The FBI stated they have received tips of more than 5,000 reported drone sightings in the past several weeks with approximately 100 leads generated, and the federal government is supporting state and local officials in investigating these reports in a Dec. 16 press release.

There are more than one million drones lawfully registered with the Federal Aviation Administration in the U.S. and there are thousands of commercial, hobbyist and law enforcement drones lawfully in the sky on any given day. With the technology landscape evolving, that number is expected to increase over time.

The FBI has assessed that the sightings to date include a combination of lawful commercial drones, hobbyist...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — In a momentous decision marking a turning point in Navajo Nation history, eight heirs to grazing permits within the Jeddito region have been officially approved to receive their family permits, previously revoked more than 50 years ago. The approvals were confirmed during Phase 2 of the review process under Resolution RDCF-20-17.

The historic announcement was shared by Delegate Vince James and Jerome Pete, the Jeddito Grazing Official, following the Navajo Partitioned Lands Review Team meeting on Dec. 23. The decision restores a vital piece of heritage and sustenance for these families, reaffirming their ancestral rights and connection to their land.

“This is a...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation Council’s Law and Order Committee finalized significant legislative action during its Dec. 23 meeting, including the approval of over $34.25 million in funding to improve judicial and public safety infrastructure across the Navajo Nation.

Legislation No. 0259-24, sponsored by Council Delegate Eugenia Charles-Newton, allocates resources from the Hashkééjí Nahata’á Béeso Bá Hooghan Fund to support six critical projects within the Judicial Branch.

The approved funding will enable the construction of the Aneth Judicial District Court, the establishment of the Administrative Offices of the Courts Warehouse, improvements for the Ramah...

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — In the early hours of Dec. 21, the U.S. Senate voted 85 in favor and 11 opposed to pass the American Relief Act, a stopgap funding bill, to avert a federal government shutdown. The bill, which provides short-term funding for the federal government through March 14, also includes a one-year extension and increase in funding for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project.

The ARA includes a crucial one-year extension for the NGWSP, as well as an increase in appropriations from $870 million to $1.6 billion.

“We are grateful to Congress and President Biden for securing additional funding for the NGSWP, a key initiative that has brought water access to many Navajo...