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SANTA MARIA, Calif. (KEYT) – Local police released the name of the man who was stabbed and later died earlier this month and more details about the suspect in custody in connection.

On Thursday, the Santa Maria Police Department confirmed that 21-year-old Steven Vargas of Nipomo was the man stabbed on the evening of May 16 in the 200 block of East Plaza Drive.

Officers were dispatched to the parking lot of the local In-N-Out on Bradley Road around 6:50 p.m. and the 21-year-old was transported from the scene with critical injuries detailed the Santa Maria Police Department.

On May 22, Marian Regional Medical Center reported to the Santa Maria Police Department that Vargas had died from his injuries.

A preliminary investigation revealed that Vargas had been stabbed in the 200 block of East Plaza Drive and a 24-year-old Santa Maria man has been taken into custody in connection stated the local police agency.

The 24-year-old remains in custody at the Santa Barbara County Jail on a charge of murder and the investigation into the fatal stabbing remains open shared the Santa Maria Police Department.

Anyone with more information is asked to contact the Santa Maria Police Department at 805-928-3781 and ask for Detective Hesch at extension 1349 or Detective Rubio at extension 1682.

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By Aileen Graef, CNN

(CNN) — The Bureau of Engraving and Printing is planning to potentially print a commemorative $250 bill with the image of President Donald Trump to mark the country’s 250th anniversary.

A Treasury Department spokesperson confirmed the plans in a statement, saying it was conducting “appropriate planning and due diligence” in response to “active legislation.”

“Should this legislative mandate be signed into law, the BEP is moving proactively to produce a $250 commemorative note which will appropriately recognize the 250th Anniversary of our great nation,” the spokesperson told CNN.

Republican Rep. Joe Wilson of South Carolina has introduced legislation that would “symbolically recognize the President of the United States during the Semiquincentennial anniversary,” per a press release from Wilson’s office. The legislation has languished in Congress and there’s no evidence it would be passed.

In fact, putting the image of a living person on US currency is not authorized by US statute. An exception to that law would have to be authorized by Congress. CNN has reached out to the designer of the mockup of the bill for comment.

The design, as reported by the Washington Post, resembles one that GOP Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky posted on X in January. It showed a stern portrait of Trump with the colors of the flag, the “250” logo and the president’s signature.

The Treasury spokesperson confirmed Trump’s signature is on the potential currency.

“Based on the recommendation of U.S. Treasurer Brandon Beach, Secretary Bessent will recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Trump by adding his signature to the currency,” the spokesperson said.

They also noted that no tax dollars were used, since the agency is self-sustaining and doesn’t rely on congressional appropriations.

The story headline has been updated.

The-CNN-Wire
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