Category: kvia-local-news

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — University of Texas at El Paso President Heather Wilson will help build a proposal to bring the U.S. Space Academy to Texas. Tuesday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced a team of Texans assigned to encourage the federal government to bring the academy to the Lone Star State.

In August, President Donald Trump signed an executive order at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to establish a Presidential Commission on the U.S. Space Academy. That commission will recommend a permanent location.

Gov. Abbott said the new leadership team will work with the Texas Space Commission to propose Texas as the academy’s location.

Texas State Representative Greg Bonnen will lead the team, according to Gov. Abbott.

Wilson is the former secretary of the U.S. Air Force. She is one of several team members working at a Texas university.

Gov. Abbott argued Texas has the foundation a national space academy requires. On top of NASA’s Houston center, he said Texas universities train engineers, scientists and operators for space operations.

“Texas is the home of America’s human spaceflight program,” said Governor Abbott in a statement. “No state can match what Texas brings to this mission.”

He also said the state has major military installations and a commercial space industry that already builds, launches and operates systems for space.

Other team members include:

Nancy Currie-Gregg, director of the Texas A&M Space Institute, retired Army Colonel and a former NASA astronaut. Evan Loomis, member of the Texas Space Commission Board of Directors. Robert Ambrose, Associate Director of the Texas A&M Space Institute. Jack Fischer, senior vice president at Intuitive Machines, retired Air Force Colonel and a former NASA astronaut. Lori A. Magruder, director of the University of Texas at Austin Center for Space Research.

Gov. Abbott is running for reelection this November against Democratic candidate Gina Hinojosa.

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Mia Tricarico

UPDATE (Oct. 13, 2026): El Paso City Council unanimously voted in favor of blocking business with Flock Safety or similar companies.

The resolution directs El Paso City Manager Dionne Mack not to conduct agreements or arrangements with Flock or other providers for networked automated license plate reader cameras or similar technology.

The resolution is for fixed cameras only. It doesn’t impact handheld or vehicle-mounted readers or systems, such as parking technology.

UPDATE (2 p.m.): The council unanimously passed an item directing City Manager Mack to refrain from entering new contracts with Flock Safety or similar providers for ALPRs unless otherwise directed by the council.

The agenda item said the direction would “prevent the the discontinued Flock Safety system from being replaced with another vendor or substantially similar fixed, networked surveillance technology without further action by the City Council.”

Additionally, City Attorney Karla Nieman will be directed to draft and return a resolution to effectuate the direction within 30 days.

UPDATE (12:39 p.m.): El Paso City Council voted unanimously (8-0) to direct the city manager to ensure the removal of all Flock Safety ALPR cameras and related hardware on city property. City Manager Dionne Mack has 60 days to ensure the removal, according to the agenda item.

City Rep. Canales offered an amendment that, if the hardware isn’t removed within 60 days, fully opaque bags will cover the hardware for an additional 30 days.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — On Tuesday, the El Paso City Council will consider removing Flock cameras. If the item is approved, removal of the cameras and related equipment would happen within 60 days.

A second agenda item directs the city manager not to sign, renew or extend any contract or arrangement with Flock or similar companies with fixed license plate-reading cameras.

The discussion of removal came after City Representatives Chris Canales and Josh Acevedo introduced both agenda items. If the item is approved, it will require the City of El Paso to remove all Flock cameras and related equipment within 60 days.

Earlier this year, City Rep. Canales proposed the city not renew its agreement with Flock and that the city discontinue the use of networked, AI-powered Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs). The proposal failed with a 2-6 vote.

On Sept. 2, City Rep. Canales said “Flock has time and time again shown itself to be untrustworthy as a company, with its system prone to misuse and abuse.”

His social media post came days after Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered all state agencies to pause funding for Flock cameras. His post also said the El Paso Police Department stopped using Flock cameras funded by the state.

EPPD Chief Pacillas said the cameras helped quicken investigations. He said the police department use the cameras “under strict oversight, limited access and rigorous privacy safeguards.”

City Council opened up the mic for public comment. Many residents expressed their safety concerns about Flock cameras.

The agenda item of discussing and taking action to remove the cameras are items 25 and 26, ABC-7 is at the meeting and will provide updates.

Flock is privately owned and was founded in 2017 in Georgia.

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Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — MUTTZ Canine Social Club, the dog park and bar near Topgolf in West El Paso, announced its permanent closure this week.

On social media, MUTTZ said challenges including the economy and the business’ location led to the decision to shut down. On July 1, MUTTZ temporarily closed its doors to “take some time to reset, evaluate our operations, and thoughtfully consider what the future looks like.”

