Levi Rickert

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland highlighted community solar as a way to lower utility costs and expand access to renewable energy during the ribbon-cutting of the Juniper Sol Community Solar Garden in Santa Fe County.

The weekend may be over, but the news affecting Indian Country doesn't stop. Each Monday, Native News Online brings you “Articles You May Have Missed”—a quick look at the important stories from across Indian Country that deserve your attention.

When misinformation spreads quickly, Native journalists have a responsibility to verify claims, provide context and tell readers what the evidence shows.

The Indian Gaming Association is strengthening its national advocacy efforts as it prepares for the 2027 Congress. During meetings with California Tribal leaders, IGA Chairman David Z. Bean outlined plans to expand the organization's team, increase Tribal participation and address emerging threats to Tribal gaming and sovereignty, particularly prediction markets offering sports betting and casino-style gambling. IGA is pursuing both legislative and legal strategies to protect the rights of Tribal Nations.

Jonathan Nez is criticizing Rep. Eli Crane for supporting the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and Trump's military actions as the national debt surpasses $40 trillion. Nez argues that Crane's votes will increase the debt while cutting programs such as Medicaid and SNAP and providing substantial tax benefits to wealthy Americans.

U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) is criticizing the Department of Homeland Security for what he describes as inadequate tribal consultation with the Tohono O'odham Nation as the Trump administration advances border wall construction on tribal lands. Gallego says federal officials have failed to meaningfully engage the Nation, particularly regarding sacred lands, and argues that border security should not come at the expense of tribal sovereignty. His latest comments follow concerns he raised during Markwayne Mullin's DHS confirmation hearing in March.

The rally at Michigan's State Capitol on Wednesday brought together approximately 150 tribal leaders, environmentalists and allies calling for the shutdown of Enbridge's aging Line 5 pipeline rather than construction of a proposed tunnel beneath the Straits of Mackinac. Tribal leaders cited concerns about oil spills, environmental damage, threats to Indigenous communities and human trafficking associated with construction camps. Speakers urged Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, state regulators and candidates for office to oppose the tunnel and support shutting down Line 5.

President Donald Trump has ordered the U.S. government to rename Lake Ontario “Lake America” for federal purposes, directing the Interior Department and U.S. Board on Geographic Names to implement the change. The order does not bind Canada, which shares the Great Lake with the United States and continues to recognize it as Lake Ontario.

Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Chairman David Z. Bean took the organization's message on the growing threat of illegal prediction-market gambling to Tulsa, Okla. on Thursday.

At a Saugatuck town hall attended by Reps. Jamie Raskin and Hillary Scholten, McCann also addressed energy costs, the continued operation of the J.H. Campbell coal plant in Ottawa County, rising health insurance premiums, and his opposition to Enbrige Line 5.