Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Disaster Declarations
Trump approves federal disaster aid for storms and flooding in 6 states
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster aid for six states and tribes following storms and floods this spring and summer. The disaster declarations, announced Thursday, will provide federal funding to Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, as well as tribes in Montana and South Dakota. In most cases, it took Trump over a month to approve the aid requests, continuing a trend of longer waits for disaster relief. An Associated Press analysis shows delays in approving federal disaster aid have grown over time. The White House says Trump is providing a more thorough review of requests.
WORDS: 595 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 9:58 a.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–Election 2025-Decision Notes-Minnesota
AP Decision Notes: What to expect in the Minnesota House special election
SUMMARY: Control of the Minnesota House of Representatives will once again be at stake Tuesday in a special election to replace Melissa Hortman, the former Democratic state House speaker who was slain along with her husband at their home in June. The election takes place three months after the fatal shootings. The shooting suspect faces federal and state murder charges that could result in the federal death penalty. Republicans now hold a 67-66 edge in the state House. If Democrats hold Hortman’s seat in the heavily Democratic district, the chamber will once again be tied at 67 seats.
WORDS: 752 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 6:04 a.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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US–Nebraska Detention Center
Nebraska plan for an immigrant detention center faces backlash and uncertainty
SUMMARY: Some Nebraska lawmakers and residents say the Republican governor’s plan to convert a prison into an immigration detention center has come with few details about the transition. The governor’s office offered the facility to federal officials for holding 200 to 300 detainees, nicknaming it the the “Cornhusker Clink” in line with other centers like “Alligator Alcatraz” in Florida. The current staff will be retrained, and the state expects federal reimbursement for conversion costs. Concerns have been raised, however, about overcrowding and the governor’s authority to offer up a state prison for federal use without legislative approval. The facility is expected to begin housing detainees in October.
WORDS: 750 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 12:04 p.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Disaster Declarations
Trump approves federal disaster aid for storms and flooding in 6 states
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster aid for six states and tribes following storms and floods this spring and summer. The disaster declarations, announced Thursday, will provide federal funding to Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, as well as tribes in Montana and South Dakota. In most cases, it took Trump over a month to approve the aid requests, continuing a trend of longer waits for disaster relief. An Associated Press analysis shows delays in approving federal disaster aid have grown over time. The White House says Trump is providing a more thorough review of requests.
WORDS: 595 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 9:58 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Funeral Home-Corpse Abuse
Colorado funeral director who acknowledged abusing 191 corpses withdraws guilty plea
SUMMARY: A Colorado funeral home owner who acknowledged abusing 191 corpses has withdrawn his guilty plea. The move by defendant Jon Hallford during a Friday court hearing comes after a judge rejected a plea agreement in the case. The agreement called for 20 years in prison for Hallford. But family members of those whose bodies were found wanted a longer sentence. For years, Hallford and his wife, Carie, ran a fraudulent scheme from their Return to Nature Funeral Home while maintaining a lavish lifestyle. He’s already been sentenced to federal prison on fraud charges. A trial in the corpse abuse case is set for next February.
WORDS: 370 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 11:23 a.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Disaster Declarations
Trump approves federal disaster aid for storms and flooding in 6 states
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has approved federal disaster aid for six states and tribes following storms and floods this spring and summer. The disaster declarations, announced Thursday, will provide federal funding to Kansas, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, as well as tribes in Montana and South Dakota. In most cases, it took Trump over a month to approve the aid requests, continuing a trend of longer waits for disaster relief. An Associated Press analysis shows delays in approving federal disaster aid have grown over time. The White House says Trump is providing a more thorough review of requests.
WORDS: 595 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 9:58 a.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Tradition Glimpse-Iowa Wave
College football traditions: ‘Hawkeye Wave’ bonds everyone in stadium with kids in adjacent hospital
SUMMARY: The Hawkeye Wave is a heartwarming tradition at Iowa’s Kinnick Stadium. After the first quarter of home games, 70,000 fans, along with players and coaches, turn to wave at pediatric patients watching from the nearby Stead Family Children’s Hospital. This tradition began in 2017 and is considered one of college football’s most cherished moments. It offers a touching break for the kids and their families, acknowledging their battles and the hospital staff’s efforts. The Hawkeyes have a strong bond with the hospital, with donations and visits from players. The Kid Captain program further honors young patients, adding to the emotional connection.
WORDS: 507 – MOVED: 09/11/2025 10:59 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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BBO–Phillies-Buehler
Phillies’ Walker Buehler, sick and tired of robot umps, is ready for his second chance in the majors
SUMMARY: Walker Buehler, a two-time All-Star, is set to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies as they chase their first World Series title since 2008. Buehler, who helped the Dodgers win titles in 2020 and 2024, was released by the Boston Red Sox in August. He struggled with a 5.45 ERA this season. The Phillies signed him after losing ace Zack Wheeler to injury. Buehler will pitch Friday against Kansas City. He expressed frustration with the Automated Ball-Strike System used in the minors. Buehler hopes to regain form and contribute to the Phillies’ postseason push.
WORDS: 764 – MOVED: 09/11/2025 5:17 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Guardians
C.J. Kayfus’ homer in 8th inning propels Guardians to 3-2 victory over Royals
SUMMARY: Rookie C.J. Kayfus hit a two-run homer to center in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Cleveland has won six of seven and took three of four in the series against its AL Central rival as it tries to stay in contention for the final AL wild card spot. The Guardians trail Seattle by three games with 15 games remaining. Kansas City’s Vinnie Pasquantino became the fourth left-handed batter in Royals history to record 30 home runs in a season with a two-run drive in the first inning.