“We built real relationships with rescue groups, vendors, and the local dog community, those relationships are what made MUTTZ so much more than a place,” the social media post read.

In February, the canine cantina’ said it spent a lot of money ‘s owner, April Mendoza, said the business “spent a lot of money to keep customers happy,” particularly on comfort. At the time, the bar posted a notice that it was “struggling to bring in customers.”

The social club operated as a bar with designated areas for dogs, such as a splash pad and wash station.

“We are spending quite a bit to make ourselves different and please all of our guests, but, we just don’t have the volume that we need,” Mendoza previously told ABC-7.

today, some business owners told ABC-7 this shopping center in the Montecillo area was supposed to have freeway access.

One business owner even said that announcement came when they opened their business a couple years ago. 

Several businesses have closed here recently, including i-Fly and Boston’s pizza. 

Some business owners told ABC-7 that a lack of direct freeway access, and people being forced to take a longer route is partially to blame.

ABC-7 also reached out to TX-DOT about when access from the freeway to this area could be expected.

They said, in part, quote, “”TxDOT’s Westbound Frontage Road Project from Executive Center Boulevard to Sunland Park Drive remains on track for a July 2027 construction letting. The $31 million project is fully funded and will provide access to the corridor from the proposed westbound frontage road. Construction is anticipated to begin in October 2027 and is expected to last approximately 18 months.”

ABC-7 reached out to MUTTZ to speak about the closure, but declined.

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Mikey Tongko

ANTHONY, N.M. (KVIA) — The harvest season is here, ready to bring fall vibes with wine, live music and local vendors back to La Viña Winery for the 2026 Harvest Wine Festival.

The two-day festival takes place Sept. 19-20 from noon to 7 p.m. at La Viña Winery in Anthony, New Mexico.

Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or want to find your favorite kind, more than 20 wines will be available to taste and buy.

General admission is $30 for adults. Admission includes a souvenir wine glass and a choice between five wine samples or one full glass.

Outside of wine, visitors can explore more local arts and crafts. The festival will have more than 60 vendors offering food and crafts.

Visitors will have plenty to see, taste and hear! Three live bands will perform each day.

Younger guests ages 12-20 can attend the festival for $10. Children who are 11 years old and younger get free admission.

For adults looking for an upgraded experience, VIP tickets include wine, craft beer, food and wine pairings. The VIP experience also comes with convenient perks like VIP parking and exclusive seating.

La Viña Winery is located at 4201 New Mexico Highway 28 in Anthony, New Mexico.

Organizers say tickets are available online and at the gate. Outside food and alcohol, as well as pets, are not allowed at the festival.

For Tickets visit www.lavinawinery.com

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Olivia Vara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — On Saturday, two people were killed here in a shooting at Tom Lee Upper Park. One neighbor said she just wants to help keep the neighborhood safe — and that’s why she’s pushing for a neighborhood watch.

“We heard nothing in the front,” said Nancy Monty, a neighbor in the area.

For neighbors who live near Tom Lea Upper Park, safety is a big concern.

One neighbor, who lives just down the street, says plans for a neighborhood watch have been in the works for some time.

“No sound. We weren’t alerted. Our alarms didn’t go off. Our cameras are on. Nothing,” Monty told ABC-7’s Olivia Vara during an interview.

She’s a member of one of the groups that’s scheduled to meet with El Paso Police Tuesday, to officially establish their neighborhood watch.

They expect to discuss communication, reporting suspicious activity and ways to stay connected with police.

“I didn’t know until the next morning when I saw the news that had happened at 4 a.m.,” said Monty.

Monty said they hope the new group will help them look out for each other.

“That’s scary because it’s right across from our house,” she said. “I’ve had tons of phone calls and texts from friends. Are you okay? Are you okay?”

EPPD said anyone with information about the murders can contact police at 915-832-4400 or Crime Stoppers at 915-566-TIPS (8477).

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — A Las Cruces man faces several charges, including child abuse, after he allegedly urinated on a toddler on Sunday, documents said.

Officers went to a home on Spitz Street for a domestic disturbance. Documents said when they arrived, they spoke with a woman and her 3-year-old son.

The woman allegedly told officers she woke up to the sound of running water and saw William Magee Jr. urinating on her son.

She alleged that while she cleaned her son in another room, Magee threw a toy in their direction. Documents said the woman decided to leave the home with her children.

According to documents, Magee pushed the woman and held her face against a tree. The woman said Magee also caused her to fall down the steps in front of the home.

