Get free assistance on last-minute tax refund filing

Nicole Ardila

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The deadline to submit your income tax returns is approaching, and there are many changes this year that you need to know about before filing them.

Because of the One Big Beautiful Bill, the biggest change is that the IRS is now requiring taxpayers to have a direct deposit account in order to receive the tax refund, so it is faster.

Also, taxpayers can receive a portion of a refund for any car you purchased that was made in the U.S.

You can even be receiving up to 10% more this year on your tax returns.

If no action is taken by the April 15 deadline, or no direct deposit information is added, you can receive a CP53E notice, which means your refund is on hold.

GECU uses the VITA Program to help get your taxes done for free, for anyone who makes less than $85,000 a year.

Here’s what you need to take:

An original social security card

A valid ID

Your W-2 or 1099 form 

If you have health insurance, bring your 1095-A form

Bring your last pay stub to check your overtime pay

If you’re married, your spouse must be present

If you have dependents, you must bring their social security cards

It can feel overwhelming, but GECU has some reassurance for you if you’re looking for assistance. 

“The benefit of our program is that we were trained by the IRS, so we’ve been doing this for over 10 years in the community,” says Linda Nuñez, GECU assistant VP of community development. “So our volunteers are experts, and the awesome thing about our program is that someone always, once they prepare it, we do have a certified quality reviewer that will review the return to ensure that it is accurate.” 

They recommend you go sooner than later, because they do get busier.

Click here for a full list of the sites in El Paso and Las Cruces where you can get your taxes done for free.

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Memorial Day Dance Honoring Veterans to be held at Northeast El Paso Park

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX( KVIA-TV)-An upcoming community event in El Paso, honoring Veterans and celebrating Indigenous culture and tradition. The Memorial Day Dance, organized and hosted by Dayshaun Jackson, will be held on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at Veterans Park from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. This free community event is open to all and serves as a powerful tribute to the men and women who have served our country, while honoring the rich traditions and heritage of Indigenous peoples.

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ABC-7 Smart Money: Staying Grounded in an Uncertain Environment

Nichole Gomez

El Paso-TX (KVIA-T)- There’s been a lot of attention on global events lately, especially tensions overseas and rising energy prices. For many people, it’s raising questions about what all of this could mean for their finances Brian Mirau explains.

https://miraucapital.com/

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Thousands expected to climb Mt. Cristo Rey for Good Friday tradition

Nicole Ardila

Every year, Good Friday observers go up to the top of Mt. Cristo Rey in Sunland Park.

Good Morning El Paso’s Nicole Ardila joins the holiday observers on Friday during their holy pilgrimage starting at 5 a.m.

Christian and Catholic El Pasoans and others from farther regions visit Mt. Cristo Rey to reflect on Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, and his resurrection on Easter Sunday. 

Ruben Escandon Jr. with the Mt. Cristo Rey Restoration Committee says weather-permitting, about 5,000 to 7,000 people are expected to climb throughout the day.

The trail is open to the public from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and no pets, runners or bicyclists are allowed on this day. 

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State Sen. Blanco announces $16 million for new transportation facility in El Paso County

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Texas Transportation Commission awarded $16 million to support a new public transportation facility in El Paso County, Texas State Sen. César Blanco said Wednesday.

The award includes $12.8 million in federal funds and $3.2 million in state funds, State Sen. Blanco said in a press release. It’s part of a partnership with the El Paso Transit Authority.

The new facility is part of the Texas Department of Transportation’s effort to strengthen statewide transportation infrastructure.

“Public transportation plays a critical role for workers, students, seniors, and families who rely on it to access jobs, education, healthcare, and essential services,” State Sen. Blanco said in a statement. “This new facility will help ensure buses are maintained safely and operate on time, while giving transit operators the tools they need to better serve our growing community.”

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City of Sunland Park hosting ‘community night’ to learn about regional water utilities

Gabrielle Lopez

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico (KVIA) — Sunland Park and Santa Teresa residents can attend an open house for regional water utility updates Thursday, the City of Sunland Park announced.

Attendees can meet with water professionals and billing specialists. The city said the open house access the latest data and progress on infrastructure projects.

The evening will prioritize answering questions about water quality, system modernization, funding and investments.

Beyond updates, the open house will discuss local career opportunities to become certified utility professionals, the city added. Hosts will also give advice on how to manage water usage and household costs.

The event will have staff assisting in English and Spanish. It takes place Thursday evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Sunland Park Multigenerational Center (4700 McNutt Rd.).

