Great Plains News Digest
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKC–Players Era
Why top college basketball teams are flocking to the Players Era tournament
SUMMARY: The Players Era has quickly become a top early season college basketball tournament. It offers at least $1 million in name, image and likeness money to each of the participating teams. Starting Monday, the event features a strong lineup, including No. 2 Houston and No. 7 Michigan. The women’s field includes top teams like South Carolina and UCLA. Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, highlights the financial incentive as a major draw. Organizers are pleased with the tournament’s financial success and increased ticket sales. Las Vegas hosts the event, providing both competitive games and an exciting atmosphere.
WORDS: 874 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 2:35 p.m. CST
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BKW–T25-Mercyhurst-Iowa St
Audi Crooks scores 27 points and No. 12 Iowa State women blast Mercyhurst 112-62
SUMMARY: Audi Crooks had 27 points, four teammates reached double figures in scoring, and No. 12 Iowa State routed Mercyhurst 112-62. Crooks, who is averaging 25.7 points per game, hit on 8 of 9 shots and made 11 of 14 free throws. Arianna Jackson scored 12 points and Reese Beaty, Addy Brown and Sydney Harris scored 11 each for the Cyclones. Iowa State led just 26-24 entering the second quarter, but outscored the Lakers 63-19 in the middle quarters. It was 89-43 entering the fourth. Jenna Van Schaik scored 17 points for Mercyhurst.
WORDS: 210 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 4:35 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BKC–Players Era
Why top college basketball teams are flocking to the Players Era tournament
SUMMARY: The Players Era has quickly become a top early season college basketball tournament. It offers at least $1 million in name, image and likeness money to each of the participating teams. Starting Monday, the event features a strong lineup, including No. 2 Houston and No. 7 Michigan. The women’s field includes top teams like South Carolina and UCLA. Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, highlights the financial incentive as a major draw. Organizers are pleased with the tournament’s financial success and increased ticket sales. Las Vegas hosts the event, providing both competitive games and an exciting atmosphere.
WORDS: 874 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 2:35 p.m. CST
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FBN–Colts-Chiefs
Chiefs rally from 11-point deficit to beat Colts 23-20 in OT on Harrison Butker’s fifth field goal
SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes threw for a season-high 352 yards, Kareem Hunt ran for 104 yards and a touchdown, and Harrison Butker’s fifth field goal of the game gave the Kansas City Chiefs a come-from-behind 23-20 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Rashee Rice had eight catches for 141 yards, including two crucial ones on the Chiefs’ tying touchdown drive in regulation and another in overtime, after Kansas City (6-5) had forced the high-powered Colts (8-3) to punt on a fourth consecutive three-and-out. Butker ended the game with a 27-yard field goal with just under two minutes left in overtime, potentially keeping the Chiefs’ playoff hopes alive.
WORDS: 919 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 3:57 p.m. CST
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FBN–Colts Collapse
Colts go away from Taylor late, blow 11-point lead in 23-20 overtime loss to Chiefs
SUMMARY: The Indianapolis Colts had the Kansas City Chiefs in a bind until late in their matchup Sunday, when they went away from Jonathan Taylor and put the game in Daniel Jones’ hands. The Colts went three-and-out on their final four possessions, allowing Patrick Mahomes to lead Kansas City to a 23-20 win. Harrison Butker kicked the winning field goal from 27 yards. The Colts had built a 20-9 lead before going away from Taylor. Jones struggled under pressure, finishing with a season-low 181 yards. The Colts’ offense, which had been averaging a league-best 32.1 points, was held to just 20 points and 255 yards.
WORDS: 648 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 5:29 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ dramatic comeback win over Colts keeps playoff hopes alive
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs secured a crucial 23-20 overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The victory boosts their playoff hopes, bringing their record to 6-5. Patrick Mahomes threw for a season-high 352 yards, leading the Chiefs’ comeback. The defense also shined, limiting the Colts to a season-low 255 yards. However, the Chiefs face a quick turnaround, with a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The team needs to address slow starts and injuries to key players. A win against Dallas could further solidify Kansas City’s playoff position.
