Navajos could face loss of Internet services

CHECKPOINT. NEW THIS MORNING-- NEW MEXICO'S TWO U-S SENATORS ARE ASKING THE F-C-C TO STOP TH...  More »

CHECKPOINT. NEW THIS MORNING-- NEW MEXICO'S TWO U-S SENATORS ARE ASKING THE F-C-C TO STOP THE SHUTDOWN OF INTERNET SERVICES ON THE NAVAJO NATION. THE TRIBE SAYS 'S-E-S AMERICOM 'IS THREATENING TO SHUTTER IT BY NOON TUESDAY IF THE COMPANY IS NOT PAID FOR SERVICES RENDERED. THE SHUTDOWN WOULD EFFECT THE TRIBE'S PUBLIC SAFETY NETWORK, WHICH ALLOWS POLICE AND OTHER EMERGENCY RESPONDERS TO ACCESS THE NETWORK FROM REMOTE PLACES ACROSS THE RESERVATION. MEANWHILE, THE NAVAJO NATION IS CONSIDERING A SMOKING BAN IN PUBLIC BUILDINGS, AND PLACES LIKE FAIRS AND RODEOS. THE BAN WOULD ALSO PROHIBIT CHEWING TOBACCO. TOBACCO WOULD NOT BE BANNED FOR TRADITIONAL OR RELIGOUS PURPOSES. THE NAVAJO NATION GAMING ENTERPRISE IS AGAINST THE BAN. LEADERS SAY IT WILL PUT THE TRIBE'S FIRST CASINO AT A DISADVANTAGE -- SINCE OTHER CASINOS IN THE AREA ALLOW SMOKING.  « Less