Great Plains News Digest
To see stories that have already moved, please visit AP Newsroom. For text, photos, video, live and audio plans beyond the next 24 hours, please visit Coverage Plan
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
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: 1013 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 8:08 a.m. CST
——————————
US–Immigration Enforcement-Judge
Conservative judge in Minnesota tries to keep Trump administration in check during crackdown
SUMMARY: The chief federal judge in Minnesota has added his voice to the weekslong confrontation between the public and the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement. Judge Patrick Schiltz says Immigration and Customs Enforcement is “not a law unto itself.” He was referring to dozens of court orders that ICE has not complied with in cases where immigrants have sought release or other relief. It’s another example of judges trying to keep officials accountable during a surge of U.S. immigration enforcement. A judge in Chicago put limits on the use of force there, though the lawsuit has been dropped.
WORDS: 559 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 2:49 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Federal Enforcement-Minnesota-Omar Sprayed
Man who squirted apple cider vinegar on Omar is charged with assaulting and intimidating her
SUMMARY: The Justice Department has charged a man who squirted apple cider vinegar on Democratic U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar at an event in Minneapolis. The man arrested for Tuesday’s attack, Anthony Kazmierczak, faces a charge of forcibly assaulting, opposing, impeding and intimidating Omar. Authorities determined the substance was water and apple cider vinegar. Kazmierczak has a criminal history and has made online posts supportive of President Donald Trump. Kazmierczak appeared briefly in federal court Thursday afternoon. His attorney said her client was unmedicated at the time of the incident. The judge ordered him to remain in custody and told officials he needs to see a nurse when he is transferred to jail.
WORDS: 743 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 12:14 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Trump-The Latest
The Latest: Democrats and White House reach deal to avert shutdown and fund Homeland Security
SUMMARY: Democrats and White House have struck a deal to avert a partial government shutdown and temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security. They’re negotiate new restrictions for President Donald Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement. The country is reeling from the deaths of two protesters at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis. The two sides have agreed to separate homeland security funding from the rest of the legislation and fund DHS for two weeks while they debate Democratic demands for curbs on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. The potential deal comes after Democrats voted to block legislation to fund DHS on Thursday.
WORDS: 3961 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 7:29 a.m. CST
——————————
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: 1115 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 6:03 a.m. CST
——————————
US–UnitedHealthcare-CEO Killed
A man impersonating an FBI agent tried to get Luigi Mangione out of jail, authorities say
SUMMARY: Authorities say a man claiming to be an FBI agent showed up to a federal jail in New York City and told officers he had a court order to release Luigi Mangione. The man was arrested and charged with impersonating an FBI agent in a foiled bid to free Mangione from the Metropolitan Detention Center, where he is held while awaiting state and federal murder trials in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. A criminal complaint filed against Mark Anderson did not did not identify the person attempted to free but a law enforcement official confirmed it was Mangione. The official was not authorized to speak publicly and did so on condition of anonymity.
WORDS: 958 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 2:14 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Congress-Budget
Democrats, White House strike spending deal that would avert government shutdown
SUMMARY: Democrats and the White House have struck a deal to avert a partial government shutdown and temporarily fund the Department of Homeland Security as they negotiate new restrictions for President Donald Trump’s surge of immigration enforcement. But passage was delayed late Thursday as leaders scrambled to win enough support for the agreement before the midnight Friday deadline. The two sides have agreed to separate homeland security funding from the rest of the legislation and fund DHS for two weeks while they debate Democratic demands for curbs on the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency.
WORDS: 1088 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 11:34 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Immigration Enforcement-Native Americans
Fearing ICE, Native Americans rush to prove their right to belong in the US
SUMMARY: Many of the people whose ancestors lived in the U.S. thousands of years before Europeans are carrying tribal identification for protection against the Trump administration’s anti-immigration agenda. Dozens of the 575 federally recognized Native American tribes are making it easier to get tribal IDs by waiving fees, lowering the age of eligibility and printing cards on the spot. Experts say it’s the first time tribal ID cards have been widely used as proof of U.S. citizenship and protection against federal law enforcement. As Native Americans rush to secure the documents, many see a bitter irony in the first people of the land having to prove that they too are U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security didn’t respond to repeated requests for comment.
