National

Senator Patrick Leahy holds a press conference celebrating the passage of the new Infrastructure Bill, and how it will impact Vermonters.

Born in small-town Oklahoma, Mary Thompson Fisher, later known as “Te Ata,” was determined to pursue her passion as a performer. Supported by her undeniable charisma and oratorical talent, Te Ata entertained and enlightened audiences across the world, including royalty and statesmen. Throughout her travels and performances, Te Ata kept her Chickasaw heritage close to heart and shared the unique story and spirit of the Chickasaw people. By studying and performing traditional Native American stories, she overturned negative stereotypes and advocated the preservation of Indigenous American cultures. As Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby noted, “She is a shining example of the power of artistic expression to change hearts and minds.” In many ways, Te Ata Fisher paved the way for Native Americans on stage and screen and remains a treasured voice for the Chickasaw people.

Watch the documentary at chickasawfilms.com/Projects/Documentaries/Bearer-of-the-Morning.aspx.

Learn more about Chickasaw Nation Productions at www.chickasawfilms.com.

Set in 1920s rural Oklahoma, Pearl is based on the remarkable true story of Chickasaw aviatrix, Pearl Carter Scott –the youngest licensed pilot in American history. Mentored by world-renowned aviator Wiley Post, Pearl first pilots a plane at the age of 12 and becomes a commercial pilot and local celebrity before she reaches adulthood. As she finds love and becomes a wife and mother, her two greatest passions collide.

Learn more about the movie at www.pearlthemovie.net.

Learn more about Chickasaw Nation Productions at www.chickasawfilms.com.

Dr. Ebony J. Hilton, practicing physician and an associate professor at the University of Virginia-Charlottesville, discusses the crucial moment faced by the US in the COVID pandemic. As of mid-May 2021, more than half of U.S. adults have received at least one COVID-19 vaccination dose, according to the CDC, and 40% are fully vaccinated. But daily vaccination rates are slipping, as new polling shows that a quarter of adults say they will not try to get the shot. This marks the start of a critical period that will determine how quickly cities and communities can fully reopen.