Category: kvia-local-news

Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — Las Cruces’ minimum and tipped wages will increase starting Jan. 1, 2027, the city announced Wednesday.

According to the Las Cruces Municipal Code (LCMC), minimum wage will increase to $13.47 per hour and the tipped wage will increase to $5.39 per hour.

For 2026, Las Cruces’ minimum wage is set at $13.01. The tipped wage sits at $5.20.

In January 2020, the state enacted the New Mexico Minimum Wage Act. Each year in September, the city calculates the minimum wage and tipped wage based on the city ordinance and compare it to the minimum and tipped wages set by the state.

The city then adopts the higher of the two.

New Mexico’s state minimum wage will stay at $12 for 2027, the City of Las Cruces said.

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Armando Ramirez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the UTEP Choral Union will bring the magical world of Harry Potter to life as they perform alongside the third installment of the franchise, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

The performance will take place at the Plaza Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 10.

Associate Conductor of the El Paso Symphony Orchestra James O. Welsch explained to ABC-7 that this isn’t just a standard performance.

“It’s the coordination of many different art forms all at the same time,” Welsch said. “We use what we call punches and streamers; that would be little bars that are fading by the screen and dots. That’s to align music to action, emotional moments.”

Conductor James Welsch said the orchestra uses visual cues on screens to sync a performance with a movie.(Courtesy: James Welsch)

Welsch told ABC-7 he has been studying the film’s music for around two months, practicing the timing and cues to match.

As an added challenge, the orchestra and UTEP Choral Union get the music about two to three weeks before the performance.

Members practiced their parts on their own after their full-time jobs.

In the end, both have only two rehearsals together: the day before and one just hours before the performance.

Principal Percussion for the El Paso Symphony Orchestra Leo Valenzuela told ABC-7 that this is a very intricate performance. The members from the two groups come together to bring this performance to life.

The El Paso Symphony Orchestra and the UTEP Choral Union have only two group rehearsals before the big show.(Courtesy: KVIA)

Not only do musicians play the soundtrack, but they also play sound effects heard in the movie.

Valenzuela said one compliment from a previous performance stuck with him: “I was watching the movie, and I didn’t notice that the orchestra was there.”

For more information on the group’s performance of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban” in Concert, or more performances from the El Paso Symphony Orchestra, click here.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Deputies arrested a driver after he allegedly led a chase into a desert area in Far East El Paso on Saturday.

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said it charged 37-year-old Isai Ebenezer Silva with evading arrest (with a previous conviction and with a vehicle) and possession of a controlled substance.

The arrest happened after 8 p.m. Deputies tried to stop Silva’s car at the 700 block of S. Ascension Street. EPCSO said deputies saw a traffic violation.

Silva allegedly drove away.

EPCSO said deputies detained a woman that got out of the car.

Silva allegedly continued driving into a desert area. Video of the arrest showed the car drive over a sand pile, where it appeared to get stuck.

EPCSO video showed the car becoming immobilized.(Courtesy: EPCSO)

Silva then got out of the car and ran away, EPCSO said. Deputies followed him and arrested him in the desert.

Deputies found less than four grams of methamphetamine in the car, EPCSO said.

Silva also had an outstanding warrant for tampering with an electronic monitoring device and an outstanding parole violation.

Deputies booked Silva into the El Paso County Downtown Detention Facility without bond.

You can watch EPCSO’s video of the arrest above.

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Hillary Floren

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — When it comes to mental health care, no one should slip through the cracks. Local organizations are working together to make sure that doesn’t happen, starting with a survey being done, to help pinpoint shortcomings in the current system.

The Paso del Norte Health Foundation and the Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute are surveying the Borderland to make sure everyone has the health they need — especially those aged 16-24.

“The community needs to help divert youth and juveniles from the justice system, especially when they have serious mental health issues. It helps to divert from tragedy and crisis to healthy quality of life and connection to family,” said Enrique Mata from PDNHF.

Sandra Day leads the Mental Health and Emotional Well-Being Initiative for PDNHF. She said kids are beginning with struggles early these days, even with suicidal ideation.

“It starts small with anxiety or depression, and sometimes parents either don’t catch it early or don’t understand how to help them. They may not know how to help them or how to start the process because they’re acting out in school,” Day said.

