Best places to live in the El Paso metro area
Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in the El Paso metro area using data from Niche.
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Despite same city tax rate, your property tax bill could go up next year
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso homeowners could see their tax bill increase by $104 on average, or 6.5%, according to a presentation during Monday’s El Paso Special City Council Meeting. The City’s Preliminary Budget presentation for the upcoming Fiscal Year recommends maintaining the same tax rate as the previous year, roughly 0.76%, but
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EPFD Water Rescue Team updates on Central Texas flooding
The El Paso Fire Department says they’re ready for any assignment, from search, rescue, or recovery when it comes to assisting with the devastating Central Texas floods that left over 100 people dead. What started off as dispatching six water rescue members, two boats and two trucks being to Kerrville, TX on July 5, has
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What would flooding in El Paso look like? Take a look at these models
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Central Texas was hit by heavy flooding this holiday weekend. More than 100 people died in the floods. ABC-7 put together an animated model to help El Pasoans visualize what that level of flooding would look like if it ever hit the Sun City. Watch the video above to see
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Local politicians react to National Weather Service forecasts, efforts to fund disaster warning system upgrades following Central Texas floods
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — In the wake of the deadly Central Texas floods, lawmakers are looking back on Texas House Bill 13, which was introduced during the last Legislative Session. HB 13 aimed to create the Texas Interoperability Council and a new state-wide emergency response plan including grants to upgrade communication for first responders.
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Good Vibes Only: From serving her country to her community
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– This Fourth of July, we are celebrating the great things of the U.S.A., including the people! Emily Howard is a former U.S. Army signal intelligence analyst, but she traded her military gear for a medical uniform. Today, Howard is the Medical ICU Director at Las Palmas Medical Center in El Paso.
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Tips on reducing your summer electricity bill
As temperatures increase, so does your electricity bill. ABC-7 spoke with El Paso Electric for tips on how you can reduce energy costs this summer. The more you use air conditioner — especially refrigerated air — the more energy customers use. The lower you set the temperature, the more it could cost you. Here are
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El Paso County officials hosting community cleanup in Red Sands
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso County Commissioner for Precinct 1 Jackie Butler and Sheriff Oscar Ugarte are inviting you to join forces for a community cleanup at Red Sands in Far East El Paso. It’s taking place from 7:30 to 9 a.m. and trash bags will be provided to gather trash and leftover
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Extreme temperatures can be harder on animals
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– With the triple digit temperatures returning to the Sun City, the high temperatures can be extremely hard on pets. Julieanne Newbold, the Public affairs Coordinator for El Paso Animal services, says older pets, puppies and those with excess fur are more susceptible over heat in hot weather. She recommends bringing them
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Motorcycle escort to camp
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– This morning, some El Paso kids got a special send off to head to a camp in the mountains. Members of the El Paso motorcycle coalition escorted the El Paso Candlelighter kids along their trip to Cloudcroft, New Mexico. Some of the bikers will travel the entire trip, while others will travel
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Ft. Bliss commemorates 4th of July Salute to the Nation
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Community members at Fort Bliss commemorated the Declaration of Independence Friday morning at Memorial Circle. The 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss executed a 50-gun salute. Each fire honored one of the 50 U.S. states in the order they joined — starting with Delaware and ending with Hawaii. Fort Bliss
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Staying safe this 4th of July
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– According to the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 14 thousand people were sent to the ER on the 4th last year. Remember, in the city of El Paso and many surrounding towns, all fireworks are banned – which includes those handheld sparklers. But in unincorporated parts of the county, you can light off
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4th of July pet safety tips
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– July 5th is the biggest pet intake day for El Paso Animal services (EPAS). On average, EPAS takes in around 50 pets a day but on the days following the 4th of July, that number can get as high as 70 to 100 pets a day. Julieanne Newbold, public affairs coordinator
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Alcohol impacts decision-making in males more than females, UTEP study suggests
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Consuming alcohol impacts decision-making — that’s a widely-known fact. However, a recent study at UTEP found that gender may affect those impacts. Using rats, Alexander Friedman, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, led a team to observe the effects of alcohol consumption in males versus females.
