Author: KVIA

Armando Ramirez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Millions of people in the U.S. are preparing to celebrate the nation’s 250th birthday Saturday. In the Borderland, there will be several events leading up to the milestone.

Revolutionary Figures & Fashion Show

When: July 1 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Where: Visitors’ Information Center 1 Civic Center Plaza Second Floor

Admission: Free

Revolutionary Figures & Fashion Show presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution, Rebecca Stoddert Chapter. This experience will showcase Revolutionary-era attire and historical figures to offer guests an opportunity to engage with America’s founding history.

Glow Independence Night

When: July 1 from 4:30-7:30 p.m.

Where: Sylvia A Carreon Community Center – Multipurpose

Admission: Free

Glow Independence Night is an immersive, multi-zone community event that combines creativity, visual experience, and participation. Attendees move through different spaces, starting with hands-on activities and culminating in a coordinated glow light experience. Glow lab, Glow tunnel, Glow Room and Chill & Movie zone. UV paint will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring snacks.

Doña Ana County America’s 250th AnniversaryWhen: July 2 from 4 p.m. to midnightWhere: Doña Ana County Fairgrounds at 12125 Robert Larson Blvd., Las CrucesAdmission: FreeThe county will have traditional celebrations and food and live music, but there will also be a community time capsule. The county said it will be opened July 4, 2076, and suggested guests bring photos, letters, newspaper articles and other items that reflect life in 2026. After dark, there will be a drone show.

250 Fest at The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso

When: July 3 from 12-9 p.m.

Where: 7051 S Desert Blvd. in Canutillo

Admission: Free

Celebrate America’s 250th anniversary at The Outlet Shoppes at El Paso with an open-air market in partnership with Upper Valley Market featuring shopping, live music, food, family activities, patriotic photo ops, and community appearances by the Daughters of the American Revolution and local ROTC groups.

Red, White and Brew at Painted Dunes

When: July 3 from 6-10 p.m.

Where: Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course, 12000 McCombs St.

Admission: $10 in advance, free for children aged 5 and younger

Painted Dunes Desert Golf Course will host its sixth annual Red, White and Brew celebration featuring one of El Paso’s largest fireworks displays along with live music, food trucks, local vendors and family activities. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for the outdoor event, which also includes free parking and jumping balloons.

Fireworks at Cleveland Square ParkWhen: July 3 from 7-10 p.m.Where: 510 N Santa Fe St.Admission: FreeEnjoy live music in a patriotic atmosphere. Local performers Vena Cava and The Ryan G. Band will entertain visitors for a festive summer evening. Families can take chairs and blankets. They may also buy food from vendors. The El Paso Chihuahuas will have a fireworks show visible from Cleveland Square Park after the game.

Electric Light Parade

When: July 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Apodaca Park, 801 E. Madrid Ave. in Las Cruces

Admission: Free

Before the Electric Light Parade, the Electric 5k & One-Mile Fun Run kicks off at 7:30 pm and is followed by the actual parade at 9 p.m. The parade begins at Apodaca Park, travels south on Solano Drive, east on Hadley Avenue and ends at the Maag Softball Complex. This year’s theme is “Stars, Stripes & City Lights.”

Great American Night Swim at the ElmontWhen: July 3 from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.Where: The Elmont Swim Club at 240 W Castellano Dr. BAdmission: $25 for a day pass, $11 for admission after 7 p.m.Swim under the stars at the Elmont Swim Club. Food choices include BBQ classics like pulled pork sandwiches, turkey legs and more. A fireworks show starts at 9:30 p.m.

Star-Spangled Fun with the El Paso ChihuahuasWhen: July 3-4 at 6:35 p.m. at 1 Ballpark PlazaWhere: Southwest University ParkAdmission: Varies by seat and game dayTickets for July 3Tickets for July 4Fetch the fun as the El Paso Chihuahuas face the Sacramento River Cats at Southwest University Park. The Chihuahuas and GECU will celebrate America’s 250th birthday during the weekend games. Both games will have a firework show, with an extended show on Saturday, according to the team’s Facebook.

