Great Plains News Digest
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MINNESOTA
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US–Immigration Enforcement-Video
US citizen says ICE took him at gunpoint in only underwear despite frigid cold and no warrant
SUMMARY: Federal immigration agents have detained a U.S. citizen in Minnesota at gunpoint without a warrant. That’s according to ChongLy “Scott” Thao, who says agents forced open his door, entered with guns drawn and led him outside in his underwear in freezing conditions. The detention is part of a larger surge of federal agents in the Twin Cities, leading to backlash over warrantless arrests and aggressive tactics. The Department of Homeland Security says the operation targeted two sex offenders. Thao disputes this, saying he lives with his family, none of whom are listed as offenders. Thao plans to file a civil rights lawsuit.
WORDS: 914 – MOVED: 01/19/2026 11:59 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration-Enforcement
Justice Department subpoenas Walz and others in immigration enforcement obstruction investigation
SUMMARY: Federal prosecutors have served six grand jury subpoenas to Minnesota officials as part of an investigation into whether they obstructed or impeded federal law enforcement during a sweeping immigration operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul area. A person familiar with the matter said Tuesday that the subpoenas, which seek records, were sent to the offices of Gov. Tim Walz, Attorney General Keith Ellison, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her and officials in Ramsey and Hennepin counties. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Walz and Frey have called the probe a bullying tactic meant to quell political opposition.
WORDS: 1007 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 10:44 a.m. CST
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US–Immigration-Enforcement
Legal battles over immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota intensify
SUMMARY: Confrontations with federal officers over their massive immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota are showing no signs of stopping. Meanwhile, legal battles over the surge and the local response are also intensifying. A person familiar with the matter said Tuesday that federal prosecutors have served six grand jury subpoenas to Minnesota officials, including Gov. Tim Walz. It’s part of an investigation into whether they obstructed or impeded federal law enforcement during a sweeping immigration operation in Minneapolis-St. Paul area. The person was not authorized to publicly discuss an ongoing investigation and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Walz has said the Trump administration is not seeking justice, only creating distractions.
WORDS: 789 – MOVED: 01/21/2026 12:05 a.m. CST
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US–Election 2026-Democrats-Immigration
After Minneapolis, Democrats confront political vulnerabilities to battle Trump on immigration
SUMMARY: Democrats are rethinking their midterm election strategy due to the controversial immigration crackdown in Minnesota. The killing of Renee Good by federal agents has sparked outrage, but the party is divided on how to respond. Some are calling to abolish ICE, echoing “defund the police” rhetoric from President Donald Trump’s first term. Others are proposing legislation to curb alleged abuse, which activists criticize as insufficient. The party faces pressure to balance immigration issues with core messages on health care and affordability. Republicans, meanwhile, feel confident in their stance on immigration and crime.
WORDS: 1025 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 11:03 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Winter Weather-What to Know
Forecasters warn of a ‘potentially catastrophic’ storm from Texas to the Carolinas
SUMMARY: Forecasters are warning that a new storm could bring ice and power outages across the South this weekend. Temperatures will be slow to warm in many areas, meaning ice that forms on roads and sidewalks might stick around. The exact timing and path remain uncertain, but an arctic air mass from Canada is expected to clash with rain, creating a major winter storm. An atmospheric river could pull moisture across the Gulf Coast, increasing the risk of ice storms in Georgia. Travel disruptions are likely, especially in areas with limited snow removal equipment. Northern states will remain in a deep freeze due to polar air.
WORDS: 913 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 12:29 p.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Chasing Horse Trial
Opening statements begin in sex assault trial of ‘Dances With Wolves’ actor Nathan Chasing Horse
SUMMARY: Opening statements have begun in the trial for Nathan Chasing Horse, the former “Dances With Wolves” actor accused of sexually assaulting Indigenous women and girls. Prosecutors allege he used his reputation as a medicine man to take advantage of his victims, who came to him for healing. Chasing Horse’s attorney says there is no evidence and said they were false accusations. Chasing Horse has pleaded not guilty to 21 charges that spans two decades. Attorneys for the state of Nevada are making their case after a week of jury selection.
