SANTA FE — New Mexico 2022 suicide death numbers remained relatively the same compared to 2021 with 520 deaths in 2021 and 513 deaths in 2022. Suicide continues to be a serious and persistent public health threat in New Mexico.

In 2022, the most recent data available, New Mexico had the fourth highest suicide rate (24.7 per 100,000 residents) in the U.S. In the same year New Mexico’s age adjusted suicide rate was 74% higher than the U.S. as a whole. Over the past decade suicide deaths in the state have increased by 18%, from 435 deaths in 2012 to 513 suicide deaths in 2022, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

“Suicide is a serious public health problem that can...

When Gallup Police responded to a call about possible gunfire in a residential neighborhood, they found a juvenile with a gun and THC vape pens.

On Sept. 2, Gallup Police were called out to the area near BethanyChristian Reformed Church, 1110 S. Strong Dr. They found a young man near the intersection of  Strong Avenue Philpina Drive. He was allegedly found with a semi-automated pistol with two fully loaded magazines and some THC vape pens.

Gallup Police arrested the young man and his parents were contacted. The firearm and magazines were seized for evidence and the young man was booked into the Juvenile Detention Center. His name was not released to the public by press time.

Staff...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The 25th Navajo Nation Council will hold a special budget session in mid-September to consider legislation aimed at securing a continuing resolution to address funding for the upcoming fiscal year.

To continue critical direct services for the Navajo people and to avoid a government shutdown, the Council’s Budget and Finance Committee is recommending a continuing resolution.

“Our primary responsibility is to ensure that the Navajo Nation government continues to operate and that our people receive the services they rely on,” Speaker Crystalyne Curley said. "The special session will give us the opportunity to carefully consider the continuing...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Members of the 25th Navajo Nation Council joined Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren on Aug. 29 as he signed CAU-37-24 into law, amending the Radioactive Materials Transportation Act of 2012 to further protect the Nation against the unauthorized transportation of uranium.

Council Delegate Casey Allen Johnson, who sponsored Legislation 0198-24, signed into law as CAU-37-24, is a resident of Cameron, Ariz., which is in the Western AUM Region where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has identified more than 100 abandoned uranium mine claims.

“This is something that is dear to my heart," Johnson said. «I want to work together with all our partners and...