Great Plains News Digest
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IOWA
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US–Trump-Troops-Syria
Trump pays respects to 2 Iowa National Guardsmen and interpreter killed in Syria as they return home
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump has paid his respects to two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian who were killed in an attack in Syria last weekend. Trump traveled to Dover Air Force Base in Delaware on Wednesday to watch the dignified transfer of their remains to their families. The Army says Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard of Iowa died in Saturday’s attack. They were among hundreds of U.S. troops sent to eastern Syria as part of a coalition fighting the Islamic State group. Also killed was Ayad Mansoor Sakat, a U.S. civilian interpreter from Macomb, Michigan.
WORDS: 1045 – MOVED: 12/16/2025 11:07 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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US–Aviation Safety
Senate approves bill inspired by DC plane crash to ensure military aircraft will broadcast location
SUMMARY: The Senate has moved quickly to close a loophole that could allow military aircraft to fly without broadcasting their locations, just like an Army helicopter was doing last January before it collided with an airliner over Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. Just hours after passing a massive defense bill that included the worrisome provisions about military flights, the Senate approved a bipartisan bill that will require all aircraft to be equipped with ADS-B technology to broadcast their locations. It is not clear when the ROTOR act will be taken up by the House and whether changes will be made, but the White House supports the legislation.
WORDS: 641 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 1:53 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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MN–Minnesota Schools-Cellphone Bans
Turned off and put away: At St. Paul’s Central High, students have gone phone free — and survived
SUMMARY: A Minnesota law that requires schools to have a cellphone use policy has led to bell-to-bell bans in many schools. At Central High School in St. Paul, school officials say students are interacting with each other rather than focusing on their screens. The chief of staff for Stillwater Area Public Schools says kids are more engaged in learning. One student at Central High says students complain, but the overall consensus is that this is better for them. Multiple studies have linked students’ excessive cellphone use to increased anxiety, social isolation and depression. The cellphone ban, and resulting student interaction, is also helping students overcome the negative effects the pandemic had on their social and academic success.
WORDS: 2154 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 1:38 p.m. CST
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US-Federal Enforcement-Minnesota
Minneapolis police chief criticizes ICE tactics after clash with protesters
SUMMARY: Minneapolis’ police chief is criticizing federal immigration agents after a confrontation with protesters on Monday. Onlooker video shows an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent kneeling on a woman’s back as she lay on a snowbank, then dragging her to a car as protesters shout that the woman can’t breathe. The clash underscores escalating tension in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area during an immigration crackdown on the Somali community. Monday’s incident happened just a couple of miles from where a police officer killed George Floyd by kneeling on his neck, setting off a nationwide racial justice movement.
WORDS: 562 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 4:05 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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US–China-Missouri-Lawsuit
China sues after Missouri seeks to collect on $25 billion court judgment, prosecutor says
SUMMARY: Missouri’s top prosecutor says China is suing after the state pressed federal officials for help collecting on a roughly $25 billion court judgment related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said Tuesday in a news release that China is demanding a public apology from the state in a complaint filed in the Intermediate People’s Court of Wuhan. The Chinese government also is seeking compensation equivalent to $50.5 billion plus legal fees and the right to claim further compensation. At issue is a lawsuit Missouri filed alleging that China hoarded personal protective equipment during the early months of the pandemic.
WORDS: 594 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 5:00 p.m. CST
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Federal Oil Payments-States
States brace for Trump’s push to make oil drilling cheap again
SUMMARY: A Republican push to make drilling cheaper on federal land is creating new fiscal pressure for states that depend on oil and gas revenue, most notably in New Mexico. President Donald Trump’s signature spending and tax-cut legislation restored royalty rates to 12.5% on new oil and gas leases from a bump to 16.7% under the Biden administration. The stakes are highest for New Mexico as it expands early childhood education and saves for the future. It’s the largest recipient of federal mineral lease payments and recently raised its own royalty rates on prime land. Meanwhile in Alaska, natural resource managers say they’re encouraged by the potential for increased development.
WORDS: 956 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 2:01 p.m. CST
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SPORTS
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IOWA
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FBC–Penn St-Campbell
Penn State players are encouraged by their first impressions of new coach Matt Campbell
SUMMARY: Penn State wideout Trebor Peña is one of about 22 Nittany Lions who are out of eligibility, while two players already have said they’re entering the NCAA’s transfer portal. Meanwhile, the rest of the rest of the roster is not only preparing for the Pinstripe Bowl against Clemson on Dec. 27 but also getting to know new coach Matt Campbell and the assistants he’s brought over from Iowa State. That includes offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser, offensive line coach Ryan Clanton and secondary coach Deon Broomfield.