Investigators also spoke with the woman’s 17-year-old sister. She allegedly said she saw her sister fall down the steps.

Magee stayed inside the home and allegedly refused to leave to speak with officers. Documents said he eventually exited. When officers moved to start an arrest, Magee allegedly shoved an officer on the chest.

Documents said several officers took Magee to the ground and placed him in handcuffs.

Investigators wrote that Magee had a strong smell of an intoxicating beverage and had to be placed in a wrap restraint to prevent injury to himself or others.

Officers checked the toddler’s bed and saw it was wet with a “strong urine smell,” documents said.

Documents said Magee has been charged with battery of a household member, battery upon a peace officer, resisting arrest, child abuse and a local warrant.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A record number of students enrolled in the University of Texas at El Paso this fall, according to the school. For the first time, UTEP’s enrollment passed 27,000.

UTEP said this fall’s enrollment set an all-time record for the second year in a row. It said 27,368 new students enrolled, which is an increase of more than 4% from last year’s fall semester.

The university’s previous record stood at 26,297, UTEP said.

“Surpassing 27,000 students is a remarkable milestone, but what matters most is that record numbers of students are not just enrolling at UTEP, they are staying and finishing,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson in a statement. “That is a credit to our faculty and staff, who take seriously the job of meeting each student where they are, and making UTEP an excellent and affordable path to a better life.”

In August, Wilson said UTEP expected to set a record during UTEP’s state of the university address.

UTEP’s milestones didn’t stop with this fall semester’s enrollment. For the fifth year in a row, UTEP enrolled its largest freshman class. It said 4,695 first-time college students started their studies this fall.

When it announced its record enrollment, UTEP noted its efforts to build its student body and support. One example included UTEP’s Paydirt Promise, which covers 100% of tuition and fees for some Texas residents.

The university also credited its online education program, which offers more than 40 bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs and graduate certificates.

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Nina Gallegos

UPDATE (Sept. 21, 2026): An inmate in Hudspeth County helped police identify one of three suspects from a deadly shooting at Tom Lea Upper Park, according to police documents.

The shooting happened around 3:39 a.m. on Sept. 12 at the park. Documents said police went to the park and found the two men dead on the road with gunshot wounds. Each death was ruled a homicide.

Documents said an autopsy determined Joshua Michael Himes and Francisco Javier Ignacio, both 20, died from gunshot wounds.

While investigating, detectives learned a large group of people met at the park to drink alcohol. Documents said a fight happened between the victims and unknown subjects.

Witnesses told detectives they saw the suspected shooters drive away in a white pickup truck, documents said. Witnesses said two men fired their guns toward the victims and nearby crowd before driving away.

Detectives obtained surveillance video showing the truck driving from the park to the I-10. Documents said the truck went to an apartment West El Paso. Video showed a woman and three men leave the truck and go into an apartment.

On Sept. 16, a deputy from the Hudspeth County Sheriff’s Office contacted the El Paso Police Department about the double murder.

An inmate in Hudspeth County said one of the alleged shooters, 17-year-old Manuel Canedo, told him he and his “homie” did the shooting, documents said.

Canedo allegedly told the inmate he had been “jumped,” so he started shooting. Documents said Canedo said his “homie” also started shooting and “knocked two of them down.”

Investigators wrote that Canedo and the inmate had been incarcerated together several weeks earlier.

Canedo also allegedly told the inmate his truck was in Fort Worth. The inmate told police Canedo was arrested for trafficking and used the truck at the time of his arrest, documents said. Investigators said the suspect truck matched the description the inmate gave EPPD.

Investigators used license plate reader records and learned the truck was in the Forth Worth area, documents said.

EPPD authorities then interviewed the woman seen in the surveillance video involving the shooting. Investigators didn’t provide her name due to concerns for her safety.

The woman alleged Canedo and two other alleged shooters, 19-year-old Jose Emmanuel Saldana and 20-year-old Jesus Ivan Lopez, picked her up before driving to the park. When she got in, the woman said she saw two guns on the center console, according to documents.

Documents said one of the shooting victims made a disrespectful comment about the woman. One of the victims allegedly said, “She is bad.”

Lopez allegedly confronted the victims and told them to “do something” while the woman walked toward the truck. The victims reportedly followed them to the truck, documents said.

The woman said one of the victims punched Canedo and saw Castillo and Canedo fire their guns at the victims. Documents said Lopez drove the alleged shooters and woman away from the park.

