Category: kvia-local-news

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.

Rosemary Montañez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– Coronado High School student Diana Calderon is shaping the art world. The senior, who is getting ready to graduate this summer, lives to create her next masterpiece. 

Calderon told ABC-7 she began art at only 7-years-old, illustrating cartoon characters and drawing pieces for her classmates. It was there her parents noticed her distinct talent.

Diana has a younger brother and sister, but she is the only artist in her family. 

The native of Chihuahua, Chihuahua, moved to El Paso two years ago. Her parents made the move so Diana and her siblings could continue their education in the United States, but Diana faced many challenges she never expected. 

She said she lost many friendships in Chihuahua and even went through a period of depression.

“When I moved here, I went, I was like, really sad. And I feel like I ruined my life.”

Diana said it was during her second semester when she started winning awards for her art pieces. She said that gave her extra motivation to keep moving forward. 

Calderon also said she was able to push through with the help of her parents. 

“They, they really moved to the United States so they can help me, and I can just keep growing up. And they were the first ones who believed in me. So I’m really grateful,” she told ABC-7.

She also explained that art helped her find her way.

“It helped a lot because when I’m painting, I’m just like, focusing, like, in one thing. And I’m just, like, just doing it because I enjoy doing it, because I love doing it. It’s like what keeps me alive.”

Calderon has received numerous awards for her art pieces.

Last year, her artwork advanced to the state finals in San Marcos. It was inspired by a Tarahumara mother and child.

This April, her art piece is also advancing in the state competition.

Calderon told ABC-7 she doesn’t feel nervous but feels good about the competition.

Diana was accepted into the prestigious School of the Art Institute in Chicago, even receiving a scholarship. But Calderon said she’s staying closer to home. She has chosen to study art at the University of Texas at Austin. Despite the criticism of others, she feels optimistic.

“I want to study art, like people think, like, ‘Oh my God, you’re going to like be like hungry all the time,’ you know? Because it’s not like you can get, like, a professional job with it. It’s really hard’.”

Calderon hopes to one day open her art school to mentor other art students.

“I would tell myself that. Don’t give up. Like, it’s not the end of the world. Like, people just come and go, and the only person who’s there for me is myself. So, yeah, like, I’m the only one who can, like, push me. And I just continue doing art because I’m talented. And I just can do it.

If you have a Good Vibes Only story report, email news@kvia.com.

Heriberto Perez

JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Crime and violence south of the border have been notorious for over a decade, especially in the Ciudad Juárez – El Paso borderplex.

Mexican law enforcement at all three levels of government continues its efforts to decrease crime rates and increase safety for all residents in the borderland. Still, they also require assistance from independent and private security groups to combat crime.

ABC-7 spoke with the Private Security Companies Association of Ciudad Juárez (A.E.S.P) about the use of AI to enforce security at businesses and maquiladoras on the border.

The President of A.E.S.P, Gabriel Salazar said thankfully Juárez is not living in the same situation with organized crime and violence as other states across Mexico.

A.E.S.P. began in 2016 as a private group consisting of 16 private security firms on the border that frequently collaborate with the Juárez (SSPM) and Chihuahua (SSPE) Police Departments.

Initially, it started with 12 different businesses and private security groups.

“We need to strengthen and determine the direction public security will take based on artificial intelligence and technology. Through this effort between private initiatives, we can provide more tools to authorities, especially law enforcement, to combat crime, delinquency, and everything that afflicts us as a city and as a border,” President Salazar said.

Several private organizations like SECURIPAT have taken a role not only in tracking and overseeing cargo from maquiladoras while conducting imports and exports on the border but also acting as consultants for the industry offering security softwares for companies and controlling what they ship to the U.S. and other countries.

“We are trying to prevent what is happening in other places from happening to us, where crime has even prevented them from organizing.” “The implementation of technologies such as artificial intelligence has its pros and cons, but the most important thing is that you have to know how to take advantage of them,” President Salazar added.

Former FBI agent and Dallas Police Department Officer, Hector Ruiz was born in Villa Ahumada Chihuahua. Currently, he owns a private security organization called Risk Protective Services which is a polygraph company.

“We have developed a lot of technology in our company because I love technology despite my age, because for many older police officers sometimes it’s very difficult to adapt to learning how to investigate the newer crimes because they’re crimes that are done through technology, with technology, and if you don’t understand technology is going to be challenging for you to solve those crimes,” Ruiz said.

Now Ruiz’s company is developing a system called probation parole tracker to track sex offenders through technology. They’re also developing a system called Cleared Applicant to help them and law enforcement recruit and vet applicants for public safety positions through technology.

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—This year’s 30th Annual YWCA Women’s Luncheon features Lucy Liu. Liu is a critically acclaimed actress, director, producer, artist, and advocate whose influence spans film, television, and Broadway. The Women’s Luncheon is YWCA El Paso’s largest fundraiser. In 2024, it raised just under $470,000. This year’s goal is $500,00.

https://www.ywcaelpaso.org/womens-luncheon

Nicole Ardila

This National Stress Awareness Month, mental health experts are sharing tips for parents and children for stress.

Children are often overlooked when it comes to talking about stress, but ignoring signs can create long term issues.

Counselor Lupita Peña at Emergence Health Network says kids can experience signs as simple as headaches or stomachaches when they feel stressed.

But behavior-wise, they can show signs of clinginess, isolation, lack of focus, or even misbehaving more at school.

Pena says if those signs are ignored, then children can develop anxiety, depression,Or even PTSD.

“So then we start labeling with ‘Oh, you’re misbehaving,’ You know, kids don’t necessarily understand or have the communication skills, depending on their age, to be able to say, I’m feeling anxious or I’m feeling stressed or this situation is overwhelming for me,” said Peña.

Another factor that causes stress in children, is pressure from their parents, teachers, or even schools to perform well on their standardized tests. 

This pressure, Peña says, leads to unhealthy stress. 

She shared some tips for children to cope with it.

“Social interaction is really important, or ‘I’m going to take part in some type of hobby or sport, or I’m just going to spend some time with my family, I’m going to take some time off of screen time, or I’m going to put my phone away for a little bit,'” she said. “So it’s a healthy balance.”

Peña says if the stress becomes obsessive, it’s important to find a healthy balance and think about what’s in your control.