WORDS: 729 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 3:52 p.m. CST
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BKC–Northern Iowa-UIC
Hornseth and Campbell put up 15 points each, Northern Iowa knocks off UIC 60-54
SUMMARY: Northern Iowa beats UIC 60-54 on Wednesday, with Will Hornseth and Trey Campbell each scoring 15 points. Hornseth also grabs five rebounds for the Panthers, who now stand at 9-2 overall and 1-0 in the Missouri Valley Conference. Leon Bond III adds 10 points. Rashund Washington Jr. leads the Flames with 11 points, six rebounds, and two steals. UIC also gets 10 points from Mekhi Lowery and Ahmad Henderson II. Northern Iowa trails 27-23 at halftime but secures the win after a second half with nine lead changes.
WORDS: 131 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 7:54 p.m. CST
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KANSAS
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BKW–T25-TCU-Miles Undefeated
Olivia Miles part of another transfer-replenished roster for undefeated No. 9 TCU
SUMMARY: Graduate transfers Olivia Miles and Marta Suarez have helped No. 9 TCU get off to a 12-0 start. Miles and Suarez also just became only the second NCAA Division I teammates with triple-doubles in the same game. They are part of another transfer-replenished roster for the defending Big 12 champion Frogs, who play their conference opener Saturday against Kansas State. Miles has had three consecutive triple-doubles to go with the six she had while at Notre Dame. Suarez, who also played at California and Tennessee, had her first career triple-double Tuesday.
WORDS: 888 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 2:55 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Mahomes
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes begins rehab after knee surgery with eye on Week 1 return in 2026
SUMMARY: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has started rehab after surgery to repair two torn knee ligaments. The team is optimistic he could return early next season. The surgery was performed Monday night in Dallas, a day after Mahomes was injured in a game against the Chargers. Recovery typically takes about nine months, but it varies. The Chiefs are out of playoff contention after losing to the Chargers. Backup Gardner Minshew will lead the team for the final three games. Several other key players are also dealing with injuries, including Rashee Rice, who is in the concussion protocol. Mahomes plans to continue his rehab in Kansas City.
WORDS: 752 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 1:02 p.m. CST
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BKC–Wofford-Wichita State
Giles scores 22 as Wichita State takes down Wofford 84-73
SUMMARY: Led by Kenyon Giles’ 22 points, the Wichita State Shockers defeated the Wofford Terriers 84-73 on Wednesday. The Shockers are now 7-5 with the victory and the Terriers dropped to 7-5.
WORDS: 163 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 10:39 p.m. CST
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Metellus
Vikings safety Josh Metellus to have season-ending shoulder surgery after playing through the injury
SUMMARY: Minnesota Vikings safety Josh Metellus was placed on injured reserve, ending his season early for shoulder surgery after playing with the injury for the last three weeks. Metellus signed a three-year, $36 million contract extension before the season. He had 86 tackles, a career-high six passes defensed and two interceptions in 14 games. Metellus has never before missed a game to injury over six NFL seasons. He last missed a game in 2021 on the COVID-19 reserve list. Metellus joined edge rusher Jonathan Greenard on injured reserve, leaving the Vikings without two starters on defense for their final three games.
WORDS: 229 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 4:42 p.m. CST
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BBO–Twins-Ownership
Twins swap lead owner from one Pohlad to another as new partners join push for on-field improvement
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins have announced a plan to make Tom Pohlad the controlling owner in place of his younger brother, Joe Pohlad, as part of a new executive leadership structure coinciding with the purchase of portions of the franchise by three different investors. The limited partnerships were sought by the Pohlad family for a fresh infusion of cash and strategy after deciding to retain control of the club. Major League Baseball approved the acquisition of non-controlling minority interests in the Twins by a family-run New York venture capital, a group of Minnesota business leaders, and Minnesota Wild owner Craig Leipold.
WORDS: 1004 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 11:36 a.m. CST
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BKN–Grizzlies-Timberwolves
Jackson scores 28 points, Landale hits four 3s as Grizzlies top Timberwolves 116-110
SUMMARY: Jaren Jackson Jr. had 28 points and 12 rebounds to lead a balanced scoring attack and the Memphis Grizzlies beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 116-110 on Wednesday. Jock Landale added 20 points and 10 rebounds for the Grizzlies, who’ve won four of five and seven of nine. Jaylen Wells had 17 points, Cedric Coward 13, and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope 12. Santi Aldama grabbed 11 rebounds. Julius Randle scored 21 points for Minnesota. Donte DiVincenzo had 19 points and 11 rebounds and Rudy Gobert added 16 points and 16 rebounds, but Minnesota lost for just the second time in nine games. Naz Reid also had 16 points.