WORDS: 809 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 11:51 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Packers
Emanuel Wilson runs for 107 yards and 2 TDs as Packers pound Vikings 23-6
SUMMARY: Emanuel Wilson rushed for a career-high 107 yards and two touchdowns in his first career start and the Green Bay Packers defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-6. Green Bay’s Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt each had two sacks. The Vikings totaled 4 net yards and three turnovers in the second half. Wilson had two 1-yard touchdown runs while filling in for the injured Josh Jacobs. His 28 carries and 107 yards rushing represented the highest single-game totals by any Packers running back this season.
WORDS: 905 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 3:02 p.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings-McCarthy’s Struggles
McCarthy, Vikings offense struggle in 2nd half against Packers
SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy says his confidence remains intact even as the first-year starter’s struggles mount while his team falls further from playoff contention. But he also realizes his results need to improve in a hurry. An offense that has been unable to establish a rhythm all season reached its nadir in the second half of a 23-6 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Sunday. The problems are only going to increase the scrutiny facing McCarthy. The Vikings had 4 yards of total offense and three turnovers in the second half of Sunday’s game.
WORDS: 807 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 6:00 p.m. CST
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BKL–WNBA Draft Lottery
Dallas Wings win the WNBA draft lottery for the second consecutive season
SUMMARY: The Dallas Wings won the WNBA draft lottery for the second consecutive season on Sunday night. The Wings, who drafted Paige Bueckers No. 1 last year, had a 42% chance to secure the top pick again. Minnesota, which had the best record in the league last year, will pick second. The Lynx possessed the Chicago Sky’s first-round pick after a previous trade. Seattle, Washington and Chicago rounded out the lottery.
WORDS: 394 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 5:57 p.m. CST
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HKN–Wild-Jets
Wallstedt has 3rd shutout in 4 games, Wild beat Jets 3-0 for 5th straight victory
SUMMARY: Jesper Wallstedt made 32 saves for his NHL-leading third shutout — all in the last four games — and the Minnesota Wild beat the Winnipeg Jets 3-0 on Sunday for their fifth straight victory. Minnesota had its second straight shutout and fifth overall. On Friday night in Pittsburgh, resurgent starter Filip Gustavsson stopped 19 shots in a 5-0 victory. Wallstedt improved to 6-0-2 and lowered his goals-against average to 1.94, helping Minnesota up its record to 12-7-4. The 23-year-Swede had consecutive shutouts against Calgary and Anaheim and made a career-high 42 saves Wednesday night in a 4-3 shootout victory over Carolina. Kirill Kaprizov, Brock Faber and Denis Yurov scored. The Wild have nine victories and only one regulation loss in 11 games in November.
WORDS: 333 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 6:29 p.m. CST
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BKC–St. Thomas-Portland
St. Thomas defeats Portland 76-66
SUMMARY: Nolan Minessale had 24 points in St. Thomas’ 76-66 win over Portland in the final game of the Portland Invitational. Timo George finished with 17 points for the Pilots.
WORDS: 211 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 6:43 p.m. CST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/StThomasdefeatsPortland/e48d27a655bc4878b0b33334f4a2566b/text
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US–Sports Betting-Arrests
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case
SUMMARY: Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and another former NBA player. The Hall of Famer was arraigned Monday in a federal court in New York City. Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. He previously appeared before in an Oregon federal court when prosecutors announced the indictment on Oct. 23. His attorney said at the time that the five-time All Star was a “man of integrity” and denied the charges.
WORDS: 773 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 11:03 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Colts-Chiefs
Chiefs rally from 11-point deficit to beat Colts 23-20 in OT on Harrison Butker’s fifth field goal
SUMMARY: Patrick Mahomes threw for a season-high 352 yards, Kareem Hunt ran for 104 yards and a touchdown, and Harrison Butker’s fifth field goal of the game gave the Kansas City Chiefs a come-from-behind 23-20 overtime victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Rashee Rice had eight catches for 141 yards, including two crucial ones on the Chiefs’ tying touchdown drive in regulation and another in overtime, after Kansas City (6-5) had forced the high-powered Colts (8-3) to punt on a fourth consecutive three-and-out. Butker ended the game with a 27-yard field goal with just under two minutes left in overtime, potentially keeping the Chiefs’ playoff hopes alive.
