Great Plains News Digest
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KANSAS
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US–Extreme Weather-Ice Safety
Common sense and slowing down are the keys to avoiding icy weather accidents
SUMMARY: For big parts of the United States, the past few days have brought lots of snow and lots of cold. The conditions are ripe for slips, falls and other ice-related injuries. Authorities, first responders and medical professionals say following some common-sense rules may help avoid many of those problems. Experts say slow down while driving on slick roads and adopt the slow, shuffling walk of penguins to avoid accidents and falls. They also advise to never assume lake ice is thick enough to support you. All of these are strategies people can use to keep them out of hospital emergency rooms.
WORDS: 971 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 11:47 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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CA–Immigration Enforcement-Legislation
California Democrats have new plans for confronting ICE: Taxes, lawsuits and location bans
SUMMARY: California Democratic senators have advanced a measure to make it easier to sue federal agents over civil rights violations. The bill, shaped by concerns over Trump-era immigration practices, gained urgency after federal agents shot Alex Pretti, a U.S. citizen, in Minnesota. Senators voted 30 to 10 to send it to the Assembly. The bill is part of broader efforts to counter aggressive immigration enforcement and protect immigrant communities. Other proposed bills aim to tax detention centers, prevent law enforcement from moonlighting as federal agents, and curb courthouse arrests. Republicans criticize these measures as overstepping federal priorities.
WORDS: 1064 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 12:54 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration-Enforcement-Detainee-Death
Nicaraguan man’s death at troubled Texas detention camp was reported as a suicide, 911 records show
SUMMARY: A 911 call shows that a Nicaraguan man who died at a Texas detention camp days after he was detained by immigration authorities in Minneapolis is suspected of dying by suicide. A medical official at Camp East Montana in El Paso told a 911 dispatcher that guards found 36-year-old Victor Manuel Diaz in his room. A separate emergency medical report report says Diaz was suspected of hanging himself with a bed sheet. Federal authorities say the death remains under investigation and they have not released a cause. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement picked up Diaz on Jan. 6 as agents fanned out across Minneapolis.
WORDS: 784 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 2:18 p.m. CST
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Immigration-Enforcement-Minnesota-Pretti-Family
Family of Alex Pretti retains lawyer who helped prosecute the George Floyd case
SUMMARY: The parents of Alex Pretti have retained a former federal prosecutor who helped Minnesota’s attorney general convict the police officer of murder who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck. Steve Schleicher, a partner at the Minneapolis firm Maslon, is an experienced litigator who served as a special prosecutor for Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison in the 2021 trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin. Prior to entering private practice, Schleicher served a state prosecutor worked 13 years in the office of the U.S. Attorney for the District of Minnesota, handling cases ranging from murder to organized crime, racketeering and federal civil rights violations. Pretti’s younger sister, Micayla Pretti, has separately hired attorney Anthony Cotton of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
WORDS: 288 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 3:28 p.m. CST
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HI–Hawaii-Immigrant Protections
Hawaii governor wants new laws to protect immigrants – fast
SUMMARY: Hawaii Governor Josh Green has expressed support for fast-tracking legislation to protect immigrants. He addressed a rally against federal immigration policy, emphasizing the need to stand against violence and protect people. Green’s comments came after two protesters were killed by federal agents in Minnesota. Proposed bills include limiting local law enforcement cooperation with immigration authorities and restricting agents’ access to safe places, such as schools and hospitals. Fast-tracking such bills is rare but has precedent. Green said immigrants without criminal histories should not be targeted, but he said he does not want new laws that would needlessly antagonize the Trump administration and lead it to focus on Hawaii.
