Great Plains News Digest
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MINNESOTA
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US-Best Buy-Results
Best Buy ups sales outlook heading into holiday shopping ramp-up
SUMMARY: Best Buy is raising its profit and sales expectations ahead of the holiday shopping season after a strong third quarter. Comparable-store sales at the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain rose 2.7%, fueled by computing, gaming and mobile phones. It was the biggest gain in four years for the Minnesota retailer. Shares rose more than 5% in afternoon trading Tuesday. The strong quarter is an encouraging sign for Best Buy, which like almost all U.S. companies, has spent months navigating an uncertain economic environment as President Donald Trump imposes wide-ranging tariffs on imports. Electronics have been particularly hard hit.
WORDS: 612 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 7:30 a.m. CST
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US–Rental Software-Lawsuit
New limits for a rent algorithm that prosecutors say let landlords drive up prices
SUMMARY: Real estate software company RealPage has agreed to stop sharing nonpublic information between landlords as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice. Federal prosecutors had accused RealPage of helping property managers illegally drive up rents across the country. The DOJ announced the settlement Monday, more than a year after federal prosecutors filed the antitrust lawsuit under President Joe Biden. Officials accused RealPage of facilitating “algorithmic coordination,” saying its popular software let landlords coordinate without ever having to gather in a “smoke-filled room.” RealPage would not have to pay any damages or admit any wrondoing. The company says it’s pleased to settle the matter.
WORDS: 562 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 11:48 a.m. CST
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US–Severe Weather
Americans eye Thanksgiving travel weather after Texas tornadoes, snow and rain elsewhere
SUMMARY: Some suburban Houston residents are dealing with cleanup following at least two tornadoes as heavy rain falls around the South and snow in parts of the Midwest. The Texas severe weather outbreak Monday damaged over 100 homes though no injuries were reported. It came at the start of a busy Thanksgiving travel week in which Americans are closely eyeing the weather. Heavy rain was reported in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on Tuesday. Meanwhile, snow fell in North Dakota and was expected in parts of the Midwest, with more likely Wednesday in the Great Lakes region. New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was expected to be dry but cold.
WORDS: 701 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 6:52 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US–Planned-Parenthood-Shooting
Man charged in Colorado Planned Parenthood shooting dies in federal custody
SUMMARY: The man charged with killing three people at a Colorado Planned Parenthood clinic in 2015 because it offered abortion services has died in federal custody. A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said Robert Dear died Saturday of natural causes at a medical center for federal prisoners in Springfield, Missouri. Dear was 67. Federal prosecutors alleged the man had armed himself with several guns, propane tanks and 500 rounds of ammunition prior to the 2015 shooting. In addition to the three killed, nine others were injured. After being charged in federal court in 2019, Dear had been repeatedly found incompetent to stand trial, stalling his prosecution.
WORDS: 357 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 6:14 p.m. CST
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US–Government Shutdown-Giving Thanks
Gratitude and doubt: The effects of the shutdown linger as families prepare for Thanksgiving
SUMMARY: As Americans prepare for the Thanksgiving holiday, the gratitude many feel is tempered by doubts caused by the disruptions of the recent government shutdown. Washington has reopened but insecurity lingers. In one Missouri community, a single mother is relieved by the restoration of benefits that help feed her children but feels newly vulnerable. A retired school cafeteria worker who hosts a free holiday feast in the community has upped her plans to 700 meals to account for the food insecurity. A U.S. customs worker in Florida who worked for weeks without pay is grateful for the invitation to a meal her family would otherwise be unable to afford.
WORDS: 1185 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 10:32 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Holiday Travel
Thanksgiving travel forecasts point to typically busy airports, roads and trains
SUMMARY: People with Thanksgiving travel plans may still feel on edge after the U.S. government shutdown that caused widespread flight cancellations and delays. But experts say staying informed about weather, traffic and airport wait times can help ease anxiety. The Federal Aviation Administration anticipates its busiest Thanksgiving in 15 years, with over 360,000 flights scheduled between Monday and next Tuesday. Travel forecasts also are pointing to packed highways and trains. Winter weather could delay flights and traffic in some parts of the country. Knowing your options ahead of time can reduce stress if a storm leaves you stranded. For road trips, AAA advises checking your car and avoiding peak traffic times.
