Great Plains News Digest
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MINNESOTA
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US–Murder Conviction-Minnesota
Minnesota prosecutor seeks to overturn man’s 1998 murder conviction after a witness confesses
SUMMARY: A Minnesota prosecutor is seeking the release of a man in prison for 27 years for murder after a key witness recanted her testimony and confessed to the crime. Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty said Tuesday she supports the effort by attorneys for the Great North Innocence Project in asking for a judge to vacate Bryan Hooper Sr.’s murder conviction. A jury convicted him in connection with the death of 77-year-old Ann Prazniak, whose body was found bound and wrapped in a cardboard box in a closet in her Minneapolis apartment in April 1998. The woman authorities say has confessed is in prison in Georgia.
WORDS: 583 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 3:49 p.m. CDT
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NEBRASKA
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US–Airman Death-Gun Pause
Airman arrested in fatal shooting that led Global Strike Command to pause using Sig Sauer’s M18s
SUMMARY: An airman has been arrested in a shooting death last month at a Wyoming Air Force base. The Air Force announced the arrest Tuesday, but did not specify the airman’s role in the death of Brayden Lovan, a member of the 90th Security Forces Squadron. The July 20 shooting led the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command to suspend using Sig Sauer M18 handguns. The gun is under scrutiny for allegedly firing without the trigger being pulled. The airman under arrest is suspected of making a false official statement, obstruction of justice and involuntary manslaughter. Sig Sauer denies claims that the M18 is flawed and attributes issues that have been reported to user error.
WORDS: 377 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 4:57 p.m. CDT
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NORTH DAKOTA
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US–Marijuana Laws-What To Know
What to know about Trump’s potential change in federal marijuana policy
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump is taking a new look at reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The Justice Department first proposed reclassifying marijuana last year under former President Joe Biden. But no decision was made before Trump took office. Reclassifying marijuana would not make it legal nationwide, but could change how it’s regulated and taxed. The proposal faces opposition from some conservatives and law enforcement groups. Meanwhile, marijuana has already become more mainstream in many states. Nearly half the states allow the recreational use of marijuana by adults. Forty states allow medical use.
WORDS: 839 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 1:07 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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US–Marijuana Laws-What To Know
What to know about Trump’s potential change in federal marijuana policy
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump is taking a new look at reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The Justice Department first proposed reclassifying marijuana last year under former President Joe Biden. But no decision was made before Trump took office. Reclassifying marijuana would not make it legal nationwide, but could change how it’s regulated and taxed. The proposal faces opposition from some conservatives and law enforcement groups. Meanwhile, marijuana has already become more mainstream in many states. Nearly half the states allow the recreational use of marijuana by adults. Forty states allow medical use.
WORDS: 839 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 1:07 p.m. CDT
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SOUTH DAKOTA
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US–Marijuana Laws-What To Know
What to know about Trump’s potential change in federal marijuana policy
SUMMARY: President Donald Trump is taking a new look at reclassifying marijuana as a less dangerous drug. The Justice Department first proposed reclassifying marijuana last year under former President Joe Biden. But no decision was made before Trump took office. Reclassifying marijuana would not make it legal nationwide, but could change how it’s regulated and taxed. The proposal faces opposition from some conservatives and law enforcement groups. Meanwhile, marijuana has already become more mainstream in many states. Nearly half the states allow the recreational use of marijuana by adults. Forty states allow medical use.
WORDS: 839 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 1:07 p.m. CDT
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SPORTS
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KANSAS
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FBC–Kansas-Donation
David Booth’s $300 million gift to Kansas: How it will transform the stadium and Gateway District
SUMMARY: Kansas has received a $300 million gift from donor David Booth, marking the largest in school history. Booth, a KU graduate, already has his name on the football stadium. Kansas plans to allocate $75 million for the next phase of renovations at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and the surrounding Gateway District. Kansas athletic director Travis Goff says the rest of the gift is expected to provide long-term income for the athletic department. The Gateway District’s next phase includes a new hotel, retail spaces, student housing and more. Booth is the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors.