WORDS: 1213 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 3:06 p.m. CST
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ENT–Immigration Enforcement-Springsteen
Bruce Springsteen sings out against Trump in ‘Streets of Minneapolis’
SUMMARY: Bruce Springsteen has released a new song, “Streets of Minneapolis,” criticizing President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement. The song describes Minneapolis as “a city aflame” under “King Trump’s private army.” Springsteen says he wrote and recorded it over the weekend. It follows protest singer Billy Bragg’s own “City of Heroes,” released Monday. Springsteen dedicates the song to the people of Minneapolis and in memory of Alex Pretti and Renee Good. Springsteen has long been critical of Trump, calling his administration corrupt and incompetent. A White House spokesperson said the administration wasn’t focused on “random songs with irrelevant opinions and inaccurate information.”
WORDS: 418 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 1:04 p.m. CST
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US–EPA-Downwind Pollution
EPA plan would begin rolling back ‘good neighbor’ rule on downwind pollution from smokestacks
SUMMARY: The Trump administration is taking a step toward rolling back a rule that limits smokestack emissions that burden downwind areas in neighboring states. The so-called “good neighbor” rule is intended to block coal-fired power plants and other industrial sites from adding significantly to air pollution across state lines. The rule is one of dozens of regulations that Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin has targeted for reconsideration or repeal. The EPA said Wednesday it is proposing to approve plans by eight states to regulate ozone air pollution as they see fit. Environmental groups said the EPA proposal would reward states for being bad neighbors.
WORDS: 514 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 5:16 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration Enforcement-Mayors
Mayors warn that Trump’s hardline immigration tactics could dent trust in law enforcement
SUMMARY: Elizabeth Kautz, mayor of Burnsville, Minnesota, says she carries her passport in her own city due to concerns about immigration enforcement. Her comments came during the United States Conference of Mayors in Washington. The gathering, usually focused on issues like housing and climate change, was overshadowed by the recent killing of Alex Jeffrey Pretti by federal agents in Minneapolis. Mayor David Holt of Oklahoma City highlighted the chaos from increased immigration enforcement. Many mayors appreciate President Donald Trump’s calls to deescalate but face pressure to remove federal agents. Trust in law enforcement is at risk, as communities feel targeted.
WORDS: 614 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 5:04 p.m. CST
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US–Congress-Budget
Partial shutdown seems increasingly likely as Democrats demand ICE changes
SUMMARY: A partial government shutdown is looming at week’s end. And now Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer has laid out a list of demands for the Department of Homeland Security as the Senate heads toward a crucial Thursday vote on whether to move forward with the spending legislation that funds DHS and a swath of other government agencies. Schumer says Democrats are asking the White House for an enforceable code of conduct for federal agents conducting immigration arrests and a requirement that they identify themselves to the public. Republicans will need Democratic votes to keep the government open when funding runs out Saturday.
WORDS: 920 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 12:33 p.m. CST
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US–Federal Enforcement-Minnesota-Omar Sprayed
Omar criticizes Trump’s ‘hateful rhetoric’ after attack; suspect had made pro-Trump posts online
SUMMARY: The man accused of squirting an unknown substance on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at a town hall in Minneapolis has a criminal history and made online posts supportive of President Donald Trump. Minnesota court records show Anthony Kazmierczak was convicted of felony auto theft in 1989 and has multiple arrests for driving under the influence. Police say Kazmierczak used a syringe to squirt liquid at Omar on Tuesday. Kazmierczak has been charged with assault. Omar continued speaking and said she’s OK. It’s unclear if Kazmierczak has a lawyer who could speak on his behalf. In social media posts, Kazmierczak criticized Democrats, calling them “angry and liars.”
WORDS: 1199 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 11:01 a.m. CST
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US–Election 2026-Republicans-Immigration
Immigration was a Republican strength. Now some fear it’s slipping away before the midterms
SUMMARY: Republicans are increasingly worried about immigration enforcement becoming a political problem in the upcoming midterm elections. Concerns have grown after two people were killed by federal agents during President Donald Trump’s crackdown in Minneapolis. Although few Republicans are willing to publicly break with Trump, criticism is mounting. Congress faces a funding deadline this week, and Democrats are ready to block money for Homeland Security. Some Republicans, like Sen. Thom Tillis, are urging a change in direction. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem is facing criticism, with some calling for her resignation. The situation is escalating as Republicans try to navigate the political fallout.
