Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV) – The 2025 healthcare year was marked by major federal cuts to coverage, rising costs, and significant industry shifts. Yet we saw some progress, at least in public health. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Ogechika Alozie shares everything you need to know.
Madison Stuerman
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Moberly man charged in the overdose death of a woman in June 2024 has pleaded guilty to amended charges.
Zachary Muro pleaded guilty to first-degree involuntary manslaughter and two counts of first-degree drug trafficking on Thursday.
Court records show that as part of a plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to drop one count of drug possession and a misdemeanor for driving while revoked.
Muro was originally charged with felony murder for the death of Victoria Chapman, who died from fentanyl toxicity, according to the Boone County Medical Examiner’s office in 2024.
Court documents said deputies found text messages between Chapman and Muro about setting up a meeting.
A judge sentenced him to serve a total of 27 years in the Department of Corrections.
He was ordered to spend 10 years for involuntary manslaughter and one count of first-degree drug trafficking at the same time. He was ordered to serve 17 years concurrent for the second charge of trafficking drugs. He was also given credit for time served.
Online court records show a victim impact statement was received by the court.
Hillary Floren
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A new pop-up style cafe for area veterans is more than just a coffee shop. It’s a place where veterans from all branches of the service can find conversation, support, friendship and even be introduced to new resources. The cafe is sponsored by Hospice El Paso.
Natalie Eckberg, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Engagement at El Paso says it’s important to make sure veterans feel appreciated, and they’re aware of mental and physical health services available. One of the most important things is to erase the stigma of mental health services.
“One of the beautiful things about this cafe is it puts them all in one group, and allows them to access that in a way it’s low pressure,” Eckberg says.
Veterans frequently experience loneliness, significantly impacting their mental health. This can increase risks for PTSD, depression, substance abuse, and suicidal thoughts. often stemming from a loss of military camaraderie, identity, and purpose in civilian life. This cafe helps put an end to that loneliness.
ABC 7 caught up with proud Navy Vietnam Veteran Gilbert Blancas at the cafe. He recently lost his wife, and says it’s been difficult, but seeing his friends lifted his spirits.
“At first I was a little afraid of coming in the door, but when I came in and saw all my friends – this is my support line and it helps through the grieving process,” Blancas says.
The veterans swap stories, and Hospice provides regular presenters to educate vets about services available to them.
“If you’re feeling alone, you don’t need to. You have a community here that’s going to rally around you and make sure you get the support you need,” Eckberg says.
Hospice El Paso’s Vet Cafe is open the second Saturday of every month, and all veterans are welcome. https://hospiceelpaso.org/va-hospice-care-in-el-paso/
Matthew Sanders
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Candidates in a race to represent part of Mid-Missouri in the state Senate have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to compete in the August primary.
Four Republicans have formed committees to raise money for their campaigns in the Sixth Senate District, which covers Cole, Callaway, Miller, Morgan and Moniteau counties. The current officeholder, Republican Mike Bernskoetter, is prohibited from running again due to term limits.
Jake Vogel, president of Jefferson City Coca-Cola, has raised nearly $220,000 for his bid. The biggest donors in the current fundraising cycle include WPG PAC, based in Columbia, the Independent Physicians PAC of Mid-Mo, the Missouri Beverage PAC and the Ford Motor Company Civic Action Fund MO.
Jake Vogel’s January finance reportDownload
Former Jefferson City Councilman Derrick Spicer has also raised about $220,000 for his campaign, including more than $24,000 in the latest fundraising cycle. The IUOE Local 513 PAC was among his biggest donors at $1,000. The other donations came from individuals and companies.
Derrick Spicer’s January finance reportDownload
State Rep. Rudy Veit has raised the most of the four candidates, bringing in nearly $325,000 so far this election cycle. He took in about $34,000 during the fourth quarter of 2025. He received $1,000 donations from former congressman Blaine Luetkemeyer, CN-MO PAC and the Missouri Funeral Directors PAC.
Rudy Veit’s January finance reportDownload
State ballot issues
Opponents of the Amendment 3 abortion ban on the November ballot have far outraised the committee formed to support the ban. Stop the Ban has raised more than $1 million for the election, including close to $200,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025.