Rotary Independence Day Parade

When: July 4 at 9 a.m.

Where: Starts at Western Hills Methodist Cruch at 524 Thunderbird Dr.

Admission: Free

The Rotary Club of West El Paso will host the 28th annual Rotary Independence Day Parade to celebrate the Fourth of July with a community procession through West El Paso. The parade route begins near Western Hills Methodist Church and continues along Shadow Mountain Drive and Mesa Street before concluding near Coronado High School.

America 250 Independence Day Celebration at Ascarate Park

When: July 4 (fireworks start at 9:20 p.m.)

Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr.

Admission: Free admission, $5 parking per vehicle

El Paso County will celebrate a full day of Independence Day festivities at Ascarate Park, featuring swimming, food trucks and live entertainment. The event will also include military vehicle displays from Fort Bliss and the 1st Armored Division, performances by the 1st Armored Division Band and live music by The Live 915 before ending with a fireworks show over Ascarate Lake.

Ascarate Park Picnic PartyWhen: July 4 at 5 p.m.Where: Ascarate Park, 6900 Delta Dr.Admission: $45 for adults, $10 for children ages 6-17Families can buy tickets to cover a dinner from Clasico, a parking pass, prizes, games and live music at Ascarate Park. The County of El Paso said the picnic party pass also offers a nice view of the fireworks. Children under 5 years old don’t need a ticket, but a dinner plate isn’t included, the county said.

Town of Anthony Fourth of July ParadeWhen: July 4 at 9 a.m.Where: Starts at Anthony Drive and Acosta Drive in Anthony, New Mexico, and ends at Anthony Municipal Park, Anthony, TexasAdmission: FreeThe Town of Anthony will celebrate its annual Fourth of July Parade, a cross-state tradition that begins in Anthony, New Mexico, and concludes at Anthony Municipal Park in Texas. Community members can expect decorated floats, music and a festive atmosphere, with El Paso artist Krystall Poppin serving as this year’s grand marshal.

City of Socorro Independence Day Xtravaganza

When: July 4 at 5 p.m.

Where: Cougar Park, 10664 Socorro Rd.

Admission: Free

The City of Socorro’s annual Independence Day Xtravaganza will return to Cougar Park for an evening of live entertainment, food and fireworks celebrating the Fourth of July. This year’s free community event will feature a special performance by Lupita Infante along with food trucks, local vendors, games and family activities before the night concludes with a fireworks show.

Western Playland July Fourth Fireworks Celebration

When: July 4 from 2-10 p.m.

Where: 1249 Futurity Dr. in Sunland Park

Admission: $29.99 for single-day park admission

Western Playland will mark Independence Day with its annual fireworks celebration, pairing an evening at the amusement park with a nighttime display over Sunland Park. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy rides and attractions before the fireworks begin at 9 p.m.

Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld Fireworks Show

When: July 4 at 10 a.m.

Where: 8804 S. Desert Blvd. in Anthony, Texas

Cost: Starts at $33.99 for people aged 4 and older  

Wet ‘N’ Wild Waterworld will celebrate Independence Day with extended park hours and a fireworks display. Guests can spend the day at the park before staying for the fireworks show after the water attractions close at 9 p.m.

July 4 Celebration at the El Paso Convention Center

When: July 4 from 5-10 p.m.

Where: 1 Civic Center Plaza in the El Paso Convention Center

Admission: Free

Part of a citywide celebration marking America’s 250th anniversary, this free Fourth of July event will close out eight days of festivities taking place across El Paso and Fort Bliss from June 27 through July 4. The celebration at the Convention Center will feature live performances by the 1st Armored Division Jazz Band and local artists, followed by a headlining performance from Randy Rogers Band and a projection light show finale.

