Las Cruces Baby Tests Positive For Cocaine + More Local News

El Paso Bridge To Open

Students at the University of Texas at El Paso have a new way to get downtown.  The DOT is opening a new bridge, connecting their campus with Paisano Drive today.  It's called "Spur 1966," in honor of the school's 1966 men's basketball championship.  If all goes well, the bridge will open to traffic today around lunchtime.

Legislature Making Progress On Border Bill

State lawmakers are moving closer toward an agreement to beef up the number of state officers who patrol the border.  A Senate committee has agreed to hold hearings on the House bill Monday.  In addition to more manpower, the measure would also create a new intelligence center to study crime along the border.

Jade Helm Paying For Land Use

U.S. military officials have agreed to pay landowners in parts of south Texas, for permission to use their property for the so-called 'Jade Helm' training exercises.  Big Spring Mayor Larry McLellan believes the arrangement will be good for his city, boosting the local economy.  But some critics are worried about the purpose of the military exercises, because they're taking place in civilian areas.  'Jade Helm' will run July 15th through September 15th in parts of Texas and six other states.

Las Cruces Baby Tests Positive For Cocaine

Police are charging a Las Cruces couple with child abuse, after their toddler and baby both tested positive for cocaine.  The children were tested after being removed from the home because of a domestic dispute.  The couple is being held on 25-thousand dollars bond.  The children have been placed with relatives.

TX Ranked 29th "Best State To Be A Taxpayer"

Texas comes in at number 29 in a new ranking of the "Best States To Be A Taxpayer."  The WalletHub survey found that the average Texas household pays slightly less than 59-hundred dollars a year in state and local taxes.  That's four percent more than the national average.  The survey says the best state for taxpayers is Alaska, while the worst is Illinois.