Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Election-2026-Iowa-Senate
GOP congresswoman joins 2026 Iowa Senate race after Sen. Joni Ernst confirms she won’t run
SUMMARY: U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst is not seeking reelection next year. Ernst says she will retire after two terms in an announcement that followed months of speculation about her plans. Ernst’s departure opens up a Senate seat in the state known for its long-serving incumbents. It is another unexpected retirement for Senate Republicans as they work to maintain their majority in the chamber, and it could have ripple effects down the ballot. Ashley Hinson, the congresswoman representing northeastern Iowa, said in a same-day announcement that she is seeking the party’s nomination for Ernst’s seat. That could complicate Republicans’ efforts to maintain their majority in the other chamber.
WORDS: 858 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 12:10 p.m. CDT
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US–Powerball Jackpot
A $1.4B Powerball jackpot is up for grabs after 40 drawings without a winner
SUMMARY: An estimated $1.4 billion lottery jackpot will be up for grabs after dozens of drawings without a big winner. The massive Powerball prize is the sixth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot. It’s the result of 40 consecutive drawings without anyone matching all of the game’s six numbers. The 41st drawing on Wednesday night will be just one fewer than the record set last year. All of that losing stems from Powerball’s abysmal odds of 1 in 292.2 million. The $1.4 billion jackpot is for a winner who opts to receive 30 payments over 29 years through an annuity. The game’s cash option would pay out an estimated $634.3 million.
WORDS: 192 – MOVED: 09/03/2025 9:16 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–School-Shooting-Minneapolis
Gov. Tim Walz to call special session on gun laws after Minneapolis school shooting
SUMMARY: Governor Tim Walz plans to call a special session of the Minnesota Legislature to consider tougher gun laws after last week’s shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis. The shooting left two children dead and 21 people injured. Walz said Tuesday he intends to propose a comprehensive package, possibly including an assault weapons ban. However, passing new restrictions may be challenging in the closely divided Legislature. GOP leaders have criticized Walz for not consulting them. They suggest expanding school security funding and mental health resources instead. Walz says his proposals will protect students without infringing on Second Amendment rights.
WORDS: 741 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 12:38 p.m. CDT
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US–Education-Immigration-College Students
Students in the US illegally see college pathways close as Trump targets tuition breaks
SUMMARY: Across the country, tens of thousands of college students without legal status are losing access to in-state tuition as part of an immigration crackdown carried out by President Donald Trump and his allies. In Florida, state lawmakers revoked a 2014 law that let residents who are in the country illegally qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. A Texas law gave college students without legal residency access to in-state tuition for decades before a federal judge blocked it. The Justice Department has been suing states to end tuition breaks, starting with Texas in June, followed by Kentucky, Minnesota and Oklahoma.
WORDS: 1027 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 11:04 p.m. CDT
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US–School Shooting-Minneapolis
VP Vance meets with families of schoolchildren after church shooting in Minneapolis
SUMMARY: Vice President JD Vance is visiting Minneapolis to meet with families affected by a church shooting. The attack at Annunciation Catholic Church left two schoolchildren dead and 21 people injured. Security is heightened for Vance’s visit, which comes a week after the tragedy. The shooter died by suicide after firing into the church during Mass. Authorities say they have not found a clear motive but that the shooter had connections to the school. The school and church have not announced when classes or regular worship will resume. The church held its Masses in the school gym last weekend.
WORDS: 565 – MOVED: 09/03/2025 11:38 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US–Election 2026-Redistricting-What to Know
Missouri takes up Trump’s redistricting effort in Republican push to win more US House seats
SUMMARY: Missouri lawmakers are meeting in a special session to redraw the state’s U.S. House districts. The session that began Wednesday is part of President Donald Trump’s push to help Republicans retain control of Congress in next year’s elections. Missouri is the third state to pursue mid-decade redistricting for partisan advantage, following Texas and California. Republicans currently hold six of Missouri’s eight congressional seats. A revised map proposed by Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe could give Republicans a chance to win seven seats in next year’s elections. More states may follow with their own redistricting efforts.
WORDS: 842 – MOVED: 09/03/2025 6:01 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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NE–Dairy Plant-Violations
Nebraska dairy plant racked up hundreds of violations. The city of Norfolk finally had enough.
