EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso Police Special Traffic Investigators say a 17-year-old El Paso boy was killed in a motorcycle crash on Alameda Wednesday night.

Police say a car was traveling east on Alameda at the same time 17-year-old Kevin Holguin and his passenger, an unidentified 20-year-old man from Mexico, were traveling west. Police investigators say a "T-Bone type collision" happened when the car tried to make a left turn.

Holguin and his passenger suffered serious injuries and were rushed to the hospital where they later died.

Police have not said who is at fault for the collision or if any charges could be filed in connection with the case.

El Paso Police officials say these are the 42nd and 43rd traffic fatalities of 2024, compared with 53 at this time last year.

The post El Paso boy killed in motorcycle crash on Alameda appeared first on KVIA.

AUSTIN, Texas (KVIA) -- Former Texas Governor Rick Perry will serve as volunteer senior advisor to Texas Speaker of the House Dad Phelan until the start of the 89th Texas Legislature.

Phelan announced Perry's new position on social media today.

Welcome to the team, @GovernorPerry. #txlege pic.twitter.com/KLNW30nfFD

— Dade Phelan (@DadePhelan) September 5, 2024

In an official announcement, Phelan explained that Perry will provide special guidance on areas of economic growth and job creation.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- During a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! Grammy-winning artist Billie Eilish mentioned that she had previously recorded songs in El Paso hotels.

"We're always finding ourselves working in the most kind of random places," Eilish explained. "We've recorded in like little hotels in El Paso. It's nothing like that cool, but it's fun because it's so casual and normal. We're just in the back of this car on Phineas' laptop."

On the show, a clip then played of Finneas and Billie Eilish working together in the back of a car, driving through a city.

Eilish mentioned Dyer Street, but did not specify which hotels she had stayed in. Eilish also mentioned working on songs on tour buses and on the road during a tour in Brazil.

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Update: During a news conference this morning, the Gadsden ISD superintendent explained that after an extensive search, reports that a student may have had a weapon were found to be unsubstantiated.

The "Secure" status was therefore lifted and the day is proceeding normally.

SANTA TERESA, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Santa Teresa Middle School was placed under a "Secure" status earlier this morning after a "security concern" was discovered.

"At that time, there was no immediate danger to students or staff, and all students on campus were safe," Gadsden ISD officials say. "We worked closely with law enforcement throughout the morning to monitor the situation and ensure the safety of everyone on campus."

Gadsden ISD officials say that earlier today, parents who had not yet dropped off their children kept them home. Students who were already on buses or on campus stayed put.

The post ‘Secure’ status lifted at Santa Teresa Middle School appeared first on KVIA.

SANTA FE, New Mexico (KVIA) -- New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham just announced the results of "Operation Disruption," a human trafficking and organized crime fighting effort in southern New Mexico, specifically in Dona Ana and Luna Counties.

A spokesperson for the Governor's Office says the operation took place over 12 days in August, disrupting criminal networks and rescuing victims.

“Let this be a warning to those who would traffic in human lives: New Mexico will not tolerate this reprehensible criminal behavior," Governor Lujan Grisham stated Tuesday. "We are coming after you, and when we find you, we will shut down your illegal operation and put you in jail.”

According to the governor's spokesperson, New Mexico State Police "rescued" 91 people. The spokesperson did not provide any details on what types of situations the victims were rescued from or exactly where they were found. The spokesperson adds that Operation Disruption also identified 33 stash houses, conducted 735 traffic stops, and made 16 arrests.

The New Mexico State Police Crime Suppression and Uniform Bureaus conducted Operation Disruption in conjunction with the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission, Border Patrol, HSI, the Dona Ana County Sheriff's Office, Las Cruces Police Department, Bureau of Land Management, Texas DPS, and Mexican officials, according to the governor's spokesperson.

"This humanitarian and cartel disruption effort was focused on protecting the victims of human trafficking organizations," the Governor's Office explained Tuesday.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Pasoan Laneah Bryan and the U.S. Women's Flag Football National Team just won gold at the IFAF Flag Football World Championship in Lahti, Finland. USA took down Mexico 31-18 to win gold.

ABC-7 has spoken with Bryan before and covered her naming to the U.S. national team in March 2024.

Bryan intercepted a pass late in the game against Mexico to help clinch the win.

Bryan is a former University of New Mexico student. She played basketball in high school and in college.

Flag football has be expanding in international popularity in recent years. The sport is expected to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028.

"Flag football provides a clear path for women and girls to get started in football and compete in the sport up to the international level," a USA Football representative explained in a news release earlier this year. "High school girls’ flag football is now sanctioned as a varsity sport in nine states, and on the collegiate level, the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) offers scholarships and holds a championship."

The post El Pasoan makes late-game interception to carry U.S. Women’s National Flag Football Team to victory at World Championship appeared first on KVIA.

Update (September 4, 2024): Medrano won silver in the 100m T38 and the 400m T38.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Coronado High School alumnus Ryan Medrano is competing at the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris, France.

Medrano, a track athlete, will represent Team USA in the Men's 100m T38, 400m T38, and Long Jump T38. T38 is a classification for those athletes with cerebral palsy or brain injuries with mild to moderate coordination impairments.

“I’m really pushing to try to get that gold and bring that home for the Sun City," Medrano stated. "To be able to repay everybody that’s ever believed in me, every donation I’ve gotten, every friend that said, ‘I believe in you,’ it’s like a push on the back to push me past that finish line.”

When he is not competing, Medrano advocates for disability awareness and inclusion. He often uses his platform to promote equal opportunities and accessibility for those with disabilities.

