El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- August is Psoriasis Action Month. Many people think psoriasis is simply dry skin or a cosmetic issue, but it can actually affect much more than the skin. Joining us today are Dr. Ogechika Alozie of Sunset West Health and Dr. Zainab Mohammodu of Epiphany Dermatology.
Click here to follow the original article.SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KVIA) — An El Paso woman now living in San Antonio, Texas, is gearing up to embark on a new adventure in the United Kingdom.
Twenty-four-year-old Mia Gonzalez is a native El Pasoan who graduated from Montwood High School. She earned her bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s University and her master’s degree from UT Health San Antonio. She was recently accepted into a five-year program at the Brunel Medical School in London.
She wants to become a physician specializing in neonatal genetics with a focus on neurological disorders. Neonatal genetics identifies inherited conditions in newborns.
Her field of study is personal for her family. In 2012, Mia’s mother, Amy Gonzalez, was diagnosed with ALS after becoming very ill and gradually losing strength in her arms. Just one day after being diagnosed, Amy died. Mia was just 10 years old at the time. Mia’s grandfather also died of ALS.
ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive nervous system disease that destroys cells in the spinal cord and the brain. Over time, the cells die and stop sending signals to muscles, resulting in severe muscle weakness and eventual loss of movement, speech and breathing.
During college, Gonzalez also started experiencing ALS symptoms of her own. Just three years ago, she received a positive ALS diagnosis.
“I broke down on the staircase, and I called my brother’s name out, and I just started sobbing,” she said.
She’s currently undergoing a clinical trial. She said some of the symptoms she lives with affect her day-to-day life.
“I have a lot of shortness of breath. Or also, like, it’s kind of hard to walk downstairs. Breathing is difficult at times, but I have an amazing team of doctors,” she said.
Her ALS diagnosis propelled her to be positive and pursue her passions. She’s motivated to pursue medical school to help others who’ve received a similar diagnosis.
“I want to help them out and make sure that they get into clinical trials and live a happy, long life so that way they don’t ever have to face anything like my family did,” Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez hopes that her journey of living with ALS shows others that a medical diagnosis doesn’t limit you. She wants to make her mother proud.
The support of her family has carried her through this difficult time.
Gonzalez said she decided to study overseas because of accommodations the college offered her. She would like to return to the United States and practice medicine here.
In the coming weeks, Gonzalez will move England. If you would like to help her financially, you can donate here.
If you have a Good Vibes Only story idea, please e-mail rosemary.garcia@kvia.com.
Click here to follow the original article.EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — If you live in the Lower Valley, East or Far Northeast El Paso, a new proposition will be on your ballot this November.
On Wednesday, The Ysleta Independent School District will give voters the power to allow the district to raise its tax rate beyond what Texas law allows to save its financial status.
Wednesday, the district’s board of trustees voted unanimously to approve a voter-approval tax ratification election (VATRE), which is scheduled to be on the ballot for residents this November.
If VATRE is rejected, the board will have to adopt a lower rate of $1.19 per $100.
However, VATRE passes, it would have little to no impact on most homeowners’ tax bills, according to YISD. It said more than two thirds of almost 40,000 homeowners don’t pay school property tax to the district.
According to the El Paso Central Appraisal District, over 26,000 YISD homeowners will pay no school tax regardless of whether the issue passes or fails.
This is because their exemption values exceed their homes’ taxable values, or they qualify as 100% disabled veterans, who are fully exempt from all property taxes in Texas.
Meaning that homes valued at $175,000 or less in the district won’t owe school property taxes this year regardless of the outcome of the election, and any home owned by someone over age 65 or disabled valued at $250,000 or less is exempt from school taxes.
However, those homeowners still pay taxes to the city, county, hospital district and community college.
The approved tax ratification election will be held Nov. 3, with early voting scheduled for Oct. 19-30. The last day to register to vote in that election is Oct. 5.
Click here to follow the original article.EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — El Paso residents can share ideas to help shape the future of the city’s parks, trails and other public spaces.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department will have a second round of meetings from Aug. 18-20.
