Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest announces the call for nominations for the 2015 Women of Distinction Awards.  The event brings together and recognizes purpose-driven, women leaders in business, government and philanthropy who, like the Girl Scouts, are dedicated to service and leadership.  Nominations will be accepted through June 18th.  To nominate a Woman of Distinction, visit gsdswwomenofdistinction.org or pick up a nomination form at any Girl Scouts of the Desert Southwest Offices.

The US Department of Agriculture launched a new tool that will help the agricultural producers across the country request conservation technical and financial assistance without visiting their local USDA Service Center in person.  The Conservation Client Gateway will give producers the ability to work with conservation planners online to access Farm Bill programs, request assistance, and track payments for their conservation activities.

The USDA has also announced that producers who apply for FSA farm loads will be offered the opportunity to enroll in new disaster loss protections created by the 2014 Farm Bill.  The new coverage is available to FSA load applicants who grow non-insurable crops, so this is especially important to fruit and vegetable producers and other specialty crop growers.

Today, U.S. Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich announced they have introduced a bill to preserve endangered Native languages.  The Native Language Immersion Student Achievement Act creates a new grant initiative to establish or expand Native language immersion programs. The grants will support the revitalization and maintenance of Tribal languages while increasing educational opportunities for Native American students.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Bayard Cemetery, city officials held a City Council work session and a regular session.  Bayard Clerk/Treasurer Kristina Ortiz gave an overview of the budget, which was to be approved at the regular session.  “The only items removed from the first budget were two vehicles,” Ortiz said. “Salaries are the same. Those on the agenda are in the budget. Those hired and serving on an introductory basis are included with the increase when they go to full time.