Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Immigration-Des Moines-Schools-Superintendent
Iowa revokes license of schools superintendent arrested by ICE, saying he is in US illegally
SUMMARY: A state agency has revoked the professional license of the leader of Iowa’s largest school district days after he was detained on accusations that he was living and working in the country illegally. The Iowa Board of Educational Examiners says in a letter to Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts that he was ineligible to hold a license because “you no longer possess legal presence in the United States.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested Roberts on Friday, saying he was subject to a removal order that a judge issued in 2024. Roberts is a Guyana native who entered the United States on a student visa in 1999. The school board has voted Monday to put Roberts on unpaid leave.
WORDS: 769 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 12:10 p.m. CDT
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US–Immigration-Des Moines-Schools-Superintendent
Iowa school leader resigns while he challenges his deportation order, his legal team says
SUMMARY: The Des Moines public schools leader detained by immigration authorities has resigned his position while he challenges his potential deportation. Attorney Alfredo Parrish said his law firm has filed a request for a stay with the federal immigration court in Omaha, Nebraska, on behalf of Superintendent Ian Roberts. He said his firm was working on a new motion to reopen Roberts’ immigration proceedings, saying he had been under the impression from a prior attorney that the case had been “resolved successfully.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts last week, saying the Guyana native was living and working in the country illegally. A state board stripped Roberts of his license to be superintendent.
WORDS: 630 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 9:11 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–Food Insecurity-Maine Food Banks
Maine’s food pantries stare down volunteer shortage while anticipating cuts
SUMMARY: Maine has one of New England’s highest food insecurity rates. Directors of its food pantries say it’s getting harder to make sure people are fed not just because of diminishing federal assistance for food banks and increasing demand. Many of the organizations also overwhelmingly rely on aging volunteers who can’t drive long distances or carry heavy boxes of food. More and more younger volunteers now seek out what the Minnesota Alliance of Nonprofit Advancement calls “event-based” volunteering. These are one-time efforts with no commitment to future shifts.
WORDS: 1449 – MOVED: 09/28/2025 5:30 a.m. CDT
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US–Immigration Lawsuit-Minnesota
Trump administration targets Minnesota in latest sanctuary policy lawsuit
SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of Justice is suing Minnesota, its two largest cities, and a county over sanctuary policies. The lawsuit, filed Monday, claims these policies interfere with federal immigration enforcement and result in the release of dangerous criminals. The lawsuit targets the state, Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Hennepin County. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison calls the lawsuit baseless and politically motivated. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says the city proudly welcomes immigrants and won’t back down. The lawsuit is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration against sanctuary jurisdictions across the country.
WORDS: 537 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 11:01 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US–Austin-Yogurt Shop Murders
Police outline how DNA, ballistics evidence led to dead man as likely killer of girls in yogurt shop
SUMMARY: Austin police outlined how a new, rapidly unfolding DNA and ballistics evidence trail led them to declare a dead man as the likely perpetrator in the killing of four teenage girls at an Austin yogurt shop in 1991. Officials noted Monday that there was no known connection between the new suspect and the two men previously convicted in the killings, one of whom was briefly sent to death row. Austin police now say all evidence leads to Robert Eugene Brashers, who killed himself in a 1999 standoff with law enforcement. He has since then been linked to several killings and rape in other states.
WORDS: 1060 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 12:16 p.m. CDT
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US–Tax Credit Scholarships-Nebraska
Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition
SUMMARY: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. This comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue this undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t affect public school funding, saying it benefits both public and private schools.
WORDS: 534 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 12:21 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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US–Tax Credit Scholarships-Nebraska
Nebraska joins Trump program to use public money for private school tuition
SUMMARY: Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen has opted Nebraska into a federal program to use taxpayer dollars for private school tuition. This comes despite Nebraska voters repealing a similar state law last year. The federal program is part of the federal tax and budget bill passed in July. It allows taxpayers to direct up to $1,700 in federal income taxes they owe to scholarship groups for private school expenses. Critics argue this undermines the will of the voters. Pillen insists the measure won’t affect public school funding, saying it benefits both public and private schools.
