Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Trump-Soybean Farmers
Farmers will get more money from Trump. They still have more problems
SUMMARY: American farmers are feeling the strain from trade disputes under President Donald Trump, particularly with China. Trump has announced $12 billion in aid for U.S. farmers, but many farmers say that’s not enough. South Dakota farmer Gene Stehly believes the aid is insufficient to cover losses from low commodity prices and declining sales. Farmers such as Charlie Radman in Minnesota and Bryant Kagay in Missouri say they need more certainty and new markets, not just temporary payments. The aid is seen as a stopgap. Many farmers want solutions to rising costs and market access beyond China.
WORDS: 957 – MOVED: 12/10/2025 11:03 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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US–Trump-Soybean Farmers
Farmers will get more money from Trump. They still have more problems
SUMMARY: American farmers are feeling the strain from trade disputes under President Donald Trump, particularly with China. Trump has announced $12 billion in aid for U.S. farmers, but many farmers say that’s not enough. South Dakota farmer Gene Stehly believes the aid is insufficient to cover losses from low commodity prices and declining sales. Farmers such as Charlie Radman in Minnesota and Bryant Kagay in Missouri say they need more certainty and new markets, not just temporary payments. The aid is seen as a stopgap. Many farmers want solutions to rising costs and market access beyond China.
WORDS: 957 – MOVED: 12/10/2025 11:03 p.m. CST
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US–Aviation Safety
Senators seek to change bill that allows military to operate just like before the DC plane crash
SUMMARY: Senators from both parties are pushing to change a defense bill after crash investigators and victims’ families warned it could undo key safety reforms. The reforms stem from a deadly collision between an airliner and Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., in January, killing 67 people. The National Transportation Safety Board and senators on the Commerce Committee say the bill would make skies less safe. Democratic Sen. Maria Cantwell and Republican Sen. Ted Cruz filed amendments to strengthen helicopter safety requirements. The bill currently allows military helicopters to fly without broadcasting their locations, a key safety measure.
WORDS: 1105 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 12:11 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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US–Election 2026-Minnesota-Lindell
MyPillow founder and Trump supporter Mike Lindell says he’s running for Minnesota governor in 2026
SUMMARY: Mike Lindell, the fervent supporter of President Donald Trump known to TV viewers as the “MyPillow Guy,” says he’s running for Minnesota governor in 2026. Lindell became close to Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign. He went on to become a leading amplifier of Trump’s false claims that the 2020 election was stolen. That led to a string of legal and financial setbacks for Lindell and his MyPillow company, which he founded in Minnesota. But he says he’s overcome them and is eager to take on Democratic Gov. Tim Walz.
WORDS: 1113 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 10:02 a.m. CST
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US–Trump-Soybean Farmers
Farmers will get more money from Trump. They still have more problems
SUMMARY: American farmers are feeling the strain from trade disputes under President Donald Trump, particularly with China. Trump has announced $12 billion in aid for U.S. farmers, but many farmers say that’s not enough. South Dakota farmer Gene Stehly believes the aid is insufficient to cover losses from low commodity prices and declining sales. Farmers such as Charlie Radman in Minnesota and Bryant Kagay in Missouri say they need more certainty and new markets, not just temporary payments. The aid is seen as a stopgap. Many farmers want solutions to rising costs and market access beyond China.
WORDS: 957 – MOVED: 12/10/2025 11:03 p.m. CST
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US–Commercial Driver’s Licenses-Immigrants
New York may lose $73M in federal highway funds over flawed immigrant commercial driver’s licenses
SUMMARY: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says New York routinely issues licenses to immigrants that may be valid long after they’re legally authorized to be in the country and he threatened to withhold $73 million in highway funds unless the system is fixed. New York officials said they are following all federal rules. New York is the latest Democratic state Duffy has targeted in his effort to make sure truck and bus drivers are qualified to get licenses that he launched after a truck driver who wasn’t authorized to be in the U.S. made an illegal U-turn and caused a crash in Florida that killed three people. Duffy says investigators found that more than half of the 200 licenses they reviewed in New York were issued improperly.