During the meetings, the department will share what it learned from the first round of meetings, including feedback residents shared, the city said. Residents will have the opportunity to provide additional input that will help guide future park improvements, amenities, recreation programming, and long-term investments.
The city said the meetings will follow the schedule below.
Tuesday, August 18 | 5:30 p.m.
Veterans Recreation Center, 5301 Salem Dr.
Wednesday, August 19 | 5:30 p.m.
Don Haskins Recreation Center, 7400 High Ridge Dr.
Wednesday, August 19 | 5:30 p.m. | UPDATED LOCATION
Memorial Senior Center, 1800 Byron St.
Thursday, August 20 | 5:30 p.m. | UPDATED DATE
Sylvia A. Carreon Community Center, 709 Lomita Dr.
Thursday, August 20 | 5:30 p.m.
The Beast Urban Park, 13501 Jason Crandall Dr.
Click here to follow the original article.EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Small businesses along the Mission Trail could benefit from new funding through federal funding.
The mission trail connects the Ysleta, Socorro and San Elizario Presidio missions through a nine-mile route. Small businesses along the route include museums, gift shops, restaurants and entertainment venues.
U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, El Paso County Economic Development, El Paso-based advertising agency EFO media and small business consultant Revby launched a technical assistance and marketing program.
El Paso County said the Small Business Administration will fund the program, which will help small businesses improve their marketing practices and overall operations.
“Through this SBA investment, we are helping local businesses grow, strengthening our economy, and ensuring that the stories, traditions, and destinations that define our region continue to flourish for future generations,” said El Paso County Commissioner Iliana Holguín.
Revby and EFO Media will take charge of hands-on workshops focused on business development, financial readiness, strategy and photo and video technique, the county said.
“Every small business has a story worth telling, but many owners don’t always have the time or resources to focus on marketing while running their business,” said EFO Media CEO Ellen Ordaz.
The county said the SBA-funded program is part of a longer plan to strengthen the economic and tourism opportunities at the Mission Trail.
Once federal assistance is complete, the county said it will keep supporting businesses through its Comprehensive Economic Development Incentives Policy. The policy provides a framework for grants, tax rebates, workforce development incentives and other investment programs.
Click here to follow the original article.LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KVIA) — A former Camino Real Middle School teacher/coach arrested for an alleged inappropriate relationship with a student faces two new felony charges for sexual contact with a child, court documents said.
On April 22, Las Cruces police said they arrested Wyatt Cornelius and alleged he had an inappropriate relationship with a 14-year-old student. He faces the following felony counts:
Third-degree felony count of criminal sexual contact of a minor Fourth-degree felony count of child solicitation by an electronic device Fourth-degree felony count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor
Cornelius faces the two additional criminal sexual contact charges after a second victim came forward, according to the law firm representing the first victim and her family.
Court documents alleged Cornelius touched a the second victim’s chest and buttocks between September 2025 and February 2026. Documents said the second victim is between 13-17 years old.
On Monday, Aug. 24, the court will decide whether to release Cornelius, according to Holt & Mason, P.C.
When ABC-7 reported Cornelius’ arrest, he was put on administrative leave per the Las Cruces Public Schools’ policy.
LCPS confirmed with ABC-7 Cornelius was fired May 22, 2026.
Cornelius allegedly had inappropriate interactions with the 14-year-old victim through Snapchat and at sports events, according to investigators. Documents alleged he told the victim she should sneak out of her house to meet him.
According to documents, Cornelius allegedly acknowledged the age gap between him and the victim through messages. He was 43 years old.
The Las Cruces Police Department said to report similar incidents, call (575) 526-0795. Victims of sexual assault or child abuse can seek support by calling the La Piñon Sexual Assault Recovery Services’ 24-hour Crisis Hotline at (575) 526-3437.
Click here to follow the original article.EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The public radio station at the University of Texas at El Paso, KTEP, could be jointly managed by the university and the El Paso Community Foundation. Thursday, UTEP announced the University of Texas System Board of Regents approved the framework for an agreement between the two.