Manuel Canedo (left), Jose Saldana (middle) and Jesus Lopez (right).(Courtesy: EPPD)

On Sept. 17, police apprehended Lopez. Lopez allegedly identified Castillo and Canedo as the two shooters. He also allegedly admitted to driving the truck away from the park.

EPPD said Canedo and Saldana are from Fort Hancock. Lopez is from El Paso. Police charged all three with capital murder.

UPDATE (Sept. 18, 2026): El Paso police said it charged three people with capital murder after a deadly shooting that killed two men at Tom Lea Upper Park.

EPPD said it charged 17-year-old Manuel Canedo, 19-year-old Jose Emmanuel Saldana and 20-year-old Jesus Ivan Lopez. Canedo and Saldana are from Fort Hancock, Texas, while Lopez is from El Paso.

Manuel Canedo (left), Jose Saldana (middle) and Jesus Lopez (right).(Courtesy: EPPD)

Investigators said a group of people drank at the park when a fight broke out between the victims and the three suspects. The three allegedly shot the victims and drove away.

Joshua Michael Himes and Francisco Javier Ignacio, both 20, died, police said.

EPPD said its Gang Unit, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Texas Rangers helped arrest the three suspects.

EPPD said anyone with information about the murders can contact police at 915-832-4400 or Crime Stoppers at 915-566-TIPS (8477).

UPDATE (Sept. 14, 2026): The El Paso Police Department identified two 20-year-old men who died in Saturday’s shooting at Tom Lea Upper Park. Police said the shooting happened after an altercation.

Joshua Michael Himes and Francisco Javier Ignacio died, police said.

Investigators said that a group of people drank at the park when an altercation broke out between the two men and unidentified people. The unidentified people allegedly shot the men and left in a vehicle.

EPPD said anyone with information about the murders can contact police at 915-832-4400 or Crime Stoppers at 915-566-TIPS (8477).

UPDATE: According to the El Paso Police Department (EPPD), two people are dead after a shooting that happened just before 4 a.m. at the 900 block of E. Rim at Tom Lea Upper Park.

When officers arrived at the park, police say they found two people dead.

According to a spokesperson with EPPD, a group of people were at the park when an unidentified vehicle showed up and at least two individuals started shooting. The vehicle then left the area, according to the spokesperson.

Police continue to investigate the shooting and ask anyone with information to call police or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of El Paso.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Crimes Against Persons Unit is investigating a shooting at 900 E. Rim in Central El Paso.

The shooting happened near El Paso High School, according to police.

They say the call came in just before 4 a.m.

This is a developing story.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Comedian Jo Koy planned a stop in El Paso for his world tour, the University of Texas at El Paso’s Office of Special Events announced.

On April 30, he will bring his “Koy Meets World” tour to the Don Haskins Center.

Presale for tickets starts Wednesday at 10 a.m. with the code “COMEDY.” General ticket sales start Friday at 10 a.m.

You can find more ticket information here.

Koy is known for his sold-out shows and hit comedy specials worldwide. Honolulu proclaimed Nov. 24 as “Jo Koy Day” after he broke a record for the most tickets sold by a single artist at a venue in the Hawaiian city.

According to Koy’s website, he wants his comedy to educate others on Filipino traditions.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A 46-year-old man received a prison sentence Monday after pleading guilty to murder and manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance in a death that happened at the Downtown El Paso County Detention Center. The 34th Judicial District Attorney’s Office said the sentencing is the first of its kind in West Texas.

A judge sentenced Eric Robles to 18 years in prison for murder and 15 years in prison for manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance. His sentences will run concurrently, the district attorney’s office said.

Eric Robles’ mugshot.(Courtesy: EPCSO)

Eric Robles is the first defendant in the region to be sentenced under Texas House Bill 6. HB 6 is a 2023 law that allows murder charges to be filed against those who manufacture, deliver or supply fentanyl that results in a deadly overdose.

Authorities executed a federal arrest warrant on Robles on May 16, 2024, at the Ysleta Port of Entry. He was housed in the same cell block as 49-year-old Jesus Hernandez at the Downtown detention facility.

Hernandez was found dead in the detention facility on May 23, the district attorney’s office said. An autopsy revealed a deadly dosage of fentanyl in his system at the time of his death.

Hernandez transferred to a federal detention facility in Sierra Blanca on May 23. The district attorney’s office said a package with more than 25 grams of fentanyl was found in Robles’ lower bowel that same day.

“Fentanyl continues to be a deadly scourge throughout the nation. Eric Robles chose to distribute a deadly drug for his own benefit, and that choice cost Jesus Hernandez his life,” said District Attorney James Montoya.

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