Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Beef Prices-Things to Know
Tyson’s beef plant closure in Nebraska will impact a reliant town and ranchers nationwide
SUMMARY: Tyson Foods’ decision to close a beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, could devastate the small city and undermine the profits of ranchers nationwide. The closure of the plant and one of two shifts at a plant in Texas will reduce beef processing capacity nationwide by 7-9% and lead to lower cattle prices. Consumers may not see prices change much at the grocery store over the next six months because all the cattle that are being prepared for slaughter now will still be processed. But in the long run, beef prices may continue to climb even higher than the current records unless U.S. ranchers expand their herds.
WORDS: 946 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 6:46 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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US–Beef Prices-Things to Know
Tyson’s beef plant closure in Nebraska will impact a reliant town and ranchers nationwide
SUMMARY: Tyson Foods’ decision to close a beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, could devastate the small city and undermine the profits of ranchers nationwide. The closure of the plant and one of two shifts at a plant in Texas will reduce beef processing capacity nationwide by 7-9% and lead to lower cattle prices. Consumers may not see prices change much at the grocery store over the next six months because all the cattle that are being prepared for slaughter now will still be processed. But in the long run, beef prices may continue to climb even higher than the current records unless U.S. ranchers expand their herds.
WORDS: 946 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 6:46 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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US–Trump-Immigration-Minnesota
Trump pledge to ‘immediately’ end protections for Minnesota Somalis sparks fear and legal questions
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has pledged to end temporary legal protections for Somalis in Minnesota, sparking fear in the state’s immigrant community. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he would strip Somali residents of their Temporary Protected Status, which protects immigrants from deportation. Experts and state leaders have criticized the move as legally questionable and divisive. Most Somali residents in Minnesota would not be affected, as only 705 nationwide are covered by the program. Advocates warn the decision could fuel hate against the community, which has deep roots in the U.S.
WORDS: 803 – MOVED: 11/22/2025 11:41 a.m. CST
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MN–Minnesota Economy-Perspective
How’s Minnesota’s economy? The answer depends on your income bracket
SUMMARY: On paper, Minnesota’s economy looks solid. Jobs remain near record highs, economic output is growing, major employers are hiring and the state’s unemployment rate remains below the national average. But the way people experience the economy depends on their income bracket. Economists say the top 10% of income earners are responsible for 50% of the consumption. However, consumer confidence is down. Economics professor Tyler Schipper says when averages look good but half the population feels terrible, that means the income distribution has widened. When high-income households continue to spend, the economy’s overall indicators look resilient even if many other households are straining to just keep up with the basics.
WORDS: 1508 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 2:29 p.m. CST
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US-Best Buy-Results
Best Buy ups sales outlook heading into holiday shopping season
SUMMARY: Best Buy is raising its profit and sales expectations ahead of the holiday shopping season after a strong third quarter. Comparable-store sales at the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain rose 2.7%, fueled by computing, gaming and mobile phones. It was the biggest gain in three years for the Minnesota retailer. Shares rose nearly 3% before the opening bell Tuesday. The strong quarter is an encouraging sign for Best Buy, which like almost all U.S. companies, has spent months navigating an uncertain economic environment as President Donald Trump imposes wide-ranging tariffs on imports. Electronics have been particularly hard hit.
WORDS: 353 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 7:30 a.m. CST
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US–Severe Weather
A tornado damages homes near Houston as rain falls in the South and snow comes down in the Midwest
SUMMARY: Residents north of Houston are dealing with cleanup following a tornado, as heavy rain was falling in the South and snow came down in the Midwest. The Texas storm on Monday damaged over 100 homes. No injuries were reported. The National Weather Service plans to survey the area to determine if multiple tornadoes struck. Meanwhile, heavy rain and storms are affecting Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on Tuesday. Snow fell in North Dakota and was expected in parts of the Midwest, with more on the way in the Great Lakes region Wednesday. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is expected to be dry but cold. More winter weather could hit the central and northern U.S. over the weekend.
