Category: kvia-local-news

Lauren Bly

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso family lost its Lower Valley home and pets after a house fire that led to an explosion. Now, they’re asking for the community’s help.

Valerie Holguin, her mother and brother lived in a trailer. The siblings were at a graduation party when their mother called.

“I thought that my mom was just joking around. But then when I tried to check the camera that we had outside, there was no connection. And that’s really weird, because we always have connection here,” Holguin said.

When she got home, firefighters told Holguin that wiring in her room caused the fire.

“Because the windows were all closed, that’s why the back of the trailer exploded,” Holguin said.

No people were hurt, but the only thing Holguin could think about was her pets’ wellbeing.

“We were just worried about our babies — our four cats and two dogs,” she said.

The El Paso Fire Department said they could only find the remains of two cats and one dog. However, Holguin’s family told ABC-7 they haven’t found their other three pets.

The family does have a GoFundMe page, if you would like to help.

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Gabrielle Lopez

CIUDAD JUAREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Ciudad Juárez Mayor Cruz Pérez Cuéllar requested an indefinite leave of absence Wednesday afternoon, according to the city’s municipal government. The request concludes nearly five years of him leading the municipal administration.

During a special city council session, Pérez Cuéllar said the next step in his career is a challenge in promoting the transformation of the state of Chihuahua, but also seeking justice for Juárez, according to a news release.

He said the city faced shortcomings and insufficient budgets for years, and will continue working to make sure the city gets the treatment and resources it needs.

“When years have passed and I look back on this stage of my life, I will be able to say with peace of mind that I put all my effort, all my energy, and all my heart into moving Ciudad Juárez forward,” Pérez Cuéllar said.

During the special session, he thanked municipal government leaders, first responders, public service workers and other departments for facing challenges to serve Juárez.

“They are the ones who truly sustain and move this city forward every day,” he said.

Additionally, he said he’s certain City Secretary Héctor Rafael Ortiz Orpinel will lead the administration with responsibility.

“I leave with peace of mind because I know there is an extraordinary team working under extraordinary leadership,” Pérez Cuéllar said.

Pérez Cuéllar was elected as mayor in 2021 and 2024.

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Rosemary Garcia

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)— This Summer, some Borderland students took a break from their phones and tablets and perfected their chess skills! The second week of June marked the 8th annual Chess Camp at Reyes Elementary School.

The week-long event was organized by El Pasoan Mark Fooladi. This year, over 50 students signed up. Fooladi said the camp challenges them to think critically, persevere and make lasting friendships!

He said he started organizing this event to help young players understand and enjoy the game of chess.

“I wish we had this when I grew up. It wasn’t as, as promoted in that sense back in that time,” he explained.

The camp initially started with just six students, but it has grown! Fooladi said many players return year after year. His goal is to fill up the entire cafeteria at Reyes Elementary.

ABC-7 spoke to players who were eager to reunite with their friends and to be back playing the game they’ve come to love.

“Chess is a game a really important and fun game,” said one student.

“I just, like, I just like chess,” added another.

One player said this chess camp has taught him valuable strategies he has already started using. Each year, these players look forward to taking a break from technology and fully immersing themselves in this camp.

“I think it’s an absolute win when you can get your kids off of those devices, be around other children, and chess is truly that tool. It’s a tool to start teaching other things throughout, throughout the game. Values, morals, making a decision,” Fooladi said.

Other players said they enjoy stepping away from social media to compete with others their age!

“You feel like you’re actually fighting against someone. It is very fun because, like, when social media is not in your mind, and you’re not just watching and scrolling all day and you’re like putting your mindset in the chessboard,” said one camp attendee.

“They’re creating relationships. They’re creating friendships and bonds with one another,” Fooladi said.

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

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens welcomed a new resident, the City of El Paso announced Thursday. Dan, a 19-month-old giraffe, moved to the Sun City from a Nebraska zoo in May.

Dan stands at 12 feet. He’ll soon live with Gigi, the zoo’s female giraffe, and they will possibly be breeding partners, the city said.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dan to our El Paso Zoo animal family,” said El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens Director Gary Lunsford in a statement.

The city said the zoo chose Dan through the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan. The program works to support and keep healthy giraffe herds through conservation breeding and population management.