WORDS: 486 – MOVED: 12/12/2025 9:44 a.m. CST
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US–Treasury Minnesota Fraud
Treasury rachets up investigations targeting Minnesota’s Somali community for fraud
SUMMARY: The Treasury Department is targeting businesses used to send money abroad as President Donald Trump’s administration ramps up investigations into fraud within Minnesota’s Somali community. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Friday that money wire services sending funds to Somalia will need to submit additional verification. The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network and the IRS will assist. This follows an unsubstantiated report from a conservative magazine that said money stolen from government programs flowed to a militant group in Somalia. Trump has recently ratcheted up his attacks on the Somali community, targeting it with immigration enforcement actions.
WORDS: 282 – MOVED: 12/12/2025 11:35 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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NV–Outdoor Recreation-Economy
Outdoor recreation fuels the Nevada economy. A new state report says there’s a $24 billion impact
SUMMARY: An economic analysis by the Nevada Division of Outdoor Recreation found that outdoor recreation across the state and the Tahoe Basin, including the California side, provided an estimated $24 billion in economic benefits in 2023 and jobs for more than 75,000 people. The analysis had a broad definition of outdoor recreation and took intangible benefits into account, including the health benefits of outdoor recreation. It also counted self-employed workers in the recreation industry. The analysis comes in well ahead of a federal estimate of $8 billion in economic impact and 58,000 jobs. The analysis also highlights opportunities for improvement, including workforce development and creating a dedicated funding source for outdoor recreation initiatives in the state.
WORDS: 1220 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 1:22 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Trump-Soybean Farmers
Farmers will get more money from Trump. They still have more problems
SUMMARY: American farmers are feeling the strain from trade disputes under President Donald Trump, particularly with China. Trump has announced $12 billion in aid for U.S. farmers, but many farmers say that’s not enough. South Dakota farmer Gene Stehly believes the aid is insufficient to cover losses from low commodity prices and declining sales. Farmers such as Charlie Radman in Minnesota and Bryant Kagay in Missouri say they need more certainty and new markets, not just temporary payments. The aid is seen as a stopgap. Many farmers want solutions to rising costs and market access beyond China.
WORDS: 957 – MOVED: 12/10/2025 11:03 p.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Trump-Soybean Farmers
Farmers will get more money from Trump. They still have more problems
SUMMARY: American farmers are feeling the strain from trade disputes under President Donald Trump, particularly with China. Trump has announced $12 billion in aid for U.S. farmers, but many farmers say that’s not enough. South Dakota farmer Gene Stehly believes the aid is insufficient to cover losses from low commodity prices and declining sales. Farmers such as Charlie Radman in Minnesota and Bryant Kagay in Missouri say they need more certainty and new markets, not just temporary payments. The aid is seen as a stopgap. Many farmers want solutions to rising costs and market access beyond China.
WORDS: 957 – MOVED: 12/10/2025 11:03 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–AP All-Big 12
AP All-Big 12: Texas Tech has 7 first-team picks with LB Jacob Rodriguez the top defender
SUMMARY: Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is The Associated Press Big 12 defensive player of the year. He is also among seven first-team picks on the AP all-league team from the playoff-bound Red Raiders. BYU’s Kalani Sitake is the Big 12’s top coach, and Cougars running back LJ Martin is the top offensive player. Texas Tech won its first Big 12 title and has a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Rodriguez and defensive end David Bailey, the league’s top first-year transfer, were unanimous picks and among five Red Raiders on the first-team defense. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier is the league’s top freshman.
WORDS: 1121 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 12:25 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Iowa-Iowa St
Joshua Jefferson leads No. 4 Iowa State back from 13-point deficit in 66-62 win over Iowa
SUMMARY: Joshua Jefferson scored 24 points and No. 4 Iowa State overcame a 13-point deficit to stay unbeaten with a 66-62 win over Iowa. The Cyclones entered leading the nation in field-goal percentage following a 23-point victory at then-No. 1 Purdue. But they were sluggish before reeling off a 19-0 run spanning both halves to take the lead. They held off a late surge to win their third straight in the CyHawk Series. Tavion Banks led the Hawkeyes with 14 points, and Bennett Stirtz and Cam Manyawu had 10 apiece.
WORDS: 301 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 9:58 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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FBC–AP All-Big 12
AP All-Big 12: Texas Tech has 7 first-team picks with LB Jacob Rodriguez the top defender
SUMMARY: Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is The Associated Press Big 12 defensive player of the year. He is also among seven first-team picks on the AP all-league team from the playoff-bound Red Raiders. BYU’s Kalani Sitake is the Big 12’s top coach, and Cougars running back LJ Martin is the top offensive player. Texas Tech won its first Big 12 title and has a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Rodriguez and defensive end David Bailey, the league’s top first-year transfer, were unanimous picks and among five Red Raiders on the first-team defense. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier is the league’s top freshman.