WORDS: 712 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 5:58 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKC–T25-UCF-Iowa St
Joshua Jefferson’s second triple-double leads No. 9 Iowa State over UCF 87-57
SUMMARY: Joshua Jefferson had 17 points, 10 rebounds and a career-high 12 assists for his second triple-double of the season as No. 9 Iowa State defeated UCF 87-57 on Tuesday night. Milan Momcilovic scored 20 points as the Cyclones, coming off their first losses of the season, bounced back in their return home. Jefferson is the first player in school history with multiple triple-doubles in a season. Killyan Toure and Jamarion Batemon each had 12 points and Blake Buchanan added 11 for the Cyclones. Riley Kugel and Jordan Burks each scored 15 points for UCF.
WORDS: 382 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 8:30 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Self
Ex-KU star and NBA coach Jacque Vaughn steps in as interim coach for No. 19 Jayhawks at Colorado
SUMMARY: Jacque Vaughn will serve as interim coach for the Kansas Jayhawks against Colorado. Bill Self is recovering from a hospital visit after feeling unwell. Self, who has a history of heart issues, missed the trip to Boulder on Tuesday night. Vaughn, a former Kansas standout, joined the team last May and is seen as a potential successor to Self. The Jayhawks have had a mixed start to Big 12 play but recently defeated Iowa State and Baylor. Vaughn’s coaching experience includes time with the Spurs, Magic and Nets. Self praised the coaching staff, expressing confidence in their leadership.
WORDS: 468 – MOVED: 01/19/2026 7:22 p.m. CST
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BBO–Hall of Fame
Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame
SUMMARY: Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones have been elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame. Beltrán, in his fourth ballot appearance, received 84.2% of the votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Jones, in his ninth appearance, was picked on 78.4% of ballots. Beltrán’s vote percentage has steadily increased since 2023. He was also briefly hired as the New York Mets’ manager in 2019. Jones started with just 7.3% in 2018 but has steadily climbed. They will be inducted in Cooperstown, New York, on July 26, along with second baseman Jeff Kent.
WORDS: 1065 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 5:28 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Colorado
Council’s late scoring helps No. 19 Kansas beat Colorado 75-69 win with Bill Self missing from bench
SUMMARY: Melvin Council Jr. scored 10 of his 18 points over the final 5:07 and No. 19 Kansas held off Colorado 75-69 on Tuesday night with assistant coach Jacque Vaughn leading the Jayhawks as Bill Self recovers from a precautionary trip to the hospital. The Jayhawks (14-5, 4-2 Big 12) saw the Buffaloes cut the score to 60-59 with 5:50 to play, but clamped down on defense. They kept Colorado scoreless for a 3-minute stretch to pull away. Council was the catalyst, putting an exclamation on the game with an emphatic dunk. Self stayed behind after not feeling well Monday and being taken to the hospital. Isaiah Johnson led Colorado with 19.
WORDS: 362 – MOVED: 01/21/2026 12:36 a.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Kansas-Vaughn Fills In
Acting coach Jacque Vaughn steps in for Bill Self, leads No. 19 Kansas to 75-69 win over Colorado
SUMMARY: Jacque Vaughn’s point guard days at Kansas may be long gone, but he’s still collecting assists for the program. Vaughn paced the sideline as he filled in for head coach Bill Self and guided the 19th-ranked Jayhawks to a 75-69 win over Colorado on Tuesday night. Self didn’t make the trip after going to the hospital on Monday because he was not feeling well. He was released after receiving IV fluids. Self has missed several games in recent seasons due to heart issues. The win goes on Self’s resume and, despite being at home, he improves to 22-1 lifetime against the Buffaloes.
