Great Plains News Digest
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MINNESOTA
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US–Minnesota Lawmakers Shot
Prosecutors turn over 130,000 pages of evidence in the killing of a Minnesota lawmaker
SUMMARY: Prosecutors in the case of a man charged with killing a top Minnesota Democratic lawmaker and her husband say they’ve turned over a massive amount of evidence to the defense. Federal prosecutor Harry Jacobs told a court Wednesday that investigators have provided substantially all they have against Vance Boelter, who has pleaded not guilty to murder in the killing of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, and to attempted murder in the shootings of state Sen. John Hoffman and his wife. Federal defender Manny Atwal said they need more time to review more than 130,000 pages of documents and 800 hours of recordings.
WORDS: 625 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 1:02 p.m. CST
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US–Fitzgerald Shipwreck-Relic
Relic from the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald is returned, plus $600,000 from Michigan
SUMMARY: The state of Michigan has agreed to return a life ring from the famous Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck to its owner. The rare relic had become a key part of a settlement in a lawsuit that had nothing to do with the Edmund Fitzgerald. State police backed away from the initial deal after The Associated Press reported on it in October. Larry Orr says he’ll get the life ring back — and Michigan will still pay $600,000 to settle his federal lawsuit over police misconduct. The misconduct case had no connection to what Orr found on shore after the ship sank in Lake Superior in 1975.
WORDS: 428 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 10:48 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US–Government Shutdown-Food Aid-What to Know
The timeline for SNAP benefits remains uncertain, even as the government is set to reopen
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has signed a measure to reopen the government and resume full food aid benefits that were paused at the start of November. But how fast SNAP payments reach beneficiaries could vary by state. Some experts say it could be quicker in states that have not yet loaded debit cards with any benefits than in states that have provided partial payments. Trump’s administration halted payments for the program used by 1 in 8 Americans due to the government shutdown. It has been subject to seesawing legal decisions ever since. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday to keep on hold lower court rulings that the government should immediately fully fund the program.
WORDS: 880 – MOVED: 11/11/2025 10:50 p.m. CST
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US–Starbucks-Strike
Starbucks workers kick off 65-store US strike on company’s busy Red Cup Day
SUMMARY: More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers are on strike Thursday at 65 U.S. stores. The strike has closed some stores on Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, which is typically one of the company’s busiest days of the year. Starbucks gives away free, reusable cups on that day to customers who buy a holiday drink. The union working to organize Starbucks baristas says the striking workers are protesting a lack of progress in labor negotiations with the company. The two sides haven’t been at the bargaining table since the spring. Starbucks Workers United says the walkout will impact stores in 45 cities, including New York, Philadelphia, Minneapolis and Dallas. Starbucks says fewer than 4% of its U.S. stores are unionized, and most stores will be operating normally.
WORDS: 956 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 5:36 p.m. CST
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US–Government Shutdown-Food Aid
States scramble to send full SNAP food benefits to millions of people after government shutdown ends
SUMMARY: State officials are working to restore full SNAP benefits to millions of people after the long U.S. government shutdown has finally ended. Some state officials said Thursday that they are working quickly, but it still could take up to a week for some recipients to get their delayed aid. A series of court rulings and shifting policies from the Trump administration have led to inconsistent distribution of November benefits. About two-thirds of states had issued only partial or no benefits before the shutdown ended Wednesday night. The federal food program serves about 42 million people in lower-income households.
WORDS: 725 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 10:53 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Government Shutdown-Tribal Food Aid
Tribes that restored buffalo are killing some to feed people because of the shutdown
SUMMARY: A pending deal to end the government shutdown is too late for about 30 bison on the Fort Peck reservation in northern Montana. The animals are being killed to make up for a lapse in food benefits. Tribal officials say about one-third of Fort Peck’s members depend on monthly benefit checks. That’s about triple the rate for the U.S. as a whole. They’ve received only partial payments in November after President Donald Trump’s administration choked off food aid funding during the shutdown. Rural reservations across the Great Plains have been culling their cherished bison herds to fill the gap. The 30 bison from Fort Peck equals about 12,000 pounds of meat.
WORDS: 1248 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 12:58 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Government Shutdown-Tribal Food Aid
Tribes that restored buffalo are killing some to feed people because of the shutdown
SUMMARY: A pending deal to end the government shutdown is too late for about 30 bison on the Fort Peck reservation in northern Montana. The animals are being killed to make up for a lapse in food benefits. Tribal officials say about one-third of Fort Peck’s members depend on monthly benefit checks. That’s about triple the rate for the U.S. as a whole. They’ve received only partial payments in November after President Donald Trump’s administration choked off food aid funding during the shutdown. Rural reservations across the Great Plains have been culling their cherished bison herds to fill the gap. The 30 bison from Fort Peck equals about 12,000 pounds of meat.
