Great Plains News Digest
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MINNESOTA
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LA–New Orleans-Police Oversight
Federal oversight of New Orleans police department ends after 13 years, began due to racial bias
SUMMARY: Federal oversight of the New Orleans Police Department ended this week a with a judge signing an order dissolving the consent decree. The oversight began 13 years ago after a Department of Justice investigation found a pattern of unconstitutional practices, including racially-based policing. The investigation was requested after complaints about police abuse in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Police Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick said Wednesday that the department has been transformed over the past decade. Use of force by officers declined by 47% from 2015 to 2023, but the ACLU of Louisiana says force is still disproportionately used against Black men. Opponents say the department is slow in clearing sexual assault cases.
WORDS: 2241 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 2:17 p.m. CST
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US–Trump-Education Department
Schools fear disruptions as the White House begins dismantling the Education Department
SUMMARY: The Trump administration is steaming forward on its plan to dismantle the Education Department. Many state and local education leaders say they are bracing for disruption and new bureaucratic hurdles. Education Secretary Linda McMahon insists there will be no disruption as she begins offloading some of her agency’s biggest functions to four other federal departments. She has promised to keep federal money flowing. She says students will benefit as the government reduces its bureaucratic footprint and gives more power to state and local communities. But the plan has drawn pushback from some state and district leaders, who see no benefit and no hope for a seamless transition.
WORDS: 1150 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 11:00 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US–Airport Shooting-St. Louis
Police say a man has been shot and killed after wielding a knife at St. Louis airport
SUMMARY: Officials say a man has been shot and killed after wielding a knife at St. Louis airport. St. Louis County Police spokesperson Vera Clay said Friday that about 1 a.m. officers at St. Louis Lambert International Airport noticed a person in an area he should not have been in and who refused to leave. She said when officers tried to get him to move, he showed them a knife. Officers used Tasers, but the man continued to advance toward them. Clay said an officer then fired his gun, fatally wounding the man. There were no other injuries.
WORDS: 273 – MOVED: 11/21/2025 7:11 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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NE-Nebraska-Killings-Sentencing
Woman sentenced to life in prison for aiding in 1 of 4 Nebraska killings
SUMMARY: A woman has been sentenced to life in prison in connection with the death of a man who was killed along with three other people in the small Nebraska town of Laurel in 2022. On Thursday, a jury found Carrie Jones guilty of aiding and abetting in the first-degree murder of 86-year-old Gene Twiford. Carrie Jones’ husband, Jason Jones, was convicted last year for the murders of Twiford, his wife, their daughter and another woman. Prosecutors say Carrie Jones encouraged her husband to confront Twiford and helped him hide from police.
WORDS: 256 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 3:24 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Indigenous Affairs-Education
Tribal leaders say Trump administration failed to consult with them on Education Department changes
SUMMARY: Tribal leaders and education advocates say the Education Department failed to meet a legal requirement by not consulting with tribes before announcing the transfer of dozens of Native American education programs to other federal agencies. The Education Department says it would break off several of its main offices and hand over their responsibilities to agencies like the Department of Labor and the Department of the Interior. Under the plan, those two agencies will run several programs that fund and oversee the education of Native American children and college students. A spokesperson for the Education Department told The Associated Press that it plans to consult with the tribes.
WORDS: 595 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:49 p.m. CST
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US–Coal Leasing
Senate reversal of Biden policy that blocked Wyoming coal mining heads to Trump
SUMMARY: Mining industry access to federally owned coal in northeastern Wyoming will continue under a bill headed to President Donald Trump. The measure passed the Senate on a 51-43 vote Thursday. It reverses a policy under President Joe Biden that halted federal coal leasing in the Powder River Basin, source of about 40% of the nation’s coal. Trump often praises coal and is likely to sign the measure. The Biden policy would have eventually all but ended coal mining in the basin. Still, analysts say the measure is unlikely to save the coal industry. Utilities are using more renewables and natural gas, and mining in the basin is down by half from a decade ago.
WORDS: 496 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 2:20 p.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Indigenous Affairs-Education
Tribal leaders say Trump administration failed to consult with them on Education Department changes
SUMMARY: Tribal leaders and education advocates say the Education Department failed to meet a legal requirement by not consulting with tribes before announcing the transfer of dozens of Native American education programs to other federal agencies. The Education Department says it would break off several of its main offices and hand over their responsibilities to agencies like the Department of Labor and the Department of the Interior. Under the plan, those two agencies will run several programs that fund and oversee the education of Native American children and college students. A spokesperson for the Education Department told The Associated Press that it plans to consult with the tribes.
WORDS: 595 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:49 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Big Ten-Private Investor
Michigan board publicly declares opposition to proposed $2.4 billion outside investment in Big Ten
SUMMARY: The University of Michigan governing board publicly declared its opposition on Thursday to the possibility of giving up a stake of the Big Ten in exchange for $2.4 billion in private investment. The Big Ten Conference pushed back earlier in the week when the chair of University of Michigan Board of Regents claimed that Commissioner Tony Petitti threatened to penalize the school if it refuses to support the proposal. The Big Ten disputed the allegation that any school is being forced to back the plan.
