Good morning, Las Cruces.

Las Cruces will host a busy week of public events including a Model Railroad Club meeting at the Fairground today from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Food Truck Friday at 2941 Morningstar Drive from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.—other events include live art shows, teen sports, and community gatherings at parks and local venues.

Approximately 300 protesters gathered in the rain at the four corners of Telshor Blvd. and Lohman Ave. on July 17 to honor the civil rights leader John Lewis on the fifth anniversary of his death—even as they raised concerns over voting rights and immigration.

District Judge Conrad F.

Perea sentenced habitual offender Jacob Gonzales to 49 years in prison on July 17 for first-degree kidnapping and related charges—his 2020 attack saw him using a firearm to confine and terrorize his ex-girlfriend.

Las Cruces Police and an official from Las Cruces Public School hosted a live podcast on July 15 to discuss school safety—topics included drug use, bullying, and how to handle active threat situations.

The discussion stressed parent involvement and new tech such as cameras, improved footage access, and a weapon detection system to keep schools secure as kindergarten, sixth, and ninth graders begin classes on July 25 while others start on July 28.

Alpha Teaching Tools—a 30-year-old locally owned shop on E Lohman Ave.—is helping Las Cruces teachers get ready for the new school year starting July 25 by offering flashcards, books and classroom decorations that let educators see and touch the supplies before they buy; owner Daniel Prez said the shop works hard to find every needed item despite more teachers turning to online shopping since COVID-19 changed the market.

Music in the Park - Thee Locomotion Style and Satisfied

Enjoy the summer weather — Time not specified — Young Park — Free entry — Experience a vibrant afternoon of live music featuring local acts across various genres.

ORION 224 Live Concert

7-11 p.m. — El Camino — Ticket info not provided — Experience an exciting night of live music with ORION 224 and special guests.

Footloose Youth Edition by A.C.T.

7-8 p.m. — Rio Grande Theatre — Tickets available — Experience the electrifying youth rendition of Footloose with the teens of Bomont as they kick up their Sunday shoes.

Monster Truck Wars

12-6 p.m. — Southern New Mexico State Fair & Rodeo — Tickets start at $60 — Experience an unforgettable day of thrilling monster truck action in Las Cruces.