WORDS: 1248 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 12:58 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Government Shutdown-Tribal Food Aid
Tribes that restored buffalo are killing some to feed people because of the shutdown
SUMMARY: A pending deal to end the government shutdown is too late for about 30 bison on the Fort Peck reservation in northern Montana. The animals are being killed to make up for a lapse in food benefits. Tribal officials say about one-third of Fort Peck’s members depend on monthly benefit checks. That’s about triple the rate for the U.S. as a whole. They’ve received only partial payments in November after President Donald Trump’s administration choked off food aid funding during the shutdown. Rural reservations across the Great Plains have been culling their cherished bison herds to fill the gap. The 30 bison from Fort Peck equals about 12,000 pounds of meat.
WORDS: 1248 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 12:58 p.m. CST
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US–Oklahoma Execution-Wood
Oklahoma governor spares the life of inmate just before he was to be executed
SUMMARY: Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt has spared the life of a death row inmate just before he was set to receive a lethal injection. Stitt granted clemency on Thursday to 46-year-old Tremane Wood, who was sentenced to die for the stabbing death of a man during a botched robbery on New Year’s Day 2002. It is just the second time the Republican governor has granted clemency during his nearly seven years in office. Wood’s attorneys argued that it was Wood’s brother who actually stabbed 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf during the robbery. Wood acknowledged his role in the robbery, but said he was never a killer. His brother got a life sentence and died in prison.
WORDS: 717 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 11:04 p.m. CST
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US–Ammonia Gas Leak-Oklahoma
Ammonia gas leak from a tanker truck in Oklahoma sickens dozens and forces evacuations
SUMMARY: Authorities in Oklahoma say a leaking tanker truck spewed a hazardous gas in a hotel parking lot overnight, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate and hospitalizing several dozen people. The anhydrous ammonia leak happened late Wednesday in Weatherford. City officials said Thursday that at least four people were in critical condition. Schools closed, and several nursing homes evacuated. A shelter-in-place order was lifted Thursday morning. The city’s police chief said the leak happened after the truck driver had parked behind a Holiday Inn for the night. Officials said the leak might be due to a mechanical failure. Cleanup efforts could take several days.
WORDS: 493 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 7:14 a.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Government Shutdown-Tribal Food Aid
Tribes that restored buffalo are killing some to feed people because of the shutdown
SUMMARY: A pending deal to end the government shutdown is too late for about 30 bison on the Fort Peck reservation in northern Montana. The animals are being killed to make up for a lapse in food benefits. Tribal officials say about one-third of Fort Peck’s members depend on monthly benefit checks. That’s about triple the rate for the U.S. as a whole. They’ve received only partial payments in November after President Donald Trump’s administration choked off food aid funding during the shutdown. Rural reservations across the Great Plains have been culling their cherished bison herds to fill the gap. The 30 bison from Fort Peck equals about 12,000 pounds of meat.
WORDS: 1248 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 12:58 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big 12 This Week
No. 15 Utah looks to continue push for shot at Big 12 title game, No. 12 BYU looks for rebound win
SUMMARY: No. 15 Utah hits the road trying to stay in contention for a Big 12 title game shot. The 7-2 Utes play Saturday night at Baylor. Utah’s four Big 12 wins are by an average margin of nearly 36 points, and its only losses are to No. 8 Texas Tech and at No. 12 BYU. Utah is second in the Big 12 in total yards and scoring _ both offensively and defensively. No. 12 BYU looks to bounce back from its first loss at Texas Tech. The 8-1 Cougars now host 6-3 TCU. No. 22 Cincinnati, along with Tech and BYU the only teams with one Big 12 loss, is home against Arizona
WORDS: 646 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 1:22 a.m. CST
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FBC–Big Ten This Week
No. 17 USC tries to keep playoff hopes alive against Iowa in Big Ten’s spotlight game this week
SUMMARY: No. 17 Southern California (No. 17 College Football Playoff) and No. 18 Michigan (No. 18 CFP) still have chances to reach the playoff if they win the rest of their regular-season games. Both have big tests coming up this week. USC hosts Iowa as the Hawkeyes attempt to bounce back from a heartbreaking home loss to No. 7 Oregon (No. 8 CFP). Michigan is facing Northwestern at Chicago’ Wrigley Field. Northwestern has lost two straight and must win one of its last three games to become bowl eligible.
WORDS: 710 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 1:31 a.m. CST
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KANSAS
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FBN-Titans-Sneed-Shooting
Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed indicted in Texas for failing to report an aggravated assault
SUMMARY: Tennessee Titans cornerback L’Jarius Sneed has been indicted in Texas on a misdemeanor charge for failing to report an aggravated assault. The incident allegedly occurred last year in suburban Dallas. A Dallas County grand jury indicted Sneed on Tuesday. The indictment relates to an alleged shooting on December 6, 2024, involving Sneed and another man, Tekonzae Williams. Williams faces a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The Titans say they are aware of the legal matter and are in contact with NFL security. Sneed was placed on injured reserve last month with a quadricep injury.
