Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Election-2026-Redistricting-Other-States
Where states stand in the battle for partisan advantage in US House redistricting maps
SUMMARY: Lawmakers in Missouri are the latest to try to draw a new U.S. House map for the 2026 election that could enhance the Republican Party’s numbers in Congress. The Missouri House on Tuesday passed revised districts giving Republican a chance at winning almost all of the state’s congressional seats. The plan still needs approval from the Missouri Senate. An emerging national redistricting trend began in Texas, at the behest of President Donald Trump, to try to keep GOP control of the House next year. California Democrats responded with their own map to help Democrats, though it still needs voter approval.
WORDS: 1040 – MOVED: 09/04/2025 12:27 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US–Election-2026-Redistricting-Other-States
Where states stand in the battle for partisan advantage in US House redistricting maps
SUMMARY: Lawmakers in Missouri are the latest to try to draw a new U.S. House map for the 2026 election that could enhance the Republican Party’s numbers in Congress. The Missouri House on Tuesday passed revised districts giving Republican a chance at winning almost all of the state’s congressional seats. The plan still needs approval from the Missouri Senate. An emerging national redistricting trend began in Texas, at the behest of President Donald Trump, to try to keep GOP control of the House next year. California Democrats responded with their own map to help Democrats, though it still needs voter approval.
WORDS: 1040 – MOVED: 09/04/2025 12:27 p.m. CDT
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US–US Steel-Granite City
US Steel to end steel production at Illinois plant but no layoffs
SUMMARY: U.S. Steel will stop processing steel slabs at its Granite City Works plant in Illinois, three months after Nippon Steel sealed a deal with President Donald Trump to buy the iconic American steelmaker. In a statement, the Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel said Tuesday that it’ll “optimize” its operations by focusing on processing raw steel at facilities in Pennsylvania and Indiana. It’ll end its production work at Granite City Works, likely in November, but it says it’ll keep paying the 800 workers there. They’ll keep their jobs at least until 2027, as a result of a national security agreement between Trump and Nippon Steel that allowed its buyout of U.S. Steel to go forward.
WORDS: 518 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 1:42 p.m. CDT
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US–Election 2026 Redistricting
Missouri Republicans advance Trump-backed plan to redraw US House districts
SUMMARY: Missouri’s Republican-led House has passed a plan to redraw the state’s congressional districts at the urging of President Donald Trump. The plan approved Tuesday now moves to the state Senate and could give Republicans a shot at winning almost all of Missouri’s U.S. House seats. The mid-decade redistricting is part of an emerging national trend, following similar efforts in Republican-led Texas and Democratic-led California. Missouri’s plan targets a Kansas City district held by a Democratic congressman by stretching it into rural Republican areas and reducing its minority voters. The Missouri NAACP has sued to try to stop the special legislative session.
WORDS: 894 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 1:01 p.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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SD–Lakota Music Project
Lakota Music Project to take program on tour this fall
SUMMARY: The Lakota Music Project will travel South Dakota for its Shared Vision Tour in October and give communities across the state a chance to hear a violin and a cello played alongside a Lakota drum and singers. The initiative of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra began as a “conviction” of Delta David Gier, music director of the symphony. The concert is split into two parts with individual performances from both groups followed by collaborative performances. The tour begins Oct. 13 and has six stops, half of which are on reservations.
WORDS: 1125 – MOVED: 09/10/2025 12:27 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big Ten-Scheduling
Big Ten’s weak slate this week raises questions about nonconference scheduling strategies
SUMMARY: The Big Ten’s lackluster schedule this week exemplifies a problem facing the conference. Not enough teams are testing themselves outside of league play. Six Big Ten schools are facing Championship Subdivision programs this week. One-third of the league’s 18 members aren’t playing any nonconference games against Power Four schools or Notre Dame this season. Michigan, Southern California, UCLA and Wisconsin are the only Big Ten teams that don’t have an FCS school on their schedule.
