Category: kvia-local-news

Mia Tricarico

SANTA TERESA, N.M. (KVIA) — Discolored, yellow water is once again pouring from household taps in Santa Teresa, leaving residents frustrated, distrustful and forced to spend hundreds on home filtration systems just to get usable water.

Residents have exhausted all options from installing Puronics water purification systems, water softener systems, heavy metal tanks, additional carbon filters, UV filtration, to even making their own water.  

The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA), which supplies water to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa—tells ABC-7 that an overnight system outage may have caused the temporary discoloration. However, for residents, this latest incident follows a long history of water quality concerns and administrative fines.

Homes across the community report trying everything—from installing high-end water softeners, heavy metal tanks, Puronics purification systems, and UV filtration, to making their own distilled water at home.

Recent System Fine: Earlier this year, CRRUA agreed to a $189,000 settlement with the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) following years of drinking water violations, including unnotified arsenic spikes and operational deficiencies.

System Deficiencies: An NMED Sanitary Survey identified 58 operational deficiencies within CRRUA’s facilities, including previous failures to properly maintain arsenic filtration systems and prompt customer notification protocols.

Santa Teresa resident Joanna Muna said she has had water issues for 10 years and started taking matters into her own hands.

She said she spent hundreds of dollars to install a flitering system with carbonation filters, UV light and a water purifier.

“It’s stealing from people’s livelihoods, stealing from their health. It needs to be fixed,” Muna said.

Other residents said they’re sticking to bottled water.

ABC-7 reached out to CRRUA for an interview, they declined. However, a spokesperson responded with a statememnet that read:

“CRRUA tested the water from the distribution system outside the property line. The water was clear and within acceptable levels for chlorine and ph. CRRUA recommends that customers who notice discolored water flush their outdoor faucet for several minutes until the water clears. If the discoloration remains, call the CRRUA customer service number at 575-589-1075 or the after-hours emergency number at 575-202-7173.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — La Nube STEAM Discovery Center is coming up on its second anniversary. To celebrate, children’s admission will be free Saturday.

Child admission is free for a morning and afternoon session, La Nube said. You can reserve up to four free child tickets with the purchase of one adult ticket for $20. Walk-in admission isn’t available, according to La Nube’s website.

The morning session takes place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the afternoon session runs from 1:3o-5 p.m.

La Nube recommended families reserve for free admission ahead of time because of limited space. You can reserve spaces through this website.

In addition to celebrating its birthday, La Nube said it received the 2025 Hands On! International Children in Museums Award, an international honor in the children’s museum field.

Miffy will also make a special appearance at the discovery center to take pictures with visiting families.

(Courtesy: La Nube)

La Nube members get an exclusive opportunity in the Galería, according to the discovery center. La Nube said members can expect surprises, snacks, refreshments and an exclusive celebration.

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Gabrielle Lopez

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — State and federal authorities in Juárez seized a tiger and an alligator while investigating an alleged homicide Thursday.

During operations, Chihuahua State Police, Mexican National Guard, Mexican Army and the State Investigation Agency looked into a homicide that reportedly happened between July 31-Aug. 1, officials said.

The first search happened at a car wash in the 16 de Septiembre neighborhood. That’s where authorities found a caged Bengal tiger, an alligator and four dogs, according to authorities.

Authorities in Juárez, Mexico, found a caged tiger during a homicide investigation.(Courtesy: SSPE Chihuahua)

Authorities also seized a Hummer allegedly linked to the homicide under investigation.

Authorities seized a hummer allegedly tied to a homicide investigation in Juárez.(Courtesy: SSPE Chihuahua)

The second search happened at a home in the Álvaro Obregón neighborhood — where the homicide allegedly took place, authorities said.

Authorities found traces of blood and other evidence, officials said.

After seizing the animals, personnel from the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection went to the site to take custody, officials said. Both properties went under the disposal of the Public Prosecutor’s Office for legal proceedings.

