Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Severe Weather
Hurricane-force wind downs power lines, fans wildfires in Colorado with more on way
SUMMARY: Work crews are mopping up but bracing for more after hurricane-force wind downed power lines and fanned wildfires along the Colorado Front Range and onto the Great Plains. Wind that in places topped 100 mph arrived late Wednesday after Xcel Energy protectively cut off power through much of its eastern Colorado service areas. The goal was to prevent downed lines from starting fires. By Thursday afternoon, power was 60% restored but more strong wind and power outages are expected Friday. Wind-driven wildfires burned some 14,000 acres in eastern Colorado late Wednesday. Strong wind meanwhile closed a section of I-70 in western Kansas on Thursday.
WORDS: 619 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 2:32 p.m. CST
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US-Immigration-Detention-Native-Americans
Kansas tribe ends nearly $30 million deal with ICE
SUMMARY: A Kansas tribe said it has walked away from a nearly $30 million federal contract to come up with preliminary designs for immigrant detention centers after facing a wave of online criticism. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation’s announcement Wednesday came just over a week after the economic development leaders who brokered the deal were fired as the 4,500-member tribe was derided online as “disgusting” and “cruel.” The outcry came as some Native Americans are swept up and detained in recent immigration raids. Many also questioned how a tribe whose own ancestors were uprooted two centuries ago could participate in mass deportation efforts.
WORDS: 585 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 5:17 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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MN–Minnesota-Foraging Rules
Collecting wild plants for food, medicine is a tradition for many Minnesotans, but laws are unclear
SUMMARY: A Minnesota task force has been reviewing laws on foraging food and medicinal plants on state land and is expected to make recommendations to lawmakers early next year. The Sustainable Foraging Task Force has been holding meetings since August to gather public input on potential changes to foraging regulations. Permits exist for foraging wild rice or ginseng, but otherwise it’s illegal to disturb, damage or remove anything state property from a state park, and that includes plants. Berries are fair game, but only enough for personal use. The task force’s recommendations could include researching the impacts of foraging, public education, changes to permits, or just making the rules easier to understand.
WORDS: 2045 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 2:14 p.m. CST
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US–Minnesota-Fraud
Half of $18B in federal funds for Minnesota-run programs may have been defrauded, official says
SUMMARY: Federal prosecutors say about half of the roughly $18 billion in federal funds that supported 14 Minnesota-run programs since 2018 may have been stolen. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson said Thursday that the scale of fraud in Minnesota puts services at risk for people who really need them. While prosecutors typically see fraud manifest as providers overbilling, Thompson says companies have been created to provide zero services while pocketing federal funds for international travel, luxury vehicles and lavish lifestyles. He says the “magnitude cannot be overstated,” and that the fraud is ”staggering.”
WORDS: 985 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 12:15 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Medicaid-Work Requirements
Nebraska plans to be the first state to implement Trump’s new Medicaid work requirements
SUMMARY: Nebraska plans to be the first state to implement new work requirements for some Medicaid recipients. President Donald Trump signed a tax and policy law earlier this year that requires states to start enforcing the requirements for the Medicaid expansion population by the start of 2027. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen says it will take effect there in May. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office expects the number of people without insurance to grow as a result of the policy, which requires some people covered by the program to work, be in school or volunteer at least 80 hours a month.
WORDS: 662 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 10:58 a.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–NAIA All-America Team
Morningside QB Zack Chevalier and WR Drew Sellon are repeat 1st team picks for NAIA All-America team
SUMMARY: Morningside (Iowa) teammates Zack Chevalier and Drew Sellon are repeat first-team selections on The Associated Press NAIA All-America team. Chevalier averaged 321.8 passing yards per game and a nation-leading 42 touchdowns. Sellon led the NAIA with 123.6 receiving yards per game. Also on the first team are William Penn (Iowa) running back Destynd Loring, who led the NAIA in rushing with 1,949 yards and 30 touchdowns, and Southeastern (Fla.) defensive lineman Thomas Ibrahim, who led the NAIA with 11 sacks and 24 tackles for loss.