WORDS: 372 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 5:36 p.m. CST
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FBC–Big 12 This Week
No. 15 Utah looks to continue push for shot at Big 12 title game, No. 12 BYU looks for rebound win
SUMMARY: No. 15 Utah hits the road trying to stay in contention for a Big 12 title game shot. The 7-2 Utes play Saturday night at Baylor. Utah’s four Big 12 wins are by an average margin of nearly 36 points, and its only losses are to No. 8 Texas Tech and at No. 12 BYU. Utah is second in the Big 12 in total yards and scoring _ both offensively and defensively. No. 12 BYU looks to bounce back from its first loss at Texas Tech. The 8-1 Cougars now host 6-3 TCU. No. 22 Cincinnati, along with Tech and BYU the only teams with one Big 12 loss, is home against Arizona
WORDS: 646 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 1:22 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Kelly
Vikings return center Ryan Kelly to practice, after latest concussion sidelined veteran 5 games ago
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have designated center Ryan Kelly for return from injured reserve by opening his practice window in a significant step forward with their careful approach to the 10th-year veteran’s concussion history. The Vikings have three weeks to evaluate Kelly before they must decide whether to activate him or shut him down for the remainder of the season. Coach Kevin O’Connell made the cautious decision to place Kelly on injured reserve five games ago. O’Connell said Kelly handled his recent workouts well enough to justify the next step in the recovery process. Blake Brandel has been starting for Kelly.
WORDS: 435 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 3:09 p.m. CST
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BKC–Minnesota-Missouri
Mitchell scores 18 points to lead hot-shooting Missouri over Minnesota 83-60
SUMMARY: Missouri defeats Minnesota 83-60 in a basketball game on Wednesday night. Mark Mitchell leads Missouri with 18 points, helping the team pull away in the second half. An 18-1 run gives Missouri a 63-47 lead with 8:50 remaining. T.O. Barrett’s dunk and a Mitchell 3-pointer extend the lead to 73-50. Missouri shoots 59% from the field and 50% from long range. Cade Tyson scores 17 points for Minnesota, while Isaac Asuma adds 13. Missouri ends the first half with a 32-30 lead, and Tyson’s dunk gives Minnesota its last lead at 46-45.
WORDS: 276 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 9:25 p.m. CST
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BKC–St. Scholastica-North Dakota State
Smith’s 24 points lead North Dakota State over St. Scholastica 111-38
SUMMARY: Led by Tay Smith’s 24 points, the North Dakota State Bison defeated the St. Scholastica Saints 111-38 on Wednesday. The Bison are now 2-2 on the season.
WORDS: 88 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 10:08 p.m. CST
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FBC–Big Ten This Week
No. 17 USC tries to keep playoff hopes alive against Iowa in Big Ten’s spotlight game this week
SUMMARY: No. 17 Southern California (No. 17 College Football Playoff) and No. 18 Michigan (No. 18 CFP) still have chances to reach the playoff if they win the rest of their regular-season games. Both have big tests coming up this week. USC hosts Iowa as the Hawkeyes attempt to bounce back from a heartbreaking home loss to No. 7 Oregon (No. 8 CFP). Michigan is facing Northwestern at Chicago’ Wrigley Field. Northwestern has lost two straight and must win one of its last three games to become bowl eligible.
WORDS: 710 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 1:31 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Banged-up Broncos
The Broncos will be relying on several backups at key positions when they face the Chiefs
SUMMARY: The Denver Broncos are facing challenges as they prepare to play the Kansas City Chiefs this weekend. They’re missing key players, including cornerback Pat Surtain and leading tackler Alex Singleton. Running back J.K. Dobbins is also dealing with a foot injury. The Broncos, who have an 8-2 record, are slight underdogs against the 5-4 Chiefs. Despite injuries, they aim to secure an 11th consecutive home victory. Dobbins was hurt during last Thursday’s game but returned to help secure a win over the Raiders. The Chiefs have their own injury concerns, but Patrick Mahomes might get his starting tackles back.
WORDS: 768 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 5:28 p.m. CST
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BKC–Minnesota-Missouri
Mitchell scores 18 points to lead hot-shooting Missouri over Minnesota 83-60
SUMMARY: Missouri defeats Minnesota 83-60 in a basketball game on Wednesday night. Mark Mitchell leads Missouri with 18 points, helping the team pull away in the second half. An 18-1 run gives Missouri a 63-47 lead with 8:50 remaining. T.O. Barrett’s dunk and a Mitchell 3-pointer extend the lead to 73-50. Missouri shoots 59% from the field and 50% from long range. Cade Tyson scores 17 points for Minnesota, while Isaac Asuma adds 13. Missouri ends the first half with a 32-30 lead, and Tyson’s dunk gives Minnesota its last lead at 46-45.
