Category: kvia-local-news

Valeria Medina

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The City of El Paso has a new director for the Capital Improvement Department (CID). He is Javier Acosta. His appointment is effective February 16, 2026.

The City says Acosta brings more than 20 years of experience in civil engineering, capital program delivery, and public infrastructure leadership. In this role, Acosta will oversee the planning, design, and construction of capital projects; these projects include transportation, drainage, public facilities, and utility infrastructure.

Acosta previously served as the City’s Engineering Division Manager and Floodplain Administrator.

The City adds that Acosta has a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and Surveying Engineering from New Mexico State University and is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and New Mexico.

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Valeria Medina

SANTA FE, New Mexico (KVIA) — New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham signed four bipartisan bills today halfway into the legislative session. These bills are aimed at improving infrastructure, expanding the health care workforce, and addressing immigration detention concerns.

The bills the governor signed are: 

House Bill 9: Immigration Safety Act — Prohibits state and local governments from entering into or renewing agreements to detain individuals for federal civil immigration violations and requires termination of any existing such agreements. The bill also prevents public entities from using public property to facilitate immigration detention while preserving law enforcement’s ability to conduct lawful stops and detentions. 

Senate Bill 1: Interstate Medical Licensure Compact — Makes practicing medicine in New Mexico easier for physicians licensed in other compact states.

House Bill 50: Interstate Social Work Licensure Compact — Streamlines licensure process for social workers.

Senate Bill 2: Transportation Bonding Bill — Gives a reliable source of funding for infrastructure projects across the state; this includes projects for roads, bridges, and transportation systems.

Governor Lujan Grisham issued a statement, saying, “These bills represent major progress on issues that matter to working families, including safer roads, and more doctors and social workers to serve our communities. I look forward to getting even more done with lawmakers during the second half of the session.”  

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Valeria Medina

UPDATE (February 6th, 2026) — The City of El Paso said it managed to lower the rate increase percentage through negotiation efforts. The City says average small homes will see a 10% hike; that translates to roughly $3.64 per month. For people with the average large home, they’ll see a 19% increase, which translates to roughly $11.30 per month.

Last year, City Council voted against a proposed settlement that would have brought the rate increase down to 10%. El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson was the tie-breaking vote, because he said he hoped they could do better than 10%.

UPDATE (5:15 P.M.) — The City of El Paso says it’s reviewing the next steps to take following the Commission’s rate hike approval.

City Attorney Karla Nieman, says, quote:

“This decision is not the outcome the City Council sought for El Paso customers. We are reviewing the Railroad Commission’s action taken today and will brief City Council on what it means for our community and what options are available moving forward.”

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Texas Gas Customers in El Paso will now have to pay more each month; this comes after the Texas Railroad Commission voted to approve a 27% rate increase. This means the average customer will see their monthly bill increase to up to $14.

The Commission said the added dollars are needed to cover costs related to service and maintenance service costs.

Back in November of 2025, ABC-7 reported that El Paso City Council rejected the proposed rate hike.

Another utility recently approved a rate hike. El Paso Water customers are seeing a 12% increase on their monthly bills for the 2026-2027 fiscal year; this translates to about $10 more a month.

More details tonight on ABC-7 at 5 and 6.

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KVIA ABC-7

UPDATE (Feb. 5, 2026) — The New Mexico Supreme Court upheld the convictions of Steven Valdez for the murder his girlfriend, Brittney Skaggs. This comes after Valdez appealed the conviction, arguing evidence was wrongly used in court and he was denied effective legal representation. Valdez claimed evidence related to domestic violence should have been excluded from the trial. Valdez also argued he received ineffective legal representation because of a lack of communication between him and his attorney. The Court rejected Valdez’s arguments today, and concluded that the trial court acted accordingly.

As ABC-7 reported, Valdez was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Skaggs, plus 13 years for aggravated assault and fleeing from police which was related to the crime.

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) — A man convicted of murdering his girlfriend and dragging her body into a car in full view of neighbors was sentenced to 45 years in prison Tuesday.

On October 12, 2023, a jury found 45-year-old Steven Valdez guilty of murdering Brittany Skaggs in February of 2022.

ABC-7 covered this murder when it happened. You can read our initial reporting here.

The jury also found Valdez guilty of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, and aggravated fleeing from a law enforcement officer.

Police found Skaggs dead inside her car at a trailer park on the 2200 block of Doña Ana Road on February 23, 2022. She had suffered a single gunshot wound to her abdomen. When the officers arrived, they saw Valdez ride away on a motorcycle. Skaggs’ friend told investigators that Skaggs had gotten into a fight with Valdez, who she claimed had beat her.

“It was at that time that Valdez entered the home, the witness confronted Valdez and he hit her with the butt of his handgun,” a spokesperson with the Third Judicial District Attorney of New Mexico explained. “Then Valdez chased Skaggs into the back bedroom where she pushed him attempting to leave when Valdez fired the handgun five times at Skaggs, hitting her in the arm and in the abdomen. Then Valdez located the witness and pointed the gun at her. She pleaded with him, not to shoot her.  The witness then saw him drag Skaggs out and placed her into her vehicle and left the scene. 911 audio was played at the trial, detailing the witness’ testimony.”

