EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Local credit union GECU has inducted 40 local high school students into its annual Student Board of Directors.

Students take part in the program for a year. The program aims to give students a hands-on experience in the financial industry. Students will also have the opportunity to engage with GECU's senior leadership, develop financial skills, and learn about credit union operations.

Students must rank in the top 25% of their class to be considered for the program. Students will also need to apply for the program. For more information, click here.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A new law attempting to strengthen online security for your child has now been in effect since September 1st. The Securing Children Online Through Parental Empowerment Act, or its acronym, SCOPE Act, limits a minor's access to social media.

The SCOPE Act now requires social media/service companies that are operating in the state of Texas to implement steps to protect your child on their platforms. First, providers must register the age of each user and prevent the user from altering their age later on. Providers must limit the collection of a minor's personal data, and can not sell this data. Minors also are prohibited from making purchases through the service. Algorithms used to provide content must be disclosed by the provider. Companies are also asked to develop a strategy to prevent underage users from being exposed material that promotes self harm, harassment, and sexual exploitation. Companies are to provide parents with tools that allow them to supervise their child's online activity. Companies who violate the law could see a penalty of up to $10,000.

Another law, Senate Bill 1841 gives dating violence survivors access to family violence centers.

Senate Bill 241 aims to crack down on companies that make insulin. Name-brand manufacturers are required to give written notice if no generic option is available.

House Bill 1710 will require the Texas Department of Criminal Justice to notify a judge if a defendant has served 75 days.

House Bill 4510 will change how agencies and public colleges report financial information to the government.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Seven people have been arrested in connection to a jewelry store robbery in Ciudad Juarez on Saturday, August 31st. The incident was allegedly caught on surveillance camera.

Juarez authorities say an armed group used firearms to shoot at display windows at a jewelry store inside the Plaza Juarez Mall. Officials say the group got away with several pieces of jewelry. Authorities say the group then fled in a red minivan that had no license plates.

After several hours, Juarez authorities were able to locate and arrest the alleged robbers in the Salvárcar neighborhood. Authorities seized 2 firearms and 148 pieces of jewelry. The suspects names have not yet been released.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Today, El Paso City Council voted to approve renaming Pollard Pond Park to Mario Navarro Park.

Pollard Pond Park is located at 3090 Pollard St., El Paso, Texas, 79930.

Mario Aurelio Navarro was the conductor of a Union Pacific Railroad Train when it derailed back in August of 2022, ultimately killing him. For more information on the train derailment and Navarro's death, read our previous report here. The City and his family want to honor his legacy by renaming Pollard Park.

The City Council accepted the recommendation from the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board to approve renaming the park, which passed unanimously. City Representatives Brian Kennedy and Art Fierro were not present to vote in today's session.

Rep. Josh Acevedo announced at the meeting that Marathon will pay for installing and replacing signs with the new park name.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced a $148 billion dollar investment to improve transportation in Texas. The Governor's Office says this investment includes a 10-year master plan that has projects aimed at improving infrastructure, safety, mobility, and maintenance.

Of that $148 billion, $104 billion was unanimously adopted by TxDot for the 10-year transportation plan. It also includes over $43 billion for development and maintenance. The Governor's Office says this sum is a $5.6 billion increase from 2023.

Projects are set to be underway for the 2025 Unified Transportation Program, with many roadways being listed in Texas' 100 Most Congested Roadways List. Projects are carefully considered based on how effective they are in addressing areas such as pavement condition, safety, capacity, and rural connectivity.

Two El Paso roads have made it to Texas' 100 Most Congested Roadways List; according to the list, Patriot Fwy/US 54 and Gateway Blvd/IH 10 are the most congested roads in El Paso.

From Gateway Blvd/IH 10/US 180 to the Cesar Chavez Border Highway/SL 375, the annual congestion cost is $8,574,193.

From Patriot Fwy/US 54 to Hawkins Blvd, the annual congestion cost is $20,223,600.

Governor Abbott has released a statement following the announcement of the $154 billion investment for transportation, saying, quote, "People come to Texas because we provide the freedom and opportunity they can’t find anywhere else, and that’s why we’re investing in the future of Texas roads. Projects like this will ensure our products and people can move quickly to keep the Texas economy booming. Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas for years to come.”

