A new strain of COVID is emerging around the world. It is so new that scientists aren’t sure what kind of threat to expect. The strain, officially named B-A.2.86, has been nicknamed Pirola. Epidemiologist Dean Seneca is here to tell us the evolving background of this COVID strain.

Suquamish Tribal Chairman Leonard Forsman was the first Native person to serve as a regent for the University of Washington. He has served on his tribal council for more than 30 years. ICT’s Stewart Huntington spoke with him about the city of Seattle’s Tribal Nation’s Summit, and Native relations with the city.

Candidates vying for the Republican party’s nomination shared their visions for the future of the country last week. Nine presidential hopefuls qualified for the debate, and only eight took the stage as former president Donald Trump opted out. ICT regular contributor John Tahsuda shares his take.

  • U.S. Treasurer and Mohegan Chief Lynn Malerba and Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo visited Chickahominy Indian Tribe in Virginia. The official visit was highlighted the impact of the American Rescue Plan, and gather feedback on how the Treasury Department can better serve Indigenous nations.
  • Skeletal remains and clothing of a missing Navajo man were discovered in January at the South Mountain Park and Preserve near Phoenix. Last month, DNA testing confirmed it was Navajo Nation citizen Jerole Tsinnijinnie.
  • The family of Destinee Thompson has filed a lawsuit over her tragic death. In August, 2021, Thompson was on her way to lunch with her stepmother when she was fatally shot by Colorado police. Her relatives allege her race, being part Hispanic and Native American, played a role in her being targeted.
  • Ecuador citizens have voted to ban oil drilling, ultimately protecting millions of acres of land in the Amazon rainforest. This vote marks a major win for Indigenous rights, as it is the first time a country has voted on a ballot initiative limiting resource extraction in the Amazon.
  • In Iowa, two sisters are taking action to increase diversity in a local election. Winnebago citizens Trisha Rivers and Jessica Lopez-Walker are vying for seats on the Sioux City school board. According to the city’s Mayor Bob Scott, there has never been a Native American elected to the city’s school board. There are five open seats for the Nov. 7 general election.

Today’s newscast was created with work from:

Shirley Sneve, Ponca/Sicangu Lakota, is vice president of broadcasting for the ICT Newscast. Follow her on Twitter @rosebudshirley. She is based in Nebraska and Minnesota.

Aliyah Chavez, Kewa Pueblo, is the anchor of the ICT Newscast. On Twitter: @aliyahjchavez.

McKenzie Allen-Charmley, Dena’ina Athabascan, is a producer for the ICT Newscast. Instagram: @mallencharmley.

Paris Wise, Zia and Laguna Pueblos, is a producer for the ICT Newscast. Email: paris@ictnews.org.

Stewart Huntington is a producer for the ICT Newscast.

Quindrea Yazzie, Diné, is a video production editor for the ICT Newscast. Email: qyazzie@ictnews.org . Yazzie is based in Phoenix.

Daniel Herrera Carbajal is a video editor for the ICT Newscast. On Twitter: @daniulherrrera

Pauly Denetclaw, Diné, is a political correspondent for ICT. Email her at pauly@ictnews.org

Pacey Smith-Garcia, Ute, is a production assistant for the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @paceyjournalist.

Mark Trahant, Shoshone-Bannock, is ICT editor-at-large and executive producer of the ICT Newscast Email: marktrahant@ictnews.org Trahant is based in Phoenix.

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