Category: kvia-local-news

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality released the final reports on two incidents at the Marathon Petroleum Refinery on Aug. 4-5. The reports said the refinery released more than 15 tons of pollutants.

In preliminary reports, the TCEQ said the refinery released three air contaminants: 1,3-butadiene, propylene and sulfur dioxide.

According to Tuesday’s reports, an electrical issue led to a shutdown and restart of the conversion process used in petroleum refineries (Fluid Catalytic Cracker, or FCC).

The first incident started Aug. 4 at 7:47 p.m. and ended Aug. 7 at 3:55 p.m. The report said intermittent flaring took place due to the FCC restart. It said flaring maintained safe operation.

During this time, the refinery released 20 air contaminant compounds, including more than 3,800 pounds of carbon monoxide and 1094.65 pounds of sulfur dioxide. The carbon monoxide was released at 58.88 lbs. per hour, the report said.

The report said sulfur scavenger material was injected into the flare header to decrease sulfur dioxide emissions. The flares ensured maximum destruction and removal by maintaining proper combustion, TCEQ said.

TCEQ Search Air Emission Event Reports Incident Details 1Download

The second incident started Aug. 4 at 8 p.m. and ended Aug. 5 at 3:30 a.m. Thirteen air contaminant compounds were released into the air, including 10,066.2 pounds of propylene.

The electrical issue led to hydrocarbons escaping through a floating roof rim seal, the report said.

To minimize emissions, diesel was added to “sponge” the hydrocarbons and redirect the flow to a different tank.

TCEQ Search Air Emission Event Reports Incident Details 2Download

In both reports, TCEQ said the report doesn’t reflect ground-level concentrations at or beyond the refinery’s fence line.

Additionally, Marathon’s air monitoring team monitored air quality through Aug. 10 and found that air quality levels were below established community exposure guidelines, the report said.

The reports said the investigation into the incidents are ongoing.

Texas State Senator Cesar Blanco said TCEQ will take the following steps now that it released the reports:

Marathon will submit a final emissions event report to TCEQ within two weeks of the incident after finishing its evaluation of the incident.

TCEQ will review the final report and conduct an investigation, which could take at least 90 days.

TCEQ will determine whether corrective, compliance or enforcement action is warranted, which could include penalties. Marathon’s compliance history and prior enforcement actions may factor into that determination.

The separate air permit proceeding moves forward at the State Office of Administrative Hearings. It will start with a preliminary hearing and the contested case process.

“The latest findings released by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) following this month’s emissions event at Marathon are of major concern. Our community deserves answers, accountability, and a clear understanding of what happened,” Sen. Blanco said in a statement. “I will continue working with TCEQ to get answers, ensure appropriate accountability, and keep our community informed as additional information and findings become available.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Friday, El Paso Police said they’re looking for a missing 72-year-old man.

According to a social media post, Estanislado Rubio was last seen on Aug. 5 at Sun Metro Nestor A. Valencia Mission Valley Transfer Center. That’s located at 9065 Alameda Ave.

(Courtesy: EPPD)

Rubio was last seen wearing blue jeans, a black t-shirt and green shoes, according to police.

He is 5’3″ and 180 lbs., according to police. Rubio also has brown eyes.

The El Paso Police Department noted that Rubio requires medication, uses a cane and carries a Bible with him.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts should call (915) 832-4000.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A 27-year-old man died after a motorcyclist allegedly hit him in Northeast El Paso, according to the El Paso Police Department.

Police said the Special Traffic Investigations Unit went to the 3700 block of Fred Wilson Avenue near Dyer Street on Aug. 2. It happened at 1:42 a.m.

Police said the motorcyclist allegedly hit Basheer Farajallah Younis.

Younis was reportedly crossing the street in a non-designated pedestrian area at the time.

Both went to a hospital for their injuries.

On Aug. 8, the Medical Examiner’s Office told investigators Younis died to his injuries, EPPD said.

