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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) --SoldierCon, an event established in 2015 to support military families facing financial challenges, has grown significantly over the years.

Originally held at military installations, it now moves to larger public venues, with this year's event taking place at the Starlight Convention Center in El Paso, Texas.

The convention, back after the COVID-19 pandemic, featured three days of engaging activities including car shows, cosplay contests, and stunt exhibitions.

Highlights included a thrilling costume contest with characters like Chewbacca and Darth Vader, and appearances by notable voice actors Scott Dreier and Vic Mignogna.

The event not only drew local attendees but also welcomed visitors from across the country and beyond, reflecting the positive impact of SoldierCon on the community.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Theresa and David Fisher defied retirement stereotypes by swapping their careers in applied sciences for a life in winemaking.

After 55 years of marriage and decades as engineers, they embarked on a new adventure with their winery, Sombra Antigua Winery, located at 430 La Vina Road, Anthony, NM 88021.

Named in honor of Theresa's great-grandfather who she said traveled with Don Juan de Oñate.

Their vision for a modest tasting room quickly expanded into a thriving business, offering not only their own wines but also hosting a range of events from intimate gatherings to large celebrations.

Sombra Antigua Winery hand-harvests its grapes once a year and produces various wines, including a popular blend named after Theresa.

The Fishers pride themselves on creating a welcoming environment for guests, complete with live music and a relaxing venue.

For more click here or call Sombra Antigua Winery at (915)241-4349.

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Marcus E Jones // Shutterstock

Does where you live determine how you eat? New study uncovers America’s emotional eating patterns

People walking down French Quarter where restaurants and bars are along Bourbon Street in New Orleans.

Where you live may influence your eating and health habits more than you think. 

Do you savor every meal or squeeze in a sandwich during your commute? Are you more likely to indulge in comfort foods while watching your favorite show or try new foods dining out with friends? Personality plays a part, but a 2024 Hims study shows regionality may also play a significant role in eating behavior. 

Hims compares America’s most anxious, automatic, enthusiastic, escapist, and uplifting foodie capitals.

What Are Eating Patterns?

There’s more to weight loss than just diet and exercise. While nutrition and movement play a large role, there’s also a behavioral component to holistic weight loss. A team of psychologists and weight loss experts at Hims have identified five eating patterns that typically describe people’s primary eating habits: anxious, automatic, enthusiastic, escapist, and uplifting. 

• Anxious: I tend to eat when I’m stressed, anxious, or can’t sleep.
• Automatic: I tend to eat on autopilot, while multitasking.
• Enthusiastic: I make food a priority. The majority of my social activities revolve around eating.
• Escapist: I tend to be an emotional eater, and eat to escape or indulge in an emotion.
• Uplifting: I eat when I’m bored, to change my mood, or to reward myself.

How America Eats

Hims asked people which eating pattern best describes their primary eating habits (selecting all that apply) and looked at trends in major cities across the country to determine if where they live impacts their eating habits. 84% of Americans fit into one of five eating patterns. Here’s how the country stacks up.

• Enthusiastic eaters: 32%
• Automatic eaters: 27%
• Uplifting eaters: 27%
• Anxious eaters: 25%
• Escapist eaters: 21%
• None of the above: 16%

Hims

America’s Most Enthusiastic Eaters: New Orleans

Infographic showing Hims’ stats on how America eats.

The Big Easy is known for its world-renowned foodie culture. So it’s no wonder that New Orleans tops the list of America’s most Enthusiastic Eaters, with nearly half (45%) of New Orleanians reporting that the majority of their social activities revolve around food, compared to 32% of Americans overall. 

So, what’s the recipe for their enthusiasm? First, they are quite a bit more social than the rest of America. 66% of residents of New Orleans describe themselves as “extroverted” as compared to just 31% of the nationally representative population. Prioritizing food in one’s social life is a key part of being an Enthusiastic Eater. 

Second, they’re experimental. 60% of New Orleans residents identify as such compared to 39% of the U.S. population. Likely, they are open to—and enthusiastic about—trying new cuisine. 

Lastly, they are more likely than almost any city in the country to self-identify as “multicultural.” Two-thirds (66%) say they cross multiple races, ethnicities, or cultures, as compared to 30% of Americans overall. The variety of cultures in their own backyard no doubt makes them enthusiastic to “culture sample” through food.

Percent who identify as Enthusiastic Eaters

1. New Orleans, LA, 45%
2. San Diego, CA, 44%
3. New York, NY, 40%
4. Austin, TX, 40%
5. San Antonio, TX, 39%
6. Las Vegas, NV, 39%
7. Philadelphia, PA, 38%
8. Nashville, TN, 38%
9. Chicago, IL, 38%
10. Los Angeles, CA, 37%

Nutrition Tips For Enthusiastic Eaters

• Practice mindfulness. When social activities revolve around food, opt for high-quality, nutritious options. Incorporate home-cooked meals into gatherings by hosting potlucks where everyone brings a healthy dish for a fun and nourishing experience. 
• Balance food-centered events with physical activities. Consider getting outside for a stroll through Central Park, the French Quarter, or your city’s green space or cultural center before or after enjoying your favorite foods.

America’s Most Automatic Eaters: Atlanta

44% of Atlanta residents describe themselves as “Automatic Eaters” who multitask and tend to eat on autopilot. This compares to just 27% of the country who says they do the same.

Atlanta is also the top city to report that they are worried about their weight, with 33% of residents saying it tops their list of stressors vs. 25% of Americans overall. 

Distracted or “mindless” eating can be a key contributor to consuming more calories than needed to nourish your body. When you eat on autopilot, it’s very easy to underestimate the volume of food you consume in a day. 

Percent who identify as Automatic Eaters

1. Atlanta, GA, 44%
2. New York, NY, 38%
3. Austin, TX, 36%
4. Salt Lake City, UT, 35%
5. St. Louis, MO, 34%
6. Tampa, FL, 33%
7. Orlando, FL, 33%
8. Phoenix, AZ, 33%
9. Chicago, IL, 33%
10. Houston, TX, 32%

Nutrition Tips For Automatic Eaters

• Be intentional. Designate a specific area for meals that’s free from distractions. Creating a dedicated eating space encourages you to slow down and enjoy your food. Furthermore, choose specific times for meals where you focus solely on eating. 
• Avoid distractions like screens or multitasking during these moments to cultivate mindfulness and enhance your eating experience. 
• Meal prep. Plan and prepare your meals ahead of time so you have nutritions meals at the ready, reducing the temptation to eat automatically.

America’s Most Uplifting Eaters: San Antonio

San Antonio, Texas residents are one-third more likely than other top cities to say they are “Uplifting Eaters” using food to improve their mood when they’re feeling down (39% vs. 27%, respectively). 

While eating to get out of a funk is common—as mentioned, 27% of Americans identify with this eating pattern most, making it the number two eating pattern after Enthusiastic Eaters—what Hims found in its research is that San Antonio needs some self-love. 

San Antonio residents report feeling less emotionally stable than Americans overall (51% vs. 59%, respectively).

Percent who identify as Uplifting Eaters

1. San Antonio, TX, 39%
2. Sacramento, CA, 34%
3. Salt Lake City, UT, 33%
4. Houston, TX, 33%
5. Atlanta, GA, 33%
6. New Haven, CT, 32%
7. Washington, DC, 32%
8. Nashville, TN, 32%
9. Baltimore, MD, 32%
10. Greenville, SC, 32%

Nutrition Tips For Uplifting Eaters

• Try journaling. Keep a food journal that not only tracks what you eat, but also your mood during meals. Reflecting on how certain foods impact your emotions can help you make more mindful choices in the future. Other creative outlets are a good way to improve your mental state, as well. 
• Use cooking as a way to uplift your mood by experimenting with new recipes or cuisines. Invite friends over for dinner and cook together, turning meal prep into a fun and engaging activity. 

America’s Most Anxious Eaters: Salt Lake City

Statistically speaking, Salt Lake City residents are stressed out. 61% of Salt Lake City residents rate themselves as a 4 or 5 on being “stressed” as compared to just 37% of Americans overall. 