"Ryan's achievements remind us that with determination and hard work, anything is possible," El Paso ISD Superintendent Diana Sayavedra stated. "He exemplifies the spirit of our district, and we are all cheering for him as he competes on the world stage."

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CANUTILLO, Texas (KVIA) -- A student at Alderete Middle School just tested positive for chicken pox. The student was fully vaccinated against the Varicella virus, Canutillo ISD officials say, meaning this appears to be a breakthrough case.

"The student is doing well and is under medical care," the Canutillo ISD officials explained. "As per El Paso City-County Health Department protocols, the District is also monitoring a pre-kindergarten student at Canutillo Elementary School since he is a sibling of the impacted student."

Canutillo ISD officials say they are working closely with health officials to make sure any student or adult that had contact with either the infected student or the sibling is okay.

"We have met with teachers and staff to alert them of the situation and ask them to be on the lookout for potential additional cases," district officials explained.

Chicken pox is highly contagious. The symptoms, initially, include fever and an itchy, blister-like rash.

"Chickenpox can be serious, especially during pregnancy, in babies, adolescents, adults, and people with weakened immune systems (lowered ability to fight germs and sickness)."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso Chihuahuas are hosting a UTEP Night and asking all current and former Miners to turn out and turn the ballpark orange.

The game is happening Friday, August 30, 2024 at 6:35 PM at Southwest University Park in Downtown El Paso. The Chihuahuas will be taking on the Tacoma Rainiers.

The UTEP bands and cheer and dance teams will be in attendance to add some extra Miner spirit. UTEP President Heather Wilson will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, game organizers say.

The first 1,000 fans will get an exclusive commemorative t-shirt.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- 14-year-old Kolby Gonzales just won gold in the Jiu-Jitsu youth division at the ADCC Worlds Tournament in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Las Cruces resident trains five days a week in El Paso at Gracie Barra El Paso Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy.

At this week's tournament at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena, Gonzales was crowned world champion, dominating the competition, his trainers at Gracie Barra explain.

This is not the first time Gonzales has made an international splash. He also won gold at the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation tournament in Sao Paolo, Brazil in 2023. ABC-7 covered Gonzales' win when it happened, and you can read that story here.

"After his win in Brazil, Gonzales began the process of qualifying for an ADCC invitation to compete in Las Vegas," a spokesperson for Gonzales' jiu-jitsu academy in El Paso explained. "In order to be invited, he had to win gold at ADCC Open events.  At the end of the qualifying period, the top four youth from the United States and Brazil were selected to compete in Las Vegas."

Those qualifying matches happened all across the country: Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlantic City, Denver, Phoenix, Dallas, and Las Vegas. At the Phoenix Open, Gonzales' trainers said the tournament organizers featured Gonzales and called him a "phenom."

Now that he has won this gold medal, Gonzales will be automatically qualified for future ADCC Worlds tournaments, according to his trainers.

Gonzales has a long history in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, training since the age of five, first at Three Crosses Jiu-Jitsu in Las Cruces, then under Jeff Vigil at Gracie Barra El Paso. In addition to his daily training in El Paso, Gonzales makes the trek up to Albuquerque on weekends to train at Jackson Wink MMA Academy, with the goal of competing in Mixed Martial Arts when he reaches the legal age.

Some of Gonzales' other recent accomplishments include wins at the Gi Worlds, No Gi Worlds, and Pan Kids tournaments, and a state wrestling title for Las Cruces High School earlier this year.

The post A teen who trains in El Paso just won a major international Jiu-Jitsu competition… again appeared first on KVIA.

HORIZON CITY, Texas (KVIA) -- For the fourth time today, a semi-truck has overturned in El Paso County.

This fourth overturn happened on the ramp leading onto I-10 East at Horizon at 3:48 PM today.

All lanes are blocked currently, according to the Texas Department of Transportation alert page.

Avoid driving in this area and use the ABC-7 TrafficTracker to find an alternate route.

ABC-7 is working to get more information on what led up to this crash.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A semi is on its side, blocking traffic completely on the westbound lanes of I-10 near the Porfirio Diaz exit.

The crash happened at 3:42 PM, according to an alert on the Texas Department of Transportation alert page.

All lanes, including both shoulders of the highway, are shown as blocked on the alert page right now.

The severity of the crash is currently listed as "unknown." ABC-7 is working to learn more information about possible injuries.

Avoid driving in this area and use the ABC-7 TrafficTracker to find an alternate route.

An ABC-7 crew at the scene spotted dozens of boxes containing green powder in the roadway following the crash. A large amount of the green powder had spilled out of the boxes and onto the road. Our crew read the word "matcha" on the side of the boxes.

The current clearing time is unknown, according to TXDOT.

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RUIDOSO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Village of Ruidoso has ordered that the Ruidoso School District shelter in place due to an ongoing flood warning.

The village posted about the warning on social media just minutes ago, explaining that all students and staff will remain on their campuses until conditions allow for parents to pick up their children.

pic.twitter.com/xEGUTHEfoi

— Village of Ruidoso (@VillageRuidoso) August 26, 2024

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Rob "Rabbit" Pitts, the co-star of Tex Mex Motors, has passed away. The El Paso-based show's other co-star, Marcos "Scooter" Carrera, announced the news on social media today.

"It’s with a heavy heart that I write about the passing of my cast member & friend ROB ‘RABBIT’ PITTS," Carrera posted on social media. "Rest In Peace Brother, I’m going to really miss you!!!"

