Miami News-Digest

Tensions Over Lumbee Recognition Highlight Deep Divisions in Indian Country WASHINGTON — The federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina in December 2025 has marked a historic milestone for the Lumbee people — and reopened a long-running debate within Indian Country over identity, sovereignty, and how tribes are acknowledged by the United States. The Department of the Interior formally added the Lumbee Tribe to the list of federally recognized tribes following legislation signed by President Donald J. Trump, granting the tribe full access to federal benefits and establishing a government-to-government relationship with the United States. “Federal recognition is about respect, accountability and self-determination.” — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum Two Paths to Recognition, One Ongoing Dispute The Lumbee recognition was enacted through an act of Congress rather than the traditional administrative review process overseen by the Office of Fed...

Boil Advisory Remains in Effect as Commerce Water Pressure Continues to Fluctuate COMMERCE, Okla. — The City of Commerce said Friday afternoon that it does not expect to completely lose water service, but residents may continue to experience extended periods of low or no water pressure as the city works to stabilize its water system amid freezing temperatures and high demand. In an update issued at 3:10 p.m. Friday , city officials said the municipal water tower is struggling to refill to levels needed to supply normal pressure to all customers due to extremely high water usage. Officials asked residents to conserve water while the tower refills. Water pressure is expected to drop further during peak usage times, including 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. , according to the city. Despite rumors circulating on social media, city officials said all required protocols are being followed in accordance with state and federal regulations, and all approp...

Police Seek Public’s Help in Pryor Creek Larceny Investigation PRYOR CREEK, Okla. — The Pryor Creek Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect connected to a larceny reported late Tuesday night at a local business. According to police, the incident occurred at approximately 10:17 p.m. on Jan. 28, 2026 , at Casey’s Vapor in Pryor Creek. Investigators say the individual shown in surveillance images is a person of interest in the case. After the incident, the suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot, heading west from the business into a nearby wooded area. Authorities are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has information related to the incident to contact the Pryor Creek Police Department. Tips may be provided anonymously. Anyone with information is asked to call 918-825-1212. The investigation remains ongoing. — Miami News-Digest Policía solicita ayuda del público en investigación por hurto en Pryor Cr...

Equality Does Not Mean Everyone Is the Same La igualdad no significa que todos sean iguales In the United States, the idea of equality is often misunderstood. Many assume that equality means everyone must end up in the same place, with the same outcomes, the same influence, and the same rewards. That has never been the American promise. En los Estados Unidos, la idea de igualdad a menudo se malinterpreta. Muchos asumen que igualdad significa que todos deben terminar en el mismo lugar, con los mismos resultados, la misma influencia y las mismas recompensas. Esa nunca ha sido la promesa estadounidense. Equal in Dignity, Not Identical in Outcome Iguales en dignidad, no idénticos en resultados The American concept of equality begins with equal dignity, equal rights under the law, and equal protection. It does not claim that life will produce identical outcomes for every person. From the very beginning, people differ in talents, interests, responsibilities, and...

Rethinking Colonization: Beyond Simple Narratives The history of America’s colonization is often reduced to two opposing claims: that Indigenous peoples were constantly fighting and therefore nothing was stolen, or that colonization was a single, uniform project of genocide from the very beginning. Both views oversimplify a far more complex reality. Indigenous nations were not a monolith. They governed themselves through diplomacy, trade, alliances, conflict, and shifting territorial boundaries—much like other human societies throughout history. Warfare did not negate sovereignty; it defined and enforced it. Land was not “unowned,” but relational, seasonal, and managed through social and ecological systems. Early European contact frequently resembled regime change more than immediate extermination. Alliances were formed, rivalries exploited, and Indigenous nations acted as political agents within ...

PINE ISLAND. REIMAGINED. STONEY POINT. A new chapter is beginning on Grand Lake. Pine Island has officially been sold, and the new owners are bringing a bold vision to one of Oklahoma’s most iconic waterfront destinations. Breathtaking renovations. Elevated amenities. Curated entertainment. An experience designed for those who expect more from a lake resort. This isn’t about chasing dreams—it’s about creating a destination to wake up for. A place where design, comfort, and the natural beauty of Grand Lake meet with true intention. From sunrise over the water to nights filled with music, light, and meaningful connection, Pine Island is being reshaped into something truly special. If Shangri La set the standard, Stoney Point is ready to see that bet, and raise it. For the resort enthusiast, the lake lover, and anyone who knows the difference between a getaw...

CAMERAS IN COURTROOMS: New bill looks to increase transparency in OK courtrooms OKLAHOMA CITY — A bill introduced in the Oklahoma Senate would require cameras in all public courtrooms across the state, marking a significant push to bring more transparency and accountability to the state’s judicial system. Senate Bill 1386 , filed by State Sen. Christi Gillespie, D-Tulsa, aims to mandate the use of video and audio cameras in every public courtroom in Oklahoma. The legislation would require recordings of proceedings and, when technologically feasible, livestreaming of court sessions — with footage archived and made accessible through a statewide public portal. Supporters of the measure emphasize that allowing the public to see and hear courtroom proceedings promotes openness in government and builds greater trust in the justice system. Gillespie and other proponents have drawn comparisons to the use of body cameras by law enforcement, saying such technology can help ...