Las Cruces Police officers later found Valdez, still riding his motorcycle, and chased him through the city. Court officials say he was traveling at speeds over 100 mph. He crashed the motorcycle and was arrested.

“Valdez has a history of criminal behavior and Domestic Violence,” the D.A. spokesperson explained. “Domestic Violence help is available for anyone experiencing domestic or intimate partner violence through La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services 24 Hour Crisis Hotline 575-526-3437.”

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX — The El Paso Homeschool Association (EPHA), announces its 10th Annual Homeschool Conference, taking place February 20–21, 2026, at Centro Vida Life Center (1335 Henry Brennan Dr., El Paso, TX 79936).

Keynote Speakers

The conference will feature keynote speakers John and Cathy Heckendorn, veteran homeschool parents and advocates. Cathy Heckendorn—who calls herself a “homeschool survivor”—brings a relatable, honest perspective, shaped by homeschooling all four of her children to graduation.

Workshop Tracks & Topics

The 2026 conference will offer multiple workshop tracks, allowing families to tailor their experience. Tracks include:

Special Needs

Homeschooling the Young Years

Homeschooling High School

Spanish-Language Track

Parenting

Faith & Vision

Practical Homeschooling

For conference details, registration, visit elpasohomeschool.org/2026-conference or email hello@elpasohomeschool.org.

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (Feb. 6, 2026) — “Obviously not.” That’s what Britney Torres, the woman accused of driving the wrong way on I-10 West and causing the crash that killed Jesus Chico Jr., told investigators when they asked her if she’d felt comfortable to drive her car in the state she was in prior to crashing. That’s according to court documents obtained by ABC-7.

Documents say on Tuesday, February 3rd, the responding officer was flagged down by a passerby who stated a head-on crash happened on I-10 West. Chico Jr. was later pronounced dead, while Torres was taken to the hospital. At the hospital, court documents say Torres admitted that she’d been drinking and had an unknown number of shots. Investigators also reportedly found alcohol in her car.

Torres then told investigators that she believed she was on Loop 375 and was on her way home from visiting her sister, documents say. Investigators asked her if she had felt capable of operating her car in the state she was in prior to the crash; Torres allegedly replied, “Obviously not.”

Documents add that officers determined Torres showed signs of intoxication. Torres was later placed under arrest.

UPDATE (Feb. 5, 2026) — The woman accused of driving the wrong way on I-10 West and causing a deadly crash has now been charged. 25-year-old Britney Torres is charged with intoxication manslaughter. Torres was booked into jail on a $150,000 bond.

Britney Torres mugshot, Courtesy: EPPD

El Paso Police say Torres was traveling the wrong way; at the same time, Jesus Chico Jr. was driving on I-10 West. Police say Torres hit Chico Jr.’s car head on. Torres was taken to the hospital with minor injuries, while Chico Jr. died from his injuries.

EPPD says this is the fifth traffic fatality of 2026.

UPDATE (12:02 pm): The El Paso Police Department has identified the person killed in the crash Tuesday night as 25-year-old, Jesus Chico Jr.

According to police, the Special Traffic Investigations Unit responded to a crash involving two vehicles at 10:39 pm.

Chico Jr. was driving on I-10 west in a Honda Civic near Mesa.

Police say Britney Torres was driving the wrong way on I-10 and struck Chico Jr’s vehicle head on.

Torres was taken to the hospital with minor injuries and Chico Jr. died from his injuries from the collision.

The DWI Task Force was called to assist in the investigation.

UPDATE (11:36 a.m.): The El Paso Fire Department has confirmed that two other people were injured in the crash but only one was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

UPDATE (8:35 a.m.): One person has been declared dead according to EPPD.

UPDATE (7:49 a.m.): All lanes are now reopen, according to EPPD.

UPDATE: As of 6:00 a.m., Special Traffic Investigators, El Paso Fire and the medical examiner’s office have left the scene. El Paso Police and TxDOT remain there and two tow trucks arrived.

ABC-7 is seeing a second crashed car on the scene, being mounted onto a tow truck.

A white sheet is seen covering the driver’s side door of one of the cars, which normally indicates a fatality. STI officials were also looking around the ground.

ABC-7 is still working to learn more on the conditions of the driver and if anyone else was in the crashed car, as well as confirm any fatalities.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — All lanes on I-10 West at Mesa are closed due to a crash, according to El Paso Police. The department reported the crash on X at 10:58 p.m. Tuesday night.

There is no clearing time yet. Thru traffic should use Exit 13 at Sunland Park, police said.

Some of our ABC-7 crew has been stuck on the highway for more than two hours since police reported the crash. Our crew said they are currently waiting on the highway with their cars off to save battery.