The Her Health Her Future PAC, which supports the ban, has brought in about $100,000, all during the fourth quarter of 2025.
People Not Politicians, a group created to oppose a new congressional map, has raised more than $6 million for the election, including more than $350,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025. Put Missouri First, a committee formed to oppose People Not Politicians, has raised and spent about $3 million this election cycle.
Her Health Her Future January reportDownload
Stop the Ban January finance reportDownload
People Not Politicians January reportDownload
By Dan Noyes and Suzanne Phan
Click here for updates on this story
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — The jury has reached a verdict in the murder trial of Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old man who was killed in San Francisco’s De Anza neighborhood in 2021.
Antoine Watson is guilty of involuntary manslaughter and guilty of force likely to produce great bodily harm, but not guilty of murder in the first or second degree.
Vicha Ratanapakdee’s daughter told the I-Team’s Dan Noyes that she’s “disappointed and painful.”
It was five years ago this month “Grandpa Vicha” was attacked in San Francisco’s Anza Vista neighborhood.
Surveillance video showed Watson running and then pushing Vicha to the ground.
He struck his head and died days later.
Watson was 19 at the time and testified he didn’t call 911 because he was scared the police would arrest him and panicked.
Vicha’s death became one of the flashpoints in the Stop Asian Hate movement during the pandemic.
I’m very surprised by the outcome of this verdict,” said Clark.
“What you saw on that video appears to be an intentional attack of an elderly man. It was a very vicious attack which could suggest implied malice — enough for a second degree murder,” said Clark.
The victim’s daughter and many others believe the attack was because Grandpa Vicha was Asian.
But the case was not charged as a hate crime.
“I think what the defense was able to demonstrate was this was an impulsive act by a young man, not a targeted attempt to kill,” said legal analyst, Steven Clark.
Watson testified he did not notice Grandpa Vicha’s age or race, but was angry after a bad day.
Experts say Watson may soon be walking out of jail with time served.
“When you look at what he is facing, now that it’s involuntary manslaughter, which is a maximum of four years, he’s likely to receive credit for time served and walk out the door,” said Clark.
Watson has already spent five years in custody while waiting for the trial.
Thursday afternoon, Watson’s mother declined to speak ABC7 News.
The prosecution and the defense in this case return to court Jan. 26.
Thursday night, San Francisco Supervisor Alan Wong released the following statement:
“I have no words for the disappointment I feel from the verdict in the murder trial of Vicha Ratanapakdee. Grandpa Vicha inspired me and so many community members to step up, volunteer our time, and Stop Asian Hate. The murder of Grandpa Vicha was malicious, evil and the perpetrator should be dealt an adequate punishment for his crimes. My heart is with the Ratanapakdee family today. No verdict can undo their loss, but they deserved better than this outcome. Justice was not served.”
Stewart Chen, an adovciate for public safety in Oakland’s Chinatown area, AAPI leader in Oakland shared this text:
“Calling this ‘involuntary’ does not reflect the reality or the fear it caused Asian elders everywhere. Justice should fully recognize the value of our seniors’ lives and send a clear message that violence against elders will not be minimized.”
“The system just told every Asian elder in America: your life is negotiable,” said Forrest Liu, a Stop Asian Hate activist.
“The brutal and senseless attack on Grandpa Vicha Ratanapakdee was a catalyst for San Francisco’s younger generation to mobilize and raise our voices to protect our elders,” said Amy Lee, co-founder of Dear Community, an organization that originated in response to anti-Asian hate violence. “For far too long, Asian elders have been treated as martyrs for others’ trauma, pain, and bad days-no more. These arguments minimize Asian lives, and we stand with Grandpa Vicha for justice.”
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
By Leanne Suter
Click here for updates on this story
POMONA, Calif. (KABC) — A 13-year-old Pomona boy is facing another painful loss after the uncle who has been raising him was detained by federal immigration authorities this week, according to family members.
For Bryan Gonzalez, the detention of his uncle and sole caregiver, Jose Oleaz, comes two years after the deaths of his aunt Yesenia and Oleaz’s sister Alejandra, who were killed by a DUI driver.
Yesenia had been in the process of adopting Bryan at the time of her death. Oleaz, who was married to Yesenia, had since stepped in to raise him and sought to continue the adoption process.