WORDS: 1072 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 11:00 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Immigration-Enforcement-Surveillance
DHS ramps up surveillance in immigration raids, sweeping in citizens
SUMMARY: The Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis is providing insights into the surveillance technologies the government is using in its mass deportation campaign. Department of Homeland Security officials insist their immigration enforcement operations are “highly targeted.” But some American citizens have been caught up in the raids as the Trump administration has built new surveillance tools and fused together datasets on citizens and noncitizens alike. Over the last year, the agency’s expanding digital dragnet has empowered federal agents to collect and analyze vast volumes of information. The Department of Homeland Security says it will not disclose law enforcement-sensitive methods.
WORDS: 1284 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 11:09 p.m. CST
——————————
US–UnitedHealthcare-CEO Killed
Judge bars federal prosecutors from seeking the death penalty against Luigi Mangione
SUMMARY: A judge has ruled that federal prosecutors can’t seek the death penalty against Luigi Mangione in the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. U.S. District Judge Margaret Garnett’s ruling Friday foiled the Trump administration’s bid to see Mangione executed for what it called a “premeditated, cold-blooded assassination that shocked America.” Garnett dismissed a federal murder charge against Mangione, finding that it was technically flawed. She left in place stalking charges that carry a maximum punishment of life in prison. In a win for prosecutors, Garnett also ruled that prosecutors can use evidence collected from his backpack during his arrest, including a 9 mm handgun and a notebook in which authorities say Mangione described his intent to “wack” an insurance executive.
WORDS: 847 – MOVED: 01/30/2026 9:18 a.m. CST
——————————
US–Immigration Enforcement-Church
Journalist Don Lemon has been arrested after he covered a Minnesota church protest
SUMMARY: Journalist Don Lemon and three other people have been arrested in connection with an anti-immigration enforcement protest that disrupted a service at a Minnesota church. The Jan. 18 protest at Cities Church in St. Paul increased tensions between residents and federal officials. It is unclear what charge or charges Lemon and the others are facing. The arrest came after a magistrate judge last week rejected prosecutors’ initial bid to charge the journalist. Lemon was arrested by federal agents in Los Angeles, where had been covering the Grammy Awards. Lemon’s lawyer said “The First Amendment exists to protect journalists whose role it is to shine light on the truth and hold those in power accountable.”
WORDS: 1125 – MOVED: 01/30/2026 7:23 a.m. CST
——————————
US–Immigration Enforcement-ICE-Protests
Protesters call for nationwide strike against Trump’s immigration policies
SUMMARY: Protesters across the U.S. are calling for a nationwide strike on Friday to oppose the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown in Minneapolis. The demonstrations calling for “no work, no school, no shopping” come almost a week after intensive care nurse Alex Pretti was killed while recording Border Patrol officers with his cellphone. Multiple businesses announced they would be closed during the “blackout,” while some schools canceled classes in anticipation of mass absences. Some students are planning walkouts, while others plan to gather in churches, courthouses and city centers in solidarity.
WORDS: 677 – MOVED: 01/30/2026 7:56 a.m. CST
——————————
US–Congress-Budget
Senate leaders scramble to save bipartisan deal and avoid a partial shutdown
SUMMARY: Senate leaders were scrambling on Friday to save a bipartisan spending deal and prevent a partial government shutdown this weekend as some Republicans pushed back on a rare deal between President Donald Trump and Democrats. Democrats who are demanding new restrictions on federal immigration raids across the country struck an agreement with Trump on Thursday to separate funding for the Department of Homeland Security from a broad government spending bill and give Congress two weeks to debate the issue. That agreement came after irate Democrats threatened to block the entire spending bill and trigger a shutdown in the wake of the deaths of two protesters at the hands of federal agents in Minneapolis.