They’re also the most likely in the country to say they turn to food when they’re stressed out, anxious, or can’t sleep: 38% identified as Anxious Eaters vs. 25% of total respondents. 

Percent who identify as Anxious Eaters

1. Salt Lake City, 38%
2. Charlotte, NC, 37%
3. St. Louis, MO, 35%
4. San Antonio, TX, 34%
5. Indianapolis, IN, 30%
6. Washington, DC, 30%
7. Greenville, SC, 29%
8. Oklahoma City, OK, 29%
9. Minneapolis, MN, 29%
10. Tampa, FL, 28%

Nutrition Tips For Anxious Eaters

• Take a walk to destress and get your mind off food. Healthy coping mechanisms, like exercise, listening to music, playing with a pet, reading, playing sports, or calling a friend are all great ways to conquer stress and avoid self-soothing with food. 
• Stock up on healthy snacks. Having healthy snacks on hand, especially when you’re feeling anxious, can help you make choices in the moment that you’ll feel good about later. 
• Choose foods that may help with anxiety. Did you know that what you eat can impact your anxiety? Check out this list of the best foods for anxiety.  

America’s Most Escapist Eaters: Minneapolis

Residents of Minnesota’s biggest metropolitan hub—Minneapolis-St. Paul—were the most likely to classify themselves as “Escapist Eaters” who use food to escape certain emotions (31% vs. 21% of respondents overall).

Minneapolis also ranked #1 in emotional stability, with 74% of Minneapolis and St. Paul residents saying they were highly emotionally stable (a 5 on a 5-point scale) or emotionally stable (a 4 on a 5-point scale) as compared to just 59% of Americans overall. And 78% report being “happy” vs. 66% of the rest of the country. 

Percent who identify as Escapist Eaters

1. Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN, 31%
2. San Francisco, CA, 29%
3. Chicago, IL, 29%
4. Oklahoma City, OK, 29%
5. Norfolk, VA, 27%
6. Orlando, FL, 27%
7. Dallas, TX, 27%
8. Sacramento, CA, 26%
9. Miami, FL, 26%
10. Salt Lake City, UT, 26%

Nutrition Tips For Escapist Eaters

• Check in with yourself emotionally before indulging. Emotional awareness can be a key component of a healthier eating habit. Set reminders on your phone to pause and assess your feelings, helping you differentiate between emotional and physical hunger. 
• Consider channeling your emotions into artistic activities such as painting, writing, or playing music instead of food. These activities can provide a therapeutic release for your feelings and reduce the urge to eat for purely emotional reasons.

Data & Methodology

This study is based on a 5,504-person online survey, which included 5,000 18-to-65-year-old respondents in the top 50 metropolitan areas (100 respondents per city) and a nationally representative sample of 504 18-to-65-year-old respondents to contextualize results. The study was fielded in May 2024.

Hims asked respondents, “Which of the following best describe your primary eating habits?” and asked them to select all that apply. Findings were analyzed by more than 100 demographic and psychographic cuts, including city, region, gender (when Hims refers to “women” and “men,” this includes all people who self-identify as such), age, race and ethnicity, relationship status, parenting status, sexual orientation (heterosexual, bisexual, gay, lesbian, pansexual, asexual, queer, etc.), and political affiliation, among other areas of interest. 

All data in this study are from this source, unless otherwise noted. Independent research firm, Culture Co-op, conducted and analyzed research and findings. Get the data.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Eight year old Emma Boggs is smart, loving, playful, and even a little sassy with her dad. Like most second graders, she likes playing Barbies and being outside. But Emma is battling a rare disease.

"For rare disease families it's up to us," her mother, Courtney Boggs explains. "The science is there but the funding is not." Emma has a rare form of Mitochondrial disease called Leigh's Syndrome. Creativity is key when trying to raise awareness and funds, and Courtney and her husband Jacob have joined forces with other affected families, collectively raising more than a million dollars. The goal is $3 million dollars for gene therapy research that's underway at UT Southwestern.

Coronado High School's football coach Mike Pry was touched by Emma's story, and arranged for Emma and her sister Riley to be the honorary team captains for this week's football game. They'll be centerfield for the coin toss. The girls have been attending practices weekly, and the football players seem to enjoy the visits as much as the girls.

"When they see us they come on over and give high fives and hug on Emma and Riley both," says Jacob. The former UTEP football player also has a message for the young men on the team:

"You can be an animal on the field--you need to be.  But when you're not on the field, you need to be kind and gentle."

Emma is enjoying the spotlight and even told her grandma she's "famous and popular." Her parents just hope all the attention will bring more awareness and funding for a cure for their little girl. Kickoff is September 6th at 7:30, and it's a "green out" for Mito awareness! Wear green, or better yet - buy a green mito t-shirt for $15. The football players will be wearing green socks and wristbands in Emma's honor.

There will be another fundraiser Sunday, September 8th at Sombra Antigua Winery featuring live music by Dusty Low. You're invited to support the family at 430 La Vina Road in Anthony, New Mexico from 2pm-5:30 pm.

To learn more about Emma, and make a donation, click here: http://give.curemito.org

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El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-September is PCOS awareness month. Dr. Ogechika Alozie explains that now is the time to spread the word about is condition and its challenges for women.

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EL PASO, Texas - The winners of the Sweet Play of the Week for week one of the high school football season went to the Coronado Thunderbirds.

In the game against the Burges Mustangs, Coronado's Mariano Fernandez came up with a big hit against a Burges player to force a fumble.

Coronado's Norman Montion then scooped up the ball and took it back for the Coronado touchdown.

As winners of the Sweet Play of the Week, the entire Coronado football team received a box of cupcakes courtesy of Albertsons.

The team is also recognized as this week's Community Champions.

Community Champions is sponsored by Albertsons and the El Paso Community Foundation.

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EL PASO (KVIA) --The El Paso Foundation had a special ceremony on Sept. 4th at El Paso Children's Hospital by dedicating a room in the name of 2-time cancer survivor Hailee Ozaeta. It was part of a $25,000 donation to help kickoff Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Hailee Ozaeta can't couldn't contain her emotions, as she cried in the arms of her father while she and her family congregated around the room dedicated in her name at El Paso Children's Hospital.

 "They've helped save my life so many time," said 15-year-old Hailey.

As a kid who suffered mightily from cancer, she was thrilled to join dozens of others for the ceremony, including U.S. veterans, law enforcement, and scores of volunteers as the room she spent countless hours in as a patient was given the official name in her honor saying: "Do Not Fear, For I Am With You -Isaiah 4:10, Hailee & The Ozaeta Family."

Hailee's mother, Sandra Ozaeta, said, "So this is an honor for us to be able to give back to the hospital that helped save her life," after talking about the $25,000 dollar donation to El Paso Children's Hospital.

Hailee is also grateful for her little sister, Josie, who helped save her life by being her bone marrow donor.

When ABC-7's Paul Cicala asked Josie if she felt like a hero for donating the life-saving bone marrow, she answered, "Yes, because I love my sister, and I've done everything for her. When she's in her ups and downs, I always cheer her up."

Hailee told ABC-7's Paul Cicala: "(El Paso Children's Hospital) means so much to me honestly, through mental and physical (struggles). They first help save my life. I'm here because of them,  Me and my family have been through so many things together that I never expected. For them to get that room that I was first diagnosed in, I'm just so blessed, that they were able to do that for us," added Hailee with a huge smile on her face as members of the Official American Legion Riders Chapter 36 El Paso surrounded her in support.  

"We are incredibly grateful to Hailee’s family for their generosity and for choosing to honor her journey in such a meaningful way," said Dr. B. Abigail Tarango, Executive Director of the El Paso Children’s Foundation. "Their contribution will have a lasting impact on the lives of many children and families who walk through these doors."

The non-profit also pointed out that the donation marks the beginning of a series of events planned by the El Paso Children’s Hospital Foundation throughout September to raise awareness and funds for pediatric cancer care and research.