“My dad’s like such a good person, and he’s the one that always has to put up with the worst things,” Bryan told Eyewitness News.
Oleaz, 34, was taken into custody Wednesday during a raid in Pomona.
Bryan said his first reaction was fear for his uncle’s safety.
“The first thought that came to my mind was me hoping that he was OK and that nothing bad happened to him,” he said.
Family member Jorge Gonzalez said Oleaz had been working at the same landscaping company for many years.
“He’s very responsible, very hardworking. He’s the nicest person I know, and for this to happen to him is just devastating,” he said.
Oleaz came to the U.S. more than 20 years ago from Mexico.
Relatives say Oleaz is the family’s primary breadwinner and also cares for his father, who has cancer. Family members say he has no criminal record and is devoted to his family, especially Bryan.
“You are taking people away from their kids, their families,” Bryan said.
A GoFundMe has been created to help cover basic expenses and hire an attorney for the family. Loved ones say Oleaz has been devoted to giving Bryan stability and helping him avoid the foster care system.
“He always pushes me to do better,” Bryan said. “He’s a great dad.”
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
Rosemary Garcia
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA)— A senior at Valle Verde Early College High School has been recognized for her volunteer work.
17-year-old Eveny Covarrubias was named the 2025 Youth Volunteer of the Year by Hospice El Paso.
Since she is underage, she is not able to meet patients personally, but she is still involved in meaningful tasks. She has helped inform people about Hospice during health fairs, personally written letters for families who have lost a loved one, and also crocheted items for patients.
The teen told ABC-7 that volunteering at Hospice has been a different type of experience.
“You do encounter more serious things. So I feel like it did prepare me a little bit more to be more, like, compassionate as well, because a lot of it is just making sure that the patient knows you’re there for them and the family. So it did help me with that as well,” she said.
She started in 2024 and volunteers several times a month. Covarrubias said she was stunned when she found out she had earned the achievement.
“I was actually at home, and somebody came knocking, and I was like, who was at my house? So I opened it, and they had like a nice little box put together for me. And it did tell me,like, that I won volunteer of the year. So I was so excited, and I told my mom, and she was excited as well.”
Covarrubias already obtained her associate’s degree from El Paso Community College. She’s currently taking classes at UTEP.
She’s also involved in multiple high school clubs, including the Chemistry Club, the National Honor Society, and the Honor Society.
Sarah Welsh, a teacher of Pre-AP Chemistry at Valle Verde ECHS, said Covarrubias helps other students get involved!
“For chemistry club, she does on her own time. They meet during lunchtime, and she’s able to get a lot of other students who maybe are not necessarily into science. She gets them interested in science. But because of her leadership, she’s able to encourage others. And then she makes it fun for them. So she makes science a fun learning experience for the kids.”
Covarrubias explained she wants to go into nursing to help others. This recognition further motivates her.
“It meant a lot, actually. Like you go, you volunteer, and it’s like you’re doing it out of your heart. But like when you when it comes back to you, and they reward you, it’s a little bit more rewarding that way.”
Hospice El Paso representatives said Eveny’s commitment, positive energy and her heart for service have all inspired everyone around her.
If you have a Good Vibes Only story idea, please e-mail rosemary.garcia@kvia.com.
By Mike Sullivan
Click here for updates on this story
ABINGTON, Massachusetts (WBZ) — A man is accused of trying to set the Abington, Massachusetts police chief’s cruiser on fire Friday morning.
Abington Police said surveillance video from their parking lot showed 39-year-old Franklin Cederholm walk up to Chief Patrick Molloy’s car and pour gasoline over the front of the vehicle around 9 a.m.
Molloy said that an officer saw the man approaching through his office windows and quickly went outside to investigate. Once outside, the officer smelled gasoline and saw Cederholm pouring gas from two-gallon water containers. Molloy explained that, thanks to the officer’s quick action, he was not able to finish emptying one.
“I’m very thankful that we have such a talented group of people here that act quickly and decisively and took care of this issue extremely quickly,” Molloy said.
In the video, posted to the department’s Facebook page, Cederholm can be seen being taken into custody. Police said Cederholm also had a lighter on him.
“Certainly this could’ve turned into something real dangerous,” Molloy said. “If that car went up, it’s right next to the building, so the building would’ve gone up.”