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced the bill he signed in 2021, Senate Bill 1, has removed over one million ineligible voters from Texas' voter rolls. The Governor's Office says the removal process is ongoing.

According to the Governor's Office, Texas has removed:

1. Over 6,500 noncitizens
2. Over 6,000 convicted felons
3. Over 457,000 deceased individuals
4. Over 463,000 voters on suspense list
5. Over 134,000 who confirmed they moved
6. Over 65,000 voters who failed to respond to notice of examination
7. Over 19,000 voters who canceled voter registration

The Governor's Office says 1,930 out of 6,500 noncitizens had a voter history. The Secretary of State’s Office is in the works to send all 1,930 records to the Attorney General's Office for investigation and possible legal action.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso County has announced it is holding its second annual drive-up gun buyback event on Saturday, September 21st from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the El Paso County Coliseum.

Those looking to hand over their unwanted gun to the County can do so 100% anonymously, and will receive a prepaid MasterCard gift card. You can turn in up to 10 firearms with no ID needed, and no questions asked.

Nonfunctional firearms and ammunition will also be accepted. The County says you will not receive a gift card for ammunition, and ghost guns will not be accepted.

All firearms turned in will be destroyed in accordance with county and federal guidelines.

Accepted firearms include:

1. Nonfunctioning firearms = $50 gift card
2. Rifles and shotguns = $100 gift card
3. Handguns = $150 gift card
4. Assault Rifles = $200 gift card

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Update (August 26, 2024): The $12M that UTEP is receiving for the Regents' Research Excellence Program will be a contribution made annually.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Today, UTEP President Heather Wilson announced the university is getting $12 million dollars to expand research efforts.

Wilson spoke during the University’s Convocation Ceremony about expanding research efforts at the university that will benefit students and El Paso. Wilson says this sum is part of the Regents’ Research Excellence Program. UTEP says this sum will also allow them to employ 69 new researchers, including 22 tenured faculty, 29 research faculty, and 18 postdoctoral researchers. This will also double the number of research faculty at UTEP.

These areas of research include Advanced Manufacturing, Cancer Therapeutics, Artificial intelligence, Intelligence and National Security, Quantum Computing, Water Scarcity, Rehabilitation Engineering, and Hispanic Student Success.

During the event, President Wilson discussed the 10-year Master Plan, including completion of the advanced manufacturing facility, and Texas Western Hall. Wilson says students will be moving forward with deciding whether or not they want to renovate the Student Union.

UTEP's current student union fee is $30 per semester. If students want the university to renovate the union, that fee will jump to $70 per semester.

UTEP students can vote on whether they want the university to revitalize the union from September 16th through the 19th.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- An El Paso dog by the name of Mario Kart needs your help in getting to his fur-ever home! Mario Kart, a 2-year-old poodle mix, was hit by a car and left untreated. With the help of Laws N Paws, Mario Kart was able to recover after intensive surgery, medical care, and a custom wheelchair.

Due to being hit by a car, Mario Kart is now partially paralyzed. But that doesn't stop him from being a joyful, compassionate dog.

Mario Kart has been matched with a home in Spokane, Washington. That's over 1,500 miles away from El Paso. Mario Kart has quite the journey ahead of him before he can rest with his new family.

Mario Kart's vet tech from East El Paso Animal Hospital will be accompanying him on the journey to Spokane, and Laws N Paws is asking for your help in covering travel expenses. Laws N Paws says your donation will help cover the cost of rental cars, gas, hotels, and food. Mario Kart and his vet tech will be going from El Paso to Salt Lake City to Spokane.

If you would like to donate, click here.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso Community College has announced it has opened mamava lactation pods at 5 of their campuses. This is part of EPCC's Family Friendly Campus Project.

The lactation pods will be available students, faculty, and staff at Mission del Paso campus, Valle Verde campus, Rio Grande campus, Northwest campus, and the Administrative Services Center.

EPCC says the pods will provide a welcoming study space for students and their families, and will also help with parenting responsibilities. EPCC says the lactation pods will give mothers a chance to recharge as they nurse or pump. EPCC adds they want to encourage mothers to continue their education and utilize these lactation pods.

Lactation pods do not have room numbers. The Mamava XL-V6 pods are best suited for large workspaces, and wheelchair accessibility. Lactation pods will have a cell phone app that allows students to unlock the pod.

