Category: kvia-local-news

Joseph Montero

UPDATE (3:10 p.m.) — El Paso Police said 21-year-old Steven Zamora died in the crash near Airway Boulevard and Boeing Drive. He was a Fort Bliss resident, according to police.

According to a news release, at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, police said Zamora drove his motorcycle at a high speed and failed to navigate a curve. Police said he crashed into a wall and died at the scene.

Police said Zamora is the 25th traffic death this year, compared to 31 at this time last year.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Special Traffic Investigators with the El Paso Police Department are responding to a motorcycle crash on Airway Boulevard and Boeing Drive near the El Paso International Airport.

Police say the call came in at 12:35 a.m. Wednesday.

ABC-7 has a crew heading to the scene to learn more.

This is a developing story and updates will come as more information is available.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — As more health information is stored online, an El Paso nonprofit received a $200,000 grant Tuesday to create a lesson plan to teach people how to manage their health information.

Texas Mutual Insurance Company and its health affiliate, Texicare, gave Borderplex Connect the grant.

The El Paso Community Foundation said internet access in El Paso and the Borderland area is uneven. Just in the county, 28% of households earning less than $20,000 don’t have an internet subscription due to cost or connection barriers.

As some of the healthcare people access is online, such as digital appointments and patient portals, EPCF said not having access can limit how people track their care and costs.

Additionally, not everyone understands how to use the internet or modern technology.

With the grant money, Texicare’s CEO, Meredith Duncan, said the nonprofit can teach people how to manage their health information responsibly.

“These programs help teach people how to use technology, how to access their health information and how to make sure they are doing it in a safe way,” said Duncan.

According to a news release, the program will teach people how to use patient portals, set up digital appointments (also known as telehealth) and avoid scams.

Additionally, health workers can use an educational series to train others on using digital health portals.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Researchers at the University of Texas at El Paso developed a way to 3D-print a battery component into nearly any shape. Tuesday, UTEP said the team’s innovation could change how devices are powered.

The researcher’s study focused on gel polymer electrolytes, which is the material inside a battery used to carry the electrical charge. UTEP said electrolytes are liquids that usually have to be sealed inside casings.

UTEP said the usual design limits battery shapes and raises worries about safety and leaks.

As an alternative, UTEP researchers created a printable gel by combining resin with a lithium-based liquid electrolyte and hardening it layer by layer.

UTEP said the printed material worked on par with electrolytes made with the usual methods.

“For years, the shape of a battery has dictated the shape of the device it powers,” said Alexis Maurel, the study’s lead researcher. “We are showing that you can print a high-performing electrolyte battery component with any shape and place it almost anywhere you want.”

Researchers printed discs, an open honeycomb lattice and a solid cube — showing how future batteries can be shaped to fit a device instead of forcing a device to accommodate batteries.

As for stability, researchers said one of their formulations was especially stable during repeated testing.

UTEP said the research team plans to refine its work and incorporate their printed electrolytes into complete battery cells.

The team’s work has been published in Communications Engineering, part of the Nature family of journals.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A federal jury convicted a former soldier in El Paso for stealing more than 200 pallets of Meals-Ready-to-Eat (MREs) from Fort Bliss, the Justice Department said Tuesday. The meals’ value totaled $1,120,000, according to the DOJ.

The Justice Department said 47-year-old Joseph Lavar Davis and three other people faced a two-count indictment in February 2025 for the scheme. They faced one count for conspiracy to steal government property and a substantive count of stealing government property between February and August 2020.

The DOJ said the scheme involved:

Davis, former soldier who became a civilian contractor. He knew how to request and pick up MREs.

A soldier who helped pick up and transport the meals.

A middleman between the buyer and the contractor and soldier.

A civilian who sold the MREs online.

While in the Army, Davis worked in food service supply where he learned how to get MREs, according to the Justice Department. After he retired, he worked as a civilian contractor, where he stole MREs from Fort Bliss, officials said.