WORDS: 1074 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 2:16 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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BBO–Royals-Guardians
Joey Cantillo pitches 8 innings, José Ramírez homers as Guardians beat Royals 2-0
SUMMARY: Joey Cantillo allowed four hits in a career-best eight-plus innings, José Ramírez homered, doubled and scored twice, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory. Cantillo (5-3) struck out five and didn’t issue a walk. Cade Smith pitched a scoreless ninth for his 12th save for the Guardians, who entered play 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the final wild-card spot. Ramírez, who had three hits, hit a solo homer off Royals starter Noah Cameron (7-6) with two outs in the first. David Fry hit the second of back-to-back to doubles to drive in Ramírez in the fourth.
WORDS: 288 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 8:00 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Inside The Numbers
Two QBs, two comebacks: How Josh Allen and J.J. McCarthy stunned the NFL
SUMMARY: The NFL season kicked off with thrilling comebacks. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills overcame a 15-point deficit to beat Baltimore, marking one of the most improbable comebacks in recent history. J.J. McCarthy made his NFL debut memorable by leading the Minnesota Vikings to erase a 10-point hole against Chicago in the fourth quarter. McCarthy became the first QB in four decades to achieve this feat in his debut. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, and Justin Fields also impressed in their first starts with new teams. The season promises more excitement with a Super Bowl rematch between Philadelphia and Kansas City.
WORDS: 1295 – MOVED: 09/10/2025 12:29 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBC–Big Ten-Scheduling
Big Ten’s weak slate this week raises questions about nonconference scheduling strategies
SUMMARY: The Big Ten’s lackluster schedule this week exemplifies a problem facing the conference. Not enough teams are testing themselves outside of league play. Six Big Ten schools are facing Championship Subdivision programs this week. One-third of the league’s 18 members aren’t playing any nonconference games against Power Four schools or Notre Dame this season. Michigan, Southern California, UCLA and Wisconsin are the only Big Ten teams that don’t have an FCS school on their schedule.
WORDS: 1074 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 2:16 p.m. CDT
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US–Wyoming-Missing Kayaker
Body recovered in Wyoming lake is believed to be a Minnesota kayaker missing for over a year
SUMMARY: A recovery team has found a body believed to be a Minnesota kayaker who disappeared at Jackson Lake in western Wyoming more than a year ago. Grand Teton National Park officials said Tuesday that 43-year-old Wesley Dopkins of St. Paul was last seen alive paddling on the lake on June 15, 2024. His foldable kayak, paddle and dry bag were found floating in the lake soon after. But a search found no sign of him at that time. A nonprofit search and recovery organization found the body Sunday and recovered it from the lake Monday. Official identification is still pending.
WORDS: 213 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 3:48 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Vikings Analysis
Vikings ground game gives McCarthy’s debut a late and vital boost in opening victory vs. Bears
SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell has long realized how vital a vastly improved running game is toward his team’s status as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. The ground game fueled the Vikings in their rally from an 11-point deficit early in the fourth quarter for a season-opening victory in Chicago. J.J. McCarthy’s headline-making finish after a rocky start to his NFL debut at quarterback was heavily supported by running backs Jordan Mason and Aaron Jones and the blockers in front of them. McCarthy became the first quarterback in league history to account for three fourth-quarter touchdowns in his first start.
WORDS: 943 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 3:54 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Falcons-Kickers
Following crucial miss by Koo in opener, Falcons sign former Vikings kicker Romo to practice squad
SUMMARY: The Atlanta Falcons have signed former Minnesota kicker Parker Romo to their practice squad, creating competition at the position after Younghoe Koo’s crucial last-second missed field goal in the team’s 23-20 opening loss to Tampa Bay on Sunday. The 28-year-old Romo is from Peachtree City, Georgia, near Atlanta. Romo made 11 of 12 field goals in four games with Minnesota last season. The Falcons play at Minnesota on Sunday night. Koo set a career high with nine missed field goals in 2024. The Falcons also had German Lenny Krieg in training camp, and Krieg was retained on the practice squad.
