Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–United States-Syria-Troops
Trump will go to Delaware for the dignified transfer of the 2 National Guard members killed in Syria
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump will go to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday for a dignified transfer for the two Iowa National Guard members killed in an attack in the Syrian desert. The guardsmen killed Saturday were 25-year-old Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar, of Des Moines, and 29-year-old Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard, of Marshalltown. Both were members of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment. A U.S. civilian working as an interpreter, identified Tuesday as Ayad Mansoor Sakat of Macomb, Michigan, was also killed. The ritual honoring U.S. service members killed in action is one of the most solemn duties undertaken by the commander in chief.
WORDS: 621 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 1:19 p.m. CST
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ENT–Tennessee Williams
Haunted house and invisible demons: Tennessee Williams’ early radio play ‘The Strangers’ publishes
SUMMARY: Tennessee Williams’ early radio play, “The Strangers,” is featured in The Strand this week. Written in the late 1930s while Williams was a student at the University of Iowa, the play showcases classic radio horror elements like storms and spectral beings. Strand managing editor Andrew Gulli says the play also hints at themes Williams would explore in later works, such as isolation and the blurred lines between imagination and reality. Williams scholar John Bak notes that Williams wrote radio dramas for both commercial reasons and personal exploration, influenced by his sister’s mental health struggles.
WORDS: 503 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 12:01 a.m. CST
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US–Trump-Troops-Syria
Trump will witness the dignified transfer of 2 National Guardsmen and an interpreter killed in Syria
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump is traveling to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware for the dignified transfer of two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian who were killed in an attack in Syria. The ritual Wednesday honors the fallen U.S. service members. Trump was at Dover for several dignified transfers in his first term. He once described this duty as “the toughest thing I have to do” as president. The Army says Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard of Iowa died in Saturday’s attack. They were among hundreds of U.S. troops deployed in eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the Islamic State group.
WORDS: 730 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 11:07 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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US–Aviation Safety
FAA head vows to maintain safety measures implemented after tragic DC plane crash
SUMMARY: The head of the Federal Aviation Administration says he won’t forget the 67 people who died when an airliner collided with an Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., in January. Bryan Bedford says he won’t allow operations in the airspace over the nation’s capital to revert back to the way they were before the crash. Bedford gave the House aviation subcommittee an update on a number of key concerns about his agency. Provisions in a major defense bill have been widely criticized by safety experts who say they will make flying riskier.
WORDS: 1012 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 3:06 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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US–Automotive Investigation-Security
Hyundai and Kia will repair millions of vehicles under a deal to fix anti-theft technology
SUMMARY: Automakers Hyundai and Kia have reached a settlement with dozens of states over anti-theft technology in models of their vehicles. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison announced the settlement Tuesday. In 2021, TikTok and social media videos showed how easily Hyundai and Kia models could be exploited and stolen with as little as a screwdriver and a USB cable, leading to skyrocketing car thefts throughout the country. Ellison’s office says that under the settlement, the companies will offer a free fix to all eligible vehicles at a cost that could top $500 million.
WORDS: 484 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 12:49 p.m. CST
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US–Slavery Reparations-Maryland
Maryland to consider slavery reparations after Gov. Wes Moore’s veto is overridden
SUMMARY: Maryland will create a commission to study potential slavery reparations in the state, after lawmakers overrode a veto by Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. The General Assembly voted in a brief special session Tuesday to override a veto by the nation’s only Black governor currently in office. Moore had disappointed many lawmakers in the heavily Democratic state when he vetoed the legislation in May. Moore said now isn’t the time for another study, and called for delivering results instead. But Democrats who control both chambers of the legislature felt the commission was needed to better examine how to do that.
WORDS: 717 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 3:37 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US–Transcontinental Railroad Merger
2 big rail unions oppose $85B Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger over safety and cost concerns
SUMMARY: The proposed $85 billion merger of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads has lost the support of two unions that represent more than half their workers. The unions representing engineers and maintenance workers worry the deal will jeopardize safety and jobs, and lead to higher shipping rates and consumer prices. They are now among the most prominent critics of this deal. But the deal does have the support of the nation’s largest rail union that represents conductors and hundreds of individual shippers. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board will weigh the opinions of all stakeholders to determine if the merger is in the public interest.
WORDS: 911 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 10:55 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Transcontinental Railroad Merger
2 big rail unions oppose $85B Union Pacific-Norfolk Southern merger over safety and cost concerns
SUMMARY: The proposed $85 billion merger of the Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads has lost the support of two unions that represent more than half their workers. The unions representing engineers and maintenance workers worry the deal will jeopardize safety and jobs, and lead to higher shipping rates and consumer prices. They are now among the most prominent critics of this deal. But the deal does have the support of the nation’s largest rail union that represents conductors and hundreds of individual shippers. The U.S. Surface Transportation Board will weigh the opinions of all stakeholders to determine if the merger is in the public interest.
