Category: kvia-local-news

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso’s City Council completed annual performance evaluations of the city manager and city attorney.

The city’s manager and attorney report to the mayor and city council. The annual evaluation allows the council to assess performance, recognize accomplishments and provide feedback and expectations for the next year.

The evaluations score the city manager and attorney on a scale of 1-5 for several performance factors.

City Manager Evaluation

City Manager Dionne Mack’s evaluation addressed leadership, implementation of council policy, financial stewardship, operational efficiency, risk management, workforce development, communication and delivery of public services.

The city said Mack received a rating of 4.07 out of five. Her highest scores were in professionalism, leadership and financial management.

Documents said her lowest score (3.82) was in communications. The evaluation notes said communication between the city manager and council improved under Mack.

“I appreciate Council’s feedback and remain committed to fiscal discipline, transparent reporting, community engagement and modernizing City services,” said Mack in a statement. “Our focus will remain on anticipating challenges and delivering measurable results for El Paso residents.”

2026 CM Evaluation (Signed)Download

City Attorney Evaluation

City Attorney Karla Nieman scored 3.81 out of five. Her highest scores were in management skills, leadership and communication, documents said.

Her lowest score (3.31) was in fiscal management. The evaluation notes said she “demonstrated fiscal management that clearly meets and at times exceeds expectations.”

Council recognized her leadership of “an increasingly mature legal organization,” strategic oversight of the city’s litigation portfolio and responsible stewardship of public resources.

“Effective legal leadership requires independent professional judgment, timely advice, and early identification of risks that could affect the City’s finances, operations, or ability to serve the public,” said Nieman in a statement. “The City Attorney’s Office will continue working to protect the City’s interests and support lawful, informed, and fiscally responsible decision-making.”

2026 CA Evaluation (Signed)Download

New Expectations

El Paso City Council established expectations and priorities for the next evaluation period. The new expectations support a focus on responsive and reliable leadership, efficient government and long-term financial stability, the city said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (12:50 PM) — The El Paso Police Department confirmed Tuesday that 41-year-old Angelo San Roman Perez is the person who died in the crash that occurred on Friday, September 4, in Northeast El Paso.

The El Paso Police Department Special Traffic Investigators responded to a traffic fatality, initially reported as a multi-vehicle crash, to determine the cause of the crash.

According to police investigation, a Chevy Impala was traveling south on Alcan, approaching the intersection when a Toyota Corolla was traveling at high speeds and entered the intersection on a red light.

Police say the Corolla T-boned the Impala in the middle of the intersection, causing the Corolla to roll over.

The driver of the Corolla, who was later identified as Perez, died at the scene. Police say that the passenger in the Corolla was ejected from the vehicle and taken to the hospital with serious injuries.

According to officials, the driver of the Impala was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

This is the 41st traffic fatality in El Paso, compared to 41 at the same time last year.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Two vehicles crashed in Northeast El Paso Friday, according to the El Paso Police Department. The El Paso Fire Department said two people were injured.

Police said it happened around 3:19 p.m. near Woodrow Bean Transmountain and Alcan Street. That’s near Dyer Street.

One of the vehicles involved in the crash seen behind a bush.(Courtesy: TxDOT Cameras)

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Nineteen schools in the Ysleta Independent School District earned Texas’ Purple Star designation, the district announced Thursday. The schools joined 329 campuses across Texas with designation for military family support.

YISD said it created the HERO Military Program, which provides military-connected families with a “welcoming, supportive path into the district and the El Paso community.”

The HERO program helps families through the enrollment process and connects them with campus and community resources.

Purple Star campuses host special programs and events throughout the school year, YISD said.

To earn the Purple Star honor, a Texas public school must demonstrate commitment to supporting military families. Requirements include a webpage with resources, a campus transition program and a military family assistance initiative.

“Military-connected students and their families make significant contributions to communities across our state,” said Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath in a statement. “Purple Star campuses are leading the way in making sure these students feel welcomed, supported and connected to their communities.”

The newest Purple Star campuses at YISD are:

Alicia Chacon International Desertaire Elementary Dolphin Terrace Elementary Eastwood High School Eastwood Knolls International Eastwood Middle Glen Cove Elementary J.M. Hanks Middle North Star Elementary Parkland Elementary Parkland High School Parkland Pre-K Center Parkland Pre-Engineering Middle Pebble Hills Elementary REL Washington International Scotsdale Elementary Tierra Del Sol Elementary Vista Hills Elementary Young Women’s Leadership Academy Click here to follow the original article.

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Keep your eye on the Star on the Mountain on Friday. As Colombian singer-songwriter Karol G takes over the Sun Bowl Stadium this weekend, the star will shine blue.

Live Nation and the El Paso Chamber organized the special lighting for the concerts set for Saturday and Sunday.

“The tribute recognizes the excitement surrounding her highly anticipated shows while highlighting El Paso’s growing presence as a destination for major live entertainment,” the El Paso Chamber said.