WORDS: 559 – MOVED: 01/21/2026 1:55 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Addison
Vikings WR Jordan Addison won’t face trespassing charge in Florida after dismissal of case
SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison won’t be charged with misdemeanor trespassing after the case against him was dismissed. Florida state attorney Susan Lopez issued the termination of prosecution notice in Hillsborough County court with an order to release Addison’s $500 bond. Addison was detained in Tampa by Seminole Indian Police at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on Jan. 12 and was released. He served a three-game suspension to start the 2025 season for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. That stemmed from his drunken driving arrest in Los Angeles the year before.
WORDS: 223 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 3:38 p.m. CST
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HKN–Wild-Canadiens
Caufield scores late winner, lifting Canadiens 4-3 over Wild
SUMMARY: Cole Caufield scored the winner with 15 seconds remaining to lift the Montreal Canadiens to a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday night. Phillip Danault, Alexandre Carrier and Lane Hutson also scored for Montreal. Rookie winger Ivan Demidov provided two assists and Jakub Dobes made 16 saves. Vladimir Tarasenko scored twice and Brock Faber also scored for Minnesota, which beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 6-3 on Monday. Jesper Wallstedt stopped 29 shots.
WORDS: 336 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 9:12 p.m. CST
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BKN–Timberwolves-Jazz
George scores 43 as Jazz rallies to beat Timberwolves 127-122, giving Hardy his 100th coaching win
SUMMARY: Keyonte George scored a career-high 43 points, Jusuf Nurkic recorded his second career triple-double, and the Utah Jazz rallied to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 127-122. Nurkic finished with 16 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in his first triple-double since Jan. 16, 2019. Rookie Ace Bailey scored 20 points and Isaiah Collier had 18 points and 10 assists for the Jazz (15-29), who delivered coach Will Hardy his 100th career victory. Anthony Edwards scored 38 points for the Timberwolves (27-17), who squandered a 15-point lead and closed out a four-game trip with three straight losses. Julius Randle scored 19 points and Rudy Gobert added 11 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks.
WORDS: 374 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 11:03 p.m. CST
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BBO–Red Sox-Suárez
Left-hander Ranger Suárez and Boston Red Sox finalize $130 million, 5-year contract
SUMMARY: Ranger Suárez and the Boston Red Sox have finalized a $130 million, five-year contract. Suárez receives a $3 million signing bonus as part of the deal. Boston traded infielder Tristan Gray to Minnesota for minor league catcher Nate Baez, opening a roster spot. Suárez, an All-Star in 2024, had spent his entire career with the Philadelphia Phillies before becoming a free agent. Boston’s deal with Suárez marks its first major league free agent signing this offseason. Suárez was 12-8 with a 3.20 ERA last season.
WORDS: 480 – MOVED: 01/21/2026 10:14 a.m. CST
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US–Election 2026-Minnesota-Tafoya
From the NFL sidelines to a US Senate race: Michele Tafoya’s new play
SUMMARY: Former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya has launched her campaign for the U.S. Senate. She hopes to win the Republican nomination for the Minnesota seat being vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Tina Smith. Tafoya announced her candidacy Wednesday in a video posted on social media. She emphasized her knowledge of leadership from her years covering football. Tafoya has been active in Minnesota Republican politics and is best known for her work as a sideline reporter for NBC’s Sunday Night Football. Other Republicans in the race include former NBA player Royce White, military veterans Adam Schwarze and Tom Weiler, and former Minnesota GOP Chair David Hann.