WORDS: 911 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 10:55 p.m. CST
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US–Medicaid-Work Requirements
Nebraska plans to be the first state to implement Trump’s new Medicaid work requirements
SUMMARY: Nebraska plans to be the first state to implement new work requirements for some Medicaid recipients. President Donald Trump signed a tax and policy law earlier this year that requires states to start enforcing the requirements for the Medicaid expansion population by the start of 2027. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says it will take effect there in May. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office expects the number of people without insurance to grow as a result of the policy, which requires some people covered by the program to work, be in school or volunteer at least 80 hours a month.
WORDS: 588 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 10:58 a.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BBO–Blue Jays-Ponce
Blue Jays newcomer Cody Ponce takes page from playbook of his brother-in-law, NFL star George Kittle
SUMMARY: After a short and unsuccessful stint in the major leagues, Cody Ponce was pitching in Asia and still trying to find a mental approach that worked for him on the mound. So he started emulating his brother-in-law, NFL star George Kittle. That led to a huge turnaround for Ponce and a $30 million, three-year contract with the AL champion Toronto Blue Jays this offseason. Ponce says watching Kittle, the spirited San Francisco 49ers tight end, play football helped him bring out his “inner child again.” A journeyman career changed dramatically in 2025 as Ponce went 17-1 over 29 starts with the Hanwha Eagles in South Korea. He had 252 strikeouts and a 1.89 ERA, helping him win the MVP award in the KBO.
WORDS: 725 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 2:12 a.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BBO–Royals-Garcia
All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia and Kansas City Royals finalize $57.5 million, 5-year contract
SUMMARY: All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia and the Kansas City Royals have finalized a $57.5 million, five-year contract. Kansas City scheduled a Wednesday news conference to discuss the deal, which includes a team option for 2031. The agreement essentially buys out his arbitration years and potentially his first two years of free agency. The 25-year-old Garcia is coming off a breakout season both in the field, where he won his first Gold Glove playing alongside All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and at the plate, where he hit .286 with a career-high 16 homers and 74 RBIs.
WORDS: 358 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 8:58 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Towson-Kansas
Flory Bidunga has 18 points and 10 rebounds as No. 17 Kansas beats Towson 73-49
SUMMARY: Flory Bidunga had 18 points and 10 rebounds to lead No. 17 Kansas to a 73-49 victory over Towson. Tre White had 16 points and a career-high six assists for the Jayhawks. Melvin Council, coming off a career-best 36-point performance in Saturday’s overtime win over N.C. State, added 15 points. Kansas improved to 273-9 at home against unranked opponents under coach Bill Self. Dylan Williamson scored 19 points for Towson, which never led.
WORDS: 352 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 10:30 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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HKN–Capitals-Wild
Kaprizov, Tarasenko, Gustavsson help Wild stay hot with 5-0 victory over Capitals
SUMMARY: Vladimir Tarasenko had two goals and an assist, Filip Gustavsson made 25 saves, and Kirill Kaprizov became Minnesota’s career leader in power-play goals in the Wild’s 5-0 win over the Washington Capitals. The Wild are an NHL-best 17-3-2 since Nov. 1 and 3-0 since acquiring defenseman Quinn Hughes on Friday. Kaprizov’s backhand score with 7:09 left in the second period moved him past Zach Parise for the club’s career lead in power-play goals with 70. With his third shutout of the season, Gustavsson is tied for second in the league in shutouts. Charlie Lindgren made 27 saves for the Capitals.
WORDS: 325 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 9:59 p.m. CST
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FBC–Division II All-America Team
Five finalists for Harlon Hill Trophy are on AP Division II All-America football teams
SUMMARY: Five of the eight finalists for the Harlon Hill Trophy are represented on The Associated Press Division II All-America football teams. Quarterbacks Jack Strand of MSU Moorhead, Gavin Sukup of UIndy and Drew Nash of Western Colorado along with running backs Curtis Allen of Virginia Union and Andrew Miller of Harding are up for the award that will be presented Friday to the nation’s outstanding Division II player. Repeat selections are Nash, Slippery Rock offensive lineman Joe Cooper, CSU Pueblo receiver Reggie Retzlaff, Hillsdale all-purpose player Shea Ruddy, Harding linebacker Clark Griffin and Western Colorado defensive lineman Ricky Freymond.
WORDS: 926 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 5:36 p.m. CST
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BBO–Twins-Ownership
Twins change lead owner from one Pohlad to another, as 3 new investor groups become limited partners
SUMMARY: Minnesota Twins ownership has finalized the purchase of portions of the franchise by three different investors. The limited partnerships were sought by the Pohlad family for a fresh infusion of cash and strategy after deciding recently to retain control of the club. The Twins also announced a plan to make Tom Pohlad the controlling owner and primary liaison to the league in place of his younger brother, Joe Pohlad. Major League Baseball approved the acquisition of non-controlling minority interests in the Twins by a family-run New York venture capital, a group of Minnesota business leaders, and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold.