WORDS: 1121 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 12:25 p.m. CST
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FBC–T25-Michigan-Moore
Sherrone Moore was a once-promising coach until a sudden and stunning fall from grace at Michigan
SUMMARY: Sherrone Moore was once a promising young leader. He was a rare Black head coach at the top of the sport — a rugged lineman at Oklahoma who climbed the ranks to Michigan, the winningest program in college football. His downfall has been even more stunning. The 39-year-old Moore was fired and arrested hours apart on Wednesday, and remained jailed with an arraignment expected Friday as police investigate an alleged assault. His firing was related to what the school called an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore has been through a lot in his career, but scandal abounds.
WORDS: 808 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 2:46 p.m. CST
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BBO–Royals-Thomas
Outfielder Lane Thomas agrees to $5.25 million, 1-year deal with Royals, AP source says
SUMMARY: A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that outfielder Lane Thomas and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $5.25 million, one-year contract. Thomas can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses. He had nine RBIs for Cleveland in the 2024 AL Division Series against Detroit but hit .160 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 125 at-bats over 39 games this year in an injury-decimated season with Cleveland. He was hampered by wrist and foot injuries.
WORDS: 337 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 8:49 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Cowboys Preview Capsule
Cowboys cling to playoff hopes as Vikings visit with focus on McCarthy’s growth
SUMMARY: The Cowboys are set for a prime-time home matchup Sunday night against the Minnesota Vikings with Dallas still clinching to playoff hopes. The Vikings are playing for next year in quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s first season as the starter after his rookie year was wiped out by a knee injury. The Cowboys are a game and a half behind NFC East-leading Philadelphia with four games to play. Dallas just had a three-winning streak stopped by Detroit while the Eagles have lost three in a row. The Cowboys’ Dak Prescott is the NFL’s leading passer and going for a fourth consecutive 300-yard game. McCarthy is coming off his best game as a pro in a victory over Washington.
WORDS: 1040 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 10:05 a.m. CST
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FBN–Vikings-Jefferson
Vikings value Jefferson’s impact in rocky season, despite his lagging production
SUMMARY: Justin Jefferson has just four receptions for a paltry 15 yards over the last two games. That puts even a modest 1,000-yard season in jeopardy for the two-time All-Pro whose first six years in the NFL have been as productive and prolific as anyone to ever play the position. The Minnesota Vikings have never been more impressed by his presence. The rocky debut for quarterback J.J. McCarthy this season has largely kept the entire offense out of sync. Jefferson has never voiced a hint of criticism toward McCarthy or the coaches or expression of unhappiness with being in Minnesota.
WORDS: 766 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 5:57 p.m. CST
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BKN–Warriors-Curry
Stephen Curry eager to return from leg injury, play for Warriors as soon as Friday against Minnesota
SUMMARY: Only in the last few days did Stephen Curry fully regain range of motion in his injured left thigh so he could resume all activity on the practice floor with the Golden State Warriors. Now, Curry hopes he’s ready to play at full speed again. Coach Steve Kerr says the 37-year-old two-time MVP is expected to return for Friday’s game against Minnesota following a five-game absence nursing a left quadriceps contusion and muscle strain.
WORDS: 501 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 6:01 p.m. CST
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FBN–Cowboys-Lamb
Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb set to return 10 days after concussion without missing a game
SUMMARY: CeeDee Lamb appears set to return from a concussion without missing a game for the Dallas Cowboys, who will play Minnesota at home 10 days after their star receiver exited a loss in Detroit. Lamb was a full practice participant and talked to reporters Thursday. Those are strong signs he will be on the field Sunday night as the Cowboys try to keep their playoff hopes alive. The 2023 All-Pro says he is still technically in concussion protocol. Lamb says he hasn’t shown any symptoms and says the extra days of recovery have been important.
WORDS: 619 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 6:15 p.m. CST
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BKC–St. John’s (MN)-St. Thomas
Minessale’s 30 lead St. Thomas past St. John’s (MN) 80-56
SUMMARY: The Saint Thomas Tommies defeated the Saint John’s (MN) Jonnies 80-56 on Thursday, led by Nolan Minessale’s 30 points. The Tommies are now 8-4 on the season.