WORDS: 479 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 6:52 a.m. CST
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US–Rental Software-Lawsuit
New limits for a rent algorithm that prosecutors say let landlords drive up prices
SUMMARY: Real estate software company RealPage has agreed to stop sharing nonpublic information between landlords as part of a settlement with the Department of Justice. Federal prosecutors had accused RealPage of helping property managers illegally drive up rents across the country. The DOJ announced the settlement Monday, more than a year after federal prosecutors filed the antitrust lawsuit under President Joe Biden. Officials accused RealPage of facilitating “algorithmic coordination,” saying its popular software let landlords coordinate without ever having to gather in a “smoke-filled room.” RealPage would not have to pay any damages or admit any wrondoing. The company says it’s pleased to settle the matter.
WORDS: 443 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 11:48 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Beef Prices-Things to Know
Tyson’s beef plant closure in Nebraska will impact a reliant town and ranchers nationwide
SUMMARY: Tyson Foods’ decision to close a beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, could devastate the small city and undermine the profits of ranchers nationwide. The closure of the plant and one of two shifts at a plant in Texas will reduce beef processing capacity nationwide by 7-9% and lead to lower cattle prices. Consumers may not see prices change much at the grocery store over the next six months because all the cattle that are being prepared for slaughter now will still be processed. But in the long run, beef prices may continue to climb even higher than the current records unless U.S. ranchers expand their herds.
WORDS: 946 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 6:46 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Severe Weather
A tornado damages homes near Houston as rain falls in the South and snow comes down in the Midwest
SUMMARY: Residents north of Houston are dealing with cleanup following a tornado, as heavy rain was falling in the South and snow came down in the Midwest. The Texas storm on Monday damaged over 100 homes. No injuries were reported. The National Weather Service plans to survey the area to determine if multiple tornadoes struck. Meanwhile, heavy rain and storms are affecting Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia on Tuesday. Snow fell in North Dakota and was expected in parts of the Midwest, with more on the way in the Great Lakes region Wednesday. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is expected to be dry but cold. More winter weather could hit the central and northern U.S. over the weekend.
WORDS: 479 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 6:52 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Obit-Viola Ford Fletcher
One of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre’s last survivors, Viola Ford Fletcher, dies at age 111
SUMMARY: One of the last known survivors of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre in Oklahoma has died. Viola Ford Fletcher was 111. Her grandson, Ike Howard, said Monday that she died surrounded by family at a Tulsa hospital. In recent years, she had sought justice for the deadly attack by a white mob on the thriving Black community where she had lived as a child. Sustained by a strong faith, she raised three children, worked as a welder in a shipyard during World War II and spent decades caring for families as a housekeeper. She was 7 when the two-day attack began on the prosperous area that was known as Black Wall Street.
WORDS: 1001 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 3:35 p.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Beef Prices-Things to Know
Tyson’s beef plant closure in Nebraska will impact a reliant town and ranchers nationwide
SUMMARY: Tyson Foods’ decision to close a beef plant in Lexington, Nebraska, could devastate the small city and undermine the profits of ranchers nationwide. The closure of the plant and one of two shifts at a plant in Texas will reduce beef processing capacity nationwide by 7-9% and lead to lower cattle prices. Consumers may not see prices change much at the grocery store over the next six months because all the cattle that are being prepared for slaughter now will still be processed. But in the long run, beef prices may continue to climb even higher than the current records unless U.S. ranchers expand their herds.
WORDS: 946 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 6:46 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKC–Players Era
Why top college basketball teams are flocking to the Players Era tournament
SUMMARY: The Players Era has quickly become a top early season college basketball tournament. It offers at least $1 million in name, image and likeness money to each of the participating teams. Starting Monday, the event features a strong lineup, including No. 3 Houston and No. 7 Michigan. The women’s field includes top teams like South Carolina and UCLA. Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, highlights the financial incentive as a major draw. Organizers are pleased with the tournament’s financial success and increased ticket sales. Las Vegas hosts the event, providing both competitive games and an exciting atmosphere.
WORDS: 958 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 2:35 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Iowa State-St. John’s
No. 15 Iowa State remains unbeaten with 83-82 victory over No. 14 St. John’s in Players Era tourney
SUMMARY: Milan Momcilovic scored a game-high 23 points and No. 15 Iowa State defeated No. 14 St. John’s 83-82 on Monday in the Players Era tournament. Back in his hometown, Iowa State’s Joshua Jefferson finished with 17 points, eight rebounds and three assists. Tamin Lipsey scored 16 points for Iowa State before leaving with a lower-body injury. Oziyah Sellers led St. John’s with 20 points, while Zuby Ejiofor and Bryce Hopkins both finished with 16 points. Dillon Mitchell chipped in with 12 points and nine rebounds.