For more information, click here.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- TxDot has announced it closing I-10 East at Redd Road in West El Paso on Thursday, August 22nd.

TxDot says the closure will happen from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. The detour will be via S. Desert past Mesa St.

Crews will be working on construction and bridge repairs.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- NMSU has named the people it is considering for the President position at the university. After a regular meeting on Monday, Aug. 19, NMSU narrowed down its nationwide search to these five individuals. WittKieffer is the firm that assisted in the search for the next President. Here are the five finalists:

1. Valerio Ferme, Ph.D., Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, University of Cincinnati
2. Brian Haynes, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, University of California, Riverside 
3. Monica Lounsbery, Ph.D., Dean, College of Health and Human Services, California State University, Long Beach 
4. Neil MacKinnon, Ph.D. Professor, School of Public Health, Immediate Past Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost, Augusta University 
5. Arsenio Romero, Ph.D., Secretary of Public Education, State of New Mexico

Regents Chair Ammu Devasthali says the next phase of the search will require candidates to visit NMSU in September to allow the community to hear from the candidates about their intentions in moving the institution forward. The schedule for the visits is expected to be released soon.

For more information, click here.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The City of El Paso is hosting several community meetings for voters on the Multipurpose Center funding expected to appear on the ballot in November.

Last week, the City approved sending the item back to voters in November. Voters will then decide on the funding for the Multipurpose Center. Nine community meetings will be held to educate voters on what they will see regarding the MPC on the ballot. The ballot will ask voters whether to cancel the City's remaining $128,455,636 in general bonds allocated for the MPC.

Here's a list of the meetings, starting this week:

1. Wednesday, Aug. 21, Westside Regional Command, 4801 Osborne Dr., 5:30 p.m.
2. Wednesday, Aug. 28, Marty Robbins Rec Center, 11620 Vista Del Sol Dr., 5:30 p.m.
3. Thursday, Aug. 29, The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Dr., 6 p.m.
4. Wednesday, Sept. 4, Westside Branch Library, 125 Belvedere St., 5:30 p.m.
5. Monday, Sept. 9, Valle Bajo Community Center, 7380 Alemeda Ave., 5:30 p.m.
6. Tuesday, Sept. 10, Hilos de Plata, 4451 Delta Dr., 5:30 p.m.
7. Wednesday, Sept. 11, Municipal Services Center, 1059 Lafayette Dr., 6 p.m.
8. Thursday, Sept. 12, Northgate Transit Center, 9348 Dyer St., 6 p.m.
9. Thursday, Sept. 5, City Hall, 300 N. Campbell, 5:30 p.m. HYBRID SESSION.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Congresswoman Veronica Escobar has been selected as one of four co-chairs for this year's Democratic National Convention. Escobar is expected to chair the event on Thursday. Last week, Congresswoman Escobar announced she is the co-chair for the Harris-Walz campaign. She will also speak Thursday evening.

The 2024 DNC is being held from August 19th to August 22nd in Chicago, Illinois.

Congresswoman Escobar released a statement, saying quote:

“I’m honored to have been selected as Chair for the final night of the National Democratic Convention, the evening Vice President Kamala Harris accepts the Democratic nomination. The stakes in this election couldn’t be higher, and I’m excited to help show the country that the Democratic Party, with a platform of expanding healthcare, cutting costs, and protecting your freedoms, is the only party fighting for hardworking Americans.”

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- 39-year-old Simon Roberto Alvarado has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for allegedly holding migrants hostage at an apartment and for distributing fentanyl. Alvarado was sentenced to 292 months for "harboring migrants and taking them hostage, as well as conspiracy with intent to distribute fentanyl after a prior felony drug conviction," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Court documents say Alvarado conspired with 30-year-old Juan Carlos Calzada, and 26-year-old Mexican citizen Janeth Nicole Magallanes to hold 6 migrants from Honduras and Guatemala hostage in an apartment, and threatened them with injury or death if their families did not pay ransom.

The Office says Magallanes was arrested after FBI agents scoped out the area on January 5th, 2021. That's when agents uncovered 6 migrants and several weapons from Alvarado's residence. Upon further investigation, agents dove into Alvarado's phone and learned Alvarado and others trafficked more than 400 grams of fentanyl through the Western District of Texas.