Abington Police said surveillance video showed Franklin Cederholm pouring gasoline on the police chief’s cruiser before he was confronted by an officer on Jan. 16, 2025.
Cederholm is charged with attempted arson, malicious damage to a motor vehicle and trespassing. Police said more charges could come as their investigation continues.
Cederholm was sent to Bridgewater State Hospital for a mental health evaluation, police said. He will later be arraigned in Brockton District Court. The department is still investigating a motive. Molloy said that Cederholm is not familiar to them.
The Abington Fire Department came and cleaned off the gasoline, according to Molloy.
Abington, Massachusetts is 21 miles south of Boston.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
By Jennifer Emert
Click here for updates on this story
BREVARD, North Carolina (WLOS) — At the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas, America’s past is told through personal sacrifice, not just dates and battles.
America’s 250-year history is filled with defining moments shaped by service and sacrifice. As part of WLOS’s Amazing America 250 series, we traveled to Brevard, North Carolina, where that history comes to life at the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas, one veteran, one story at a time.
When you talk about 250 years of American history, “they’re saying that’s ancient history,” said Bobby Kotlowski, Vice President and Curator of the museum. “But history is important.”
Much of that history is written through war and the people who lived it.
“The Veterans History Museum is a homage to veterans, not just here, but this whole country,” Kotlowski said. “It’s a way that we honor the memory of those who came before us.”
Telling History Through the Individual The museum focuses on conflicts from World War I to the present day, but Kotlowski says the goal is not to overwhelm visitors with timelines or statistics.
“We try to tell an individual story,” he said. “People look at Vietnam now the way I looked at the Civil War growing up. If we don’t remember, we’ll repeat the problems of the war.”
That perspective, Kotlowski said, helps visitors better understand the present.
“We’ve been fighting wars since becoming a nation, even before we were a nation,” he said. “Look at what’s happening in the world today.”
A Classroom for the Next Generation
Beyond its exhibits, the museum also serves as a learning space for students of all ages. A growing library allows middle school, high school, and college students to research military history on site.
“They can come here and research military history right here,” Kotlowski said. “We have a great plethora of books.”
The Stories That Often Go Untold
At the heart of the museum are the personal stories that don’t always make it into textbooks, the soldiers behind the uniforms.
“We focus on the guy in the trenches or flying that one aircraft,” Kotlowski said. “These guys were married. They had families. They had a mom and dad.”
This year, the museum launched a new initiative highlighting individual biographies throughout the exhibits, including Vietnam veterans Sergeant First Class Mike Dirocco and Sergeant Phil Maran.
Remembering the Cost of Freedom
Kotlowski says those personal connections are key to keeping history alive.
“People forget quickly,” he said. “This place is a reminder of that. People may not want to remember wars, but they will remember that individual, their father, grandfather, or grandmother.” It’s a reminder that the freedoms many enjoy today came at a cost paid by ordinary people whose sacrifices should never be forgotten.
The Amazing America 250 series continues through July 4th.
Please note: This story was provided to CNN Wire by an affiliate and does not contain original CNN reporting. This content carries a strict local market embargo. If you share the same market as the contributor of this article, you may not use it on any platform.
Nicole Ardila
This weekend, you can catch hot air balloons in the Land of Enchantment for the very first time this year with the Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally.
MVBR kicks off Friday with media and school day.
Visit Las Cruces is debuting their brand new balloon at the rally at 7 a.m., and they will be joined by the NMSU balloon, who made their debut at the balloon rally last year.
Another first is the Zozobra hot air balloon, making it’s first round south of Albuquerque.
MVBR’s main mission is to inspire curiosity in the community about hot air ballooning, and to encourage the youth to become excited about what they learn in school and its practical applications.
Here are the times for the balloon rally events this weekend:
January 16: Kick off glow – 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Downtown Plaza on 100 N Main St, Las Cruces.
January 17: Morning Ascension – sunrise time (around 7am) at the Field of Dreams dirt lot on 2300 Tashiro Dr, Las Cruces, NM 88007.
January 17 – Evening Glow – sunset (around 5:30pm) at the Field of Dreams dirt lot.
January 18 – Morning Ascension – sunrise time (around 7am) at the Field of Dreams dirt lot.