The Chamber and Live Nation previously collaborated to change the star’s colors for other concerts in the Sun City. The star shone rainbow for Coldplay, purple for K-pop group BTS and gold and white for Usher and Chris Brown’s upcoming concert.

When Karol G announced her tour dates included a stop in El Paso, the star’s color turned orange.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-It’s the holiday weekend, and for many, that means taking one final summer trip. Lauren Macias-Cervantes with TxDOT El Paso says it is still important to get your vehicle in order if you choose to drive. More than 400,000 drivers requested roadside assistance on Labor Day week for typical problems such as dead batteries, flat tires, lockouts, and towing.

Before leaving, drivers should:

Check tire pressure and tread

Test the battery

Inspect fluid levels

Pack water, snacks, and emergency supplies

Carry a flashlight and jumper cables

Maybe a blanket, a towel and additional clothes or shoes

Traveling with children and/or pets will require additional preparation

If you are planning your route, make sure to check the weather conditions. One thing most people fail to consider is using a paper map. There are certain gaps in the service, and using maps is a good way to plan where to stop, take breaks, and stay overnight.

They are available at our travel information centers and also cover the parks. With Labor Day holidays, travel is usually packed into a shorter period, causing heavy congestion as holiday travelers mix with normal commuter traffic.

The worst times to travel are expected to be:

Friday, Sept. 4: noon to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

On Monday, 7th September, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Specifically, for I-10.

AAA advises drivers to leave early, take extra time for their journey, and, if at all possible, avoid setting off in the afternoon.

Closures to keep an eye on:

Artcraft Project

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Friday, Sept. 11

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Redd exit ramp on I-10 eastbound full closure

Crews will be placing form work for caps.

Thursday, Sept. 10

9 p.m. – 6 a.m.

I-10 east and westbound between Transmountain and Artcraft full closure

Crews will be placing concrete bridge deck.

Upcoming Closure

Thursday, Sept. 17

9 p.m. – 6 a.m.

I-10 east and westbound between Transmountain and Artcraft full closure

Crews will be placing concrete bridge deck.

Loop 375 Rehabilitation Project

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Thursday, Sept. 10

8 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

Loop 375 (Border Highway) west and eastbound between Fonseca and Oregon full closure Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound exit ramp to Paisano (Exit 20) full closure Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound exit ramp to US-54 East and I-10 West one lane closure

Crews will be working on milling, paving, and guardrail.

Wednesday, Sept. 9 and Thursday, Sept. 10

6 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound off ramp to US-54 eastbound and I-10 westbound one lane closure

Crews will be working on guardrail.

I-10 Landscape and Aesthetics Project

Tuesday, September 8 – Friday, September 11

Daily, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

I-10 westbound right lane closure between Lee Trevino Drive to Yarbrough Drive

Crews will be sealing joints and working on landscaping.

Montana Widening Project

Thursday, September 10 and Friday, September 11

Nightly, 9 p.m.-5 a.m.

Montana Avenue eastbound right lane closure from Leticia Street to Joe Battle Boulevard The northbound to southbound U-turn along Joe Battle Boulevard will be closed.

Crews will be placing Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP).

Purple Heart 375 Widening Project

Tuesday, September 8 – Friday, September 11

Daily 5 a.m.- 5p.m.

Loop 375 north- and southbound alternating lane closures between Montana Avenue and Spur 601

Crews will be doing shoulder work.

Road Repair

9 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Night)

Tuesday, Sept. 8

I-10 east between Copia and Raynolds two right lanes closed Copia entrance Ramp to I-10 east closed

Wednesday, Sept. 9

I-10 eastbound between Viscount and Hawkins alternate lane closure

Thursday, Sept. 10

I-10 westbound between Viscount and Hawkins alternate lane closure

Concrete Work

Tuesday, Sept. 8 – Friday, Sept. 11

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

I-10 westbound between Schuster and Executive right lane closed

Crews will be pouring concrete rip rap.

Guardrail Repair

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tuesday, Sept. 8

Loop 375 westbound (Transmountain/Woodrow Bean) at Railroad right lane closed

Wednesday, Sept. 9

Loop 375 (Border Highway) between Fonseca and US-54 right lane closed

Thursday, Sept. 10

SH-20 Doniphan westbound between La Union and Chanate right lane closed

Friday, Sept. 11

Loop 375 (Transmountain) eastbound at Northwestern left lane closed

Maintenance

Tuesday, Sept. 8– Sunday, Sept. 13

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Ramp C at US-54 North to I-10 West closed

Crews will be trimming trees.

I-10 East between Mesa and Resler left lane closed

Crews will be cleaning.

5 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 13

US-54 South two right lanes closed Exit 21A closed I-10 East between US-54 and Raynolds right lane closed Raynolds exit closed

Sunday, Sept. 20

US-54 South two right lanes closed Exit 21A closed US-54 North between I-10 and Yandell right lane closed

Crews working on bridge joints.

