Category: kvia-local-news

Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- Beyond Duty, a veteran workforce initiative by Bianomics and Forgotten Truth Coaching, has welcomed new partners and is now accepting registrations for its next cohort. The program begins September 1 and will serve up to 20 local veterans.

Beyond Duty is a free, 10-week program that supports veterans transitioning to civilian life by focusing on personal development rather than resumes. Bianca Cervantes, CEO of Bianomics, discussed the El Paso-based program with us.

https://www.bianomics.com

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-August is recognized as Immunization Awareness Month, and since children are going back to school, it is a good opportunity for the whole family to check their vaccine records.

With us are Dr. Ogechika Alozie, a physician who specialises in infectious diseases, and José Luis Salas, the director of infection control at El Paso Children’s Hospital.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-La Nube Discovery Center is celebrating the success of its 2nd annual gala after raising critical funds to expand access to hands-on science, technology, engineering, arts, and math education. Carla Salazar and Diana White joined us to talk about the more than 350 community leaders, donors, and supporters who attended to invest in La Nube’s mission, and what that support means for the children and families they serve every day.

https://la-nube.org/plan-your-day/calendar

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Joseph Montero

UPDATE (4:32 p.m.): In a news release, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said one of the teenage boy victims is 15 years old, not 14.

More charges may be forthcoming for the 14-year-old suspect as the investigation continues.

UPDATE (2:30 p.m.): During a press conference, law enforcement said the stabbing suspect is a 14-year-old boy. They could not confirm whether he attends Americas High School. He faces three counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Officials said two 14-year-old boys and one 14-year-old girl were stabbed. One was airlifted to the hospital as a precaution. Two have since been released from the hospital. Authorities said they can’t release information about their identities due to their age and the nature of the investigation.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said the stabbing was an “isolated attack,” and two of the teens tried to help the one who was attacked.

Just after 8:31 a.m., Socorro ISD police said it received a report about a person with a knife near the school’s baseball field. Officers arrived at 8:35 a.m. and found the three students with stab wounds.

The school was temporarily placed on lockdown as a precaution, officials said.

Authorities later found the teen suspect on the 1400 block of Ben Proctor Drive and took him into custody without incident, officials said.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said there’s no threat to the community or the school.

The high school’s gym was set as a reunification site for students and their guardians, officials said.

SISD Board President Michael Najera said counseling and support services will be available for students and employees.

Najera thanked first responders and the school’s staff for the quick response and assistance during the emergency.

SISD will work with law enforcement throughout the investigation, Najera said.

You can rewatch the press conference in the video slideshow at the top of this article.

Americas High School dismissed students early Friday after a reported stabbing.

UPDATE (1:49 p.m.): El Paso Mayor Renard Johnson said he’s “deeply disturbed” by the stabbing.

“I am deeply disturbed by what happened at Americas High School this morning. No parent should have to receive a call that their child has been hurt at school, and no student should ever feel unsafe at school.

I have reached out directly to SISD Superintendent James Vasquez to offer the City’s support and assistance. The safety of our children and our community must always come first.

We are keeping the injured students and their families close in our thoughts, and we stand with the entire Americas High School community during this difficult time.”

UPDATE (12:47 p.m.): The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said a news conference to share more information will start at 2 p.m.

It said EPCSO, Socorro ISD police, El Paso fire and SISD representatives will be there to provide more information on Friday’s stabbing.

UPDATE (12:12 p.m.): El Paso County Judge Ricardo Samaniego shared the following statement about the stabbing at the school:

“Today, our hearts are with the victims of the incident at Americas High School, their families, the students, faculty, staff, and everyone affected during this difficult time.

After speaking with SISD Superintendent Dr. James Vasquez this morning, he reassured that school staff and first responders are working diligently to support our students, families, and the entire Americas High School community during this difficult time. Their prompt response ensured the situation received immediate attention and reflected the exceptional care and coordination to protect the well-being and safety of students, families, and the school community.

El Paso has always been a community that comes together in moments of hardship. We will continue to stand beside the Americas High School community, support those who have been affected, and keep the victims and their families close in our hearts and prayers.”

UPDATE (11:56 a.m.): Socorro ISD said all safety protocols lifted. The school started dismissing students for the day at 11:10 a.m.

Pickup Information

The district asked parents to pick up their students, even if they usually take the bus or drive themselves to school.

Parents must take a valid ID to pick up their child. The pickup location will be at the entrance by the main gym.

SISD said it’s arranging a time for students to pick up their vehicles later.

All after-school activities have been cancelled.

UPDATE (11:45 a.m.): Three students were hospitalized for stab wounds, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said. One suspect is in custody.

The injured students are in stable condition now, EPCSO said.

The sheriff’s office’s Major Crimes Unit took is now investigating it with the Texas Rangers and Socorro ISD Police Department.

