Category: kvia-local-news

Heriberto Perez

SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico (KVIA) — The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, in collaboration with the Department of Defense’s Joint Task Force Southern Border, will discuss the operational capabilities of the M1126 Infantry Carrier Vehicles, also known as Strykers.

These Strykers were recently deployed at the El Paso and Big Bend Sectors.

“It is a force multiplier that will allow us to detect and track faster and more accurately any illegal entry into the United States,” said Agent Orlando Marrero-Rubio, Border Patrol El Paso Sector spokesman.

The Secretary of Defense authorized U.S. military personnel additional authorities to support CBP on March 20, enabling service members “to conduct mobile ground-based monitoring support to detect, track, and monitor movements of suspected illegal activity using military tactical vehicles, including the use of Strykers, or foot patrols within sectors assigned by CBP.”

More updates in later newscasts

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Today at Eastlake High School, elementary students are proving that math can be both fun and rewarding as they compete in the annual Math Bee.

Kindergarten through 5th grade students competed in their 8th annual district Math Bee and tested their mental math skills. 

During timed rounds, students answered math problems to advance to the next level with the goal of becoming the district Math Bee champion for their grade. 

Preparing for the Math Bee provides students with the chance to improve their math skills, contributing to better grades in the classroom and making learning more enjoyable. 

Isabella Martinez

EL PASO, TX (KVIA) — The planned Sunset Amphitheater in Northeast El Paso is back before City Council this week, as officials review an amendment to the land transfer agreement with Venu, the company behind the 12,500-seat entertainment venue.  

According to agenda documents, the proposed amendment increases the land transfer from 17 to 20 acres. Officials say the expanded footprint allows for a new design capable of hosting events year-round. The amendment also clarifies parking responsibilities and updates the official closing date of the land sale.  

The project has faced previous delays. The land transfer, initially expected to be finalized in December 2024, was held up due to title concerns. At the last council meeting in early December, Karina Brasgalla, the city’s economic and international development director, said a “clean bill of title” was necessary to secure investors.  

Despite missing its expected groundbreaking last year, Brasgalla said the project remains on track, though it may not be ready in time for the start of the 2026 concert season.  

As part of the agreement, Venu is required to secure a venue operator and bring in at least 40 national touring acts per year. The project is expected to generate a $5.4 billion economic impact over 20 years, including direct revenue from sales taxes and indirect benefits from visitor spending at local businesses.

The city has committed nearly $31 million in incentives for the project, which is projected to provide a 28.8% return on investment.  

City Council is set to discuss the amendment during its regular meeting on Tuesday.

Nicole Ardila

The Texas Senate is proposing to double it’s current incentive for filmmakers to $500 million, aiming to become the next powerhouse in film production.

ABC-7 spoke with local filmmakers on how this could bring opportunities to the industry in El Paso.

Texas Moving Image Industry Incentive Program currently has a $200 million package, now legislators want to significantly increase it to attract production crews to the Lone Star State.

“Hollywood might disappear, I’m hoping it will, because there’s a chance for a new industry,” said filmmaker Paco Ibarra, who founded Lemur Creative Studio. “I feel that part of the things that Texas and El Paso benefit from is the fact that most of its culture is very culture driven, is society driven, and it’s not an individualistic society.”

SB 22 proposed in March explains certain requirements in order for productions to receive grants — For example, 60% of the film has to be filmed in Texas, films cannot not portray Texas negatively, and no obscene material is allowed.

Netflix’s Tex Mex Motors star and creator Marcos “Scooter” Carrera supports that and wants to erase the stigma that the southwest is full of crime. 

“El Paso is already on the map, we just need the spotlight… If I’m going to do something for my community, I’m going to try to portray it as best and as good as I can. Why would I want to talk bad about El Paso, Juarez, or Las Cruces when I’ve spent all my life here?”

The filmmakers say this incentive will create more jobs, attract tourists, and boost the economy. 

“People will be surprised who comes through here,” said Gilbert Jorgensen, founder of Star Central Studios. “So, last year, we had HBO several times, we had the History Channel, we had Netflix, Amazon films, you name it.”

Last year, Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio was in El Paso filming for Paul Thomas Anderson’s upcoming project, “One Battle After Another.”

Jorgensen says producers have told them they want to come back to El Paso for more projects, not just because of the landscape, but because of the welcoming community. 

“It’s growing and there are positive changes, and we do have all the resources and talent now, recently. So as that word spreads, more projects will come here,” says Jorgensen.

