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-Child-Care-Fraud-Minnesota-What to Know
What to know about the Trump administration’s latest moves on child care funding
SUMMARY: The Trump administration is planning to tighten rules going forward on a child care program after allegations of fraud at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents. A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said last week that funds are also on hold nationally until states provide more verification for the child care centers that receive funds from the Child Care and Development Fund. In addition, Minnesota will have to provide additional verification on top of the new requirements for centers that are suspected of fraud. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who announced Monday that he’s ending his campaign for a third term, says Trump is weaponizing fraud allegations for political gains.
WORDS: 859 – MOVED: 12/31/2025 3:13 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
US-Obit–Schumacher
Michael J. Schumacher, author who chronicled lives of Allen Ginsberg and Eric Clapton, dies at 75
SUMMARY: Wisconsin author Michael Schumacher, who produced an array of works ranging from biographies of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and musician Eric Clapton to accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks, has died at age 75. Schumacher’s daughter, Emily Schumacher, said her father passed away on Dec. 29. The writer spent most of his adult life in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He wrote dozens of books, including biographies of Coppola, Clapton, basketball great George Mikan and writer Allen Ginsberg. He also produced accounts of the sinking of the cargo ship Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior and a 1913 storm that claimed the lives of more than 250 sailors on the Great Lakes.
WORDS: 376 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:29 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
US-Child-Care-Fraud-Minnesota-What to Know
What to know about the Trump administration’s latest moves on child care funding
SUMMARY: The Trump administration is planning to tighten rules going forward on a child care program after allegations of fraud at Minnesota day care centers run by Somali residents. A Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson said last week that funds are also on hold nationally until states provide more verification for the child care centers that receive funds from the Child Care and Development Fund. In addition, Minnesota will have to provide additional verification on top of the new requirements for centers that are suspected of fraud. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who announced Monday that he’s ending his campaign for a third term, says Trump is weaponizing fraud allegations for political gains.
WORDS: 859 – MOVED: 12/31/2025 3:13 p.m. CST
——————————
US-Obit–Schumacher
Michael J. Schumacher, author who chronicled lives of Allen Ginsberg and Eric Clapton, dies at 75
SUMMARY: Wisconsin author Michael Schumacher, who produced an array of works ranging from biographies of filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola and musician Eric Clapton to accounts of Great Lakes shipwrecks, has died at age 75. Schumacher’s daughter, Emily Schumacher, said her father passed away on Dec. 29. The writer spent most of his adult life in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He wrote dozens of books, including biographies of Coppola, Clapton, basketball great George Mikan and writer Allen Ginsberg. He also produced accounts of the sinking of the cargo ship Edmund Fitzgerald on Lake Superior and a 1913 storm that claimed the lives of more than 250 sailors on the Great Lakes.
WORDS: 376 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:29 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Election 2026-Minnesota-Governor
Walz, Democrats’ 2024 VP pick, drops bid for third term as Minnesota governor; Klobuchar considers
SUMMARY: Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is ending his bid for a third term amid President Donald Trump’s relentless focus on a fraud investigation into child care programs in the state and its Somali community. Less than four months after announcing his reelection campaign, Walz said Monday the negative attention and Republican attacks make it too hard to serve full time as governor and be a candidate for another term. A person close to Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar says she’s considering running for governor. Around a dozen Republicans already are in the race. Walz helped enact a sweeping liberal agenda in Minnesota despite a closely divided legislature.
WORDS: 1251 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 8:10 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
NORTH DAKOTA
————-———————
SD–Farm to Table
Small farms growing stronger roots in South Dakota farm-to-table movement
SUMMARY: Some South Dakota farmers are keeping their organic farms financially strong in diverse ways, including hosting tours, cooking and gardening classes, community festivals and offering camping spots and renting out a house in the middle of the farm. Michelle and Rick Grosek sell their produce and home-cooked foods to grocers and restaurants. They also raise chickens and are training to become organic farm inspectors for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help fellow farmers do the same. Angela Jackson with the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association says such producers help keep more of the agricultural dollar in South Dakota, rather than sending it to out-of-state processors. Barriers include the state’s low population and rural nature.