She added that, instead of “pointing fingers,” parents and guardians should intercept behavior shown early on.

The way this survey works is by looking at intercepts. Mata described it as an opportunity to divert youth or adults away from the justice system.

The El Paso Behavioral Health Consortium and many partners and other healthcare organizations – even schools – all work together. Mata said there are complex populations, like those between 16-24 years old, whom they want to keep a close eye on.

“They’re trying to learn life skills and those areas have a gap — we want to prevent youth from falling in the justice system or if they have some justice system involvement where we want to not continue into adulthood. That we can divert them away. Get them the help they need,” Mata said.

This effort to identify shortfalls in the current system is a forward-moving and positive one. Day said everyone working together on this project plans to be intentional with the work they’re doing, ensuring those with developmental or intellectual disabilities are included. The health consortium has many councils, including family leadership, justice leadership and integrative leadership councils.

Day and Mata added that while there is much work left to be done, they also want to recognize the wins.

“These are programs that have come out of visions; they take a little while to get underway, but we are working the long game. There’s a lot to do, and it takes some time to build these complex programs so they can last for years to come,” Mata adds.

Up next? A day-long intensive session within the next two weeks, reviewing the information gathered, and coming up with the next strategic plan.

ABC-7 will continue to highlight the good work coming from the Paso del Norte Health Foundation and its partners that make such a big difference.

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Texas Tribune

by Ayden Runnels, The Texas TribuneOctober 7, 2026

A Texas death row inmate convicted of a fatal 2000 robbery could be the first person put to death in the country since a failed execution in Tennessee that has raised alarm over lethal injection.

Jamaal Howard was 20 years old when he robbed a convenience store and shot the clerk, killing 42-year-old Vickie Swartout, in Silsbee, north of Beaumont. Howard was convicted less than a year later and sentenced to death in Hardin County.

If his final appeals are unsuccessful, Howard will be the first execution carried out in the United States since a Sept. 30 execution attempt in Tennessee that Christa Pike survived after twice being injected with the lethal drug pentobarbital. Pike, who was convicted in 1996 of killing 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer, regained consciousness and is speaking after the failed execution, her lawyers said Tuesday.

Texas, where the first execution by lethal injection was conducted in 1982, also utilizes pentobarbital for its executions. Lawyers for Howard sent a letter to Gov. Greg Abbott asking for him to delay his execution by 30 days as they await information from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice about whether the state’s stock of the drug is safe to use.

“We do not ask you to decide anything about Mr. Howard’s case other than this: that he should not be executed with a drug whose history the State has refused to let his lawyers see, within days of the same drug failing in another state,” Howard’s lawyers wrote.

Texas uses pentobarbital compounded in pharmacies because drug manufacturers refuse to sell the drug for use in executions. Because of the resulting limited supply, the state tests vials of the drug it has and extends its use date if they determine it will work effectively, a process critics have said is unsafe.

In 2023 before the execution of Robert Fratta, a Travis County district judge temporarily barred use of the drug over concerns about the practice. The execution was ultimately carried out after the ruling was overturned by Texas’ Court of Criminal Appeals.

Howard has had several unsuccessful appeals since his conviction, the latest of which was denied on Monday by the CCA. That appeal and an application for a stay of execution is now awaiting a response from the U.S. Supreme Court.

That appeals argues that Howard suffers from mental illness and is intellectually disabled, which would make him ineligible for the death penalty under Eighth Amendment protections. Before his trial, the court held two competency hearings at the state’s request to determine Howard’s fitness. The jury deadlocked the first time, and ruled he was fit in the second after Howard’s attorney did not call their expert witness, according to court records.

If executed, Howard would be the seventh man executed in Texas this year. Two more men are scheduled to be put to death in 2026.

John Rubio, convicted of the 2003 murders of his three children, is the next man scheduled to be executed. Rubio had also raised issues with the state’s use of pentobarbital, suing the state in August alongside another death row inmate, LeJames Norman — who has since been executed — in an effort to block Texas’ use of the drug and subsequently their executions.

The suit argued that Texas’ supply of the drug was either expired or created through unreliable means at the third-party compounding facilities. The CCA blocked the judge in the case after Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a request with the appellate court asking it to do so, arguing that the lower court lacked the ability to block criminal proceedings through a civil suit.

