Great Plains News Digest
To see stories that have already moved, please visit AP Newsroom. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan
——————————-—
IOWA
————-———————
US-MED–Infant Formula-Botulism Recall-Explainer
Cases jump to 31 in the botulism outbreak tied to baby formula. Here’s what to know
SUMMARY: Federal health officials say 31 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism tied to ByHeart infant formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately and dispose of the product. Botulism is a rare but serious disease that can cause paralysis and death. Symptoms can take weeks to develop. The most recent case was reported Nov. 11.
WORDS: 987 – MOVED: 11/09/2025 2:46 p.m. CST
——————————
US-MED–Infant Formula-Botulism Recall
As infant botulism cases climb to 31, recalled ByHeart baby formula is still on some store shelves
SUMMARY: Health officials say at least 31 babies in 15 states have been treated for botulism as an outbreak tied to ByHeart formula continues to grow. The company confirmed Wednesday that lab tests found that samples of its formula were contaminated with the type of bacteria that can cause the illness. Investigators in at least three states said the formula remains on some store shelves, despite a Nov. 11 recall of all products nationwide. Infant botulism is a potentially deadly illness. Symptoms can take up to 30 days to develop. The illness requires immediate medical attention.
WORDS: 710 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 2:05 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
US–Rental-Software-Lawsuit
Largest US landlord to pay $7 million to settle rent‑setting algorithm lawsuit
SUMMARY: Real estate giant Greystar has reached a $7 million settlement with nine states over its use of rent-setting algorithms that officials say drive up housing costs. The proposed settlement was filed Tuesday in a North Carolina federal court. It’s the latest result of antitrust lawsuits targeting RealPage and similar software companies. Prosecutors argue these products help property managers illegally align prices. Greystar has agreed to stop using software that relies on other landlords’ confidential data. Greystar separately agreed last month to pay $50 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over its use of RealPage. Greystar is the country’s largest landlord and manages more than 946,000 units nationwide.
WORDS: 460 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 2:29 p.m. CST
——————————
US-MED–Infant Formula-Botulism Recall-Explainer
Cases jump to 31 in the botulism outbreak tied to baby formula. Here’s what to know
SUMMARY: Federal health officials say 31 babies in 15 states have been sickened in a growing outbreak of infantile botulism tied to ByHeart infant formula. ByHeart recalled all of its products sold throughout the U.S. No deaths have been reported. Health officials say parents and caregivers who have the formula in their homes should stop using it immediately and dispose of the product. Botulism is a rare but serious disease that can cause paralysis and death. Symptoms can take weeks to develop. The most recent case was reported Nov. 11.
WORDS: 987 – MOVED: 11/09/2025 2:46 p.m. CST
——————————
US-MED–Infant Formula-Botulism Recall
As infant botulism cases climb to 31, recalled ByHeart baby formula is still on some store shelves
SUMMARY: Health officials say at least 31 babies in 15 states have been treated for botulism as an outbreak tied to ByHeart formula continues to grow. The company confirmed Wednesday that lab tests found that samples of its formula were contaminated with the type of bacteria that can cause the illness. Investigators in at least three states said the formula remains on some store shelves, despite a Nov. 11 recall of all products nationwide. Infant botulism is a potentially deadly illness. Symptoms can take up to 30 days to develop. The illness requires immediate medical attention.
WORDS: 710 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 2:05 p.m. CST
——————————
US-GE Appliances-Suppliers
GE Appliances bolsters ties with US suppliers as it moves production from China to Kentucky
SUMMARY: GE Appliances says it has awarded more than $150 million in new contracts to U.S. suppliers as a result of its decision to shift production from China to Kentucky. It says the contracts range from $330,000 to $41 million, span 10 states and cover crucial segments of the supplier chain for washer and dryer production. The suppliers include U.S. Steel and family-owned companies. With the new contracts, GE Appliances says it’s increasing domestic spending on suppliers by 3.3%. The suppliers will support production of a combo washer/dryer and a lineup of front load washers. The production is moving from China to the company’s Appliance Park complex in Louisville.
WORDS: 576 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 7:02 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
US-China-Missouri-Lawsuit
Missouri seeks federal help in pressing China for $25 billion in COVID damages
SUMMARY: Missouri’s attorney general is asking the State Department to notify China that the state is attempting to seize Chinese-owned properties to collect on a nearly $25 billion court judgment. The move comes after a federal judge ruled earlier this year that China hoarded personal protective equipment during the pandemic, harming Missouri. China called the lawsuit “very absurd” and did not participate in the trial. Some legal experts doubt Missouri can collect the judgment. But Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said Wednesday that she is prepared for a long process.