WORDS: 338 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 9:51 a.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Competitive Mahomes
Raiders star Crosby calls Chiefs’ Mahomes the ultimate competitor, a big reason for his success
SUMMARY: Maxx Crosby has been meeting star athletes like Kevin Garnett and Steve Smith Sr. lately, which made him think about Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Crosby calls Mahomes the “ultimate competitor.” Crosby and Mahomes aren’t best friends, but they respect each other as fierce rivals. Crosby has sacked Mahomes six times in 12 games, but the Chiefs have won eight of the last nine. Mahomes has led the Chiefs to five Super Bowls and three championships. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy says Mahomes’ drive to win is unmatched. Mahomes believes in constant improvement to stay ahead in the NFL.
WORDS: 829 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 12:55 p.m. CDT
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MINNESOTA
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FBN–Vikings-Moore
Rondale Moore’s comeback bid with Vikings ends painfully with season-ending knee injury
SUMMARY: Wide receiver and return specialist Rondale Moore will miss another season because of a knee injury. The Minnesota Vikings confirmed Tuesday that testing on Moore’s left knee revealed a season-ending injury. Moore spent the first three years of his NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals. He dislocated his right knee during training camp with the Atlanta Falcons in 2024 and never played for them. His latest injury came while returning a punt Saturday for Minnesota in an exhibition game as he was tackled at the sideline. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell described the situation as “heartbreaking.”
WORDS: 471 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 3:25 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Yankees
Judge homers, Stanton goes 4 for 5 with a homer, as Yankees rout Twins 9-1
SUMMARY: Aaron Judge hit his first homer in nearly three weeks and Giancarlo Stanton had his first four-hit game in almost two years as the New York Yankees routed the Minnesota Twins 9-1. Carlos Rodón allowed one hit in seven innings for the win. Stanton doubled in his first at-bat, homered in the fifth and singled in his final two at-bats before getting lifted for a pinch runner following a two-run single. Anthony Volpe hit a tiebreaking three-run homer in the second as the Yankees beat the Twins for the ninth straight time. Minnesota rookie starter Travis Adams (1-2) took the loss.
WORDS: 343 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 9:16 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Twins-Ownership
Twins owners opt to halt the sale and keep the club in the family, adding new investors instead
SUMMARY: The Minnesota Twins are no longer for sale after a 10-month exploratory process, according to executive chair Joe Pohlad. Pohlad announced that his family will remain the principal owner and add two new investment groups instead. His grandfather, Carl Pohlad, bought the Twins in 1984. Pohlad in his announcement said the family was “fully open to all possibilities” and focused on “what’s best for the long-term future of the Twins.” Fans have been frustrated recently by a spending cut on the roster. The Twins are on track for their lowest attendance total in 16 seasons at Target Field.
WORDS: 349 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 10:12 a.m. CDT
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MISSOURI
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BBO–Nationals-Royals
Pasquantino doubles, homers, drives in 5, leading the Royals past the Nationals 8-5
SUMMARY: Vinnie Pasquantino doubled, homered and drove in five runs, leading the Kansas City Royals past the Washington Nationals 8-5. Jonathan India added a two-run homer as the Royals reached the .500 mark for the second time since mid-June. Michael Wacha allowed two runs on five hits in 5 2/3 innings, his sixth consecutive start permitting fewer than three runs. Lucas Erceg earned his second save with a hitless ninth. Mitchell Parker surrendered a three-run homer to Pasquantino, allowing five runs on two hits and three walks. James Wood and CJ Abrams each had two hits and an RBI.
WORDS: 349 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 9:41 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Rockies-Cardinals
Freeland tosses 7 1/3 strong innings to help Rockies beat Cardinals 3-0
SUMMARY: Kyle Freeland gave up five hits in a season-high 7 1/3 innings, Hunter Goodman hit a home run, and the Colorado Rockies beat the St. Louis Cardinals 3-0 to snap an eight-game losing streak. Freeland (3-12) walked two and struck out two in his longest outing since a career-best 8 1/3-inning outing on July 9, 2017 against the Chicago White Sox. Victor Vodnik pitched the final 1 2/3 innings to earn his third save. Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore (6-10) allowed three runs on four hits and a walk in four-plus innings.