Under a potential Public Service Operation Agreement (PSOA), KTEP could continue providing NPR programming. In 2025, ABC-7 reported that the Corporation for Public Broadcasting lost its federal funding. It used to provide a grant for NPR. CPB’s closure left a significant funding gap for KTEP to cover NPR licensing.
UTEP said the Community Foundation would be responsible for staffing, programming, fundraising and general operation of the KTEP station. Meanwhile, UTEP would take responsibility for the tower, broadcast facilities and maintaining the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) license.
“When federal funding for public radio went away, we started exploring how to keep this local service to the community in a way that is sustainable,” said UTEP President Heather Wilson. “We have a close partnership with the El Paso Community Foundation and, working together creatively, we believe we can keep local public broadcasting alive and well. We appreciate their willingness to work together.”
UTEP said this step toward a possible agreement builds on a longstanding relationship with EPCF, which have partnered to strengthen education and community for 50 years.
A new agreement could also maintain internship and work-study opportunities for UTEP students at the radio station.
UTEP said it hopes to execute an agreement with agreement “reasonably soon.”
Click here to follow the original article.EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — A Horizon City party led to the arrest of twin brothers for allegedly driving while intoxicated, the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.
Deputies received reports of a fight and possible assault at the house party Aug. 8, which took place on Laguna Azul Avenue in the Agua Dulce area, EPCSO said. There, a deputy conducted a traffic stop because someone allegedly involved in the fight left in a truck.
A deputy reportedly saw 22-year-old Orlando Del Valle arguing with his girlfriend, documents said.
In the affidavit, investigators said Del Valle and his girlfriend went to a gender reveal party and Del Valle reportedly became upset at others “due to them speaking about who made more money.” Del Valle allegedly started fighting with the others along with his twin brother, Jose Del Valle.
Orlando’s girlfriend allegedly said she walked away, and Orlando followed her before deputies arrived.
Orlando then walked toward the deputy and allegedly said he didn’t commit a crime.
According to documents, Orlando allegedly said he had three guns in his truck.
Orlando allegedly refused to tell the deputy his name, but showed the deputy his identification, documents said. The deputy said he felt the need to handcuff Orlando for their safety.
While trying to handcuff Orlando, the deputy smelled an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath, documents said. The deputy also noted Orlando’s eyes to be “red and glassy” and had slurred speech.
The deputy also saw a 24-ounce Sol Chelada beer in the front of the truck, which was nearly empty, documents said. The deputy also saw two of the guns in the front.
According to Jose’s arrest affidavit, another deputy noticed the twin brother had a strong alcohol smell and blood shot eyes. He allegedly asked “what was the reason for the stop,” referring to his brother’s traffic stop, documents said.
When a deputy accused Jose of being intoxicated and told him to step away from the investigation, Jose allegedly said, “How do you know that? What’s the proof?”
Deputies then placed Jose in handcuffs and told him he was under arrest for public intoxication, documents said.
The affidavit noted that a witness reportedly told Jose to not approach deputies during the investigation. Jose allegedly said he didn’t care because it involved his brother, documents said.
According to documents, a witness saw Jose drive before exiting the vehicle and walk toward the scene where deputies arrested him.
A deputy told Orlando he was under arrest and transported him to a patrol station for testing. At the patrol station, Orlando allegedly said he wished to provide a breath sample then refused, documents said.
At the same patrol station, Jose also allegedly refused to provide a breath sample, documents said. The affidavit said a search warrant will be issued to get a blood sample instead.
Deputies charged Orlando with DWI and unlawful carrying of a weapon. His bonds totaled $5,000.
Deputies charged Jose with DWI and a $3,000 bond.
Click here to follow the original article.EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Sunset Heights residents have grown accustom to an everyday eye store of abandoned vehicles sitting alongside homes. Some have called 311 to complain several times, but the City of El Paso hasn’t taken action.
