Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Voting-Noncitizens
GOP-led states settle lawsuit against federal government over checking citizenship status of voters
SUMMARY: Four Republican-led states have settled lawsuits with the federal government over access to voter citizenship data. Florida, Indiana, Iowa, and Ohio reached an agreement Friday with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The states had sued the agency under the Biden administration, claiming it withheld citizenship information they needed to verify voter eligibility. They can now use the so-called SAVE program to check the citizenship status of thousands of voters. The program was updated under the Trump administration to enhance its capabilities, but voting rights groups have expressed concern that those updates could lead to unlawful voter purges. The information sharing could become a focal point in next year’s midterm elections.
WORDS: 536 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 3:59 p.m. CST
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US–Wintry Weather
Heavy snow predicted for Northeast as Midwest still struggles with Thanksgiving weather snarls
SUMMARY: Black ice, snow showers and fog are pestering post-holiday travelers in the Midwest, while the Northeast is gearing up for its first major snowstorm of the season. More than 8 inches of snow fell at Chicago O’Hare International Airport this weekend, setting a record for the highest single-day snowfall in November at the airport. The previous record was set in 1951. Dozens of flights remained canceled or delayed there into Monday, and commuting conditions were expected to remain dangerous in some areas well into Monday night. In the Northeast, some parts of northern New England were expecting up to 10 inches of snow to fall Tuesday.
WORDS: 785 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 11:44 a.m. CST
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US–Wintry Weather
The first big snowstorm of the winter hits the Northeast
SUMMARY: The Northeast is seeing its first major winter snowstorm arrive just as the Midwest began to escape snow and ice that snarled travel after the Thanksgiving holiday. Some parts of northern New England are expecting up to 10 inches of snow. The windy, potentially icy storm could soak some parts of the area’s six states while piling snow in others. National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Orrison predicted, “It’s going to be rather significant.” By Tuesday morning, snow was already falling. Schools and government offices closed around the Northeast, with officials citing potentially dangerous road conditions. Meteorological winter began Dec. 1.
WORDS: 808 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 11:17 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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MN–Social Workers-911 Centers
More Minnesota 911 centers embedding social workers to expand help for callers in crisis
SUMMARY: More Minnesota 911 centers are embedding social workers to field calls from those struggling with problems like mental health, homelessness and substance use. One is Melanie Yang, who began working as an embedded social worker in the Minneapolis 911 call center this fall. Minneapolis sought to add a social worker after the release of the Safe and Thriving Communities Report, which proposed new public safety approaches following the 2020 murder of George Floyd. Other counties in the region are making similar moves. Ramsey County has multiple social workers in its call center as part of a pilot program begun in 2023. Washington County has also recently hired an embedded social worker.
WORDS: 753 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 3:12 p.m. CST
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US–Commercial Driver’s Licenses-Immigrants
Federal review finds 44% of US trucking schools don’t comply with government rules
SUMMARY: Nearly 44% of the 16,000 truck driving programs listed nationwide by the government may be forced to close if they lose their students after a review by the federal Transportation Department found they may not be complying with government requirements. Separately, the Department of Homeland Security is auditing trucking firms owned by immigrants to verify their drivers are qualified to hold a commercial license. The Transportation Department says it plans to revoke the certification of nearly 3,000 schools unless they can comply within the next 30 days. Another 4,500 schools are being warned they could face similar action.
WORDS: 1114 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 2:04 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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SD–Limestone Mine-Notification Laws
South Dakota legislators plan bills to help Piedmont residents in fight over limestone mine
SUMMARY: Three lawmakers who represent Piedmont, South Dakota, are hoping to change weak state mining laws that allowed a proposed limestone mine to be sited in and around the city without local input. Residents only learned of the plan through an October newspaper notice. State laws allow mining of sand, gravel and limestone without a formal permitting, notification or public input required of hard rock mining operations. The legislators are looking at strengthening state mining laws, but aren’t sure they can help Piedmont. One lawmaker wondered if residents who had reached leasing agreements with Simon Contractors might be persuaded to change their minds. Residents are concerned about dust, noise and the effect on their property values.
WORDS: 1401 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 2:57 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Wintry Weather
Heavy snow predicted for Northeast as Midwest still struggles with Thanksgiving weather snarls
SUMMARY: Black ice, snow showers and fog are pestering post-holiday travelers in the Midwest, while the Northeast is gearing up for its first major snowstorm of the season. More than 8 inches of snow fell at Chicago O’Hare International Airport this weekend, setting a record for the highest single-day snowfall in November at the airport. The previous record was set in 1951. Dozens of flights remained canceled or delayed there into Monday, and commuting conditions were expected to remain dangerous in some areas well into Monday night. In the Northeast, some parts of northern New England were expecting up to 10 inches of snow to fall Tuesday.
