A statewide advocacy organization has released new data showing how children fared during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020.

New Mexico Voices for Children held a press conference with Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Feb. 3 to announce the release of the 2020 New Mexico KIDS COUNT Data Book, a resource meant to help lawmakers understand the needs of families as they start the legislative session.

“We have a real opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our children this year,” Lujan Grisham said, emphasizing that the Land Grant Permanent Fund and a public education budget are top priorities during the current session.

Education, family and community, health and economic...

SANTA FE — The New Mexico Department of Transportation Traffic Safety Division and Safer New Mexico Now are hosting virtual car seat checks through Zoom.

Nationally certified child passenger safety technicians provide parents and caregivers with one-on-one instruction on the proper selection, installation and use of their car seats.

The virtual sessions are by appointment only and will occur every first and third Wednesday of the month between 11 am and 1 pm. Sessions are also offered on the second Saturday of the month between noon and 2 pm.

All participants are required to electronically sign a waiver of liability prior to their scheduled session.

To participate in the virtual...

Two new appointments focus on energy, transportation

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Two members of the Navajo Nation have been appointed to serve in the Biden-Harris Administration.

Wahleah Johns has been named to serve as the head of the Office of Indian Energy, under the U. S. Department of Energy. In that position she will assist tribes with energy development, capacity building, energy cost reduction and electrification of tribal lands and homes.

In her previous capacity, she served as the executive director of Native Renewables,  assisting in efforts to achieve energy independence by bringing solar power to off-the-grid-homes for Navajo and Hopi families.

Johns is originally from...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. - Former Navajo Nation president and Ariz. state legislator Albert Hale passed away on Feb. 2, at the age of 70, due to complications from COVID-19.

He is celebrated by many leaders and loved ones.

Hale was born in Ganado, Ariz. in 1950. He was Áshįįhi and born for Tódich’ii’nii. His maternal grandfather was Honágháahnii and his paternal grandfather was Kinyaa’áanii.

He served as the President of the Navajo Nation from 1995-1998. Hale was appointed to serve the remainder of the term of former Ariz. Gov. Janet Napolitano in 2004.

He served as a member of the Ariz. State Senate from 2004-2011.

He was elected to the Ariz. House of Representatives in...