WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren has been cleared of Vice President Richelle Montoya’s sexual harassment claim, according to the Navajo Nation Department of Justice.

“Now that I have been cleared, we need to move forward as a Nation and a people,” Nygren said on Dec.16. “This false allegation against me as President of the Navajo Nation has divided and hurt the entire Navajo Nation. We need to heal from this and focus on moving forward.”

A preliminary investigation was launched by DOJ on April 19 after Montoya accused Nygren on social media of sexually harassing her during an August 2023 meeting.

On Dec. 16, Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel...

SANTA FE — Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham released a Fiscal Year 2026 executive budget recommendation on Dec. 12 that builds on progress made during her first six years in office while boosting investments in health care, child well-being and infrastructure across New Mexico.

The budget recommendation includes $10.9 billion in recurring spending — an increase of 5.3% over current year spending. The budget contains an additional $172 million for state employee pay raises, which includes additional compensation for New Mexico educators.

The executive recommendation maintains reserves at 30.4%.

“This fiscally sound budget proposal prioritizes early childhood education, clean energy...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — In preparation for the 2025 New Mexico Legislative Session, the New Mexico Delegate Caucus discussed the status of New Mexico’s capital outlay and Indian Infrastructure Capital Improvement Plan projects on Dec. 6.

Division of Community Development Sr. Program Project Specialist Sharilene Jeff provided a report about the vetting process for Chapter ICIP projects across New Mexico. Jeff explained chapter projects submitted by chapters are being cross-referenced with the Indian Affairs Department’s list and a future reconciliation date is being coordinated between IAD and the Nation before the new year.

New Mexico Caucus Leader Amber Kanazbah Crotty said that...

SANTA FE — New Mexico’s State Canvass Board met NOV. 26 in Santa Fe and unanimously certified the results of the 2024 General Election.

The State Canvass Board is composed of the Governor, Secretary of State, and Chief Justice of the New Mexico Supreme Court.

“The 2024 General Election was run with efficiency and integrity by the state’s election administrators and every New Mexican should have the highest level of confidence in these official election results,” Secretary of State Maggie Toulouse Oliver. said “I want to thank the members of the State Canvass Board for their work this morning and my staff at the Secretary of State’s Office, our county clerks and their...