WORDS: 919 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 3:57 p.m. CST
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FBN–Colts Collapse
Colts go away from Taylor late, blow 11-point lead in 23-20 overtime loss to Chiefs
SUMMARY: The Indianapolis Colts had the Kansas City Chiefs in a bind until late in their matchup Sunday, when they went away from Jonathan Taylor and put the game in Daniel Jones’ hands. The Colts went three-and-out on their final four possessions, allowing Patrick Mahomes to lead Kansas City to a 23-20 win. Harrison Butker kicked the winning field goal from 27 yards. The Colts had built a 20-9 lead before going away from Taylor. Jones struggled under pressure, finishing with a season-low 181 yards. The Colts’ offense, which had been averaging a league-best 32.1 points, was held to just 20 points and 255 yards.
WORDS: 648 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 5:29 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Chiefs’ dramatic comeback win over Colts keeps playoff hopes alive
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs secured a crucial 23-20 overtime win against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. The victory boosts their playoff hopes, bringing their record to 6-5. Patrick Mahomes threw for a season-high 352 yards, leading the Chiefs’ comeback. The defense also shined, limiting the Colts to a season-low 255 yards. However, the Chiefs face a quick turnaround, with a Thanksgiving Day matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. The team needs to address slow starts and injuries to key players. A win against Dallas could further solidify Kansas City’s playoff position.
WORDS: 809 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 11:51 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BKC–Players Era
Why top college basketball teams are flocking to the Players Era tournament
SUMMARY: The Players Era has quickly become a top early season college basketball tournament. It offers at least $1 million in name, image and likeness money to each of the participating teams. Starting Monday, the event features a strong lineup, including No. 2 Houston and No. 7 Michigan. The women’s field includes top teams like South Carolina and UCLA. Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, highlights the financial incentive as a major draw. Organizers are pleased with the tournament’s financial success and increased ticket sales. Las Vegas hosts the event, providing both competitive games and an exciting atmosphere.
WORDS: 874 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 2:35 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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FBC–FCS Playoffs
Defending champion North Dakota St is No. 1 seed and among record-tying 6 MVFC teams in FCS playoffs
SUMMARY: North Dakota State leads six teams from the Missouri Valley Football Conference into the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs. The Bison, with a 12-0 record, are the No. 1 seed in the 24-team playoffs. The field includes 11 conference champions and 13 at-large selections. The first round begins Saturday, with unseeded teams paired with teams seeded 9-16 based on geography. The championship game is January 5 in Nashville, Tennessee. North Dakota State has won 10 of the last 14 FCS titles. Montana State, last year’s runner-up, is the No. 2 seed. The top eight seeds receive a first-round bye.
WORDS: 391 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 4:33 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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REL-SPT-Darryl Strawberry Preaches
Former Mets star Darryl Strawberry thanks Trump for pardon during sermon at Tulsa church
SUMMARY: Former New York Mets star Darryl Strawberry says God set him free when he was pardoned by President Donald Trump. Strawberry thanked Trump during a sermon Sunday at a Tulsa church. He was pardoned for past tax evasion and drug charges. The eight-time All-Star won cheers from more than 400 worshippers at Sheridan Church. Strawberry credits his Christian faith for his transformation and sobriety. He got to know Trump on “Celebrity Apprentice” in 2010. He was surprised when Trump called him on Nov. 6 to inform him of the pardon. Strawberry now travels extensively, sharing his story of faith and redemption.
WORDS: 762 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 3:24 p.m. CST
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BKN–Trail Blazers-Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 37 points, Thunder rout Blazers to avenge only loss
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 37 points in three quarters and the Oklahoma City Thunder beat the Portland Trail Blazers 122-95 on Sunday night to avenge their only loss of the season.Gilgeous-Alexander made 13 of 18 attempts from the field and all nine of his free throws.Ajay Mitchell scored 20 points on 8-for-8 shooting as the defending champion Thunder won their ninth straight after a 121-119 loss at Portland on Nov. 5. They improved to an NBA-best 17-1 and are 85-15 since the start of last season. Oklahoma City’s average scoring margin during its winning streak is 22.3 points, with a 13-point difference being the closest result. Jerami Grant led Portland with 21 points.
WORDS: 390 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 8:45 p.m. CST
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