EPPD said this marks the 33rd traffic death this year, compared to 36 at this time this last year.

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Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — President Donald Trump signed an executive order that says the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine should be split into three separate shots.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said children need two doses of the MMR vaccine. Usually, the first dose is taken at 12-15 months and the second is taken between ages 4-6.

Additionally, the CDC noted that a third MMR dose might be recommended for those in mumps outbreak situations.

ABC-7 reached out to parents to see how the change impacts how they go about their children’s health.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Three men pleaded guilty to federal firearm charges after September 2025 shooting near Hermosa Heights Elementary School and Young Park in Las Cruces.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico, John Anthony Orta, 24, Steven Mendoza, 22, and Luis Angel Ruiz, 23, pleaded guilty.

Court records said it happened Sept. 6, 2025. Police received reports about shots fired and found shell casings in the Young Park parking lot.

Police later found John Anthony Orta, 24, and Steven Mendoza, 22, walking near Hermosa Heights Elementary with loaded guns, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

They both pleaded guilty to knowingly carrying firearms in a school zone and within 540 feet of school property. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the men were also intoxicated and initially arrested for negligent use of a deadly weapon.

Orta received a six-month prison sentenced followed by three years of supervised release.

Mendoza faces up to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Upon further investigation, authorities used search warrants to look through Orta and Mendoza’s cell phones. They found social media messages talking about the shooting, officials said.

Within the messages, they found a third suspect, 23-year-old Luis Angel Ruiz, who reportedly fired the shots at Young Park, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. Investigators came to this conclusion through witness statements and social media posts of Ruiz with the gun was used as evidence.

Instagram photo of Ruiz with what appears to be the same AR-15 style piston recovered from Mendoza on September 6, 2025(Courtesy: U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

Instagram photo of Ruiz with what appears to be the same AR-15 style piston recovered from Mendoza on September 6, 2025(Courtesy: U.S. Attorney for the District of New Mexico)

On Sept. 24, 2025, Las Cruces police stopped Ruiz for traffic violations and arrested him for driving under the influence, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. During the stop, officers found four firearms in the vehicle.

Ruiz admitted the guns belonged to him and later admitted he knew one of the gun’s serial number had been obliterated, officials said. Investigators also found social media messages of Ruiz trying to sell the firearm, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

Ruiz pleaded guilty to discharging a firearm in a school zone and possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number.

He faces up to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

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Gabrielle Lopez

Editor’s Note: This article has been corrected with updated numbers.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Texas public schools and districts got their state accountability ratings Friday, which rates campuses on an A-F scale based on the schools and districts’ performances.

“A-F Ratings provide clear, accessible information on school and district performance, serving as an essential tool for parents, educators, policymakers and local communities to make informed decisions that support student success,” the TEA said in a statement.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) oversees the ratings. It said 85% of campuses that received an A-F rating statewide achieved acceptable academic performance (C or above).

The majority of district ratings fell within the B range (80-89), according to the TEA.

Within El Paso County, Valle Verde Early College High School received the highest rating: a 98 out of 100, according to the TEA’s rating map.

El Paso Leadership Academy High School on Joe Battle Boulevard received the lowest score: a 59 out of 100. Logan Elementary School in Northeast El Paso received the same score.

Ysleta Independent School District had the most A-rated campuses, according to TEA, totaling 25. Socorro Independent School District trailed behind with 18.

You can check a specific school’s rating using this TEA website.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-A premium tequila brand originating in El Paso is set to make its official entrance.The celebration and the opportunity to taste the music are open to everyone in the community.El Músico Tequila was founded together by Jaime Cabrera, Ernie Montoya, and Jesse Cabrera along with Rachael Wilby.

The first tequila produced using a special process known as MusiCraftedTM fermentation has now been made; the method involves playing independent music during fermentation. On Saturday, August 15th, music lovers and tequila enthusiasts are invited to the B-17 Bombers Oyster Pub in downtown El Paso for the official launch.