WORDS: 833 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 8:04 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration Enforcement
Trump signals interest in easing tensions, but Minneapolis sees little change on the streets
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump seemed to signal a willingness to ease tensions in Minneapolis after a second deadly shooting by federal immigration agents. But there was little evidence Wednesday of any significant changes after weeks of harsh rhetoric and clashes with protesters. Trump made a leadership change by sending his top border adviser to Minnesota to take charge of the immigration crackdown. That was followed by seemingly conciliatory remarks about the Democratic governor and mayor. But on city streets, there were few signs of a shift. Immigration enforcement operations and confrontations with activists continued in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
WORDS: 1258 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 11:50 a.m. CST
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US–Immigration-Enforcement-Minnesota-Pretti-Videos
New videos show Alex Pretti scuffle with federal officers in Minneapolis 11 days before his death
SUMMARY: Videos show Alex Pretti forcefully taken to the ground by federal immigration agents after kicking out the tail light of their vehicle during a Minneapolis protest 11 days before he was shot and killed by Border Patrol officers. The Jan. 13 scuffle was captured in a pair of videos that emerged on Wednesday evening, showing Pretti shouting an expletive at federal immigration agents and struggling with them before he either breaks free or is let go. The new videos have rekindled the national debate about the death of Pretti, an intensive care nurse. A Minneapolis-based attorney representing Pretti’s parents says the earlier incident in no way justified the officers’ use of deadly force.
WORDS: 887 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 9:53 p.m. CST
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US–Election 2026-Senators
Escape from Washington? Senators look to start new chapters as governors
SUMMARY: U.S. senators are increasingly looking to leave Washington for leadership roles in their home states. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota joins Michael Bennet of Colorado, Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee and Tommy Tuberville of Alabama in running for governor. This trend highlights a shift in political ambition away from the Senate, which has become mired in dysfunction. Governorships offer the chance to govern effectively and build a national profile. The Senate is seeing the highest rate of turnover in more than a decade. Political historian Matt Dallek notes state-level governance is seen as more effective and appealing.
WORDS: 848 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 6:40 a.m. CST
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US–Trump-The Latest
The Latest: Democrats threaten to trigger government shutdown over ICE reform
SUMMARY: Senate Democrats are threatening to block legislation Thursday to fund the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies, potentially bringing the government a step closer to a partial shutdown Friday if Republicans and the White House don’t agree to restrict President Donald Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement. As the country reels from the killings of two protesters by federal agents in Minneapolis, irate Senate Democrats are demanding that officers take off their masks, identify themselves and obtain judicial warrants showing probable cause for arrests.
WORDS: 1098 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 7:50 a.m. CST
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US–Immigration-Enforcement-Pushing Back
A shadow network in Minneapolis defies ICE and protects immigrants
SUMMARY: If there’s been a soundtrack to life in Minneapolis in recent weeks, it’s the shrieking whistles and honking horns of thousands of people following immigration agents across the city. They are the ever-moving shadow of Operation Metro Surge. They are teachers, scientists and stay-at-home parents. They own small businesses and wait tables. And when the White House shifted to a more conciliatory tone after the weekend killing of Alex Pretti, holding talks with local and state that President Donald Trump had long disdained and pushing aside Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol senior official who had become public face of the immigration crackdown, it was quickly clear no one was giving up.
WORDS: 1283 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 11:02 p.m. CST
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US–Immigration-Enforcement
Trump’s border czar suggests a possible drawdown in Minnesota, but only after ‘cooperation’
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump’s border czar says immigration enforcement could reduce the number of officers in Minnesota. Tom Homan suggested during a news conference Thursday that a drawdown could happen, but only after “cooperation” from state officials. Trump sent Homan to Minnesota following last weekend’s fatal shooting of protester Alex Pretti. Homan doubled down on the need for local jails to alert Immigration and Customs Enforcement to inmates who are eligible to be deported. He vowed to stay until the “problem’s gone,” but he seemed to acknowledge missteps while warning protesters they could face consequences if they interfere with federal officers.