The dog and alligator found during the investigation.(Courtesy: SSPE Chihuahua)

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Mia Tricarico

San Elizario, Texas (KVIA) — One hundred animals have been rescued and transported to a ranch after an investigation led to a man’s arrest and an animal cruelty charge, according to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. The animals were transported to a nonprofit animal rescue called Gracey’s Rescue Ranch.

Santos Gordillo Torres allegedly neglected dozens of animals in San Elizario, the sheriff’s office said. Authorities reported seeing unsanitary conditions with signs of malnourishment.

Images of Santos Gordillo Torres’ arrest after an investigation led to dozens of animals being rescued. (Courtesy: EPCSO)

According to court documents obtained by ABC-7, J. Murphy, an El Paso County Animal Welfare officer, saw the animals lacked basic care like food, water and shelter.

After his first observation of the neglected animals, Officer Murphy issued a 24-hour notice to Torres, telling him to get the animals veterinarian care, documents said.

The next day, Officer Murphy alleged Torres made no effort to get the animals proper care or improve their living conditions, documents said.

The animals were transported to a nonprofit animal rescue called Gracey’s Rescue Ranch.

ABC-7 reached out to Gracey’s Rescue Ranch for an update on the animals’ conditions.

“So when I got the call, we were called to get ten animals. They asked us to come back the next day and they said, how many can you take?”

Thats when Mike Gracey arrived to the property and realized he was going to rescue 100 animals instead of ten.

He told ABC-7 it was more animals than he ever anticipated on rescuing.

“Usually it’s one horse at a time. Even the ten for us was like, okay, it’s kind of a lot. But you know, we we didn’t know what the situation was or what the aspect or hey, we have ten animals in need. We didn’t even know what kind of ten animals.”

ABC-7 asked Gracey if he had any second thoughts once he discovered how many animals were in need of rescue.

“It was really something that we know we had to make happen, and we just knew we could do it. We just had to figure out everything afterwards. We made it happen.” Gracey replied.

County Animal Welfare officer observed that most of the horses hooves were overgrown and that many horses were thin, according to court documents.

Gracey explained to ABC-7 that overgrown hooves cause horses to feel pain, especially when walking or running.

The defendant Santos Gordillo Torres, told deputies he was feeding the horses racehorse food which does not allow the horses to gain weight, according to court documents.

He also told deputies he invested most of his time with the miniature ponies, that he rented out but he confessed he had no formal training or education on caring for livestock animals.

Court documents also said that a female pig was confined in a 120 degree enclosure, with no access to food or water.

The El Paso County Sheriff, Oscar Urgate told ABC-7 in a statement,” The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office has zero tolerance for animal cruelty. There is no excuse for abusing, neglecting, or failing to provide proper care for an animal. When these cases are reported to us, we will investigate them thoroughly and take enforcement action when the evidence supports it.”

They also shared a message for the community,” We also ask our community to be our eyes and ears. If you see or suspect animal cruelty or neglect, report it. Speaking up can save an animal’s life.”

While the investigation remains active and ongoing, the focus at Gracey’s Rescue Ranch stays centered on the long road to recovery for the many rescued animals. The sanctuary is currently accepting community donations and volunteers to help cover the unexpected costs of veterinary care, proper nutrition, and rehabilitation for the 100 animals now in their care.

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Max Zepeda

LAS CRUCES, N.M.(KVIA) — Twice in a week, former New Mexico State University basketball player Deshawndre Washington failed to appear in court for an ongoing hazing case. Washington is accused of 15 felonies tied to a hazing scandal during the 2023-23 NMSU basketball season.

Part of the season was cancelled, and NMSU’s men’s basketball coach at the time, Greg Heiar, was fired amid the allegations.

Monday, Washington failed to appear in Las Cruces for court and was later seen playing in a basketball tournament in Lebanon. His agency said conflict in the Middle East prevented him from returning to the U.S. for court.

After his absence on Monday, a judge ordered a bench warrant for his arrest.

Wednesday, he failed to answer the call to the court. That day, a judge lifted a gag order so those tied to the case can speak publicly about it.