Fourth of July Concert and Fireworks

When: July 4 at 4 p.m.

Where: 3205 Arrowhead Dr. in Las Cruces

Attendees will that will be treated to festivities at the Pat and Lou Sisbarro Community Park This includes a music, a kids fun zone, food and a firework display at 9:45 p.m.

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Paige Wood

LAS CRUCES, N.M (KVIA) — The City of Las Cruces recently recognized the Historic Preservation Committee Chair, Jerry Wallace for receiving the Heritage Preservation Individual Achievement Award from the New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

The 54th Annual Heritage Preservation Awards ceremony and was held May 29th, 2026 in Albuquerque. These awards are presented yearly and recognize individuals, organizations and projects that demonstrate excellence in preserving and promoting the state’s cultural and historic and cultural resources.

As a public historian at New Mexico State University, Wallace has been known for his professional work, community engagement and leadership. He has contributed to advancing public understanding of New Mexicos rich history and the importance of preserving historic places and has served as chair of the City of Las Cruces Historic Preservation Committee.

In addition other 2026 award recipients were included:

Heritage Preservation Award for Organizations: Kit Carson House Inc., and its Board of Directors and staff, recognized for their work as an educational institution and for completing preservation projects at the Kit Carson House and Museum.

Heritage Preservation Lifetime and Achievement Award: Rick Hendricks, recognized for his contributions to New Mexico scholarship and history, as well as his service on the Cultural Properties Review Committee as state historian.

Architectural Heritage Preservation Award: The Albuquerque Railyards project, presented to the City of Albuquerque, the New Mexico media Academy, and CNM Film Production Center for the creative design and historic rehabilitation of the former boiler shop within the AT&SF Railway Locomotive Shops Historic District.

Architectural Heritage Preservation Award: For Stanton Historic Site, recognized for the major rehabilitation work completed on four historic buildings, including the visitor center, laundress quarters hospital and nurses’ quarters.

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Gabrielle Lopez

CANUTILLO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Police Department said it found a man’s body in Canutillo Monday.

EPPD’s Crimes Against Persons Unit went to the 800 block of Talbot Avenue after getting a call about an unattended death at 9:39 a.m., according to police. That’s near the Outlet Mall and Jose J. Alderete Middle School.

Police said the body is a Hispanic man in his late 40s.

Preliminary investigation suggested no foul play is suspected, EPPD said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (3:02 p.m.) — The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said a 78-year-old man and 67-year-old woman died after Monday’s crash.

A preliminary investigation found a Lincoln Navigator drove westbound on I-10 near Mile Marker 42, according to EPCSO. The Lincoln crossed the median into the eastbound lanes and crashed head-on with another SUV, a Nissan Rogue, driving east.

EPCSO said Timothy Head drove the Lincoln and Barbra Thacker was a passenger in the Nissan. They both went to a hospital and died to their injuries.

The four others sent to the hospital have non-life-threatening injuries, the sheriff’s office said.

TxDOT said on X the road closure following the crash is expected to last until around 4 p.m.

UPDATE (11:43 a.m.) — The sheriff’s office confirmed with ABC-7 six people in total have been sent to the hospital. Two have life-threatening injuries.

EPCSO said two cars are involved in the crash.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — All eastbound lanes on I-10 near Clint (Mile 43) closed after a crash, the Texas Department of Transportation said Monday. Three people are in the hospital — two have life-threatening injuries, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.

TxDOT posted the traffic alert just after 11 a.m. Drivers should get off the highway at Exit 42 (Clint).

Drivers should expect delays and plan to take a different route, TxDOT said. Lanes will stay closed until further notice.

ABC-7 reached out to the El Paso Fire and Police departments for more information.

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Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The National Retail Federation (NRF) estimated food will take the biggest bite out of consumers’ budgets during this year’s 4th of July celebrations. It said food will cost $94.41 per person.

According to a survey involving 7,675 people, 87% plan to celebrate the holiday.