WORDS: 745 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 8:08 a.m. CST
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US–Election 2026-Minnesota-Governor
Klobuchar will run for Minnesota governor after Walz ends bid. Democratic senator is a Trump critic
SUMMARY: Amy Klobuchar says she’s running for governor of Minnesota. The Democratic senator is promising to take on President Donald Trump’s administration and unify the state. She announced her candidacy in a video Thursday. Klobuchar’s decision gives Democrats a high-profile candidate as they try to keep the office held by Tim Walz. He dropped out of this year’s race amid criticism over mismanagement of taxpayer funding for child care programs. Klobuchar has been a vocal critic of Trump, especially regarding the Republican administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota.
WORDS: 1031 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 6:03 a.m. CST
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US–Congress-Budget
Democrats block government funding package in Senate as negotiations continue to avert a shutdown
SUMMARY: Democrats voted to block legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies Thursday as they continued to negotiate with Republicans and the White House on new restrictions for President Donald Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement. Thursday’s test vote came as Democrats have threatened a partial government shutdown when money runs out on Friday. But Trump said just ahead of the vote that “we don’t want a shutdown” and the two sides were discussing a possible agreement to separate Homeland Security funding from the rest of the legislation and fund it for a short time.
WORDS: 1124 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 11:34 p.m. CST
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US–Trump-The Latest
The Latest: Trump hosts Cabinet meeting as Democrats threaten partial government shutdown
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has gathered his Cabinet for a video broadcasted meeting that’s expected to be another lengthy, praise-heavy affair. During the meeting, Democrats voted to block legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and several other agencies as they continued to negotiate with Republicans and the White House on new restrictions for Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement. Thursday’s 45-55 test vote came as Democrats have threatened a partial government shutdown when money runs out on Friday. Addressing the press gathered at the Cabinet meeting, just ahead of the vote, Trump said, “We don’t want a shutdown,” and that the two sides were in discussions.
WORDS: 4811 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 7:29 a.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US–Extreme Weather-Ice Safety
Common sense and slowing down are the keys to avoiding icy weather accidents
SUMMARY: For big parts of the United States, the past few days have brought lots of snow and lots of cold. The conditions are ripe for slips, falls and other ice-related injuries. Authorities, first responders and medical professionals say following some common-sense rules may help avoid many of those problems. Experts say slow down while driving on slick roads and adopt the slow, shuffling walk of penguins to avoid accidents and falls. They also advise to never assume lake ice is thick enough to support you. All of these are strategies people can use to keep them out of hospital emergency rooms.
WORDS: 971 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 11:47 a.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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US–Earns-Norfolk Southern
Norfolk Southern’s profit slips 12% amid merger costs and economic uncertainty
SUMMARY: Norfolk Southern’s quarterly profit slipped 12% amid the uncertain economy, as well as costs related to its efforts to merge with Union Pacific and create a transcontinental railroad. CEO Mark George said Norfolk Southern is focused on improving efficiency while it works with UP to draft a merger application the Surface Transportation Board will consider. Regulators rejected the railroads’ initial application because they want more details.
WORDS: 305 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 5:55 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Property Taxes-States
In some states, a push to end all property taxes for homeowners
SUMMARY: Anti-tax advocates are pushing to eliminate property taxes for homeowners. Rising property values have increased tax bills, but ending these taxes could cost states billions. North Dakota is using oil money to phase out taxes. On Wednesday, Georgia Republicans proposed eliminating homeowner property taxes by 2032. Florida and Texas are considering similar moves. Critics worry about funding for schools and local services. These efforts echo past tax revolts, like California’s Proposition 13. The challenge is finding replacement revenue without harming essential services. The Georgia plan would force schools and governments to rely more on sales taxes. Its path to passage is long.