SUMMARY: The expansion of a Nebraska dairy processing plant has been a blessing for local dairy farmers, but it has also led to complaints of strong odors, dairy spills and repeated violations of local and state rules. Norfolk city staff says the Actus Nutrition plant has violated its agreement with the wastewater treatment plant nearly 300 times. Actus says it is committed to working with Norfolk to develop a long-term solution. The Norfolk City Council passed an amendment last month that drastically increased the fines Actus must pay if it continues to violate local wastewater rules. City staff and elected officials said they are cautiously optimistic and that communication with the company has already improved.
WORDS: 2217 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 3:45 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Education-Immigration-College Students
Students in the US illegally see college pathways close as Trump targets tuition breaks
SUMMARY: Across the country, tens of thousands of college students without legal status are losing access to in-state tuition as part of an immigration crackdown carried out by President Donald Trump and his allies. In Florida, state lawmakers revoked a 2014 law that let residents who are in the country illegally qualify for in-state tuition at public colleges and universities. A Texas law gave college students without legal residency access to in-state tuition for decades before a federal judge blocked it. The Justice Department has been suing states to end tuition breaks, starting with Texas in June, followed by Kentucky, Minnesota and Oklahoma.
WORDS: 1027 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 11:04 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big 12 at 30
Big 12 in 30 seasons has gotten bigger, and finishes better than it started in Week 1
SUMMARY: The Big 12 is in its 30th football season, 20 years after its last national championship. Like so many 30-year-olds, the league has been through plenty of ups and downs while getting bigger along the way. There have already been some this season. TCU’s 48-14 win to spoil coach Bill Belichick’s much-anticipated debut at North Carolina provided the 16-team Big 12 with a much better finish to Week 1 than how it began. The league had lost its first three games against Power Four opponents: Cincinnati at Nebraska, then Colorado and Baylor at home.
WORDS: 873 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 3:48 p.m. CDT
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BKC–Obit-Raveling
Basketball Hall of Famer George Raveling, who influenced Michael Jordan’s Nike deal, dies at 88
SUMMARY: Hall of Fame basketball coach George Raveling has died. He was 88. Raveling’s family says he “faced cancer with courage and grace.” He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015 and had a career record of 335-293 from 1972 to 1994. He coached at Washington State, Iowa and Southern California. Raveling was instrumental in convincing Michael Jordan to sign with Nike, leading to a landmark contract. He also owned the original copy of Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, which he donated to Villanova in 2021.
WORDS: 646 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 12:15 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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FBC–Big 12 at 30
Big 12 in 30 seasons has gotten bigger, and finishes better than it started in Week 1
SUMMARY: The Big 12 is in its 30th football season, 20 years after its last national championship. Like so many 30-year-olds, the league has been through plenty of ups and downs while getting bigger along the way. There have already been some this season. TCU’s 48-14 win to spoil coach Bill Belichick’s much-anticipated debut at North Carolina provided the 16-team Big 12 with a much better finish to Week 1 than how it began. The league had lost its first three games against Power Four opponents: Cincinnati at Nebraska, then Colorado and Baylor at home.
WORDS: 873 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 3:48 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Angels-Trout Scratched
Mike Trout scratched from Angels’ lineup with skin infection on left arm
SUMMARY: Mike Trout was scratched from the Los Angeles Angels’ starting lineup against the Kansas City Royals because of a skin infection on his left arm. The three-time AL MVP will be re-evaluated Wednesday and is day-to-day. Trout was originally penciled in as the designated hitter but was removed from the lineup less than an hour before first pitch. Jo Adell was switched from right field to DH, and Chris Taylor was inserted in right field. Trout is batting .231 with 20 home runs and 54 RBIs. He’s two homers shy of 400 for his career, and his 1,008 RBIs rank third in franchise history.
WORDS: 188 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 7:05 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Angels-Royals
Farris wins MLB debut and Adell hits 2-run homer as Angels beat Royals 5-1
SUMMARY: Mitch Farris pitched five effective innings to win his major league debut and Jo Adell hit a two-run homer that helped the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1. Adell finished with three hits and Oswald Peraza had an RBI double for the Angels, who scratched star slugger Mike Trout less than an hour before the game because of a skin infection. Trout will be re-evaluated Wednesday and is day-to-day. Kansas City remained 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the last American League wild card.