Six out of 10 people plan on hosting a barbecue or picnic, according to the survey.

The survey also found 64% of people plan to have a cookout or barbecue. Burgers, hot dogs and tacos were popular choices for the holiday weekend.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — A fire damaged a Las Cruces home Saturday morning, according to the Las Cruces Fire Department.

According to LCFD, just before 4:30 a.m., firefighters went to a home on the 4700 block of Big Springs Street. The neighborhood is off Roadrunner Parkway.

Crews saw the fire burning in the garage and brought it under control within 16 minutes, the fire department said.

People in the home evacuated thanks to smoke alarms alerting them, LCFD said.

LCFD said nobody was injured and the cause is under investigation.

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Armando Ramirez

ANTHONY, New Mexico (KVIA) — The Anthony Police Department in New Mexico announced on a social media post Sunday the death of Detective Lucas Allen.

In the post, the department said the following:

It is with profound sadness that the Anthony Police Department announces the passing of Detective Lucas Allen.

Detective Allen served the Anthony community with dedication, professionalism, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others. His service to our community and the lasting impact he made on his fellow officers, City staff, and those he encountered will never be forgotten.

We ask that you keep Detective Allen’s family, loved ones, friends, and the entire Anthony Police Department family in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time.

Funeral service information will be shared as it becomes available and in accordance with the wishes of the family.

Rest Easy, Brother.

Forever Honored. Forever Remembered.

Several agencies/officials have gone to social media to share their condolences regarding Detective Allen and how they remembered him. Those include the Women’s Intercultural Center, Sierra Vista Hospital EMS, former Anthony Police Chief Vanessa Ordoñez, the Sunland Park Police Department, and many others.

In the posts, several agencies/officials mention Detective Allen was recognized for his performance in DUI enforcement, as well as serving in the United States Army as a Military Police.

Officials did not release any information regarding how or when Detective Allen died, ABC-7 has reached out to to the department for more information.

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Lauren Bly

UPDATE (June 29, 2026) — El Paso Police identified the body as 20-year-old Cristian Yamil Bernal Mejia.

EPPD said authorities are still investigating the body recovery.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– El Paso Police confirmed crews recovered a dead body from a canal at Fresno and Alameda.

Our crew went to the scene at around 6:30 p.m., they saw El Paso Fire, El Paso Police, and a vehicle from the medical examiner’s office.

This is a developing story and we will keep you updated on air and online as we learn more.

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Max Zepeda

After months of built up discussion and debate, the Texas State Board of Education has approved a new proposal that will establish lists of required reading, including Bible verses alongside classic books, for its K-12 English and literature curriculum.

The new proposal, which will slowly be enacted starting in the 2030-31 school year, will impact more than 5 million students across the state.

While it is not uncommon for states to suggest book titles for public schools, Texas could be the first to prescribe a literary collection for every student.

This decision comes after last year the state became the largest in the U.S. to require classrooms to display The Ten Commandments, a law that was recently upheld in federal court.

ABC 7’s Max Zepeda spoke with Board Member Gustavo Reveles, who represents El Paso and much of Southwest Texas, and he was blunt on what he believes the true meaning behind the proposal is.

“I have heard here this week, members of our own board, call people of the Islamic faith, to their face, terrorists,” Reveles said. “They are threatened by people that don’t look like them and don’t practice the same faith as them. And that to me shows weakness.”

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Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Meta will be hiring a community development regional manager for El Paso, according to a Meta official.

According to Meta, that manager would represent Meta in the community and work directly with the community on ways they can partner together.

Meta did not release an official statement, but previously a Meta spokesperson has shared, “Meta’s El Paso data center represents a significant long-term investment in this community — supporting thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of operational jobs, generating millions in local tax revenue, and supporting the digital infrastructure that El Paso businesses and families rely on every day. We’re glad to continue working with the city on the path forward and remain excited to be part of El Paso’s future.”

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