During the week of May 13, Speaker Crystalyne Curley of the 25th Navajo Nation Council and Navajo Nation Washington Office Executive Director Justin Ahasteen, alongside Navajo Uranium Radiation Victims Committee members Phil Harrison and Leslie Begay, advocated on Capitol Hill for critical amendments and an extension of the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which is set to expire in June.

Their visit included strategic meetings with members of Congress, a press conference, and a prayer vigil to honor the affected individuals and underscore the urgent need for congressional action.

Enacted in 1990 and amended in 2000, RECA was designed to provide one-time compensation to veterans...

PHOENIX, Ariz. — On May 21, Navajo Nation Council Delegates Vince James and Helena Nez Begay joined Arizona tribal leaders as they met with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs to address the pressing issue of fraudulent sober living homes operating within the state of Arizona and affecting members of all Arizona tribes including the Navajo Nation.

Hobbs was joined by Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System Cabinet Executive Officer Carmen Heredia, Office of the Governor Director of Operations Ben Henderson, and Director of Tribal Affairs Jason Chavez to provide updates regarding the state’s efforts to enhance regulatory oversight of sober living home providers and implementing effective...

McKinley County Deputy Fire Chief Lawrence Montoya Jr. had his last day as the county’s Fire Chief on May 14, where he spoke to the county commissioners about the county’s response to the April 26 train derailment.

In an interview with the Sun, McKinley County Deputy County Manager Brian Money said he couldn’t comment on why Montoya was terminated because it is a personnel matter that can’t be disclosed.

For now, Deputy Fire Chief Tim Barry will serve as the Interim Chief. The county will advertise the position and start the hiring process in the near future.

Staff Reports

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced the appointment of Brad Keeler as an Eleventh Judicial District Court Judge May 20. Keeler’s appointment fills the seat left vacant due to the retirement of the Honorable Judge Louis E. DePauli, Jr.

Since 2003, Keeler practiced as an attorney at Keeler & Keeler, LLP, most recently holding the title of partner. Keeler is a graduate of Baylor University and Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law. He was admitted to the New Mexico Bar in 2002.

His appointment begins June 8.

Staff Reports