WORDS: 589 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 3:55 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Starbucks-Strike
Starbucks union says 30 more US stores are joining week-old strike
SUMMARY: Starbucks’ union is expanding its week-old strike against the company. Starbucks Workers United said baristas from 30 more stores in 25 U.S. cities planned to join the strike Thursday, including stores in Cleveland; Memphis, Tennessee; Springfield, Missouri, and Albany, New York. That brings the total number of stores with striking workers to 95 in 65 cities. The strike began last Thursday on Starbucks’ Red Cup Day, which is typically one of its busiest days of the year. Starbucks said the strike has caused minimal disruption and Red Cup Day was the strongest in its history. The union is protesting the lack of progress in reaching a contract agreement with Starbucks.
WORDS: 339 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 8:22 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
US–Election Day-Plot
Afghan teenager charged in Oklahoma plot for Election Day attack sentenced to 15 years
SUMMARY: An Afghan teenager who pleaded guilty to taking part in an Oklahoma plot to carry out an Election Day attack has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison. Federal prosecutors announced Wednesday that 19-year-old Abdullah Haji Zada was sentenced for conspiring to receive a firearm and ammunition to be used to commit an act of terrorism. Prosecutors say Zada, a citizen of Afghanistan and lawful permanent resident, was 17 and living in Moore, Oklahoma, when he conspired with a relative to carry out the attack. Zada’s attorney, Jeff Byers, declined to comment on the sentencing.
WORDS: 279 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 5:52 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
FBN–Chiefs-Simmons
Chiefs’ Josh Simmons happy to be back after sudden four-game absence, declines to discuss reasons
SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs first-round draft pick Josh Simmons says he had the team’s support during his recent four-game absence. Simmons returned to the field Sunday, starting in a 22-19 loss to Denver. It was his first game since Oct. 6. He declined to discuss the reason for his absence, calling it a “family matter.” The Chiefs drafted Simmons out of Ohio State, hoping he’d overcome a previous knee injury. He impressed in camp and earned the starting job early. Simmons says he stayed in shape and kept up with the team while away. The Chiefs face Indianapolis next.
WORDS: 555 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 1:59 p.m. CST
——————————
BKC–Impact Freshmen
Talented freshman class already having a massive impact in college basketball
SUMMARY: The recent trend in college basketball has been to build rosters through the transfer portal, adding experienced players who already know the college game and can have an immediate impact. The movement has been upended this season with a deep, uber-talented class of freshmen who are having massive impacts on programs across the country. Players like BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and Kansas guard Darryn Peterson have become their teams’ go-to players. Arizona’s Koa Peat and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson already have shone in the spotlight of marquee games. This list goes on and on in what may be one of the best freshmen classes in the last 25 years.
WORDS: 870 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 1:16 p.m. CST
——————————
SOC–NWSL Awards
Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga wins 2nd straight NWSL MVP award
SUMMARY: Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga won the National Women’s Soccer League’s Most Valuable Player Award for the second straight year Wednesday after leading the league’s top team in goals this season. Chawinga is the first player to win MVP in consecutive seasons. Although she was sidelined following adductor injury to her right leg in October, Chawinga also won the NWSL’s Golden Boot with 15 goals and three assists over 23 matches. Six of her 15 goals were game-winners, tying her own record set last year, her first in the league.
WORDS: 357 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 6:47 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
HKW–PWHL-Sirens
Fillier motivated to transform re-tooled Sirens into PWHL contenders after 2 last-place finishes
SUMMARY: If Sarah Fillier’s aspirations involve her becoming the best women’s hockey player in the world, the New York Sirens center is hardly satisfied following her PWHL rookie of the year season. The 25-year-old put aside her accomplishments in finishing tied with Hilary Knight for the league lead with 29 points this offseason. The former Princeton and 2022 Team Canada Olympic gold-medalist instead focused on the opportunities she missed that contributed to New York ending up last in the standings for a second straight year. She has help, as New York re-stocked its roster with youth by selecting  Kristyna Kaltounkova and Casey O’Brien in the first round of the draft.
WORDS: 714 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 1:25 p.m. CST
——————————
BKN–Timberwolves-McDaniels
Timberwolves’ McDaniels misses his first game in nearly two years because of a sprained wrist
SUMMARY: Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels has been ruled out of the team’s game against Washington because of a sprained left wrist, his first absence in nearly two years. McDaniels played a season-low 23 minutes in Minnesota’s 120-96 win over Dallas on Monday. He exited the game for good late in the third quarter with the Timberwolves leading by 27 points. McDaniels most recently sat out in December 2023, the last of eight consecutive games he missed with a sprained ankle. He played in 188 straight games after that including playoffs.
