A measure to ban high-capacity gun ammunition magazines has passed its first test at Santa Fe city hall. It's sponsored by City Councilor Patti Bushee and Mayor David Coss. The public safety committee gave the plan a go-ahead vote with only one member of the committee voting no. The measure would ban ammunition magazines carrying more than 10 rounds. The only people allowed to have high-capacity magazines would be those who owned them before the ordinance took effect and current and retired police officers.
Richard Branson may be talking about a December 25th inaugural flight from Spaceport America, but whether it takes off hinges on several factors. The company has not yet completed all of its rocket testing in the Mojave Desert, and the FAA still must give Virgin Galactic final permission. Branson told news reporters in Abu Dhabi he's aiming for Christmas Day. Spaceport officials tell the Las Cruces Sun News that they'll be ready when Branson is.
Testimony has begun in state district court in the case of a double homicide in Santa Fe back in January 2012. 55-year old Arthur Anaya faces two counts of first degree murder and other charges for allegedly shooting two people over a $100 rent dispute. Jurors on Tuesday heard testimony from Natalie Vigil, the daughter of Theresa Vigil and girlfriend of Austin Urban, both of whom were fatally shot in her presence.
Santa Fe Police have released a list of their most wanted criminals for the month of May. The nine offenders have outstanding warrants and are charged with a variety of property crimes. The posting of names and photos along with a brief rap sheet is part of the police department's "Operation Full Court Press", credited with a sharp reduction in Santa Fe's burglary rate. Police Chief Ray Rael says locating and detaining those named is important to keep crime on the decline.
State fire officials say crews have made good progress in arresting further development of a 200 acre fire near Silver City. The blaze, of unknown cause, broke out late Tuesday afternoon in brush and scrub in rugged terrain. Dubbed the McKenny Fire, some 60 personnel are on scene conducting burn out procedures to prevent any further spread.
Ten crewmembers assigned to the USS Santa Fe nuclear-powered submarine arrive in town today to mark events for the upcoming Memorial Day observance. The sub is based in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii under the lead of Commander Timothy Poe. The original USS Santa Fe was a light class cruiser launched during the 2nd World War. It's bell, rudder wheel and compass are on permanent display at Santa Fe City Hall.
Santa Fe County is touting a recent addition in staffing for the County Corrections Division. The new hire has an exceptional nose for sniffing out any illegal drugs in the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility. Her name is Bixi, a 19-month-old German Shepherd with all the prerequisite training and certification required of K9 Operation members. Jail Warden Mark Gallegos says Bixi has been on the job for a month now and is doing an excellent job.
Local area residents wishing to know more about the expansion of Medicaid under the nation's healthcare law are invited to attend a free Santa Fe event this evening. Hosted by Health Action New Mexico and others, the focus will be on eligibility and how to apply for coverage. It's been previously estimated that the expansion will cover some 200,000 New Mexicans when it goes into effect January 1st of next year. The 5:30PM event is at Zona del Sol at 6601 Jaguar Drive.
Weather for Santa Fe – Sunny and dry today and well into next week. Daytime highs near 80 degrees with overnight lows in the low 50s.