WORDS: 822 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 5:55 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BBO–Royals-Garcia
Maikel Garcia’s deal with Royals could be worth $85.3M with escalators
SUMMARY: Maikel Garcia’s $57.5 million, five-year contract with the Kansas City Royals could be worth up to $85.3 million if a 2031 team option is exercised and he has several seasons with at least 525 plate appearances and top-10 finishes in MVP voting. Garcia gets a $1 million signing bonus as part of the deal announced Tuesday by the Royals, according to terms obtained by The Associated Press. He receives salaries of $4 million next year, $7 million in 2027, $10.1 million in 2028, $13.1 million in 2029 and $19.1 million in 2030. Kansas City has a $21 million option for 2031 with a $3.2 million buyout.
WORDS: 265 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 4:43 p.m. CST
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GLF–Woodland’s Big Week
Gary Woodland is playing the PNC Championship with his father. It’s a celebration for both
SUMMARY: Gary Woodland and his father Dan are the only newcomers to the PNC Championship. It’s the tournament for major champions to play with a relative. And this is a special week in many ways for the Woodlands. About the time Gary Woodland returned to golf from brain surgery that still affects him, he learned his father had been diagnosed with cancer. Dan Woodland went through chemotherapy and was able to ring the cancer-free bell at the end of the year. Woodland had his best finish in the FedEx Cup in five years. They are among 20 teams at the PNC.
WORDS: 861 – MOVED: 12/19/2025 1:00 a.m. CST
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BBO–Phillies-Royals Trade
Royals reunite with former All-Star pitcher Matt Strahm in a trade with the Phillies
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have reunited with veteran pitcher Matt Strahm. They acquired the former All-Star left-hander from the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. Strahm, 34, has pitched for four clubs over ten seasons in the majors. He began his career with the Royals, who selected him in the 2012 draft. Strahm has also pitched for the Padres, Red Sox and Phillies, where he was an All-Star in 2024. Bowlan, 29, has pitched in parts of the past three seasons for Kansas City, appearing in a career-best 34 games this past season.
WORDS: 228 – MOVED: 12/19/2025 10:37 a.m. CST
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US–Stadiums-Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs close to leaving Arrowhead Stadium for new home in Kansas
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs are close to moving from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a new stadium in Kansas. The Legislative Coordinating Council plans to meet Monday in Topeka, Kansas, to consider funding up to 70% of the project. The Chiefs and Kansas City Royals have played in Missouri for over 50 years, but their leases expire in January 2031. Voters in Jackson County rejected a sales tax extension last year to finance renovations. Kansas offers a potential new location at The Legends, a commercial area with existing infrastructure. Missouri risks losing another team after the Rams moved to Los Angeles.
WORDS: 676 – MOVED: 12/19/2025 11:14 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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BKN–Timberwolves-Garnett
Timberwolves formalize a reunion with Kevin Garnett, with a plan to finally retire his No. 21 jersey
SUMMARY: Kevin Garnett will finally have his No. 21 formally retired by his original team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Timberwolves announced Thursday they’ve hired Garnett as a team ambassador with a plan to honor him in a jersey-raising ceremony on a future date. The fifth pick in the 1995 draft played the first 12 of his 21 NBA seasons for Minnesota before returning in 2015 for a farewell year. He has essentially been estranged from the organization because of a rift with former owner Glen Taylor. Taylor’s sale of the Timberwolves to Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez closed earlier this year.
WORDS: 649 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 3:18 p.m. CST
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HKN–Wild-Blue Jackets
Kaprizov, Boldy each have a goal and two assists as Wild beat Blue Jackets 5-2 for 6th straight win
SUMMARY: Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy each had a goal and two assists, and the Minnesota Wild beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 for their sixth straight win. Joel Eriksson Ek had a goal and an assist, and Ryan Hartman and Vladimir Tarasenko also scored for Minnesota. Yakov Trenin had two assists and Jesper Wallstedt stopped 27 shots. Zach Werenski scored twice for Columbus, and Jet Greaves finished with 23 saves. The Blue Jackets have lost six of their last seven (1-5-1). The Wild have allowed just nine goals during their win streak, giving up no more than two goals in any game with one shutout. Eriksson Ek put the Wild ahead 3-2 with 8:10 remaining. Kaprizov and Boldy had empty-netters late.
WORDS: 313 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 9:03 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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BBO–Royals-Garcia
Maikel Garcia’s deal with Royals could be worth $85.3M with escalators
SUMMARY: Maikel Garcia’s $57.5 million, five-year contract with the Kansas City Royals could be worth up to $85.3 million if a 2031 team option is exercised and he has several seasons with at least 525 plate appearances and top-10 finishes in MVP voting. Garcia gets a $1 million signing bonus as part of the deal announced Tuesday by the Royals, according to terms obtained by The Associated Press. He receives salaries of $4 million next year, $7 million in 2027, $10.1 million in 2028, $13.1 million in 2029 and $19.1 million in 2030. Kansas City has a $21 million option for 2031 with a $3.2 million buyout.