WORDS: 785 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 11:44 a.m. CST
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US–Wintry Weather
The first big snowstorm of the winter hits the Northeast
SUMMARY: The Northeast is seeing its first major winter snowstorm arrive just as the Midwest began to escape snow and ice that snarled travel after the Thanksgiving holiday. Some parts of northern New England are expecting up to 10 inches of snow. The windy, potentially icy storm could soak some parts of the area’s six states while piling snow in others. National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Orrison predicted, “It’s going to be rather significant.” By Tuesday morning, snow was already falling. Schools and government offices closed around the Northeast, with officials citing potentially dangerous road conditions. Meteorological winter began Dec. 1.
WORDS: 808 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 11:17 p.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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SD–Limestone Mine-Notification Laws
South Dakota legislators plan bills to help Piedmont residents in fight over limestone mine
SUMMARY: Three lawmakers who represent Piedmont, South Dakota, are hoping to change weak state mining laws that allowed a proposed limestone mine to be sited in and around the city without local input. Residents only learned of the plan through an October newspaper notice. State laws allow mining of sand, gravel and limestone without a formal permitting, notification or public input required of hard rock mining operations. The legislators are looking at strengthening state mining laws, but aren’t sure they can help Piedmont. One lawmaker wondered if residents who had reached leasing agreements with Simon Contractors might be persuaded to change their minds. Residents are concerned about dust, noise and the effect on their property values.
WORDS: 1401 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 2:57 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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GYM-USA-Gymnastics-Abuse-Lawsuit
USA Gymnastics and Olympic sports watchdog failed to stop coach’s sexual abuse, lawsuits allege
SUMMARY: Two gymnasts who say they were sexually abused at an elite academy in Iowa have filed lawsuits against the sport’s oversight bodies, alleging Sean Gardner preyed on girls despite repeated complaints about the coach’s behavior. The lawsuits, filed Monday, allege USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Center for SafeSport were told about “inappropriate and abusive behaviors” as early as December 2017 when Gardner was a coach in Mississippi. The lawsuits allege the organizations failed to “properly investigate,” revoke Gardner’s coaching credentials, report him to law enforcement or take other actions to protect athletes. Gardner was able to get a coaching job at Chow’s Gymnastics and Dance Institute in West Des Moines, Iowa, in 2018, where his abuse allegedly continued for years.
WORDS: 1044 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 3:40 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Top 25-This Week
More feasting: Marquee college hoops games continue the week after Thanksgiving holiday tournaments
SUMMARY: Thanksgiving is a great time to be a college basketball fan with all the holiday tournaments and marquee matchups. The feast of high-level hoops doesn’t end there. This week will feature another trove of must-see games, including 10 between AP Top 25 opponents. No. 4 Duke, No. 6 Louisville and No. 18 Kentucky double up on tough games, each playing two ranked opponents within days of each other. The Blue Devils have the difficult task of facing No. 15 Florida and No. 7 Michigan State. The rising Cardinals have games against No. 25 Arkansas and No. 22 Indiana. John Calipari’s Wildcats get No. 16 North Carolina and No. 11 Gonzaga back-to-back.
WORDS: 942 – MOVED: 12/02/2025 1:55 a.m. CST
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BKW–Player of the Week
AP women’s basketball player of the week is No. 2 Texas’ Rori Harmon
SUMMARY: The Associated Press national player of the week in women’s basketball for Week 4 is No. 2 Texas’ Rori Harmon. She was MVP of the Players Era Championship after leading the Longhorns over then-No. 3 UCLA and No. 2 South Carolina. Against UCLA, Harmon scored 26 points, making 9 of 15 from the field. In Texas’ win over South Carolina, Harmon had nine assists and hit the winning jumper with 0.7 seconds remaining. Audi Crooks of Iowa State was runner-up
WORDS: 249 – MOVED: 12/02/2025 11:30 a.m. CST
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BKC–Player of the Week
Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg is the AP men’s college basketball player of the week
SUMMARY: Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg is The Associated Press men’s college basketball player of the week for Week 4 of the regular season. Lendeborg was named MVP of the Players Era Championship in the third-ranked Wolverines’ dominating run to the title. The 6-foot-9 senior averaged 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, 2.0 steals and 1.3 blocks as Michigan won all three games by at least 30 points, the last two over ranked teams. Lendeborg capped the run with 20 points, 11 rebounds, four steals and two blocks in a 40-point win over No. 11 Gonzaga.
WORDS: 368 – MOVED: 12/02/2025 11:33 a.m. CST
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs-Reid
Andy Reid defiant as Chiefs’ playoff hopes dwindle after Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys
SUMMARY: Chiefs coach Andy Reid is defiant about his team’s playoff chances despite recent setbacks. The reigning AFC champions are 6-6 with five games left. Even if they win them all, they need help to reach the postseason. The Chiefs dropped to the 10th spot in the AFC playoff order after the Steelers lost to the Bills on Sunday. Reid emphasizes a fighting spirit, saying they’ll “go after you every game.” The Chiefs are third in the AFC West and nearly out of the division title race. Penalties and mental mistakes have been major challenges this season. Reid remains focused on the opportunities ahead, beginning Sunday night against Houston.
