Friday, August 22, 2025

Some groups are sounding the alarm on potential scams that target people who were exposed to radiation linked to U.S. nuclear weapons, which includes Native Americans. As the Mountain West News Bureau’s Yvette Fernandez reports, Congress approved and expanded funding to help the victims. It was a big win for victims of radiation exposure, when the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was renewed and expanded to cover more states. Victims in Utah, New Mexico, Idaho, and parts of Nevada and Arizona are among those who can seek compensation. But many people find it difficult to qualify. That’s because necessary documentation from the Cold War era is decades old, says Carmen Valdez, with the nonprofit Health Environment Alliance of Utah. “These funds are meant to ease people’s pain and suffering and to cover medical bills and to make sure they’re not also suffering financially while also suffering from these diseases and cancers.” That’s where scammers are finding opportunities. Valdez says some companies are charging fees up to three times the allowable $2,000. It comes as deadlines for claims approach in December 2027, when the program is slated to end. Makaito Cuny watches as he gets his second measles shot in a mobile clinic. (Photo: Arielle Zionts / KFF Health News) Vaccination rates are declining across Washington state and experts say this leaves Native communities vulnerable to dangerous disease outbreaks, especially heading back to school. Isobel Charle reports. According to the Washington State Department of Health, there have been 10 confirmed cases of measles in Washington in three counties this year. Wendy Stevens is with the American Indian Health Commission, which formed the nation’s first Tribal Immunization Coalition. She cites data showing that the measles vaccine reduces people’s chances of getting the disease by 97%. “Getting measles immunization protects not only you, but your family, your community from spreading measles.” Vaccination rates have dropped to 87% among kindergartners in Washington. This is well below the 95% threshold needed to prevent outbreaks, according to the Washington Health Alliance. While most measles infections are not severe, health complications can occur in about 30% of cases, with about one-in-1,000 infections leading to death. Stevens adds people need to stay up to date on what is happening with outbreaks in their area and advises getting any questions about vaccines answered by a doctor. “I would encourage people in Indian country to connect to their tribal health clinic, talk to their providers, and they can make decisions that they feel good about for their family.” As of May, the U.S. has reported over one thousand measles cases, a 400% increase from last year, with almost all involving unvaccinated people. The Southern Indian Ute Tribe in Colorado says it “has not entered into any agreement” with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) regarding detention operations. The tribe issued a statement this week to clarify its position after recent news reports listed the tribe as potential ICE facility sites. In a press release, the tribe said it was not notified nor consulted prior to the release of information regarding detention operations. And says there have been no discussions between the Tribal Council and federal authorities on the matter. Tulsa Native American Day In Oklahoma, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. signed the tribe’s first artificial intelligence policy Thursday. It establishes new guidelines for AI use across all Cherokee Nation departments. The policy outlines specific approved uses, and strictly prohibits AI use without quality review involving the Cherokee language, which must receive backing and incorporation from Cherokee fluent speakers.   Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today.