WORDS: 167 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 3:51 p.m. CST
——————————
FBN–Vikings-Jones
Vikings are ramping up their running game as Aaron Jones relishes a return to Lambeau Field
SUMMARY: The effectiveness of Minnesota’s running game last week provided a blueprint for coach Kevin O’Connell as he tries to balance quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s development with a playbook predicated on a downfield passing attack. McCarthy was struggling enough in the loss to Chicago that O’Connell uncharacteristically called consecutive runs in the fourth quarter after the Vikings took possession at the 24-yard line. Jordan Mason reached the end zone with just two handoffs. Aaron Jones also had a season-high 16 carries for 70 yards in the game. He’s eager to play his former team in Green Bay at Lambeau Field this week.
WORDS: 580 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 5:38 p.m. CST
——————————
FBN–Packers-Dropped Interceptions
Packers’ defensive backs know they can’t afford to let INTs keep eluding their grasp
SUMMARY: With a young quarterback up next on their schedule, the Green Bay Packers are hoping to make the most of their opportunities for a potentially important turnover. By an unofficial count, the Packers had five chances for interceptions against Jameis Winston on Sunday, and they came away with one of them: Evan Williams’ end-zone pick in the fourth quarter that helped seal a 27-20 victory over the New York Giants. The good news for the Packers heading into Sunday’s matchup with the Vikings is that J.J. McCarthy is throwing interceptions at an alarming rate.
WORDS: 717 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 7:11 p.m. CST
——————————
BKN–Wizards-Timberwolves
Randle has 32 points and the Timberwolves hold off the Wizards 120-109
SUMMARY: Julius Randle had 32 points and 10 rebounds and the Minnesota Timberwolves held off a late rally by the Washington Wizards for a 120-109 victory on Wednesday night. The Timberwolves, who have won six of their last seven games, were without forward Jaden McDaniels, who has a sprained left wrist and missed his first game in nearly two years. Naz Reid had 28 points off the bench. Kyshawn George had 23 points for the Wizards, who have lost 12 straight.
WORDS: 358 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 9:47 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
FBC–SEC-Draft Talent
SEC lacks first-round NFL talent in 2026 because players have not met expectations, evaluator says
SUMMARY: Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks is returning to the field in hopes of impressing NFL scouts. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound senior spent the last two months recovering from foot surgery and plans to play the final two games for the Gators. Banks has plenty to prove, beginning with Saturday’s rivalry game against No. 20 Tennessee. It’s a common theme for players in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference. With the NFL draft five months away, the SEC looks like it could have its fewest number of first-round picks since sending seven to the stage in 2015. Up for debate is whether it’s a one-year fluke or top talent spread across more programs.
WORDS: 875 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 12:21 p.m. CST
——————————
FBC–T25-Notre Dame-The Love Campaign
Jeremiyah Love is making his Heisman Trophy case while chasing bigger goals at No. 9 Notre Dame
SUMMARY: Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love appreciates hearing his name in the Heisman Trophy conversation. He’s just focused on bigger goals such as helping the ninth-ranked Fighting Irish stay in position for a second straight playoff berth and winning the school’s first national championship since 1988. Love certainly has done his part to help Notre Dame rebound from two straight losses to start the season by winning eight straight to put the Irish back in the postseason debate. He’s the only player in the Football Bowl Subdivision ranked among the top three in yards rushing per game, total touchdowns and yards from scrimmage.
WORDS: 776 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 12:29 p.m. CST
——————————
FBN–Chiefs-Simmons
Chiefs’ Josh Simmons happy to be back after sudden four-game absence, declines to discuss reasons
SUMMARY: Kansas City Chiefs first-round draft pick Josh Simmons says he had the team’s support during his recent four-game absence. Simmons returned to the field Sunday, starting in a 22-19 loss to Denver. It was his first game since Oct. 6. He declined to discuss the reason for his absence, calling it a “family matter.” The Chiefs drafted Simmons out of Ohio State, hoping he’d overcome a previous knee injury. He impressed in camp and earned the starting job early. Simmons says he stayed in shape and kept up with the team while away. The Chiefs face Indianapolis next.
WORDS: 555 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 1:59 p.m. CST
——————————
SOC–NWSL Awards
Kansas City’s Temwa Chawinga wins 2nd straight NWSL MVP award
SUMMARY: Kansas City Current forward Temwa Chawinga won the National Women’s Soccer League’s Most Valuable Player Award for the second straight year Wednesday after leading the league’s top team in goals this season. Chawinga is the first player to win MVP in consecutive seasons. Although she was sidelined following adductor injury to her right leg in October, Chawinga also won the NWSL’s Golden Boot with 15 goals and three assists over 23 matches. Six of her 15 goals were game-winners, tying her own record set last year, her first in the league.