This is a developing story.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

UPDATE (3:23 PM)- The El Paso City Council unanimously approved Item 34, which directs the City Manager and City Attorney to review the City of El Paso’s options for ICE Detention Centers.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso City Council is currently hearing from dozens of borderland residents during a public comment session on an item to prevent the construction of any new ICE detention centers within city limits.

According to city officials, over 50 people signed up to speak before El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson and several council members. City Representatives Lily Limón and Chris Canales were co-sponsoring the item.

Today’s council meeting is still ongoing and you can watch and listen to the public comments on item 34 here.

ABC-7 reported last week that over 200 people signed up for public comment at the El Paso County Commissioners Court to speak up about the new facility, said to be located and built in Far East El Paso County. From those who spoke in person, all of them were against it.

Several residents have been speaking against Camp East Montana on Fort Bliss after three deaths at the facility were previously confirmed by ICE.

Immigration advocates, residents, former law enforcement, social workers and even retired federal government workers are some of the people who signed up to support the city’s discussion on item 34.

ABC-7 is at council meeting and will bring you more updates in later newscasts.

Watch the full story tonight on ABC-7 at 5 and 6.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV) – African Heritage Week will be celebrated citywide in El Paso,February 6–8. The celebration brings together local Black leaders, designers, and organizations, alongside an International guest from Uganda, Meriam Nanasirye, founder of Rescue Women’sFoundation. Events will take place at the Mexican American Cultural Center (MACC), the El Paso Museumof History, and Amalur at Old Sheepdog Brewery, offering the community multiple opportunitiesto engage throughout the weekend.

EVENT CALENDAR:

Friday, February 6 | 3:00–6:00 PMMexican American Cultural Center (MACC)

African Heritage Week Kickoff Cultural CelebrationSpeakers, cultural performances, African fashion showcase, and Black-owned vendor market.

Saturday, February 7 | 1:00–3:00 PMEl Paso Museum of HistoryAfrican Heritage Week Opening Reception & Fashion ShowcaseTraditional African fashion and jewelry from Uganda paired with local Black designers.Saturday, February 7 | 7:00–9:00 PMAmalur at Old Sheepdog Brewery (Mystic Desert Studio)African Heritage Week Fashion ShowRunway show featuring local and international Black designers.Sunday, February 8 | 11:00 AM–3:00 PMMexican American Cultural Center (MACC)African Heritage Week Cultural Celebration & Fashion WalkSpeakers, cultural performances, fashion walk, and Black-owned vendor market.African Heritage Weekend marks a milestone for El Paso, celebrating African culture throughfashion, storytelling, and community connection across the city. All events are free andopen to the public.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso teen is going to Hollywood after wowing judges on American Idol. 19-year-old Julián Kalel advanced past the first round Monday night.

Kalel advanced during his last audition in 2025, but took a step back to focus on his mental health. He received an anxiety diagnosis as a freshman in high school.

The song he wrote for his most recent audition is an anti-suicide anthem. He said he wrote it during a dark period in his life, and wants it to remind listeners they’re never alone.

All three judges gave Kalel a yes.

“You have all the talent of a great singer, glad you’re back,” judge Luke Bryan told Kalel. “Let’s just have fun with this thing.”

Kalel will head to Hollywood to compete on a much bigger stage.

To hear more about Kalel’s story, click here. American Idol airs on ABC-7 Monday nights at 7 p.m. You can follow Kalel’s journey to stardom.

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Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Post Malone will be kicking off his tour in El Paso at the Sun Bowl Stadium.

It’s one of only two stops he will be making in texas on his tour across the us.”

“We’re still blessed with great weather, great pricing in real estate and now a lot of things to do,” Manager of the Sun Bowl Stadium, Jorge Vazquez, told ABC-7 during an interview.

He started as the general manager of the Sun Bowl Stadium in 2010.

Back then, he would have to sell the story of why El Paso is a good stop for big music acts. 

“Now that we have this success in our hands of many years of being able to successfully put on these events,” said Vazquez. “”I don’t have to sell El Paso anymore. I think it’s already a proven market.”

Coldplay played at the sun bowl last year. The Kpop band BTS also recently announced it’s performing in El Paso. 

Post Malone is the latest big act set to play the Sun Bowl. He’s touring across the U.S. with country artists Jelly Roll and Carter Faith.

“You could just put on some headphones and just get lost into his albums,” said UTEP student Tony Vega during an interview with ABC-7.

Tony works part time at a hotel in El Paso and witnessed how good the Coldplay tour was for local businesses. He hopes performances like Post Malone and BTS will continue to make El Paso a stop for big acts. 

“They jump from like Phoenix, Arizona, all the way to Dallas. It’s like, you know, you could just stop here for a little bit if you like,” said Vega.

Jorge Vazquez, the general manager of the Sun Bowl, believes this means there’s much more to come. 

“And now i will we will see more events coming. i really believe that because we are on the international map,” said Vazquez.

Pre-sale for the tickets starts February 6th at 10 a.m.

You can sign up for the pre-sale by visiting here.

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