WORDS: 106 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 9:46 p.m. CST
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HKN–Stars-Wild
Johansson scores 2, Boldy has goal and assist in Wild’s 5-2 win to snap Stars’ 11-game point streak
SUMMARY: Marcus Johansson scored twice, Matt Boldy had a goal and two assists, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 5-2. Joel Eriksson Ek had a goal and an assist, Zach Bogosian also scored, and Vladimir Tarasenko had two assists as Minnesota won its second straight after a two-game skid that followed its 12-game point streak (10-0-2). Filip Gustavsson stopped 16 shots. Miro Heiskanen had a goal and an assist, and Jason Robertson also scored for Dallas, which snapped an 11-game point streak (9-0-2). Jake Oettinger finished with 27 saves. Johansson gave the Wild a 3-2 lead at 8:40 of the third, beating Oettinger with a one-timer from the right circle. Boldy and Johansson added empty-netters 41 seconds apart in the closing minutes.
WORDS: 338 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 10:13 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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BBO–Royals-Thomas
Outfielder Lane Thomas agrees to $5.25 million, 1-year deal with Royals, AP source says
SUMMARY: A person familiar with the negotiations tells The Associated Press that outfielder Lane Thomas and the Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $5.25 million, one-year contract. Thomas can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses. He had nine RBIs for Cleveland in the 2024 AL Division Series against Detroit but hit .160 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 125 at-bats over 39 games this year in an injury-decimated season with Cleveland. He was hampered by wrist and foot injuries.
WORDS: 337 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 8:49 p.m. CST
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BKC–Alabama State-Missouri
Jacob Crews scores 20 for Missouri in 85-77 win over Alabama State
SUMMARY: Jacob Crews scored 20 and Anthony Robinson II added 19 in Missouri’s 85-77 win over Alabama State on Thursday night.
WORDS: 247 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 9:10 p.m. CST
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HKN–Blues-Predators
Stamkos scores 4 goals as Predators beat Blues 7-2 for 4th win in 5 games
SUMMARY: Steven Stamkos scored four goals and the Nashville Predators beat the St. Louis Blues 7-2 for their fourth win in five games. Filip Forsberg, Ryan O’Reilly and Michael Bunting also scored for Nashville. Luke Evangelista had three assists, and Roman Josi, Matthew Wood, Nick Blankenburg and Fedor Svechkov each had two. Juuse Saros finished with 24 saves. Robert Thomas and Hugh McGing scored for St. Louis, and Philip Broberg had two assists. Jordan Binnington had 19 saves through two periods, and Joel Hofer had six in the third. Stamkos got his 15th career hat trick and second four-goal effort — first since Dec. 14, 2023, at Edmonton while playing for Tampa Bay.
WORDS: 384 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 9:47 p.m. CST
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HKN–Predators-Stamkos-4 Goals
Predators center Steven Stamkos scores 4 goals in win over Blues
SUMMARY: After a slow start to the season, veteran Nashville Predators center Steven Stamkos rediscovered his scoring touch with a four-goal outing in a 7-2 win over the St. Louis Blues. The 35-year-old scored twice in the first period and then added two more in the second. The four-goal outing is the second of Stamkos’ 18-year career. He previously scored four times in 7-4 win at Edmonton on Dec. 14, 2023, while with the Tampa Bay Bay Lightning. After scoring just four times in his first 22 games of the season, he now has eight in his past eight outings. He also increased his career total to 594, which ranks 22nd on the NHL list.
WORDS: 509 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 9:48 p.m. CST
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FBN–Jets-Cook Starts
Undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook to make first NFL start for Jets against Jaguars
SUMMARY: Undrafted rookie quarterback Brady Cook will make his first NFL start for the New York Jets against the Jaguars on Sunday. Cook took snaps with the starters this week. Tyrod Taylor and Justin Fields were ruled out because of injuries. Cook will become the 55th player to start at quarterback in franchise history and the first undrafted rookie to do so for the Jets since J.J. Jones in 1975. Adrian Martinez will serve as Cook’s backup. Cook stepped in last Sunday after Taylor injured his groin in the Jets’ loss to the Miami Dolphins. The Jets also announced a multiyear contract extension for center Josh Myers.
