Author: KVIA

Gabrielle Lopez

(KVIA) — New Mexico Congressman Gabe Vasquez spoke before the Department of War and the Federal Aviation Administration asking for more information on the closure of the El Paso International Airport in February.

Rep. Vasquez introduced amendments pushing the DOW to provide a report on its coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the FAA.

He also asked for an explanation on what caused the airport to temporarily shut down.

On Feb. 11, the FAA announced a 10-day closure of the El Paso airport for security concerns. The restrictions lifted within hours.

“There was no communication, no coordination,” Rep. Vasquez told ABC-7. “In this last National Defense Authorization Act that I was just debating yesterday, we have a full report coming on exactly what happened, how to prevent it, how to strengthen that interagency coordination.”

Both amendments passed the committee hearing and will be considered by the House of Representatives.

Rep. Vasquez will face Republican nominee Greg Cunningham in November for New Mexico’s Second Congressional District.

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Gabrielle Lopez

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Friday, Municipal Public Security Secretary officers in Juárez rescued a 9-year-old boy chained inside a home in the Toribio Ortega neighborhood. They arrested the boy’s mother, 35-year-old Leyma L. J. for alleged domestic violence, the Juárez Municipal Government said.

Officers in the neighborhood were patrolling when a community hotline reported the boy, according to the Juárez Municipal Government.

When they went to the reported address, they heard cries for help coming from the inside. They found the boy with a chain fastened around his ankle, according to a news release.

The boy said his mother restrained him to stop him from leaving the house, the Juárez Municipal Government said.

After being rescued, the boy went to the social work department for care and shelter, officials said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — DJ Steve Aoki is coming to the Elmont Swim Club as part of his Dim Mak Takeover.

Aoki will perform at the swim club Sept. 4. Doors open at 8 p.m., according to officials.

He’s known for his high-energy performances — and his ritual cake throw into the crowd.

The DJ also founded Dim Mark Records in 1996, which is a Los Angeles-based record label, events company and lifestyle brand.

You can find ticket information here.

Other DJs will spin at the Elmont leading up to Aoki’s performance in September:

Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m.: Tiësto

Saturday, July 11, at 8 p.m.: Elderbrook

Friday, July 31, at 8 p.m.: Alesso

Sunday, Aug. 9 at 4 p.m.: Odd Mob

Friday, Aug. 14, at 9 p.m.: Zhu, On the Move tour

Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 p.m.: Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Takeover

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The historic Segundo Barrio neighborhood inspired a new play area at the El Paso Museum of History. The City of El Paso announced the newly-renovated kids area Friday.

The neighborhood, located south of Downtown El paso, was historically known as “the other Ellis Island” due to the area’s port of entry connecting El Paso and Mexico, the museum said.

On the first floor of the history museum, children can explore a miniature version of the area. The play area’s design references Segundo Barrio’s Chicago brick-style apartments, trolley area and “tienditas.”

“We decided that Segundo is a great place because it’s a place where you connect to your roots, and it’s a place that everyone should know,” Erica Marin, the museum’s director, said.

The “Little Barrio Play Area” is on the museum’s first floor.

The city said the Nusenda Foundation’s 20206 Community Rewards supported the play area’s renovation.

“This work honors the rich cultural heritage of Segundo Barrio while helping young learners build confidence, pride, and a deeper connection to their community,” Nusenda spokesperson Sara Keller said.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-When rain is in the forecast, most of us grab an umbrella or a raincoat. TxDOT El Paso wants to remind you that it’s just as important to get your car ready for wet weather and make sure you’re prepared for the drive.

Lauren Macias-Cervantes, the spokesperson for TxDOT El Paso, says, “If severe weather is expected, stay informed.” Check reliable weather sources like the ABC-7 StormTrack Weather team, look at live cameras on txdot.gov, and visit drivetexas.org or call 800-452-9292 for the latest road conditions. If possible, think about delaying your trip or staying home.

If you need to travel, check your car’s battery, tires, and windshield wipers. Make sure your gas tank is full in case you run into delays. It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car.

Always wear your seatbelt and drive more slowly, allowing extra time for your trip. Leave more space between you and the car ahead, and turn on your headlights to stay safe. Cervantes-Macias said.

Don’t use cruise control. If you hit standing water or slippery spots, cruise control can make it harder to keep control of your car.

If your car starts to hydroplane, gently lift your foot off the gas or brakes. Stay calm and let the car slow down until you regain control.

Rushing water is more powerful than it looks. Just six inches of fast-moving water can make you lose control of your car.

Floodwater can hide dangers you can’t see, such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damaged roads.

Take a different route if you see still or moving floodwater. Never try to drive through it.

Be especially careful when driving at night, since it’s harder to spot flood hazards in the dark.

Watch for emergency vehicles on the road.

Also, look out for stranded vehicles, especially on multi-lane roads where the outer lanes might be flooded.