WORDS: 445 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 4:05 p.m. CDT
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BKL–Lynx-Fever
Fever close season with 83-72 win over league-leading Lynx as Collier sits out
SUMMARY: Kelsey Mitchell scored 18 points and the Indiana Fever wrapped up the regular season with an 83-72 win Tuesday night over the league-leading Minnesota Lynx, who were resting MVP candidate Napheesa Collier. Indiana (24-20) scored the first 10 points of the game and led by as many as 24, an impressive performance without star Caitlin Clark, who has only played 13 games this season and will not play in the playoffs that begin Sunday. Odyssey Sims scored 15 points for the Fever, who set a franchise record for most wins in a season. Aliyah Boston had 12 points and eight rebounds.
WORDS: 261 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 8:51 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Phillies-Bader
From tots to taters, Harrison Bader has thrived in the pressure cooker of Philadelphia pennant race
SUMMARY: Harrison Bader has quickly become a fan favorite in Philadelphia. The Phillies acquired the Gold Glove outfielder from Minnesota at the July 31 trade deadline. Bader’s enthusiasm and elite defense have made a big impact. On Tuesday night, he hit a solo homer against the Mets, helping the Phillies secure a win. Fans love his “Bader Tots” T-shirts and the new concession item named after him. Bader has been performing well, with a .320 batting average in his first 32 games with Philadelphia. Despite some drama over a home run ball last week, Bader remains focused and continues to impress.
WORDS: 621 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 8:57 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Angels
Kyle Hendricks throws 7 shutout innings and Angels score 12 two-out runs in 12-2 win over Twins
SUMMARY: Kyle Hendricks threw seven shutout innings, Chris Taylor and Yoán Moncada hit three-run homers, and the Los Angeles Angels scored all of their runs with two outs in a 12-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday night. Hendricks (7-9) gave up four hits, struck out six and walked one in his best start of the season, throwing 58 of 80 pitches for strikes. Right-hander Zabby Matthews (4-5) took the loss, giving up five runs and seven hits in 4 ⅔ innings. The Angels had 17 hits and went 8 for 17 with runners in scoring position.
WORDS: 365 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 11:31 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Inside The Numbers
Two QBs, two comebacks: How Josh Allen and J.J. McCarthy stunned the NFL
SUMMARY: The NFL season kicked off with thrilling comebacks. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills overcame a 15-point deficit to beat Baltimore, marking one of the most improbable comebacks in recent history. J.J. McCarthy made his NFL debut memorable by leading the Minnesota Vikings to erase a 10-point hole against Chicago in the fourth quarter. McCarthy became the first QB in four decades to achieve this feat in his debut. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, and Justin Fields also impressed in their first starts with new teams. The season promises more excitement with a Super Bowl rematch between Philadelphia and Kansas City.
WORDS: 1295 – MOVED: 09/10/2025 12:29 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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BBO–Royals-Moves
Witt, India back in lineup for Royals against Guardians; KC RHP Wacha on IL due to concussion
SUMMARY: Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is back in the lineup for Tuesday’s game against Cleveland after missing three games with lower back spasms. The 25-year-old Witt has played in 139 of the Royals’ 144 games this season. He is hitting .294 with 21 home runs and 77 RBIs. He’ll bat second against the Guardians. Also Tuesday, the Royals activated second baseman Jonathan India from the 10-day injured list. The 28-year-old India had been sidelined since Aug. 29 with a left wrist sprain. And, Kansas City placed right-hander Michael Wacha on the seven-day injured list, retroactive to Monday, due to a concussion.
WORDS: 274 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 5:09 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Guardians
Joey Cantillo pitches 8 innings, José Ramírez homers as Guardians beat Royals 2-0
SUMMARY: Joey Cantillo allowed four hits in a career-best eight-plus innings, José Ramírez homered, doubled and scored twice, and the Cleveland Guardians beat the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Tuesday night for their fifth straight victory. Cantillo (5-3) struck out five and didn’t issue a walk. Cade Smith pitched a scoreless ninth for his 12th save for the Guardians, who entered play 2 1/2 games behind Seattle for the final wild-card spot. Ramírez, who had three hits, hit a solo homer off Royals starter Noah Cameron (7-6) with two outs in the first. David Fry hit the second of back-to-back to doubles to drive in Ramírez in the fourth.