WORDS: 620 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:27 p.m. CST
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BKC–Chicago St-Iowa
Banks’ double-double powers unbeaten Iowa to 93–54 win over Chicago State
SUMMARY: Tavion Banks scored 16, powering Iowa to a 93–54 win over Chicago State on Thursday night. Iowa controlled the game early, leading 40–24 at half, then buried the Cougars. Cooper Koch opened the surge with a layup and a corner 3-pointer, Bennett Stirtz followed with another 3 and Banks capped the run with a putback dunk. The Hawkeyes overwhelmed Chicago State, shooting 57% from the field, hitting 12 3s and piling up 26 assists. The bench poured in 50 points, led by Alvaro Folgueiras’ 14 points. Koch finished with 10, while Stirtz posted nine points, six assists and five rebounds. Iowa also won the glass 37–22 and forced 11 turnovers. Chicago State got 19 points from Marcus Tankersley and 12 from CJ Ray.
WORDS: 236 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 8:03 p.m. CST
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BKW–T25-Iowa-Baylor
Ava Heiden and No. 19 Iowa rally to top No. 7 Baylor and Taliah Scott 57-52 at Disney
SUMMARY: Ava Heiden had 18 points and 11 rebounds, with most of those coming in the second half, and No. 19 Iowa overcame Taliah Scott’s huge night to defeat seventh-ranked Baylor 57-52 in a matchup of unbeatens Thursday night. Scott scored 32 points and was often too much for the Hawkeyes (5-0) to handle, but she went cold down the stretch and the Bears (4-1) faded. Taylor Stremlow added 12 points for Iowa, and Hannah Stuelke chipped in 10 points and eight boards. Iowa used a 9-0 run over a five-minute stretch in the fourth to pull away. Baylor missed its final 10 shots.
WORDS: 323 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 10:22 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BKC–Mississippi St-Kansas St
Haggerty erupts for 37 as Kansas State blows past Mississippi State 98-77
SUMMARY: P.J. Haggerty poured in 37 points and Kansas State stayed unbeaten with a 98-77 win over Mississippi State on Thursday. Haggerty hit 13 of 21 shots, four 3s and seven free throws while Nate Johnson added 14 points and four assists as the Wildcats (5-0) drained 14 threes and assisted on 22 of 37 buckets. Up 44-36 at halftime, K-State blew it open with a 13-5 run capped by a Haggerty 3 for a 52-41 lead. Mississippi State (2-2) briefly threatened behind Jayden Epps, but David Castillo answered from deep and K-State pulled away as Ques Glover McGriff scored seven straight and Abdi Bashir Jr. hit a late corner 3. Josh Hubbard led MSU with 23 points and Brandon Walker added 18 off the bench.
WORDS: 281 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 10:44 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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XXC–Diggins Retiring
Jessie Diggins, Olympic gold medalist in US cross country skiing, to retire after 2025-26 season
SUMMARY: American cross-country skier Jessie Diggins says she’ll retire at the end of the 2025-26 season. The 34-year-old has won three Olympic medals, including the first cross-country Olympic gold for the United States with Kikkan Randall in 2018. She has also won three FIS Crystal Globes and seven World Championship medals. Her final season starts November 28 in Ruka, Finland. She’ll compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics and end her career at the Stifel Lake Placid Finals in March. Diggins hopes to be remembered for her passion and joy in the sport.
WORDS: 256 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 1:23 p.m. CST
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FBC–Big Ten-Private Investor
Michigan board publicly declares opposition to proposed $2.4 billion outside investment in Big Ten
SUMMARY: The University of Michigan governing board publicly declared its opposition on Thursday to the possibility of giving up a stake of the Big Ten in exchange for $2.4 billion in private investment. The Big Ten Conference pushed back earlier in the week when the chair of University of Michigan Board of Regents claimed that Commissioner Tony Petitti threatened to penalize the school if it refuses to support the proposal. The Big Ten disputed the allegation that any school is being forced to back the plan.
WORDS: 620 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:27 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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FBC–SEC-Cupcakes
The SEC move to 9-game conference slate puts cupcake games on notice amid coach concerns
SUMMARY: In the final weeks of the college football season, some SEC teams are enjoying a breather with easier matchups before rivalry week. Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama are hosting non-conference teams with losing records. The SEC plans to switch to nine conference games in 2026. Coaches are concerned about the impact on playoff chances. The change is intended to improve a team’s chances of reaching the College Football Playoff. However, some coaches worry about the strength of schedule not being properly rewarded.
WORDS: 869 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 12:19 p.m. CST
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HKN–Blues-Flyers
Sanheim scores in OT to rally Flyers past Blues 3-2
SUMMARY: Travis Sanheim scored the winner with 1:09 left in overtime to rally the Philadelphia Flyers past the St. Louis Blues 3-2. Justin Faulk scored two goals in the first period for the Blues, but Rodrigo Abols scored for the Flyers in the second period to start the comeback and Tyson Foerster tied the game when he shot one past Joel Hofer in the third to make it 2-2. The Flyers have a knack this season for coming back to beat the Blues. The Flyers rallied last week from deficits of 1-0, 3-1, and 5-3 before they beat St. Louis 6-5 in a shootout.
