KTSM - News Channel 9

Rep. Escobar opposes amendment limiting research on drunk driving prevention technologies. She emphasizes the necessity, highlighting Texas' high drunk driving death rates. https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/escobar-cites-el-pasos-high-drunk-driving-death-rate-in-push-for-more-safety-options/

El Paso Congresswoman Veronica Escobar spoke out against a proposed federal policy affecting data center development during a House Appropriations Committee markup for Fiscal Year 2027. MORE: https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/escobar-calls-for-local-control-as-meta-data-center-concerns-grow/

NMSU professor and Guggenheim-winning poet, Connie Voisine, announces retirement after 25 years. Voisine's legacy includes reshaping the creative writing program and co-founding a non-profit for disabled writers. More: https://www.ktsm.com/news/nmsu-poet-writing-professor-to-retire-after-25-years/

Last night was filled with wind, lightning, and rain. Also, the first official case of 'New World Screwworm' in South Texas. Finally, Marathon Refinery's air permit renewal will be examined. MORE: https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/rep-perez-calls-to-contest-marathon-refinerys-air-permit/ 

Crime Stoppers seek public help to identify two individuals who stole alcohol from a San Elizario convenience store in April. Tips can be submitted anonymously for a possible cash reward. More: https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/help-sought-to-id-2-buzz-ball-bandits-in-san-elizario/

El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson defends city's decision to continue with Meta's data center project, citing potential legal and financial risks from cancellation. More: https://www.ktsm.com/news/el-paso-mayor-defends-citys-legal-and-financial-position-on-meta-project/

Our last Small Town Spotlight of the season airs today, Wednesday, June 3. In our season finale, KTSM is heading to Chihuahua, Mexico. Tune in to KTSM at 6 p.m.! Watch it on demand on our KTSM+ app.

Socorro ISD surpasses 5 million minute reading goal with 6.1 million logged minutes in the 2nd annual All in For Read challenge. Over 18,000 participants contributed to the district-wide reading achievement https://www.ktsm.com/news/students-staff-at-socorro-isd-top-5m-minutes-in-reading-challenge/

Positions at EPISD are on the chopping block. Also, city council member proposed end to agreement with META. Finally, infrastructure set to begin soon on Piedras Street. MORE: https://www.ktsm.com/news/episd-weighs-financial-exigency-staffing-reductions-as-district-faces-budget-challenges/ 

El Paso County took a key step on Tuesday, June 2 as it seeks proposals to run and administer the El Paso County Coliseum. More: https://www.ktsm.com/news/county-takes-key-step-in-seeking-bids-for-coliseum-management/

Business owners in the Five Points District express concerns about an over-year-long construction on Piedras Street. More: https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/five-points-business-owners-fear-looming-piedras-street-construction-will-force-closures/

El Paso ISD trustees consider a plan to address a $52.8 million deficit, potentially leading to 410 job cuts. The proposal, aimed at financial stabilization, could be voted on Thursday https://www.ktsm.com/news/episd-weighs-financial-exigency-staffing-reductions-as-district-faces-budget-challenges/

Two men were arrested in San Elizario after a foot chase. Drugs and a loaded shotgun were found in their possession and the investigations ongoing. More: https://www.ktsm.com/local/el-paso-news/epcso-2-wanted-men-arrested-after-running-from-deputies-found-drugs-loaded-shotgun/

An underground tunnel has been found connecting San Diego and a property in Tijuana. Authorities say it was used as a storage, logistics, and trafficking center for weapons, explosives, and illegal drugs. MORE: https://www.ktsm.com/news/cross-border-tunnel-for-drug-weapon-smuggling-uncovered/ 

Discussions underway today addressing EPISD financial crisis. Also, water is now flowing in the Rio Grande. Finally, due to water release, EP Water says it's transitioning from groundwater to river water. MORE: https://www.ktsm.com/news/el-paso-water-begins-seasonal-treatment-of-rio-grande/ 

A junior robotics student from Montwood High School has won the prestigious FIRST Leadership Award, recognizing her exceptional leadership and commitment to STEM education and community outreach. More: https://www.ktsm.com/news/montwood-hs-student-picks-up-national-robotics-award/

With the arrival of water in the Rio Grande River this week, El Paso Water announced it will begin the seasonal transition to treating Rio Grande water at two of its water treatment plants. MORE: https://www.ktsm.com/news/el-paso-water-begins-seasonal-treatment-of-rio-grande/ 

EP County declares June 13-14 as 'Viva La Lucha Weekend' celebrating the third annual Viva La Lucha 5K race. The event promotes physical activity, cultural appreciation, and supports youth health initiatives. https://www.ktsm.com/news/el-paso-county-honors-lucha-libre-with-viva-la-lucha-weekend/

A lawsuit is sounding the alarm over conditions inside Camp East Montana. Also, thousands of families believed to have been separated because of ICE. Finally, with layoffs looming, parents draw a line. MORE: https://www.ktsm.com/news/groups-sue-ice-over-inhumane-conditions-at-camp-east-montana/ 

One judge scored the fight a 95-95 draw, while the other two judges scored it 96-94 in favor of Han, allowing the El Paso native to successfully defend her title. More: https://www.ktsm.com/sports/local-sports/stephanie-han-beats-holly-holm-in-rematch-to-retain-wba-world-lightweight-title/ 

El Paso County celebrated the completion of a wastewater infrastructure project that brought sewer hookups to about 120 families in Panorama Village, an unincorporated area near Socorro. More: https://www.ktsm.com/news/county-celebrates-sewer-hookups-for-colonia-near-socorro/ 

Advocates in Barrio Chamizal are fighting to keep the proposed cuts away from their already strained campuses, arguing that their students cannot afford to lose another educator. More: https://www.ktsm.com/news/chamizal-parents-protest-looming-episd-cuts-demand-equity-for-south-central-schools/