Closure Links:

West Area Project Closures

I-10 Widening West Closures

East Area Project Closures 

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Mia Tricarico

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — For four long years, 20-year-old Ezra faced a fight against two aggressive forms of cancer that spread from his brain to his bones. He undergoes exhausting chemotherapy almost every day. Through the darkest stretches of his treatment, one light has kept his spirits up: music.

Whenever the pain grows heavy, Ezra turns to the vibrant, upbeat pop rhythms of Karol G.

With the superstar performing at El Paso’s Sun Bowl Stadium this weekend, his care team decided to surprise him.

Recognizing what the concert would mean for Ezra’s spirit, his doctor made a rare medical exception and cleared him for travel.

Behind the scenes, his family, medical team, and the team at Reach for a Star secretly joined forces to pull off a miracle. Together, they surprised Ezra with tickets for his entire family to see Karol G in El Paso Friday.

To make the night as seamless as possible, Reach for a Star secured seats for Saturday’s show, carefully chosen by Ezra’s father.

For one unforgettable night, Ezra will be in the crowd, surrounded by family, singing along to the music that helped save his heart.

ABC-7 will meet Erza at the hospital Friday for his big surprise.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — As the school year continues, some Borderland students will be using artificial intelligence. In this age of AI, children must be safe and understand the risks involved.

According to a new report by Common Sense Media, children aren’t just using AI for their homework. For many, it has become their confidant.

The report, titled “AI Use by Tweens and Teens,” examined how this generation’s relationship with AI evolved. It surveyed more than 1,000 students across the nation. It found that nearly half of kids never had a conversation with their parents about AI safety.

Michael Nelson, the director of operations at Tech Frontier, said that while AI is a valuable tool, more conversations about it need to happen between parents and their children.

He said AI has become popular in the school setting among many students. He said some students use AI for homework answers, which isn’t helping them learn.

“If you’re going to use an AI app, let’s work on it together. Let’s see how we input that information and see what it spits out. Let’s analyze that critically, like, what comes out, and then take that and then finish your homework,” Nelson said.

Chatbots are designed to sound like humans. Some argued it can be an abstract concept for many young children. Experts said parents should establish their own guidelines for their children to follow.  

Parents can say something similar to: “Hey, if we’re sitting down as a family, no screens, this is our time together. This is our time to talk and hear about our days and plan our future.”

Parents can also ask their children:

Did you use AI today?

What did you use it for?

How did it help your learning?

Can you explain how it helped you?

To read the full report, click here.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The University of Texas at El Paso said this weekend’s Karol G concerts and construction has limited parking on campus.

An ABC-7 viewer said some students pay more than $400 for parking. According to UTEP’s website, student parking permits range from $225-400, not including taxes and fees. A motorcycle parking permit costs $150.00.

The viewer said UTEP blocked off some of its parking lots for events.

ABC-7 reached out to UTEP to ask about the campus blocking some parking spaces. The university sent the following statement:

“Parking has been tighter than usual on campus in recent weeks. Ongoing construction has closed part of one major lot, and additional spaces are closing temporarily in preparation for the upcoming Karol G concert – all during some of the busiest weeks of the semester.

Parking and Transportation is contacting affected permit holders directly and arranging alternate parking. Students having trouble finding a space can access real-time parking updates by calling the Parking and Transportation Office at 915-747-5724.

As in previous years, we expect conditions to ease over the coming weeks as demand levels off and closed spaces return to service.”

Parking information for the Karol G concert can be found here.

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Jerry Najera

UPDATE (Sept. 14, 2026): The El Paso Police Department said 75-year-old Kevin James Nolan died in the hospital after crashing his motorcycle on Sept. 3.

Police said Nolan lost control of his motorcycle for unknown reasons. His motorcycle tipped over and landed at the intersection of Montana Avenue and Rutherglen Street.

He was transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

EPPD’s Special Traffic Investigations unit learned Nolan died on Sunday.

Police said this is the 42nd traffic death of 2026.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — One person was hospitalized after a motorcycle crash in East El Paso Thursday, according to police.

It happened at the intersection of Rutherglen Street and Montana Avenue near the Whataburger.

The injured person’s condition is unknown.

The crash temporarily closed westbound lanes on Montana Avenue. The El Paso Police Department’s Special Traffic Investigators Unit responded to the crash.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Deputy constables arrested a confirmed Chuco Tango gang member Thursday, according to the El Paso County Constable’s Office Precinct Six.

Deputy constables learned about the possible location of a wanted gang member, 37-year-old Pedro Valdivia, the constable’s office said. They went to the 7600 block of Garden Place in Lower Valley El Paso, off N Loop Drive.

The constable’s office said Valdivia was wanted on a parole violation warrant.

Authorities searched a residence they were directed to, but didn’t find Valdivia.

A deputy constable drove into the Marmolejo Apartments, which was just around the corner off North Carolina Drive. The deputy constable saw Valdivia allegedly standing outside.

The deputy constable arrested him. He was booked into the El Paso County Jail without bond.

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