In August 2020, the FBI and Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division agents searched a warehouse in El Paso and found 100 MRE pallets, the DOJ said. It said investigators found out the owner of the company using the warehouse bought the meals from people who stole them from Fort Bliss.

According to the DOJ, Davis made fake requests and rented trucks to transport the MREs. He also picked up or planned for others to pick up the meals from Fort Bliss. The Justice Department said investigators learned about Davis’ actions through fake paperwork.

The DOJ said he also planned with other people to obtain, deliver and receive money for the meals. He also negotiated prices and received payment for MREs, according to officials.

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Paul Schulz

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Fire Crews have knocked down a large fire in Central El Paso.

The El Paso Fire Department has confirmed to ABC-7 that two buildings were affected by the condition 4 fire.

The fire happened on the intersection of Yandell Drive and Octavia Street.

EPFD says the call came in at around 9:38 p.m. on Monday evening. 25 units responded to the fire, with about 60 firefighters tackling the blaze. The fire was put out 41 minutes later at 10:19 p.m.

Officials say both structures affected by the fire each had a partial roof collapse.

No injuries have been reported at this time and fire investigators are currently on the scene.

EPFD says residents from one structure have been displaced and Red Cross was requested for aid.

This is still a developing story, ABC-7 will continue to keep you updated on air and online.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Sun Bowl Association honored its volunteers and installed a new president Sunday. The association named Richard Dayoub as its new president for 2026.

“Richard Dayoub continues the legacy of great Sun Bowl Presidents,” said Sun Bowl Association Executive Director Bernie Olivas. “We look forward to another tremendous year with Richard at the helm. He brings vast experience in business and community relations.”

Outside of working with the SBA, Dayoub is the longtime host of El Paso Primetime, KTEP Public Radio’s weekly public affairs program. On the show, he talks about economic development and quality of life issued in the Borderplex region, the SBA said.

The SBA said Dayoub is an Air Force veteran who served two tours in Vietnam from 1968-1970.

He said he’s excited and feels “very blessed and privileged” to step up as president.

At the El Paso Zoo, the SBA thanked its volunteers for helping with the association’s events — including the annual Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl game. Volunteers help with other traditional events like the SBA’s Thanksgiving parade.

“It is because of the volunteers that the Sun Bowl is recognized nationally and is one of the best in the bowl business,” Olivas said. “They are truly the lifeblood of the Sun Bowl Association.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The City of El Paso said it will continue hosting free FIFA World Cup watch parties Downtown. Soccer fans can watch Mexico play Tuesday and Team USA play Wednesday.

Like the previous watch parties, the City will show the games on a big outdoor screen on the Mexican American Cultural Center. Fans can take blankets and chairs to sit on the grass steps of Cleveland Square Park, which is right in front of the MACC.

The first watch party will take place Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. for Mexico’s match against Ecuador.

Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., fans can watch Team USA face Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Cleveland Square Park is located at 510 N. Santa Fe St.

“We’re excited to continue bringing the community together to celebrate the sport, cheer on their favorite teams, and enjoy another great evening in Downtown.” said the city’s Parks and Recreation Director Pablo Caballero.

The city suggested fans show up to the watch parties early to secure a good spot.

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Yvonne Suarez

UPDATE (6:01 p.m.) — Officials said military personnel activated an emergency response plan and firefighters have been working to control the fire for six hours.

In total, three water tankers, four fire trucks, a pump unit and 25 personnel are helping, officials said.

The Juarez Fire Department is investigating the cause of the fire and is looking into whether the facility hold the required operating permits, officials said.

CD. JUAREZ, CHIH, MEXICO (KVIA) – The Juarez Department of Public Safety reports a recycling plant caught fire this morning.

The plant recycles plastics and wood products and is located on highway KM 27 to Casas Grandes.

No word yet on any injuries.

The huge plumes of thick black smoke can be seen for miles.

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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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