WORDS: 534 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 12:21 p.m. CDT
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US–Immigration-Des Moines-Schools-Superintendent
Iowa school leader resigns while he challenges his deportation order, his legal team says
SUMMARY: The Des Moines public schools leader detained by immigration authorities has resigned his position while he challenges his potential deportation. Attorney Alfredo Parrish said his law firm has filed a request for a stay with the federal immigration court in Omaha, Nebraska, on behalf of Superintendent Ian Roberts. He said his firm was working on a new motion to reopen Roberts’ immigration proceedings, saying he had been under the impression from a prior attorney that the case had been “resolved successfully.” U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained Roberts last week, saying the Guyana native was living and working in the country illegally. A state board stripped Roberts of his license to be superintendent.
WORDS: 630 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 9:11 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Gun Maker Group-Secret Database
Lawsuit accuses firearms group of using gun owners’ personal data to tailor political ads
SUMMARY: A new lawsuit accuses a firearms industry group of building a database containing the personal information of millions of gun owners and using the data to reach gun rights supporters with political ads. The suit against the National Shooting Sports Foundation claims the organization obtained the data from major gun manufacturers. It was filed on behalf of two gun owners who say they never agreed to have their personal information used for political purposes. The foundation did not respond to a request for comment Monday. The lawsuit was filed in Connecticut last week. It alleges the foundation used the database to tailor political ads dating back to the 2000 election.
WORDS: 789 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 3:41 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Xavier Worthy returns to spark Chiefs’ offense in crucial win over Ravens
SUMMARY: Xavier Worthy has made a strong return for the Chiefs, catching a 37-yard pass in their 37-20 win over the Ravens on Sunday. Worthy had been out with a shoulder injury since Week 1. He finished with five catches for 83 yards and added a 35-yard run. His presence helped Patrick Mahomes throw for 270 yards and four touchdowns. The Chiefs are now 2-2 and gaining momentum as they prepare to face the Jaguars next Monday. Coach Andy Reid praised Worthy’s impact, saying his explosiveness opens up opportunities for other players.
WORDS: 733 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 1:06 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BBO–Twins-Baldelli Fired
Twins fire manager Rocco Baldelli after 70-92 season, missing playoffs in 4 of last 5 years
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins have fired manager Rocco Baldelli, ending his seven-year tenure that included three AL Central titles but only one playoff appearance in his final five seasons. The Twins finished 70-92 this year. Baldelli’s firing came following a season marked by a major selloff leading up to the trade deadline. The Twins went 19-35 after the deadline passed following the departure of 10 players from their major league roster. Only the Colorado Rockies fared worse over the final two months. Baldelli is 44. He went 101-61 and won the AL Manager of the Year award as a rookie in 2019.
WORDS: 808 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 3:01 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Browns-Analysis
QB Joe Flacco faces pressure as Browns struggle to find offensive rhythm
SUMMARY: Joe Flacco is under pressure to prove he can lead the Cleveland Browns offense effectively. The Browns at 1-3 face multiple issues and replacing Flacco might not bring much improvement. Among 33 quarterbacks with at least 56 pass attempts, Flacco ranks last in passer rating and has the second-worst completion rate. Coach Kevin Stefanski said Monday he is sticking with Flacco, despite recent struggles. The Browns face challenges with injuries and offensive line changes. They head to London on Wednesday to face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. Deshaun Watson’s potential return from injury adds another layer to the quarterback situation.
WORDS: 870 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 5:13 p.m. CDT
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BKN–Media Day-Timberwolves
Wolves find comfort in feeling of being settled, after big trade brought rocky start last season
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Timberwolves are leaning into stability after a rocky start to last season following a major trade. New arrivals Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle took awhile to adjust to new environments on and off the court after they were acquired in the stunning deal that sent cornerstone Karl-Anthony Towns to New York. Both players spoke of being comfortable this time around in media day interviews on Monday at Target Center. Superstar Anthony Edwards said he thinks the Timberwolves have a “cheat code” to start strong while other teams take longer to integrate new players.
WORDS: 870 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 5:20 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Vikings Analysis
Offensive line injuries have the Vikings struggling to protect the passers and enact their plan
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings made the offensive line their top priority for the offseason. Injuries up front have so far been foiling the plan. The Vikings haven’t had their projected starting offensive line together for any of their four games. More injuries popped up on Sunday during their 24-21 defeat by the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin and further darkened their outlook up front for the time being. The Vikings have been sacked on 14% of their passing plays for the worst rate in the league. They play the Cleveland Browns in London next.