WORDS: 276 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 9:25 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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FBC–Big Ten This Week
No. 17 USC tries to keep playoff hopes alive against Iowa in Big Ten’s spotlight game this week
SUMMARY: No. 17 Southern California (No. 17 College Football Playoff) and No. 18 Michigan (No. 18 CFP) still have chances to reach the playoff if they win the rest of their regular-season games. Both have big tests coming up this week. USC hosts Iowa as the Hawkeyes attempt to bounce back from a heartbreaking home loss to No. 7 Oregon (No. 8 CFP). Michigan is facing Northwestern at Chicago’ Wrigley Field. Northwestern has lost two straight and must win one of its last three games to become bowl eligible.
WORDS: 710 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 1:31 a.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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BKC–St. Scholastica-North Dakota State
Smith’s 24 points lead North Dakota State over St. Scholastica 111-38
SUMMARY: Led by Tay Smith’s 24 points, the North Dakota State Bison defeated the St. Scholastica Saints 111-38 on Wednesday. The Bison are now 2-2 on the season.
WORDS: 88 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 10:08 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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SOF–AUSL Expansion
Oklahoma City Spark, Cascade join Athletes Unlimited Softball League as it expands to six teams
SUMMARY: The Oklahoma City Spark have joined the Athletes Unlimited Softball League as one of two new teams. The league announced Wednesday that the Spark and another team, the Cascade, will join the existing teams for the 2026 season. Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt says this move solidifies the city as a softball hub. The city already hosts the Women’s College World Series and will host softball during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The Spark will remain city-based, unlike the league’s initial touring model. The team plans to draw players from nearby college programs, aligning with the league’s goals for Team USA.
WORDS: 504 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 2:00 p.m. CST
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BKN–Lakers-James
LeBron James takes crucial step toward returning to Lakers, practices with G-League team
SUMMARY: LeBron James has taken a key step toward returning to the Los Angeles Lakers. On Wednesday, he practiced in El Segundo, California, with the team’s G-League affiliate. James has not played this season due to sciatica, a nerve issue on his lower right side. Lakers coach JJ Redick said James practiced with the South Bay Lakers, marking his first practice action of the season. Reports indicate that James looked good during the session. Redick shared this update before the Lakers played in Oklahoma City. James, entering his 23rd NBA season, is the league’s all-time scoring leader. The Lakers have won eight of their first 11 games without him.
WORDS: 180 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 8:03 p.m. CST
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BKN–Lakers-Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 30 points as the Thunder beat Doncic and the Lakers 121-92
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the Los Angeles Lakers 121-92. Isaiah Joe added 21 points for the Thunder, who improved their league-best record to 12-1. Oklahoma City blew out one of its top Western Conference rivals for the second game. It beat the Golden State Warriors 126-102 on Tuesday night. Los Angeles guard Luka Doncic, averaging 37.1 points per game, was held to 19 points. The Lakers, missing LeBron James, shot just 40.3% from the field.
WORDS: 334 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 11:27 p.m. CST
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FBC–Big 12 This Week
No. 15 Utah looks to continue push for shot at Big 12 title game, No. 12 BYU looks for rebound win
SUMMARY: No. 15 Utah hits the road trying to stay in contention for a Big 12 title game shot. The 7-2 Utes play Saturday night at Baylor. Utah’s four Big 12 wins are by an average margin of nearly 36 points, and its only losses are to No. 8 Texas Tech and at No. 12 BYU. Utah is second in the Big 12 in total yards and scoring _ both offensively and defensively. No. 12 BYU looks to bounce back from its first loss at Texas Tech. The 8-1 Cougars now host 6-3 TCU. No. 22 Cincinnati, along with Tech and BYU the only teams with one Big 12 loss, is home against Arizona
WORDS: 646 – MOVED: 11/13/2025 1:22 a.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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BKC–South Dakota St-Oregon
Simpkins and Shelstad combine for 42 points, Oregon beats South Dakota State 83-69
SUMMARY: Jackson Shelstad scores 22 points as Oregon defeats South Dakota State 83-69 on Wednesday night. Takai Simpkins adds 20 points, and the Ducks make 15 three-pointers. Oregon never trails in the second half, shooting 45% overall. Nate Bittle contributes a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. South Dakota State closes the gap to 59-58 with 9:30 remaining, but Oregon responds with three-pointers from Kwame Evans Jr., Shelstad, and Simpkins. Luke Haertle and Joe Sayler lead South Dakota State with 14 points each. Oregon leads 40-34 at halftime and maintains control.
WORDS: 291 – MOVED: 11/12/2025 10:50 p.m. CST
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