People, Places & Paul stories can be seen periodically on KVIA ABC-7 and features many of the movers and shakers in our borderland.

ABC-7's Stephanie Valle also featured Hailee in a story back in 2019. You can see it here.

In Stephanie Valle's story, she touched on how it was in March of 2018, when Hailee was 8-years-old, and she was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It's a type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells. HERE'S MORE FROM STEPHANIE VALLE'S 2019 REPORT:

“I felt very sick. I felt weak,” Hailee told Valle at the time. “I felt like a weight on me. I would get a lot of headaches.

Her mother, Sandra Ozaeta, told ABC-7 that when doctors confirmed Hailee’s diagnosis, she didn’t tell her daughter.

“How do you tell your 8-year-old that she has cancer?” Sandra said.

But Hailee told ABC-7 that she learned anyway, through dreams based in her faith.

“There was this dark tunnel and I was walking to it,” Hailee said. “And there was this big light at the end. I see the Virgin Mary and she is in a burgundy thing with green, with her hands like this,” she said, gesturing with her palms up in her lap. “She didn’t use the word ‘cancer,’ but something told me in my heart that I had it,” Hailee said. “She was just telling me how I had to keep strong.”

“I wasn’t scared, I wasn’t crying, I wasn’t anything,” she added. “I just felt peaceful, and I knew that I was going to be OK. I just had that faith in me.”

Hailee said she did keep strong through chemotherapy and hair loss, but that kidney failure two months into her intense treatment brought another dream of a heavenly encounter.

“I had another dream,” Hailee told ABC-7. “There was God, but he was a figure of light.”​​​​​​​

She described seeing stairs blanketed with clouds and eating at a banquet with angels.

“We all ate tamales and Takis,” she said, laughing.

But then she said the tone of the dream turned more serious.

“This little (angel) broke his wing, and God touched it,” she said. “I was like, ‘What is that supposed to mean?’ And God said, ‘The same thing that I’m going to do to you.’ So he touched my kidneys. And that’s when I woke up.”​​​​​​​

She said that when she awoke, she was able to use the restroom — something that hadn’t been possible for a whole day due to her kidney failure.

In June 2018, her scans came back clean. She was cancer-free.

That summer, she attended a weeklong camp organized by Candlelighters of El Paso for kids who are battling or who overcame cancer.

“That was her first step out of the hospital,” Sandra said. “She was able to be a kid for a whole week.”​​​​​​​

When Hailee talked about camp, her face lit up. “My favorite thing was at the end — the dance. It was really fun this year,” she said while laughing.

With a year left of treatment, the fifth grader is dreaming of her future.

“I want to work at the children’s hospital for kids that have cancer,” Hailee said. “Now that I’ve been through this, I want to help other kids and tell my story to them and tell them that everything’s going to be OK.”​​​​​​​

Candlelighters of El Paso supports families who are fighting childhood cancer. In honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Candlelighters is hosting the Walk of Hope for families of fighters, survivors, and those who who lost their battle with cancer.

The post El Paso teen’s fight against cancer inspires other kids; Dedication of room at EP Children’s Hospital appeared first on KVIA.

Khairil Azhar Junos // Shutterstock

Where high-earning households are moving most

A U-haul trailer on the road near Apopka, FL in 2023.

When high earners move, they take their money with them. And because their budgets are much larger than most of the population, they can have an outsized effect on the local economy. Thus, states that attract high-earning households can gain an economic advantage over others. Many factors can drive high earners to move across state borders, including business opportunities, tax incentives and other conveniences.

With this in mind, SmartAsset examined the latest IRS data to find where households earning $200,000 annually or more are moving.

Key Findings

• Florida gained nearly 30,000 high-income households. Florida is the top state where high-income households are moving to with 29,771 net new returns. Texas ranks second for this metric, with a net addition of 8,260 high-earning households. 
• Money is moving to the Carolinas. North Carolina and South Carolina ranked third and fourth for most high-earning households moving in, with a net gain of 5,792 and 5,270 households, respectively. The average household income of high-earning households moving in is $456,000 for North Carolina and $501,000 for South Carolina. 
• California and New York lost the most high earners. California ranked last for the net number of high earners moving into the state, with a total loss of 24,670 high income households. While New York lost the second-most high-earning households, its figure is less than half of California’s loss, at -12,040 households. However, the high earners who did move into California and New York this time had a higher average adjusted gross income (AGI) than those who left.
• Fresh high-income transplants to Wyoming make nearly $1.6 million per year. The income of high-income households moving into Wyoming was just about triple that of those moving out ($535,000). The state ranked 21st overall with a net gain of 316 high-income households.

SmartAsset

10 States That Gained the Most High-Income Households

Table showing where high earning households are moving.

1. Florida

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 29,771
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 46,874
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 17,103
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $907,013
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $294,189

2. Texas

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 8,260
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 25,931
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 17,671
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $579,207
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $370,986

3. North Carolina

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 5,792
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 13,430
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 7,638
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $456,384
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $299,005

4. South Carolina

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 5,270
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 8,695
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 3,425
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $501,205
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $197,386

5. Arizona

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 4,365
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 11,041
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 6,676
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $561,112
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $328,474

6. Tennessee

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 4,320
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 8,786
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 4,466
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $586,256
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $268,316

7. Nevada

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 2,589
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 6,118
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 3,529
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $845,035
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $425,702

8. Idaho

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 2,113
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 3,540
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 1,427
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $494,497
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $190,606

9. Colorado

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 1,403
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 10,026
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 8,623
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $590,626
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $464,352

10. New Hampshire

• Net inflow of high-earning households: 1,104
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 2,981
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 1,877
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $619,679
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $387,142

10 States That Lost the Most High-Incomes Households

1. California

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -24,670
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 48,875
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 24,205
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $1,303,439
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $638,597

2. New York

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -12,040
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 29,869
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 17,829
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $1,194,676
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $719,123

3. Illinois

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -9,292
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 16,363
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 7,071
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $1,582,754
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $575,810

4. Massachusetts

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -4,392
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 11,810
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 7,418
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $990,970
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $701,116

5. New Jersey

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -3,863
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 15,661
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 11,798
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $892,971
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $533,027

6. Pennsylvania

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -2,417
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 10,950
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 8,533
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $734,519
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $515,809

7. Maryland

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -2,375
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 8,675
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 6,300
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $723,818
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $466,009

8. Virginia

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -2,375
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 12,691
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 10,316
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $588,569
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $436,370

9. Minnesota

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -1,784
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 4,929
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 3,145
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $950,019
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $450,349

10. Washington

• Net outflow of high-earning households: -1,579
• Outflow of high earners (number of returns): 13,393
• Inflow of high earners (number of returns): 11,814
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving out: $682,803
• Household income (AGI) for high earners moving in: $521,041

Data and Methodology

To determine where high-earning households are moving, SmartAsset reviewed the latest IRS data, which comes from the 2021-2022 tax year. High-earning households as those with adjusted gross incomes of $200,000 or more. The inflow of qualifying households in each state were compared to the outflows to determine net migration of high-earning households. The average AGI for high-earning households who moved during this tax year was also examined for each segment.

The post Where high-earning households are moving most appeared first on KVIA.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Stephanie Regalado has struggled with her weight since she was a teenager. As a result, Regalado suffered from asthma, sleep apnea and leg swelling.

“Summers were horrible for me. I was always inside. I didn't want to be outside. I would overheat. I just hated it,” she said. 

The 39-year-old decided to look into weight loss surgery after doctors diagnosed her as pre-diabetic. Regalado described this as a wake-up call, especially after losing her grandmother to diabetes.

"I looked into it, and I was ready to change my life," she said.

Regalado would undergo surgery, losing over 100 pounds as a result. The mother of two said the results were positive.

"Now I'm more outside. I can be with my boys. Waterparks were out there with swimming, exercise, more with my kids to trying to change their habits and everything."