WORDS: 1082 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 2:51 p.m. CST
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MT–Montana Immigration Arrest
Montana residents forced to reckon with national immigration policy after beloved mechanic’s arrest
SUMMARY: Residents of Froid, Montana, are rallying around Roberto Orozco-Ramirez, a local auto shop owner and father of four, after his arrest by Border Patrol. Orozco-Ramirez, a Mexican citizen, has lived in the small northeastern Montana town for over a decade. On Sunday, he was charged with illegal reentry and threatening a federal officer. Despite the town’s conservative leanings, many residents are protesting his detention, citing his positive impact on the community. They are organizing support through protests, letters, and donations. Orozco-Ramirez was scheduled to appear in court, but his future in the U.S. remains uncertain.
WORDS: 1992 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 4:17 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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BKC–USC-Iowa
Bennett Stirtz scores 20 points, makes two clutch free throws as Iowa survives against USC, 73-72
SUMMARY: Bennett Stirtz scored 20 points, including two free throws with 4.6 seconds remaining, as Iowa survived USC’s comeback bid to win 73-72 on Wednesday night. The Hawkeyes (15-5, 5-4 Big Ten) led by as many as 17 points in the second half, but a rally by USC put the Trojans ahead by one point with eight seconds to go. A 20-4 run early in the second half gave the Hawkeyes a double-digit lead, but Kam Woods single-handedly got the Trojans (15-6, 4-6) back into the game with a solo 12-0 run. Woods scored 19 straight points for USC before Jacob Cofie made the go-ahead layup. Woods finished with 33 points on 12-of-17 shooting after playing all 40 minutes. His previous season high was eight points.
WORDS: 275 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 8:28 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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US–Washington-Midair Collision-Responders
Responders recall a mission of recovery and grief a year after the midair collision near DC
SUMMARY: Families and emergency responders are marking the one-year anniversary of the deadly plane collision over the Potomac River. American Airlines Flight 5342 collided with a Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people on board both aircraft. The plane crash on Jan. 29, 2025, was the deadliest on U.S. soil since a 2001 crash that killed 265 people. Emergency crews faced challenging conditions as they searched for victims, their personal belongings and pieces of the wreckage. Emergency response officials said the priority was recovering bodies and returning them to families. The recovery of personal items provided some closure for grieving families.
WORDS: 1240 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 7:49 a.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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HKW–PWHL-Girard Suspension-Reduced
New York Sirens forward Taylor Girard’s PWHL suspension reduced to 3 games upon appeal
SUMMARY: New York Sirens forward Taylor Girard’s suspension for leaving the bench to join an altercation has been reduced to three games following an appeal. Girard was initially suspended four games, though the three-game ban remains the longest in the league’s two-plus season history. The decision to reduce the suspension was made by league executive Jayna Hefford, who conducted an internal hearing following an appeal by the PWHL Players Association. The 27-year-old Girard was suspended after leaving the bench to take part in a skirmish that took place in front of the Sirens’ net at the final buzzer of New York’s 2-1 win over Montreal on Jan. 18.
WORDS: 247 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 4:21 p.m. CST
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US–Election 2026-Trump Backlash
Trump facing growing cultural revolt against immigration crackdown
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump is facing a growing cultural revolt against his immigration crackdown. The backlash has extended beyond the partisans and activists. It’s beginning to break out across the business, sports and entertainment worlds as well. Bruce Springsteen released a new song Wednesday that slammed “Trump’s federal thugs.” OpenAI CEO Sam Altman told employees that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has gone too far. And lifestyle icon Martha Stewart lamented that “we can be attacked and even killed by federal troops.” The growing opposition threatens to undermine Trump’s signature domestic priority, the Republican Party’s grip on power and the president’s political strength — in the short term at least.