WORDS: 509 – MOVED: 01/21/2026 8:35 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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BKC–T25-Saint Louis-Duquesne
No. 24 Saint Louis pushes win streak to 12 by holding off Duquesne 81-77
SUMMARY: Robbie Avila, Dion Brown and Trey Green each scored 14 points as No. 24 Saint Louis held off a frantic late rally by Duquesne to win 81-77. The Billikens extended their winning streak to 12 despite blowing most of a 17-point second-half lead. Saint Louis can tie the best start in the program’s 110-year history set by the 1993-94 squad with a win Friday at St. Bonaventure. A day after entering the AP Top 25 for the first time in five years, the balanced Billikens fended off the Dukes behind a deep bench and a relentless pace. Jimmie Williams scored a career-high 28 points for Duquesne.
WORDS: 344 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 8:27 p.m. CST
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BBO–Hall of Fame
Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame
SUMMARY: Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones have been elected to baseball’s Hall of Fame. Beltrán, in his fourth ballot appearance, received 84.2% of the votes from the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. Jones, in his ninth appearance, was picked on 78.4% of ballots. Beltrán’s vote percentage has steadily increased since 2023. He was also briefly hired as the New York Mets’ manager in 2019. Jones started with just 7.3% in 2018 but has steadily climbed. They will be inducted in Cooperstown, New York, on July 26, along with second baseman Jeff Kent.
WORDS: 1065 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 5:28 p.m. CST
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HKN–Blues-Jets
Scheifele and Morrissey power Jets to a 3-1 victory over the Blues
SUMMARY: Mark Scheifele had two goals and an assist to lead the Winnipeg Jets to a 3-1 victory over the St. Louis Blues on Tuesday night. Josh Morrissey added a goal and two assists as Winnipeg scored three goals on 16 shots. Eric Comrie made 22 saves for Winnipeg (20-23-6), which played the first game of a three-game homestand. Jordan Kyrou scored for St. Louis. Joel Hofer stopped 13 of 15 shots for St. Louis (19-23-8).
WORDS: 264 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 10:12 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-Georgia-Missouri
Millender’s three-point play in final seconds lifts No. 21 Georgia past Missouri 74-72
SUMMARY: Marcus “Smurf” Millender scored 18 points and converted a go-ahead three-point play with 5.5 seconds left to lift No. 21 Georgia to a 74-72 victory over Missouri. Jeremiah Wilkinson had 14 points and Kannon Catchings added 12 for the Bulldogs, whose 74 points were a season low for a team that entered leading the country with an average of 96 points per game. Mark Mitchell scored 18 points and Jayden Stone had 13 points, eight rebounds and six assists for Missouri, which lost at home for the first time this season.
WORDS: 274 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 10:42 p.m. CST
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BKC–T25-The Spirit of Saint Louis
The spirit of Saint Louis: how a lack of ego is fueling the 24th-ranked Billikens
SUMMARY: No. 24 Saint Louis is using a selfless approach to one of the best starts in program history. The Billikens improved to 18-1 with a victory over Duquesne that kept them tied for the top spot in the Atlantic 10. Saint Louis is the only team in the country with six players averaging at least 10 points per game. Senior center Robbie Avila says the Billikens are winning because they have prioritized team success over individual accolades. Avila is taking fewer shots and playing fewer minutes than he did a year ago, a sacrifice he says he’s happy to make if it helps the Billikens reach the NCAA tournament.
WORDS: 1310 – MOVED: 01/21/2026 10:23 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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FBN–Mayfield-Stefanski
Baker Mayfield slams Kevin Stefanski over trade: ‘Can’t wait to see you twice a year’
SUMMARY: Baker Mayfield says he never heard from coach Kevin Stefanski after Cleveland traded him to Carolina in 2022. Mayfield posted his criticism on social media Tuesday. Now both are in the NFC South after Atlanta hired Stefanski as its coach on Saturday. Mayfield was drafted first overall by the Browns in 2018. He led them to the playoffs in 2020 but struggled with consistency. He later revived his career in Tampa Bay, leading the Buccaneers to the playoffs in 2023 and 2024. Stefanski coached the Browns for six years before being fired after this season. He was quickly hired by the Falcons.
WORDS: 239 – MOVED: 01/20/2026 7:31 p.m. CST
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