Calzada was sentenced on February 14th, 2024 to 78 months (6 years, 2 months) in federal prison on one count of conspiracy to commit hostage taking. Magallanes was sentenced on February 20th, 2024 to 120 months (10 years) for one count of hostage taking.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A final hearing/plea deadline, including a jury trial date has been set for the Kentucky woman accused of shooting and killing her Uber driver on June 16, 2023.

48-year-old Phoebe Copas is being charged with murder and aggravated assault.

Court documents obtained by ABC-7 say a final hearing/plea deadline has been set for October 10, 2024.

Documents also say a jury trial date has been set for November 12, 2024.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso International Airport has been awarded a $10.6 million grant from the federal government's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Airport Infrastructure Grants (AIG) Round 8. The $10.6M is part of $427M provided by the Biden-Harris Administration to improve infrastructure at airports across the U.S.

The City of El Paso says the grant will be used to upgrade General Aviation (GA) apron pavement after being left unrepaired for 30 years. The grant will also be used to improve drainage and reduce Foreign Object Debris (FOD).

The project is separated into three stages; the first stage is expected to begin construction in Fiscal Year 2025. Phase one includes reconstructing 140,000 square yards around taxi lanes and apron areas.

A press conference was held today at EPIA with keynote speeches about the grant from El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, Congresswoman Veronica Escobar, and airport staff.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- In a join collaboration, Ciudad Juárez authorities and U.S. Marshals have arrested a woman wanted in the U.S. for allegedly committing crimes against health.

Authorities say Juanita H. was arrested in Puerto Palomas, Chihuahua, on August 9th. U.S. Marshals had a warrant out for her arrest and notified Chihuahua authorities of the warrant.

Officials say Juanita H. was taken to the Puerto Palomas International Border where she was transferred to U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- State Farm has awarded the El Paso Police Department a $70,000 grant to enhance safety initiatives in the area. The grant comes from the insurance company's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grant.

EPPD says the generous grant will help address issues such as drunk driving, speeding, underage drinking and driving, pedestrian safety, and seat belt awareness. The department adds the grant will also help them purchase camera equipment, traffic safety tools, and educational materials for the public.

EPPD says State Farm has been active in assisting them with addressing crime, critical issues, and traffic safety initiatives since 2019.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- This year, over $325,000 dollars will be funding students' success.

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation celebrated its 2024 scholarship recipients. 

Students received their certificates while surrounded by their friends and family. 

More than 200 students were awarded scholarships. 

In total, the foundation says it has awarded $1.6 million in scholarships to local students.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Texas Senator (D) Cesar Blanco is inviting students from Texas to apply to the Texas Armed Services Scholarship Program (TASSP) for this upcoming school year. This is a state-funded program aimed to support students who intend to serve in the Texas Army National Guard, Texas Air National Guard, or the U.S. Armed Forces.

One student from Senate District 29 (El Paso, Hudspeth, Culberson, Jeff Davis, Pecos, Presidio area) will be nominated by Senator Blanco for the scholarship.

Applications are now live. The deadline to enter is this Thursday, August 15th, at 5 p.m. MST.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Medical Center in Las Cruces is retiring.

The hospital confirms to ABC-7 that CEO John Harris is retiring after working for a decade at the hospital.

Memorial Medical Center says it is now looking for a new CEO. Dennis Knox will serve as interim CEO in the meantime, beginning next week.

This comes a month after the New Mexico Attorney General's Office announced it is investigating the hospital for allegedly denying care to cancer patients.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso Children's Hospital Foundation (EPCHF) is inviting you to a night of fun, music, and dancing at their "Una Noche Cubana" event that's happening on Saturday, August 10th. The event runs from 5 p.m. to midnight.

The EPCHF's goal is to raise funds for a cardiology service line at the hospital.

The event is sponsored by San Antonio In-Home Health.

Activities include a fedora hat wall, a live auction, and a hole-in-one contest among others.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Bordplex Alliance has announced it has received the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification. This certification is the global standard for quality management systems.

CEO of Borderplex Alliance, Jon Barlea, released a statement following the organization's awarded certification. He says, quote, "This certification is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team. It reinforces our commitment to delivering the highest quality services to our stakeholders."

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office says no one suffered any injuries after a train vs. car collision in Fabens earlier this afternoon before 4 p.m. The crash occurred at 250 NE Grace Street in Fabens.