WORDS: 1153 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 8:37 p.m. CST
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BKN–Timberwolves-Mavericks
Julius Randle scores 31 points as Timberwolves beat short-handed Mavericks, 118-105
SUMMARY: Julius Randle scored 31 points, Naz Reid added 23 and the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the short-handed Dallas Mavericks 118-105. The Mavericks were without rookie No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg, who sat for left ankle injury management on the first night of a back-to-back. Klay Thompson sat with left knee soreness for Dallas. The Mavericks are without 10-time All-Star Anthony Davis due to a hand injury. Star guard Kyrie Irving hasn’t played all season after tearing an ACL last March. Anthony Edwards scored 20 points for the Timberwolves. P.J. Washington Jr. had 21 for Dallas.
WORDS: 361 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 10:07 p.m. CST
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BKC–Minnesota-Wisconsin
Blackwell scores 23, including Wisconsin’s final 7 points, and Badgers rally past Minnesota 67-63
SUMMARY: John Blackwell scored 23 points, including Wisconsin’s last seven points in the final minute, and the Badgers rallied to defeat short-handed Minnesota 67-63. Wisconsin trailed by 18 points at halftime against a Golden Gophers team missing leading scorer Cade Tyson, who was out with an ankle injury. Nick Boyd’s jumper gave Wisconsin a 51-50 lead with 6 1/2 minutes remaining, the Badgers’ first lead since 3-0. After several lead changes, Blackwell made two free throws for a 62-61 lead with one minute remaining. Jack Janicki blocked Isaac Asuma’s 3-point try with 45 seconds left and Blackwell drained a 3-pointer for a 65-61 lead with 19 seconds remaining. Minnesota’s Grayson Grove dunked with nine seconds left to make it 65-63 then Blackwell finished off the win with two free throws.
WORDS: 338 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 10:41 p.m. CST
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FBN–NFL-Blind Fans
Some blind fans to experience Super Bowl with tactile device that tracks ball
SUMMARY: Some blind and low-vision fans will have unprecedented access to the Super Bowl thanks to a tactile device that tracks the ball, vibrates on key plays and provides real-time audio. The NFL teamed up with OneCourt and Ticketmaster to pilot the game-enhancing experience 15 times during the regular-season during games hosted by five teams. About 10 blind and low-vision fans will have an opportunity to use the same technology at the Super Bowl when Seattle faces New England. With hands on the device, they will feel the location of the ball and hear what’s happening throughout the game.
WORDS: 909 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 12:54 a.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–T25-Oklahoma-Denny
Roger Denny’s unusual path made him perfect candidate to become Oklahoma’s athletic director
SUMMARY: Roger Denny has been named Oklahoma’s 12th athletic director. Back in 2005, his mother told then-North Carolina athletic director Dick Baddour that her son would one day have his job. Although it didn’t happen exactly as she predicted, Denny’s unconventional path led him to success. He spent 15 years as a corporate attorney before joining the Illinois athletic department. Oklahoma special adviser Randall Stephenson praised Denny’s unique background. Denny is excited to maintain Oklahoma’s winning tradition and feels he has found his dream job.
WORDS: 546 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 4:55 p.m. CST
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FBC–T25-North Texas-Roster
North Texas has 52 incoming transfers for new coach Neal Brown after 12-win season
SUMMARY: North Texas has 52 transfers on its spring roster for new coach Neal Brown. The roster turnover follows a school-record 12 wins for the Mean Green, who finished the season in the AP Top 25 for the first time. The 96-player roster released Wednesday includes 44 returning players. Not in that group are national passing leader Drew Mestemaker, leading rusher Caleb Hawkins and top receiver Wyatt Young. They were among about a dozen players who followed former UNT coach Eric Morris to Oklahoma State. The 22 Power Four transfers include running back Jaheim White from West Virginia. There are two transfer quarterbacks.
WORDS: 303 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 4:43 p.m. CST
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