WORDS: 586 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 11:36 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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BKC–Kansas City-Oklahoma
Brown’s 21 points help Sooners past Kansas City 89-67
SUMMARY: Xzayvier Brown scored 21 points as the Sooners rolled past Kansas City 89-67 on Tuesday, opening a four-game homestand with a convincing win. Derrion Reid added 15 points and Mohamed Wague finished with 11 as Oklahoma (8-3) remained unbeaten at home. Nijel Pack chipped in 15 points and four assists, and the Sooners had five players in double figures while shooting 50% from the field. Oklahoma set the tone early, building a 54-27 halftime lead behind efficient offense and defensive pressure that forced Kansas City into 16 turnovers. The Sooners also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Roos 42-34 and limiting second-chance opportunities. Kansas City was paced by Karmello Branch, who scored 23 points and connected on six 3-pointers.
WORDS: 287 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 8:13 p.m. CST
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BBO–Royals-Garcia
All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia and Kansas City Royals finalize $57.5 million, 5-year contract
SUMMARY: All-Star third baseman Maikel Garcia and the Kansas City Royals have finalized a $57.5 million, five-year contract. Kansas City scheduled a Wednesday news conference to discuss the deal, which includes a team option for 2031. The agreement essentially buys out his arbitration years and potentially his first two years of free agency. The 25-year-old Garcia is coming off a breakout season both in the field, where he won his first Gold Glove playing alongside All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and at the plate, where he hit .286 with a career-high 16 homers and 74 RBIs.
WORDS: 358 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 8:58 p.m. CST
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BKC–Oral Roberts-Missouri State
Palek’s game-winner leads Missouri State over Oral Roberts, 63-62
SUMMARY: Keith Palek III scored the game-winning layup with four seconds left and racked up 27 total points to lead the Missouri State Bears past the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles 63-62 on Tuesday. The Bears are now 5-5 on the season, while the Golden Eagles fell to 5-8.
WORDS: 144 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 9:55 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BOX–Crawford Retires
Terence Crawford, boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighter, retires on top with 42-0 record
SUMMARY: Terence Crawford has announced his retirement from boxing. The 38-year-old is going out on top, having claimed the title of best pound-four-pound boxer with a convincing victory over Canelo Alvarez in September. Crawford is the only male boxer to capture three unified division titles, which he accomplished with that unanimous decision over Alvarez before 70,482 fans at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. That gave Crawford the super middleweight championship and a 42-0 record with 31 knockouts. His final 20 bouts came with a belt on the line. In a video released Tuesday, Crawford says he’s at peace with his decision.
WORDS: 260 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 9:18 p.m. CST
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BKC–York College (NE)-Omaha
Waddles’ 25 help Omaha knock off York (NE) 105-58
SUMMARY: Led by Lance Waddles’ 25 points, the Omaha Mavericks defeated the York (NE) Panthers 105-58 on Tuesday. The Mavericks are now 6-7 on the season.
WORDS: 114 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 9:41 p.m. CST
https://newsroom.ap.org/detail/WaddleshelpOmahaknockoffYorkNE/7ed5adb05c5b42f48d4b0c21d6c5000e/text
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–CFP-Blue Blood Coaches
Oklahoma’s Venables, Alabama’s DeBoer overcome critics, lead blue blood programs to the playoff
SUMMARY: Oklahoma’s Brent Venables and Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer have experienced the ups and downs of leading major college football programs. Both replaced successful coaches, with DeBoer taking over for Nick Saban and Venables following Lincoln Riley. On Friday night, eighth-seeded Oklahoma will host ninth-seeded Alabama in a College Football Playoff matchup. Venables acknowledges facing criticism but believes the journey is worth it. Oklahoma’s defense and special teams have been key this season. DeBoer, who replaced Saban, has also faced challenges but remains committed to Alabama, dismissing rumors about other coaching opportunities.
WORDS: 777 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 2:37 p.m. CST
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BKC–Kansas City-Oklahoma
Brown’s 21 points help Sooners past Kansas City 89-67
SUMMARY: Xzayvier Brown scored 21 points as the Sooners rolled past Kansas City 89-67 on Tuesday, opening a four-game homestand with a convincing win. Derrion Reid added 15 points and Mohamed Wague finished with 11 as Oklahoma (8-3) remained unbeaten at home. Nijel Pack chipped in 15 points and four assists, and the Sooners had five players in double figures while shooting 50% from the field. Oklahoma set the tone early, building a 54-27 halftime lead behind efficient offense and defensive pressure that forced Kansas City into 16 turnovers. The Sooners also controlled the glass, outrebounding the Roos 42-34 and limiting second-chance opportunities. Kansas City was paced by Karmello Branch, who scored 23 points and connected on six 3-pointers.
WORDS: 287 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 8:13 p.m. CST
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BKC–Oral Roberts-Missouri State
Palek’s game-winner leads Missouri State over Oral Roberts, 63-62
SUMMARY: Keith Palek III scored the game-winning layup with four seconds left and racked up 27 total points to lead the Missouri State Bears past the Oral Roberts Golden Eagles 63-62 on Tuesday. The Bears are now 5-5 on the season, while the Golden Eagles fell to 5-8.
WORDS: 144 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 9:55 p.m. CST
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