EPCSO said a news conference is being organized.

UPDATE (11:39 a.m.): The El Paso Police Department said the area of Pellicano Drive next to the school is closed to traffic as of 11:04 a.m.

UPDATE (11:23 a.m.): Texas Senator Cesar Blanco shared the following statement on the incident at Americas High School.

“I am deeply saddened by the senseless violence at Americas High School today. I am praying for the students, families, faculty, and staff affected by this incident. 

I’m grateful to the law enforcement officers and first responders working to protect our community. My office remains in close contact with local and state officials, including the Texas Division of Emergency Management and law enforcement, and we will continue monitoring the situation as more information becomes available.  

Every student and educator deserves to feel safe at school. I stand with the entire Americas High School community during this difficult time.”

UPDATE (10:07 a.m.): The Socorro Independent School District said the lockdown has been lifted, and Americas High School is now on hold as officials investigate the incident.

SISD shared the following message with parents:

“An incident between students resulted in injuries to multiple individuals. Students involved in the incident have been identified and their parents directly notified. All other students and staff are safe under the supervision of faculty and staff.

The aggressor in the incident has been taken into custody by district police. Emergency services transported the injured students to the hospital for evaluation and treatment.

We will provide another update once the hold has been lifted. Thank you for your continued trust and support of Americas High School and Team SISD.”

Americas High School briefly went on lockdown. The school went on hold, according to the Socorro Independent School District. One person is in custody and several are injured. (KVIA)

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Friday, the El Paso Fire Department said a FireSTAR helicopter responded to an incident at Americas High School.

ABC-7 reached out to the Socorro Independent School District for more information.

ABC-7 will be live near the campus with the latest information starting at noon.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)—Earlier this August, “Cookie Queens” was released in cinemas across the United States. It features a Girl Scout from El Paso and her whirlwind journey of selling the popular treats across town!

The documentary is a celebration of girlhood and shows the complexities of Girl Scout cookie season as it follows four girls and their families. Girl Scouts sell about 250 million boxes of cookies every year, totaling about 800 million dollars.

10-year-old Shannon Elizabeth is one of the girls featured in the piece! She’s an energetic only child who is committed to selling a large amount of cookies to win a free Girl Scouts summer camp. She’s also a karate enthusiast who is able to show off her skills on the big screen!

The El Pasoan became a Girl Scout five years ago. She said it has transformed her and made her courageous!

“It taught me how to try new things and push myself out of my comfort zone little by little,” Shannon Elizabeth said.

Her mother, Amanda Stevens, said the family got involved with the film after hearing about a nationwide casting call. Shannon Elizabeth would be selected, and film crews would follow the family’s everyday life for several months.

The local Girl Scout said it took some time to understand the filming process!

“It was really exciting. I thought it was fun and games at first.”

The film shows Shannon Elizabeth’s commitment to selling every last cookie!

“One of the things she’s about is she hustles. She works. I mean, nothing is given to her. Nothing is, you know, handed to her. Every single box of cookies that she sells, she’s out there, and she’s knocking on door to door,” her mother said.

Last week, ABC-7 crews witnessed Shannon Elizabeth’s generosity as she dropped off cookies at an El Paso fire station.

“To have the opportunity to shine. And I say that in the best way, as far as having an El Paso girl shine as having been, she’s a great advocate for the things she’s believing in,” said Stevens when asked about her daughter being showcased in the film.

The documentary was executive produced by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. Shannon Elizabeth was able to meet both of them. She was pleasantly surprised to learn she and the Prince share a favorite cookie!

After seeing the film, she said she gives the film five stars!

“I enjoyed all of the film, if I’m honest. So, like, if I’d had to pick a favorite part, it was from start to end. That would be my favorite part.”

Film officials said there isn’t a digital, at-home release date just yet, and it may be several weeks before they announce it.

To learn more about Cookie Queens, click here.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Two Las Cruces brothers received prison sentences after pleading guilty to drug trafficking and firearms offenses, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Mexico said.

Thirty-two-year-old Eddie Linarez and 28-year-old Nathan Quintana were sentenced in federal court after law enforcement seized fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and multiple guns while searching their home and truck.

Court documents said that on March 7, 2024, federal and local authorities executed a search warrant at the brothers’ home. They detained Linarez in the driveway and searched his truck and home.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office said agents found a backpack with methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine, a loaded gun and $7,000 in cash.

Bag containing scattered cash and a small black handgun.(Courtesy: USAONM)

In Quintana’s bedroom, agents found five guns. Officials said one of the guns was next to a bag containing fentanyl. In the closet, agents found more fentanyl and cocaine.

Agents found more narcotics, a digital scale with narcotics residue and $2,000 in cash in other parts of the home, officials said.