WORDS: 1168 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:47 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
SOUTH DAKOTA
————-———————
SD–Farm to Table
Small farms growing stronger roots in South Dakota farm-to-table movement
SUMMARY: Some South Dakota farmers are keeping their organic farms financially strong in diverse ways, including hosting tours, cooking and gardening classes, community festivals and offering camping spots and renting out a house in the middle of the farm. Michelle and Rick Grosek sell their produce and home-cooked foods to grocers and restaurants. They also raise chickens and are training to become organic farm inspectors for the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help fellow farmers do the same. Angela Jackson with the South Dakota Specialty Producers Association says such producers help keep more of the agricultural dollar in South Dakota, rather than sending it to out-of-state processors. Barriers include the state’s low population and rural nature.
WORDS: 1168 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:47 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Chasing Horse Trial
‘Dances with Wolves’ actor Nathan Chasing Horse disrupts court week before sex abuse trial
SUMMARY: “Dances with Wolves” actor Nathan Chasing Horse has been temporarily removed from court after disrupting proceedings with demands he be allowed to fire his attorney a week before his sexual abuse trial. A Las Vegas judge denied that motion Monday. The trial is set to proceed as scheduled on Jan. 12. He is accused of sexually abusing Native American women and girls in a case that has sent shock waves through Indian Country. Prosecutors allege he used his reputation as a medicine man to take advantage of people who came to him for healing.
WORDS: 397 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 4:01 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
——————————-—
IOWA
————-———————
FBC–All-Bowl Team
It’s a good time to be Anthony Smith. Two players with that name make AP’s all-bowl team
SUMMARY: This was a great bowl season for guys named Anthony Smith. East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith scored two touchdowns in the Pirates’ 23-17 Military Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. The Minnesota defensive end with the same name delivered a pair of sacks in the Golden Gophers’ 20-17 Rate Bowl overtime triumph over New Mexico. Both of those Anthony Smiths got selected to the Associated Press all-bowl team. This all-bowl team includes top performers from bowl games that weren’t part of the College Football Playoff. An all-playoff team will come out after the national championship game.
WORDS: 1233 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:47 p.m. CST
——————————
OLY–SPD-Speedskating-US Trials
Zach Stoppelmoor wins the 500 at the Olympic speedskating trials. Jordan Stolz tops the mass start
SUMMARY: Zach Stoppelmoor has won the men’s 500 meters at the U.S. trials to earn his first trip to a Winter Olympics. He turned in the best time over two days of racing after star long track speedskating star Jordan Stolz — already assured of a berth at the Milan Cortina Games — opted to sit out his second heat Monday. Stolz had prequalified for four events next month in Italy before the trials based on World Cup performances this season so he only needed to show up at the starting line to officially seal his spots. Still, Stolz wrapped up the four-day trials by winning the mass start.
WORDS: 652 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 6:49 p.m. CST
——————————
FBC–Transfer Portal Roundup
QB Rocco Becht following Matt Campbell to Penn State with Grunkemeyer reportedly heading to Va. Tech
SUMMARY: Rocco Becht has announced he will follow coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State, giving the Nittany Lions a veteran quarterback to replace Ethan Grunkemeyer. Becht stated his decision in a social media post late Sunday. Multiple media outlets report Grunkemeyer will reunite with James Franklin at Virginia Tech. Grunkemeyer started seven games after Drew Allar was injured. Those transfers follow Drew Mestemaker’s weekend decision to join Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.
