By KERA News & Wire Services
Dallas, TX – El Paso police and Texas state troopers have waged a second assault against suspected members of the Barrio Azteca border gang. In a statement issued Monday, El Paso city officials say 25 people were arrested in what's being called Phase 2 of "Operation Knock Down.
The operation is an effort to find new leads into the March 13 killings of three people with ties to the U.S. Consulate in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
According to the statement, 10 of the 25 suspects in custody are confirmed members of Barrio Azteca, while the others are alleged associates of the gang of those whose membership is unconfirmed.
Assisting El Paso police and the Texas Department of Public Safety were the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the El Paso County Sheriff's Office
No settlement in $58M judgment against Bob Perry
Attorneys for an elderly Fort Worth-area couple who won a $58 million judgment against a politically powerful homebuilder from Houston say mediation efforts have proved unsuccessful.
Attorneys Van Shaw and Dan Hagood said Monday that they failed to reach agreement with attorneys for Perry Homes owner Bob Perry. A Fort Worth judge ordered the mediation to avoid appeals after the $58 million verdict earlier this month.
Robert and Jane Cull of Mansfield sued Perry Homes in 2000 over problems with their home's foundation. They had won an $800,000 arbitration award, but the Texas Supreme Court overturned that award in 2008. Justices each received political contributions from Perry and his family totaling more than $260,000.
A Perry spokesman had no immediate comment.
American Eagle offers nonstop Cheyenne-DFW flights
American Eagle Airlines will offer nonstop flights between Cheyenne and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport starting July 15.
The regional affiliate of American Airlines said Monday that the service will include two round-trip flights per day on 44-seat Embraer jets. Base rate for a one-way ticket is $135.
The Dallas-based airline expects the flights to attract business and leisure travelers. The airline also points out the flights will begin in time for Cheyenne Frontier Days, the city's big annual rodeo.
Cheyenne Mayor Rick Kaysen says the flights will provide valuable economic benefits for Cheyenne.
The Wyoming Department of Transportation Aeronautics Division is providing a $1.4 million minimum revenue guarantee grant to ensure American Eagle breaks even on the venture.