Stacks of paper currency spread across a wooden table.(Courtesy: USAONM)

On March 6, 20246, FBI and Metro Narcotics agents executed a second search warrant at the home. The U.S. Attorney’s Office said Linarez approached the home around the same time and drove away at a high rate of speed when agents tried to stop him.

During the pursuit, Linarez drove around a stopped school bus and entered into oncoming traffic, officials said. Agents later lost sight of him and ended the pursuit.

Linarez surrendered to law enforcement six days later, officials said.

Linarez pled guilty to possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

He was sentenced to 14 years in prison followed by three years of supervised release.

Quintana pled guilty to two counts of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

He was sentenced to 12 years and three months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

There’s no parole in the federal system.

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Heriberto Perez Lara

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Thursday, two Mexican Nationals pleaded guilty in federal court to human smuggling and supporting the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Mexico.

The Trump Administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, the Drug Enforcement Administration El Paso Field Division said.

The DEA said Maria Del Rosario Navarro-Sanchez and Gustavo Castro-Medina pleaded guilty to federal charges, including drug trafficking and supporting a Mexican criminal group.

According to the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, the two smuggled methamphetamine and people into the U.S. in exchange for money. They also made money by conspiring to export AK-47-style weapons and rifles to Mexico for the cartel.

Navarro-Sanchez also had stash houses in El Paso, where she would warehouse firearms and narcotics, the DEA said.

Both participated in smuggling methamphetamine and people into the U.S., the DEA said. They also attempted to export high-powered weapons to Mexico in exchange for money, including rifles and AK-47-style weapons.

In April 2025, the pair and their co-conspirators were indicted. The DEA said the Mexican government transferred the two to the U.S. following national security law.

Navarro-Sanchez and Castro-Medina face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison. A sentencing date hasn’t been set.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Thursday, GECU announced it received approval to acquire Bank of the Southwest.

The organizations will combine on Nov. 1 under the GECU name, the credit union said. The two are expected to operate as independent divisions during the integration.

After the acquisition, the new entity will become a $4.9 billion credit union, GECU said.

GECU President and CEO Alex Rascón will keep his positions over the combined entity.

What the Acquisition Means for GECU and Bank of the Southwest Members

GECU and Bank of the Southwest said the integration won’t impact accounts, service or operations.

According to GECU, the acquisition will let it expand with Bank of the Southwest’s 11 branches in New Mexico.

In November 2025, GECU said it was looking to buy the Bank of the Southwest.

The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing Department, Financial Institutions Division (NMRLD) gave the approval.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Texas Veterans Commission will present more than $1.2 million in grants to four El Paso organizations for their veteran services.

In May, TVC approved the grants, which go to services that serve veterans, their dependents and spouses, according to a news release. The grants totaled $40.8 million and will go to organizations across Texas.

The Texas Lottery’s games designed for veteran support primarily fund the grants, TVC said. People can also donate when registering their vehicles or getting a hunting or fishing license.

TVC shared a list of El Paso organizations on their grant list and their award amount:

City of El Paso: $140,000 for transportation services

El Paso County: $285,000 for financial assistance and $400,000 for veterans treatment court

Project Amistad: $200,000 for clinical counseling

Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) El Paso del Norte Region: $200,000 for family and child support services

“Texas honors the sacrifices made by veterans who selflessly answered the call to serve,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott. “These Fund for Veterans’ Assistance grants will provide the brave men and women who served in our nation’s military access to crucial services they need to thrive across West Texas. Our state will always support our veterans, their families, and their service to our state and country.”

According to a news release, the TVC will provide the “big checks” to the organizations Thursday.

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Gabrielle Lopez

ALAMOGORDO, N.M. (KVIA) — The New Mexico State Police Investigations Bureau started an investigation into a shooting allegedly involving the Alamogordo Police Department.

Agents learned that on Wednesday, Alamogordo police went to a home on Alamo Avenue in reference to a suicidal man with a rifle, the NMSP said. Police identified him as 50-year-old Keith Charles Cowgill.

Cowgill’s family left the home as officers responded. NMSP said Alamogordo police tried to contact Cowgill several times. Authorities gave commands with a loudspeaker, and officers later approached the house to try to give Cowgill a phone to use for communication. They weren’t able to do so, NMSP said.

During negotiations, Cowgill allegedly came out the home with a rifle.

NMSP said four Alamogordo police officers discharged their weapons, hitting Cowgill.

Cowgill was sent to a nearby hospital and later died, NMSP said.

Nobody else was injured during the incident.

NMSP said it won’t identify the officers involved in the shooting.

The NMSP Investigations Bureau will determine the series of events leading up to the shooting, which it will share with the district attorney.

According to the NMSP, the district attorney’s office will determine whether the officers’ actions were justified.

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