Since Wednesday, Washington’s attorneys and his agency remained silent about his whereabouts.

Friday, ABC-7 reached out to a former U.S. Marshal to explain what’s next for Washington’s case, and what law enforcement can do to bring him back to the U.S.

ABC-7 also reached out to Washington’s representatives for comment, and while his lawyers would not provide new information, his agent Kerry Carter confirmed to ABC-7 that Washington’s agency is in the works of providing new details to TMZ.

The New Mexico Department of Justice continues to pursue the case.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Two environmental quality reports said the Marathon El Paso refinery released harmful gasses in South-Central on Tuesday and Wednesday. One of the reports noted one of the gases released for 24 hours.

Tuesday night, residents near the refinery noticed a strong gas odor. District 2 City Representative Josh Acevedo confirmed the smell came from the Marathon refinery. He said air monitoring in the area didn’t detect any readings indicating health risks.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s reports from Wednesday said the Marathon refinery released three air contaminant compounds: 1,3-butadiene, propylene and sulfur dioxide.

According to both reports, the conversion process used in petroleum refineries (Fluid Catalytic Cracker, or FCC) had a process upset, which shut down and resulted in emissions to flare. As a response, the FCC and other process units shut down.

1,3-butadiene

The incident report said an estimated 19.1 pounds of 1,3-butadiene went into the air for two hours and 13 minutes Tuesday from 7:10-9:23 p.m.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 1,3-butadiene produces through the processing of petroleum and is mainly used to make synthetic rubber. It’s also found in small amounts of plastics and fuel.

It’s described to be a colorless gas with a mild gasoline-like odor. The U.S. Department of labor said low exposure may irritate the eyes, throat nose and lungs. With skin exposure, the gas may cause frostbite, the department said. Higher exposure may cause decreased blood pressure, headache, decreased pulse and fainting.

The Labor Department said it’s common to be exposed to the gas in the petroleum refining industry. Others can be exposed through polluted air near chemical, plastic or rubber facilities.

Propylene

According to the incident report, an estimated 8897.9 pounds of propylene went into the air for two hours and 13 minutes Tuesday from 7:10-9:23 p.m.

Propylene is another colorless gas with a petroleum-like odor, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration CAMEO Chemicals database.

The database said when it’s moderately concentrated in the air, it can cause dizziness, drowsiness and unconsciousness.

Sulfur dioxide

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s second report said the refinery released sulfur dioxide into the air for 24 hours starting Tuesday at 7:47 p.m. An estimated 862 pounds went out, the report said.

Like the other gases released, sulfur dioxide is colorless with a strong odor. The National Park Service said the gas can threaten human and animal health. Fossil fuel combustion is one of the main sources of sulfur dioxide emissions.

NPS said sulfur dioxide irritates the skin, eyes, nose throat and lungs. The gas can also reach with other chemicals in the air and change into a particle that can get into the lugs.

Several South-Central El Paso residents told ABC-7 they felt their eyes burn Tuesday night while the gasses emitted into the air.

“I was coughing, I felt a little dizzy and nauseous,” Katrina Osborn said.

On social media, residents expressed confusion about the smells, as they didn’t know what they were in the moment. One resident said she started to reconsider moving to the area.

“I was considering buying a house around here, and that is one of the reasons why I’m having second thoughts about looking for homes around here. Because I don’t know what we’re exposed to,” Grace Torres said.

Wednesday, ABC-7 reached out to the Marathon refinery, and a spokesperson said teams addressed the situation. Again, air monitoring deployed and reportedly didn’t detect any readings that indicate health risks.

refinery report 1Download

refinery report 2Download

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-Crews working on the Borderland Expressway project are about to start placing the first beams. Please plan your travel in advance.

According to TxDOT El Paso, Stan Roberts Road will be fully closed in both directions between McCombs and Martin Luther King on Tuesday and Thursday next week.

On Saturday, McCombs Road will be closed in both directions between US 54 and Stan Roberts.