WORDS: 390 – MOVED: 12/12/2025 10:52 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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FBC–Nebraska-Staff Hires
Nebraska hires San Diego State’s Rob Aurich as defensive coordinator, line coach from Georgia Tech
SUMMARY: Nebraska has hired Rob Aurich as its new defensive coordinator and Geep Wade to coach the offensive line. Aurich joins from San Diego State, where he led one of the top defenses in the Bowl Subdivision. The Aztecs had three shutouts and held eight of 12 opponents to 10 or fewer points. Wade, previously at Georgia Tech, has developed linemen who earned 23 all-conference awards. Rhule praised Aurich’s fundamentals and energy and highlighted Wade’s technique and recruiting skills.
WORDS: 372 – MOVED: 12/12/2025 9:54 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–AP All-Big 12
AP All-Big 12: Texas Tech has 7 first-team picks with LB Jacob Rodriguez the top defender
SUMMARY: Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez is The Associated Press Big 12 defensive player of the year. He is also among seven first-team picks on the AP all-league team from the playoff-bound Red Raiders. BYU’s Kalani Sitake is the Big 12’s top coach, and Cougars running back LJ Martin is the top offensive player. Texas Tech won its first Big 12 title and has a first-round bye in the College Football Playoff. Rodriguez and defensive end David Bailey, the league’s top first-year transfer, were unanimous picks and among five Red Raiders on the first-team defense. BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier is the league’s top freshman.
WORDS: 1121 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 12:25 p.m. CST
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FBC–T25-Michigan-Moore
Sherrone Moore was a once-promising coach until a sudden and stunning fall from grace at Michigan
SUMMARY: Sherrone Moore was once a promising young leader. He was a rare Black head coach at the top of the sport — a rugged lineman at Oklahoma who climbed the ranks to Michigan, the winningest program in college football. His downfall has been even more stunning. The 39-year-old Moore was fired and arrested hours apart on Wednesday, and remained jailed with an arraignment expected Friday as police investigate an alleged assault. His firing was related to what the school called an inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Moore has been through a lot in his career, but scandal abounds.
WORDS: 808 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 2:46 p.m. CST
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FBC–College Sports-Collective Bargaining
Some athletic directors are open to collective bargaining agreements for college athletes
SUMMARY: Some athletic directors are starting to believe that collective bargaining agreements might be coming to college sports. The NCAA and its member schools have long said such labor deals are financially unfeasible. But with Congress failing to act on a key piece of legislation on Dec. 4, there was a growing sense of frustration among college sports executives who met this week at Sports Business Journal’s Intercollegiate Athletics Forum in Las Vegas. Meanwhile, a group of state attorneys general are urging their schools not to sign an agreement sent out by the newly created College Sports Commission that would set the guidelines for new rules to pay players.
WORDS: 915 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 6:19 p.m. CST
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FBC–T25-Oklahoma-Defense
Brent Venables’ aggressive defense gives Oklahoma a different look than past Sooners playoff teams
SUMMARY: Brent Venables has transformed the Oklahoma Sooners into a defensive powerhouse. The eighth-ranked Sooners lead the nation in tackles for loss and are tied for the lead in sacks. Venables took over defensive play calling this season, turning the team around after a 6-7 record last year. Oklahoma ranks high in rushing, scoring, and total defense. Defensive stars like R Mason Thomas and Taylor Wein have been key contributors. Venables credits the players’ determination and the cohesive coaching staff for the success. The Sooners face No. 11 Alabama in the playoffs next Friday.
WORDS: 692 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 7:25 p.m. CST
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BKW–T25-Little Rock-Oklahoma
Raegan Beers’ has 26 points and 15 rebounds as No. 9 Oklahoma beats Little Rock 103-48
SUMMARY: Raegan Beers and ninth-ranked Oklahoma have enjoyed an easy win over Little Rock. Beers had 26 points and 15 rebounds as the Sooners won 103-48 on Thursday night. Beers exceeded 1,000 career rebounds. The senior is in her second season at Oklahoma after playing two years at Oregon State. She made 10 of 16 field goals and had five assists in 23 minutes against the Trojans. Freshman Aaliyah Chavez had another strong game for Oklahoma. The team’s leading scorer had 20 points on 9-of-11 shooting, her most efficient game yet. The Sooners have won nine straight.
WORDS: 296 – MOVED: 12/11/2025 8:14 p.m. CST
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