The show Tex Mex Motors premiered on Netflix in 2023. It featured Carrera and Pitts as they bought and sold cars in the Borderland.

Pitt's YouTube channel recently posted a video announcing his diagnosis with stomach cancer.

The post Rob ‘Rabbit’ Pitts, co-star of El Paso-based Netflix show Tex Mex Motors, has died appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The UT System Board of Regents just approved a new 10-year master plan for UTEP.

University President Heather Wilson presented the plan to the board Wednesday in Austin. Members passed the measure unanimously.

The board oversees 14 institutions, including UTEP, and 256,000 students. That makes the UT System the largest university system in the state.

PJ Vierra, a representative for the UTEP Heritage Commission, says that some of the buildings scheduled for demolition are historically significant.

"This UTEP campus master plan calls for demolishing several historically significant Bhutanese Revival buildings designed by noted Southwestern architect Henry Trost (Vowell Hall, Benedict Hall, and Worrell Hall) and Percy McGhee (Miners Hall, Hudspeth Hall, Union West), and O.J. Thorman (Holliday Hall). Union West was home to the acclaimed UTEP Dinner Theatre before its recent closure."

PJ Vierra, PhD
UTEP Heritage Commission

ABC-7 is trying to get more information on what UTEP's new plan entails.

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OTAY MESA, California (KVIA) -- CBP officers stationed at the Otay Mesa Commercial Facility seized $5 million worth of meth concealed within shipments of watermelons Friday.

The officers reported finding 4,587 pounds of meth when they stopped a 29-year-old man driving a semi into the U.S. from Mexico.

The truck's manifest recorded a shipment of watermelons, however, when the semi underwent secondary inspection, officers found drugs inside.

“I am incredibly proud of our team for their exceptional work over the past few weeks in uncovering sophisticated and diverse smuggling methods," stated Rosa E. Hernandez, Port Director for the Area Port of Otay Mesa. "As drug cartels continue to evolve their smuggling techniques, we will continue finding new and better ways to prevent these dangerous drugs and other contraband from entering the country."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A man in his 50s is the first Neuroinvasive West Nile Virus (WNV) death reported in El Paso this year.

The City of El Paso Department of Public Health confirmed the man's death today. The man had underlying health conditions, officials say.

Health authorities recommend using deet, dress properly, and avoiding going outside at dusk and dawn.

"Symptoms of West Nile infection include fever, headache, tiredness, body aches, nausea, vomiting and swollen lymph glands," city health authorities explained.

Two in 10 infected people are expected to develop symptoms.

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AUSTIN, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott just appointed El Pasoan Linda Troncoso to the Texas Medical Board.

Troncoso is the president of TRE and Associates, LLC and is a member of the El Paso Association of Builders and the Paso del Norte Community Foundation. She used to serve on the City of El Paso Zoning Board of Adjustments.

Troncoso holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Mater of Engineering in Environmental Engineering from UTEP, according to Governor Abbott's office.

Abbott has appointed Troncoso to a term ending on April 13, 2029.

The governor's office explained that the Texas Medical Board is tasked with regulating the practice of medicine across the state.

According to her profile on the Hospitals of Providence's website, Troncoso is on the Memorial & Sierra Campuses Governing Board.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso Fire Department Search and Rescue team is bringing a dead hiker down off the Franklin Mountains near McKelligon Canyon.

An El Paso Fire Department spokesperson posted about the situation on social media. ABC-7 has a crew going to the scene to learn more.

Search and Rescue crew members are stationed at 1400 McKelligon in Northeast El Paso.

FINAL UPDATE: Search and Rescue at McKelligon Canyon: One fatality confirmed - scene will be turned over to law enforcement.

PIO at the scene. pic.twitter.com/ApojeatoZD

— El Paso Fire Department (@ElPasoFireTX) August 15, 2024

EPPD says the situation, which involved a hiker who had called in distress, is now being handed over to law enforcement.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Rep. Isabel Salcido filed to run for El Paso mayor today. That is according to online records.

Salcido represents District 5. Her term is currently set to expire in January 2027, meaning she will likely need to give up her seat to run for mayor. District 1 Rep. Brian Kennedy, who also filed to run for mayor, is in the same situation.

Other candidates for El Paso mayor include businessman Renard Johnson and Rep. Cassandra Hernandez, among others.

The deadline to file for mayoral candidacy is August 19, 2024. The election is November 5, 2024.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- EPWater officials announced today that the New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) withdrew its $1.2 million fine against the utility. NMED also withdrew "all allegations of wrongdoing" connected to the 2021 Frontera Wastewater Emergency, EPWater officials say.

NMED had been arguing that EPWater violated parts of the New Mexico Surface and Groundwater Protection by discharging wastewater into the Rio Grande in August 2021.

EPWater had been countersuing NMED and denied all allegations, as well as arguing that NMED did not have jurisdiction over the issue.

NMED and EPWater have since settled the case, dismissing the fine and all allegations. The organizations now share information, documents, and materials connected to the emergency.

"From the start of the emergency, EPWater maintained consistent communication with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the Environmental Protection Agency and the International Boundary and Water Commission," an EPWater spokesperson explained. "Utility officials also initiated immediate cleanup of impacted areas within the Rio Grande or surrounding areas. Contractors worked seven days a week for four months to expedite the replacement of more than a mile of the Frontera pipeline."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Homeland Security Investigations El Paso special agents busted their second stash house of the week Thursday.

They arrested 13 migrants, nine from Mexico and four from Guatemala, and an alleged American smuggler at a Central El Paso house. The house had been rented out on Airbnb.