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“Celebration of The Arts Through Music”: Connecting students through STEAM

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- The Links, Incorporated, invites students and families to a special community event celebrating the power of creativity, music, and learning. “Celebration of The Arts through Music,” on April 11, 2026, is an inspiring program that highlights how music connects with science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Students will have the opportunity to attend three workshops led by world-renowned musicians and professionals who have built remarkable careers in music and the arts, including:

Zuill Bailey – Premier World-Renowned, Multiple Grammy Award–winning cellist and Artistic Director of El Paso Pro Musica

Billy Townes – Jazz pianist, composer, and music producer

Abeni Janae – Music Theory Professor at The University of Texas at El Paso and accomplished performer

Felipa Solis – Broadcaster, host, and philanthropist

Linda Wolfe – Executive Director of the Khalid Foundation and talented vocalist, Retired Army Sergeant First Class

This event will help students explore how music intersects with STEAM careers — from sound engineering and music technology to performance, composition, and creative innovation — and inspire the next generation of artists, innovators, and leaders.

Event Details:

Date and Time: April 11, 2026, 10:30 am – 1:15 pmLocation: Boys and Girls Club of El Paso, 801 Florence Street, El Paso, TX 79901

⚠️ Pre-registration is required by April 4th. Space is limited — register today!

https://www.eptxlinksinc.org

https://thegreatkhalidfoundation.org

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Get a taste of exclusive menus from Downtown Restaurant Week

Nicole Ardila

Downtown Restaurant Week returns this year with a whopping 29 restaurants participating.

Good Morning El Paso’s Nicole Ardila joined The Mayflower and Mac’s in Downtown El Paso to get a sneak peek of their menus.

A few of the 29 participating restaurants include:

Fine Dining: Anson 11, Weso Steakhouse, Taft Diaz, 1700° Steakhouse

Casual Dining: Mamacita’s, The Pizza Joint, The Mayflower, Rockstar Burger Bar

Bars & Cocktails: The Garrison, The Tap, La Bang Bang, Nueve Uno Cinco

Specialty: Gozo’s Ice Cream, The Coffee Box

It’s the perfect opportunity if you’ve been meaning to try a new restaurant or plan a full night out.

Restaurant week’s goal is to make it easy to experience multiple spots across the district in one visit.

For a full list of participating restaurants and a digital dining guide, you can find it on their website.

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ABC-7 at 4: Card and collectibles show, CardShowMania coming to the Sun City

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-A huge card and collectibles show is coming to the Borderland early next month. CardShowMania, presented by Reliable Financial Services and hosted by 915 Cards and Collectibles, will be held from noon to 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 11 at Montwood High School, 12000 Montwood Dr. Best of all, admission is completely free.

Attendees will discover a wide variety of Pokémon, sports, and rare collectibles, with items ranging from $1 to $2,000. Vendors will be traveling from across Texas and New Mexico, bringing unique finds and exclusive items to El Paso.

“This isn’t just for collectors. It’s for families, fans, and anyone who wants to experience the excitement of the hobby. There’s something for everyone at the 915 Card Show,” said event organizer Brandon Beltran.

Event Details:Location: Montwood High School – Tony Harper Gym, 12000 Montwood Dr., El Paso, TXDate: Saturday, April 11, 2026Time: 12:00 PM – 7:00 PMAdmission: FREE

For more information, contact:Brandon Beltran – 915-667-3336

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La Pausa y un Café: A Community Experience Focused on Normalizing Mental Health

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- A new kind of gathering is arriving on the El Paso scene – one that invites people to slow down, connect, and have real conversations about mental health, all within the familiar comfort of a coffee shop.

La Pausa y un Café is a community-centered event series designed to make conversations around mental health feel more natural, accessible, and part of everyday life over coffee, with everyday people. The first event in the series takes place Saturday, April 4, at Viejo Coffee.

Created by licensed therapist Adriana Terry, founder of La Pausa Psychotherapy Practice, the event reimagines the traditional wellness space as a warm, social environment. La Pausa exists to make a positive impact on the lives of the people it serves and to improve the mental health industry – and this community event is an extension of that mission. The gathering offers an alternative to formal therapy settings, focusing on reflection, connection, and practical tools in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

“La Pausa y un Café is about meeting people where they already are,” says Terry. “I want to normalize conversations around mental health in spaces that feel natural, not intimidating, while still offering real value and intention.”

This event is open to everyone – whether you are a longtime mental health advocate, someone just beginning to explore the topic, or simply anyone seeking connection, curiosity, and a moment to pause.

As Terry puts it: “It’s not therapy – but it is therapeutic.”

La Pausa y un Café

When: Saturday, April 4, 2026, at 12:30 PM

Where:  Viejo Coffee 2519 N. Stanton St.

(On Robinson Avenue behind Lost and Found)

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