WORDS: 1042 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 11:04 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Severe Weather
Americans eye Thanksgiving travel weather after Texas tornadoes, snow and rain elsewhere
SUMMARY: Some suburban Houston residents are dealing with cleanup following at least two tornadoes as heavy rain falls around the South and snow in parts of the Midwest. The Texas severe weather outbreak Monday damaged over 100 homes though no injuries were reported. It came at the start of a busy Thanksgiving travel week in which Americans are closely eyeing the weather. Heavy rain was reported in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on Tuesday. Meanwhile, snow fell in North Dakota and was expected in parts of the Midwest, with more likely Wednesday in the Great Lakes region. New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was expected to be dry but cold.
WORDS: 701 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 6:52 a.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Severe Weather
Americans eye Thanksgiving travel weather after Texas tornadoes, snow and rain elsewhere
SUMMARY: Some suburban Houston residents are dealing with cleanup following at least two tornadoes as heavy rain falls around the South and snow in parts of the Midwest. The Texas severe weather outbreak Monday damaged over 100 homes though no injuries were reported. It came at the start of a busy Thanksgiving travel week in which Americans are closely eyeing the weather. Heavy rain was reported in Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on Tuesday. Meanwhile, snow fell in North Dakota and was expected in parts of the Midwest, with more likely Wednesday in the Great Lakes region. New York’s Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was expected to be dry but cold.
WORDS: 701 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 6:52 a.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKC–T25-Iowa St-Creighton
Killyan Toure scores 20 points to lead No. 15 Iowa State past Creighton, 78-60
SUMMARY: Freshman Killyan Toure scored a career-high 20 points and No. 15 Iowa State beat Creighton 78-60 in the second round of the Players Era Championship. Despite missing co-leading scorer Tamin Lipsey, who injured his groin in Monday’s 83-82 win over St. John’s, the Cyclones kept Creighton at arm’s length for most of the game. Joshua Jefferson had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Blake Buchanan has 12 points and nine rebounds, and Milan Momcilovic finished with 10 points for the Cyclones.
WORDS: 291 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 3:13 p.m. CST
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BKC–Players Era Championship-Berger
Players Era Championship teams to receive more than $1M on average in NIL compensation
SUMMARY: The Players Era Championship is offering significant name, image and likeness compensation to participating college basketball teams. Co-founder Seth Berger says the average payout exceeds $1 million per team. This is the tournament’s second year and it includes 18 men’s teams plus a new women’s bracket. Eight men’s teams and three women’s teams are ranked in the AP Top 25 poll. The Big 12 Conference has purchased an equity stake, and the top eight teams will receive automatic bids for next year. The tournament is gaining popularity, surpassing the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis during Thanksgiving week.
WORDS: 400 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 9:13 p.m. CST
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BKC–Mississippi-Iowa
Bennett Stirtz scores 29 for Iowa in 74-69 win over Ole Miss in opening round of Acrisure Series
SUMMARY: Bennett Stirtz scored a season-high 29 points and Cooper Koch added 14 for Iowa in a 74-69 win over Mississippi in the first round of the Acrisure Series on Tuesday night. Koch also had 10 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. The game was tied at 31 going into halftime. Stirtz hit four 3-pointers and was 4-for-4 from the free-throw line in the second half to help the Hawkeyes (6-0) pull ahead. Overall, Stirtz was 9-of-20 shooting, making 6 of 8 from the arc and 5 of 6 free throws. AJ Storr shot 6 of 10 from the field and 8 of 10 from the line in leading the Rebels with 22 points.
