By Janelle Stecklein | Editor
“I think their presence here this morning clearly shows that this is very important to them and should not be swept under some bureaucratic rug.” - Tim Sowecke of Cedar Lake residents’ concerns about dams that have blocked their access to water
Tammy Cramer’s dock is now on dry land as lake levels have dropped at Cedar Lake near Hinton, Okla., Wednesday, July 15, 2026. (Photo by Nate Billings/For Oklahoma Voice)
By Barbara Hoberock
Dozens of angry property owners on Tuesday filled a state agency board room demanding the removal of dams that they said are draining their way of life.
Wearing stickers that read “Got Water? We Don’t” and “Save Cedar Lake. Vote No!,” residents accused the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, which is tasked with policing water issues, of doing nothing to help them after they said a neighboring property owner dammed streams feeding the lake they live on without obtaining proper permitting. They filed a complaint months ago seeking assistance.
Residents of the Cedar Lake community, located about 45 miles west of Oklahoma City, said the dams have caused the water in Cedar Lake to drop dramatically, leaving once-floating boat docks sitting on dry land and has contributed to their drinking wells going dry. They also warned they posed a hazard should they fail.
David Faulk played soccer for his high school, shown here, as well as for club teams before transitioning to football. His family paid thousands each year for his sports, a cost that approached $20,000 during his final years of high school. The money that families pour into youth sports has made it increasingly attractive to private investors, including private equity firms. (Photo courtesy of Tiffany Whitlow)
By Anna Claire Vollers
Youth sports is now a $40 billion industry. It’s a sprawling, commercialized ecosystem where parents pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars each year for club teams, elite camps, out-of-state tournaments, private coaching sessions, professional-level uniforms and equipment, recruiting events, and even streaming subscription services to watch their kids play.
President Donald Trump attends a bilateral meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit on June 17, 2026 in Evian-les-Bains, France. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
By Ashley Murray
President Donald Trump ordered 50% tariffs on several Canadian products Monday in response to what his administration describes as retaliatory restrictions on imports of American goods, including alcohol, dairy and automotives.
In an aerial view, the Paramount logo is displayed on a water tower at the Paramount Studios lot on July 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. Twelve state attorneys general, led by California, filed a lawsuit seeking to block Paramount Skydance’s proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. They argue that the merger would violate the Clayton Act, an antitrust law that prevents anticompetitive practices. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
By Mia Maldonado
A federal judge Monday temporarily blocked Paramount from moving forward with a $110 billion merger with Warner Bros. Discovery.
Smash Daddy’s Burgers, Fries, Etc. participated in the Statehouse Market for around two years. (Courtesy photo)
By Jack Forrest
A food truck that’s been a regular at the Indiana Statehouse’s weekly market for about two years had its participation revoked over a slogan on the side of the vehicle, and one law professor thinks it brings First Amendment questions.
ICYMI
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