WORDS: 293 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 9:40 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Going Hollywood
Marquise Brown’s long-awaited return: Chiefs wide receiver set for season opener in Brazil
SUMMARY: Wide receiver Marquise Brown has been eagerly anticipating the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil. More than 13 months ago, he injured his shoulder in his first preseason game with the Chiefs. Although he returned for a couple of games last season, his impact was minimal due to recovery and lack of practice. The Chiefs need him, especially with Rashee Rice suspended and Jalen Royals injured. Brown has struggled with injuries throughout his career but is now healthy and ready to make an impact. Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are confident in him.
WORDS: 749 – MOVED: 09/03/2025 11:39 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BKL–Around the WNBA
As WNBA regular season comes down to final days, playoff picture is still muddled
SUMMARY: The playoff picture in the WNBA is unclear with nine days remaining in the regular season. Minnesota has clinched home-court advantage throughout the postseason. Everything else is to be determined. Las Vegas, Atlanta and Phoenix are within a half-game of each other for the 2-3-4 seeds heading into Tuesday night. New York is two games behind the second-place Aces and Dream. Golden State is currently in sixth place, looking to become the first expansion team to make the postseason in its inaugural year.
WORDS: 537 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 1:42 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Bears-Johnson
Bears cornerback Johnson hopes to be ready for opener against Vikings, won’t make any guarantees
SUMMARY: Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson hopes to be ready for the season opener against the Minnesota Vikings at Soldier Field on Monday night. He just wasn’t ready to make any promises after missing all of training camp because of a groin injury he suffered while working out in the summer. Johnson says he’s “doing everything I can to play.” Johnson expected to be cleared to return to practice on Tuesday, when the Bears held more of a walkthrough. Whether he’ll play against Minnesota and an offense featuring one of the NFL’s best receivers in Justin Jefferson largely hinges on how he responds this week.
WORDS: 732 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 3:05 p.m. CDT
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BBO–White Sox-Twins
Benintendi’s two-HR, four-hit day propels White Sox past Twins
SUMMARY: Andrew Benintendi went 4 for 5 with two homers and five RBIs as the Chicago White Sox beat the Minnesota Twins 12-3. Kyle Teel and Lenyn Sosa also homered and Brooks Baldwin had three hits for the White Sox, who have won three in a row. Davis Martin (6-9) won his third straight decision, giving up three runs on six hits in six innings. Twins starter Simeon Woods Richardson struck out seven and gave up two earned run in five innings. In 39 career games at Target Field, Benintendi is hitting .344 with 11 home runs and 31 RBIs.
WORDS: 304 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 9:42 p.m. CDT
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BKO–Hall of Fame-Women
Bird, Fowles and Moore: The most dominant Hall of Fame class in women’s basketball history?
SUMMARY: The trio of Sue Bird, Sylvia Fowles and Maya Moore will be the most dominant class of women’s basketball players to ever enter the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame when they are enshrined this weekend. From Olympic gold medals to WNBA championships and record-setting milestones, as a group, there is no equal. They have combined to win 11 Olympic gold medals, more than any other class ever to enter the Hall of Fame. In the WNBA, the trio were part of 10 WNBA championships with Bird winning four in Seattle and Moore capturing four in Minnesota. Fowles was a big part of the last two with Moore and the Lynx.
WORDS: 959 – MOVED: 09/03/2025 12:17 a.m. CDT
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HKO–US Hockey Hall Of Fame
Joe Pavelski, Zach Parise and Scott Gomez headline the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2025
SUMMARY: Longtime NHL players Joe Pavelski, Zach Parise and Scott Gomez headline the United States Hockey Hall of Fame class of 2025. Olympic gold medal-winning women’s defender Tara Mounsey and photographer Bruce Bennett are also set to be enshrined at a ceremony in St. Paul, Minnesota. Gomez became the league’s first player from Alaska and won the Stanley Cup twice. He, Pavelski and Parise combined to play 53 seasons and all represented the U.S. at the Olympics. Mounsey helped the U.S. win the first women’s hockey gold medal at the Games in 1998 and was part of the team that reached the final in 2002.
