Supreme Court Will Review Navajo Nation Colorado River Spat

The US Supreme Court will weigh in on the “fierce” competition for Colorado River water rights in a suit pitting the Navajo Nation against the federal government, certain states, and regional water-management authorities.

On Friday, the justices agreed to review a federal appeals court decision allowing the Navajo Nation to move forward with a lawsuit seeking to secure water from the river.

The justices in recent terms have shown an interest in tribal issues. The court on Nov. 9 will consider a challenge to the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act, which tribes see as imperative to maintaining their most precious ...