Category: kvia-local-news

Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso remains under an ABC-7 First Alert for triple-digit temperatures ABC-7’s StormTrack Weather Team is tracking throughout this week.

The borderland is no stranger to the summer heat, with some playgrounds the one at Crestmont Park having covers over them to limit sun exposure.

Earlier today one El Pasoan in the area told ABC-7 about his experience living in the Borderland for years and dealing with the heat.

Willie Newberry has lived in El Paso for the last 47 years. He’s experienced heat exhaustion before. 

“I was working out inside. And the heat kind of overwhelmed me a little bit, and I got dizzy. So therefore, I went back to the house and setting the tone. You know, kind of went away like that.”

Not once, but twice!

“I had no water with me, so, I start sweating a lot and i kind of got dizzy then, too, so I knew I had to stop, so I stopped. Got to sat while I cooled off. I walked back to where I was going, back to my destination,” said Willie about his second experience.

For anyone spending time outside when temperatures pass 100 degrees, willie says — don’t! He has simple tips to stay cool. 

“I stay in the pool or stay in the house, and the air conditioning. I try to prevent being out here in the heat.”

With temperatures expected to continue to climb this week, it’s important to protect yourself from the sun, take cover when you can and stay hydrated.

Heat exhaustion can set in within 30 minutes of direct sun exposure at these temperatures and symptoms can including dizziness, nausea and heavy sweating.

Heat stroke is when the body stops sweating and internal temperature hits 104° F or higher. It becomes a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate medical attention.

The elderly, young children, outdoor workers and people without functioning air conditioning are at the highest risk during this first triple-digit stretch.

Overnight lows in El Paso are only dropping to the mid-70s. That means there’s little relief for homes without air conditioning, leaving heat stress to accumulate around the clock.

The city could activate cooling centers if we reach triple digit temps today. Extended activation to keep cooling centers open later and open on Sundays will not be triggered unless there’s three consecutive days at or above 103° F.

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (2:40 p.m.) — Fort Bliss said military police blocked traffic onto the 375 as El Paso police responded to the armed person report.

El Paso police took the suspect into custody.

EPPD Detective Judy Oviedo said the call about the armed person came after a crash. An officer went up to the person’s car and saw the weapon.

EPPD said the person hit a barricade.

A K9 bit the suspect, according to Detective Oviedo. The suspect went to a local hospital for treatment.

All lanes have reopened, according to the Texas Department of Transportation.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso police reported a person with a weapon in the area of Purple Heart Memorial Highway (Loop 375) and Liberty Expressway near Biggs Field Monday.

Police learned about it at 10:43 a.m. The incident is near the William Beaumont Army Medical Center.

The area around Liberty and Exit 31 is shut down. Police said people should avoid the area.

This is a developing story. ABC-7 is going to the scene to learn more.

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Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The USDA confirmed New Mexico’s first screwworm case Monday. NMSU Assistant Entomology Professor Dr. Caleb Hubbard says ranchers in the area need to be vigilant to prevent the spread.

“You know, we all have to recognize that we in moments like this, we all have to come together,” Dr. Caleb Hubbard said. “Because if you’re not inspecting your animals and they’re infested, well, then that’s going to move from one producer to another producer, and then that’s how it’s going to spread.”

The threat is forcing clients of a local livestock auction house to consider prevention efforts as a new business expense.

“It is a lot of money for ranchers to have to do and a lot more and a lot of time and effort for them to do. But, you know, we have to keep our food source going,” Landmark Mercantile Livestock Auction spokesperson Jaden McClure said.

Texas Governor Greg Abbott and U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins held a press conference Monday to explain Texas’ response to New World screwworm.

Gov. Abbott directed the Texas Division of Emergency Management to active Texas’s emergency response to a Level 2, or an escalated response, Monday.

“The protection of our ranchers, livestock producers, deer breeders, and the Texas economy from this pest is a top priority,” Gov. Abbott said in a news release.

The USDA has confirmed four cases in Texas as of Monday.