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Hit and run near Canutillo Elementary School
CANUTILLO, Texas (KVIA) — Late on Thursday night, a pickup truck ran through a fence and hit a water pump building near Canutillo Elementary School before fleeing the scene. The video was captured on a Ring camera by nearby residents. Peter Ford recorded the incident and says this isn’t the first time people have driven
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Clean-up event for 4th of July left-over trash
An El Paso County Commissioner wants to remind residents to not leave trash behind after 4th of July events, and to enjoy them responsibly. Jackie Butler of Precinct 1 is partnering up with organization Desert Rescue 915 and the East Montana Fire Station to address illegal dumping, especially during July 4th. Butler says people leave
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The 4th of July can be triggering for veterans with PTSD
El PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The 4th of July is a time to celebrate America’s Declaration of Independence. Traditionally the celebration includes BBQ’s, flags and fireworks but for some veterans dealing with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) this can be a triggering time. Jonathan Bohannon the Director of Military and Veterans Services with Emergence Health Network, says it’s important for
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Former EPISD special ed teacher charged with six counts of injury to a child
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)– On June 26, Rachael Lucas, was arrested and charged with six charges of bodily injury to a child. Lucas is a former special ed teacher with the El Paso Independent School District. She has been released on bond. According to the affidavits ABC-7 obtained, Lucas was caught on camera injuring six
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Firework safety: how to stay safe on the holiday weekend
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The 4th of July is one of the most festive holidays in the country, and El Paso officials say safety is one of the biggest priorities during the celebrations. In El Paso, there are rules for where you can and can’t fire off fireworks. In city limits, it’s prohibited. Once
Continue Reading El Paso International Airport expects to see 48,000 travelers this 4th of July holiday period
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso International Airport is getting ready for approximately 48,000 people to travel this Fourth of July weekend. That is how many travelers the airport projects it will see from July 1 to July 7. The airport just rolled out its TSA PreCheck enhanced travel perks for military families. “To
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Meet the stars of UTEP Dinner Theatre’s SpongeBob Musical
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — UTEP Dinner Theatre presents The SpongeBob Musical with opening date July 11. Two of the stars of the production stopped by to share their experience. Show Dates and Times: Dinner Performances (6:30 PM Dinner, 7:30 PM Performance): July 11, 12, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26 Sunday Matinee Dinner
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TSA now offering military families expedited access to PreCheck at El Paso airport
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — TSA is introducing expedited access to PreCheck for military families at the El Paso International Airport. The airport will offer military members and their families front-of-the-line privileges, and on days with larger crowds, a dedicated screening lane just for them. Also Gold Star families can enroll in TSA PreCheck free
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ABC-7 Xtra Sunday: El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso County Sheriff Oscar Ugarte has been on the job for six months. Sunday night on ABC-7 Xtra, I sit down with Sheriff Ugarte to discuss what he has been able to accomplish in that time, and what challenges he’s facing as his first year on the job continues.
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July 4th fireworks shows, parades, festivities
You might not be allowed to pop your own fireworks in the city but there are plenty of places across El Paso County where you can enjoy spectacular shows and festivities. Ascarate Park will have food trucks, a swimming pool, VIP picnic party and fireworks. The event is from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Southwest
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Border Patrol’s BORSTAR unit trains agents in the El Paso Sector
CHAPARRAL, New Mexico (KVIA) — The U.S. Border Patrol Search, Trauma and Rescue (BORSTAR) Unit was established in 1998 to respond to injury and death reports involving Border Patrol agents and migrants crossing illegally into the U.S. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the headquarters of the Border Patrol’s Special Operations Group (SOG) is
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El Paso veteran who was honored with emotional parade dies of breast cancer
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso veteran who was honored with a drive-by parade this Spring as she battled terminal breast cancer has died. Erica Vanessa Ruiz, a retired Army drill sergeant, had been in hospice care after a long battle with triple-negative breast cancer. The parade came about when Ruiz’s family asked
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Texas Dept. of Agriculture Commissioner comments on plans to reopen livestock ports
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Sid Miller, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Agriculture, shared the following statement regarding the USDA’s plans to restart livestock imports to the U.S. The Texas Department of Agriculture shared the following statement yesterday: “I would like to thank President Trump, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and their team at the
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Avoid grill fires, injuries during your July 4th barbecue
Before you light up your grill this 4th of July, ABC-7 spoke to the Sunland Park Fire Department for important safety tips to avoid any fires or injuries during your barbecue. If you have a propane tank, make sure it’s not leaking — if it is, call 911. Never use gasoline or kerosene to light
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El Paso Police release body camera footage from officer-involved shooting
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso Police have released footage from the officer-involved shooting that left one man dead and one officer injured on June 1st. 35-year-old Salvador Valdiviezo shot at officers before being struck by fire. He died at the hospital later that day. The footage shows two officers approaching the house on
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Safe Streets Operation coordinated law enforcement response for July 4th
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — This Independence Day weekend, many will likely take to the parks and streets around the county to celebrate. But making sure people stay safe on and off the roads is the focus of local law enforcement during the Fourth of July. To that end, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office
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