WORDS: 357 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 6:47 p.m. CST
——————————
HKN—Jets-Lowry
Jets sign captain Adam Lowry to a 5-year, $25 million contract extension
SUMMARY: The Winnipeg Jets signed captain Adam Lowry to a five-year, $25 million contract extension Wednesday. The deal starts next season. The 32-year-old Lowry has played his entire 12-year NHL career with Winnipeg, serving as captain since 2023-24. From St. Louis, Lowry has a goal and two assists in seven games this season. The 6-foot-5 center has 122 goals and 154 assists in career 782 games.
WORDS: 83 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 8:25 p.m. CST
——————————
BKC–Kansas City-TCU
Pierre scores 17 points, Lelevicius has 16 to lead TCU in 81-45 rout of Kansas City
SUMMARY: Jayden Pierre scores 17 points, and Liutauras Lelevicius adds 16 to lead TCU to an 81-45 victory over Kansas City. The game took place on Wednesday night. TCU, now 3-2, shot 40% from the field and 44% from long range. They also outrebounded Kansas City 50-36. Pierre was 5-of-8 from beyond the arc, while Lelevicius made four 3-pointers. David Punch contributed eight points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Karmello Branch led Kansas City with 18 points. Kansas City shot just 23% overall. TCU will face No. 10 Florida on Thanksgiving in San Diego.
WORDS: 233 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 9:32 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
NEBRASKA
————-———————
BKC–Concordia-Nebraska-Omaha
Glover puts up 24 points, Omaha beats Concordia-Nebraska 96-80
SUMMARY: Led by Ja’Sean Glover’s 24 points, the Omaha Mavericks defeated the Concordia-Nebraska Bulldogs 96-80 on Wednesday. The Mavericks are now 2-3 on the season.
WORDS: 120 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 10:15 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
FBC–SEC-Draft Talent
SEC lacks first-round NFL talent in 2026 because players have not met expectations, evaluator says
SUMMARY: Florida defensive tackle Caleb Banks is returning to the field in hopes of impressing NFL scouts. The 6-foot-5, 330-pound senior spent the last two months recovering from foot surgery and plans to play the final two games for the Gators. Banks has plenty to prove, beginning with Saturday’s rivalry game against No. 20 Tennessee. It’s a common theme for players in the powerhouse Southeastern Conference. With the NFL draft five months away, the SEC looks like it could have its fewest number of first-round picks since sending seven to the stage in 2015. Up for debate is whether it’s a one-year fluke or top talent spread across more programs.
WORDS: 875 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 12:21 p.m. CST
——————————
BKW–T25-East Texas A&M-Oklahoma
Raegan Beers scores 23, leads No. 8 Oklahoma over East Texas A&M 112-59
SUMMARY: Raegan Beers had 23 points and 10 rebounds, and No. 8 Oklahoma took control early to beat East Texas A&M 112-59 on Wednesday night. Sahara Williams had 22 points and 11 rebounds, and Payton Verhulst added 17 points and 10 rebounds for Oklahoma, which owned a 65-29 rebounding advantage. Beers made 11 of 14 shots for the Sooners, who outscored the Lions 66-16 in the paint. Reza Po scored 15 points and Tiani Ellison added 14 for East Texas A&M.
WORDS: 339 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 8:20 p.m. CST
——————————
BKW–T25-Oklahoma St-St John’s
St. John’s stymies high scoring No. 18 Oklahoma State women in 74-67 victory
SUMMARY: Brooke Moore scored 13 points, Kylie Lavelle and Sa’Mya Wyatt added 12 each, and St. John’s defeated No. 18 Oklahoma State 74-67. Oklahoma State shot 30% from the field in the first half but buried 6 of 9 in an early stretch of the third quarter, erasing a 10-point halftime deficit to take a 41-40 lead with about 3 minutes left in the period. After that opening run by the Cowgirls, neither team led by more than four points until a 3-pointer by Janeya Grant gave the Red Storm (4-1) a 58-51 lead with six minutes left in the game. A three-point play by Beautiful Waheed followed by Moore’s layup made it 63-52 with 3 1/2 minutes left.
WORDS: 356 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 9:11 p.m. CST
——————————
BKN–Kings-Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 33 points, Thunder beat Kings to improve to 15-1
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 33 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder won their seventh straight game to improve to 15-1, beating the Sacramento Kings 113-99 on Wednesday night. Chet Holmgren had 21 points and Lu Dort scored all 14 of his points in the second half, including 11 in the fourth quarter for the defending champion Thunder. They have won all three matchups with the Kings. Dennis Schroder scored 21 points and DeMar DeRozan added 17 for the Kings. They have lost seven straight. The Thunder started the season with a pair of double-overtime wins and had some close calls before finally losing to Portland. Since the loss, they have won every game — with an average margin of 20.3 points.
WORDS: 341 – MOVED: 11/19/2025 9:47 p.m. CST
——————————
If you have a coverage enquiry, please contact Editorial Support (available 24/7) via editorialsupport@ap.org
<END>