The Sheriff's Office says a white Dodge Ram hauling 4 cars was struck by a train. The crash resulted in the blockage of adjacent streets to the train tracks. Railroad crossings from NW 3rd Street to Grace Street were blocked.

Special Traffic Investigations are overseeing the case.

The Sherriff's Office is encouraging the public to use Alameda and Porter Rebb as alternate routes.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The City of El Paso invites you to meet with the top 4 candidates favored for the City Manager position. The City says this is a way for the community to speak one-on-one with the finalists being considered for the position.

Here is a list of the final 4 candidates:

1. Robert Cortinas, CFO and Deputy City Manager for Internal Services
2. Mario D'Agostino, Deputy City Manager for Public Safety
3. Nicole Ferrini, Community and Human Development Director
4. Dionne Mack, Deputy City Manager for Quality of Life

Starting this week, you will have the chance to meet the candidates at 4 meet and greets.

1. Tuesday, August 6th, Nolan Richardson Rec Center, 4435 Maxwell, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
2. Wednesday, August 7th, El Paso Convention Center, 1 Civic Center Plaza, 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
3. Thursday, August 8th, Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
4. Monday, August 12th, Sylvia A. Carreon Recreation Center, 709 Lomita, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Las Cruces Fire Department is reporting a disabled woman was rescued from a duplex at 1300 Bon Burt Lane this morning at 10:30 p.m.

Las Cruces Fire is saying firefighters rescued the 52-year-old woman who was trapped in a bathroom inside the home.

The fire department says fire crews encountered heavy gray smoke coming from the home and learned from neighbors that the woman was disabled, and trapped inside.

The woman was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. No other injuries were reported.

Las Cruces Fire says firefighters brought the blaze under control within 10 minutes.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Six people were taken to the hospital following a rollover crash at Gateway Blvd East and North Raynor Street in South-Central El Paso.

The crash was reported to dispatch at 6:56 p.m.

The El Paso Fire Department confirms to ABC-7 that five people are suffering minor injuries and one person is suffering severe injuries.

Standby for updates.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have released statements remembering the victims who were killed and injured in the Walmart mass shooting on August 3rd, 2019.

The President and Vice President also commended the community for coming together in times of urgency and crisis.

The letters also calls for Congress to pass stronger gun safety laws.

The full letters are attached below.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Las Cruces Fire Department is hosting public meetings in August to receive feedback on how it can improve itself for the community.

LCFD says the public can expect to learn more about how the fire department operates, including the services it provides for the community. Those who attend will be asked to fill out a short survey.

At least 3 meetings will be held this month, and more dates are slated to be announced.

1. Thursday, Aug. 8th, 3 p.m., Las Cruces City Hall Council Chambers, 700 N. Main St.
2. Saturday, Aug. 10th, from 8 a.m. to noon, Farmers and Crafts Market, 514 N. Main St.
3. Wednesday, Aug. 21st, 5 p.m., Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, 200 E. Picacho Ave.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The Elephant Butte Irrigation District is set to receive $15 million dollars in funding for USDA’s New Water Savings Commodity Program.

The District covers farmer's fields along the Rio Grande south of Elephant Butte, all the way to Sunland Park, NM.

12 states in the southwest will receive funds from $400 million set aside for this program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Farmers who participate in the program will receive payments when they voluntarily reduce water consumption. This program could save up to 50,000 acre-feet in water usage across 250,000 acres of irrigated land in production.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The El Paso County Sheriff's Office and the Village of Vinton say they hosted a successful family movie night on Friday, July 26th.

Families and young ones were treated to a showing of the film Trolls (2016).

The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Association provided free hot dogs to attendees, including backpacks for children ahead of back-to-school season.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Nearing the 5th anniversary of the August 3rd, 2019 Walmart mass shooting, Mexico's Consulate in El Paso held a ceremony remembering the 23 victims who were killed in the tragedy. The ceremony was held this morning, Wednesday, July 31st.

Nine of the people killed in the mass shooting were from Mexico.

Speakers at the ceremony recalled the community coming together and stressed the importance of continuing to stand against racism. Speakers also voiced their support for the victims' families as they continue to heal.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Tax-free weekend starts on Friday, August 2nd, in New Mexico, ahead of back-to-school season. Tax-free weekend ends on August 4th.