🚨 Cherokee Nation Addresses Reports of Possible ICE Activity in Northeast Oklahoma 🚨 The Cherokee Nation has released an advisory after receiving multiple calls and messages from concerned citizens reporting possible U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in parts of Northeast Oklahoma, including areas within the Cherokee Nation Reservation. At this time, no ICE operation has been confirmed. Cherokee Nation leadership is actively contacting federal authorities to determine whether these reports are factual and, if so, the scope of any activity. The Nation emphasized that its priority is the safety, well-being, and civil rights of Cherokee citizens, along with maintaining open and transparent communication with any federal or state agencies operating within the reservation. 🛡️ Guidance for Citizens Be polite Remain calm Be cooperative Be mindful of your rights Citizens are encouraged to report concerns or observati...

Miami Utility Customers Notified of Electric Rate Increase Tied to GRDA Costs MIAMI, Okla. — Miami utility customers were notified this week of an upcoming electric rate increase, following discussion at the January 2026 City Council meeting. City officials say the increase is primarily the result of higher wholesale power costs imposed by the Grand River Dam Authority, the city’s electricity provider. The adjustment is part of a phased rate increase plan linked to GRDA’s multi-year rate changes affecting municipal utilities across Oklahoma. Under the plan discussed by council members and utility staff, the rate increase includes: A $4 increase to the fixed monthly residential base charge, which is paid regardless of electricity usage. An increase to the per-kilowatt-hour usage rate , along with existing fees associated with power delivery and system maintenance. Together, these changes raise both the minimum monthly bill a...

OSBI Announces $10,000 Reward in McCurtain County Homicide Investigation TOM, Okla. (Jan. 6, 2026) — The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI) is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the #homicide of 75-year-old Joe Fernando Salinas near the rural community of Tom, authorities said Tuesday. On Sept. 3, 2025, #McCurtain County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a death at a property near Jasper Hollow Road and Tom Cemetery Road , where they found Salinas deceased with injuries consistent with a homicide, officials said. The sheriff’s office subsequently requested assistance from the OSBI, which is now handling the investigation. The case remains active more than four months later, and no arrests have been made , OSBI said. The enhanced reward amo...

A Century at the Counter: Nott’s Deli and Grocery Prepares to Say “So Long” By Miami News-Digest — Miami, Oklahoma For 106 years, the bell on the door at Nott’s Deli and Grocery has rung out a familiar sound in downtown Miami, a small, unassuming chime that signaled more than a customer entering a store. It meant neighbors meeting neighbors, stories being exchanged, and traditions quietly carried forward from one generation to the next. Founded in 1919, Nott’s Deli and Grocery has been a steady presence through wars, depressions, booms, busts, and the long arc of Route 66 history. Few businesses anywhere in the Ozarks can claim such continuity, and fewer still have done so while remaining deeply personal — a family business in the truest sense of the word. Now, after more than a century of service, the Nott family is retiring the business. Nott’s Deli and Grocery will remain open through January 31, 2026 ...

A Storefront of Surprises on #Route66, Where Custom Meets Community By Miami News-Digest — Miami, Okla. On a stretch of historic Route 66 where neon nostalgia and small-town resilience intersect, a storefront on North Main Street has quietly become something more than a place to shop. The Market on Route 66 , now located at 29 N. Main Street , is part gift shoppe, part custom studio, and part community crossroads — the kind of place that reveals itself slowly, rewarding curiosity. The business first opened in Miami about a year ago at 101 Main Street , before relocating in October 2025 to its current home, a move that brought increased visibility and foot traffic. “Glad for the spot... it offers better foot traffic,” said Teresa Lester. Lester, who operates the shop, credits Keith from Chapters , the neighboring business, with helping them get settled into the adjoining bui...

Miami, Oklahoma Approves Flock Safety ALPR Cameras Without Public Hearing By Miami News-Digest — Miami, Okla. The City of Miami, Oklahoma recently approved a contract with Flock Safety to install automated license plate reader ( ALPR ) cameras for the Miami Police Department, a move confirmed through city social media postings. The contract, described as contingent upon legal and financial review, authorizes the procurement of ALPR cameras from the Atlanta-based surveillance technology firm. However, to our knowledge, no formal public hearing or recorded vote has been made available to the community, and no ordinance or ordinance summary has yet been published in the city’s official minutes. No Public Engagement or Approval Process Seen Residents concerned about transparency say they have seen only brief social media announcements, with no public disclosure of cost, number of cameras, locations, or ...

Miami, Oklahoma aprueba cámaras ALPR de Flock Safety sin audiencia pública Por Miami News-Digest — Miami, Oklahoma La Ciudad de Miami, Oklahoma aprobó recientemente un contrato con Flock Safety para instalar cámaras de lectura automática de placas vehiculares ( ALPR ) destinadas al Departamento de Policía. El contrato fue descrito como condicionado a revisión legal y financiera. Sin embargo, hasta donde tenemos conocimiento, no se realizó ninguna audiencia pública formal ni se publicó una votación registrada o una ordenanza oficial. Falta de participación y transparencia pública Residentes expresan preocupación por la ausencia de información clave, incluyendo el costo del contrato, la cantidad de cámaras, sus ubicaciones y las normas que regirán el acceso y uso de los datos. “Es importante que los residentes entiendan quién tendrá acceso a los datos, cuánto tiempo se conser...