Cinematographer Raul Hernandez is from El Paso and has worked in Los Angeles for over a decade. He’s made over 500 music videos for renown artists like Pitbull and songs “Like a G6” by Far East Movement.

 He now works in the borderland, and hosts monthly workshops to unite the local film community. 

“We’re working to build a film community, so we’re already setting up monthly meetings where we can bring all the filmmakers together to not only network, but also provide an opportunity where they can come and and showcase their work,” said Hernandez.

Production companies currently get reimbursed between 5% to 20% of what they spend in the state.

Right now, film productions are eligible for grants if 55% of their crew are Texas residents, but if passed, SB 22 would reduce that requirement to 35% for the next two years.

Heriberto Perez

JUAREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Juárez city officials temporarily shut down three recently-opened businesses due to a lack of permits and licenses businesses must have before opening.

One Jack in the Box, Denny’s, and McDonald’s south of the city were the businesses closed.

The city’s Urban Development Department said in a statement they invite all the Ciudad Juárez community, especially entrepreneurs and investors to issue the necessary documents to operate their businesses in accordance with current regulations.

“All companies and franchises wishing to open their doors in the city are welcome, but they must comply with the guidelines established by the Municipality of Juárez,” General Director of Urban Development Claudia Morales Medina emphasized.

“Among the most important documents they must obtain are the Land Use and Operating License, among other requirements established by local authorities,” the city said.

Officials say the McDonald’s, Denny’s, and Jack in the Box did not have the corresponding Operating License or Civil Protection Report. In response, the companies were invited to regularize their status with the General Directorate of Urban Development.

“The invitation is extended to all investors and entrepreneurs who wish to open their businesses: it is essential that they review the operating requirements by visiting the General Directorate of Urban Development, located at 100 Pino Suárez Street,” Morales added.

Isabella Martinez

EL PASO, TX (KVIA) — As strong winds kick up dust across the Borderland, health officials are reminding residents about a rare but serious fungal infection known as Valley fever.  

The disease is caused by the Coccidioides fungus and thrives in desert soil. When disturbed by wind or construction, the spores become airborne and can be inhaled.  

ABC-7 spoke to El Paso Health Authority Dr. Hector Ocaranza who said while Valley fever is not common in the region, it does exist in desert areas, including Arizona, California, and West Texas.  

“There’s no way to prevent it,” Dr. Ocaranza said. “Your best prevention is to stay away from all the dust starts to cover your face with the mask and control your chronic conditions.”

Valley fever symptoms often mimic the flu and include fatigue, fever, cough, and chest pain. 

Dr. Ocaranza emphasizes those with chronic conditions are more vulnerable to the disease, “Somebody that has uncontrolled chronic conditions like diabetes, then that might be something that gives a higher index of suspicion.”

In severe cases, Dr. Ocaranza said the infection can even be deadly, “If the body’s already weak and we are infected with some of these fungal infections or some other infections, people can succumb to this kind of infection.”

Testing for Valley fever requires antibody screenings, which may take multiple tests to confirm. Dr. Ocaranza said treatment can also vary. 

“Treatment is challenging because there is no specific medication that is going to be given here,” he explained. “Your physician may choose different medications to help combat this infection.”

There is currently no vaccine for Valley fever. Dr. Ocaranza emphasizes and recommends wearing a mask in dusty conditions, staying indoors when possible, and seeking medical attention if symptoms persist.  

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—This month, El Paso Animal Services is launching its annual Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month campaign with the theme “Break the Cycle: Compassion Starts with You.” This year’s campaign highlights the connection between animal cruelty and human violence and calls on the community to take action.

According to El Paso Animal Services, studies have shown that nearly 71% of domestic violence survivors report their abuser also harmed or threatened their pets. The FBI recognizes animal cruelty as a crime linked to other serious offenses, including domestic violence, child abuse, and even homicide. Often, violence against animals is the first warning sign of a larger cycle of abuse. 

Throughout April, El Paso Animal Services will work with community members to educate the public on identifying and reporting animal cruelty and neglect. The campaign will include lifesaving educational events, issue PSAs, social media posts, conduct neighborhood canvassing, and community presentations.

Residents can also participate by showing their support for cruelty prevention by wearing orange ribbons, using orange porch lights, and engaging in campaign events throughout the month of April.

For more information on Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month, including tips and resources, visit www.ElPasoAnimalServices.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- The state Senate passed a proposal that would require some Texas sheriffs to enter into agreements with the federal government to help identify undocumented immigrants accused of crimes. El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego joins us with the details.