All closures will happen from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

TxDOT says the McCombs site on the Borderland Expressway in northeast El Paso is one of three locations that will get new beams in the next few weeks.

The columns and caps have been in place for months, and now the first beams are being installed.

Crews will work during the day, mostly with full road closures. Drivers should plan ahead and use detours.

On Stan Roberts Road, this site will be the first to have a beam placed, scheduled for the 11th and 13th.

Meanwhile, crews are working on the future interchange.

First, many concrete panels are being put together to form mechanically stabilized earth walls. These walls rise above the ground and show what the future elevated surface will look like.

Teams are working together on the walls, doing tasks like cleaning the forms and drilling holes in the wood. These crews are helping build the future retaining walls. The extension is designed to hold embankment material, prevent erosion, and make sure there is a smooth transition between different structures.

The beams at the future US 54 interchange will be installed last. Because the main lanes are already paved, a full closure will not be necessary for this part.

Nearby, you can see that construction has started on the future main roads of the Borderland Expressway. Paving will take place soon. If you drive along NM 213 toward MLK, you’ll notice crews are now leveling the ground since the drainage work is finished.

TxDOT says if you travel on US 54, McCombs Road, MLK Avenue, or Stan Roberts Road, please keep these closures in mind when planning your route.

CLOSURES: (Courtesy: TxDOT EL PASO)

I-10 Widening West 2 Project

Saturday, August 8

3 a.m. – 3 p.m.

I-10 eastbound between Anthony and Los Mochis full closure

Monday, August 10 and Tuesday, August 11

Nightly, 9 p.m. – 6 a.m.

I-10 eastbound between Anthony and Los Mochis full closure

Detour: Traffic will exit at Anthony, proceed onto South Desert through the Anthony and Vinton intersections, and enter I-10 eastbound after Los Mochis.

Crews will be placing beams.

Artcraft Project

Sunday, August 9 – Thursday, August 13Sunday, August 16 – Thursday, August 209 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

I-10 east and westbound between Loop 375 (Transmountain) and Artcraft full closure

Crews will be placing steel girders and welding operations.

Monday, August 10 Continuous Closure (4 – 6 week closure)

Intersection of Berringer through Artcraft access closure

Crews will be working on a water main bore.

Borderland Expressway Phase 2 ProjectTuesday, August 11 and Thursday, August 13

Daily, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Stan Roberts east and westbound between McCombs and Martin Luther King full closure

Access to EPEC Newman Power Plant will be available via Martin Luther King and Stan Roberts intersection.

Saturday, August 156 a.m. – 6 p.m.

McCombs north and southbound between FM 2637 and Stan Roberts full closure

Crews will be installing bridge beams.

Loop 375 Rehabilitation Project

Sunday, August 9 – Thursday, August 13

8 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound between Fonseca and Oregon full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound between Schuster and Fonseca full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound entrance ramp from Paisano full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound entrance ramp from US-54 full closure

Saturday, August 15

6 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound between Schuster and Fonseca full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound entrance ramp from Paisano full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) eastbound entrance ramp from US-54 full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) west and eastbound between Fonseca and Oregon alternate lane closures

Crews will be working on milling, paving, and installing guardrail.

Sergeant Major Bridge Reconstruction Project

Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14

Nightly, 12 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Purple Heart Highway (Loop 375) north- and southbound right lanes between Sergeant Major Exit and Entrance Ramps.

Crews will be placing Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).

Districtwide Striping Project

Sunday, August 9 – Thursday, August 13

9 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Night)

I-10 east and westbound between Horizon and Paisano mobile operations

Crews will be removing and installing pavement markings.

Guardrail Repair

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday, August 10

North Desert turnaround to South Desert at Vinton complete closure

Tuesday, August 11

Spur 601 westbound entrance ramp to US-54 North complete closure

Wednesday, August 12

Loop 375 westbound between US-54 and Main Gap picnic area left lane closed

Thursday, August 13

North Desert between Artcraft and Trade Center left lane closed

Friday, August 14

North Desert at Trade Center left lane closed

Crews will be repairing guardrails.

