Miami News-Digest

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...

A Sacred Legacy: Historic Quapaw Crucifix Preserves More Than a Century of Native American Catholic Heritage in Miami From a 19th-century mission on Quapaw land to Sacred Heart Catholic Church, a remarkable crucifix tells a story of faith, tribal leadership, sacrifice, and remembrance. By Miami News-Digest MIAMI, Okla. — Behind glass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miami rests a remarkable piece of northeastern Oklahoma history: a wooden crucifix connected to St. Mary's of the Quapaws, a Catholic mission established in Indian Territory more than 130 years ago. Mounted against a dark blue background, the crucifix bears a small inscription identifying its origins: "Crucifix from St. Mary of the Quapaws, 1893–1927." Yet the religious artifact represents considerably more than the history of a church. It preserves a connection between generations of Quapaw families, the early development of Catholicism in northeastern Oklahoma, and a mission whose legacy extend...

A Living Legacy: Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park Brings Families, Culture, and Community Together in Tahlequah Cherokee Nation transforms former industrial property into a $13.69 million recreational destination honoring its first woman Principal Chief. By Miami News-Digest TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Against the rolling green hills of Tahlequah, children race toward towering playground slides, families stroll along winding pathways, and the Cherokee Nation flag flies proudly above a remarkable new gathering place. The Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park is more than a recreational destination. It is a tribute to one of the most influential leaders in modern Cherokee history and a living expression of the community values she championed throughout her life. Officially opened May 12, 2026, the nearly 15-acre park represents a $13.69 million investment by the Cherokee Nation in public recreation, cultural preservation, and community development. Recent photog...

Five Law Firms Investigate Deep Fission as Financial Questions Surround Southeast Kansas Nuclear Project Company disputes short-seller allegations as SEC filings reveal substantial losses, additional financing needs, and uncertainty over future operations. A new 25-year energy agreement offers progress, but guarantees no minimum electricity purchases. By Miami News-Digest | October 21, 2026 PARSONS, Kan. — Deep Fission Inc., the publicly traded nuclear energy developer pursuing an ambitious underground reactor project in Southeast Kansas, is facing mounting scrutiny from securities attorneys following allegations that the company has overstated the commercial prospects and economic viability of its technology. At least five shareholder-rights law firms have announced investigations into potential securities-law violations involving Deep Fission (Nasdaq: FISN), which entered the Nasdaq market through a $40 million initial public offering in June. The investigations followed ...

Drug Forfeiture Records Raise Questions About Financial Reporting in Oklahoma's District 13 Miami News-Digest investigation identifies a $1,000 paperwork discrepancy as state officials provide only two years of financial ledgers in response to an eight-year records request. By Miami News-Digest | Investigative Report October 15, 2026 OTTAWA COUNTY, Okla. — An examination of drug asset forfeiture financial records obtained by Miami News-Digest has identified a $1,000 discrepancy in an official check transmittal, unusual fiscal-year accounting entries, and unanswered questions concerning the availability of annual financial reports for Oklahoma's 13th Judicial District. The findings emerge from documents released Thursday, October 15, by the Oklahoma District Attorneys Council (DAC), following a September 10 Open Records Act request seeking eight fiscal years of drug asset forfeiture reports and financial records, covering FY2019 through FY2026. District 13 serves Ott...