Dan has been bonding with his caretakers and Gigi, the city said. The zoo discovered his favorite foods are sweet potatoes and cucumbers.

Zoo caretakers have been helping Dan and Gigi get used to each other. They still need time acclimating before they share the African Savanna habitat, the city said. Gigi has reportedly shown a strong liking to Dan, and the zoo expects them to share a space together soon.

“With the departure of Obi and Tesoro, it’s exciting to re-expand the giraffe herd so the community of El Paso can connect with these amazing animals.”

Obi and Tesoro, Gigi’s sons, parted ways May 4 as part of a conservation plan after living at the El Paso Zoo since birth.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Thursday, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office announced one of its lieutenants graduated from the FBI National Academy in Virginia.

Lieutenant Oscar Torres graduated shook hands with FBI Director Kash Patel as he walked the stage and took his diploma.

“Lieutenant Torres’ graduation from the FBI National Academy is a tremendous accomplishment, and we are proud of the dedication he has shown throughout his career,” said Sheriff Oscar Ugarte “Investing in our personnel is investing in public safety.”

Lt. Torres has 27 years of experience serving the sheriff’s office, EPCSO said. He earned his current rank in January 2025 and oversees operations at the East Montana Patrol Station.

Graduates of the FBI National Academy join a worldwide network of law enforcement leaders who share the best practices for public safety, EPCSO said.

The FBI National Academy is very selective, with a small percentage of officers throughout the county earning the opportunity to attend. The 10-week program has advanced classes in leadership, management, fitness and emerging law enforcement issues, EPCSO said.

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Marcel Clarke

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — After a memorable run on American Idol, El Paso native Julian Kalel is returning home to thank the community that supported him throughout his journey.

Kalel will perform at Country & Color in Downtown El Paso on July 4th, just weeks after appearing in the American Idol finale and sharing the stage with country music star Luke Bryan.

“Yeah, it was a dream come true,” Kalel said of performing with Bryan. “He’s just a genuine guy.”

Despite gaining a national audience, Kalel says El Paso remains at the heart of his success.

“I really do believe that I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for the love and support of my city and my lovely El Paso,” he said.

Throughout his time on the show, Kalel became known for promoting a message of hope and connection.

“And if one person out there feels more seen and understood, then I did my job,” Kalel said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Deputies arrested two people after helping El Paso County Animal Welfare with an animal cruelty investigation, the County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday. Myalena Morales, 25, and Carlos Jasso, 30, are accused of leaving a dog in a small space with poor conditions.

Authorities found a severely malnourished dog at a home off Socorro Road on the 12100 block, EPCSO said. An Animal Welfare officer used the Purina Body Condition Scale and said the dog had a Body Condition Score of 1 out of 9 — indicating extreme emaciation.

Courtesy: Purina Institute

Investigators could see the dog’s ribs, spine and face bones, EPCSO said. They said the dog didn’t have proper food, water or shelter.

EPCSO said the dog stayed in a small space with dried poop, trash and empty food and water containers. Additionally, the dog’s area had little protection from high temperatures.

Authorities identified Morales and Jasso as the dog’s owners. According to EPCSO, they couldn’t give officials documentations proving the dog had veterinary care.

Investigators got arrest warrants for both of the suspects. They gave the dog to Animal Welfare, who now has custody.

Monday, Morales and Jasso were arrested and booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on animal cruelty charges. Morales’ bond totaled $3,000 while Jasso’s totaled $5,000, EPCSO said.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Two El Paso Independent School District students will attend the National Spanish Spelling Bee this year, the district said. They will compete against the top Spanish spellers from across the country.

Emiliano Ferrán Martínez Caloca from Wiggs Middle School and Shaheli De Silva from the Young Women’s Academy secured their spots at the national competition after placing among the top 10 finishers at the 2026 Texas State Spanish Spelling Bee, EPISD said.

The Spanish spelling bee challenges students’ vocabulary, spelling and language proficiency.

Martínez Caloca finished sixth in the state competition and De Silva placed ninth, the district said. In total, 47 spellers competed in the state competition.

“We are incredibly proud of Emiliano and Shaheli for this outstanding accomplishment,” said Chief Academic Officer Al Garcia. “Their hard work, perseverance, and passion for learning have earned them the opportunity to compete on a national stage.”