This article first appeared on The Texas Tribune.

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Gabrielle Lopez

UPDATE (Oct. 20, 2026): The Texas Medical Board said it temporarily suspended Edward Michelson’s medical license.

In a news release published Tuesday, TMB said Michelson’s practice in medicine “poses a continuing threat to public welfare.” The suspension immediately went into effect.

“The Board panel found that Dr. Michelson was arrested for the felony charge of indecent assault by a health care service provider,” the TMB said.

The temporary suspension will stay in place until the TMB takes further action. A temporary suspension hearing with notice will be held as soon as possible, unless Michelson waives the hearing, TMB said.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A prominent doctor and medical school professor has been arrested after a patient accused him of touching her inappropriately without her consent, according to an arrest affidavit.

Jail records show that Dr. Edward Allen Michelson has been charged with indecent assault by a health/mental provider. He posted a $100,000 surety bond on Sept. 30.

Edward Michelson’s mugshot.(Courtesy: EPCSO)

Investigators said the alleged assault happened on August 28 at University Medical Center, where Dr. Michelson has admission privileges. He is not an employee of UMC, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Michelson has been chair of the Texas Tech Health El Paso Emergency Medicine Department for 10 years, according to his bio on LinkedIn. TTHEP said it’s aware of the indecent assault charge and suspended Michelson from his university duties.

Arrest documents obtained by ABC-7 said a patient who went to the hospital after an epilepsy episode told investigators she was touched inappropriately by Dr. Michelson while she was in an out of consciousness. 

According to investigators, the patient immediately confronted Michelson after she said he touched her genitals inappropriately, telling him in Spanish, “Why are you doing this to me, this has nothing to do with epilepsy?”

The patient’s son, who learned about the alleged assault minutes later, also confronted Michelson. The doctor told him he didn’t do that and “was just touching her abdominal area,” documents said.

The affidavit states investigators first reviewed security video showing the outside of the examination room. According to the document, the video showed Michelson walk into the patient’s room alone and walk out two minutes later.

The security manager told deputies that UMC policy requires two medical staff members to be in a patient’s room when conducting any procedures involving the genital area.

A deputy later used a search warrant to get security video of the victim’s room.

Documents said Michelson entered the patient’s room and closed the curtain at the door. The investigator noted the doctor moved an examination light hanging from the ceiling in a way “to appear to obstruct the security camera’s view” of the doctor and patient. 

The investigator said video showed Michelson put his hands near her genitals twice, and that he didn’t have gloves at the time, said the affidavit.

UMC Chief Medical Officer Dr. Victor Waters told investigators that Emergency Medical Services workers premedicated the woman before she was brought into the hospital and that standard treatment for patients with seizures shouldn’t involve pelvic exams unless the doctor believes there is trauma.

Deputies arrested and booked Michelson into the El Paso County jail more than a month after the alleged assault, on Sept. 30, and he posted bond the same day.

“UMC took swift action to suspend this medical provider from the hospital,” wrote Estefanía S. Morgan, UMC’s Admin. Director of Public Affairs in a statement. “The safety and wellbeing of our patients is our highest priority.  Any allegations against our healthcare providers are taken seriously.”

Morgan said the hospital has no further comment as this is an ongoing investigation.

Michelson’s employer, Texas Tech El Paso, also suspended him from his university duties. A spokesperson also said the university wouldn’t comment further because it is “an ongoing personnel and legal matter.”

According to notes taken during a Texas Tech Board of Regents meeting earlier this year, Dr. Michelson was granted tenure on Feb. 26.

ABC-7 reached out to Michelson’s attorney, Jeep Darnell, for comment. We have been unable to reach him as of the publication of the story.

According to Texas Penal Code 22.012, the charge Michelson faces is enhanced because he is a medical provider. If the alleged assault happened while a medical professional offered health services in an official capacity in a medical setting, the medical professional faces a state jail felony, 180 days to two years and fines up to $10,000.

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Gabrielle Lopez

LAS CRUCES, New Mexico (KVIA) — A trial date has been set for a former Dona Ana County magistrate judge and his wife accused of tampering with evidence in relation to the arrest of a suspected gang member.

