule allowing two exhibition matches without a waiver. The rule change also means schools can benefit financially. Exhibition games have become crucial due to frequent team changes from the transfer portal. They offer valuable preparation for the regular season. Coaches and players appreciate the chance to compete in a real-game environment.
WORDS: 903 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 1:35 p.m. CDT
——————————
BBO–Giants-Manager
Giants name Tennessee’s Vitello manager, gambling on a college coach with no professional experience
SUMMARY: The San Francisco Giants are hiring University of Tennessee coach Tony Vitello as their manager for his first professional coaching job. It’s a bold gamble by San Francisco executive Buster Posey on a coach with no previous experience in the pros. The 47-year-old Vitello is making the jump after spending his entire career at the college level. He guided the Vols to their first NCAA title last year. The Giants went 81-81 this season under Bob Melvin. Posey calls Vitello “one of the brightest, most innovative and most respected coaches in college baseball today.”
WORDS: 943 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 12:57 p.m. CDT
——————————
BKW–T25-Iowa St-Williams
Influencer-point guard Jada Williams brings million-plus followers along with her to No. 14 Iowa St
SUMMARY: Jada Williams is thriving at Iowa State, balancing home ownership and her role as a starting point guard. At 20, she manages household chores and leads the 14th-ranked women’s basketball team along with stars Audi Crooks and Addy Brown. Her social media presence, with over a million followers, boosts her NIL earnings. She’s one of the highest-paid women’s college athletes. Williams plans to turn her Ames home into an Airbnb after college. Her move to Iowa State is a fresh start, and she’s eager to prove herself on the court.
WORDS: 914 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 4:50 p.m. CDT
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
BKC–Big 12 Media Day
Cincinnati and Oklahoma State among Big 12 teams getting early start with exhibition games
SUMMARY: Cincinnati coach Wes Miller is excited about freshman Shon Abaev’s potential, while Oklahoma State’s Steve Lutz praised his team’s road performance. Both teams recently secured impressive exhibition wins. Cincinnati defeated Michigan, and Oklahoma State overcame Auburn. These games are part of a new NCAA rule allowing two exhibition matches without a waiver. The rule change also means schools can benefit financially. Exhibition games have become crucial due to frequent team changes from the transfer portal. They offer valuable preparation for the regular season. Coaches and players appreciate the chance to compete in a real-game environment.
WORDS: 903 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 1:35 p.m. CDT
——————————
If you have a coverage enquiry, please contact Editorial Support (available 24/7) via editorialsupport@ap.org
<END>
