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July 02, 2025 Holly James
FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. — What is now called the Oak Ridge Fire, currently at 0% containment, has burned over 10,624 acres as of this morning located just a few miles near the heart of the Navajo Nation’s capital over the last four days since the onset of the fire on June 28.
Currents
July 04, 2025 Levi Rickert Currents 208
{loadmoduleid 686} The legislation—heralded by President Donald Trump and his Republican allies as a "big, beautiful bill," and condemned by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) and Democrats as a "big ugly bill"—passed through Congress on Thursday afternoon, largely along party lines. Only two Republicans, Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), voted against it. The final vote was 218–214. Formally a continuing resolution, the bill was designed to fund the government after Congress failed to pass a budget by the October 1, 2024 deadline. The delay gave President Trump the opportunity to include an extension of the tax cuts for billionaires from his first term, along with several key items from his broader agenda. Trump is expected to sign the legislation—designated H.R. 1—on the Fourth of July. The bill represents the most significant legislative achievement for Republicans in the current session of Congress. It includes sweeping changes to major social safety net programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, and SNAP. Facing broad public opposition—polls show Americans oppose the bill by a margin of 2-to-1—many of its more controversial provisions have been delayed from taking effect until after the 2026 midterm elections. Nonetheless, the bill will become law once it is signed by the president on Friday. Because the legislation passed just before the Fourth of July holiday weekend, a detailed analysis of how last-minute changes could impact Indian Country will not be available until after the three-day break. However, what is currently known is that American Indians and Alaska Natives have been exempted from certain major cuts to Medicaid and SNAP. According to economists, a recent bill is projected to increase the federal deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next decade. This increase is primarily attributed to the bill's extension of the 2017 tax cuts. Below is a summary of key provisions affecting Tribes, compiled by the National Indian Health Board (NIHB): Key Provisions to Know: Medicaid Work Requirements: American Indians and Alaska Natives are exempt from community engagement and work requirements. The bill prohibits states from using 1115 waivers to bypass these work requirements. SNAP Work Requirements: American Indians and Alaska Natives are also exempt from SNAP work requirements. Medicaid Cost-Sharing: Existing cost-sharing protections for American Indians and Alaska Natives are preserved. No new cost-sharing measures will be introduced. Medicaid Redetermination: While the bill shortens Medicaid redetermination from 12 months to 6 months for most groups, American Indians and Alaska Natives will retain the 12-month redetermination period. Rural Healthcare Transformation Payments: The bill provides up to $50 billion over five years to support rural healthcare providers. Tribal programs may participate if they meet general eligibility requirements. Medicaid PBM Spread Pricing: A House provision banning spread pricing by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) in Medicaid was removed by the Senate. NIHB will continue advocating for this ban in future legislation. Although most changes will not be implemented until 2026 or later, the NIHB has pledged to work with Tribes to ensure they are directly involved in the policy and regulatory processes, in order to protect federal trust and treaty obligations.
Opinion
June 29, 2025 Professor Victoria Sutton Opinion 2117
Guest Opinion. In table top exercises for disaster preparation, local government, state government, churches, federal government, the military and various federal agencies all played roles. Inevitably, as the disaster grew out of control, someone would suggest calling in the military and declaring “martial law.” The answer was always — no, we have the protection of posse comitatus, so the military never has direct interface with civilians (with only a few exceptions). However, there is also a lot that the military can do to support state and local law enforcement, federal law enforcement and federal property. Here is a brief discussion of what this means.
June 29, 2025 Chuck Hoskin Jr Opinion 1835
Guest Opinion. The Cherokee Nation has reached a proud new milestone — one that reflects our legacy of adaptability and our tradition of embracing innovation. By becoming the first tribal nation designated as a “Film Ready Reservation,” we are not only making history; we are building a future where Cherokee stories are amplified on a national — and even global — stage. This achievement reinforces our commitment to creating new opportunities for our people while inviting the world to experience our culture through the power of film and storytelling.
Sovereignty
July 02, 2025 Native News Online Staff Sovereignty 2260
The Suquamish Tribe continues to play a significant role in the regional economy, according to a newly released economic impact study by respected economist John B. Taylor. The report outlines the Tribe’s wide-ranging contributions to Kitsap County and the state of Washington in 2023.
July 02, 2025 Levi Rickert Sovereignty 1910
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled that a citizen of the Muscogee Nation must pay state income taxes, even though she resides within the boundaries of the Muscogee reservation and earned all her income from within that territory.
Education
June 27, 2025 Native News Online Staff Education 1945
Native Forward Scholars Fund , the nation’s largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students, has announced the recipients of its prestigious Student of the Year Award at the 2025 Empowering Scholars Summit.
June 24, 2025 Native News Online Staff Education 6472
On Tuesday, June 17, Speaker Crystalyne Curley and Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez met with representatives from the Department of Diné Education (DODE), Diné Bi Oltá School Board Association (DBOSBA), and the BIA Navajo Region to develop a unified response to the Bureau of Indian Education’s recent “Dear Tribal Leader” letter.
Arts & Entertainment
June 27, 2025 Chickasaw Nation Media Arts & Entertainment 789
SULPHUR, Okla. – Downtown Sulphur was once again a flurry of activity June 7 as the vibrant sights and sounds of the annual Artesian Arts Festival attracted thousands of art patrons and families.
June 26, 2025 Kaili Berg Arts & Entertainment 4500
A new illustrated children’s biography is bringing national attention to the story of Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone, a professional runner and passionate advocate for Indigenous rights.
Health
Environment
July 01, 2025 Native News Online Staff Environment 2536
A wildfire that has been burning across Navajo Nation since last Saturday has grown to more than 9,800 acres with 0 percent containment, according to the latest announcement from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren’s office .
June 30, 2025 Patrick Lohmann, Source New Mexico Environment 1624
A wildfire that erupted over the weekend on the Navajo Nation near the New Mexico border has grown to more than 6,200 acres, according to the latest updates.