WORDS: 672 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 1:05 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Peterson
Darryn Peterson could return from hamstring injury for No. 21 Kansas against No. 5 UConn
SUMMARY: Kansas coach Bill Self says Darryn Peterson has looked good in practice while recovering from a hamstring injury. However, he won’t know until Tuesday if the star freshman will play against fifth-ranked UConn that night. Peterson played in the first two games of the season but has missed the last six. Self says if Peterson plays, he will start. Peterson was the nation’s top recruit and is projected as a top NBA draft pick. His return could make it hard for opponents to scout No. 21 Kansas, as their offensive and defensive sets will change with him back in the lineup. Kansas is coming off three wins in three days at the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas.
WORDS: 583 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 1:29 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Commanders Analysis
The Commanders are still without Jayden Daniels but now are losing in overtime instead of blowouts
SUMMARY: So instead of losing over and over by 20-plus points, now the Washington Commanders are losing repeatedly in overtime. The common denominator: They are still failing to win, to the tune of seven consecutive defeats and a 3-9 record. One bit of good news is that Terry McLaurin finally returned to the lineup — and the Commanders could be about to get Jayden Daniels back from injury, too, for next Sunday’s game at the Minnesota Vikings. And at least coach Dan Quinn’s club suddenly is showing that it can be competitive, which hasn’t always been the case and does matter for the future, even if this season is, essentially, over.
WORDS: 796 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 12:36 p.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings-Thielen
Vikings waive wide receiver Adam Thielen to allow veteran to pursue more playing time elsewhere
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have waived wide receiver Adam Thielen to allow the 13-year veteran an opportunity for more playing time elsewhere down the stretch of his expected final NFL season and ending a disappointing return to his original team. Thielen had just eight catches for 69 yards for the Vikings this year and was a healthy scratch for their game Sunday at Seattle. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said Thielen’s agent asked last week for his release so he could find a more significant role with another club. Thielen plans to retire after this season.
WORDS: 498 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 12:14 p.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings Analysis
Vikings realize reasons for reeling offense run much deeper than QB inexperience
SUMMARY: The glaring inexperience at quarterback has ultimately doomed the Minnesota Vikings this season. They’ve got a system-wide mess to address with an offense that was one of the most dynamic and productive in the league just last season. Max Brosmer threw four interceptions in his first career start at Seattle on Sunday. The 26-0 loss was lowlighted by a fourth-and-1 play from the 4-yard line late in the second quarter with the Seahawks leading by a field goal. Brosmer recklessly threw the ball underhanded to try to avoid a sack before it was picked off for an 86-yard return for a touchdown.
WORDS: 850 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 6:11 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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HKN–Bizarre Injuries
Alexey Toropchenko is the latest NHL player to be sidelined by a bizarre off-ice injury
SUMMARY: St. Louis Blues forward Alexey Toropchenko is the latest hockey player to miss time in the NHL because of a bizarre off-ice injury. The team said Toropchenko is considered week to week after sustaining burns to his legs as part of a home accident. No other details were provided. Already this season, New Jersey’s Jack Hughes had surgery to repair a finger injury from an off-night dinner and two-time defending champion Florida’s Eetu Luostarinen has been sidelined with an undisclosed ailment following a barbecuing mishap. These follow Dustin Penner hurting his back eating pancakes, David Pastrnak injuring a thumb after a sponsor dinner and Ilya Samsonov missing the 2020 bubble playoffs because of an all-terrain vehicle crash.
WORDS: 664 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 12:55 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs-Reid
Andy Reid defiant as Chiefs’ playoff hopes dwindle after Thanksgiving loss to the Cowboys
SUMMARY: Chiefs coach Andy Reid is defiant about his team’s playoff chances despite recent setbacks. The reigning AFC champions are 6-6 with five games left. Even if they win them all, they need help to reach the postseason. The Chiefs dropped to the 10th spot in the AFC playoff order after the Steelers lost to the Bills on Sunday. Reid emphasizes a fighting spirit, saying they’ll “go after you every game.” The Chiefs are third in the AFC West and nearly out of the division title race. Penalties and mental mistakes have been major challenges this season. Reid remains focused on the opportunities ahead, beginning Sunday night against Houston.