WORDS: 660 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:44 a.m. CST
——————————
BKC–T25-Top 25 This Week
Nebraska basketball’s stunning rise: Huskers crack top 10 for first time since 1966
SUMMARY: Fred Hoiberg’s patience with Nebraska’s basketball program is finally paying off. The Huskers, once struggling under his leadership, are now one of six unbeaten teams in Division I men’s college basketball. They reached 10th in the AP Top 25 poll on Monday, their highest since 1966. This follows a win over Michigan State, pushing their record to 14-0. Nebraska faces tough competition in the Big Ten, with six teams in the Top 25. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is also making waves in the SEC, holding the best ranking in the conference with a 14-0 start.
WORDS: 700 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 11:04 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
FBN–Chiefs Wrapup
Kansas City Chiefs face a pivotal offseason after a disappointing 6-11 season
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a pivotal offseason after a disappointing 6-11 season. Coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach are focused on retooling the team. Tight end Travis Kelce is considering retirement, adding uncertainty to the roster. Injuries, including to Patrick Mahomes’ knee, plagued the team, but the Chiefs are optimistic about recovery. They have significant free agency decisions, with several key players potentially leaving. They also have their highest draft pick since 2013, aiming to strengthen both offense and defense. The team is preparing for the NFL scouting combine and free agency in the coming weeks.
WORDS: 794 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 12:47 p.m. CST
——————————
SOC–MLS–Sporting KC-Wicky
MLS’ Sporting Kansas City hires Raphael Wicky as coach
SUMMARY: Former Chicago Fire coach Raphael Wicky has been hired as coach of Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City. Wicky agreed to a 2 1/2-year contract that runs through the 2027-28 season, the first for MLS under a summer-through-spring calendar that matches most European leagues. Peter Vermes, who had coached the team since 2009, left last March after KC lost five of its first six games. Kerry Zavagnin took over as interim coach and KC wound up last among 15 teams in the Western Conference with 28 points, finishing with seven wins, 20 losses and seven ties.
WORDS: 178 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 12:55 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
FBC–All-Bowl Team
It’s a good time to be Anthony Smith. Two players with that name make AP’s all-bowl team
SUMMARY: This was a great bowl season for guys named Anthony Smith. East Carolina wide receiver Anthony Smith scored two touchdowns in the Pirates’ 23-17 Military Bowl victory over Pittsburgh. The Minnesota defensive end with the same name delivered a pair of sacks in the Golden Gophers’ 20-17 Rate Bowl overtime triumph over New Mexico. Both of those Anthony Smiths got selected to the Associated Press all-bowl team. This all-bowl team includes top performers from bowl games that weren’t part of the College Football Playoff. An all-playoff team will come out after the national championship game.
WORDS: 1233 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 1:47 p.m. CST
——————————
FBN–Vikings Wrapup
Do the Vikings know if McCarthy is worth committing to? His bruising, unsteady debut left a mystery
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings lost their bet this season that they could develop J.J. McCarthy and win at the same time with a strong roster around their debuting quarterback. The worst part of their failed gamble for 2025 was that it left plenty more mystery for 2026. The Vikings have begun a new year with yet another quarterback quandary. Coach Kevin O’Connell sidestepped a question after the final game on Sunday about whether he would be comfortable entering next season with McCarthy as the starter. The Vikings finished 9-8 with the best record among non-playoff teams.
WORDS: 892 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 6:28 p.m. CST
——————————
BKW–T25-Minnesota-Michigan
No. 9 Michigan rallies from an early deficit and beats Minnesota 70-60
SUMMARY: Olivia Olson had 21 points and four rebounds as No. 9 Michigan rallied from an early deficit and defeated Minnesota 70-60. Mila Holloway and Syla Swords added 12 points apiece as Michigan (12-2, 3-1 Big Ten) bounced back from their second loss of the season. The Wolverines were coming off a 64-52 loss to Washington on Thursday that snapped a seven-game win streak. Grace Grocholski scored 22 points on 8-for-15 shooting and had eight rebounds and two assists for the Golden Gophers (10-4, 1-2).
