Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Election 2026-Senate-Iowa
Iowa Democrat Jackie Norris ends US Senate campaign, citing Des Moines superintendent’s ICE arrest
SUMMARY: Democrat Jackie Norris has ended her campaign for Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat. She plans to focus on her role as chair of the Des Moines public school board. This decision follows the arrest of Superintendent Ian Roberts by immigration authorities on Sept. 26. Norris says the situation demands her attention and has led to intense scrutiny. She will continue to lead the board during this transition and work on securing voter approval for a $265 million bond in November. Her departure leaves several male candidates in the Democratic primary field, with Republicans favored to retain the seat. Republican Sen. Joni Ernst is stepping down after serving two terms.
WORDS: 488 – MOVED: 10/16/2025 12:26 p.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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US–Young Republicans-Chat
JD Vance dismisses bipartisan outrage over racist and offensive Young Republican group chat
SUMMARY: The public release of a Young Republican group chat that included racist language, jokes about rape and flippant commentary on gas chambers has prompted bipartisan calls for those involved to be removed from or resign their positions. Vice President JD Vance, meanwhile, has criticized the backlash, labeling it “pearl clutching.” Vance compared the dustup to past violent comments by a Democratic candidate In Virginia, arguing that Jay Jones’ remarks concerning political violence were worse. Other Republicans, like Vermont’s Gov. Phil Scott, are demanding resignations, calling the comments “unacceptable.” Democrats, including California Gov. Gavin Newsom, have urged investigations, condemning the messages as discriminatory.
WORDS: 774 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 4:44 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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US–Government Shutdown-Food Aid-What to Know
Food assistance is safe through October, but it may be at risk if the shutdown continues
SUMMARY: About 40 million people could see food assistance disappear next month if the federal government shutdown continues. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has told states not to send the companies that issue debit cards for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program November’s information yet. And at least some states have stopped approving new applications for SNAP. It’s possible that the government could find funding to keep the program going even if the shutdown continues, but at $8 billion a month, that would be a challenge. State officials say a pause in benefits would be a blow to families and the broader economy.
WORDS: 963 – MOVED: 10/16/2025 9:46 a.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Education-College Return on Investment
Colleges are fighting to prove their return on investment
SUMMARY: For many young Americans, deciding on college has become a complex choice. Increasingly, a main question is whether a degree is worth its cost. Confidence in higher education has dropped due to high tuition, student loans and a tough job market. Colleges are now trying to prove their value. New rankings and reports focus on the financial benefits of degrees. Research shows most bachelor’s degrees still pay off, but not all lead to good salaries. More students are choosing technical schools or trades over four-year universities to avoid debt. In response, colleges are working to align degrees with job market needs.
WORDS: 1179 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 11:08 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKC–Iowa-McCollum
New Iowa coach Ben McCollum drums up fan support in offseason. Now it’s time for players to deliver
SUMMARY: New Iowa men’s basketball coach Ben McCollum has worked since his hiring in March to sell his program to the Hawkeyes’ fan base. He said the results have been positive, but he doesn’t want that to affect his team’s intensity. He said the team needs to play with an edge and not have a sense that the program has arrived because more fans are in the stands. Iowa ranked 11th in Big Ten attendance. That was one of the factors that led to the firing of program career wins leader Fran McCaffery.
WORDS: 719 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 5:08 p.m. CDT
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GLF–Clark Pro-Am
Caitlin Clark returns to action on grass instead of hardwood
SUMMARY: Caitlin Clark is returning to action, at least on the golf course. The WNBA star will be playing in the pro-am again at The Annika on Nov. 12. Clark also played it last year with Nelly Korda and tournament host Annika Sorenstam. She says she looks forward to doing it again at Pelican Golf Club. The Annika is the penultimate tournament on the LPGA schedule. Clark has a corporate deal with Gainbridge Insurance. That’s the main tournament sponsor. Clark’s sophomore season in the WNBA was cut short by injuries. She managed to play only 13 games this year.
WORDS: 201 – MOVED: 10/16/2025 9:43 a.m. CDT
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KANSAS
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FBN–Chiefs-Rice
Chiefs’ offense gets a boost as Rashee Rice returns from suspension
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs are set to see their offense in full swing as Rashee Rice returns to join wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Rice returned to practice Wednesday after a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The Chiefs, who scored 30 points against the Detroit Lions last week, are gaining momentum. Coach Andy Reid is excited about Rice’s return but hasn’t confirmed his playing time. Meanwhile, left tackle Josh Simmons might miss another game, with Jaylon Moore expected to start in his place.