“More energy. I have more energy to do stuff with them. I'm more energetic. I'm more available for them. Not always so tired," she said.

Dr. Benjamin Clapp, the medical director of The Hospitals of Providence Weight Loss Center West, explained that every patient must meet different criteria for undergoing these types of procedures.

"People suffer from, especially things like diabetes, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, urinary stress incontinence, arthritis, things like that. When we induce this weight loss of about 80 to 100 pounds, people get better from those problems. Their sleep apnea will resolve most of the time. Their diabetes should resolve depending on how long they've had it, how much insulin requirements they have right now. High blood pressure should get easier to control, so obesity is the root cause of many of these disease processes. And by striking at that root cause, we can we can make them better."

Dr. Clapp performed Regalado's surgery. He said she is one of countless success stories.

"She's had just astounding outcomes. Let me tell you the secret about Stephanie, which you may not come across on camera. She's a hard worker. She is a hard worker. She has adopted this wholeheartedly. She is 100% changed her life and adopted this new lifestyle. She uses this tool that we've provided her with daily, and she probably be the first one to tell you that this is a daily fight," he said.

The medical director said lifestyle changes must take place after surgery.

"If you're not maintaining your diet, if you're not changing your lifestyle, if you go back to old bad habits, then we can see people start to climb back up. Now that can take years to do, and about 10 to 15% of people will do that. Obesity is a chronic disease, is very hard to treat, and it takes often more than one modality. Not just surgery, but lifestyle change, diet, exercise,” Dr. Clapp said.

"Mentally, you have to change how you think about food. How, just be more active, thinking you're not going to go back to your old habits. It's still a lot of mental, but it's worth it," Regalado said.

She hopes her story will inspire others.

"This is like the way to go, like this will change your life for the better. There's no shame in it. I mean, it's a big push. It's a lot of work, but it's so worth it in the end.”

The post El Paso woman’s life transformed, credits weight loss surgery appeared first on KVIA.

otsphoto // Shutterstock

Most popular dog breeds in the US and the states where they’re #1

Golden Retriever holding American flag in mouth.

From bags of kibble in the grocery store to modern home sizes, things are getting smaller—and evidently, Americans are starting to look for furry friends that match. Small breeds like terriers and toys have largely dethroned the retrievers that once dominated the most popular breed rankings. This is a continuation of a trend that began in 2022 when the Labrador retriever lost its 31-year-long streak as #1 to the French bulldog, according to the American Kennel Club.

This shift may be partially attributable to the rising costs of pet products and veterinary care since smaller dogs are more economical for tighter budgets. Moreover, as remote work and nomadic living become increasingly more common, smaller dogs may appeal to those looking for pets that require less space and are easier to transport.

In fact, only two sporting dog breeds are the most popular in any American state—and neither is a Labrador retriever. The most popular dog overall represents 4% of all dogs in the country—constituting over 2.3 million out of 58 million households with dogs.

Ollie used data from U.S. News & World Report to further explore which dog breeds are the most popular in which states and what factors may drive residents’ preferences.

Canva

Chihuahua

Chihuahua puppy walking in grass.

Named after the northern Mexican state from which it originates, the Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed and one of the oldest, with a lineage that dates as far back as the ninth century. Today, the breed makes up a remarkable 4% of all dogs in the United States and is the most popular overall in 21 states. It ranks within the top five most common breeds in 42 states in total. Requiring just 200 to 250 calories per day but boasting a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, the Chihuahua offers owners low-cost longevity and is known for its adaptability and amusing personality.

Branislav Nenin // Shutterstock

French bulldog

Woman holding happy dog.

The French bulldog is a compact companion known for being friendly yet quiet, making it suitable for a range of lifestyles and homes. The breed has roots in the English bulldog, which was bred to a smaller size to accompany its working English owners, many of whom were artisans.

As such trades closed amid the Industrial Revolution, these workers and their little bulldogs moved to France, where the breed’s popularity began. The French developed a more standardized appearance which was iterated upon in the U.S. to develop the iconic bat ears. The breed has recently seen a massive increase in popularity, with AKC registrations surging by 1,000% between 2012 and 2022. Now, the French bulldog is the most popular dog in Florida, California, and Hawaii and is in the top five most common dogs in nearly half the remaining states.

PeopleImages.com – Yuri A

Golden retriever

Person walking four golden retrievers in the park.

With webbed paws and an affinity for water, golden retrievers are lucky pups to be the favored breed of the Midwest. They are the most popular dogs in states bordering the Great Lakes—Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio; the entirety of the New England region minus Rhode Island; plus North Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Virginia.

The iconic golden breed was developed in 19th-century Scotland to retrieve both from land and water during hunts, hence its swimming-related adaptations. Golden retrievers are known for their affectionate nature and eagerness to please, making them well-suited for service and other working dog roles.

ANNA TITOVA // Shutterstock

German shepherd

German shepherd running in grass.

As loyal as they are intelligent, German shepherds are among the favored breeds for guide, military, police, and search and rescue roles. The breed, which first arrived in America in the early 20th century, also enjoys peak popularity in Alaska, Montana, Wyoming, Delaware, and Pennsylvania. Athletic in nature, the breed requires lots of exercise, making them well-suited for homes with or near lots of open land. They are also well-adapted to cold temperatures and harsher climates due to their thick double coats of fur.

Canva

Shih tzu

Shih tzu with hair in bow sitting in grass.

The shih tzu, whose name means “lion” in Chinese, is king of the Empire State (New York) as well as Iowa, Rhode Island, and New Jersey. Roughly a quarter of New York state residents live in apartments, making the dog that averages 9 to 16 pounds perfect for compact households. Despite being known for its playfulness, the breed does not require much physical activity or space. The breed dates back over 1,000 years but was first brought to America surprisingly recently, following World War II. According to the American Kennel Club, every shih tzu alive today has direct lineage to just 14 shih tzus that were saved when the breed nearly went extinct during the Communist revolution.

Cavan-Images // Shutterstock

Goldendoodle

Goldendoodle laying on couch.

Representing the best of both worlds, the golden retriever and poodle hybrid is known for its friendly, sociable demeanor and trainability. Bred to be guide dogs in the 1960s, the hybrid is not recognized as an official breed by the AKC, so there is no breed standard. Goldendoodles can thus range from mini-sized to about 90 pounds and may have fur that is curly, straight, or somewhere in between. While not official, the family-friendly dog has left paw prints all over the country, ranking in the top five most popular dogs in 37 states. In Idaho and Utah, the goldendoodle is the most popular overall.

Anna Averianova // Shutterstock

Yorkshire terrier

Yorkshire terrier sitting in crocus flowers.

Maxing out at just 7 pounds, the Yorkshire terrier is the most popular breed among Maryland and Washington D.C. residents. This is not necessarily surprising considering the housing stock of the nation’s capital is comprised mostly of apartment units, making the pint-sized pup perfect for metropolitans. The toy breed was bred to chase rats out of mines and mills in 19th-century England, arriving in North America in the 1870s and gaining official recognition by the AKC in 1885. Now, the breed is among the top five most common dogs in 26 states. The breed is a true terrier at heart, known for its feisty yet affectionate nature.’

Additional research by Eliza Siegel. Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Tim Bruns.

This story originally appeared on Ollie and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

The post Most popular dog breeds in the US and the states where they're #1 appeared first on KVIA.

Petrovich Nataliya // Shutterstock

The US leads the world in fruit and nut imports, but is our out-of-season produce hurting the planet?

Person holding avocado in market.

Even in the dead of winter, American shoppers are treated to a cornucopia of choice in the grocery aisles. Peruvian grapes, Costa Rican pineapples, Mexican strawberries—many pantry staples begin their journeys to American tables thousands of miles away.

In 2022, more than half of the fruits and nuts consumed by Americans are imported, based on the latest USDA data. What’s more, just one trading partner makes up close to 48% of fruit and nut import value. Who else made it to the list? Using 2023 Census data, Live It Up broke down the top countries that provide fresh fruit and nuts to U.S. consumers.