WORDS: 374 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 7:49 p.m. CST
——————————
HKO–World Junior
Sweden beats Czechia 4-2 for its 3rd world junior hockey title
SUMMARY: Casper Juustovaara and Viktor Eklund scored first-period goals and Sweden won its third world junior hockey title, beating Czechia 4-2 on Monday night in St. Paul, Minnesota, in the first all-European final since 2016. Sweden also won in 1981 and 2012. Czechia won its lone titles in 2000 and 2001. Sascha Boumedienne gave Sweden a 3-0 lead at 3:47 of the third. Adam Jiricek and Matej Kubiesa scored for Czechia, with Kubiesa striking with 24 seconds left. Ivar Stenberg capped the scoring with an empty-netter with eight seconds left. In the third-place game, Sam O’Reilly scored twice, Gavin McKenna and Michael Hage each had four points to help Canada beat Finland 6-3.
WORDS: 273 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 6:17 p.m. CST
——————————
HKN–Wild-Kings
Kuzmenko has goal and assist as Kings beat Wild 4-2
SUMMARY: Andrei Kuzmenko had a goal and an assist, and the Los Angeles Kings held on to beat the Minnesota Wild 4-2. Warren Foegele, Kevin Fiala and Adrian Kempe also scored, and Darcy Kuemper stopped 33 shots for the Kings, who beat the Wild for the second time in three nights and got just their fourth win in 12 games (4-6-2). Jared Spurgeon had a goal and an assist, and Ryan Hartman also scored for Minnesota, which snapped a six-game point streak (3-0-3). and Filip Gustavsson had 29 saves. The Wild are 3-1-2 on a seven-game road trip that ends Thursday at Seattle. They also lost at Los Angeles 5-4 in a shootout on Saturday night.
WORDS: 445 – MOVED: 01/06/2026 12:28 a.m. CST
——————————
OLY–HKO-Smaller-Ice
IIHF president on Olympic arena delays: ‘We’re going to have a tournament’
SUMMARY: The head of the International Ice Hockey Federation says parts of the main rink for the Milan Cortina Olympics might not be fully finished on time. However, the playing surface, practice facilities and dressing rooms will be ready for the men’s event on Feb. 11. He spoke Monday at the world junior championship, noting the main arena will have 11,800 seats, which is less than expected. Construction delays have raised concerns, especially with the NHL returning to the Winter Games. The NHL plans to send experts to Italy to ensure the ice is safe. The IIHF isn’t overseeing construction but remains confident about the infrastructure.
WORDS: 415 – MOVED: 01/06/2026 10:39 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
MISSOURI
————-———————
FBN–Chiefs Wrapup
Kansas City Chiefs face a pivotal offseason after a disappointing 6-11 season
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a pivotal offseason after a disappointing 6-11 season. Coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach are focused on retooling the team. Tight end Travis Kelce is considering retirement, adding uncertainty to the roster. Injuries, including to Patrick Mahomes’ knee, plagued the team, but the Chiefs are optimistic about recovery. They have significant free agency decisions, with several key players potentially leaving. They also have their highest draft pick since 2013, aiming to strengthen both offense and defense. The team is preparing for the NFL scouting combine and free agency in the coming weeks.
WORDS: 794 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 12:47 p.m. CST
——————————
SOC–MLS–Sporting KC-Wicky
MLS’ Sporting Kansas City hires Raphael Wicky as coach
SUMMARY: Former Chicago Fire coach Raphael Wicky has been hired as coach of Major League Soccer’s Sporting Kansas City. Wicky agreed to a 2 1/2-year contract that runs through the 2027-28 season, the first for MLS under a summer-through-spring calendar that matches most European leagues. Peter Vermes, who had coached the team since 2009, left last March after KC lost five of its first six games. Kerry Zavagnin took over as interim coach and KC wound up last among 15 teams in the Western Conference with 28 points, finishing with seven wins, 20 losses and seven ties.
