WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation’s Naabik’íyáti’ Committee unanimously supported Legislation 0145-24 on Sept. 26.

Sponsored by Delegate Carl Slater, the bill aims to amend the existing tobacco products tax and enact a new tax on electronic smoking and nicotine products. The legislation is designed to deter tobacco use, support cessation, particularly among Diné youth, and is projected to result in long-term healthcare cost savings for the Navajo Nation.

The tax increases will also generate significant revenue, a portion of which will be directed to the Office of Traditional Cultural and Spiritual Healing under the Navajo Department of Health. The OTCSH will use the...

SANTA FE  — Sept. 28 is World Rabies Day, a time to raise awareness about the importance of rabies vaccinations.

Rabies kills over 70,000 people a year worldwide, including some 30,000 children, mostly as a result of dog bites. In the U.S., human deaths caused by rabies remain rare, typically occurring only a few times each year. This is due to vaccination efforts and the availability of post-exposure vaccines for individuals who come into contact with potentially rabid animals.

“Before the 1960s, most animal rabies cases in the U.S. were in dogs, but thanks to vaccination efforts, over 90% are in wildlife now,” State Public Health Veterinarian for the New Mexico Department of...

A pole was hit near Interstate 40's on ramp of exit 26, and in order to resolve the issue the City of Gallup's Electric Department has shut off power for the Indian Hills area.

The outage duration is unknown at this time.

Any question or concerns can be directed to Utility Dispatch at (505) 863-1200.

 

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Resources and Development Committee unanimously approved a legislation granting a Right of Way to the New Mexico Department of Transportation to address bridge and roadway improvement projects located on U.S. Route 64 between the Arizona state line and Shiprock Chapter on Sept. 19.

RDC member Council Delegate Otto Tso supported the intent of the legislation but questioned the waiving of ROW fees and the request of a perpetual lease.

“If we give the green light for perpetual, 50 years later our leaders will say 'Why did the 25th Navajo Nation Council agree to this?'” Tso said. “In this case, I see that it serves the general public pertaining to...