Author: KVIA

Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Fall 2026 marks the first year UTEP’s enrollment has surpassed 27 thousand, a 10% increase from 2020, when the university had fewer than 25,000 students, according to the university communications.

Students say the number of parking spots isn’t keeping up with those higher enrollment rates.

Limited parking spots is forcing commuters to plan for extra time on their drive and possibly a long walk to class.

Parking permits range from $165 to $400, depending on the lot:

$225 Blue Perimeter Lot $300 Silver Perimeter lot $400 Gold garage permit $165 Green Remoter Permit

One lot on Glory Road costs students $225, but it has been blocked off for construction of the new Miner Crossing residence hall.

Major concerts featuring artists such as BTS, Karol G and Usher have also contributed to parking challenges by temporarily closing additional lots along Glory Road.

“We all have to like move to other parking spots and then they get mad at us. And so, you know, it starts becoming an issue. It usually takes a week. Last one was when usher came. They closed Glory Road one, two and three,” UTEP freshman Luis Avalos said.

Students said parking is generally manageable on a regular day, but concert-related closures can make it difficult to find a space. Some said the added time spent searching for parking has caused them to arrive late to class or miss it entirely.

“When we have those events and we get our product in spots, you know, displaced and everything, and just messes everything up,” UTEP freshman Sebastian Gonzalez said. “It does get a little more difficult.”

Gonzalez said students sometimes have to search for parking on the other side of campus when their usual lots are unavailable, adding more time to their commutes.

The problem has also affected faculty members. Tawanda Chabikwa, a professor of theater, dance and African American studies who has worked at UTEP for six years, said finding parking has become more challenging in recent years.

“Well, I think over the last couple of years, this has been the most challenging it’s been to find parking,” Chabikwa said.

Chabikwa said students have struggled to find parking and have arrived late to class as a result.

Although UTEP sends emails in advance to notify the campus community about parking changes, students said they have limited options beyond arriving early or searching elsewhere for available spaces.

UTEP Communications declined an interview but provided a statement acknowledging the parking challenges:

Parking has been tighter than usual on campus in recent weeks. Ongoing construction has closed part of one major lot, and additional spaces closed temporarily in preparation for major concerts – all during some of the busiest weeks of the semester.

Parking and Transportation is contacting affected permit holders directly and arranging alternate parking. Students having trouble finding a space can access real-time parking updates by calling the Parking and Transportation Office at 915-747-5724.

As in previous years, we expect conditions to ease over the coming weeks as demand levels off and closed spaces return to service.

For students and faculty, the combination of enrollment growth, construction and major events has made finding a parking space an added challenge during the academic year.

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Mia Tricarico

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — University of Texas at El Paso’s Department of Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering team is working on a two-year research project that combines satellite imagery, Earth observation data and artificial intelligence to map areas affected by flooding in El Paso.

After heavy rainfall left extensive damage across parts of El Paso in September, UTEP researchers used space technology and A.I. to learn how the region can prepare better for future monsoon seasons.

A multidisciplinary team designed its project to map flood-affected areas in real time.

Partnering for Faster Emergency Response

The researchers are collaborating with El Paso Water, the city’s municipal water utility, to explore how advanced satellite data from NASA can aid ground crews during post-storm recovery.

By analyzing high-resolution data immediately after a severe storm, the system aims to help utility teams identify flood zones, prioritize infrastructure inspections in high-risk areas and assess damage faster.

Urban environments present unique challenges for A.I. Buildings, parking lots and standing water could confuse standard optical imagery. To move past this obstacle, the research time combined standard satellite pictures with Sentinel-1 radar data, which can penetrate thick cloud cover during active storms.

By fusing these distinct data sources, the researchers hope to evaluate whether A.I. can reliably distinguish actual floodwaters from urban structures, giving city officials a much clearer operational picture when every minute counts.

An Interdisciplinary Effort

The project brings together experts across civil, environmental, and systems engineering. Participating UTEP faculty members include:

Jaeyoon Kim, Ph.D., Assistant Professor (Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering) Jeffrey Weidner, Ph.D., Associate Professor (Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering) Sungmin Youn, Ph.D., Associate Professor (Civil, Environmental and Construction Engineering) Niamat Hossain, Ph.D., Assistant Professor (Industrial, Manufacturing and Systems Engineering)

UTEP’s research aims to transform raw satellite data into a proactive shield, ensuring El Paso is safer and more resilient before the next monsoon season arrives.

ABC-7 reached out to the research team to learn more about the research project.

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Armando Ramirez

UPDATE (11:52 AM) — The El Paso Fire Department has confirmed that one person was airlifted to the hospital in serious condition after a crash on I-10 near the Americas exit.

According to the El Paso Fire Department, the driver of a semi-truck had to be extricated and was then airlifted to a local hospital.

Crews also worked on containing a fuel leak from the crash.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there was a crash reported around 10 a.m. Sunday at Gateway East and Eastlake.

TxDOT traffic cameras in the area show a large response from the El Paso Sheriff’s Office and the El Paso Fire Department. Officials are also blocking off traffic from passing through Gateway East and have closed the off-ramp to Eastlake.

The El Paso Fire Department’s FireSTAR helicopter was also seen landing near the area.

ABC-7 has reached out to officials for more information regarding the crash. Once more information is provided, we will update you on air and online.

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Armando Ramirez

CHAPARRAL, N.M. (KVIA) — In a post on Chaparral High School’s social media Saturday, the Gadsden Independent School District (GISD) said a district employee was placed on administrative leave following allegations involving the employee and students.

