Fort Bliss Army Sergeant Arrested For Child Pornography + More Local News

Fort Bliss Army Sergeant Arrested For Child Pornography

A Fort Bliss Army sergeant is being arrested on suspicion of having child pornography.  Homeland Security Investigations agents searched Sergeant First Class Michael Hall's home yesterday before taking him into custody.  "The El Paso Times" says Hall was scheduled to go before a federal judge yesterday but it is unknown if he was charged with any crime.  Grenades were also found during the search of his home.  The El Paso police bomb squad was brought in to help with the explosives.

Texas Executes Man For 1983 Murder

Texas is executing a man who's been on death row for three decades.  Lester Bower was put to death Wednesday night for a 1983 quadruple murder in Grayson County.  The 67-year-old thanked his lawyers for keeping him alive for the last 25 years, along with his family and friends for their support.  Bower told witnesses he wasn't going to say goodbye, but would say "until we meet again."  He's the eighth person to be put to death in Texas this year.  Another execution is planned for later this month.

Perry Announces Presidential Run On Website

Republican Rick Perry is running for U.S. President in 2016.  The former Texas governor's website has now been updated with a logo reading "Perry President" along with a video.  The video features Perry talking about the importance of having a President who tells the truth, fixes the economy, and keeps the country safe.  He's expected to officially announce his campaign in North Texas on Thursday morning.

Local High School Wins National Academic Crown

An El Paso high school is taking first in a national academic competition.  "The El Paso Times" says the High Q team from Coronado High School won the National Academic Championship over the weekend after taking second the past two years.  The win earned them a trip to face off against two other national winners next week.  "The Times" says they will face schools from Chicago and New Orleans on Monday in Chicago.

Ted Cruz Apologizes For Biden Joke

Senator Ted Cruz is apologizing for a joke he made about Vice President Joe Biden.  Cruz posted on Facebook saying it was a mistake to use an old joke about Biden while he's mourning the death of his son.  Cruz also says his prayers are with the Vice President and his family.  Biden's son, Beau Biden, died last weekend of brain cancer.