Though farm-to-table and slow food movements have been buzzwords in the industry, imports have been steadily increasing over the past decades, aided by a number of factors, including better transportation infrastructure, container shipping, and storage technology. An increasingly diverse American population has also brought a more global diet that includes fruits such as avocados and papayas. But, it is legislation that has had a large impact on what shoppers can purchase.

The North American Free Trade Agreement, which came into effect in 1994, eliminated import and export tariffs from goods traded between the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, ushering in a new era of free trade. It also granted each country “most-favored-nation” status for trading.

NAFTA gave U.S. consumers unprecedented access to year-round warm climates for growing fresh produce, which made way for a surge of fruits and nuts from abroad. Whereas, in 2008, imports accounted for nearly 36% of fruit and nuts in value, they accounted for nearly 60% by 2022. 

Easy access to produce grown in tropical climates has also coincided with changing taste buds in the U.S. For example, after NAFTA came into force, the amount of avocados available per person—an indicator of consumption—tripled to nearly 8 pounds as of 2021. 

In 2023, the U.S. imported $22.37 billion worth of fruits and nuts, but only exported about $14.87 billion. The large deficit stems from fruit as opposed to nuts. According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, the U.S. is the world’s largest exporter of nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, and walnuts. In 2022, the U.S. exported a total of $8.33 billion of nuts around the world and imported $989 million. Mexico was the largest partner and accounted for $478 million of imports.

Live It Up

Mexico is the main source of US fruit and nut imports

Table showing that the U.S. looks to Latin America for fruit and nut supply. Five countries accounted for 78% of U.S. fruit and nut imports in 2023. These countries are Mexico (47%), Peru (11%), Chile (8%), Guatemala (7%), Costa Rica (5%).

Mexico is not just the largest market for U.S. nuts; the country, in turn, outpaces other food and nut partners in American groceries. Shoppers frequently purchase avocados from Mexico, but also raspberries, strawberries, grapes, lemons, and limes. Factors such as proximity to the U.S. via a shared land border, tropical climate, and relatively low labor costs contribute to Mexico’s status as a top U.S. trading partner.

Although NAFTA brought many benefits, such as increasing variety in U.S. supermarkets and boosting investment and trade between its member states, some of its broader effects may not be so palatable. For example, the presence of U.S. companies in Mexico has increased fertilizer and chemical-related pollution and deforestation rates, contributing to global warming. Increased import of goods has also led to more carbon emissions. A study published in June 2022 in Nature Food reported that transporting food accounts for around 19% of total food-system emissions.

Transportation is just one facet of the discussion, however, as sustainability expert Pablo Päster explained on Treehugger. There is also the suitability of growing fruits in their natural climates to consider.

“[The] net emissions will likely favor the imports because non-tropical climates simply do not support the efficient production of tropical fruits,” Päster wrote. Using fertilizers and pesticides, watering requirements, and greenhouse infrastructure to grow tropical fruits domestically all add to its emissions—additions that may not be needed when fruit production happens in the proper climate.

From a nutritional perspective, it is easy to see how increased availability and consumption of fresh produce positively impacts health. Yet, while U.S. consumers may benefit from the increased availability of fruits and nuts, some argue that free trade may have had the opposite impact on partner countries. Mexico has ended up importing more unhealthy processed foods. Some critics also note that Mexico missed a window for more development by removing industry protections without a guarantee of investments from its richer partners. The U.S., too, saw its manufacturing jobs move south across the border.

In 2020, NAFTA was replaced with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. USMCA is in many ways an extension of NAFTA in that it places zero tariffs on the same agricultural products while providing broader opportunities for U.S. exports to Canada of dairy, poultry, and egg products. This means that even though NAFTA is no longer with us, trends in the trade of fruit and nuts are likely to continue.

Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.

This story originally appeared on Live It Up and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

The post The US leads the world in fruit and nut imports, but is our out-of-season produce hurting the planet? appeared first on KVIA.

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV) — Alexis Orate's niece, Bridges, died from D.R.E.S.S. Syndrome when she was 11 years old. According to the Jama Network, D.R.E.S.S affects adults and children and can be associated with harm or even death. It usually occurs 2 to 8 weeks after beginning to take a medication. Around 1 in 1000 people taking specific drugs develop DRESS.

Dr. Ogechika Alozie is an infectious disease internist in El Paso, Texas. He said, "Drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS) is a severe adverse drug reaction characterized by an extensive skin rash in association with visceral organ involvement, lymphadenopathy, eosinophilia, and atypical lymphocytosis." He said, "Unfortunately, even though it is caused by a drug, typically antibiotics and anti-epileptics in kids, even when the drug is stopped, it can continue and wreak havoc on the body. Even though it is called eosinophilia, the real issue is the immune system going hyper-responsive to a new medication/drug."

"I don't think the eosinophilia part matters in this topic since they're elevated, but the main thing is the immune response," Alozie said.

Alexis Orate wrote the book about her niece, Balloon Bridges, hoping people could find comfort in her words. She explains that the story is about loss and love. It provides a comforting reminder that we never forget our loved ones.

Interested in purchasing Balloon Bridges:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/71498104-balloon-bridges

https://a.co/d/5OPfxHf

The post El Paso author discusses ‘Balloon Bridges,’ a story inspired by niece, who died from D.R.E.S.S. Syndrome  appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Christopher Martin, an El Paso teacher with 24 years of experience, is celebrating significant regional recognition.

After coming close to winning several times, Martin has been named Region 19’s Teacher of the Year, covering part of West Texas.

He teaches at Col. John O. Ensor Middle School and is known for his student-centered approach, focusing on making kids feel happy and respected.

Martin will now compete for Texas Teacher of the Year and potentially National Teacher of the Year.

The post El Paso teacher Christopher Martin’s 24-year journey leads to regional recognition appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- As black business month comes to a close, we are highlighting JMM Fusion Gallery, a place art lovers can go to see wood carvings, pastels, yarn art, jewelry, paintings and more. The unique thing about all of the pieces, no matter the medium, is that they are all made by black artists. It's the passion project of Kimberly McDaniel, who happens to be an artist in her own right. She's proud of this tribute to her heritage.

"We see enough despair ad diversity. This is more of a smile," McDaniel says. "I am aware that African Americans make up 7% of the population and representation is slim to none." Her goal? To depict art and life of African, Black American, and those who recognize they're African American in a positive light.

JMM Fusion gallery fills the lower level of an historic home at 2429 Montana. Pieces from Nigeria, Ghana, Malawi, the US, and right here in El Paso cover the walls.

For McDaniel, it's all about family. The gallery is named after and officially owned by her grandbabies: Justice, Mia, and Misa. McDaniels' father was an artist, and her mother was a musician. McDaniels is both - she plays the flute, and she makes jewelry, which she sells in the gallery. She honors the memories of those who came before her, and relishes this opportunity to remember her culture, while following her passion. She loves sitting quietly, taking in the art. She also loves forging relationships with her customers, with art bringing them together.

"It breaks down a barrier. It makes everyone more comfortable.  It's almost like the family just got huge," McDaniels says.

The post A visit to El Paso’s only black art gallery appeared first on KVIA.

Photo illustration by Michael Flocker // Stacker // Getty Images

Beyond blokecore: Why the intersection of football and fashion is more than a fad

Photo cut outs of six adults in blokecore fashion against a grayscale background of a New York City street.

Old-school soccer jerseys, bucket hats, tracksuits, and, most often, Adidas Sambas. Welcome to yet another core trend at the top of your FYP on TikTok: blokecore. Borrowing from the British colloquial term “bloke,” meaning “guy,” “man,” or “friends,” the fashion trend is built around turning football kits (“soccer uniforms” for those of us on the other side of the Atlantic) into everyday wear. It’s British football fan culture with a fashionable flair. Best of all, it’s comfort wrapped up in style. The RealReal explores the blokecore trend, how to wear it, and the hidden histories that preceded it, with help from Vogue, Vice, and Refinery29.