The house is located on Cebada Street. HSI said they received a report of potential migrants inside of the home which led to the investigation.

"The migrants had been at the stash house for a day. And although the conditions inside the stash house were better than most, the migrants were crammed into small quarters," a spokesperson for HSI El Paso explained. "The group consisted of 10 men, two women, and a juvenile. The migrants’ ages ranged from 16 to 44. They were all turned over to U.S. Border Patrol for processing."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Paul and Alejandra De La Vega Foster just donated $10 million to La Nube, El Paso's new child-focused STEAM center.

The museum has its grand opening this weekend.

“As one of the signature projects of the 2012 bond election, we know how important this effort is to the quality of life for all residents of the region, as well as for tourism and economic development," Paul Foster explained. "We wanted to do our part to help make sure this science and discovery center is as promised: world class. Just seeing it tonight, I think La Nube’s guests will feel that. This is really an amazing place.”

La Nube officials explained that the money will go towards supporting essential expenditures, including exhibit installations, program development, and outreach.

“In recognition of their transformational gift, the Grand Foyer of La Nube will bear the name of the Foster Family, honoring their generosity that will allow us to inspire lifelong learners and the visionaries of tomorrow," said Stephanie Otero, Interim CEO for La Nube.

The Fosters, along with other donors and La Nube officials, all gathered for a sneak peek event Thursday.

"A celebratory tribute honored the guests as they explored all four floors of La Nube and saw a live interaction with La Rodadora in Juarez via a state of the art, unique technology through La Nube’s Connected Sky," a spokesperson for La Nube explained. "Youth ensembles from Jazz Exchange, educational activities, along with an exploration of culinary delights and Odd Labs entertainment brought out the imaginative explorer in each of the guests."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- La Clinica de Familia is hosting a health fair August 10, 2024.

Rachel Gonzales-Hanson, the interim COO of the National Association of Community Health Centers, will be in attendance.

Borderland leaders and elected officials will also be there.

The fair is happening at 575 South Alameda Boulevard from 9 am to 12 pm, with special remarks at 10:30 am.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott just issued an executive order calling for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to start collecting information on the cost of healthcare incurred by migrants who entered the US illegally.

"HHSC will also be required to report annually to the Governor and Texas Legislature all inpatient and emergency care costs for illegal immigrants so the State of Texas can seek reimbursement from the federal government," a spokesperson for the governor's office explained Thursday.

HHSC will immediately start to direct hospitals to collect information by November 1, 2024 and to report to the governor and lieutenant governor by January 1, 2026.

“Texans should not have to shoulder the burden of financially supporting medical care for illegal immigrants," Abbott stated. "That is why today I issued an Executive Order requiring the Texas Health and Human Services Commission to collect and report healthcare costs for illegal immigrants in our state. Texas will hold the Biden-Harris Administration accountable for the consequences of their open border policies, and we will fight to ensure that they pay back Texas for their costly and dangerous policies."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- More than three and a half years after the Jan. 6 capitol riot, an El Paso man has received his prison sentence. Federal prosecutors said David Rene Arredondo was part of the capitol breach, and assault on officers.

A federal judge handed down a 33-month total prison sentence to Arredondo, along with a thirty-six month term of supervised release and a $2,305 fine. Arredondo had previously pleaded guilty to the eight counts, including two felony charges of civil disorder and assaulting, resisting, or impeding certain officers. He entered that plea and waived his right to a jury trial in January of 2024.

Images from capitol surveillance and other cameras in and around the building from that day in 2021 released by the FBI were highlighted to show what prosecutors said was Arredondo's involvement. He was accused of pushing a bike rack against officers and pulling an officer's arm. The U.S. Attorney's office say Arredondo stayed inside the Capitol building for about 35 minutes.

Arredondo was arrested at his home in El Paso by the FBI in October of 2022. He previously was out on a personal recognizance bond leading up to this sentencing.

In addition to the felony counts, Arredondo also was charged with several misdemeanors, including entering and remaining in a restricted building or grounds, engaging in physical violence in a restricted building or grounds, disorderly conduct in a Capitol building, act of physical violence in the Capitol grounds or buildings, and parading, demonstrating, or picketing in a Capitol building.

The post El Paso man who participated in Jan. 6 sentenced to nearly 3 years appeared first on KVIA.

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The City of Las Cruces just debuted its newly-redesigned website. The city promises residents a more user-friendly space to find important information.

View the website here.

"This new and improved website was created with the user experience in mind and ease of finding what you are looking for," a city spokesperson explained.

The new website has "enhanced ADA compliance features," the spokesperson added. That includes a special widget that allows people of various disabilities to use the website with ease.

"Being a municipality close to the border, City administration and staff understand the importance of communicating across a multitude of languages," the city spokesperson explained. "We want everyone to have access to the information the City provides including programs and services, and transparency and accountability."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- ABC-7 has compiled a list of the highest-rated restaurants in El Paso by diners. The ratings are listed on Yelp.

Read the full list of top-rated restaurants below.

Top-rated Restaurants in El Paso

8. La Playa Seafood Restaurant

5.0 (7 reviews)

Mexican, Seafood

“It's one of the best sea food places in El Paso. Very economic and tastes good."

Josh S.

7. Chevo’s

5.0 (8 reviews)

Mexican

"The food is so good, the lady serving and working the front is very kind. Everything we got was affordable and delicious."

Tina B.

