Category: kvia-local-news

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The El Paso Public Libraries are inviting members of the communityto take part in Library Card Sign-Up Month. They are unveiling a new limited-edition library card which includes original artwork by respected El Paso artist and illustrator Zeke Peña.

Throughout September, Library Card Sign-Up Month is celebrated to emphasize the value of libraries and connect people of all ages to seewith what’s available through a library card. Whether it’s books and digital materials or technology, educational opportunities, events, and more, a Library Card from the El Paso Public Library connects the community to a wide variety of free resources.

This year’s celebration also underlines the features that make El Paso unique; Peña’s original artwork exhibits his characteristic borderland style on the library card, so that residents can keep it in their wallets and ‘Carry a Piece of El Paso’ wherever they go.

According to Public Libraries Director Norma Martinez, although a library card is small and can be put into your wallet, the opportunities it offers are unlimited. She added that having Zeke Peña’s artwork on the library card makes it even more special because it reflects our community and gives El Pasoans something.

If you want to know more about the Public Libraries, you can go to ElPasoLibrary.org.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The El Paso Public Safety Coalition is helping residents safely dispose of medications by giving out free Deterra Drug Deactivation System pouches at all El Paso Fire Department stations.

The coalition includes the EPFD, the Department of Public Health, and the El Paso Police Department (EPPD). Aliviane, a local organization focused on reducing substance use and building healthier communities, is supporting the effort by supplying Deterra pouches for distribution at EPFD stations.

Residents can pick up pouches at any EPFD station and use them at home to safely get rid of medications they no longer need.

El Paso Fire Department Fire Chief Jonathan Killings stated, “Providing our community with convenient access to safe medication disposal is another way we can help prevent accidental poisonings, medication misuse and other dangers associated with unused medications.” He added that “since fire stations are situated all over the city, residents have a convenient and accessible resource to help safely deactivate and dispose of medications in their homes.”

Dr. Hector Ocaranza, who leads the Local Health Authority, said, “the health and well-being of our community is our top concern and that prevention helps to save lives, enables people to live longer and safeguards our most vulnerable members of the community”.

Residents are encouraged to check their homes for expired or unused medications and pick up free Deterra pouches at their local fire station.

To learn more about the EPFD or find a fire station near you, visit www.ElPasoTexas.gov/fire-department/.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-For decades, KVIA has been a trusted source of news, information, and connection for the El Paso and Las Cruces communities.

As we celebrate 70 years on the air, Brenda De Anda-Swann, General Manager of KVIA ABC-7, who began working at KVIA in 1998, helps us look back at the stories that shaped our region and the people who made them possible.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Tuesday, the El Paso Children’s Hospital kicked off Childhood Cancer Awareness Month with a twist.

Every September, the hospital partners with the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office and former patient families to bring positive spirit and energy to current patients.

This year, the hospital organized a gold-themed dance party to recognize children currently in their cancer treatment journey.

A new child is diagnosed with cancer every three minutes, according to the hospital.

The hospital said it danced to “The Twist” for three minutes on the Southwest University Blood and Cancer Center unit floor to recognize this.

“I’m a two-time cancer survivor. It’s not an easy battle,” Hailee said. “So I’m always here now, giving my time so I could meet new kids, talk to kids and raise awareness.”

Throughout her treatment journey, Hailee’s faith and hospital staff supported her. She said even though she’s out of treatment, she knows there are still kids in that position.

“I know what it’s like to be in their position,” she told ABC-7. “I try everything I can to comfort them and bring happiness.”

Ayana Jaramillo said she was 5 years old when she was diagnosed with cancer. She hopes that events like Tuesday’s dance party encourage younger patients they’ll push through treatment.

“A lot of the memories that I get here come from a lot of the nurses,” Jaramillo said. “It’s just a really good, tight-knit family here, and that’s what I like about El Paso Children’s.”

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Gabrielle Lopez

CANUTILLO, Texas (KVIA) — Some El Paso County institutions said they’re aware of a social media trend that could be depicted as a threat.

The “Cat in the Hat” trend involves artificial intelligence (AI) pictures and videos of the Dr. Seuss character. Some videos appear to show people wearing a costume of the character.

Some videos use the character’s likeness to say it’s going to appear in certain cities in a menacing manner.

Thursday, the Horizon City Police Department said there’s no credible threat to Horizon City schools associated with the trend. However, it said the posts can “create unnecessary fear, disrupt school operations, and require significant law enforcement resources to investigate.”

HCPD said if you see a post that references a specific school, person, weapon or act of violence, don’t assume it’s part of the hoax. It also said to screenshot the information and report it to law enforcement or school officials.

The Canutillo Independent School District said the trend could lead to legal consequences. The district posted the following statement to its social media:

“We want to reassure our families and community that we are not aware of any credible or specific threat directed toward any Canutillo ISD campus or the Canutillo community.

We are working closely with state and federal law enforcement agencies, who have indicated that the trend appears to be a hoax involving AI-generated images and videos. At this time, law enforcement has found no evidence that the activity depicted in these posts is actually occurring.

