Authorities Bust 15 Suspected Gang Members in El Paso, Child Abuse Suspect Faces More Charges + More News Headlines

Lawmakers Consider Body Cameras For Police

Texas lawmakers are considering a bill that would require police to wear body cameras.  However, a lobbyist for police associations says there are still plenty of unanswered questions about the bill.  Lobbyist Chris Jones says the bill doesn't address when the cameras should be turned on, and whether police video should be considered public information.  Meanwhile, a spokesman for the A-C-L-U says he shares similar concerns about when body cameras can be turned on and off.

Authorities Bust 15 Suspected Gang Members In El Paso

Homeland Security has arrested 15 suspected gang members in El Paso as part of a nationwide crackdown called "Project Wildfire."  Homeland Security spokesman Waldemar Rodriguez says nationally close to one-thousand gang members have been arrested under Project Wildfire.  He says the arrests included members of the Barrio Azteca, Surenos, and local street gangs.

Parents Sue Over Police Officer's Death

The parents of a rookie El Paso police officer who was killed in a chain-reaction accident three years ago, are suing for $30 million.  27 year old Miguel Garcia was killed on I-10 near Hawkins when a truck crashed into two vehicles, pushing those vehicles into Garcia.  His parents are suing the truck driver and the company he worked for.  Lawyers for the defense say the truck driver was not speeding, and was never charged with a crime.

Chamber Hosts Bi-Partisan Event

The El Paso Chamber of Commerce hosted an event yesterday featuring three high-profile Republicans and a Democrat who represent New Mexico and Texas in Congress.  Senator John Cornyn, Congressmen Steve Peace, Will Hurd and Beto O'Rourke say they're all working together on key issues that are important to El Paso.  Democrat O'Rourke, who represents El Paso, says they're all in lockstep when it comes to support for the V-A, Fort Bliss, and border security.

Texans Pay Almost 59-Hundred Dollars In State And Local Taxes

A new study shows taxpayers in Texas pay almost 59-hundred dollars on average in state and local taxes.  According to WallletHub.com, Texas is ranked 29th in America for its annual state and local tax burden.  Alaska has the lowest average state and local taxes, at just under three-thousand dollars a year.  Illinois is dead last at more than 77-hundred dollars a year.

Child Abuse Suspect Faces More Charges

A New Mexico man has been slapped with additional charges after being arrested in January on child abuse charges.  24 year old Alejandro Lopez is now facing two additional counts of child abuse and child neglect.  Police say his five-month-old son suffered life-threatening injuries and was airlifted to a hospital in El Paso.  Meanwhile, the boy's mother has also been arrested on child abuse charges.