6. Taqueria Sabrosa

5.0 (10 reviews)

Tacos, Food Trucks

“My favorite spot everything is good especially the tripitas. The owner is also amazing. It does take a bit for the food to be ready but it's because everything is made as it's ordered so it's worth the wait. I 100 percent recommend."

Marcos C.

5. Pilon

5.0 (11 reviews)

Beer, Wine & Spirits, Sandwiches, Wine Bars

“This is a lovely little wine bar, such a great find! It's not a liquor store as labeled on Google. My husband and I are so glad we found this place while visiting El Paso. Great wine selection, staff was very friendly and knowledgeable of the wines."

Emily R.

4. El Botanero Mariscos

5.0 (12 reviews)

Mexican, Seafood, Food Trucks

“The guys are extremely professional and super nice, the food is 10/10 delicious! Whatever that black sauce is fire kiddos enjoyed every bite! the shrimp cocktail, ceviche and shrimp tacos were all so authentic and succulent ! Easy to get to, more than enough parking and quick service."

Denicza A.

Emily R.

3. Star Burgers & Fries

5.0 (14 reviews)

Food Trucks, Burgers

“Yum! Solo fries- add cheese and the Lil Anakin. Food was fresh and was ready quickly. The meat was high quality! So glad we found this place. Customer service was 5 star!"

John M.

2. Frontera Churros

5.0 (16 reviews)

Sandwiches, Coffee & Tea, Desserts

“This spot is a hidden gem, the ice coffee and churros were good. Good prices cute location."

Sandy M.

1. 4tacos 4tacos 4tacos

5.0 (34 reviews)

Category: Tacos, Food Trucks

“Always look forward to visiting when I'm in El Paso. This is the only place to get my Birria fix. I've tried many places in other cities but 4tacos is head and shoulders above all the rest!!"

Randy M.

Vote for your favorite below.

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JUAREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) -- Mexican authorities saved a 9-year-old Honduran boy being held for ransom by a transnational criminal organization in Juarez.

US Border Patrol and HSI El Paso helped with the kidnapping investigation, working with HSI Ciudad Juarez and the state anti-kidnapping unit in Ciudad Juarez.

The child had been separated from his mother at a Juarez stash house, where they had been waiting for smugglers to get them into El Paso.

The mom crossed over on July 27, where she was detained by Border Patrol agents. The organization, however, demanded a ransom from the boy's Kansas City relatives.

By August 1, the boy's family had sent the money and the organization left the boy at a Juarez police station.

Officers have not yet made any arrests and the case is still under investigation. Mexican authorities are working to send the boy back to Honduras.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Homeland Security investigators arrested 56 people from Mexico, five from Guatemala, and two from El Salvador.

The people were found inside a stash house in West El Paso, according to HSI El Paso.

A spokesperson posted news of the arrest, along with photos from inside the stash house, on social media.

Also happening in El Paso, Texas DPS arrested 24-year-old Maikel Diaz-Guerra, an alleged human smuggling scout wearing an ICE Tracking Watch, during a traffic stop in El Paso. A Texas DPS spokesperson said the arrest was part of Operation Lone Star. The spokesperson add that Guerra, a Venezuelan citizen, is a confirmed member of the Tren de Aragua gang.

As part of Operation Lone Star (OLS), DPS arrested a human smuggling scout wearing an ICE Tracking Watch during a traffic stop in El Paso. The scout, Maikel Diaz-Guerra, 24, of Venezuela, is a confirmed Tren de Aragua gang member and had been arrested only a few days prior for… pic.twitter.com/1asNTBg4Tp

— Texas DPS (@TxDPS) August 6, 2024

"Guerra was serving as the lookout for the other driver involved – 17-year-old Gildardo Perez III," the Texas DPS spokesperson explained. "Inside his vehicle, DPS found three illegal immigrants concealed in the rear seat. Guerra and Perez were booked into jail for smuggling of persons."

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VIENNA, Austria (KVIA) -- Two men have been arrested, charged with planning attacks at Taylor Swift's upcoming concert dates in Vienna, Austria. That is according to reports by national media outlets.

Austrian law enforcement say one of the suspects had pledged allegiance to ISIS, reports say. They add that both men had been radicalized over the internet.

Reports say that bomb squad found "chemical substances" when they took one of the men into custody.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso County honored the 23 victims of the Aug. 3 mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Walmart today by reading out their names at a special nighttime ceremony.

The ceremony is happening on the fifth anniversary of the shooting.

Hundreds of people attended the ceremonies to honor the memories of those lost on that day. Many attendees also took a moment to reflect on those who died.

The County also unveiled several new murals honoring the victims, giving their families and other El Pasoans another location to gather and reflect.

ABC-7 brought you live complete team coverage of the ceremony all night long.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVAI) -- As part of its program for the fifth anniversary of the Aug. 3 Walmart mass shooting, the County of El Paso unveiled a new eternal flame honoring the 23 victims.

The flame, constructed in partnership with Texas Gas Service, is located at the Healing Garden in Ascarate Park in El Paso's Lower Valley.

Watch the story on the eternal flame above.

ABC-7 was there for the unveiling and provided complete team coverage of the ceremony in all of our evening newscasts, as well as in a special livestreamed event on our website.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso's Star on the Mountain flashed 23 times this evening in honor of the 23 lives lost on August 3, 2019.

That was the day a gunman walked into the Cielo Vista Walmart, changing El Paso forever.

Today, ABC-7 provided complete team coverage of the fifth anniversary of the mass shooting.

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SUNLAND PARK, New Mexico (KVIA) -- Sunland Park Fire Department crews responded to a crash involving an ATV and a car at the intersection of Pete Dominici Highway and McNutt Road this morning.

