Navajo-Hopi Observer

10/19/2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2025

District Court grants Council’s request for temporary restraining order in the unlawful termination of Controller McCabe

WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. — The Navajo Nation District Court has granted a temporary restraining order, stopping further actions related to Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren’s attempted unlawful removal of Navajo Nation Controller Sean McCabe and the appointment of an “Interim” Controller.

The order, issued by Judge Malcolm Begay on Friday, remains in effect until the preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for Oct. 27. The Court determined that President Nygren’s termination of Controller McCabe and subsequent appointment of Alva R. Tom as “Interim” Controller violated Navajo Nation law, which requires the consent of the Budget and Finance Committee to appoint an Acting Controller.

“The Court’s granting of the TRO is a strong indication that President Nygren broke the law and that the Navajo Nation Department of Justice was wrong in advising OPVP in the wrongful termination. The Council maintains that McCabe is the lawful Controller,” said Speaker Crystalyne Curley.

The temporary restraining order prohibits the President from appointing any Acting Controller without the approval of the Budget and Finance Committee and directs the Office of the Controller to refrain from taking actions under the authority of Alva R. Tom unless her appointment is lawfully ratified and confirmed.

The 25th Navajo Nation Council maintains that the Office of the Controller must operate independently and in full compliance with Navajo Nation statutes to uphold accountability, maintain public trust, and ensure responsible management of the Nation’s financial resources.

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10/18/2025

Alongside fellow investigator Damien Charley (Diné), Aberle collaborated on the film with classmates Steven Saldaña (cinematographer), Elias Bensch (night vision camera) and Donovan Heaney (audio).

“Death Mask,” a short film written, directed, and produced by University of Arizona School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) senior David J....

10/17/2025

"We try to use not household water for dye. We use rain water, snow water."

Mona Laughing, a third-generation Navajo artist and award-winning master weaver from Crystal, New Mexico, was this year’s featured artist at the...

10/17/2025

UPDATE: 10/19/25: Myrle Begay has been located and he is safe. The flyer has been updated.

MISSING PERSON-CHINLE DISTRICT
Myrle Begay
Age: 26
S*x: Male
Height: 5’9”
Weight: 125 lbs.
Eye Color: Brown
Hair Color: Black
Last Known Clothing: Myrle was last seen wearing a grey sweater and a grey/white baseball cap with “Jones Contracting.”
Other Information/Details: Myrle Begay was last seen at a Love’s Travel Stop in Chandler, Arizona, on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, around 3:00 p.m. He has a tattoo of the wording “Kayomie” on his left wrist and a tattoo of an elephant on his right forearm.

If you have seen Myrle Begay, or if you have any information on his whereabouts, please call the Navajo Police Department Chinle District at (928) 674-2111/2112.

10/17/2025

Hailey Etsiity (273) and Tatum Tom (190) lead in assists. Tehya Yazzie has the second-highest service aces (198), leads in blocks (41) and is third in kills (214). Chenoa Gray has 42 aces.

Once again, Monument Valley has dominated the 3A North rankings with a 6-0 regional record, 14-4 overall record and six consecutive sets without a...

10/17/2025

Redford stood out for his Hollywood looks and for his un-Hollywood behavior, from his earnest desire to learn more about the tribe’s spiritual knowledge to his visits to the Navajo Nation.

Lorie Lee Sekayumptewa, a former administrator with the Navajo Nation Film Office, remembers seeing Robert Redford at traditional cultural dances...

10/16/2025

Moenkopi Tuuvi Gathering Oct. 18-19

Arts & Crafts, food, social dancing will take place at the annual Moenkopi Tuuvi Gathering Oct. 18-19 at Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites. Free and public event.

Keep On Movin’ It

10/16/2025

The 44-year-old was found unresponsive around 9 p.m. after an altercation with another man being housed at the jail, according to the Navajo County Sheriff's Office.

An investigation is currently underway after a man died while in the care of the Navajo County Detention Center in Holbrook Sept. 30.

10/16/2025

Smith delivered two separate blows to NPD Officer Gilbert S. Rogers, while also assaulting K9 Officer Kendric Phillips and grabbing K-9 officer Jonah Tsosie’s leg before resisting handcuffing.

A Kayenta man has been sentenced to three and a half years in tribal custody for an assault on three Navajo Police Department (NPD) officers. The...

10/15/2025

The removal process is estimated to begin in 2026. The EPA said they will safely remove and relocate waste to the repository, while protecting human health and the environment from ionizing radiation caused by historic mining activities.

On Sept. 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its decision to remove uranium mine waste from two abandoned mines and a...

10/15/2025

In Birdsprings, flooding from the Birdspring Wash overwhelmed culverts, submerging large areas and forcing families to evacuate. Some sought temporary shelter at the Birdsprings Chapter House. Delegate Johnson conducted home assessments and met directly with residents.

In response to severe flooding caused by recent tropical systems and monsoon rainstorms across the Navajo Nation, Navajo Nation Council delegates Casey Allen Johnson and Shaandiin Parrish have been actively

10/15/2025

🚨 Flooding Update – Birdsprings & Dennehotso, AZ

The Navajo Department of Emergency Management is closely monitoring ongoing flooding conditions impacting the communities of Birdsprings and Dennehotso, AZ.

We urge all community members to stay alert, avoid flooded areas, and prioritize safety at all times.

If you or your family need flood relief assistance—such as sandbags, supplies, shelter information, or transportation support—please contact your local Chapter House first. Chapter officials are coordinating directly with emergency services to organize response and support efforts.

📍 Birdsprings Chapter
☎️ (928) 613-6047
Contact: Chapter Manager Mitzy Begay – (602) 339-8867

📍 Dennehotso Chapter
☎️ (928) 658-3300
Contact: (928) 307-8205

➡️ When to call Dispatch:
If you are experiencing an immediate emergency or life-threatening situations, please contact your respective NPD District Dispatch.

Dispatchers will coordinate with police, fire, and EMS to get help to you as quickly as possible.

We extend our sincere appreciation to all first responders, chapter officials, and volunteers for their continued efforts to support our communities during this time.

Please continue to follow official updates and stay safe.