Blokecore has seemingly modern roots. American TikTok creator Brandon Huntley helped popularize the term in 2021 when a friend wrote “bloke” under one of his posts as a joke. The term, and the fashion sensibility, spread from there.

“Everyone’s got their Adidas shorts on, the jerseys are everywhere,” Texan-raised, London-based stylist Katelyn Cutbirth told Stacker. “I mean, it’s absolutely taking over.” Fashion brands like Etro and Venezia are getting into the action by incorporating football elements into their collections. Streetwear names like Supreme and Kith have also leaned into the trend if their drops are any indication.

One notable name in fashion has certainly done his part in pushing blokecore’s popularity: iconoclast designer Demna, who brought the Eastern European aesthetic of his youth as a Georgian refugee to high fashion. His aesthetic often resulted in unusual pairings, sometimes pairing sports with evening attire. It was less of a fashion statement and more visual evidence of geopolitical trauma.

The creative director of couture powerhouse Balenciaga since 2015, Demna revealed designs for a fictional Balenciaga Football Club, including jerseys, puffer jackets, and football shoes in 2020.

“Footballers and priests were what I grew up with in Georgia,” Demna told British Vogue after the show. Years later, in 2024, football continues to inspire the designer with a limited-edition line of jerseys and track pants emblazoned with the Balenciaga logo in neon yellow, pink, and bright white. With Balenciaga and other fashion lines fanning the blokecore flame, football club fortunes have followed.

The RealReal

Revenues for European soccer kits rise

Bar chart showing the top European football clubs that make the most money from kit and merchandising sales in 2023. FC Barcelona and Real Madrid lead followed by FC Bayern Munich and then Liverpool.

Blokecore, as a trend, has resulted in a financial windfall for many of the world’s top soccer clubs or teams. Firms like FC Barcelona and FC Bayern Munich have retailed almost $200 million and $160 million in team attire sales alone. In Europe, kits are big business.

Revenues from merchandising are now 60% above 2019 levels, according to the Union of European Football Associations, which governs professional European football. In 2022 (the latest available data), the top 20 clubs generated about 1.2 billion euros in kit and merchandising sales.

The most popular teams based on kit and merchandising sales also happen to be the clubs that earn the most revenue with the addition of well-supported teams. 

Real Madrid (#2 on the list of top earners in kit and merchandising) placed first in total revenues in 2023 at 841 million euros. Manchester United placed fifth when it came to kit and merchandising revenue, as well as total revenue with 747 million euros in revenue for 2023. FC Barcelona, the top earner in kit and merchandising sales, came in third by total revenue with 815 million euros. 

Christian Vierig // Getty Images

Blokecore’s erased traditions

A person, seen only from the shoulders down, wears yellow Balenciaga bag with accessories, football jersey outside.

Blokecore feels fresh and new, yet like many things in fashion, its roots go further back than most imagine. One can see threads of this trend when looking at the clothes of popular culture from the early aughts. At that time, fashion was consumed by trucker hats, expensive, logo-defined designer bags, low-rise cut pants, and a sweaty-but-chic sensibility. (Think Christina Aguilera’s “Dirrty” era.) Generation Z, young children back then, are now young adults revisiting those early looks of their youth like every generation has done.

“It’s this new mixture of using [soccer] jerseys and the same [Adidas] Sambas and the football shorts, but then mixing it with hyper-feminine, coquette-style [elements]. So girls will wear a little peasant top or a peasant skirt or a mini skirt or like their ballet flats, but with the soccer jerseys and stuff. It’s really cute,” Cutbirth told Stacker. “Girls will wear bows in their hair or Mary Janes and a cute little mini bag. I think that’s kind of how you can elevate it as well. Because you’ll wear a little Prada bag, but with the jersey and the Adidas shorts. It’s kind of high-low dressing.”

Though Demna was able to polish this trend and present it on the runway, blokecore is a style that sits firmly with the working class. In British culture, the bloke is an everyman who sits in a pub with a drink in hand, cheering his team on. Predictably, this unaffected character is what many trendsetters try to evoke whenever they pair their kits with the latest kicks.

Team pride doesn’t just exist in European countries, however. “Throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, and Latine U.S.A, Latines are always representing where they’re from—in and outside of their respective homelands—through sports jerseys. For decades, Black and Latina women have stylized fútbol, baseball, basketball, and hockey jerseys, turning our ‘hoods into fashion and identity statements,” Refinery29 writer Ashley Garcia Lezcano explained.

Lezcano further makes the case for renaming the trend “block-core,” which references the urban dwellings (like New York City, Los Angeles, and Orlando) where this trend was alive and well before its official codification.

British blokes have long used soccer as an element of dress. But it is also true that the bubbling Black and Latine cultures in cities across North and South America have concurrently used soccer motifs as a tool of daily dress and expression that shouldn’t be buried under the Eurocentric term “bloke.”

Story editing by Carren Jao. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.

This story originally appeared on The RealReal and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

The post Beyond blokecore: Why the intersection of football and fashion is more than a fad appeared first on KVIA.

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—The Canutillo Independent School District is thrilled to announce the grand opening of the Employee Development Service (EDS) Goodwill Store at Canutillo High School, a student-operated store on campus.

The store, developed through a partnership between CISD and Goodwill Industries of El Paso, aims to provide special-education students with invaluable job skills and real-world experience. Students will staff the store, gaining hands-on training in retail operations, customer service, and inventory management — all within a supportive learning environment.

The store will offer a variety of goods, including gently used clothing, accessories, and household items. All proceeds from the sales will be reinvested into the program to enhance students' learning experiences further and provide additional resources for their development. A Goodwill donation bin will be housed at the Canutillo High School campus to support the training store. Donations are encouraged and welcomed.

Store hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4 p.m., closed 11:30 a.m. - noon, Mon. -Thurs.

https://www.canutillo-isd.org/post-details/~board/what-s-new/post/cisd-goodwill-partner-to-train-special-ed-students-at-on-campus-store

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EL PASO, Texas - The Franklin volleyball team is off to a strong start this season.

The Cougars had a great showing at a state tournament in New Braunfels over the weekend.

The Cougars finished second in the tournament after losing the championship match to the number one ranked team in Class 6A, Dripping Springs High School.

But on their path to the tournament final, the Cougars knocked off some other top teams that included Georgetown High School.

Georgetown was undefeated entering their semi-final match against the Franklin Cougars.

For their accomplishment, the Franklin volleyball team is this week's Community Champions.

Community Champions is sponsored by Albertsons and the El Paso Community Foundation.

The post Community Champions: Franklin volleyball team has great showing at state tournament appeared first on KVIA.

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—Meridian Medical & Associates, a local veteran and minority-owned clinic will host a Health expo to honor veterans in the El Paso community. Veterans.

The expo will be held on September 7th, 2024, at Meridian Medical and Associates LLC, 1900 N Mesa Suite B, El Paso, TX 79902.

They will also be accepting canned food and monetary donations. The money received will go to a local organization that helps feed the community and veterans.

The post ABC-7 at 4: Meridian Medical & Associates to host Health Expo honoring local Veterans appeared first on KVIA.

moveBuddha

Hottest family-friendly cities in the US that offer safe neighborhoods, affordable housing, good schools

A triptych graphic illustration shows a house on the left, a child with a backpack walking with an adult in the center, and stacked moving boxes with a teddy bear on the right.

Hollywood has long had a vision of what a great American town looks like. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “Pleasantville,” the cities emblazoned in our minds as nurturing spots to settle down and raise families all have a triad of things in common: single-family homes, low crime, and great schools.

With the median home price creeping to $420,000 this spring, more Americans are wondering where they can get a slice of that dream, so moveBuddha crunched the numbers to see where it’s still in reach.

moveBuddha looked for American cities where people want to move that also have a median home price under the national median, with A- or B-grade crime rates and schools. In total, 16 cities meet that criteria. If you’re looking for that ideal combination of affordable homes, safe streets, and educational excellence, consider these all-American towns. And who knows? Your new digs may even come with a block party and a picket fence.