One person died in the crash, SPFD officials say. Another person suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital.

Department officials posted about the crash on social media.

@SunlandParkFire and DAFR responded to a vehicle vs. ATV at the intersection of Pete Dominici Highway and McNutt Rd this morning.

One fatality at the scene and one person transported to the hospital with minor injuries

Time out: 07:35 pic.twitter.com/HjkiHhsf6A

— Sunland Park Fire (@SunlandParkFire) August 3, 2024

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Several convenience stores in El Paso and Las Cruces could soon be operating under new ownership, and potentially under a new name.

FEMSA, which runs the OXXO brand, just entered into definitive agreements with Delek (DK brand) to buy 249 convenience stores, mostly located in Texas.

FEMSA officials say the company is expecting to pay $385 million in the business deal.

FEMSA officials say they are excited to expand the company and build a brand in the US.

DK only recently entered the Borderland, taking over former 7/11 stores a few years ago.

FEMSA currently operates more than 30,000 store locations in Mexico, South America, and Europe, the company's CEO explained.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP Police officials say an unknown man tried to rob one of the businesses in the Union Building on campus.

The attempted robbery happened as the business was closing, and UTEP Police say there were no threats or weapons visible. The man, however, walked away without any money or property. This happened Wednesday, according to officials.

UTEP Police describe the man as Hispanic with a thin build wearing a grey jacket or a black hoodie. They add that the man was possibly homeless.

"If you have any information on this case, please contact University Police immediately at (915) 747-5611, Detective Hettiger at 915-747-6236, Detective Moran at (915) 747-8075, or in person at 3118 Sun Bowl Drive (24hrs.)," UTEP Police officials say.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- A man was injured riding ATVs Tuesday evening.

Las Cruces firefighters, along with Mesilla Valley Search and Rescue (MVSR), had to carefully get him out of rugged terrain before he could be airlifted to UMC in El Paso.

The man crashed in an undeveloped area near Thurmond Road after 7:00 PM Tuesday. MVSR brought in a utility task vehicle with a Stokes litter to get the man out.

Investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Vitalant will be having an El Paso Strong blood drive "in remembrance of the victims and their families" of the Aug. 3 Cielo Vista Walmart mass shooting. The fifth anniversary is happening this week.

El Pasoans will have the opportunity to donate blood at the following locations.

• Casa Ford (5815 Montana Ave.): Aug. 3 from 10 AM to 2 PM
• The Fountains at Farah (8889 Gateway Boulevard West): Aug. 3 from 10 AM to 5 PM
• Cielo Vista Mall (8401 Gateway Boulevard West): Aug. 3 and 4 from 1 to 5 PM

Organizers say they want to ensure El Paso has an ample blood supply. Thousands of Borderland residents went out to give blood in the wake of the shooting in 2019. Now, Vitalant is hoping El Pasoans will come out again to donate blood in the same spirit.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Aspiring singers in Texas will get the chance to audition for American Idol this month.

"Idol Across America" is visiting Texas Wednesday, August 14, 2024. The open call will have singers audition over a virtual Zoom meeting.

"For the fifth year in a row, 'Idol Across America,' the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, features audition days for all 50 states, plus Washington, D.C., making auditions easier than ever," the organizers explained.

Find out more about the process here.

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Update: An El Paso Fire Department spokesperson says the person is now off the mountain and being evaluated by medical crews.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Combined Search and Rescue crews with the El Paso Fire Department are currently trying to get a hiker down from the Franklin Mountains.

The hiker, who is described as being "in need of assistance," is on the Old Tin Man Trail. The person has not been reported injured, and ABC-7 is working to learn the nature of the distress call.

An ABC-7 crew on the scene saw one person being loaded into an ambulance.

The combined search and rescue team is currently responding to reports of a hiker in need of assistance on the Old Tin Man Trail. No injuries have been reported at this time. Please stand by for updates. pic.twitter.com/mf4vGX5O2C

— El Paso Fire Department (@EPTXFire) July 30, 2024

Check back for more updates.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Bravo Auto Group is expanding. The El Paso-based company just acquired Baytown Nissan, which will now be known as Bravo Nissan of Baytown. Baytown, Texas is located outside of Houston.

"This strategic expansion into the Houston Metroplex, Texas’s largest metropolitan area, continues Bravo’s growth trajectory under the leadership of CEO Raymond Palacios," company leadership explained.

Palacios, a U.S. Marine veteran, has made a big impact on the Borderland community, serving on the boards of El Paso Electric and the Hospitals of Providence Transmountain Campus, as well as the executive committee of the Borderplex Alliance. He is also a former Chairman of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles.

Bravo already operated dealerships in El Paso, Victoria, Texas and Las Cruces, New Mexico.

“We are proud to be a Latino-owned and Veteran-owned business that has served the El Paso community for over 24 years,” Palacios said. “This expansion allows us to continue providing the same high level of personal service that we embrace across all of our dealerships, and offering trusted brands like Nissan to my hometown of Houston, Texas.”

Palacios and his auto group have also invested a lot in the community, undertaking an $8 million renovation of their El Paso Cadillac dealership recently.

An auto group spokesperson says the new Baytown dealership will contribute 75 new jobs to the Houston-area economy.

Palacios' efforts to improve Houston were recently recognized by the Hispanic chamber in Houston.