The event will mark the first appearance of El Músico Tequila Blanco; there will be an unch party to introduce El Músico Tequila Blanco. The company is devoted to supporting independent musicians through artistcollaborations, grants, tour support, studio time, merchandise opportunities and otherPrograms that help artists keep cre The doors will open at seven in the evening. Space is limited, and entry is first-come, first-served. Guests must be 21 years of age.

https://www.elmusicotequila.com

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Katrina Villarreal

UPDATE (Aug. 14, 2026): El Paso Police said the pedestrian, an unidentified 31-year-old man, died.

A preliminary investigation revealed the driver of a Mazda drove on I-10 East in Downtown El Paso when the man walked on the freeway, police said.

She wasn’t able to avoid the man and allegedly hit him, EPPD said.

Police said the case remains under investigation.

EPPD said this marks the 35th traffic death this year compared to 37 at this time last year. The 34th happened Wednesday in Northeast El Paso.

UPDATE (6:51 A.M.): All lanes on I-10 East at Porfirio Diaz are now open.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — All eastbound lanes on I-10 at Porfirio Diaz are closed after a crash.

El Paso Police are responding to a crash involving a pedestrian and a vehicle.

The call came in at 10:27 p.m. Thursday night. The El Paso Police Department say all lanes will remain closed until further notice.

This is a developing story and ABC-7 will continue to bring updates as we learn more.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- August is Psoriasis Action Month. Many people think psoriasis is simply dry skin or a cosmetic issue, but it can actually affect much more than the skin. Joining us today are Dr. Ogechika Alozie of Sunset West Health and Dr. Zainab Mohammodu of Epiphany Dermatology.

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Rosemary Garcia

SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso woman now living in San Antonio, Texas, is gearing up to embark on a new adventure in the United Kingdom.

Twenty-four-year-old Mia Gonzalez is a native El Pasoan who graduated from Montwood High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University and her master’s degree from UT Health San Antonio. She was recently accepted into a five-year program at the Brunel Medical School in London.

She wants to become a physician specializing in neonatal genetics with a focus on neurological disorders. Neonatal genetics identifies inherited conditions in newborns.

Her field of study is personal for her family. In 2012, Mia’s mother, Amy Gonzalez, was diagnosed with ALS after becoming very ill and gradually losing strength in her arms. Just one day after being diagnosed, Amy died. Mia was just 10 years old at the time. Mia’s grandfather also died of ALS.

ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive nervous system disease that destroys cells in the spinal cord and the brain. Over time, the cells die and stop sending signals to muscles, resulting in severe muscle weakness and eventual loss of movement, speech and breathing.

During college, Gonzalez also started experiencing ALS symptoms of her own. Just three years ago, she received a positive ALS diagnosis.

“I broke down on the staircase, and I called my brother’s name out, and I just started sobbing,” she said.

She’s currently undergoing a clinical trial. She said some of the symptoms she lives with affect her day-to-day life.

“I have a lot of shortness of breath. Or also, like, it’s kind of hard to walk downstairs. Breathing is difficult at times, but I have an amazing team of doctors,” she said.

Her ALS diagnosis propelled her to be positive and pursue her passions. She’s motivated to pursue medical school to help others who’ve received a similar diagnosis.

“I want to help them out and make sure that they get into clinical trials and live a happy, long life so that way they don’t ever have to face anything like my family did,” Gonzalez said.

Gonzalez hopes that her journey of living with ALS shows others that a medical diagnosis doesn’t limit you. She wants to make her mother proud.

The support of her family has carried her through this difficult time.

Gonzalez said she decided to study overseas because of accommodations the college offered her. She would like to return to the United States and practice medicine here.

In the coming weeks, Gonzalez will move England. If you would like to help her financially, you can donate here.

If you have a Good Vibes Only story idea, please e-mail rosemary.garcia@kvia.com.

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