WORDS: 1108 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 11:31 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Immigration-Enforcement-Minnesota-Pretti
DOJ has opened a federal civil rights probe into the death of Alex Pretti
SUMMARY: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche says the Justice Department has opened a federal civil rights investigation into the death of Alex Pretti, the Minneapolis resident killed by Border Patrol officers. The Department of Homeland Security also said Friday that the FBI will lead the federal probe. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem first disclosed the shift in which agency was leading the probe. DHS previously said that Homeland Security Investigations would lead the investigation. The change comes after other videos emerged of an earlier altercation between Pretti and federal immigration officers 11 days before his death. President Donald Trump suggested in a social media post Pretti was an “agitator and, perhaps, insurrectionist.”
WORDS: 785 – MOVED: 01/30/2026 10:09 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
NORTH DAKOTA
————-———————
SD–Critical Minerals
Reserves of critical minerals driving mining interest in South Dakota
SUMMARY: South Dakota is experiencing a debate over its reserves of critical minerals amid rising global demand. These minerals, found in sub-surface rocks, are essential for new technologies. South Dakota hosts 15 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. government, including lithium and graphite. Exploration is underway in the Black Hills, but large-scale mining isn’t expected soon. Environmental concerns persist, with Native American and environmental groups opposing further mining. Meanwhile, a project in eastern Wyoming highlights the potential economic impact of discovering valuable mineral reserves.
WORDS: 1466 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 12:06 p.m. CST
——————————
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: 2502 – MOVED: 01/28/2026 4:17 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
US–Immigration Enforcement-Native Americans
Fearing ICE, Native Americans rush to prove their right to belong in the US
SUMMARY: Many of the people whose ancestors lived in the U.S. thousands of years before Europeans are carrying tribal identification for protection against the Trump administration’s anti-immigration agenda. Dozens of the 575 federally recognized Native American tribes are making it easier to get tribal IDs by waiving fees, lowering the age of eligibility and printing cards on the spot. Experts say it’s the first time tribal ID cards have been widely used as proof of U.S. citizenship and protection against federal law enforcement. As Native Americans rush to secure the documents, many see a bitter irony in the first people of the land having to prove that they too are U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security didn’t respond to repeated requests for comment.
WORDS: 1072 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 11:00 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Commemorative Coin-Oneida
Polly Cooper, an Oneida woman who helped save Washington’s army, is honored on $1 coin
SUMMARY: A newly minted $1 coin will feature a woman from the Oneida tribe, Polly Cooper, known for aiding George Washington’s army during the Revolutionary War. Cooper joined Oneida warriors on a relief mission from their territory in what’s now central New York to bring corn to starving rebel troops at their winter camp in Valley Forge. The coin’s release coincides with celebrations of the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It’s part of a program established in 2007 to commemorate individual Native Americans and tribes. Cooper will be on one side, and Lewis and Clark guide Sacagawea will be on the other.
WORDS: 665 – MOVED: 01/30/2026 11:05 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
SOUTH DAKOTA
————-———————
SD–Critical Minerals
Reserves of critical minerals driving mining interest in South Dakota
SUMMARY: South Dakota is experiencing a debate over its reserves of critical minerals amid rising global demand. These minerals, found in sub-surface rocks, are essential for new technologies. South Dakota hosts 15 of the 50 critical minerals identified by the U.S. government, including lithium and graphite. Exploration is underway in the Black Hills, but large-scale mining isn’t expected soon. Environmental concerns persist, with Native American and environmental groups opposing further mining. Meanwhile, a project in eastern Wyoming highlights the potential economic impact of discovering valuable mineral reserves.
WORDS: 1466 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 12:06 p.m. CST
——————————
US–Immigration Enforcement-Native Americans
Fearing ICE, Native Americans rush to prove their right to belong in the US
SUMMARY: Many of the people whose ancestors lived in the U.S. thousands of years before Europeans are carrying tribal identification for protection against the Trump administration’s anti-immigration agenda. Dozens of the 575 federally recognized Native American tribes are making it easier to get tribal IDs by waiving fees, lowering the age of eligibility and printing cards on the spot. Experts say it’s the first time tribal ID cards have been widely used as proof of U.S. citizenship and protection against federal law enforcement. As Native Americans rush to secure the documents, many see a bitter irony in the first people of the land having to prove that they too are U.S. citizens. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security didn’t respond to repeated requests for comment.