WORDS: 769 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 1:30 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Kansas-Leipold-Pocketknife
Big 12 fines Kansas $25,000 for Lance Leipold’s statement that a knife was thrown at Texas Tech game
SUMMARY: The Big 12 fined Kansas $25,000 for coach Lance Leipold’s statement that a pocketknife was thrown at his staff during the Jayhawks’ game at Texas Tech last weekend. The conference said Wednesday the allegation was inaccurate and Leipold’s comments after the 42-17 loss to the Red Raiders were “disparaging.” Speaking about Tech fans’ tradition of throwing tortillas onto the field, Leipold said a pocketknife was also thrown in the third quarter of the game. Leipold apologized for what he called “an emotional reaction” and thanked the conference for reviewing the allegation.
WORDS: 370 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 3:03 p.m. CDT
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BKC–Exhibition Showdowns
March Madness in October? Top programs using exhibitions to cash in and check team chemistry
SUMMARY: The last weekend of October now looks like the second week of March Madness even though the games don’t count. The NCAA recently changed rules to allow more exhibitions without requiring proceeds to go to charity. This has led to more high-profile matchups between top programs before the season officially starts. The games provide a chance to test chemistry with rosters being overhauled every season because of transfers. They also provide a new revenue source for cash-hungry schools sharing revenue with athletes.
WORDS: 1007 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 5:05 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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BKN–Timberwolves-Crean
Tom Crean, who coached Anthony Edwards in college, joins Timberwolves TV broadcast crew
SUMMARY: Former college coach Tom Crean will serve as a pregame and postgame analyst on Minnesota Timberwolves broadcasts this season on FanDuel Sports Network. Crean will split those duties with Minnesota Lynx assistant coach Rebekkah Brunson. The 59-year-old Crean spent 22 seasons as a head coach at Marquette, Indiana and Georgia. Crean coached current Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards in the second of his four seasons with the Bulldogs. Crean has also worked as an analyst for ESPN and NBC.
WORDS: 151 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 3:09 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Vikings-McCarthy
Vikings sidestep starting QB question as McCarthy acknowledges his ankle is not fully healed
SUMMARY: J.J. McCarthy hasn’t fully healed from the high ankle sprain that has kept him out of the past three games. He’s still navigating the final stage of stress-testing the injury and ramping back up to speed with the Minnesota Vikings and their offense. The question of whether McCarthy returns as the starting quarterback Sunday against Philadelphia or Carson Wentz remains at the helm went formally unanswered Wednesday by coach Kevin O’Connell. The message this week about how much McCarthy has to work on mechanically has spoken rather loudly about the team’s preference to carefully ease him in.
WORDS: 603 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 5:33 p.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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SOC–US Women-Roster
Trinity Rodman and Europe-based players return to USWNT for October matches
SUMMARY: Trinity Rodman has returned to the U.S. women’s national soccer team for her first matches since April after being sidelined because of a back issue. U.S. coach Emma Hayes announced her 26-player roster for a trio of upcoming matches this month against Portugal and New Zealand. Among those included were the team’s Europe-based players, including Catarina Macario, Emily Fox and Lindsey Heaps, who missed the last international window to recover from the long club season. Hayes says “we are extremely excited to get back together with the team.”
WORDS: 582 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 11:27 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Rice
Chiefs’ offense gets a boost as Rashee Rice returns from suspension
SUMMARY: The Kansas City Chiefs are set to see their offense in full swing as Rashee Rice returns to join wide receivers Xavier Worthy and Marquise Brown for Sunday’s game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Rice returned to practice Wednesday after a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. The Chiefs, who scored 30 points against the Detroit Lions last week, are gaining momentum. Coach Andy Reid is excited about Rice’s return but hasn’t confirmed his playing time. Meanwhile, left tackle Josh Simmons might miss another game, with Jaylon Moore expected to start in his place.
WORDS: 769 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 1:30 p.m. CDT
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FBC–SEC-Midseason Awards
Vanderbilt’s Lea, Alabama’s Simpson and Texas A&M’s Howell among winners in SEC midseason awards
SUMMARY: No. 17 Vanderbilt has been voted the SEC’s most surprising team at the season’s midpoint by Associated Press journalists. Clark Lea was named top coach. Vanderbilt has been ranked in the Top 25 for five consecutive weeks, marking a program record. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was named top offensive player, while Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell earned top defensive player.
