Avery Escamilla-Wendell

My name is Avery Escamilla-Wendell, I am a Multimedia Journalist in El Paso who understands the power of resilience and strength of marginalized voices. Growing up in the borderland, has instilled in me a passion for shedding light on untold stories, championing diverse perspectives, and sharing the stories of underrepresented communities. I thrive on writing stories that capture the truth about immigration, the U.S. Border Region, and the voices in my community.

RECENT STORIES

KERA News • 19th March 2026

SMU, United Methodist Church resolve legal dispute over control of university

Southern Methodist University and the regional conference of the United Methodist Church have reached an agreement to end a legal dispute over control of the school.

KERA News • 18th March 2026

The Nordstrom at Galleria Dallas – the first in Texas – set to close in May

After decades at Galleria Dallas, Nordstrom will close this spring.

KERA News • 18th March 2026

Texas can begin enforcing drag ban amid ongoing lawsuit

A Texas law banning some drag performances in public spaces goes into effect today, though a lawsuit challenging it is ongoing.

KERA News • 16th March 2026

As North Texas school districts turn to virtual options, some hope it will bring back students

School districts across North Texas are rolling out full-time virtual and hybrid learning programs for high school students this fall.

KERA News • 2nd March 2026

UNT students showcase dandyism and Black excellence on last day of Black History Month

The University of North Texas Black Student Union capped off Black History Month with a fashion show highlighting dandyism and Black excellence.

KERA News • 25th February 2026

As some cities cancel DART withdrawal elections, Addison moves ahead

An earlier version of this story misattributed a quote to Randy Smith. It has been corrected to attribute the quote to Chris DeFrancisco.

KERA News • 18th February 2026

Dallas Fire-Rescue expands 'life-saving' blood program

Dallas Fire-Rescue is expanding a blood program officials say has saved dozens of lives in its first year.

KERA News • 13th February 2026

UPDATE: Four more cases of measles confirmed in Rockwall County

Rockwall County has reported four additional measles cases this week, bringing the total number of confirmed cases this year to three.

KERA News • 12th February 2026

Dallas school board sends $6.2 billion bond package to voters

Dallas ISD will ask voters this spring to approve the largest bond package in Texas state history.

KERA News • 12th February 2026

Dallas City Council endorses lowering majority vote on DART board ahead of withdrawal elections

After months of negotiations between Dallas Area Rapid Transit and member cities, Dallas leaders voted to pull back the city’s voting share on the DART board ahead of this spring’s withdrawal elections.

KERA News • 6th February 2026

The winter storm spiked Texas gas bills. Here's how to manage the increase

North Texans navigated icy roads and record-low temperatures during last month’s winter storm.

KERA News • 5th February 2026

Hutchins city leaders meet to discuss ICE detention center as residents continue opposition

Hutchins city leaders met briefly Wednesday to discuss a proposed immigration facility as residents and local lawmakers gathered to oppose it.

KERA News • 2nd February 2026

Here are the North Texas athletes representing Team USA in the Winter Olympics

Athletes from around North Texas are headed to Italy to compete in this month's 2026 Winter Olympics.

KERA News • 30th January 2026

Dallas committee considers additional safety measures after fatal park shooting

A Dallas Park Board member is calling for more safety measures after a fatal shooting at an East Dallas park last week.

KERA News • 29th January 2026

I-30 to close through downtown Dallas — again

For the second time this month, Interstate 30 through downtown Dallas will close this weekend for construction.

KERA News • 29th January 2026

DART still considering proposals to stave off withdrawal elections

Dallas Area Rapid Transit board members are still considering how to respond to requests from cities looking to leave the system as a sixth member plans to hold a withdrawal election.

KERA News • 23rd January 2026

Dallas City Council puts tougher restrictions on proposed bullet train to Fort Worth

The Dallas City Council this week placed more restrictions on where a proposed bullet train connecting the city to Fort Worth can be built.

KERA News • 21st January 2026

Here are the 2026 James Beard Award semifinalists in North Texas

The James Beard Awards on Wednesday announced its 2026 semifinalists for the 40th annual Restaurant and Chef Awards which honor extraordinary talent in culinary and food media across the United States.

KERA News • 15th January 2026

I-30 in downtown Dallas closes this weekend. Here’s how to navigate the traffic

Drivers in North Texas should expect a closure on Interstate 30 through downtown Dallas this weekend as part of planned Texas Department of Transportation construction.