Leaving a vehicle abandoned is illegal under Texas State law and El Paso municipal codes as a Class C Misdemeanor. The Texas Transportation code said abandoning a vehicle on public or private property has a consequential fine of up to $500.
The transportation code defines an abandoned vehicle as one if:
It’s inoperable, more than five years old and has been left unattended for more than 48 hours. It stayed illegally on public property for more than 48 hours. It stayed on private property without the owner’s consent for more than 48 hours. It stayed on the right-of-way of a designated county, state or federal highway for more than 48 hours. It stayed on the right-of-way of a turnpike project maintained by the Texas Department of Transportation or a controlled access highway for more than 24 hours.
As a result, law enforcement agencies can take abandoned vehicles into custody, the code said. They have to send a notice of abandonment to the last known registered owner. They also have to let the owner know they have the right to claim the vehicle within a certain time frame at the expense of towing or storage charges.
“I think the neighborhood is cognizant of the broken window theory and how run-down vehicles and dilapidated houses have a negative impact on a community,” said Matthew Guzman, who leads the Friends of Sunset Heights Neighborhood Association. Guzman is also running for City Council this election term.
“We we want to make sure that we’re not putting ourselves out as a place that you can come and dump your cars” Said Guzman
Guzman also explained why he thinks residents are seeing the same car for months, even though the city gives people a five day maximum to move their car.
“There’s some people who know how to game the system where when they get their vehicle tagged, they’ll have 1 or 2 weeks to to move the vehicle. So they’ll back it up 6 to 8in, move it forward 6 to 8in. And we’re still stuck with a dilapidated broken down car on the side of the road. That’s all so frustrating.”
ABC-7 reached out to the City of El Paso for comment.
” There are quite a bit of vehicles throughout the city. So when we do get called, we do go out there to get it removed. It all depends. How many of the tow trucks are available? When can they pick up? How big the vehicle is? Is it big? Is it small? So all that comes into play. But it’s not that we’re not.” Said Danny Soto El Paso, code enforcement supervisor.
When ABC-7 asked Soto why residents are seeing a delay he responded,” It’s not that we’re ignoring complaints. We do know they’re out there. So we’re trying to speed up the process. But again, there’s other things. And also things like the rain, right. It might cause other accidents somewhere else. Well then our resources get diverted to that.”
Soto followed up with “We try to go out there quickly as possible. Right. If they do call it in, we go out there within three days, 3 to 4 days, and we go out there and we five day tag it.”
ABC-7 asked Soto if nuisances like abandoned cars can negatively affect a neighborhood.
“It does look bad and it’s not okay. You’re messing around with your neighbors, and family member’s health and safety.”
El Paso Code of Enforcement reminds residents to:
“Take care of the issues as much as you can. Take care of vehicles that you own, you know, make sure it’s running. then if its not, then call and find out if somebody could pick it up for you or fix it for you, or sell it or something like that.”
Click here to follow the original article.EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector hosted a joint border security operation today in South-Central El Paso along the U.S.-Mexico border; the exercise involved federal agencies, state military forces and Mexican military partners.
The exercise shown was aimed at showcasing rapid response capabilities following the U.S. Department of State’s designation of the Juarez Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization last month.
Participating agencies conducted coordinated actions to test joint response capabilities along the U.S.-Mexico border.
Operational plans for the exercise involved U.S. Border Patrol Special Operations detachment agents inserting into the area via Customs and Border Protection Air and Marine Operations helicopters.
The following state and federal agencies were present as well:
U.S. Department of War (DoW) U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Texas (USATXW) U.S. Attorney’s Office District of New Mexico (USANM) Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Texas Military Department (TMD) Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Mexican Army (SEDENA) Mexico National Guard (Guardia Nacional)
On the south side of the border, Mexican army soldiers also conducted a mirror patrol in coordination with the U.S. exercise.
Federal authorities say any community members can report suspicious activity anonymously to the U.S. Border Patrol by calling 1-800-635-2509.
ABC-7 was at today’s demonstration and will have a full story tonight on ABC-7 at 4 and 5.
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