Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 618 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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US–Beef Prices
US ranchers oppose Trump’s plan to import more Argentine beef and experts doubt it will lower prices
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s plan to cut record beef prices by importing more meat from Argentina is running into heated opposition from U.S. ranchers who are enjoying some rare profitable years and skepticism from experts who say the president’s move probably wouldn’t lead to cheaper prices at grocery stores. Major ranching and farming groups all criticized Trump’s idea because it would likely hurt American ranchers and feedlot operators. And agricultural economists say that Argentine beef accounts for such a small slice of beef imports that even doubling that wouldn’t change prices much.
WORDS: 1060 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 3:51 p.m. CDT
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US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 618 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 618 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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US-MED–Be Well-Germy Kids
During cold and flu season, the youngest kids really are the germiest
SUMMARY: A recent study of schoolchildren finds that the youngest students harbor the most germs. Researchers looked at nasal swabs and symptom reports of more than 800 students and staff in Kansas City, Missouri. Kids in pre-kindergarten and elementary school had the highest rates of virus detection compared with older students and staff. The pre-K kids, ages 3 to 5, had the highest rates of actual illness, too. Young children can have up to 10 respiratory viruses as their immune systems are introduced to different infections for the first time. Those viruses include colds, flu and more.
WORDS: 676 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 7:04 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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US–Beef Prices
US ranchers oppose Trump’s plan to import more Argentine beef and experts doubt it will lower prices
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s plan to cut record beef prices by importing more meat from Argentina is running into heated opposition from U.S. ranchers who are enjoying some rare profitable years and skepticism from experts who say the president’s move probably wouldn’t lead to cheaper prices at grocery stores. Major ranching and farming groups all criticized Trump’s idea because it would likely hurt American ranchers and feedlot operators. And agricultural economists say that Argentine beef accounts for such a small slice of beef imports that even doubling that wouldn’t change prices much.
WORDS: 1060 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 3:51 p.m. CDT
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US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 618 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Beef Prices
US ranchers oppose Trump’s plan to import more Argentine beef and experts doubt it will lower prices
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s plan to cut record beef prices by importing more meat from Argentina is running into heated opposition from U.S. ranchers who are enjoying some rare profitable years and skepticism from experts who say the president’s move probably wouldn’t lead to cheaper prices at grocery stores. Major ranching and farming groups all criticized Trump’s idea because it would likely hurt American ranchers and feedlot operators. And agricultural economists say that Argentine beef accounts for such a small slice of beef imports that even doubling that wouldn’t change prices much.
WORDS: 1060 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 3:51 p.m. CDT
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US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 618 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Beef Prices
US ranchers oppose Trump’s plan to import more Argentine beef and experts doubt it will lower prices
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s plan to cut record beef prices by importing more meat from Argentina is running into heated opposition from U.S. ranchers who are enjoying some rare profitable years and skepticism from experts who say the president’s move probably wouldn’t lead to cheaper prices at grocery stores. Major ranching and farming groups all criticized Trump’s idea because it would likely hurt American ranchers and feedlot operators. And agricultural economists say that Argentine beef accounts for such a small slice of beef imports that even doubling that wouldn’t change prices much.
WORDS: 1060 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 3:51 p.m. CDT
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US–USDA-Offices Reopening
USDA is reopening some 2,100 offices to help farmers access $3B in aid despite the ongoing shutdown
SUMMARY: The Agriculture Department will reopen about 2,100 county offices all across the country Thursday despite the ongoing government shutdown to help farmers and ranchers get access to $3 billion of aid from existing programs. The USDA said each Farm Service Agency office will have two workers who will be paid even though the government remains shutdown. These offices help farmers apply for farm loans, crop insurance, disaster aid and other programs. A USDA spokesperson said this move reflects President Trump’s commitment to helping farmers and ranchers. Recently, some of them have been unhappy with Trump’s latest moves during the trade war although his support remains strong across rural America.
WORDS: 618 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big 12-Close Race
No. 24 Arizona State’s win over No. 14 Texas Tech tightens Big 12 race
SUMMARY: No. 24 Arizona State is right where it was a year ago before winning the Big 12 championship and earning the program’s first trip to the College Football Playoff. The Sun Devils’ 26-22 win over No. 14 Texas Tech on Saturday moved them to 3-1 in conference and also tightened up the Big 12 race. Arizona State’s win left No. 11 BYU and No. 21 Cincinnati as the only undefeated teams left in Big 12 play, but also puts three teams within a half-game back.
WORDS: 809 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 1:31 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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BKC–Big 12-Yormark
Big 12’s Yormark backs NCAA Tournament, College Football Playoff expansion
SUMMARY: Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark supports expanding the NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff. He spoke about this on Tuesday. NCAA president Charlie Baker also supports expanding March Madness, which could include 72 or 76 teams by 2027. Yormark emphasized the need for the right economics. He also supports expanding the football playoff from 12 to 16 teams. Yormark believes in earning spots on the field rather than predetermined qualifiers. Additionally, he stated the Big 12 has no interest in private equity investment and supports the SCORE Act for a national NIL standard and better athlete protections.
