ACLU Cites Racial Profiling By Border Patrol in Las Cruces + Local News

Former Socorro Councilman Gets Suspended Sentence

A former Socorro city councilman won't be serving any prison time for his bribery conviction.  Yesterday, a judge gave Jesse Gandara, Jr a ten-year suspended sentence and a ten-thousand-dollar fine.  Earlier this week, Gandara was convicted of trying to bribe the owners of a dairy to support a controversial annexation plan.

ACLU Cites Racial Profiling By Border Patrol

The ACLU is accusing border patrol agents in Las Cruces and other New Mexico checkpoints of abusive behavior.  The group says it's documented everything from racial profiling, to physical abuse.  A Border Patrol spokesman says anyone with a complaint has the right to ask to speak to a supervisor.

Lawmakers Approve Border Security Bill

State lawmakers have given final approval to one of Governor Abbott's "emergency" issues for the legislative session.  They've passed a $310 million dollar plan to beef up security along the border.  Among other things, the measure will increase the number of state troopers at the border and it'll fund a new border intelligence center.

Business Community To Get 25% Tax Cut

Governor Abbott is expected to sign a bill that'll give Texas businesses a big tax cut.  The measure includes a 25 % reduction in the franchise tax.  Earlier this year, the governor said such a tax cut would create new jobs by helping the state remain economically competitive.  Lawmakers gave final approval to the tax cut yesterday.

El Paso Gas Prices Highest In the State

This week marks the unofficial start of summer, meaning it'll soon cost a little more to fill your tank.  Triple-A says the average price of gas in Texas is up to 2.51 a gallon, nearly 20 cents more than a month ago.  But here in the western part of the state, we're paying even more than that.  The average in El Paso is now up to 2.64 a gallon, the highest price in the state.