WORDS: 265 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 4:43 p.m. CST
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BKC–Kansas City-Oklahoma State
Coleman’s 20 points, 10 boards push Oklahoma State over Kansas City
SUMMARY: Christian Coleman tallied a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double as Oklahoma State held off Kansas City 91-79 on Thursday. Coleman shot 8 of 12 from the field and controlled the paint as the Cowboys improved to 10-1 and stayed unbeaten at home. Oklahoma State shot 58% overall, setting the tone early by opening the game on a 14-4 run before Kansas City settled in offensively. The Cowboys regained control with a three-point play by Coleman and pushed the lead to eight with just over seven minutes remaining. Karmello Branch led the Roos with 18 points, Jayson Petty added 16 and Kasheem Grady II scored 14. Kansas City shot 37% from the field, went 11 of 30 from 3-point range and made 18 of 22 free throws.
WORDS: 306 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 9:25 p.m. CST
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HKN–Rangers-Blues
J.T. Miller scores in OT to give Rangers 2-1 win over Blues
SUMMARY: J.T. Miller scored 2:21 into overtime and the New York Rangers beat the St. Louis Blues 2-1. Rookie Gabe Perrault scored his first NHL goal for the Rangers, and Igor Shesterkin had 26 saves. New York had lost two straight and five of six (1-3-2). Jonatan Berggren, claimed off waivers from Detroit earlier this week, scored for St. Louis, which has lost four of six. (2-3-1). Jordan Binnington finished with 28 saves. Miller was open in the slot and delivered the decisive goal as New York snapped a five-game losing streak in St. Louis.
WORDS: 344 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 10:13 p.m. CST
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FBC–Missouri State-Arkansas State
Rucker surpasses 4,000 yards receiving as Arkansas State defeats Missouri State 34-28 in Xbox Bowl
SUMMARY: Corey Rucker racked up 166 yards receiving and a score, Jaylen Raynor threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns, and Arkansas State took down Missouri State 34-28 in the inaugural Xbox Bowl on Thursday night. Rucker ends his collegiate career with 4,111 yards, ranked 21st in FBS. He is Arkansas State’s career leader in both receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. The Red Wolves (7-6), appearing in their third straight bowl game, took control in the first half. Rucker reeled in a 71-yard receiving score to cap off a four-play, 95-yard drive late in the first quarter. Missouri State struck back on a 39-yard reception by Dash Luke to cut the lead to 14-7. The Bears (7-6) climbed back in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough to finish the comeback.
WORDS: 292 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 11:53 p.m. CST
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FBC–Missouri St-Woods
Missouri State hires SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods as coach
SUMMARY: Missouri State has hired SMU offensive coordinator Casey Woods as its coach. The announcement comes a day after the Bears’ first bowl appearance in school history and a week after Coastal Carolina hired away their previous coach, Ryan Beard. The university’s board approved a five-year contract for Woods, who will be introduced in January. Missouri State moved up to the top tier of college football this season and finished with a 7-5 record. Woods, a former wide receiver for Tennessee, has coaching experience at Auburn, Arkansas State, UAB, and Missouri. Missouri State’s athletic director praised Woods for his commitment to developing players.
WORDS: 438 – MOVED: 12/19/2025 10:36 a.m. CST
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BBO–Phillies-Royals Trade
Royals reunite with former All-Star pitcher Matt Strahm in a trade with the Phillies
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Royals have reunited with veteran pitcher Matt Strahm. They acquired the former All-Star left-hander from the Philadelphia Phillies in a trade for right-hander Jonathan Bowlan. Strahm, 34, has pitched for four clubs over ten seasons in the majors. He began his career with the Royals, who selected him in the 2012 draft. Strahm has also pitched for the Padres, Red Sox and Phillies, where he was an All-Star in 2024. Bowlan, 29, has pitched in parts of the past three seasons for Kansas City, appearing in a career-best 34 games this past season.
