Here’s a look at today’s headlines:

The North Fire in the Magdalena Ranger District is now 36,246 acres at 30% containment.  The lightning-caused fire started May 21st and continues to be managed for multiple resource benefits.  A temporary Area Closure Order has been issued for the vicinity of the North Fire.

The Dog Head Fire affecting communities outside of Albuquerque is 17,912 acres and 31% contained.  The human caused fire began June 14th and is still being investigated.  So far 24 residences and 21 other minor structures have been damaged, and over 900 personnel are responding to the incident.

Luna County’s Board of Commissioners recently passed Ordinance Number 52 Amended which deals with the health and well-being of animals in the county.  The Ordinance introduces a new system of county licensing to be administered by the Deming-Luna County Humane Society.  Residential owners who own between 8 and 14 companion animals will need to apply for a Multiple Companion Animal Site Permit. Premises where more than 15 animals are kept or boarded must apply for a Multiple Animal Facility Permit.  Both permits require annual random inspections by animal control officers.  The Ordinance will take effect on July 16th and will apply to the owners of dogs, cats and potbellied pigs, which are referred to as “companion animals” in the language.  The full text of the ordinance is available by visiting http://www.lunacountynm.us/ordinances/ and scrolling to number 52.

Two amendments intended to try to reduce gun violence recently failed to receive the necessary 60 votes needed for consideration in the Senate.  The provisions aimed to give the Attorney General the authority to block the sale of guns or explosives to known or suspected terrorists.  The other amendment would have closed loopholes in the background check system to ensure that firearms and explosives are kept out of the hands of terrorists, criminals, and those who suffer from serious mental illness.

Today, in a ceremony at the White House, President Obama signed into law US Senator Tom Udall’s Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act, which reforms the broken Toxic Substances Control Act of 1976 to keep children and communities in New Mexico and across the nation safe from dangerous chemicals.  More information about the Frank R. Lautenberg Chemical Safety for the 21st Century Act is available at http://www.tomudall.senate.gov/chemicalsafety/.