WORDS: 304 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 9:00 p.m. CST
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BBO–Royals-Lange
Right-hander Alex Lange agrees to $900,000 deal with Royals, 2 days after he was released by Tigers
SUMMARY: Alex Lange has agreed to a $900,000, one-year contract with the Kansas City Royals, two days after the 30-year-old right-hander was released by the Detroit Tigers. Lange was on the injured list from the start of the season because of a strained right late muscle. He pitched a scoreless inning against Houston on Aug. 18, was optioned to Triple-A Toledo four days later and went 2-1 with a 4.63 ERA in 24 relief appearances for the Mud Hens. He was 15-15 with a 3.70 Â ERA and 29 saves in five seasons with the Tigers. Kansas City also agreed to a one-year contract with right-hander James McArthur.
WORDS: 169 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 7:29 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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FBC–Big Ten-Private Investor
Michigan board publicly declares opposition to proposed $2.4 billion outside investment in Big Ten
SUMMARY: The University of Michigan governing board publicly declared its opposition on Thursday to the possibility of giving up a stake of the Big Ten in exchange for $2.4 billion in private investment. The Big Ten Conference pushed back earlier in the week when the chair of University of Michigan Board of Regents claimed that Commissioner Tony Petitti threatened to penalize the school if it refuses to support the proposal. The Big Ten disputed the allegation that any school is being forced to back the plan.
WORDS: 620 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 4:27 p.m. CST
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BKC–New Mexico-Nebraska
Lawrence, Frager fuel unbeaten Nebraska past New Mexico 84–72
SUMMARY: Nebraska stayed unbeaten Friday with an 84-72 win over New Mexico as Jamarques Lawrence scored 21 points and Rienk Mast added 17. Braden Frager came off the bench for 20 on 6-of-8 shooting to fuel a 27-point reserve lift. The Huskers (5-0) built a 43-25 halftime lead behind nine made 3s and steady ball movement, then absorbed a Lobos surge that cut the margin to 51-47 with 12:31 left. Lawrence answered with a right-wing 3 and Mast scored inside to restore control before Ben Sandfort and Frager pushed the edge to 71-58. Jake Hall led New Mexico (3-2) with 20 points and six 3s while Antonio Chol scored 12 and Luka Buljan added 11 as the Lobos shot 13 of 44 from deep.
WORDS: 261 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 8:16 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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FBC–Tradition Glimpse-Smaller Rivalries
Origin stories behind the trophies heighten college football rivalry games on the smaller stage
SUMMARY: The North Dakota State-South Dakota State football rivalry features a unique prize: the 78-pound Dakota Marker trophy. This rock is a replica of quartzite markers from the 1890s, used to delineate the states’ border. Lesser-known rivalries like this one across college football often hold deep significance for the schools and fans who often don’t have a professional team to root for.
WORDS: 596 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 5:12 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–SEC-Cupcakes
The SEC move to 9-game conference slate puts cupcake games on notice amid coach concerns
SUMMARY: In the final weeks of the college football season, some SEC teams are enjoying a breather with easier matchups before rivalry week. Texas A&M, Georgia and Alabama are hosting non-conference teams with losing records. The SEC plans to switch to nine conference games in 2026. Coaches are concerned about the impact on playoff chances. The change is intended to improve a team’s chances of reaching the College Football Playoff. However, some coaches worry about the strength of schedule not being properly rewarded.
WORDS: 869 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 12:19 p.m. CST
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BKC–Oral Roberts-Oklahoma
Wague scores career-high 20 as Oklahoma defeats Oral Roberts 95-71
SUMMARY: Mohamed Wague scored a career-high 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds, Nijel Pack added 18 points, and Oklahoma took down in-state foe Oral Roberts 95-71 on Thursday. The Sooners (3-2) have won 17 straight contests against the Golden Eagles (2-4), with Oral Roberts’ only wins coming in the first two matchups between the programs in 1975 and 1976. Wague and Pack shot 9-for-12 and 6-for-10 from the field, respectively, with the Sooners shooting 50% from the field and 38% from deep. Tae Davis scored 13 points and hauled in five rebounds, while Xzayvier Brown scored nine points and had a team-high four assists. Oral Roberts was led by Ofri Naveh’s 13 points. Connor Dow scored 12 and Yuto Williams-Yamanouchi and Ty Harber each added 11 points.
WORDS: 241 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 9:07 p.m. CST
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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FBC–Tradition Glimpse-Smaller Rivalries
Origin stories behind the trophies heighten college football rivalry games on the smaller stage
SUMMARY: The North Dakota State-South Dakota State football rivalry features a unique prize: the 78-pound Dakota Marker trophy. This rock is a replica of quartzite markers from the 1890s, used to delineate the states’ border. Lesser-known rivalries like this one across college football often hold deep significance for the schools and fans who often don’t have a professional team to root for.
WORDS: 596 – MOVED: 11/20/2025 5:12 p.m. CST
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