Working to combat hunger and support smallscale agriculture, the State of New Mexico is making significant strides through the Local Food Purchasing Assistance (LFPA) Cooperative Agreement, funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The initiative, known locally as the Regional Farm to Food Bank (RF2FB) program, has already made a notable impact by investing over $1.5 million in local and regional food producers.

In a landmark move to address the crisis of violence against Indigenous people, the Not Invisible Act Commission has officially transmitted its extensive list of recommendations to the Department of the Interior, Department of Justice, and U.S. Congress. This significant development follows the commission's thorough evaluation of the urgent need for a cohesive strategy to combat violent crime against Indigenous peoples and the epidemic of missing, murdered, and trafficked American Indian and Alaska Native individuals.

Grants, NM — In the early hours of February 19, 2024, a routine patrol in Grants, New Mexico, led to the arrest of Elias Estevan for suspected possession of methamphetamine. A sergeant from the Grants Police Department allegedly saw Estevan acting suspiciously near a closed Phillip 66 gas station around 2:30 a.m.

Feb. 19 Casey Lyle Becenti, born in 1982: Drunk or disorderly, Trespassing Elias Jacob Estevan, born in 1994: Drugs Possession Feb.

SEBOYETA, N.M. — American Future Fuel Corporation, a Canadian resource company, has made significant strides in its Cebolleta Uranium Project in Cibola County, New Mexico, with early drilling results revealing promising signs of substantial uranium deposits. This development is part of a resurgence in uranium mining in the region, decades after the industry saw a decline.

GRANTS, NM Once again, the Cibola County Arts Council has generously provided another Young People’s Concert under the direction of Leonard Bernstein. The Art Council’s music appreciation program invites the public to join them every Friday at 4 p.m. This week’s program was “A Tribute to Teachers”, a concert revealing some of the admirable musicians that Bernstein studied under and that influenced his career.

SANTA FE, NM – Art and poetry lovers rejoice: New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (NMDCA) has launched a statewide ekphrastic poetry contest dedicated to finding written inspiration in pieces of artwork on view around the state.

The New Mexico Cattle Growers’ Association (NMCGA) will host its 2024 Southwest Regional meeting on March 27 in Reserve, New Mexico at the Catron County Fair Grounds in conjunction with the Catron County Extension Service “Cattle and Natural Resources Management Update.” Registration is from 9:30 to 10:00. The program will start at 10:00.

CROWNPOINT, NM On February 29, 2024, Navajo Technical University held its Eleventh Annual Research Day competition for students from various disciplines of study to showcase their research projects. The event awarded cash prizes to the top three research projects submitted and displayed for visitors. NTU students Merrill Benally, first place, Milton James for second place, and Makeiyla Begay and Layla James tied for third place.

SANTA FE – With the weather warming, the start of spring winds, and Southwest Wildfire Awareness Week at the end of the month, now is the time for residents in the New Mexico to take proactive steps against destructive wildfire. From the bosque to the mountains, individuals and communities shouldn’t feel helpless; they can learn how to take action to protect their families, properties, and communities.