Big Takeaways:

• Broken Arrow, OK, with a median home price of $275,192, is the lowest-priced town in America where you’ll find low crime and great schools.
• 15 of the 16 cities are in the South. The only outlier? That’s Ankeny, IA.
• With 4 cities on the list, Texas proves it can keep home costs and crime low and still help local kids become a future Aggie or Longhorn. 3 are near Houston.
• New Braunfels, TX, and Clayton, NC, are the most popular — both have more than 2 in-moves for every exit.
• 2 cities get an A+ for education: #6 Edmond, OK, and #7 Katy, TX.

moveBuddha

Family-friendly cities people are moving to this year, with homes under $420k

Map showing data on 16 affordable family-friendly cities people are moving to in 2024.

With housing up 60% over the past ten years, even when adjusting for inflation, fewer Americans can hope to achieve the so-called American dream. In fact, a recent analysis of real estate prices found that just 15.5% of homes for sale were affordable to the average American household, and the average age of a first-time home-buyer has risen from 29 in 1981 to 36 today. Where are young families (and families-to-be) to go? 

Starting with a list of the 188 most desired cities to move to in 2024, all with 1.25 new residents searching to move in for every one who wants to leave, moveBuddha uncovered the places in America people want to move to right now.

From there, median home cost (Zillow), crime and education scores (Niche) were analyzed. Only 16 total cities had top crime and school scores coupled with below-median home prices.

Southern destinations dominate 2024’s affordable family-friendly cities

Broken Arrow, OK, finishes first overall, with a low median home price 42% less than the national median. Homes in Tulsa’s star suburb cost more than homes in the city itself, but you’ll get A-grade schools in a large district with more clubs and sports than other areas and a nationally recognized marching band.

Other top cities with the lowest home prices are #2 Huntsville, AL, and #3 Orange Park, FL.

Though Broken Arrow’s B- crime score feels low, 13 of the 16 winning cities score B-, and just three make it into B-territory, making A-grade safety unattainable at this price point everywhere in America.

Overall, 15 of the top 16 cities are located in the South. While Texas boasts four of the affordable cities, Florida takes three, and Alabama, Georgia, and Oklahoma are home to two apiece. There’s a single outlier: Ankeny, IA.

#8 New Braunfels, TX, and #10 Clayton, NC, are the most popular move-to destinations. However, if home supply doesn’t keep pace with demand, they could be erased from the winner’s list in future years. In both cities, more than two people move in for every move-out.

Want the best schools overall? There are two A+ schools on the list: #6 Edmond, OK, and #7 Katy, TX. With median home costs in the mid-$300K range, it will cost new residents roughly 23% more than #1 Broken Arrow to hit the books here.

The 16 most affordable family-friendly cities

1. Broken Arrow, OK

Median home price: $275,192
In-to-out move ratio: 1.88
Population (2023 est): 119,194
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A- 

Just outside of Tulsa, Broken Arrow, OK, has the lowest median home price on the list. The school district offers full-day pre-K, so parents won’t just save on daycare—they’ll also prime their kids to enter kindergarten in a town that’s catching the attention of “best places” lists with its revitalized Rose District, complete with murals, eateries, and a local performing arts center.

2. Huntsville, AL

Median home price: $281,657
In-to-out move ratio: 1.33
Population (2023 est): 225,564
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: B+ 

It seems like the space race is still landing tons of young families in this affordable, safe town. Rocket City is known for its aerospace industry, but it’s earning accolades for its low housing costs. Its vibrant downtown, with its genteel Big Spring Park, eclectic Lowe Mill ARTS & Entertainment, and an antebellum historic district, is capped by views of majestic Monte Sano Mountain.

3. Orange Park, FL

Median home price: $326,261
In-to-out move ratio: 1.54
Population (2023 est): 9,064
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A 

A serene riverfront beauty in southwest Jacksonville, Orange Park offers a small-town vibe with grade-A schools and the third-lowest housing median in the field. Commune with neighbors at fairs like the annual Fall Festival, and when you’re itching for a big-city experience, you’ll find it right over the bridge in Jacksonville.

4. Daphne, AL

Median home price: $328,215
In-to-out move ratio: 1.54
Population (2023 est): 30,321
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A 

Across Mobile Bay from lower Alabama’s urban hub, “Jubilee City” is a ~27,000-resident town that houses one of the Eastern Shore’s two international baccalaureate programs in its Blue Ribbon school. All that in a town with bayside boardwalks and drop-dead sunsets.

5. Ankeny, IA

Median home price: $333,385
In-to-out move ratio: 1.35
Population (2023 est): 74,458
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A 

This Iowa enclave has sprouted a bustling Uptown with quaint breweries and boutiques, as well as a popular walkable development where housing, coffee, and the gym are all clustered in one liveable neighborhood. Like Daphne, AL, Ankeny is a Blue Ribbon school (one of just five in Iowa), and bonus: it’s just down the road from Des Moines.

6. Edmond, OK

Median home price: $343,655
In-to-out move ratio: 1.42
Population (2023 est): 98,103
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A+

Oklahoma’s North Side heavy-hitter is the list’s first A+ school district, known for its high graduation rates and multiple high schools ranked among the best in the country. Edmond itself isn’t slacking, either: It’s ranked the #1 place to live in Oklahoma, and has some of the city’s chicest restaurants so you won’t have to make the trek downtown.

7. Katy, TX

Median home price: $353,735
In-to-out move ratio: 1.76
Population (2023 est): 26,360
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A+ 

Start home shopping in the other A+ school district city on the list, and find the best district in Houston along with a city dedicated to making things easy for families: Let the kids blow off some steam at Katy’s huge indoor slide park, water park, and the free mini-golf course at Mary Jo Peckham Park. Add the shopping districts full of “pocket parks,” and you can’t help but notice how Katy’s setting kids up for success.

8. New Braunfels, TX

Median home price: $361,958
In-to-out move ratio: 2.67
Population (2023 est): 110,958
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A-

No other city on the list has such a high move-in rate: For every 2.67 people who move to New Braunfels, just one moves out. That means that the city’s affordable housing price is precarious (it has already risen 34% in the city over the past five years). Maybe it’s so popular because you can tube, kayak, and fish in the Comal and Guadalupe rivers or slip and cool down at one of the country’s biggest waterparks. Just don’t expect its prices or small-town charm to last.

9. Simpsonville, SC

Median home price: $366,320
In-to-out move ratio: 1.36
Population (2023 est): 27,506
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A-

South of popular Greenville, Simpsonville is in South Carolina’s verdant upstate, with high schools in South Carolina’s top 10% coupled with home prices 28% lower than the national average. You’ll get more space and a bigger yard for your money than in Greenville, but in 2023’s most moved-to state, you’ll contend with housing prices that have risen 51% over the past five years.

10. Clayton, NC

Median home price: $372,892
In-to-out move ratio: 2.03
Population (2023 est): 30,216
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: B+

One of Raleigh’s hottest towns, Clayton, is attracting new residents with its charming downtown and low real estate costs compared to other Research Triangle cities. The trade-off is a commute; Clayton’s new housing can be a 30-minute drive to jobs in Raleigh, so the cozy enclave retains an aura of small-town safety. Additionally, the school district, serving all of Johnson County, makes up almost half of the most improving North Carolina schools.

11. Vero Beach, FL

Median home price: $379,317
In-to-out move ratio: 1.36
Population (2023 est): 17,317
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A-

Florida’s Treasure Coast is home to one of its own treasures: a town that’s been voted one of the “100 Best Art Towns in America,” but with some of its most affordable real estate in a growing location with great schools and safe streets. Its cool Spanish-style arts and entertainment district has independent shops and restaurants. With a limited job market and an untenable commute to either Fort Lauderdale or Orlando, Vero Beach is living its best beach lifestyle and keeping it affordable.