WORDS: 211 – MOVED: 09/03/2025 11:21 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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SOC–US-Sargent
Josh Sargent hopes to end 6-year international scoring drought, aims for World Cup roster spot
SUMMARY: Josh Sargent could end a long international goal drought when the U.S. plays South Korea on Saturday. Instead of focusing on the dry spell, Sargent is concentrating on his strong start with Norwich in England’s League Championship. The 25-year-old has scored six goals in five games. Sargent joined Werder Bremen in 2018 and later moved to Norwich, where he struggled with injuries but made three World Cup appearances in 2022. Sargent and others are competing for World Cup roster spots under coach Mauricio Pochettino, who replaced Gregg Berhalter last fall.
WORDS: 768 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 1:32 p.m. CDT
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US–NCAA-Redshirt Lawsuit
Handful of college athletes sue NCAA over redshirt rule in case that could cover thousands
SUMMARY: Vanderbilt linebacker Langston Patterson and former Hawaii quarterback Brayden Schager are among 10 plaintiffs suing the NCAA over its redshirt rule that puts restrictions on the five years the athletes have to practice, play and graduate from college. The class action lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee alleges the NCAA violates U.S. antitrust laws with how its redshirt rule covers playing time for athletes during five seasons of eligibility. The lawsuit includes seven other named plaintiffs and potentially thousands of current and former NCAA football, baseball and tennis players.
WORDS: 802 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 7:06 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Angels-Trout Scratched
Mike Trout scratched from Angels’ lineup with skin infection on left arm
SUMMARY: Mike Trout was scratched from the Los Angeles Angels’ starting lineup against the Kansas City Royals because of a skin infection on his left arm. The three-time AL MVP will be re-evaluated Wednesday and is day-to-day. Trout was originally penciled in as the designated hitter but was removed from the lineup less than an hour before first pitch. Jo Adell was switched from right field to DH, and Chris Taylor was inserted in right field. Trout is batting .231 with 20 home runs and 54 RBIs. He’s two homers shy of 400 for his career, and his 1,008 RBIs rank third in franchise history.
WORDS: 188 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 7:05 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Angels-Royals
Farris wins MLB debut and Adell hits 2-run homer as Angels beat Royals 5-1
SUMMARY: Mitch Farris pitched five effective innings to win his major league debut and Jo Adell hit a two-run homer that helped the Los Angeles Angels defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1. Adell finished with three hits and Oswald Peraza had an RBI double for the Angels, who scratched star slugger Mike Trout less than an hour before the game because of a skin infection. Trout will be re-evaluated Wednesday and is day-to-day. Kansas City remained 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the last American League wild card.
WORDS: 293 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 9:40 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Going Hollywood
Marquise Brown’s long-awaited return: Chiefs wide receiver set for season opener in Brazil
SUMMARY: Wide receiver Marquise Brown has been eagerly anticipating the Kansas City Chiefs’ season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil. More than 13 months ago, he injured his shoulder in his first preseason game with the Chiefs. Although he returned for a couple of games last season, his impact was minimal due to recovery and lack of practice. The Chiefs need him, especially with Rashee Rice suspended and Jalen Royals injured. Brown has struggled with injuries throughout his career but is now healthy and ready to make an impact. Coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes are confident in him.
WORDS: 749 – MOVED: 09/03/2025 11:39 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–Big 12 at 30
Big 12 in 30 seasons has gotten bigger, and finishes better than it started in Week 1
SUMMARY: The Big 12 is in its 30th football season, 20 years after its last national championship. Like so many 30-year-olds, the league has been through plenty of ups and downs while getting bigger along the way. There have already been some this season. TCU’s 48-14 win to spoil coach Bill Belichick’s much-anticipated debut at North Carolina provided the 16-team Big 12 with a much better finish to Week 1 than how it began. The league had lost its first three games against Power Four opponents: Cincinnati at Nebraska, then Colorado and Baylor at home.
WORDS: 873 – MOVED: 09/02/2025 3:48 p.m. CDT
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FBC–T25-Oklahoma Identity
Venables, Oklahoma could take major step forward vs. fellow blue blood Michigan
SUMMARY: Brent Venables returned to Oklahoma as head coach before the 2022 season hoping to bring the Sooners back to a championship level, but they have posted two losing campaigns during his three years. Oklahoma remains historically great, but Venables acknowledges that the Sooners haven’t been up to standard lately. As Oklahoma has struggled, a consistent on-field identity has yet to be established. A home game against No. 15 Michigan gives Venables a chance to take a major step forward in setting the tone for the program.
WORDS: 881 – MOVED: 09/03/2025 12:15 a.m. CDT
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