WORDS: 381 – MOVED: 09/11/2025 9:02 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-McCarthy
Vikings QB McCarthy misses practice to join his fiancée for the birth of their son
SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy missed practice on Thursday to be with his fiancée for the birth of their first child. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said McCarthy was at the facility in the morning before heading to the hospital. McCarthy’s fiancée, Katya Kuropas, announced in May that they are expecting a boy. The couple has been together since high school. McCarthy was the NFC Offensive Player of the Week after leading the Vikings to a 27-24 comeback victory over the Bears in his NFL debut. The Vikings host Atlanta on Sunday.
WORDS: 125 – MOVED: 09/11/2025 3:23 p.m. CDT
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BKL–Valkyries-Lynx
Lynx beat the Valkyries 72-53 to set a franchise record with 34 regular-season wins
SUMMARY: Natisha Hiedeman scored 21 points, Napheesa Collier had 19 and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Golden State Valkyries 72-53 to set a franchise record with 34 wins. Minnesota had already cliched home-court advantage in the playoffs, locking up the No. 1 seed with a win over Connecticut. The Lynx tied the 2023 Las Vegas Aces for the most regular-season wins in WNBA history. Golden State dropped to the No. 8 seed in the playoffs and will have a rematch against Minnesota on Sunday to begin a best-of-three series. Collier finished the regular season shooting 53% from the field, 40.3% from 3-point range and 91% from the line to join Elena Delle Donne (in 2019) as the only players in WNBA history to have a 50/40/90 season.
WORDS: 298 – MOVED: 09/11/2025 9:14 p.m. CDT
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BKL–WNBA Playoff Preview
WNBA playoffs: New York aims to repeat, Minnesota seeks redemption, Clark sidelined
SUMMARY: The WNBA playoffs are set to begin Sunday with New York looking to become the fourth team to repeat as champions and Minnesota trying to avenge last season’s heartbreaking loss in the Finals. Indiana is back in the playoffs, but missing star guard Caitlin Clark, who has been sidelined for the last two months with a groin injury and will miss the postseason. The Liberty will have a difficult road as they are the No. 5 seed and open up at Phoenix on Sunday. After starting out 9-0, injuries decimated New York and left the Liberty in the difficult position of having to win at least one game on the road in each series to win a second straight title.
WORDS: 593 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 12:57 a.m. CDT
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HKN–Penguins-Fleury
Retiring goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury to suit up for the Pittsburgh Penguins in a preseason game
SUMMARY: Marc-Andre Fleury is ending his NHL career where it began. The veteran goaltender, who retired last spring after a 21-year career, has signed a professional tryout contract with the Penguins. He will suit up for Pittsburgh’s exhibition game against Columbus on September 27. The 40-year-old Fleury was taken No. 1 overall by the Penguins in the 2003 NHL draft. He spent 13 seasons in Pittsburgh, helping the team win three Stanley Cups. Fleury left after being selected by Vegas in the expansion draft in 2017. He holds nearly every major goaltending record in Penguins history.
WORDS: 266 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 11:15 a.m. CDT
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BKL–AP Awards
A’ja Wilson’s incredible season earns her a second straight AP Player of the Year award
SUMMARY: A’ja Wilson followed up a historic season with another incredible one to earn AP Player of the Year for the second straight time. The Las Vegas Aces star topped Napheesa Collier of Minnesota and Alyssa Thomas of Phoenix, who both had terrific seasons. Aces coach Becky Hammon says Wilson “is the most exciting player in the W.” Paige Bueckers is AP Rookie of the Year and Golden State’s Natalie Nakase is AP Coach of the Year. The WNBA will announce its postseason awards over the course of the playoffs which begin Sunday.
WORDS: 752 – MOVED: 09/12/2025 11:58 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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BBO–Phillies-Buehler
Phillies’ Walker Buehler, sick and tired of robot umps, is ready for his second chance in the majors
SUMMARY: Walker Buehler, a two-time All-Star, is set to pitch for the Philadelphia Phillies as they chase their first World Series title since 2008. Buehler, who helped the Dodgers win titles in 2020 and 2024, was released by the Boston Red Sox in August. He struggled with a 5.45 ERA this season. The Phillies signed him after losing ace Zack Wheeler to injury. Buehler will pitch Friday against Kansas City. He expressed frustration with the Automated Ball-Strike System used in the minors. Buehler hopes to regain form and contribute to the Phillies’ postseason push.
WORDS: 764 – MOVED: 09/11/2025 5:17 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Royals-Guardians
C.J. Kayfus’ homer in 8th inning propels Guardians to 3-2 victory over Royals
SUMMARY: Rookie C.J. Kayfus hit a two-run homer to center in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals. Cleveland has won six of seven and took three of four in the series against its AL Central rival as it tries to stay in contention for the final AL wild card spot. The Guardians trail Seattle by three games with 15 games remaining. Kansas City’s Vinnie Pasquantino became the fourth left-handed batter in Royals history to record 30 home runs in a season with a two-run drive in the first inning.
WORDS: 381 – MOVED: 09/11/2025 9:02 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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BOX–Alvarez-Crawford Preview
Canelo vs. Crawford: Will this be one of the biggest fights in Las Vegas history?
SUMMARY: The Canelo Alvarez-Terence Crawford fight is set to make history at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. The Saturday night showdown is the first boxing match at the venue and carries significant implications for both fighters. Alvarez, a favorite with a 63-2-2 record, defends his unified super middleweight championship. Crawford, undefeated at 41-0, moves up two weight classes, aiming for a third unified division title. The event is expected to draw a massive crowd, highlighting its importance in boxing history. Fans can watch it on Netflix, marking a shift from traditional pay-per-view.
WORDS: 882 – MOVED: 09/11/2025 8:50 p.m. CDT
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