Border Bill Gets Abbott’s Signature + More Local News

Border Bill Gets Abbott's Signature

Texas' borders will soon be getting an added presence of law enforcement.  Governor Greg Abbott signed the $800 million border bill yesterday at a Department of Public Safety regional headquarters in Houston.  The bill includes speeding up the hiring of about 250 state troopers and provides additional training and equipment along the border.  Governor Abbott says he's proud to sign the legislation that will help provide safety and security for communities in the state.

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Most Of Texas Abortion Law

A federal court is upholding a Texas abortion law that supporters say protects womens' health.  The decision by the Fifth U.S. Court of Appeals allows most of the restrictions on abortion included in the 2013 law to be enforced statewide.  Critics say many clinics in the state will close because part of the law requires hospital-grade surgical facilities anywhere abortions are performed.  Before the law passed in 2013, there were around 40 licensed abortion clinics statewide.  That number is expected to drop to around eight under the new restrictions.

2 People Killed In Car Crash

Two people are dead following a car crash on U.S. 285.  Police say a vehicle was driving in the wrong lanes when it collided with a truck carrying a total of four people, killing the driver and one of the passengers.  The other two passengers suffered injuries in the collision.  At least three of the people in the truck were not wearing seat belts.

El Paso Pitcher Drafted In Third Round

An El Paso pitcher plans on heading to the big leagues after being selected in the Major League Baseball draft.  Ysleta High School right-hander Justin Maese was taken by the Toronto Blue Jays during the third round of the draft yesterday.  Maese tells the "The El Paso Times" he intends to sign with the Blue Jays, despite signing to play college ball at Texas Tech two months ago.

Two El Paso Hotels To Be Sold

Two hotels in El Paso are set to be sold in a deal worth more than $350 million.  "The El Paso Times" says the two hotels along Interstate Ten near Airway are part of the deal that includes more than 20 hotels nationwide.  The Hampton Inn and Suites and Courtyard by Marriott will be sold sometime this fall.  "The Times" says American Realty Capital Hospitality Trust is acquiring the hotels from Summit Hotel Properties.