WORDS: 344 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 9:56 p.m. CST
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MISSOURI
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BBO–Cardinals-May
Dustin May and St. Louis Cardinals agree to $12.5 million, 1-year contract
SUMMARY: Right-hander Dustin May and the St. Louis Cardinals have agreed to a $12.5 million, one-year contract. The 28-year-old has a $12 million salary next year and the deal includes a $20 million mutual option for 2027 with a $500,000 buyout. May was 7-11 with a 4.96 ERA in 23 starts this year for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox, who acquired him on July 31. He was sidelined for about three weeks in September with right elbow nerve inflammation.
WORDS: 257 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 5:20 p.m. CST
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FBN–Chiefs Mahomes
Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes begins rehab after knee surgery with eye on Week 1 return in 2026
SUMMARY: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has started rehab after surgery to repair two torn knee ligaments. The team is optimistic he could return early next season. The surgery was performed Monday night in Dallas, a day after Mahomes was injured in a game against the Chargers. Recovery typically takes about nine months, but it varies. The Chiefs are out of playoff contention after losing to the Chargers. Backup Gardner Minshew will lead the team for the final three games. Several other key players are also dealing with injuries, including Rashee Rice, who is in the concussion protocol. Mahomes plans to continue his rehab in Kansas City.
WORDS: 752 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 1:02 p.m. CST
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HKN–Jets-Blues
Faulk scores only goal of game, Hofer makes 24 saves to help Blues blank Jets 1-0
SUMMARY: Justin Faulk scored and Joel Hofer made 24 saves to lift the St. Louis Blues to a 1-0 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Hofer earned his third shutout of the season and the fifth in his career in the first meeting between the Blues and Jets since Winnipeg beat St. Louis in double overtime on May 4 in game seven of their first-round Stanley Cup playoff series. Connor Hellebuyck made 25 saves for Winnipeg, which has lost five of its last six contests. Faulk scored his eighth goal of the season on a feed from Robert Thomas with 6:43 remaining in the second period.
WORDS: 242 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 9:43 p.m. CST
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BBO–Royals-Thomas
Outfielder Lane Thomas and Kansas City Royals finalize $5.25 million, 1-year contract
SUMMARY: Outfielder Lane Thomas and the Kansas City Royals have finalized a $5.25 million, one-year contract. Thomas can earn an additional $1 million in performance bonuses. He had nine RBIs for Cleveland in the 2024 AL Division Series against Detroit but hit .160 with four homers and 11 RBIs in 125 at-bats over 39 games this year in an injury-decimated season with Cleveland. He batted .268 for Washington in 2023, when he set career bests with 28 homers, 86 RBIs and 20 stolen bases.
WORDS: 309 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 10:06 p.m. CST
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BKC–Bethune-Cookman-Saint Louis
Trey Green scores 19, Saint Louis defeats Bethune-Cookman 112-53
SUMMARY: Led by Trey Green’s 19 points, the Saint Louis Billikens defeated the Bethune-Cookman Wildcats 112-53. The Wildcats were led by Jakobi Heady, who posted 23 points.
WORDS: 163 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 11:19 p.m. CST
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NEBRASKA
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BKC–Creighton-Xavier
Swartz scores 27 points, Creighton downs Xavier 98-57
SUMMARY: Led by Austin Swartz’s 27 points, the Creighton Bluejays defeated the Xavier Musketeers 98-57 on Wednesday. The Bluejays are now 6-5 with the win and the Musketeers dropped to 8-4.
WORDS: 176 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 7:57 p.m. CST
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–CFP Picks
College Football Playoff picks: Sooners, Aggies, Rebels and Ducks should advance to quarterfinals
SUMMARY: Unlike last year’s debut of the 12-team College Football Playoff, weather should not be a factor in any of the first-round games Friday and Saturday. SEC teams Oklahoma, Mississippi and Texas A&M and Oregon of the Big Ten are hosting and conditions will be far different from the brutal cold at 2024 northern hosts Notre Dame, Penn State and Ohio State. The Associated Press picks Oklahoma over Alabama, Texas A&M over Miami, Mississippi over Tulane and Oregon over James Madison.
WORDS: 624 – MOVED: 12/17/2025 3:03 p.m. CST
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FBC–CFP-Contrasting Quarterbacks
Alabama’s steady Ty Simpson and Oklahoma’s flashy John Mateer to meet in College Football Playoff
SUMMARY: Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Oklahoma’s John Mateer bring contrasting styles to their College Football Playoff matchup. Simpson is precise, with 26 touchdown passes and just five interceptions. He prefers to distribute the ball rather than run. Mateer, a Washington State transfer, is dynamic, with 12 touchdown passes, 10 interceptions, and 416 rushing yards. Oklahoma won their regular-season meeting 23-21, despite Mateer passing for just 138 yards. Alabama’s defense notes Mateer’s running ability as a challenge. Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator emphasizes ball security but trusts Mateer’s playmaking in clutch moments.
WORDS: 819 – MOVED: 12/18/2025 10:17 a.m. CST
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