We urge parents to talk with students about the serious consequences of creating or sharing threats of violence involving schools. Threats are not jokes or harmless pranks. Depending on the circumstances, making or sharing a threat can carry serious legal consequences, including substantial fines and potential jail time.

If you see a social media post specifically referencing Canutillo ISD, one of our campuses or our community, please do not share or repost it. Instead, report it to Canutillo ISD at 915-877-6650 so we can evaluate the information and take appropriate action.

Thank you for helping us keep our students, staff and community safe.”

ABC-7 spoke with El Paso County Attorney Christina Sanchez about the impact of the trend for local schools.

“This is something that has not escalated,” Sanchez said. “It is not something to be fearful of, but just something to be aware of.”

Sanchez warned that the trend could become a criminal liability if someone reasonably believes there is an ongoing threat.

For example, if a post following the “Cat in the Hat” trend mentions or appears to be near a school, it could prompt a law enforcement response, including a lockdown.

“Those are penal code violations, criminal violations, that carry with it some significant consequences,” she said.

Sanchez said to report any posts that present a safety concern.

“What you should be thoughtful about is sharing posts through the internet if it shows something that could necessarily elicit a fearful response from other young people,” Sanchez said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Monday, more than 80 nursing students participated in the traditional white coat ceremony at Texas Tech Health El Paso. The Hunt School of Nursing welcomed its newest cohort expected to graduate in December 2027.

The white coat ceremony welcomes medical students. TTHEP said 87 students are entering a 16-month accelerated nursing program.

Each student received a white coat embroidered with the Hunt School of Nursing seal.

One white coat recipient told ABC-7 her family inspired her to study nursing.

“My sister actually got diagnosed with juvenile arthritis when she was little, and we’ve been in a hospital ever since,” said Naomi Serrano. “I want to be a part of that change for others.”

Serrano also said she wants to be a nurse that patients can trust and confide in.

TTHEP said the Hunt School of Nursing is helping grow a workforce to combat an ongoing nursing shortage and health challenges in the region. The vast majority of Hunt School of Nursing graduates stay in the Borderland to practice, TTHEP said.

The school said 1,800 nurses have graduated from THHEP.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Tuesday, El Paso City Council awarded $30.8 million in construction contracts for the Montwood Drive and Resler Drive projects.

Voters approved the 2022 Community Progress Bond, which will fund the two projects, the city said.

The Montwood project will connect Shreya Street and Rich Beem Drive in East El Paso. The construction contract went to International Eagle Enterprises, the city said.

This project represents an $18.2 million investment for 1.4 miles of new roadway. In addition to a new road, drivers will see new landscaping, storm sewer systems, ADA-compliant facilities and street lights.

The city planned a groundbreaking ceremony for the Montwood project for Sep. 23. Construction should start later this fall with an anticipated end date in spring 2028.

By connecting Montwood between Shreya and Rich Beem, we are improving mobility, creating another important connection for a growing community and making it easier for families to get where they need to go,” said District 5 City Representative Ivan Niño.

For the project on Resler Drive, International Eagle Enterprises received the construction contract. The city said the project is a $12.6 million investment to make nearly half a mile of new roadway connecting Loop 375 to Dewberry Drive.

Resler Drive will receive improvements on its intersections, street lights, shared paths, landscaping, bike facilities, drainage and public art. The city said groundbreaking will take place Sep. 30. Construction is expected to start later this fall and last through winter 2027.

“Awarding this construction bid is an important milestone that brings us closer to delivering safer, better connectivity and an improved quality of life for residents in Enchanted Hills and the surrounding community,” said District 1 City Representative Alejandra Chávez.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Tuesday, Marathon Petroleum said it will host a meeting in October to answer questions and share investigation findings about the Aug. 4 emissions event.

Marathon said the meeting will take place Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. at Riverside High School (301 Midway Dr.).

On Aug. 4, an electrical issue caused the refinery to emit more than 15 tons of pollutants, according to environmental reports. The gases released irritated some South-Central El Paso residents’ eyes and even made them nauseous. The gases also left a strong odor in the area.

In addition to answering questions, Marathon said it will cover details about what caused the odor, the amounts of gases released, air monitoring results and other impacts.

Additionally, Marathon said it will go over changes implemented as a result of the investigation and how it plans to improve keeping the community up to date on refinery incidents.

ABC-7 will speak with those with the San Juan Neighborhood Association, who just last week, organized a town hall for residents about the emissions event which featured appearances by U.S. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and El Paso City Council Rep. Josh Acevedo.

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Carpio Griego

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Representatives from Laredo, Texas, came to El Paso to learn about El Paso’s water resources to reduce reliance on river water.

Part of the Laredo representatives’ visit to the Sun City includes a tour of the Fred Hervey Reclamation Plant in Northeast El Paso.

Laredo received grant funding to visit El Paso and other cities that have more than one water source.

One city council member told ABC-7 that the visitors plan to visit Tucson, Arizona. Laredo leaders plan to apply what they learned when they return.

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