WORDS: 1072 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 11:00 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————
SPORTS
——————————
——————————-—
IOWA
————-———————
BKC–T25-Colorado-Iowa St
No. 8 Iowa State uses an early run to start 97-67 blowout against Colorado
SUMMARY: Jamarion Batemon scored 17 points off the bench to lead six Iowa State players in double figures and the No. 8 Cyclones used an early flurry to take a big lead and go on to a 97-67 victory over Colorado. Iowa State won by 30 points for the second time in three games and has won by double digits against all but two of its opponents. The Buffaloes suffered their most lopsided conference loss since rejoining the Big 12 in 2024 and have dropped six straight. Iowa State went on a 30-1 run after Colorado scored the first basket.
WORDS: 311 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 8:31 p.m. CST
——————————
BKW–T25-Iowa-USC
Southern California women beat No. 8 Iowa, snapping Hawkeyes’ eight-game winning streak
SUMMARY: Kara Dunn scored 25 points as Southern California defeated No. 8 Iowa 81-69. The victory snapped Iowa’s eight-game winning streak and was its first Big Ten loss of the season. Jazzy Davidson added 21 points and eight assists for USC, and Londynn Jones had 17 points. USC notched its fourth win over a ranked opponent this season. Iowa’s last loss was against No. 1 UConn on Dec. 20. USC led by 18 points in the second quarter and maintained control throughout the game with the Hawkeyes never leading.
WORDS: 383 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 9:54 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
KANSAS
————-———————
BKC–T25-Kansas-Peterson
No. 14 Kansas expects Darryn Peterson back for game against AJ Dybantsa and No. 13 BYU on Saturday
SUMMARY: Kansas expects to have Darryn Peterson available Saturday when the No. 14 Jayhawks welcome A.J. Dybantsa and No. 13 BYU into Allen Fieldhouse. Peterson missed last week’s win over Kansas State with an ankle injury. Coach Bill Self anticipates his return. The showdown between Peterson and Dybantsa has been eagerly anticipated all season. Both are expected to be top NBA draft picks. Students have been camping inside Allen Fieldhouse since Monday for the game. It’s also the 1,000th men’s game played at the venue since it opened in 1955.
WORDS: 503 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 2:41 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
MINNESOTA
————-———————
BKC–Miami-Red Panda
After a terrifying fall, Red Panda retraces what went wrong and the support that carried her back
SUMMARY: Rong Niu’s pink sequined dress shimmered under the arena lights at a recent Miami men’s basketball game. The popular halftime performer known as “Red Panda” finished her signature seven-minute set. She looked up at a crowd of fans chanting her name and flashed a smile before dismounting. Niu has grown somewhat accustomed to the fanfare over decades performing at NBA, WNBA and college basketball games. Still, even after sports fans rallied around her following a frightening fall during a WNBA game last July, she can hardly put words to what the support means to her.
WORDS: 785 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 12:46 p.m. CST
——————————
BKC–North Dakota-St. Thomas-Minnesota
Anderson scores 20 as North Dakota knocks off St. Thomas 81-80
SUMMARY: Led by Garrett Anderson’s 20 points, the North Dakota Fightin’ Hawks defeated the Saint Thomas Tommies 81-80 on Thursday. The Fightin’ Hawks are now 13-12 on the season, while the Tommies fell to 17-6.
WORDS: 106 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 9:38 p.m. CST
——————————
HKN–Flames-Wild
Gustavsson makes 29 saves as the Wild race to an early lead and beat the Flames 4-1
SUMMARY: Danila Yurov and Vinnie Hinostroza scored in the first period and the Minnesota Wild went on to beat the Calgary Flames 4-1. Matt Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov scored late in the third period, and Filip Gustavsson made 29 saves for the Wild, who are 5-1-1 in their past seven games. Minnesota is tied with Tampa Bay for the second-most points in the NHL at 72. Colorado has 79 points. Morgan Frost scored for Calgary. Devin Cooley stopped 20 shots.
