2020 National story # 1

Coronavirus strikes U.S., vaccine later developed

First identified in Wuhan, China, the few cases of coronavirus, also called COVID-19, hit the western U.S. in January arriving more than a century after the Spanish Flu in 1918. Soon after, governors throughout the country shut down their states to varying degrees. In many states, mask-wearing was called for — but political divisions widened as many people refused to wear them. Many states scrambled to get testing resources and personal protective equipment and countless ICUs reached capacity while trying to save people who were diagnosed with the virus. The positive case count in the U.S. reached...

Gallup Police Capt. Erin Toadlena Pablo told the Gallup Sun that shortly before 9 am Jan. 7, Metro dispatch received a call from the Gallup fire station on the north side.

Two people had reportedly walked up to report finding a dead body.

Police officers and members of the fire department responded to an open field northwest of the TDFL football field.

They confirmed that a male there was deceased. He is described as Native American in his mid-60s. No foul play is suspected. He has been sent for an autopsy. No identification has been released.

SANTA FE - The New Mexico Department of Health announced today (Jan. 4) that New Mexico’s vaccination website - vaccinenm.org - now enables users to complete comprehensive personal profiles. These profiles - which include personal medical conditions and employment information, along with other key data - allow the state to notify New Mexicans when vaccine doses become available in their area.

“Our highest priorities remain the same: ensuring that vaccine goes to those who are most exposed to infected people or infectious materials, and preventing vaccine from going to waste,”  DOH Secretary-Designate Dr. Tracie Collins said. “Vaccinenm.org allows us to contact New Mexicans and...

The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise announced, it has been forced to temporarily layoff 1,120 team members, 776 of whom are Navajo tribal members.

In early November, NNGE leadership had warned about the possibility of layoffs. (See Gallup Sun VOL. 6, ISSUE 294, Nov. 13, 2020)


Brian Parrish, Interim CEO of NNGE said, "Due to the extended closure, since March 17, 2020, our business operations have been severely impacted and as a result, we must make very difficult financial and personnel decisions.”


“We remain focused on seeking every viable option to stabilize the salary and benefits of more than 1,000 Navajo families and to protect the $460 million investment the Nation has...