Former judge Joel Cano and his wife, Nancy, are accused of illegally housing a suspected member of the Venezuelan crime organization, Tren de Aragua.

Nancy and Jose ‘Joel’ Cano’s mugshots.(Courtesy: DACDC)

Court documents said Cristhian Ortega-Lopez met Nancy after getting a job to install a glass door in their home. She allegedly offered Ortega-Lopez to stay on their property in April 2024.

Ortega-Lopez was arrested in April 2025 and was sentenced to 19 months in federal prison in July 2026. He pleaded guilty to illegally possessing firearms and conspiring to tamper with evidence.

Cristhian Ortega-Lopez’ mugshot.(Courtesy: DACDC)

Agents executed search warrants in February 2025 and seized four firearms from April Cano’s house.

Joel and Nancy’s Cano’s trial is set to start in January 2027.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-The first concert of the El Paso Pro-Musica season will include the world premiere of ‘Visions of Unity and Humanity’, an ‘America250’ piece in which five well-known modern composers contribute a movement each, the movement being inspired by the Declaration of Independence. The piece is written for cello and Zuill will perform it across the country.

The concert will take place on Thursday, October 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fox Fine Arts Recital Hall at UTEP and tickets can be obtained at eppm.org.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-El Paso is set to come alive on Friday, October 9, as the Parks and Recreation Department, in partnership with Live Active El Paso and the El Paso Ballroom Dance Academy, hosts National Cowboy Boot Day at San Jacinto Plaza. The event will run from 6 to 10 p.m., transforming Downtown El Paso into a lively dance floor and hub of Western culture.

Attendees can look forward to an evening packed with music, two-stepping, line dancing, and a spirited line dance competition. The festivities will also feature a special performance by the Fair Point Band. Organizers encourage everyone to wear their best cowboy boots and join in celebrating the city’s rich heritage.

“Bringing Cowboy Boot Day back to Downtown El Paso for its second year is a wonderful way to honor the Western spirit of our community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Pablo Caballero. “The event includes music, dancing, and the iconic cowboy boots that are part of our city’s identity. It’s a great opportunity for families, friends, and visitors to come together and celebrate what makes El Paso unique.”

A highlight of the event will be the official designation of El Paso as the Boot Capital of Texas, underscoring the city’s longstanding tradition of bootmaking and its deep Western roots.

Those eager to show off their dance moves can register for the free National Cowboy Boot Day Line Dance Competition. Registration must be completed by 5 p.m. on event day.

With free admission, live entertainment, and a strong sense of community, National Cowboy Boot Day promises to be a memorable night for El Pasoans and visitors alike.

Register for the Line Dance Competition:

Cowboy Boot Day Line Dance Competition Registration Link

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Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – Wednesday, Republicans in support of Israel gathered for prayer at San Jacinto Plaza to honor the third anniversary of Hamas-led attacks on Oct. 7, 2023.

In those attacks, 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage.

“We remember the families lives were changed forever. We remember the survivors who carry physically, but each of them was not a number. Each of them was a human being. Each had a name. Each had someone who loved. Each had someone who expected them to be home,” said El Paso County Republican Party board member Bob Peña.

The group set up the Israeli flag surrounding the stage at the plaza. One boy blew a horn — called a shofar — before the group stood in silence for 30 seconds to honor their loss.

“The little boy who was doing the shofar, his father died in Israel…and defending Israel. And so it affects everybody all over here, families here in El Paso,” Peña said.

Peña said before the event started, people came and accosted the children who put up Israeli flags.

Peña’s message was for people to open their minds, hearts and learn as much information as they can about what’s going on.

For Jesse Rocha Romero, who attends Torah study at a synagogue, the violence in Israel reminded him of what El Pasoans experienced seven years ago with the El Paso Walmart shooting.

“When the people were murdered at Walmart, the guy planned it. He came from Dallas over here to say, ‘I’m going to go kill,'” Romero said. “And because I’ve seen – I’ve known family members and wives were murdered. When that happens to you, you see it.”

Romero is the Republican candidate for Texas House District 79 against Democratic nominee Claudia Ordaz.

ABC-7 has reached out to the El Paso County Democratic Party for comment on the event.

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