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (5:48 p.m.) — According to photos sent by a witness and FlightRadar24.com, a Cessna 210 Silver Eagle crashed. Flight data showing the plane’s path stopped just after 11 a.m.

An ABC-7 viewer sent a photo of the crash.

Credit: Stephen Stetler

UPDATE (2:16 p.m.) — A witness helped two people get out of the plane after it crashed, Doña Ana County said in a news release. The third person was trapped inside and firefighters rescued them.

A single-engine plane crashed near a runway, according to the county.

The county said all three crash victims had life-threatening injuries.

Below is a picture of the crash.

Credit: Doña Ana County

Credit: Doña Ana County

New Mexico State Police are investigating the scene. There’s no information on what caused the crash.

SANTA TERESA, N.M. (KVIA) — Doña Ana Fire Rescue confirmed with ABC-7 a small plane crashed at the Doña Ana County International Jetport Friday.

Sunland Park Fire Chief Daniel Medrano said three people, including the pilot, were in the plane. It crashed at 10:57 a.m. on airport property.

Two people were airlifted to University Medical Center in El Paso in serious but stable condition, Medrano told ABC-7.

The third person is in critical condition at UMC, according to Medrano.

The jetport is in Santa Teresa next to the War Eagles Air Museum.

This is a developing story.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — EPISD’s board of trustees voted to declare financial exigency yesterday amid financial struggles the district is currently facing.

ABC-7 reached out to the El Paso Federation of Teachers and to EPISD for comment on last night’s vote.

Watch the full story in our later newscasts.

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Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Independent School District Board of Trustees declared financial exigency at Tuesday’s board meeting. Its decision leaves them with a $4 million dollar budget deficit for next fiscal year.

The board was presented with three options to address budget concerns moving into next fiscal year:

Option 1: EPISD would not declare financial exigency. This would leave it with a $37.3 million dollar budget deficit equivalent to 15 days of fund balance.

Option 2: EPISD declares financial exigency. It cuts 40 contracted employees, 150 at-will and 92 teachers. It would have a $1.4 million dollar deficit, equivalent to 38.5 days fund balance.

Option 3: EPISD declares financial exigency. It cuts 40 contracted employees, 150 at-will and 54 teachers. The school district would still be at a $4.3 million dollar deficit, equivalent to 38.5 days of fund balance. This option saves 38 teacher positions.

The board chose option three.

The recommended fund balance is between 60 and 90 days, according to the Texas Education Agency. The fund balance is the calculation of assets as compared to liabilities.

These projections are made on the assumption the district meets the 90% rule. That’s the Texas mandated minimum attendance requirement. Students must attend class at least 90% of days of the school year, regardless of whether those absences are excused.

If EPISD does not meet the 90% rule, it will get less money from the state. It plans to meet this goal through attendance incentives next school year.

EPISD is also planning to cut its substitute teacher fund. That will save the district $4 million dollars. The board said they will move some teachers into permanent sub positions instead of cutting those positions completely.

The next step for EPISD is to decide which positions they will cut. That will happen June 15. On June 16, they will adopt the budget. By the beginning of August, the district will have the final budget numbers and know how to move forward.

“Financial exigency means that the financial resources of a school district are insufficient to support its instructional programs or it is unable to finance the full compensation of staff for the current or next fiscal year,” according to the Texas Education Agency.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The community is invited to attend a run and walk to support 6-year-old Lucas Monreal as he faces an aggressive brain tumor (DIPG).

This family-friendly event includes a 1-mile walk, a run, and a prayer ceremony.

Date: June 27, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM (Run starts)

Location: Crosspoint Church, El Paso, TX

Cost/Donation: This is a donation-based event, and contributions will be accepted on the day of the walk.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas — From the streets to the frontlines, an El Paso rescue dog became the first rescue to earn a U.S. Border Patrol Critical Incident Response K9 certification.

Thursday, ABC-7 met Chloe, who is about two-and-a-half years old and her handler, Agent Miguel Carrillo.

Chloe’s badge symbolizes a vital mission — to provide comfort and support agents and their families during difficult times, according to the Border Patrol.

The USBP Canine Academy and the El Paso Rescue League to give dogs like Chloe a second chance to find a place to belong.

After leaving the shelter, Chloe went through 10 weeks of training to earn her badge, according to Carrillo.

He said 58 dogs have gone through the process, but in the end, Chloe was the only one to make it through the program.

“To think that she was once, you know running the streets, abandoned, and now she’s on the frontlines supporting our people. That’s just wonderful,” Carrillo said.

“For me, it was love at first sight the second we saw each other,” Carrillo said. “Ever since I handled her for the first time, we clicked.”

Chloe has already done her duty to bring comfort to her community. Wednesday, visited a youth camp in Louisiana that teaches children how to overcome grief.

Officials set up an Instagram for Chloe where they will post her journey as a certified K9.

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