Miami News-Digest

Memorial Day Through a Spiritual Lens: Honoring Sacrifice, Seeking Peace By Sunny Mars – Miami News Digest As Memorial Day weekend arrives, many in the United States prepare for barbecues, family gatherings, and a moment of pause. Yet beyond the secular observance lies a sacred rhythm—a moment of national remembrance rooted in sacrifice, calling us to reflect through a spiritual lens. The Sacred Nature of Sacrifice At the heart of Memorial Day is a theme common to many faiths: the willing sacrifice of one’s life for the good of others . In Christianity, this is reflected in Jesus’ words: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.” — John 15:13 Memorial Day mirrors this love in action, honoring those who bore the burden of death so others might live. In Jewish tradition, we hear “Zichron tzadik livracha” —“May the memory of the righteous be a blessing.” Their memory carries moral weight, a call to live rightly in the w...

Rock & Brews to Open June 26 at Indigo Sky Casino Resort By Miami News-Digest | May 15, 2025 WYANDOTTE, Okla. — Rock & Brews, the iconic rock-themed restaurant and concert bar co-founded by KISS legends Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, will debut its newest location at Indigo Sky Casino & Resort on June 26, 2025 . The new venue includes a 253-seat dining room, a large dance floor, high-top bar seating, and a stage for live concerts. One standout feature is the oversized “guitar throne,” a unique photo op spot for visitors. “The Eastern Shawnee Tribe is excited to bring yet another entertainment element to the Four States communities through our partnership with Rock & Brews,” said Melanie Heskett, General Manager of Indigo Sky Casino. “We look forward to the launch of this new endeavor.” Menu highlights will include Rock & Brews fan favorites such as the Okl...

Severe Storms Forecasted for Miami and Grand Lake Region Later This Week By Miami News-Digest Miami, Okla. — Residents of northeastern Oklahoma, including Miami and the Grand Lake area, should prepare for potential severe weather later this week. Meteorologists indicate a developing storm system may bring thunderstorms, heavy rain, and possible severe weather starting Thursday evening through the weekend. According to the National Weather Service , conditions will remain calm through midweek, but changes are expected beginning Thursday night. The NWS Tulsa office is monitoring increased instability, which could lead to organized storm development. “While it’s early to define storm severity, we’re tracking factors that could contribute to strong thunderstorms in the region,” said a Tulsa NWS meteorologist. “Preparedness is key—review safety plans, charge devices, and monitor alerts.” The Grand Lake...

Drummond Renews Call for Removal of Mental Health Commissioner By Miami News-Digest | May 8, 2025 OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has renewed his demand for Governor Kevin Stitt to remove Commissioner Allie Friesen from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS) , citing the agency’s inability to meet payroll and a worsening budget crisis. “Commissioner Friesen offered no satisfactory answers for the agency’s ability or inability to meet payroll obligations. The commissioner is simply not equipped for the job – and she never was,” Drummond said in a press release . Drummond highlighted Friesen’s lack of both a license to practice and leadership credentials, adding that Oklahomans dealing with mental health and substance use challenges are suffering due to poor oversight. Legislative Testimony Sparks Outcry Friesen testified before l...