WORDS: 178 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 12:55 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
NEBRASKA
————-———————
BKC–T25-Nebraska-Ohio St
No. 10 Nebraska holds off Ohio State’s late rally to remain unbeaten with 72-69 win
SUMMARY: Braden Frager scored 15 points off the bench and No. 10 Nebraska held off a late rally by Ohio State to win 72-69. Rienk Mast added 12 points while Jamarques Lawrence and Pryce Sandfort each had 11 as the Cornhuskers improved to 15-0, extending the best start in school history. John Mobley Jr. led Ohio State with 22 points. Bruce Thornton scored 16 and Devin Royal added 14. Playing as a top-10 team for the first time since 1966, Nebraska led by 14 in the first half. Ohio State briefly took the lead, but Nebraska’s late 9-0 run sealed the victory. The Cornhuskers outscored Ohio State 22-0 in bench points. Nebraska next plays Indiana on Saturday.
WORDS: 347 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 8:15 p.m. CST
——————————
BKC–T25-Top 25 This Week
Nebraska basketball’s stunning rise: Huskers crack top 10 for first time since 1966
SUMMARY: Fred Hoiberg’s patience with Nebraska’s basketball program is finally paying off. The Huskers, once struggling under his leadership, are now one of six unbeaten teams in Division I men’s college basketball. They reached 10th in the AP Top 25 poll on Monday, their highest since 1966. This follows a win over Michigan State, pushing their record to 14-0. Nebraska faces tough competition in the Big Ten, with six teams in the Top 25. Meanwhile, Vanderbilt is also making waves in the SEC, holding the best ranking in the conference with a 14-0 start.
WORDS: 700 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 11:04 p.m. CST
——————————
BKC–Player of the Week
SMU’s Kevin ‘Boopie’ Miller is The Associated Press men’s college basketball player of the week
SUMMARY: Kevin “Boopie” Miller of SMU is the Associated Press national player of the week in men’s college basketball for Week 9. The senior from Chicago scored 27 points with 12 assists and four rebounds, leading SMU to a 97-83 win over then-No. 12 North Carolina. This marked SMU’s first win against a ranked team under coach Andy Enfield. Miller, who previously played at Central Michigan and Wake Forest, has increased his scoring average to 20.3 points this season. SMU, now ranked No. 24, has entered the AP Top 25 for the first time since the 2016-17 season.
WORDS: 451 – MOVED: 01/06/2026 11:00 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
BKN–Hornets-Thunder
NBA-leading Thunder humbled in 124-97 home loss to struggling Hornets
SUMMARY: Brandon Miller scored 28 points as the Charlotte Hornets stunned the NBA-leading Oklahoma City Thunder 124-97 on Monday night. Kon Knueppel added 23 points for the Hornets, who had lost three of four before handing Oklahoma City its worst loss of the season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 21 points for his 108th straight game with at least 20, the second-longest streak in NBA history. Oklahoma City took its second straight loss and second home defeat of the season.
WORDS: 339 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 9:41 p.m. CST
——————————
FBC–Transfer Portal Roundup
QB Rocco Becht following Matt Campbell to Penn State with Grunkemeyer reportedly heading to Va. Tech
SUMMARY: Rocco Becht has announced he will follow coach Matt Campbell from Iowa State to Penn State, giving the Nittany Lions a veteran quarterback to replace Ethan Grunkemeyer. Becht stated his decision in a social media post late Sunday. Multiple media outlets report Grunkemeyer will reunite with James Franklin at Virginia Tech. Grunkemeyer started seven games after Drew Allar was injured. Those transfers follow Drew Mestemaker’s weekend decision to join Eric Morris at Oklahoma State.
WORDS: 660 – MOVED: 01/05/2026 10:44 a.m. CST
——————————
If you have a coverage enquiry, please contact Editorial Support (available 24/7) via editorialsupport@ap.org
<END>