WORDS: 228 – MOVED: 12/19/2025 10:37 a.m. CST
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US–Stadiums-Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs close to leaving Arrowhead Stadium for new home in Kansas
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs are close to moving from Arrowhead Stadium in Missouri to a new stadium in Kansas. The Legislative Coordinating Council plans to meet Monday in Topeka, Kansas, to consider funding up to 70% of the project. The Chiefs and Kansas City Royals have played in Missouri for over 50 years, but their leases expire in January 2031. Voters in Jackson County rejected a sales tax extension last year to finance renovations. Kansas offers a potential new location at The Legends, a commercial area with existing infrastructure. Missouri risks losing another team after the Rams moved to Los Angeles.
WORDS: 676 – MOVED: 12/19/2025 11:14 a.m. CST
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FBC–Transfer-Portal-Roundup
Missouri QB Beau Pribula enters transfer portal again, freshman Matt Zollers to start in Gator Bowl
SUMMARY: Missouri quarterback Beau Pribula is entering the transfer portal again. Tigers coach Eli Drinkwitz announced that freshman Matt Zollers will start in the Gator Bowl against Virginia on December 27. Pribula, who transferred from Penn State last season, led the Tigers to a strong start before an ankle injury. He threw for 1,941 yards and 11 touchdowns this season. Meanwhile, Duke quarterback Darian Mensah announced Friday that he will return next season. Mensah, who transferred from Tulane, threw for 3,645 yards and 30 touchdowns. Duke faces Arizona State in the Sun Bowl on December 31.
WORDS: 328 – MOVED: 12/19/2025 11:51 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–CFP-Betting
Betting interest wanes as 1st round of College Football Playoff lacks excitement
SUMMARY: Bettors aren’t rushing to place wagers on the opening week of this season’s College Football Playoff, except for Friday night’s Alabama-Oklahoma showdown. The presence of two Group of Five teams, Tulane and James Madison, as underdogs has lessened excitement. Mississippi is favored over Tulane, and Oregon over James Madison. Joey Feazel from Caesars Sportsbook says excitement may increase in later rounds. The most anticipated matchup is Oklahoma against Alabama, and the betting line has been fluctuating. Ohio State remains the overall favorite despite losing the Big Ten championship. Lane Kiffin’s absence from Ole Miss adds uncertainty to its playoff performance.
WORDS: 864 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 3:40 p.m. CST
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FBC–Oklahoma State-Brophy
Oklahoma State hires 29-year-old Sean Brophy as offensive coordinator
SUMMARY: Oklahoma State has hired Sean Brophy as its offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Brophy, 29, follows new head coach Eric Morris from North Texas. Morris hired Brophy as the North Texas quarterbacks coach in 2023 and later added passing game coordinator to his responsibilities this season. Morris has been the play caller throughout his head coaching career and plans to continue that role at Oklahoma State. This season, North Texas quarterback Drew Mestemaker led the FBS in yards passing and yards passing per game. Morris had already brought in Skyler Cassity from North Texas as his defensive coordinator.
WORDS: 229 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 5:19 p.m. CST
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BKC–Kansas City-Oklahoma State
Coleman’s 20 points, 10 boards push Oklahoma State over Kansas City
SUMMARY: Christian Coleman tallied a 20-point, 10-rebound double-double as Oklahoma State held off Kansas City 91-79 on Thursday. Coleman shot 8 of 12 from the field and controlled the paint as the Cowboys improved to 10-1 and stayed unbeaten at home. Oklahoma State shot 58% overall, setting the tone early by opening the game on a 14-4 run before Kansas City settled in offensively. The Cowboys regained control with a three-point play by Coleman and pushed the lead to eight with just over seven minutes remaining. Karmello Branch led the Roos with 18 points, Jayson Petty added 16 and Kasheem Grady II scored 14. Kansas City shot 37% from the field, went 11 of 30 from 3-point range and made 18 of 22 free throws.
WORDS: 306 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 9:25 p.m. CST
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BKN–Clippers-Thunder
Gilgeous-Alexander scores 32 as Thunder bounce back from rare loss with 122-101 win over Clippers
SUMMARY: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points as the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 122-101. The Thunder bounced back from a loss to the San Antonio Spurs last Saturday, which ended their 16-game win streak. They improved to 25-2 overall and remained undefeated at home. Gilgeous-Alexander made 13 of 24 shots, adding seven rebounds and six assists. Chet Holmgren scored 22 points, while Jalen Williams added 20. The Clippers, missing James Harden due to injury, committed 29 turnovers. Kawhi Leonard scored 22 points, but the Clippers lost their fifth straight game.
WORDS: 320 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 9:40 p.m. CST
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