WORDS: 1018 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 6:56 p.m. CDT
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BKL–Lynx-Reeve Fine
WNBA fines Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve a record $15,000 for conduct and comments: AP Source
SUMMARY: Minnesota coach Cheryl Reeve has been fined $15,000 by the WNBA for her comments and conduct after her team’s Game 3 semifinal loss to the Phoenix Mercury, a person familiar with the penalty tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because no official announcement was made. The fine is believed to be the biggest for an individual coach or player in league history. The WNBA doesn’t publicize the amount of fines. Additionally, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White and Las Vegas coach Becky Hammon were fined $1,000 each for their public comments on WNBA officiating in which they defended Reeve.
WORDS: 446 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 9:57 a.m. CDT
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HKN–Wild-Kaprizov
Minnesota Wild sign Kirill Kaprizov to richest deal in NHL history: $136 million over 8 years
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Wild have signed Kirill Kaprizov to the richest contract in NHL history at $136 million over eight years. General manager Bill Guerin announced the record-setting deal Tuesday. Kaprizov will count $17 million against the salary cap beginning next season. It’s the highest annual average salary of any player since the league’s cap era began in 2005, surpassing Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl $14 million annual average. Alex Ovechkin’s 13-year, $124 million contract signed with Washington in 2008 was previously the highest total value.
WORDS: 786 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 9:24 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Xavier Worthy returns to spark Chiefs’ offense in crucial win over Ravens
SUMMARY: Xavier Worthy has made a strong return for the Chiefs, catching a 37-yard pass in their 37-20 win over the Ravens on Sunday. Worthy had been out with a shoulder injury since Week 1. He finished with five catches for 83 yards and added a 35-yard run. His presence helped Patrick Mahomes throw for 270 yards and four touchdowns. The Chiefs are now 2-2 and gaining momentum as they prepare to face the Jaguars next Monday. Coach Andy Reid praised Worthy’s impact, saying his explosiveness opens up opportunities for other players.
WORDS: 733 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 1:06 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Bloom
Chaim Bloom takes over as president of baseball operations for the St. Louis Cardinals
SUMMARY: Chaim Bloom says the St. Louis Cardinals will be sticking to their roots to get back to October baseball. Bloom has been in line since last year to become the organization’s president of baseball operations. He spoke to the media Tuesday as he takes over a team that finished the season 78-84, fourth in the NL Central and missing the playoffs for a third consecutive season. Bloom served as an advisor to the organization this season. He is taking over for John Mozeliak.
WORDS: 548 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 12:46 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–Media Day-Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder aim to defend their NBA title with familiar faces
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knows perceptions of him and the Oklahoma City Thunder have changed. He’s the reigning MVP, and the Thunder are the defending NBA champions. Their success has led to more national TV appearances. Despite the attention, Gilgeous-Alexander focuses on consistency. The team’s core remains intact, with key players signing extensions. He believes daily improvement is crucial. Jalen Williams, an All-Star, shares that mindset, emphasizing the pursuit of greatness. The Thunder, still one of the youngest teams, aim to avoid complacency. Coach Mark Daigneault stresses adaptability and a stable approach to challenges.
WORDS: 763 – MOVED: 09/29/2025 3:18 p.m. CDT
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GLF–Golf Glance
Ryder Cup stars in Scotland as PGA Tour resumes its fall schedule in Mississippi
SUMMARY: The Ryder Cup is over and European players are getting back to work. Defending champion Tyrrell Hatton is among four Ryder Cup players at the Dunhill Links Championship this week in Scotland. It’s the European Tour’s version of Pebble Beach because it has a pro-am held over three courses. Tommy Fleetwood, Robert MacIntyre and Matt Fitzpatrick are playing. The PGA Tour is in Mississippi where the focus is trying to finish in the top 100 in the FedEx Cup to keep a full card for next year. The LPGA is in Hawaii for a Wednesday start to the Lotte Championship.
WORDS: 1215 – MOVED: 09/30/2025 7:27 a.m. CDT
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