“Sterile flies are the well-established solution to the spread of the New World screwworm,” said Gov. Abbott. “The USDA is importing and dispersing those flies across South Texas and will recalibrate to deploy those sterile flies wherever needed. Texas is resilient. It is critical to stay vigilant and stay informed.”

New world screwworm is a parasitic fly that lays eggs on open wounds of livestock. These wounds can become fatal if left untreated. The state plans on combatting it with a new sterile fly production facility in Edinburg.

You can report suspected New World Screwworm cases in livestock to the Texas Animal Health Commission at 1-800-550-8242.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Gabrielle Lopez

Editor’s note: The original version of this story stated former Zoo Director Joe Montisano filed a wrongful termination lawsuit. A former zoo employee filed the lawsuit against the city, Montisano and other zoo employees.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens will have a new leader. Monday, the city announced the appointment of Gary Lunsford as the zoo’s permanent director. He served as interim director since September.

Lunsford’s career in wildlife includes his time as an inspector for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, the city said.

He comes from Massachusetts, where he worked as the Buttonwood Park Zoo director, according to the city. Outside of El Paso and his home state, he’s worked at zoos in Canada, Oklahoma and Wisconsin.

“With more than 30 years of experience in zoo operations and an unwavering dedication to our animals and the teams who care for them, makes him the ideal leader for the Zoo’s next chapter,” said City Manager Dionne Mack.

Former El Paso Zoo Director Joe Montisano resigned in November after being placed on temporary administrative leave in September 2025.

A former zoo employee filed a wrongful termination lawsuit afainst the city Montisano and other zoo employees, which has been dismissed after a settlement was reached May 27.

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Gabrielle Lopez

(KVIA) — New Mexico Congressman Gabe Vasquez spoke before the Department of War and the Federal Aviation Administration asking for more information on the closure of the El Paso International Airport in February.

Rep. Vasquez introduced amendments pushing the DOW to provide a report on its coordination with the Department of Homeland Security and the FAA.

He also asked for an explanation on what caused the airport to temporarily shut down.

On Feb. 11, the FAA announced a 10-day closure of the El Paso airport for security concerns. The restrictions lifted within hours.

“There was no communication, no coordination,” Rep. Vasquez told ABC-7. “In this last National Defense Authorization Act that I was just debating yesterday, we have a full report coming on exactly what happened, how to prevent it, how to strengthen that interagency coordination.”

Both amendments passed the committee hearing and will be considered by the House of Representatives.

Rep. Vasquez will face Republican nominee Greg Cunningham in November for New Mexico’s Second Congressional District.

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Gabrielle Lopez

CIUDAD JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Friday, Municipal Public Security Secretary officers in Juárez rescued a 9-year-old boy chained inside a home in the Toribio Ortega neighborhood. They arrested the boy’s mother, 35-year-old Leyma L. J. for alleged domestic violence, the Juárez Municipal Government said.

Officers in the neighborhood were patrolling when a community hotline reported the boy, according to the Juárez Municipal Government.

When they went to the reported address, they heard cries for help coming from the inside. They found the boy with a chain fastened around his ankle, according to a news release.

The boy said his mother restrained him to stop him from leaving the house, the Juárez Municipal Government said.

After being rescued, the boy went to the social work department for care and shelter, officials said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — DJ Steve Aoki is coming to the Elmont Swim Club as part of his Dim Mak Takeover.

Aoki will perform at the swim club Sept. 4. Doors open at 8 p.m., according to officials.

He’s known for his high-energy performances — and his ritual cake throw into the crowd.

The DJ also founded Dim Mark Records in 1996, which is a Los Angeles-based record label, events company and lifestyle brand.

You can find ticket information here.