Maintenance

Monday, August 10 – Friday, August 14

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Loop 375 (Transmountain) westbound between Tom Mays Park entrance and Paseo Del Norte right lane closed

Crews will be working on the shoulder.

Spur 601 east and westbound between Chaffee and US-54 alternate lane closures

Spur 601 east and westbound at Chaffee entrance and exit ramps closed

Cotton north and southbound between San Antonio and Delta alternate lane closure

Crews will be working on crack sealing.

Sunland Park westbound between Mesa Hills and I-10 right lane closed

Crews will be milling and paving.

Gateway North between Yandell and Montana right lane closed

Crews will be working on concrete.

Executive exit ramp to Loop 375 (Border West Highway) westbound closed

Crews and Signal Shop removing signs.

Sunday, August 16

4 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ramp K between US-54 South and I-10 West closed

Entrance ramp between Trowbridge and US-54 South closed

I-10 West between US-54 and Piedras three right lanes closed

Crews will be working on bridge.

Closure Links:

West Area Project Closures

I-10 Widening West Closures

East Area Project Closures 

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — This summer, a select group of Ysleta ISD students participated in a summer internship with Marathon Petroleum Corporation.

Five high schoolers from YISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) program participated in Marathon’s internship program from June through July. According to YISD, the interns are rising seniors. These students underwent a competitive selection process.

The internship provided a hands-on experience in a real-world setting that will help them succeed in their future careers.

The participating students include Parkland High School’s Emilio Escarcega; Del Valle High School’s Dylan Lujan; Ysleta High School’s Aaron Marquez and Jordyn Villarreal; and Elias Quinonez, who attends Riverside High School.

“They’re getting a real taste of what it’s like to work at Marathon. So from the time they are getting here in the morning. They’re working as if they already work here for our company,” said Tommy Skinner, the refinery’s human resources director.

“We were there training them, teaching them, showing them. They were interacting with the refinery people,” Victor Vela, the IT manager at Marathon, said.

ABC-7 spoke to the students about taking part in this unique program.

“The experience I had here was very fulfilling because I got to meet with the project managers. I got to meet tech service engineers, and they all taught me so many valuable skills in their career path.” Emilio said.

“Anyone I would talk to was nice, and they were willing to help,” Dylan said.

“I’ve heard about stuff like this, but I’ve never really seen it in practice. So being able to see it, it’s really been interesting and fun for me,” Aaron said.

“The people I got to meet, each individual, and the way they got involved,” Elias answered when asked about his favorite part of the program.

The students were able to meet and work alongside Marathon employees and develop new skills.

“We need to learn a lot of soft skills. We have a lot of them understand math and science, but we need to understand how to work in groups and how to do presentations and those kinds of things and, and I feel like this type of environment kind of forces you to learn how to do those things,” Rebecca Ayala, an environmental engineer, added.

Now, the five students said they are ready to incorporate their new skills in the classroom and beyond.

“I’m so confident now that, like, it’s really inspired me and challenged me and ultimately has helped me in my abilities,” one student explained.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Storms developed over El Paso Thursday, bringing hail to some residents in West and Upper Valley El Paso.

ABC-7 viewers shared some weather video with us, which you can watch above.

Send us pictures and videos of the weather through our share form.

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (6:28 p.m.): EPE’s outage map said 13 outages are still active and 5,002 customers are affected.

EPE said there’s no estimated restoration time.

UPDATE (5:20 p.m.): EPE said 32 power outages are ongoing, with 6,491 customers affected.

Some of those outages are in Dona Ana County, according to EPE’s outage map.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — More than 8,000 customers are without power across El Paso Thursday, according to the El Paso Electric outage map.

The majority of outages are in the Far East. In the Pebble Hills and Zaragoza area, the map said 3,913 lost power.

There are also outages reported in the Northeast, East and Central.

El Paso Electric’s power outage map as of 5:10 p.m.(Courtesy: EPE)

The outage map said the outages are being assessed.

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