Here’s a look at today’s headlines:
Steven Morales, 36, of Silver City was bound over to district court on first degree murder charges and tampering with evidence charges in a preliminary hearing on Thursday in regards to the homicide of Esteban Ortega, 22, who was found dead in a vehicle on Radio Tower Road. According to witnesses, Morales was a passenger in Ortega’s car when they had pulled over to allegedly do meth. Morales and Ortega then reportedly began to argue. A third female passenger was then told to tie Ortega up, and she reported then hearing two shots fired from inside the car.
In the Deming School Board Election, Incumbent William Bayne Anderson kept his District 2 seat, while newcomers Matt Robinson and Francine Jacobs were elected as new members to the board. Robinson beat out John Staehle for the position in District 3, Anderson won against opponent Fred Williams, and Jacobs took a close win from Incumbent Ruben Torres and opponent Don Heacox. The School Board Election saw an approximate 7% voter turnout.
In legislative action,
Senator Martin Heinrich, along with Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, yesterday introduced the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act of 2015. The Sportsmen’s Act includes a broad array of bipartisan measure to enhance opportunities for hunters, anglers and outdoor recreation enthusiasts, as well as reauthorize key conservation programs, improve access to public lands, and help boost the outdoor recreation economy. “The number one issue for sportsmen and women across the country is access. This widely supported, bipartisan bill will open more areas to hunting and fishing and grow America’s thriving outdoor recreation economy,” said Heinrich.
Senators Tom Udall and Martin Heinrich led a bipartisan group of senators this week in renewing their efforts to expand restitution for victims of radiation exposure related to US nuclear arms testing in the 1950s and 60s. The senators introduced the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act, which seeks to expand eligibility to affected individuals in New Mexico, Idaho, Arizona Colorado, Montana, Nevada, and Utah. “During the Cold War, many New Mexicans and others sacrificed their health and safety for our nation, and it is our solemn duty to ensure they receive quality care and compensation. Udall said. “This bill is a step forward for downwinders, former miners and their families who deserve compensation for their hardships.”