Lots of merchants in New Mexico will have their items tax-free so you can save a couple of dollars.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham says New Mexicans can save up to 8% or more on purchases this weekend.

In Texas, tax-free weekend starts Friday, August 9th.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Ahead of La Nube's grand opening on August 10th, ABC-7 will be giving you an inside look of what you can expect inside the children's museum.

Tune in to ABC-7 on Wednesday, July 31st, for our 4, 5, and 6 p.m. newscasts to see the interactive exhibits and exclusive interviews with people from La Nube.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The United Way of El Paso County has received a two-year, $515,000 grant from the Paso Del Norte Health Foundation to help fund support for out-of-school providers in the region.

The grant will help the BOOST Network, which is a hub for out-of-school providers that work to create opportunities to improve and establish after-school programs in the region. The United Way says they provide technical assistance and support to nonprofits and out-of-school providers to increase networking.

To learn more about the grant and initiative, click here.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Underserved children living in shelters in the community got the chance to get a haircut, free of charge today. Congresswoman Veronica Escobar and Tri-State Cosmetology Institute partnered up to give local students a chance at feeling fresh just in time for their first day back in school.

Eighteen students from Tri-State Cosmetology Institute, local hairstylists, and barbers participated in providing free haircuts. All haircut slots were filled before the event began.

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UPDATE: Sunland Park Fire Department is reporting at 6:25 p.m. they received reports about 5 to 6 people had gotten into the water.

SPFD says water rescue crews did a search and were not able to find the people.

The search has since been called off.

SPFD says helicopters searched the area and crews used thermal cameras to try and find the people, but were unsuccessful.

El Paso Fire Department is reporting no people were found. The search has been called off.

Sunland Park, New Mexico (KVIA) -- The Sunland Park Fire Department and El Paso Fire Department's water rescue team are responding reports about multiple people found in the water at 450 McNutt Road.

This is developing story.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Just in time for back-to-school season, Immunize El Paso is hosting a campaign to encourage El Paso parents to get their kids vaccinated in time for the upcoming school year.

Immunize El Paso has a mobile vaccination clinic going to various locations starting July 25th.

1. 7/25 Lancaster Elementary, 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm, 9230 Elgin Drive, 79907
2. 7/29 Tornillo High School, 7:00 am to 9:00 am, 430 Oil Mill Road, Tornillo, TX 79853
3. 7/30 Irvine High School, 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, 5400 Sanders Avenue, 79924
4. 7/31 Chapin High School, 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, 7000 Dyer, 79904
5. 7/31Transmountain Early College, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm, 9570 Gateway North, 79924

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- UTEP has received a $2.3 million dollar grant from the U.S. Department of Education to continue their work in helping migrant farm workers obtain their high school equivalency certificate (HSE). This grant will fund the program until 2029.

The grant will help fund UTEP's High School Equivalency Program (HEP), which began in 1972. 55 students graduated from the recent class. Students went through a 12-week course program at different sites, including at UTEP.

UTEP says the grant will also fund transportation assistance for students, testing fees, textbooks, and more.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Aerospace company, Boeing, announced they are giving $250,000 from their Boeing Charitable Trust to those affected by recent wildfires in Ruidoso, and those affected by Hurricane Beryl in Houston.

$50,000 will be going towards the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.

The fund will support long-term recovery needs for people, animals, and places affected by the wildfires.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Hospice El Paso has announced its new Center for Compassionate Care (CCC). Hospice El Paso celebrated the new center with a ribbon cutting ceremony held today, July 18th, at 5 p.m.

Hospice El Paso says the new center is state-of-the-art and includes pain and anxiety management care. The facility offers 24-hour short-term hospitalized care for the needs of their patients.

The CCC is also opening a pediatric unit that will be utilized to care for terminally-ill children and their families.

The new Center for Compassionate Care is at the Grace Pointe Wellness Center, located at 2301 N. Oregon Street, El Paso, Texas 79902.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- 39-year-old Martha Guadalupe D. D. was arrested in Ciudad, Juarez after being wanted for crimes in Texas. Authorities say she is wanted for crimes she committed 2023, and has been evading arrest since then.

Guadalupe D. D. was arrested Tuesday, July 16th, in the night by Mexican authorities in collaboration with U.S. Marshals.