The district said this won’t be the students’ first spelling bee milestone. The two actually tied for first place at EPISD’s Spanish Spelling Bee for the third year in a row,

De Silva also spelled her way to the top as the Regional English Spelling Bee Champion, EPISD said.

The National Spanish Spelling Bee takes place in Albuquerque July 10-11.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Thursday, the City of El Paso showed off renovations at Fire Station No. 24 in East El Paso. The $2.45 million renovation project modernized the station with technology updates, the city said.

The 2019 Public Safety Bond Program funded the renovation project, according to El Paso Fire Chief Johnathan Killings.

“These improvements enhance the daily working environment for our personnel while strengthening our ability to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies across El Paso,” Chief Killings said.

He said the station was built in the 1970s. Fire Station No. 24 is located at 1498 Lomaland Dr.

Chief Killings said being close to the I-10 and Lee Trevino Drive is essential for firefighters to navigate the East El Paso.

Killings also said improvements included a new air conditioning system, electrical and plumbing system replacements and a new space for an ambulance.

City Representative Lily Limon said the process took a year. During renovations, firefighters temporarily worked at other stations.

“They are really our superheroes. They’re the people that respond with dignity. With respect, with caring,” Rep. Limon told ABC-7.

Beyond emergency services, Rep. Limon and Killings said the station serves as a voting station.

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Nina Gallegos

UPDATE (5:55 p.m.):

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – El Paso Electric spokesman Daniel Perez told ABC-7 this project will not impact ratepayers.

“It’s a generation facility for a specific customer. And that specific customer will be paying for those costs. There’s nothing here that would impact any other any of our other customers,” Daniel Perez said.

When City Attorney Karla Nieman was asked about the cost to ratepayers she disagreed with Perez.

“The proof is in the pudding. Their expert and their reports haven’t shown how they are actually going to ensure that meta pays. We’re confident that our case shows that El Paso Electric needs to be more transparent about what the cost for media is going to be,” Nieman said.

Meta denied ABC-7’s request for an interview. Their spokesperson sent a statement.

“Meta’s El Paso data center represents a significant long-term investment in this community — supporting thousands of construction jobs and hundreds of operational jobs, generating millions in local tax revenue, and supporting the digital infrastructure that El Paso businesses and families rely on every day. We’re glad to continue working with the city on the path forward and remain excited to be part of El Paso’s future,” a Meta spokesperson said in an email.

El Paso Electric has until June 23 to file their testimony.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Thursday, the City of El Paso formally opposed El Paso Electric’s application for a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity (CCN), according to a news release.

The CCN is related to a plan to build a $551.8 million natural gas power plant to support the Meta data center in Northeast El Paso.

The news release said EPE hasn’t demonstrated that the project is a cost-effective choice for existing customers.

“EPE is asking to build a half-billion-dollar power plant for a single new customer without performing the analysis Texas law and regulations require,” said City Attorney Karla Nieman. “The City’s position is simple: El Paso ratepayers should not be paying for the costs or risks associated with serving a single large customer. We entered settlement discussions in good faith and proposed reasonable protections that would have held families and businesses harmless, but El Paso Electric chose not to provide those assurances. That is why the City is asking the Public Utility Commission to deny the application as proposed.”

In testimony filed with the Public Utility Commission, the city identified significant concerns with the application:

No competitive bidding: EPE didn’t ask for bids or compare options and chose the project based on direction from Wurldwide.

No long-term analysis: EPE didn’t do a long-term cost study, rate impact review, or financial projections.

Higher cost option: The project is more expensive than gas turbine alternatives in their own resource plan, which are more fuel efficient.

Uncertain need: It’s not certain the facility is needed long-term after 2029 becuase the demand depends on future data center growth.

Unproven reliability: EPE didn’t fully assess how reliable the technology is or Enchanted Rock’s experience.

The city expressed a concern for existing customers to be exposed to risks and costs with a project of this scale, according to the news release

The city cannot unilaterally alter previously-approved development. It said it will continue to push for more transparency about the project, accountability from those involved and protections for El Paso residents from paying higher rates, according to the news release.

ABC-7 has requested interviews from Meta, El Paso Electric and City Attorney Karla Nieman. Please check back for updates.

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