WORDS: 672 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 1:05 p.m. CST
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BKC–ACC Vs SEC
The ACC is trying to spark men’s basketball. A better showing in the ACC/SEC Challenge would help
SUMMARY: The ACC/SEC Challenge begins this week. It comes with the Southeastern Conference coming off a year with a record 14 bids to the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile the Atlantic Coast Conference has been grappling with how to jumpstart its tradition-rich sport amid a dwindling number of March Madness bids. That included dropping to just four tournament teams last year for its worst showing since 2013. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips has touted investments by league schools and efforts to improve scheduling to bolster postseason resumes. The key is winning marquee games like No. 4 Duke hosting reigning national champion Florida on Tuesday.
WORDS: 945 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 4:43 p.m. CST
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HKN–Blues-Injuries
Blues’ Snuggerud is having wrist surgery and Toropchenko out after burning legs in a home accident
SUMMARY: The St. Louis Blues will be without two forwards for an extended period of time. General manager Doug Armstrong announced Jimmy Snuggerud is having surgery on his injured left wrist and will be re-evaluated in six weeks. Alexey Toropchenko is also considered week to week after sustaining burns to his legs in a home accident, the team said. Aleksanteri Kaskimaki was recalled from Springfield of the American Hockey League in a corresponding roster move. Snuggerud is tied for 10th among NHL rookies in scoring. Toropchenko was ejected from the Blues’ most recent game for injuring Utah’s Logan Cooley with a knee-on-knee hit.
WORDS: 302 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 9:45 a.m. CST
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HKN–Ducks-Blues
McTavish, Mintyukov score early to help Ducks beat Blues 4-1
SUMMARY: Mason McTavish and Pavel Mintyukov each scored first period goals to help the Anaheim Ducks beat the St. Louis Blues 4-1 Monday night. Leo Carlsson also scored, Chris Kreider added an empty-net goal and Ville Husso made 22 saves for Anaheim who successfully killed six St. Louis power plays. Jordan Kyrou scored for St. Louis, and Joel Hofer made 19 saves in relief of Jordan Binnington. Binnington allowed two goals on five shots before being pulled after Mintyukov scored with 9:36 remaining in the first period.
WORDS: 321 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 9:44 p.m. CST
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HKN–Blues-Walker
Blues say Walker is out long term and trade Alexandrov to the Kings for Thomas
SUMMARY: The St. Louis Blues will be without the services of another forward for an extended period of time. Nathan Walker is expected to miss at least eight weeks with what the team called an upper-body injury. Rookie Jimmy Snuggerud is out six weeks to recover from surgery on his left wrist. Alexey Toropchenko is considered week to week after sustaining burns to his legs in a home accident. St. Louis on Tuesday also made a trade of minor league forwards, sending Nikita Alexandrov to Los Angeles for Akil Thomas.
WORDS: 165 – MOVED: 12/02/2025 11:24 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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FBC–Nebraska-Butler Fired
Struggle to stop the run leads to Nebraska defensive coordinator John Butler’s firing after 1 season
SUMMARY: Nebraska first-year defensive coordinator John Butler has been fired after the Cornhuskers lost four of their last six games and struggled all season to stop the run. Coach Matt Rhule named associate head coach Phil Snow the interim defensive coordinator for the Huskers’ bowl game and said he hoped to hire a permanent replacement for Butler in coming weeks. Butler was secondary coach and pass game coordinator in 2024. The Huskers are 14th in the Big Ten in rushing defense and have one of the worst red-zone defenses in the country.
WORDS: 349 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 12:47 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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BKC–ACC Vs SEC
The ACC is trying to spark men’s basketball. A better showing in the ACC/SEC Challenge would help
SUMMARY: The ACC/SEC Challenge begins this week. It comes with the Southeastern Conference coming off a year with a record 14 bids to the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile the Atlantic Coast Conference has been grappling with how to jumpstart its tradition-rich sport amid a dwindling number of March Madness bids. That included dropping to just four tournament teams last year for its worst showing since 2013. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips has touted investments by league schools and efforts to improve scheduling to bolster postseason resumes. The key is winning marquee games like No. 4 Duke hosting reigning national champion Florida on Tuesday.
WORDS: 945 – MOVED: 12/01/2025 4:43 p.m. CST
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SOF–AUSL Draft-Brady’s Niece
Tom Brady’s niece, former UCLA star shortstop Maya Brady, taken first in softball expansion draft
SUMMARY: Tom Brady’s niece, former UCLA star shortstop Maya Brady, was selected by the Oklahoma City Spark with the top pick in the Athletes Unlimited Softball League’s expansion and allocation drafts. The Cascade took former University of Oklahoma pitcher Sam Landry at No. 2. The Cascade picked former Oklahoma and Oklahoma State pitcher Kelly Maxwell as the top pick in the allocation draft. Former Sooner Kinzie Hansen went to the Spark at No. 2, and another former Oklahoma star, Jayda Coleman, went to the Talons at No. 3.
WORDS: 195 – MOVED: 12/02/2025 11:38 a.m. CST
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