Guadalupe D. D. was handed over to U.S. authorities at the Lerdo-Stanton bridge in Downtown El Paso.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Housing Opportunity Enterprises, also known as HOME, the public housing authority for the City of El Paso, broke ground today on the next phase of their Patriot Place affordable housing in Northeast El Paso.

Patriot Place is located at 9500 Kenworthy Dr.

Patriot Place will provide affordable housing with a preference for veterans and their families. HOME says this is a milestone for them in providing affordable housing to those who have served the country.

City of El Paso Mayor Oscar Leeser, and HOME CEO Gerald Cichon, among others, were part of the breaking ground event who spoke.

HOME says this new phase is a $32.8 million dollar investment. HOME says Patriot Place IIA and IIB will offer modern affordable housing for the area.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Four men were found guilty of attempted murder, and damages against police officers in the Black Thursday attacks that took place in Ciudad, Juarez on August 12th, 2022.

Manuel Alfredo L. G., Jorge Adrián V. L., Ezequiel A. C., and Víctor Hugo L. T. are the men found guilty. In 2022, Mexican officials said 10 suspects had been arrested following Black Thursday.

During the attack, officials say one police officer was injured.

Back in 2022, the state's Attorney General confirmed the attacks were connected to a riot that broke out inside a Juarez prison. Reports say a fight inside left 2 rival gang members dead. The deaths of the gang members then led to a series of attacks across gas stations and businesses in Juarez. 11 people were killed, and 12 were injured as a result of the attacks.

The four men will be sentenced on Friday, July 19th.

For the previous report, click here.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The alumni committee of Jefferson High School hosted the 75th Diamond Celebration today, Tuesday, July 16th.

The event was held at the Jefferson High School main gym at 11 a.m.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- The federal government has announced they are sending more relief assistance to New Mexico following recent floods and wildfires in Ruidoso.

President Biden announced he has amended the major disaster declaration, which will provide more assistance to Lincoln County Otero County, Mescalero Apache Tribe, and give assistance to Rio Arriba and San Juan counties.

This amendment adds federal assistance for permanent work including reconstruction efforts for roads, bridges, water control facilities, public buildings, public utilities, and parks in the area.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Eight local bands from El Paso are coming together to put on a fundraising benefit concert for Ruidoso residents that have been impacted by recent wildfires and floods. Their goal is to raise $3,000.

The concert is happening Sunday, July 14th, at Club 101 located at 4151 N. Mesa St. in West El Paso. Doors are set to open at 12:30 p.m. The concert starts at 1 p.m. Admission is $10.

There will also be special edition Rock for Ruidoso t-shirts on sale for $25. Quantity is limited.

You are encourage to bring blankets, clothes, and toys for kids to donate.

Here is the lineup for the benefit concert:

1. 1 p.m. The Little Lobos
2. 1:45 p.m. Ness Daniels
3. 2:30 p.m. Funeral Joke
4. 3:15 p.m. Jane Like Fire
5. 4 p.m. Lazy Crow
6. 5 p.m. The Velvets
7. 6:15 p.m. Fab4Cezz
8. 7:30 p.m. Rewind

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- A Ciudad Juarez woman has been arrested by Mexican authorities after allegedly chaining and locking her two daughters in a house in the Vicente Guerrero neighborhood.

The Municipal Public Security Secretariat (SSPM) says 29-year-old Valeria Johana M. was arrested on Wednesday following a complaint from a neighbor who called 911.

Officials say one of the girls, who is 7-years-old, freed herself and managed to ask a next door neighbor for help. Officials say the first police officers who arrived at the scene provided protection to the two girls. A woman then showed up, identifying herself as the mother. That woman was then arrested.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Vitalant and Barnett Harley Davidson are partnering up once again to bring the 37th bi-annual Barnett Harley Davidson Blood Drive. It's a four day event happening from July 11th to July 14th this weekend.

Vitalant says they are hoping to get 800 units of blood throughout the event to service 19 area hospitals in the region. One pint of blood could save up to three lives!

Those who donate will receive a special Barnett Harley Davidson blood drive t-shirt. One lucky person will also win a 2011 Softtail Harley Davidson motorcycle!

You can head to Barnett Harley Davidson located at 8272 Gtwy Blvd E, El Paso, TX 79907 this weekend from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you are in Las Cruces, you can go to the Mesilla Valley Mall from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

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