Great Plains News Digest
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MINNESOTA
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US–Minnesota Senator Arrested
Minnesota former state senator sentenced to 6 months for breaking into estranged stepmother’s house
SUMMARY: A former Minnesota state senator has been sentenced to six months for breaking into her estranged stepmother’s house. Nicole Mitchell will be allowed to serve her sentence on work release in Ramsey County, near her home in Woodbury. Mitchell resigned her Senate seat in July, a week after being convicted of burglary. She was arrested in the basement of her stepmother’s home in Detroit Lakes last year. Mitchell told police she went there because her stepmother refused to give her mementos. But she changed her story and told the jury she just wanted to check on the welfare of her stepmother.
WORDS: 543 – MOVED: 09/23/2025 12:23 p.m. CDT
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US–School Shooting-Minneapolis
Girl shot in the head in Minneapolis church attack is making ‘miraculous’ progress, family says
SUMMARY: The family of a 12-year-old girl critically wounded during the deadly shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic church says she is making remarkable progress. Doctors expect Sophia Forchas to move this week from acute care to an inpatient rehabilitation program. She was the most seriously wounded child among those who survived the shooting. Just weeks ago doctors were unsure whether she would survive. Her family says Sophia’s medical team remains cautiously optimistic, but there are signs of neurological recovery. Her family says it’s a miracle she survived the attack that killed two students and wounded 21 other people.
WORDS: 286 – MOVED: 09/23/2025 11:20 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Oklahoma Tiger-Caretaker Killed
Sheriff: Tiger fatally mauls handler during big cat show in Oklahoma
SUMMARY: Officials say a large tiger fatally attacked an animal handler as horrified onlookers watched during the end of a big cat show at a preserve in southeastern Oklahoma. Choctaw County Sheriff Terry Park says 37-year-old Ryan Easley was killed in the attack Saturday at the Growler Pines Tiger Preserve near Hugo. Park says the tiger unexpectedly started to bite and then shake Easley while the two were inside of a large cage. Park says Easley’s wife and young daughter were present when the attack occurred. Messages left Monday with Growler Pines Tiger Preserve were not immediately returned.
WORDS: 420 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 2:33 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Tyquan Thornton’s breakout performance lifts Chiefs to first win of the season
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have found a surprising playmaker in Tyquan Thornton. On Sunday night, Thornton made crucial catches to help the Chiefs secure a 22-9 victory over the Giants. This win comes as the Chiefs navigate the absence of wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Thornton, a 2022 Patriots second-round pick, finished with a career-high five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. Coach Andy Reid praised his hard work. The Chiefs defense also shined, shutting down the Giants. Despite some offensive inconsistencies, the team feels optimistic as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens.
WORDS: 762 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 1:42 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings Analysis
Vikings lean into their alternate identity with dominant defense and strong rushing attack
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Vikings under coach Kevin O’Connell have been a pass-oriented team. They’ve leaned on his knack for quarterback development and play design and invested heavily in premier players at the pass-catching positions. But the Vikings have wisely begun to alter their identity this season. Their performance in blowing out Cincinnati 48-10 was led by a defense that forced five turnovers and enjoyed a record two return touchdowns by cornerback Isaiah Rodgers. Minnesota’s dominant day also included a strong rushing attack and an efficient, smart and opportunistic game by backup quarterback Carson Wentz.
WORDS: 813 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 5:50 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Rangers-Late Slide
Texas Rangers made significant playoff push, but now on 7-game slide with no realistic shot
SUMMARY: The Texas Rangers made a significant push for a playoff spot. They had a 13-3 span with a pair of six-game winning streaks to get within two games of the AL West lead. Now they are in a seven-game losing streak that is their longest of the season, and have no realistic chance of making the postseason. The 79-77 Rangers have six games left and are five games behind Houston and Cleveland, who are tied for the American League’s final wild card spot. Just for any postseason chance, Texas would have to win its last six games against Minnesota and Cleveland. And the Astros would have to lose their last six games.
WORDS: 702 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 6:23 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Lewis
Royce Lewis finds a moment to savor from a lost season for the Twins
SUMMARY: Royce Lewis and the Minnesota Twins have been frustratingly short on celebratory moments this season. Lewis had one to enjoy on Sunday in a victory over surging division rival Cleveland with his pinch-hit, three-run homer in the seventh inning of the team’s final home game of 2025. Lewis said afterward in an interview session with reporters that he savored his trip around the bases because he’s bracing for the possibility of being traded. That’s the state of flux the Twins have found themselves with a 67-89 record after being eliminated from contention from the playoffs for the second straight year.