WORDS: 717 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 1:28 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Big 12-Close Race
No. 24 Arizona State’s win over No. 14 Texas Tech tightens Big 12 race
SUMMARY: No. 24 Arizona State is right where it was a year ago before winning the Big 12 championship and earning the program’s first trip to the College Football Playoff. The Sun Devils’ 26-22 win over No. 14 Texas Tech on Saturday moved them to 3-1 in conference and also tightened up the Big 12 race. Arizona State’s win left No. 11 BYU and No. 21 Cincinnati as the only undefeated teams left in Big 12 play, but also puts three teams within a half-game back.
WORDS: 809 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 1:31 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Commanders-Daniels Out
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels out with injury and Marcus Mariota to start vs. Chiefs, AP source says
SUMMARY: Quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss the Washington Commanders’ game at the Kansas City Chiefs because of an injured right hamstring and Marcus Mariota will start in his place. That’s according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team had not officially ruled him out for the Monday night game. Washington has lost two games in a row heading into the contest at Kansas City. Daniels had an MRI exam a day after leaving in the third quarter of Washington’s 44-22 loss at the NFC East-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
WORDS: 205 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 12:35 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Wentz
Vikings will start Wentz at QB on short rest in LA, with McCarthy lacking time to keep up progress
SUMMARY: Carson Wentz will make his fifth straight start at quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings with J.J. McCarthy lacking time in a shortened week to keep building up his sprained right ankle. The Vikings play at the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday night on the heels of a 28-22 loss at home to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Vikings determined after McCarthy went through a workout on the field that his ankle wasn’t quite strong enough yet to give him or them the best chance to succeed against the Chargers. The Vikings are 3-3 overall. They are 2-2 with Wentz.
WORDS: 574 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 3:08 p.m. CDT
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US–Transgender Athlete-Minnesota
Minnesota Supreme Court sends transgender powerlifter’s legal challenge back to lower court
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Supreme Court has sent the case of transgender weightlifter JayCee Cooper back to a lower court. Cooper wants to compete in the women’s division at powerlifting events. The court ruled that USA Powerlifting’s policy barring her is “facially discriminatory” under the Minnesota Human Rights Act. However, the court said a “legitimate business purpose defense” could apply, and on Wednesday sent the case back to the trial court for further proceedings. USA Powerlifting rejected Cooper’s application in 2018, leading to a lawsuit in 2021. The case has drawn significant attention, with numerous athletes and organizations filing briefs on both sides.
WORDS: 470 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 9:26 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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BKC–Big 12-Yormark
Big 12’s Yormark backs NCAA Tournament, College Football Playoff expansion
SUMMARY: Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark supports expanding the NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff. He spoke about this on Tuesday. NCAA president Charlie Baker also supports expanding March Madness, which could include 72 or 76 teams by 2027. Yormark emphasized the need for the right economics. He also supports expanding the football playoff from 12 to 16 teams. Yormark believes in earning spots on the field rather than predetermined qualifiers. Additionally, he stated the Big 12 has no interest in private equity investment and supports the SCORE Act for a national NIL standard and better athlete protections.
WORDS: 717 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 1:28 p.m. CDT
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HKN–Kings Moves
LA Kings activate Corey Perry for his debut and put captain Anze Kopitar on injured reserve
SUMMARY: The Los Angeles Kings have activated forward Corey Perry from injured reserve to begin his 21st NHL season. The Kings also put captain Anze Kopitar on injured reserve after his 20th NHL season was interrupted last week by a foot injury. The 40-year-old Perry will be in the lineup when the Kings visit St. Louis. Perry signed with the Kings as a free agent last summer, but he injured his knee while skating before the start of training camp in September. He had surgery and is returning ahead of the team’s initial prognosis of six to eight weeks of recovery time.
WORDS: 249 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 4:21 p.m. CDT
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HKN–Kings-Blues
Kempe scores in OT to end Kings’ losing streak
SUMMARY: Adrian Kempe scored a power-play goal 1:50 into overtime to lift the Los Angeles Kings to a 2-1 win over the St. Louis Blues. Kempe’s goal came 14 seconds after Pavel Buchnevich was called for hooking on Quinton Byfield, giving the Kings a four-on-three advantage. Alex Laferriere also scored and Darcy Kuemper made 17 saves as the Kings snapped a four-game losing streak, two of which came in overtime. Justin Faulk scored and Jordan Binnington made 26 saves for the Blues, who lost for the third time in four home games this season.
WORDS: 333 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 9:57 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Assessing Parity
Has parity arrived in college football? Transfer portal, NIL money credited for tighter games
SUMMARY: The transfer portal and NIL money have helped level the playing field across college football. The result is the type of parity that makes the NFL must-see TV with the competition tighter than ever, especially in the Power Four conferences. In the Southeastern Conference, the average margin of victory is just 10.0 points per game. That is on pace to be the lowest for any power conference since at least 2000. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea says he feels like he’s coaching in the NFL now.