WORDS: 340 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 10:01 p.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Contreras
Cardinals 1B Willson Contreras breaks bat in frustration after being hit by a pitch
SUMMARY: St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras left Tuesday night’s 3-0 loss to the Colorado Rockies at the end of the fifth inning with a right foot contusion after being hit by a pitch in the bottom of the fourth. Contreras was hit in the foot by an 82.9 mph pitch from Rockies starter Kyle Freeland and immediately slammed his bat against the ground in frustration before breaking it over his leg as he walked to first base. Contreras initially stayed in the game before being replaced at first base by Nolan Gorman to start the sixth inning.
WORDS: 160 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 9:17 p.m. CDT
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FBC–Kansas-Donation
David Booth’s $300 million gift to Kansas: How it will transform the stadium and Gateway District
SUMMARY: Kansas has received a $300 million gift from donor David Booth, marking the largest in school history. Booth, a KU graduate, already has his name on the football stadium. Kansas plans to allocate $75 million for the next phase of renovations at the David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium and the surrounding Gateway District. Kansas athletic director Travis Goff says the rest of the gift is expected to provide long-term income for the athletic department. The Gateway District’s next phase includes a new hotel, retail spaces, student housing and more. Booth is the founder of Dimensional Fund Advisors.
WORDS: 338 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 9:51 a.m. CDT
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BBO–Cardinals-Contreras
Cardinals’ Willson Contreras out of lineup with foot injury after being hit by pitch
SUMMARY: St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Willson Contreras was not in the lineup against the Colorado Rockies a day after he was hit in the foot by a pitch and broke his bat in frustration. Contreras was listed as day-to-day with a right foot contusion on Wednesday. He was hit by Rockies starter Kyle Freeland’s 0-2 sweeper in the fourth inning the previous night. He then slammed his bat into the dirt and snapped it over his knee. The Cardinals said X-rays did not reveal any structural damage in Contreras’ foot. Contreras has been hit by a National League-leading 18 pitches this season.
WORDS: 169 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 12:26 p.m. CDT
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FBN–Chiefs-Competitive Mahomes
Raiders star Crosby calls Chiefs’ Mahomes the ultimate competitor, a big reason for his success
SUMMARY: Maxx Crosby has been meeting star athletes like Kevin Garnett and Steve Smith Sr. lately, which made him think about Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Crosby calls Mahomes the “ultimate competitor.” Crosby and Mahomes aren’t best friends, but they respect each other as fierce rivals. Crosby has sacked Mahomes six times in 12 games, but the Chiefs have won eight of the last nine. Mahomes has led the Chiefs to five Super Bowls and three championships. Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy says Mahomes’ drive to win is unmatched. Mahomes believes in constant improvement to stay ahead in the NFL.
WORDS: 829 – MOVED: 08/13/2025 12:55 p.m. CDT
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OKLAHOMA
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FBC–Oklahoma-Mateer
Oklahoma QB John Mateer denies gambling, says Venmo transaction titles were ‘inside jokes’
SUMMARY: Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer denies allegations of sports gambling after a report showed he made Venmo payments labeled for “sports gambling” in 2022. Mateer, who was at Washington State at the time, said Tuesday these were inside jokes with friends and not actual bets. He assured his teammates, coaches, and the NCAA that he has never gambled on sports. Oklahoma confirmed there is no NCAA investigation and states they use ProhiBet to monitor gambling activities. Mateer is recognized for his leadership and is considered one of the nation’s top transfers, contributing to Oklahoma’s No. 18 ranking in the AP Top 25.
WORDS: 341 – MOVED: 08/12/2025 3:44 p.m. CDT
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