Miami News-Digest

From fortune-telling and cemetery bird eggs to Sunday car sales, Oklahoma's legal history contains some surprisingly unusual provisions. MIAMI, Okla. — Oklahoma is a state known for its colorful history, independent spirit, and occasionally peculiar traditions. However, some of its strangest stories are not found in museums, folklore, or dusty history books. They are written into the state's laws. Buried within the Oklahoma Statutes are provisions addressing everything from wrestling bears and charging for psychic readings to using religious names in casual conversation. Some are more than a century old, while others are surprisingly recent. Although many of these laws are rarely enforced, and some face serious constitutional obstacles, their continued presence offers an entertaining glimpse into Oklahoma's changing social values and legislative history. Wrestling a Bear? Better Think Twice Anyone considering a career in competitive bear wrestling might want to ...

Judicial compensation proposal carried an estimated $10 million price tag, while court-reporter shortages and questions about transparency continue to confront the state. By Miami News-Digest | November 5, 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma judges sought substantial salary increases through the state's judicial compensation process, but lawmakers rejected a proposed 17.58% raise earlier this year, bringing renewed attention to the competing demands of judicial compensation, taxpayer spending, and the performance of the state's court system. The Oklahoma Board on Judicial Compensation recommended the increase on September 16, 2025, citing comparatively low judicial salaries and the need to attract qualified candidates. Under the proposal, the Oklahoma Supreme Court chief justice's annual salary would have increased from $198,212 to approximately $233,062, while district judges would have received approximately $197,189, compared with their existing $167,703 salaries. ...

Miami News-Digest | November 3, 2026 Federal agencies have not publicly identified the companies under review, leaving unanswered questions about the potential impact on northeast Oklahoma's tribal economies. MIAMI, Okla. — A sweeping federal investigation into government contracting practices is placing hundreds of businesses under scrutiny, raising questions about the potential implications for Ottawa County's nine federally recognized tribal nations, several of which operate enterprises participating in the Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program. On October 21, the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that federal contracts previously awarded to 689 companies would undergo comprehensive audits for possible fraud, financial misrepresentation, and improper contracting practices. According to federal officials, the companies had been removed from the 8(a) program after failing to ...

Eastern Shawnee Tribe Seeks Native Youth Leaders for New Youth Advisory Board Program offers young Native Americans opportunities to develop leadership skills, strengthen community connections, and help shape youth activities. By Miami News-Digest | Community News OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. — The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is inviting Native American teenagers to become more involved in their communities through its Youth Advisory Board, an initiative designed to give young people a meaningful voice in developing programs that promote wellness, cultural connections, and leadership. Operating under the tribe's Prevention Pathways program, the Youth Advisory Board seeks participants between the ages of 12 and 18 who are interested in sharing ideas, organizing activities, and helping shape initiatives that address the interests and needs of Native youth. The program emphasizes a straightforward message: "Your Voice. Your Community. Your Future." Giving Young Peo...

Oklahoma Turnpike Battle Intensifies as Legal Challenges Raise Questions Over Environmental Protections and State Authority Federal litigation, Supreme Court proceedings, and billions in proposed financing place Oklahoma's transportation expansion under continuing legal scrutiny. By Miami News-Digest | November 2, 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma's ambitious turnpike expansion program remains entangled in legal challenges, with opponents questioning environmental compliance, property rights, and governmental accountability while transportation officials defend projects they consider essential to the state's future infrastructure. The Oklahoma Turnpike Authority (OTA), which oversees the state's toll-road system, is facing a federal lawsuit challenging portions of its ACCESS Oklahoma construction program. Meanwhile, separate proceedings before the Oklahoma Supreme Court have addressed the agency's statutory authority and the constitutional balance of power o...

Three New Oklahoma Laws Target Domestic Violence, Strengthen Victim Protections Beginning November 1 New legislation expands GPS monitoring, increases penalties for serious injuries, and allows prosecutors to introduce evidence of prior domestic abuse. By Miami News-Digest | October 29, 2026 OKLAHOMA CITY — Three new Oklahoma laws designed to strengthen protections for domestic violence victims, increase accountability for offenders, and give courts additional tools to recognize patterns of abuse will take effect Sunday, November 1. The measures, approved during the 2026 legislative session, address three significant concerns in domestic violence cases: protecting victims while accused offenders await trial, ensuring serious physical injuries carry appropriate criminal penalties, and allowing juries to consider evidence of previous abusive conduct. The legislation includes Senate Bill 1325, Senate Bill 1264, and House Bill 4342, each representing a different approach to con...