WORDS: 1039 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:11 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Commanders-Daniels Out
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels out with injury and Marcus Mariota to start vs. Chiefs, AP source says
SUMMARY: Quarterback Jayden Daniels will miss the Washington Commanders’ game at the Kansas City Chiefs because of an injured right hamstring and Marcus Mariota will start in his place. That’s according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Wednesday because the team had not officially ruled him out for the Monday night game. Washington has lost two games in a row heading into the contest at Kansas City. Daniels had an MRI exam a day after leaving in the third quarter of Washington’s 44-22 loss at the NFC East-rival Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.
WORDS: 205 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 12:35 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Giants-Manager
Giants hiring Tennessee’s Vitello as manager, gambling on a college coach with no pro experience
SUMMARY: The San Francisco Giants are hiring Tennessee Volunteers coach Tony Vitello as their new manager for his first pro coaching job. It’s a bold gamble on a coach with no pro experience by San Francisco executive Buster Posey. Tennessee athletic director Danny White issued a statement Wednesday congratulating Vitello on an incredible opportunity to lead the Giants and wished him the best. The 47-year-old Vitello is making the jump after spending his entire career at the college level. Vitello guided the Vols to its first NCAA title last year.
WORDS: 209 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 12:57 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKC–Big 12-Yormark
Big 12’s Yormark backs NCAA Tournament, College Football Playoff expansion
SUMMARY: Big 12 commissioner Brett Yormark supports expanding the NCAA Tournament and College Football Playoff. He spoke about this on Tuesday. NCAA president Charlie Baker also supports expanding March Madness, which could include 72 or 76 teams by 2027. Yormark emphasized the need for the right economics. He also supports expanding the football playoff from 12 to 16 teams. Yormark believes in earning spots on the field rather than predetermined qualifiers. Additionally, he stated the Big 12 has no interest in private equity investment and supports the SCORE Act for a national NIL standard and better athlete protections.
WORDS: 717 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 1:28 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Big 12-Close Race
No. 24 Arizona State’s win over No. 14 Texas Tech tightens Big 12 race
SUMMARY: No. 24 Arizona State is right where it was a year ago before winning the Big 12 championship and earning the program’s first trip to the College Football Playoff. The Sun Devils’ 26-22 win over No. 14 Texas Tech on Saturday moved them to 3-1 in conference and also tightened up the Big 12 race. Arizona State’s win left No. 11 BYU and No. 21 Cincinnati as the only undefeated teams left in Big 12 play, but also puts three teams within a half-game back.
WORDS: 809 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 1:31 p.m. CDT
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BKN–NBC-Jordan
Michael Jordan is going to be part of NBC’s NBA coverage. His reason: to give back to the game
SUMMARY: Michael Jordan has made his debut as a special contributor to NBC Sports’ return to NBA broadcasting. Speaking with Mike Tirico on Tuesday, Jordan said he wants to give back to basketball while prioritizing family time. He emphasized his obligation to share messages of success and dedication. NBC’s broadcast blended past and present, featuring the return of the iconic “Roundball Rock” theme and the voice of the late Jim Fagan. Jordan, now 62, still feels competitive but rarely plays basketball. He shared a recent experience of shooting a free throw for kids, which made him nervous but ended with a successful shot.
WORDS: 546 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 8:46 p.m. CDT
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BKN–Rockets-Thunder
Thunder celebrate ring ceremony, banner unveiling and double-OT win over Durant’s Rockets
SUMMARY: Thunder fans had a lot to celebrate on Tuesday. The team unveiled a championship banner and won against ex-star Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP, hit two free throws with 2.3 seconds left in double overtime, securing a 125-124 victory. He finished with 35 points after scoring just five by halftime. Durant, who joined Houston in the offseason, scored 23 points but fouled out late in the game. Chet Holmgren added 28 points for the Thunder. Alperen Sengun led Houston with 39 points.
WORDS: 461 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 10:20 p.m. CDT
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BKN–Thunder-Ring Ceremony
Thunder receive NBA championship rings, raise banner before season opener against Rockets
SUMMARY: The Oklahoma City Thunder received their NBA championship rings before their season opener against the Houston Rockets. Commissioner Adam Silver awarded the rings to the team, including League MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The rings, designed by Jostens, feature 14-karat gold and over 800 gemstones. After the rings were handed out, the championship banner was raised. It was the first title for the franchise since it moved from Seattle in 2008. Houston’s new star is ex-Thunder forward Kevin Durant. Many Thunder fans felt betrayed after Durant joined the team that beat Oklahoma City in the Western Conference Finals months before he switched teams in 2016.
WORDS: 627 – MOVED: 10/21/2025 10:22 a.m. CDT
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FBC–Assessing Parity
Has parity arrived in college football? Transfer portal, NIL money credited for tighter games
SUMMARY: The transfer portal and NIL money have helped level the playing field across college football. The result is the type of parity that makes the NFL must-see TV with the competition tighter than ever, especially in the Power Four conferences. In the Southeastern Conference, the average margin of victory is just 10.0 points per game. That is on pace to be the lowest for any power conference since at least 2000. Vanderbilt coach Clark Lea says he feels like he’s coaching in the NFL now.
WORDS: 1039 – MOVED: 10/22/2025 10:11 a.m. CDT
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