WORDS: 243 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 11:19 p.m. CST
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BKC–Players Era Matchups
Michigan, Gonzaga face off in Players Era Championship title game
SUMMARY: No. 7 Michigan is set to play No. 12 Gonzaga in the title game of the Players Era Championship on Wednesday. The Wolverines secured their spot by defeating No. 21 Auburn 102-72 on Tuesday. The Bulldogs also advanced, routing Maryland 100-61. Both teams went 2-0, earning their championship spots based on point differential. Kansas will face No. 17 Tennessee in the third-place game. In Wednesday’s consolation games, Syracuse takes on Iowa State, Notre Dame plays No. 3 Houston, and several other matchups are scheduled. Two additional consolation games will take place on Thursday.
WORDS: 162 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 12:54 a.m. CST
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KANSAS
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FBN–Behind the Call
Chiefs overcame bad calls on Travis Kelce and Jawaan Taylor to salvage their season
SUMMARY: Referee Alex Moore’s crew made a mistake by penalizing Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor for a facemask violation, erasing a game-tying touchdown by Travis Kelce in Week 12. CBS analyst Tony Romo also erred by suggesting Andy Reid could have challenged the call. The NFL expanded facemask calls for replay assist this season, but it wasn’t used here, so the errant call went uncorrected. The Chiefs overcame both the bad call and an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit in winning in overtime to salvage their season.
WORDS: 831 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 12:59 a.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Pacheco
Chiefs’ Pacheco set to return from injury for Thanksgiving game against Cowboys
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs could have Isiah Pacheco back in the lineup for their Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that Pacheco is expected to return from a knee injury that sidelined him for three games. Pacheco started the first eight games of the season, rushing for 329 yards and a touchdown. He returned to practice last week but didn’t play in Sunday’s overtime win against the Colts. Kareem Hunt stepped up with 30 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs have leaned heavily on passing this season, but Hunt’s performance helped balance the offense.
WORDS: 448 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 2:29 p.m. CST
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BKC–Players Era Championship-Berger
Players Era Championship teams to receive more than $1M on average in NIL compensation
SUMMARY: The Players Era Championship is offering significant name, image and likeness compensation to participating college basketball teams. Co-founder Seth Berger says the average payout exceeds $1 million per team. This is the tournament’s second year and it includes 18 men’s teams plus a new women’s bracket. Eight men’s teams and three women’s teams are ranked in the AP Top 25 poll. The Big 12 Conference has purchased an equity stake, and the top eight teams will receive automatic bids for next year. The tournament is gaining popularity, surpassing the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis during Thanksgiving week.
WORDS: 400 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 9:13 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Kansas State-Indiana
No. 25 Indiana clamps down on Kansas State 86-69
SUMMARY: Reed Bailey scored 21 points and No. 25 Indiana limited the nation’s leading scorer, P.J. Haggerty, to 12 below his average in an 86-69 home win over Kansas State. The senior Bailey did most of his work at the line, where he hit 13 of 15 free throws. Haggerty, who averaged 28 per game, finished 7 of 17 from the field for 16 points and had six turnovers. Tayton Conerway added 19 for the Hoosiers.
WORDS: 270 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 9:39 p.m. CST
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BBO–Red Sox-Cardinals Trade
Red Sox acquire right-hander Sonny Gray from the Cardinals
SUMMARY: The Boston Red Sox have acquired right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals will receive righty Richard Fitts and prospect Brandon Clarke. Gray went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA for the Cardinals last season. In a 13-year career with five teams, he is 125-102 with a 3.58 ERA and three All-Star appearances. Fitts turns 26 next month. Gray gives the Red Sox a dependable option behind ace Garrett Crochet to take some of the pressure off the rest of the rotation.
WORDS: 631 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 11:23 a.m. CST
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BKC–Players Era Matchups
Michigan, Gonzaga face off in Players Era Championship title game
SUMMARY: No. 7 Michigan is set to play No. 12 Gonzaga in the title game of the Players Era Championship on Wednesday. The Wolverines secured their spot by defeating No. 21 Auburn 102-72 on Tuesday. The Bulldogs also advanced, routing Maryland 100-61. Both teams went 2-0, earning their championship spots based on point differential. Kansas will face No. 17 Tennessee in the third-place game. In Wednesday’s consolation games, Syracuse takes on Iowa State, Notre Dame plays No. 3 Houston, and several other matchups are scheduled. Two additional consolation games will take place on Thursday.