WORDS: 357 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 9:48 p.m. CST
——————————
BKN–Thunder-Timberwolves
Timberwolves hit 22 3-pointers, coast to 123-111 win over Thunder
SUMMARY: Anthony Edwards scored 26 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves matched a season high with 22 3-pointers in a 123-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jaden McDaniels scored 21 points including 5 of 5 from 3-point range for the Timberwolves. Naz Reid added 18 points off the bench for Minnesota. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 30 points for Oklahoma City. Chet Holmgren added 15 points. Minnesota has won three straight after snapping its season-long five-game losing streak. Oklahoma City has lost three of its last four games.
WORDS: 335 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 11:22 p.m. CST
——————————
BBO–Twins-Falvey Out
Twins executive Derek Falvey departs in mutual agreement as organizational revamp continues
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins and president of baseball and business operations Derek Falvey have mutually decided to part ways. The 42-year-old Falvey spent nine seasons with the Twins. He was hired to run the baseball department and elevated a year ago to oversee the business side as well. The Twins made the postseason four times during Falvey’s tenure. The last two years have been rocky for the organization both on and off the field. Executive vice president and general manager Jeremy Zoll remains in his role overseeing the baseball department. Executive chair Tom Pohlad assumes interim oversight of the business operations.
WORDS: 340 – MOVED: 01/30/2026 10:34 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
NEBRASKA
————-———————
BBC–Mississippi St-O’Connor
O’Connor wanted the challenge of coaching baseball in SEC, and he’ll get one at Mississippi State
SUMMARY: Brian O’Connor’s move from Virginia to Mississippi State is one of the most high-profile coaching changes in college baseball this season. He built Virginia into a perennial national contender over the last 22 years and won a College World Series championship in 2015. O’Connor turned down multiple offers over the past decade but Mississippi State made an offer he couldn’t refuse. His four-year contract doubled his salary to an average of $2.9 million, making him the second highest-paid coach in college baseball. He said he took the job because he wanted to coach at the highest level of the game.
WORDS: 863 – MOVED: 01/30/2026 12:28 a.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
NORTH DAKOTA
————-———————
BKC–North Dakota-St. Thomas-Minnesota
Anderson scores 20 as North Dakota knocks off St. Thomas 81-80
SUMMARY: Led by Garrett Anderson’s 20 points, the North Dakota Fightin’ Hawks defeated the Saint Thomas Tommies 81-80 on Thursday. The Fightin’ Hawks are now 13-12 on the season, while the Tommies fell to 17-6.
WORDS: 106 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 9:38 p.m. CST
——————————
——————————-—
OKLAHOMA
————-———————
BKW–T25-Texas A&M-Oklahoma
Verhulst and Chavez lead No. 10 Oklahoma women in 85-58 win over Texas A&M
SUMMARY: The No. 10 Oklahoma women have defeated Texas A&M 85-58. Payton Verhulst scored 16 points and Aaliyah Chavez added 14. The Sooners have won three straight games, including an overtime victory over then-No. 2 South Carolina last week. Oklahoma made 12 of 23 three-pointers and had assists on 25 of its 30 field goals. Texas A&M has lost five straight games, four of them by at least 25 points to top-10 opponents. Oklahoma will visit No. 4 Texas on Sunday, while Texas A&M will host No. 3 South Carolina on Monday.
WORDS: 352 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 8:10 p.m. CST
——————————
BKN–Thunder-Timberwolves
Timberwolves hit 22 3-pointers, coast to 123-111 win over Thunder
SUMMARY: Anthony Edwards scored 26 points and the Minnesota Timberwolves matched a season high with 22 3-pointers in a 123-111 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Jaden McDaniels scored 21 points including 5 of 5 from 3-point range for the Timberwolves. Naz Reid added 18 points off the bench for Minnesota. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander had a game-high 30 points for Oklahoma City. Chet Holmgren added 15 points. Minnesota has won three straight after snapping its season-long five-game losing streak. Oklahoma City has lost three of its last four games.
WORDS: 335 – MOVED: 01/29/2026 11:22 p.m. CST
——————————
If you have a coverage enquiry, please contact Editorial Support (available 24/7) via editorialsupport@ap.org
<END>