The statement below was posted regarding the status of the employee being placed on administrative leave:

“Dear Gadsden ISD Families, Staff, and Community Members,

We are aware of allegations involving a district employee and are taking them seriously. We understand that many of you are concerned, and we share that concern.

The employee has been placed on administrative leave while a thorough and impartial investigation is conducted. Placement on leave is a precautionary step and is not a conclusion about the outcome of the investigation.

The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority, and it will guide every decision we make. Because this is an active personnel matter, and to protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of everyone involved, including students, we cannot share further details at this time. We will provide updates when we can do so appropriately.

We also ask for your help in protecting students’ privacy and the integrity of the process. Please avoid sharing unverified information or speculation, especially anything that could identify students. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the district at (575) 882-6225.

Thank you for your trust and for your partnership in keeping our students safe.

Sincerely,

Gadsden ISD Administration”

District officials did not specify the allegations against the employee or identify the individual involved.

ABC-7 has reached out to district officials for more information. This is a developing story.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso school made it to a list of 84 Jobs and Education for Texans (JET) grants. El Paso Community College will receive part of more than $20 million in grants, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced Monday.

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) awards the JET grants to help schools buy equipment for career and technical education training programs.

EPCC’s college district will receive $283,385 to train 12 students as electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians.

Gov. Abbott said the JET grant will buy and install equipment for the cohort at EPCC.

JET grants go toward training students for jobs in high-demand occupations. Gov. Abbott said TWC gets the grant funding from the Texas Legislature.

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Gabrielle Lopez

HORIZON CITY, Texas (KVIA) — A welfare check led to an arrest in Horizon City, police said Monday.

Horizon City police initiated a welfare check near Horizon Boulevard and Ashford Street on Oct. 2.

During the investigation, officers learned about an alleged assault at a nearby business, HPD said. After checking records, authorities found a three outstanding warrants.

Officers arrested 25-year-old Andy Joshua Medina. He was charged with public intoxication, assault by contact and indecent exposure. Police said he also had outstanding traffic warrants.

Jail records said Medina was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on Oct. 3.

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Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– According to a news release, on Saturday, deputies with the Precinct 6 Deputy Constables Office arrested 34-year-old Mauricio Toscano for 45 counts of sex offenses against children.

Toscano was charged with 20 counts of possession of child pornography, 18 counts of sexual performance of a child under 14, six counts of online solicitation of a minor, and one count of online solicitation of a minor sexual conduct.

Tascanco is being held under a $250,000 bond.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site welcomes everyone to the 32nd Annual Community Fair on Saturday, October 17, and Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.Come enjoy a fun, family-friendly weekend that celebrates the natural and cultural heritage ofHueco Tanks. You can explore educational exhibits, try hands-on activities, and sample food from local vendors.There will also be community partners, guided rock climbing tours, pictograph tours, and hiking opportunities.Guided tours will highlight the unique landscapes and stories that make this site so special.For 32 years, the Community Fair has brought together people from El Paso and beyondfrom across the region to experience the history, culture, and natural beauty of Hueco Tanks.This event honors the past, celebrates the present, and looks to the future.

The Community Fair is free, requires no reservations, and has no capacity limits. Everyone is invited to join this annual celebration of community, conservation, and the outdoors.

For more information, call Hueco Tanks State Park & Historic Site at (915) 857-1135 or follow the park on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

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Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Community members gathered at Ascarate Park on World Mental Health Day for NAMIWalks El Paso, an event focused on raising awareness, encouraging people to seek help and reminding those facing mental health challenges that they are not alone.

The walk brought together people committed to supporting mental health and building a community where individuals and families can find the resources they need.

For Fernando Muniz, who has worked in the mental health field for 26 years, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing people overcome challenges and move forward.

“It’s just sometimes it brings you to tears. Seeing people succeed. I want to cry right now,” Muniz said.

Muniz said helping children, adults and families realize their potential is what makes the work meaningful. He also encouraged people who may be struggling to seek support and take advantage of available services.

“You do have a right to get services. Look for them, you know, pursue the services. It’s OK. Get help. It’s very important,” Muniz said.

The event also highlighted the importance of bringing people together to address mental health challenges and reduce the stigma surrounding them.

Isidro Torres, executive director of NAMI El Paso, said mental health conditions affect a significant portion of the population.

“One in five people live with a mental health condition and are affected in a given year,” Torres said.

Torres said NAMIWalks is about more than raising awareness. It also demonstrates that support is available for people who may feel alone in their struggles.

“If today proves anything, it’s that there’s a community out here to support you and ready to help you any way we can,” Torres said.

The gathering served as a reminder that mental health is an ongoing conversation and that asking for help is an important step toward getting support.

As participants crossed the finish line at Ascarate Park, the message was clear: People experiencing mental health challenges do not have to face them alone, and it is OK to speak up when they are struggling.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Electric named a new leader after CEO Kelly Tomblin announced her retirement, the utility confirmed with ABC-7 Friday.

Eliecer “Eli” Viamontes will replace Tomblin as president and CEO, according to a LinkedIn post. He’s currently the CEO of Entergy Texas in the Houston area.

Tomblin has more than 30 years of experience in the energy industry, according to EPE. She worked around the world from the U.S. to the United Kingdom. Before working at EPE, she worked as a CEO of a utility in Jamaica.

“Stepping into EPE right now feels incredibly special. At its core, our work comes down to keeping the lights on, serving the families and businesses that count on us every day, and making smart investments that help our region thrive,” Viamontes said in his post.

EPE said Tomblin launched several key initiatives for the company, including a new strategic plan and expanding renewable energy.

EPE said Viamontes will succeed Tomblin on Nov. 9. She will stay with EPE in an advisory capacity through the end of the year to “support a seamless transition.”

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