WORDS: 162 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 12:54 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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HKN–Wild-Wallstedt
Jesper Wallstedt has become a shutout machine for the Minnesota Wild. He’s just a rookie
SUMMARY: The transition to Jesper Wallstedt as the backup to Filip Gustavsson has gone better than even the Minnesota Wild could have envisioned this season. Wallstedt has a league-leading three shutouts over his last four starts while playing like he’s ready to be an equal part of an all-Swedish goaltending tandem on a team contending for the playoffs rather than just a rookie easing into action. Gustavsson signed a five-year, $34 million contract extension near the end of training camp. He became the clear No. 1 goalie last season as Marc-Andre Fleury wound down his career.
WORDS: 801 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 5:40 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Behind the Call
Chiefs overcame bad calls on Travis Kelce and Jawaan Taylor to salvage their season
SUMMARY: Referee Alex Moore’s crew made a mistake by penalizing Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor for a facemask violation, erasing a game-tying touchdown by Travis Kelce in Week 12. CBS analyst Tony Romo also erred by suggesting Andy Reid could have challenged the call. The NFL expanded facemask calls for replay assist this season, but it wasn’t used here, so the errant call went uncorrected. The Chiefs overcame both the bad call and an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit in winning in overtime to salvage their season.
WORDS: 831 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 12:59 a.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Pacheco
Chiefs’ Pacheco set to return from injury for Thanksgiving game against Cowboys
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs could have Isiah Pacheco back in the lineup for their Thanksgiving Day game against the Dallas Cowboys. Coach Andy Reid said Tuesday that Pacheco is expected to return from a knee injury that sidelined him for three games. Pacheco started the first eight games of the season, rushing for 329 yards and a touchdown. He returned to practice last week but didn’t play in Sunday’s overtime win against the Colts. Kareem Hunt stepped up with 30 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. The Chiefs have leaned heavily on passing this season, but Hunt’s performance helped balance the offense.
WORDS: 448 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 2:29 p.m. CST
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BKC–South Carolina St-Missouri
Shawn Phillips Jr. scores 17 points for Missouri in 98-66 win over South Carolina State
SUMMARY: Shawn Phillips Jr. scored 17 points and Mark Mitchell added 15 for Missouri in a 98-66 win over South Carolina State on Tuesday night.
WORDS: 190 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 9:52 p.m. CST
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BBO–Red Sox-Cardinals Trade
Red Sox acquire right-hander Sonny Gray from the Cardinals
SUMMARY: The Boston Red Sox have acquired right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals will receive righty Richard Fitts and prospect Brandon Clarke. Gray went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA for the Cardinals last season. In a 13-year career with five teams, he is 125-102 with a 3.58 ERA and three All-Star appearances. Fitts turns 26 next month. Gray gives the Red Sox a dependable option behind ace Garrett Crochet to take some of the pressure off the rest of the rotation.
WORDS: 631 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 11:23 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BKC–T25-Iowa St-Creighton
Killyan Toure scores 20 points to lead No. 15 Iowa State past Creighton, 78-60
SUMMARY: Freshman Killyan Toure scored a career-high 20 points and No. 15 Iowa State beat Creighton 78-60 in the second round of the Players Era Championship. Despite missing co-leading scorer Tamin Lipsey, who injured his groin in Monday’s 83-82 win over St. John’s, the Cyclones kept Creighton at arm’s length for most of the game. Joshua Jefferson had 18 points and 10 rebounds. Blake Buchanan has 12 points and nine rebounds, and Milan Momcilovic finished with 10 points for the Cyclones.