WORDS: 633 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 7:44 p.m. CDT
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FBN–NFL-Ireland-Croke Park
Croke Park’s rich history includes Bloody Sunday, Muhammad Ali bout and Queen’s visit
SUMMARY: Croke Park will be the setting for the first regular-season NFL game in Dublin when the Pittsburgh Steelers face the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday. “Croker” is more than just a national stadium. It’s the home of the Gaelic Athletic Association, which is deeply rooted in Irish culture and history. Croke Park is practically sacred ground. It was the location of “Bloody Sunday” in 1920, when 14 people were killed after British security forces opened fire on the crowd at a Gaelic football match.
WORDS: 730 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 10:12 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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FBN–Chiefs Analysis
Tyquan Thornton’s breakout performance lifts Chiefs to first win of the season
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs have found a surprising playmaker in Tyquan Thornton. On Sunday night, Thornton made crucial catches to help the Chiefs secure a 22-9 victory over the Giants. This win comes as the Chiefs navigate the absence of wide receivers Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy. Thornton, a 2022 Patriots second-round pick, finished with a career-high five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown. Coach Andy Reid praised his hard work. The Chiefs defense also shined, shutting down the Giants. Despite some offensive inconsistencies, the team feels optimistic as they prepare to face the Baltimore Ravens.
WORDS: 762 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 1:42 p.m. CDT
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HKN–Golden Knights-Pietrangelo
Pietrangelo hopes to avoid surgery, possibly play for Golden Knights this season
SUMMARY: Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has not ruled out playing again for the Golden Knights this season. He hopes to avoid surgery while rehabbing his injured hip. Vegas placed him on long-term injured reserve earlier this year, allowing the Golden Knights to sign Mitch Marner. Initially, surgery was expected to end Pietrangelo’s season, but he has responded well to rehab. On Monday, he said he’s keeping an open mind about returning. His hip has been a long-term issue, particularly flaring up last season. Pietrangelo remains in Las Vegas, supporting his teammates and mentoring younger players. He values staying connected with the team.
WORDS: 539 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 9:30 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Giants
Herrera hits tying 2-run homer in big fifth for St. Louis as Cardinals hold off Giants 6-5
SUMMARY: Iván Herrera hit a tying two-run homer in the decisive fifth inning before St. Louis scored the go-ahead run on San Francisco second baseman Casey Schmitt’s error and Jordan Walker added an RBI groundout, sending the Cardinals past the Giants 6-5. Michael McGreevy (8-3) allowed five runs on six hits over five innings. The right-hander came in with an 11-inning scoreless streak, but that ended when he surrendered a leadoff home run to Heliot Ramos to begin his outing.
WORDS: 379 – MOVED: 09/22/2025 11:27 p.m. CDT
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FBC–T25-Missouri-Hardy Boy
Ahmad Hardy’s rise: From lightly recruited Mississippi prospect to SEC sensation for No. 20 Missouri
SUMMARY: Ahmad Hardy has become a standout in college football after transferring to Missouri. The running back has rushed for more than 100 yards in six consecutive games, including a 250-yard performance against Louisiana. Hardy is the nation’s second-leading rusher with 600 yards in four games. Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz has praised Hardy’s physical running style, especially in a win over South Carolina last week to open SEC play. Despite being lightly recruited out of high school, and beginning his career at Louisiana-Monroe, Hardy has become a big reason why the No. 20 Tigers are off to a 4-0 start.
WORDS: 890 – MOVED: 09/23/2025 9:57 a.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–Oklahoma State-Gundy
Oklahoma State fires football coach Mike Gundy after 20-plus years
SUMMARY: Mike Gundy, one of college football’s most colorful coaches over the last two decades, has been fired by Oklahoma State. Gundy, who played quarterback at the school in the late 1980s, had a career record of 170-90 at his alma mater. He posted winning records every season from 2006 to 2023 but had losing records in his final two years. Gundy became head coach in 2005 and helped the Cowboys compete with better-funded programs. However, the team struggled recently, losing 11 of their last 12 games. Oklahoma State athletic director Chad Weiberg says “we are grateful for all he did to raise the standard.”
WORDS: 638 – MOVED: 09/23/2025 12:31 p.m. CDT
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