WORDS: 288 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 8:00 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Mariners
Arozarena’s 4 RBIs lift Mariners over Cards 5-3 as Seattle closes within 1 game of AL West lead
SUMMARY: Randy Arozarena hit a go-ahead, three-run home run in the third inning as part of a four-RBI night as the Seattle Mariners beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-3 to close within one game of the AL West lead. Arozarena hit his 27th homer, four more than his previous career high. He turned on a fastball down the middle from Matthew Liberatore, a no-doubt drive that prompted Arozarena to stunt a pose in the direction of the Mariners’ dugout. Seattle moved with one game of division-leading Houston, its closest to first since mid-August, and maintained a 1 1/2-game lead over Texas for the final AL wild card.
WORDS: 335 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 11:35 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Inside The Numbers
Two QBs, two comebacks: How Josh Allen and J.J. McCarthy stunned the NFL
SUMMARY: The NFL season kicked off with thrilling comebacks. Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills overcame a 15-point deficit to beat Baltimore, marking one of the most improbable comebacks in recent history. J.J. McCarthy made his NFL debut memorable by leading the Minnesota Vikings to erase a 10-point hole against Chicago in the fourth quarter. McCarthy became the first QB in four decades to achieve this feat in his debut. Meanwhile, Aaron Rodgers, Daniel Jones, Geno Smith, and Justin Fields also impressed in their first starts with new teams. The season promises more excitement with a Super Bowl rematch between Philadelphia and Kansas City.
WORDS: 1295 – MOVED: 09/10/2025 12:29 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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BKW–NCAA Committee-Brown
Nebraska’s Kristen Brown joins NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee
SUMMARY: Nebraska deputy athletic director Kristen Brown has been appointed to serve on the 12-member NCAA Division I Women’s Basketball Committee. Brown fills the committee position vacated by new SMU executive deputy athletic director Colleen Sorem. She previously held administrative positions at Texas A&M and Maryland. Brown played basketball at Northern Illinois and earned her master’s degree in sports administration from Ohio University.
WORDS: 182 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 1:24 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Big Ten-Scheduling
Big Ten’s weak slate this week raises questions about nonconference scheduling strategies
SUMMARY: The Big Ten’s lackluster schedule this week exemplifies a problem facing the conference. Not enough teams are testing themselves outside of league play. Six Big Ten schools are facing Championship Subdivision programs this week. One-third of the league’s 18 members aren’t playing any nonconference games against Power Four schools or Notre Dame this season. Michigan, Southern California, UCLA and Wisconsin are the only Big Ten teams that don’t have an FCS school on their schedule.
WORDS: 1074 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 2:16 p.m. CDT
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BOX–Crawford
Terence Crawford knows what Saturday night’s fight against Canelo Alvarez could mean for his legacy
SUMMARY: Terence Crawford doesn’t need anyone to bolster his confidence or swagger. He certainly doesn’t need another fight to accentuate his résumé. If he retired today, “Bud” would be considered one of the greatest fighters of this century. But even he knows how much Saturday night’s unified super middleweight fight against Canelo Alvarez at Allegiant Stadium would mean to his legacy. The 37-year-old is attempting to add a third undisputed title against Alvarez, who holds all of the belts at 168 pounds. That’s 14 pounds heavier than the limit at junior middleweight, where Crawford is champion.
WORDS: 632 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 4:45 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–School Bus Crash-Oklahoma
Oklahoma school bus carrying softball team crashes and injures 7 people
SUMMARY: Authorities say a school bus carrying a softball team crashed after striking a deer and overturned, ejecting several passengers and injuring seven people. The crash happened Monday night on U.S. Highway 152 near Minco in Grady County, southwest of Oklahoma City. The Oklahoma Highway Patrol says one adult who was ejected from the vehicle was in critical condition Tuesday morning. The Minco Public Schools superintendent says school is closed Tuesday. The Minco First Baptist Church in the town of about 1,500 people posted online that the church sanctuary was open “if you would like to come and pray.”
WORDS: 297 – MOVED: 09/09/2025 6:26 a.m. CDT
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