WORDS: 358 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 6:20 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BKC–Players Era
Why top college basketball teams are flocking to the Players Era tournament
SUMMARY: The Players Era has quickly become a top early season college basketball tournament. It offers at least $1 million in name, image and likeness money to each of the participating teams. Starting Monday, the event features a strong lineup, including No. 3 Houston and No. 7 Michigan. The women’s field includes top teams like South Carolina and UCLA. Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, highlights the financial incentive as a major draw. Organizers are pleased with the tournament’s financial success and increased ticket sales. Las Vegas hosts the event, providing both competitive games and an exciting atmosphere.
WORDS: 958 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 2:35 p.m. CST
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FBN–Behind the Call
Chiefs overcame bad calls on Travis Kelce and Jawaan Taylor to salvage their season
SUMMARY: Referee Alex Moore’s crew made a mistake by penalizing Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor for a facemask violation, erasing a game-tying touchdown by Travis Kelce in Week 12. CBS analyst Tony Romo also erred by suggesting Andy Reid could have challenged the call. The NFL expanded facemask calls for replay assist this season, but it wasn’t used here, so the errant call went uncorrected. The Chiefs overcame both the bad call and an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit in winning in overtime to salvage their season.
WORDS: 831 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 12:59 a.m. CST
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BKC–Player of the Week
Kansas State’s P.J. Haggerty is AP men’s player of the week after averaging 31.7 points in 3 games
SUMMARY: Kansas State’s P.J. Haggerty is The Associated Press men’s college basketball player of the week for Week 3 of the regular season. He averaged 31.7 points, 7.7 rebounds and 6.0 assists in three games. That included a 37-point outing in a win over Mississippi State in the Hall of Fame Classic. Utah State guard M.J. Collins Jr. and SMU guard B.J. Edwards tied for runner-up. Collins had a 40-point game against Davidson. Edwards had 24 points, 13 assists and 10 steals in a win over Arkansas State.
WORDS: 517 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 10:08 a.m. CST
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BBO–Red Sox-Cardinals Trade
Red Sox acquire right-hander Sonny Gray from the Cardinals, AP source says
SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Boston Red Sox have acquired right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been announced. According to published reports, the Cardinals would receive righty Richard Fitts and prospect Brandon Clarke. Gray went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA for the Cardinals last season. In a 13-year career with five teams, he is 125-102 with a 3.58 ERA and three All-Star appearances. Fitts turns 26 next month.
WORDS: 165 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 11:23 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-McCarthy
Vikings put McCarthy in concussion protocol, after struggling QB reports postgame symptoms
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings have placed quarterback J.J. McCarthy in the concussion protocol, putting his availability for the upcoming game at Seattle in question. McCarthy first reported symptoms during the team’s travel home from the 23-6 loss at Green Bay, coach Kevin O’Connell said Monday. The medical staff made the decision to put him in the protocol after returning to Minnesota. O’Connell did not rule McCarthy out for Sunday but said rookie backup Max Brosmer would step in with the first-string offense in practice this week until or unless McCarthy is cleared. The Vikings are 4-7.
WORDS: 542 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 1:18 p.m. CST
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US–Sports Betting-Arrests
Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case
SUMMARY: Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and another former NBA player. The Hall of Famer was arraigned Monday in a federal court in New York City. Billups was arguably the most prominent name among more than 30 charged in last month’s sprawling federal takedown of illegal gambling operations linked to professional sports. He previously appeared before in an Oregon federal court when prosecutors announced the indictment on Oct. 23. His attorney said at the time that the five-time All Star was a “man of integrity” and denied the charges.