“The Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce commends Raymond Palacios for his entrepreneurial success as the owner of five automobile dealerships, including his newest, Bravo Nissan of Baytown,” said Dr. Laura Murillo, President and CEO of the Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “Raymond is a stellar community leader and philanthropist whose economic impact extends throughout the Texas region.”

Visit Bravo Auto Group's website to learn more about the strides the company is making.

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Update: The lanes are now clear and traffic is flowing normally.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- All lanes of US-54 South at Transmountain are closed due to a crash.

Seven people were rushed to the hospital. One was transported with "Level One" trauma, while the others suffered minor injuries, first responders tell ABC-7. They add that the crash involved two vehicles.

The crash happened at 12:52 PM, a Texas Department of Transportation alert states.

ABC-7 is working to get more details. Check back soon.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- New Mexico State Police and the Las Cruces Police Department worked together to take down 14 people accused of committing retail theft.

On July 26, 2024, the teams worked at Walmarts and Walgreens in Las Cruces to pick up alleged repeat offenders.

The operation lasted all day long, officials say. Nine people were physically arrested, while another five were criminally cited and will need to appear in court. One person was charged with a felony shoplifting.

"Law enforcement partners recovered $578 in merchandise that was shoplifted during the day and identified more than $2,600 in merchandise that was previously stolen by the offenders," officials explained.

Officials say the agencies are now looking to carry out other similar operations in the near future.

"Retail theft has become a growing issue in the Las Cruces area with instances of shoplifting and organized retail theft occurring daily," the officials added.

Officials have not released any of the names of the people arrested in Friday's operation.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Kate Flannery, known for her role as Meredith Palmer in the hit TV show "The Office," will be at the Chihuahuas game on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

The first 75 fans to buy the ticket add-on, starting at 5:15 PM, will get to attend an exclusive meet and greet with Flannery.

Fans will also get the chance to meet Flannery from the start of the game until 8:10 PM

The Chihuahuas will take on Oklahoma City. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 PM.

"Get ready to laugh as Kate Flannery, known for her hilarious role as Meredith Palmer on '"'The Office,' makes a special appearance at the Chihuahuas game! The actress and comedian will be bringing her wit and charm to the ballpark for an unforgettable evening of fun."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The U.S. Postal Service is rolling out a new Forever Stamp commemorating late game show host Alex Trebek.

The agency just held a dedication ceremony at Sony Pictures Studios.

The Canadian-American started hosting "JEOPARDY!" in 1984. The stamp states "This naturalized U.S. citizen hosted the quiz show 'JEOPARDY!' for 37 season." Underneath is written "Who is Alex Trebek?"

“My family and I were completely surprised about Alex being honored by the U.S. Postal Service. It is a such an extraordinary honor and a wonderful way to recognize what Alex meant to so many people,” said Trebek’s wife, Jean Trebek. She continued, “Alex would be over the moon about this distinctive honor and, he'd feel very humbled. I think the stamp design is very creative because Alex Trebek is the answer to all the clues.”

In addition to his time on "JEOPARDY!," Trebek was known for his charity work with organizations such as World Vision and his habitat preservation efforts.

“Millions of Americans invited Alex Trebek into their living rooms each weeknight,” said Michael Elston, Secretary of the USPS Board of Governors. “After thousands of shows over 37 seasons, he was someone we trusted and felt like we knew. And with his intelligence and wit, he made it cool to be smart.”

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The family of 36-year-old U.S. veteran Michael Charles Thompson has filed a civil lawsuit against the El Paso Police Department and others. Thompson, a father of two daughters, died June 27, 2022 in the parking lot of the convenience store at 5830 Dyer in Northeast El Paso.

A Custodial Death Report issued by the Texas Attorney General's Office in August 2022 lists Thompson's manner of death as homicide, which could encompass "justifiable homicide." "Sudden Death during Law Enforcement Subdual and Restraint," is listed as the medical cause of death. The report also lists "Acute Methamphetamine Toxicity" and heart disease as "contributing" medical causes of death. Thompson is not listed as having any pre-existing medical conditions, however.

The August 2022 report states that law enforcement caused the death and lists the means of death as restraint. Thompson was officially considered to be in pre-booking police custody at the time of his death, the Custodial Death Report indicates.

An amended Custodial Death Report from October 2023, however, states Thompson caused his own death, and does not implicate law enforcement officers.

The August 2022 report also shows that police were called out on a medical/mental health assistance call and that officers did not show or use weapons. The report states that Thompson "attempted to injure law enforcement personnel," and that he resisted being handcuffed.

Early Morning at a Northeast Convenience Store

Officers were called out to the convenience store after the Attorney General's Office says he walked up to the clerk and "exhibited signs of mental distress and appeared to be experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations." He reportedly asked the clerk to call police for help.

Once officers arrived, court documents state Thompson resisted arrest.

"I had decided to place Mr. Thompson under an Emergency Detention Order because he was a possible danger to himself or others," the first officer to report to the scene explained in his official report, filed two days after Thompson's death. "This was due to the irrational way he was behaving."

The officer then explained in his report that Thompson grabbed his phone out of his pocket.

"At the time he did this, I did not know if he was attempting to retrieve a weapon," the officer stated.

As Thompson continued to resist, the report explains officers used a taser and placed Thompson in a police car.

"Medical assistance was called for the subject due to the tasing," investigators stated in the Custodial Death Report from August 2022. "While medical services were present at the scene, the subject experienced a medical episode and stopped breathing. Medical services began life saving techniques and transported the subject to University Medical Center."

Doctors at UMC pronounced Thompson dead.

