Dine model/photographer creates positive life out of adversity

When Shundeen Modell was a young Diné girl living in Arizona, she faced a lot of obstacles. In her home, she dealt with alcoholic parents, domestic violence, and abuse. At school she was bullied by children who made fun of her for being too thin.

“I remember kids would tease me because I was so skinny,” she said. “They would trip me and push me into the lockers and now it’s funny because when they see me now (laughing), they [guys] try to hit on me on Facebook.”

“I’ve forgiven them, but I just want to move on. But [I am] watching my boundaries.”

Raised in Teesto, Ariz., then relocated to Sanders...

Red-to-Green system to be used for New Mexico counties

SANTA FE — Counties in New Mexico may be able to reopen and increase capacity at non-essential businesses.

On Dec. 2, the state transitioned into a three-tier county-by-county system that will determine where restrictions can be eased.

“The county-by-county framework enables counties, and the businesses and nonprofits within their borders, to operate with fewer restrictions when they slow the spread of the virus and drive down test positivity rates,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham explained.

“It’s been a difficult year and an especially difficult past month. We must remain as vigilant as ever to contain and beat the...

SANTA FE — New Mexico state health officials announced 1,549 additional COVID-19 cases on Dec. 2.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement:

“Every single day I pray that New Mexicans infected with this virus will recover. Every single day I pray for the families whose loved ones are battling illness with all the strength they have. My thoughts are always with the doctors, nurses and health care providers who give everything they have to their patients, who selflessly risk their own health to protect their communities and our state. My thoughts are with their families, too, and the families of the first responders and essential workers who, through their...

Action taken against over 2,300 money mules in global crackdown

The U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and six other federal law enforcement agencies announced the completion of the third annual Money Mule Initiative, a coordinated operation to disrupt the networks through which transnational fraudsters move the proceeds of their crimes.

Money mules are individuals who assist fraudsters by receiving money from victims of fraud and forwarding it to the fraud organizers, many of whom are located abroad.  Some money mules know they are assisting fraudsters, but others are unaware that their actions enable fraudsters’ efforts to swindle money from...