WORDS: 291 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 3:13 p.m. CST
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BKC–Players Era Championship-Berger
Players Era Championship teams to receive more than $1M on average in NIL compensation
SUMMARY: The Players Era Championship is offering significant name, image and likeness compensation to participating college basketball teams. Co-founder Seth Berger says the average payout exceeds $1 million per team. This is the tournament’s second year and it includes 18 men’s teams plus a new women’s bracket. Eight men’s teams and three women’s teams are ranked in the AP Top 25 poll. The Big 12 Conference has purchased an equity stake, and the top eight teams will receive automatic bids for next year. The tournament is gaining popularity, surpassing the Maui Invitational and Battle 4 Atlantis during Thanksgiving week.
WORDS: 400 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 9:13 p.m. CST
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BKC–Players Era Matchups
Michigan, Gonzaga face off in Players Era Championship title game
SUMMARY: No. 7 Michigan is set to play No. 12 Gonzaga in the title game of the Players Era Championship on Wednesday. The Wolverines secured their spot by defeating No. 21 Auburn 102-72 on Tuesday. The Bulldogs also advanced, routing Maryland 100-61. Both teams went 2-0, earning their championship spots based on point differential. Kansas will face No. 17 Tennessee in the third-place game. In Wednesday’s consolation games, Syracuse takes on Iowa State, Notre Dame plays No. 3 Houston, and several other matchups are scheduled. Two additional consolation games will take place on Thursday.
WORDS: 162 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 12:54 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–Oklahoma State-Morris
Oklahoma State to hire North Texas’ Eric Morris as new football coach
SUMMARY: Oklahoma State is hiring Eric Morris from North Texas as its new football coach. Morris has led North Texas since 2023, turning a 5-7 team into a 10-1 contender for a conference championship. The hire is pending board approval. Morris replaces Mike Gundy, who was fired in September during his 21st season. Interim coach Doug Meacham is 0-8, with Oklahoma State at 1-10. North Texas leads the nation in scoring and total offense. Morris will finish the season with North Texas before transitioning to Oklahoma State.
WORDS: 499 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 4:56 p.m. CST
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FBC–CFP Rankings
College football rankings start juggling act at 6-7, while top 5 remain the same
SUMMARY: A sleepy week filled with nonconference blowouts locked the College Football Playoff rankings into a virtual standstill, with Ohio State ranked first again and Oregon’s flip-flop with Ole Miss at Nos. 6 and 7 one of the few significant changes in the newest top 25. Oregon’s impressive victory over Southern California accounted for its move up one spot over Mississippi, which didn’t play last week. The other meaningful change was Miami’s move to No. 12, in a switch with Utah after the Utes gave up 472 yards rushing in a tight win over Kansas State.
WORDS: 1050 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 7:17 p.m. CST
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FBC–T25-North Texas-QB and Coach
Coach Eric Morris leaving No. 21 North Texas, but what will QB Drew Mestemaker do?
SUMMARY: Redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Mestemaker is the FBS passing leader for North Texas after never starting a varsity game in high school. The 21st-ranked Mean Green go into their regular-season finale Friday with the opportunity to clinch the school’s first 11-win season, a spot in its conference championship game and then maybe even the 12-team College Football Playoff. They are the nation’s top offense at 503 total yards and 46 points a game. Coach Eric Morris will be leaving after the season to become Oklahoma State’s new coach. Mestemaker could also be going elsewhere since he certainly will get Power Four offers.
WORDS: 862 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 10:48 p.m. CST
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US–Oklahoma Basketball-Player Death
College basketball player in Oklahoma dies after being injured during game
SUMMARY: A college basketball player in Oklahoma has died after suffering an injury during a game. Connors State College announced on its Facebook page that sophomore Ethan Dietz died Tuesday after he was injured during a game in Texas over the weekend. The 6-8 forward from Vilonia, Arkansas, was injured during the second half of the Cowboys’ game Saturday against Grayson College in Texas. He was taken to a hospital, and died three days later. A spokesperson for the college said initial reports indicate that Dietz suffered some kind of head injury. Messages seeking comment were left Wednesday with the college’s athletic director and head basketball coach.
WORDS: 207 – MOVED: 11/26/2025 11:14 a.m. CST
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