An independent autopsy report requested by Thompson's family and provided to ABC-7 by their attorney states Thompson's body showed signs of restraint and positional-mechanical asphyxiation and blunt force trauma to the head, trunk, arms, and legs.

A report filed by the hospital states that Thompson suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest.

"There was some question that the patient was given Narcan but it was unclear exactly why or when or by whom it was given," the hospital report explained. "On arrival to the emergency department patient was undergoing chest compressions with a mechanical assist device."

"The patient reportedly had been in an altercation with Police in which he was tazed repeatedly," the hospital report states, referring to an EMS report. "Shortly thereafter, the patient then became unresponsive."

Family's Lawsuit

The family's lawsuit lists the defendants as El Paso Fire and Police Department, Officer Dominic Guerrero, Thomas Sneed, John Spencer, Michael Arias, Alonzo Martinez, Aaron Johnston, Sgt. Jacqueline Aguilera, Texas Tech El Paso Police Department, Chief Kyle K. Bonath, Jesus Cobos (collectively “Law Enforcement Defendants”), and Medical personnel assigned to City of El Paso Fire Department Pumper 12, Walmart, Axon Enterprise, El Paso County, and Janice Diaź-Cavalliery, M.D.

Axon is the maker of the taser reportedly used on Thompson, the family's lawsuit states. The lawsuit claims that an off-duty Texas Tech Police officer who was working security for Walmart helped EPPD officers detain Thompson. A report filed by one of the EPPD officers makes the same assertion. Walmart and the off-duty officer are therefore listed in the lawsuit as defendants.

The day of Thompson's death, ABC-7 reported that four officers had been placed on administrative leave. That information was according to an El Paso Police Department spokesperson. ABC-7 has not yet learned the names of those four officers.

The lawsuit claims that some of Thompson's last words were "you're going to kill me." The lawsuit also explains that Thompson suffered PTSD after his discharge from the military. He also experienced periods of homelessness, the lawsuit states.

"Experiencing an episode he recognized the need to call first responders to help him with the medical mental distress he was suffering," the family explained in their filing.

The plaintiffs are seeking $50,000,000 in damages.

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RUIDOSO, New Mexico (KVIA) -- New court documents obtained by ABC-7 indicate that federal investigators are looking into two people who possibly intentionally set the Salt Fire, one of two wildfires that burned thousands of acres in and around Ruidoso and Mescalero Apache, New Mexico in June.

The court documents name the two suspects, who have not yet been charged with any crime. ABC-7 is choosing not to list their names here because they have not been charged.

Because the fire started on Native American land, FBI investigators took over.

The two people could face up to five years in prison, as well as a fine, according to federal law.

"From about May 3, 2024, to June 18, 2024, there have been 16 suspicious wildland fires started on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation," the FBI investigator explained in one court document.

Court documents explain that investigators first started looking into the multiple human-caused fires in early May.

"The investigation intensified with the investigative participation of Special Agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI)... Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) on or about June 18, 2024, after more than 7,000 acres of forest on the Mescalero Apache Reservation was damaged or destroyed by a fire referred to as the Salt Fire," the investigator added.

There was a second fire, called the South Fork Fire, burning on the other side of Ruidoso at the same time as the Salt Fire. Earlier this month, officials announced the South Fork Fire was started by lightning.

Federal investigators say they have linked the two suspects with six of the human-caused fires started May 3 through June 18.

An officer who responded to the May 3 Fire spoke with one of the suspects at the scene, who identified him or herself as a wildland firefighter. The person told the officer they had tried to put out the fire, then told the officer, without being asked, that they had not started the fire.

At the May 3 Fire, several witnesses described seeing a dark colored Jeep driving away from the fire. A similar vehicle was spotted by an officer both leaving and returning to the May 7 Fire, court documents state. Again, at the May 20 Fire, the same officer spoke to nearby homeowners who described seeing a dark colored Jeep leaving the scene of the fire.

At both the May 7 Fire and the June 17 Carrizo Fire, investigators found Vans shoe prints in the dirt.

"It should be noted that the shoe impressions were observed to be on top of the tire impressions that the fire department vehicles had made the night before, while responding and exiting the June 16 fire," the FBI investigator explained in one court document. The June 16 Fire started just 0.3 miles away from the June 17 Carrizo Fire, the investigator explained.

Later the same day, after fire crews put out the June 17 Penn Scott Fire, an officer saw tire tracks believed to belong to the Jeep at this new scene. The Jeep has distinctive tire, the investigator explained.

Later on June 17, 2024, officers stopped the Jeep leaving the place where the Salt Fire started. The Jeep, with the two suspects inside, were stopped less than a mile from the Salt Fire, court documents state.

During the traffic stop, officers took photos of one of the suspects' shoes, as well as the Jeep's tire treads. Court documents state that investigators found similarities between the shoe pattern and the prints left at the fire, as well as the tire tread and the marks left at the fire.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso Police found the body of a woman in her 30s on the 200 block of Lafayette in the Lower Valley today.

ABC-7 was at the scene and saw the body covered by a white sheet in a back yard.

Police were first called out at 9:56 AM on reports of a person laying in the vacant area.

"Detectives from the Crimes Against Persons Unit and Investigators from the Criminalistics Unit responded to assist in the investigation," a police spokesperson explained. "At this time the scene has already been cleared."

Police are considering the person's death "suspicious in nature," although the cause of death is still unknown.

Anyone who observed suspicious activity in the area in the last 24 hours is asked to call police at (915)-832-4400 or Crime Stoppers at 566-8477(TIPS).

Police say they have no other information. ABC-7 is working to learn more.

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