WORDS: 719 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 3:36 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Raiders-Pass Rush
Raiders prepare to face Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes after strong pass rush against Titans
SUMMARY: The Raiders have intensified their pass rush, pressuring Titans quarterback Cam Ward on over a third of his drop-backs in a 20-10 victory on Sunday. However, facing Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes presents a tougher challenge. Raiders coach Pete Carroll praised Mahomes as a top-tier player, highlighting his creativity and mobility. Mahomes has been sacked less frequently than Ward this season and has increased his rushing yards. Raiders linebacker Devin White emphasized the need for discipline and awareness against Mahomes. The Raiders aim to carry their strong performance against the Titans into their upcoming game against the Chiefs.
WORDS: 742 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 7:31 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Lions-Branch-Suspended
Suspension of Lions safety Brian Branch for postgame fight vs. Chiefs is upheld on appeal
SUMMARY: The one-game suspension of Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was upheld on Wednesday by a hearing officer appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association. Jordy Nelson, the hearing officer, denied the appeal by Branch, who was suspended for a game without pay by the league on Monday for unsportsmanlike conduct following a loss at Kansas City. Branch punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Sunday night, setting off a postgame melee. Detroit (4-2) will host NFC South-leading Tampa Bay (5-1) without Branch, another blow for a team with a banged-up secondary.
WORDS: 495 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 11:23 p.m. CDT
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HKN–Blackhawks-Blues
Reichel scores twice as the Blackhawks beat the Blues 8-3 while playing without Foligno
SUMMARY: Lukas Reichel had two goals and an assist, and the Chicago Blackhawks pounded the St. Louis Blues 8-3 for their second straight win. Connor Bedard had three assists for Chicago, which beat Utah 3-1 on Monday for its first victory of the season. Ilya Mikheyev had a goal and an assist. The Blackhawks played without captain Nick Foligno, who is taking a leave of absence because his 12-year-old daughter is having follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease. Jake Neighbours, Dylan Holloway and Tyler Tucker scored for St. Louis, which had won two in a row.
WORDS: 262 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 11:30 p.m. CDT
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HKN–Blackhawks-Foligno
Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is taking a leave of absence because of daughter’s surgery
SUMMARY: Blackhawks captain Nick Foligno is taking a leave of absence because his 12-year-old daughter is having follow-up surgery related to her congenital heart disease. Foligno, who turns 38 on Oct. 31, is in his third season with Chicago. The forward has no goals and two assists in four games. Foligno became the 35th captain of the Original Six team in September 2024. His father, Mike, played in the NHL for 15 years, and his brother, Marcus, plays for Minnesota. Blackhawks forward Frank Nazar says the team played for Foligno and his family in an 8-3 win at St. Louis on Wednesday night.
WORDS: 289 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 10:57 a.m. CDT
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BKC–Exhibition Showdowns
March Madness in October? Top programs using exhibitions to cash in and check team chemistry
SUMMARY: The last weekend of October now looks like the second week of March Madness even though the games don’t count. The NCAA recently changed rules to allow more exhibitions without requiring proceeds to go to charity. This has led to more high-profile matchups between top programs before the season officially starts. The games provide a chance to test chemistry with rosters being overhauled every season because of transfers. They also provide a new revenue source for cash-hungry schools sharing revenue with athletes.
WORDS: 1007 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 5:05 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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BKN–Kings-Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is joining the Sacramento Kings for his 18th NBA season, AP source says
SUMMARY: Former MVP Russell Westbrook is joining the Sacramento Kings, a person familiar with the agreement tells The Associated Press. The team hasn’t officially announced the deal. Westbrook’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed the move to ESPN earlier Wednesday. The 36-year-old Westbrook is entering his 18th NBA season. He holds the record for the most triple-doubles and ranks high in points and assists in NBA history. Westbrook began his career with Oklahoma City and won the MVP award after Kevin Durant’s departure. He has since played for several teams, including Houston, Washington, and the Los Angeles Lakers.
WORDS: 253 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 12:40 p.m. CDT
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FBC–SEC-Midseason Awards
Vanderbilt’s Lea, Alabama’s Simpson and Texas A&M’s Howell among winners in SEC midseason awards
SUMMARY: No. 17 Vanderbilt has been voted the SEC’s most surprising team at the season’s midpoint by Associated Press journalists. Clark Lea was named top coach. Vanderbilt has been ranked in the Top 25 for five consecutive weeks, marking a program record. Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson was named top offensive player, while Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell earned top defensive player.
WORDS: 719 – MOVED: 10/15/2025 3:36 p.m. CDT
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