Other DJs will spin at the Elmont leading up to Aoki’s performance in September:

Saturday, June 13 at 8 p.m.: Tiësto

Saturday, July 11, at 8 p.m.: Elderbrook

Friday, July 31, at 8 p.m.: Alesso

Sunday, Aug. 9 at 4 p.m.: Odd Mob

Friday, Aug. 14, at 9 p.m.: Zhu, On the Move tour

Friday, Sept. 4 at 8 p.m.: Steve Aoki’s Dim Mak Takeover

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The historic Segundo Barrio neighborhood inspired a new play area at the El Paso Museum of History. The City of El Paso announced the newly-renovated kids area Friday.

The neighborhood, located south of Downtown El paso, was historically known as “the other Ellis Island” due to the area’s port of entry connecting El Paso and Mexico, the museum said.

On the first floor of the history museum, children can explore a miniature version of the area. The play area’s design references Segundo Barrio’s Chicago brick-style apartments, trolley area and “tienditas.”

“We decided that Segundo is a great place because it’s a place where you connect to your roots, and it’s a place that everyone should know,” Erica Marin, the museum’s director, said.

The “Little Barrio Play Area” is on the museum’s first floor.

The city said the Nusenda Foundation’s 20206 Community Rewards supported the play area’s renovation.

“This work honors the rich cultural heritage of Segundo Barrio while helping young learners build confidence, pride, and a deeper connection to their community,” Nusenda spokesperson Sara Keller said.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-When rain is in the forecast, most of us grab an umbrella or a raincoat. TxDOT El Paso wants to remind you that it’s just as important to get your car ready for wet weather and make sure you’re prepared for the drive.

Lauren Macias-Cervantes, the spokesperson for TxDOT El Paso, says, “If severe weather is expected, stay informed.” Check reliable weather sources like the ABC-7 StormTrack Weather team, look at live cameras on txdot.gov, and visit drivetexas.org or call 800-452-9292 for the latest road conditions. If possible, think about delaying your trip or staying home.

If you need to travel, check your car’s battery, tires, and windshield wipers. Make sure your gas tank is full in case you run into delays. It’s also a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car.

Always wear your seatbelt and drive more slowly, allowing extra time for your trip. Leave more space between you and the car ahead, and turn on your headlights to stay safe. Cervantes-Macias said.

Don’t use cruise control. If you hit standing water or slippery spots, cruise control can make it harder to keep control of your car.

If your car starts to hydroplane, gently lift your foot off the gas or brakes. Stay calm and let the car slow down until you regain control.

Rushing water is more powerful than it looks. Just six inches of fast-moving water can make you lose control of your car.

Floodwater can hide dangers you can’t see, such as debris, tree branches, power lines, or damaged roads.

Take a different route if you see still or moving floodwater. Never try to drive through it.

Be especially careful when driving at night, since it’s harder to spot flood hazards in the dark.

Watch for emergency vehicles on the road.

Also, look out for stranded vehicles, especially on multi-lane roads where the outer lanes might be flooded.

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (5:48 p.m.) — According to photos sent by a witness and FlightRadar24.com, a Cessna 210 Silver Eagle crashed. Flight data showing the plane’s path stopped just after 11 a.m.

An ABC-7 viewer sent a photo of the crash.

Credit: Stephen Stetler

UPDATE (2:16 p.m.) — A witness helped two people get out of the plane after it crashed, Doña Ana County said in a news release. The third person was trapped inside and firefighters rescued them.

A single-engine plane crashed near a runway, according to the county.

The county said all three crash victims had life-threatening injuries.

Below is a picture of the crash.

Credit: Doña Ana County

Credit: Doña Ana County

New Mexico State Police are investigating the scene. There’s no information on what caused the crash.

SANTA TERESA, N.M. (KVIA) — Doña Ana Fire Rescue confirmed with ABC-7 a small plane crashed at the Doña Ana County International Jetport Friday.

Sunland Park Fire Chief Daniel Medrano said three people, including the pilot, were in the plane. It crashed at 10:57 a.m. on airport property.

Two people were airlifted to University Medical Center in El Paso in serious but stable condition, Medrano told ABC-7.

The third person is in critical condition at UMC, according to Medrano.

The jetport is in Santa Teresa next to the War Eagles Air Museum.

This is a developing story.

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