WORDS: 783 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 11:03 p.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings Analysis
McCarthy’s struggles for the Vikings have had a ripple effect on their formula for success
SUMMARY: The development process in the NFL for a quarterback learning the most demanding and difficult job in sports can test the patience of the entire organization. The challenge of breaking in J.J. McCarthy that the Minnesota Vikings are in the thick of this season has been creating all kinds of cracks in their foundation for success. Their defense has rarely had leads to play with and force opponents into turnovers. The persistent double-digit-point deficits the offense is facing has forced McCarthy into drop-back mode too often. The Vikings lost 23-6 at Green Bay on Sunday and fell to 4-7.
WORDS: 929 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 7:16 p.m. CST
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BKN–Timberwolves-Kings
Kings take advantage of Timberwolves’ 2nd straight collapse in 117-112 OT win
SUMMARY: DeMar DeRozan scored 33 points and the Sacramento Kings took advantage of Minnesota’s second straight stunning collapse, rallying late in regulation and outlasting the Timberwolves 117-112 in overtime. On Friday night in Phoenix, the Timberwolves blew an eight-point lead with less than a minute left in a 114-113 loss. Against the Kings, they were up 10 with three minutes left. After DeRozan tied it at 101 with two free throws with 34 seconds left in regulation, Anthony Edwards missed a jumper for Minnesota, and DeRozan and Malik Monk missed shots on the final possession. The Kings won their second straight after rallying to beat Denver 128-123 on Saturday night on the road to end an eight-game losing streak. They are 5-13. Edwards scored 43 points.
WORDS: 210 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 12:03 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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HKN–Blues-Rangers
Lafreniere scores go-ahead goal and Rangers snap 4-game skid with 3-2 win over Blues
SUMMARY: Alexis Lafreniere scored the go-ahead goal early in the third period and Igor Shesterkin made 19 saves as the New York Rangers snapped a four-game skid with a 3-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. Lafreniere put the puck past Blues netminder Joel Hofer 40 seconds into the final period Monday night for his fifth goal this season. Vincent Trocheck and Adam Edstrom also scored for the Rangers, who won for just the second time in 10 home games. New York is 2-7-1 at Madison Square Garden. Dylan Holloway and Brayden Schenn scored for St. Louis, and Hofer made 17 saves.
WORDS: 263 – MOVED: 11/24/2025 8:52 p.m. CST
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FBN–Behind the Call
Chiefs overcame bad calls on Travis Kelce and Jawaan Taylor to salvage their season
SUMMARY: Referee Alex Moore’s crew made a mistake by penalizing Kansas City Chiefs right tackle Jawaan Taylor for a facemask violation, erasing a game-tying touchdown by Travis Kelce in Week 12. CBS analyst Tony Romo also erred by suggesting Andy Reid could have challenged the call. The NFL expanded facemask calls for replay assist this season, but it wasn’t used here, so the errant call went uncorrected. The Chiefs overcame both the bad call and an 11-point fourth-quarter deficit in winning in overtime to salvage their season.
WORDS: 831 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 12:59 a.m. CST
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BBO–Red Sox-Cardinals Trade
Red Sox acquire right-hander Sonny Gray from the Cardinals, AP source says
SUMMARY: A person with knowledge of the deal tells The Associated Press that the Boston Red Sox have acquired right-hander Sonny Gray from the St. Louis Cardinals. The person spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the trade had not yet been announced. According to published reports, the Cardinals would receive righty Richard Fitts and prospect Brandon Clarke. Gray went 14-8 with a 4.28 ERA for the Cardinals last season. In a 13-year career with five teams, he is 125-102 with a 3.58 ERA and three All-Star appearances. Fitts turns 26 next month.
WORDS: 165 – MOVED: 11/25/2025 11:23 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BKC–Players Era
Why top college basketball teams are flocking to the Players Era tournament
SUMMARY: The Players Era has quickly become a top early season college basketball tournament. It offers at least $1 million in name, image and likeness money to each of the participating teams. Starting Monday, the event features a strong lineup, including No. 3 Houston and No. 7 Michigan. The women’s field includes top teams like South Carolina and UCLA. Houston’s coach, Kelvin Sampson, highlights the financial incentive as a major draw. Organizers are pleased with the tournament’s financial success and increased ticket sales. Las Vegas hosts the event, providing both competitive games and an exciting atmosphere.
WORDS: 958 – MOVED: 11/23/2025 2:35 p.m. CST
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