12. Montgomery, TX

Median home price: $389,571
In-to-out move ratio: 1.51
Population (2023 est): 2,769
Crime & Safety Score: B
Public Schools Score: A

If it weren’t for the price, this town of ~50,000 residents may be the list’s overall winner. One of only three B-grade safety cities on the list, it edges out the other contenders while maintaining an “A” in education, all in a historical stagecoach town near Lake Conroe where police are responsive, and half of residents say they feel “very safe.”

13. Richmond, TX

Median home price: $391,874
In-to-out move ratio: 1.61
Population (2023 est): 12,816
Crime & Safety Score: B
Public Schools Score: B+ 

The Houston area’s third contribution to the list, Richmond is a diverse city with ranching roots, a community farm, and the space to grow — fast. Richmond’s housing prices have shot up 48% since 2019, and the county is expected to double its population by 2050. The schools are keeping up, with Foster High School in the top 5% of schools in Texas.

14. Punta Gorda, FL

Median home price: $406,095
In-to-out move ratio: 1.84
Population (2023 est): 20,227
Crime & Safety Score: B
Public Schools Score: A-

Port Charlotte’s growing urban area includes popular Punta Gorda, famous for its network of canals and a paradise for boaters. It must be a paradise for many other people, too: Real estate prices have jumped 63% since 2019. Buy a home here before those prices rise more, and you’ll be rewarded with one of three top “B” safety grades on the list of affordable cities.

15. Kennesaw, GA

Median home price: $414,820
In-to-out move ratio: 1.35
Population (2023 est): 34,683
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A

You’ll find a rich Civil War history and an even richer park system in this northwest suburb of Atlanta with one of the largest and best school districts in the state — its schools boast STEM, arts, and other diverse programs. And while you’re living in the second most expensive city on the list, Atlanta salaries make the costs comparable: the average salary in Atlanta is $56,297, while in #1 Broken Arrow, that figure is $42,219.

16. Acworth, GA

Median home price: $418,511
In-to-out move ratio: 1.72
Population (2023 est): 22,379
Crime & Safety Score: B-
Public Schools Score: A- 

Just beyond Kennesaw, on the shores of Lake Acworth, you’ll find another town vying for the area title of safest affordable enclave with great schools. “The Lake City” is a charming railroad town capitalizing on real estate prices coming just below the national median.

Conclusion

Ultimately, safe, affordable towns with great schools are rare.

Only 16 of these hidden treasures in the entire US are on the radar of Americans looking to move. Others may be scattered across the nation, but remain hidden family-safe havens for local residents.

And with so much overlap between towns on the list and the country’s most popular move-to states, young families shouldn’t expect supply to keep pace with demand for long. After all, these cities check three huge boxes for new movers. As each town is discovered, its affordability wanes, and the reasonable home prices that now define it are threatened. Soon, there may be no safe, affordable towns with great schools at all.

So, if a classic American town is what you’re looking for, ignore the line of moving trucks behind you, pre-order your picket fence, and snag a home in a city on this elite list while you still can.

Methodology

moveBuddha started with the latest mover data from its Moving Cost Calculator, capturing user searches made at any time from Jan. 1 through June 28, 2024.

The list was limited to cities with at least 1.25 new residents moving in for every one that leaves, and with 25 or more searches for both moves in and out.

That left 188 of this year’s most desirable move-to cities.

From there, the cities were analyzed for:

Affordability: Using median home cost in May 2024 (Zillow)
Safety & Crime: Using the Niche grade for each city, and only including cities with A or B (Niche)
Public School: Using the Niche grade, and only including cities with scores of A or B (Niche)

To highlight the most affordable cities, the list was limited to cities offering median homes less than $420,000. This was based on a recent NAR report finding that the U.S. median home sales have reached a record high of $419,000.

Only 16 cities had top crime and school scores coupled with below-median home prices.

Population data is sourced from the US Census 2023 annual estimates.

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SOCORRO, Texas (KVIA) -- The City of Socorro said it has been receiving calls from concerned residents regarding a large number of Red Flour Beetles in the area.

Several residents have told ABC-7 the problem has been seen throughout the community for over three weeks and they are growing tired of it.

Ciana Chambers, who has been living in Socorro for over 10 years, said this is the first year she has seen these bugs in her home.

"The vents, through the windows, through the sink, through the tub, like they're just coming from everywhere," said Chambers.

Chambers said since she has started seeing these beetles in her home, she now cleans daily. Though, she said it hasn't made a difference.

"I was away from home for maybe about one day and a half, and I came home and they were all in my bed," she said. "My daughter is afraid of sleeping in the bed. She doesn't go to sleep quickly because she feels like they are around her."

Entomology Specialist at New Mexico State University Dr. Joanie King told ABC-7 while they are invasive and a nuisance, they are not dangerous to the public.

"The only thing is that some people might be allergic to them," Dr. King explained.

Dr. King said one of the reasons we may be seeing these insects are due to the weather or an infestation that spread to the community.

"One reason is that they are looking for shelter indoors because it's so hot outside. So they're looking for places to live and feed. There may have also been locally, a like, maybe a farmer's market where they were selling some sort of stored product and it had an infestation," said Dr. King.

The City of Socorro gave the following tips:

PREVENTION

The city said there are ways to prevent infestations from happening:

• Weather seal the bottom of doors.
• Caulk all cracks around windows and gaps in entry or exit holes in exterior walls for appliances and plumbing.
• Put fine mesh screen on roof vents, and any under-home access points.

TREATMENT

The city also provided tips on how to treat infestations that have already occurred:

• Spray a pyrethroid insecticide to exterior parts of the home.
• Turn off all exterior lights if possible.
• Keep windows closed, unless the screen has finer-type mesh than a standard window screen.
• Spray perimeters with synthetic pyrethroids or pyrethrins.
• WARNING: Do not use insecticides in food preparation areas, and only use those labeled for indoor use.
• Throw away infested food.
• Empty the area where you store food and vacuum. Wash shelves, drawers and corners with hot water and soap. You can also check for hidden areas under or around appliances.

Other residents who have been experiencing the same issues, tell ABC-7 they want answers from the city.

"Once it's the whole area of Socorro, what's going on? That's my concern. What made these things come to Socorro?," added Luz Onserez, Socorro resident.

ABC-7 has reached out to the City of Socorro for comment, and are awaiting a response.

The post “They come from everywhere”: Socorro resident’s growing frustration with Red Flour Beetle infestation appeared first on KVIA.

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—Have you ever wanted to work for the FBI? Now is you chance. The FBI will hold a Diversity Recruiting event on Friday, September 6th, from 3 pm to 6 pm at UTEP’s Natural Gas Convention Center.

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The post DESERT IMAGING – Prostate Cancer Awareness Month | $200 Desert Imaging Gift Card & Loco SmartTemp Griddle appeared first on KVIA.

Victoria Lytvyn // Shutterstock

5 of the biggest interior design trends of 2024 so far

Bedroom with peach color headboard and plaster accent wall.

When Neil Armstrong stepped foot on the moon for the first time in 1969, Space Age design had already taken hold. As the space race between the U.S. and the former Soviet Union heated up in the late ’50s, futuristic aesthetics proliferated, not only in science fiction films but also in interior spaces. Furniture design used new materials, bold colors, and innovative shapes inspired by rocket ships and UFOs.

Cultural events and values tend to influence design movements throughout history, from the optimistic and prosperous 1920s and its adoption of art deco style to the pared-down, somewhat bland ’90s minimalism that marked the backlash to the exuberant, baroque excess of the ’80s.

What’s hot in interior design at any given time has everything to do with current events, nostalgia, economic trends, and available resources. To determine what’s trending this year, Lazzoni Modern Furniture dove into industry research and social media crazes to highlight five of the biggest interior design trends of 2024.

Uniting these trends is a sense of coziness that can be traced to both the COVID-19 pandemic, when our home environments became more important than ever, and the tumultuous political landscape of an election year. In the face of uncertainty about the future, it’s natural that people want to create comfortable, playful domestic spaces.

Alim Yakubov // Shutterstock

Warm tones

Peach color palette and paint swatches.

Ultra-modern cool tones are out, and yellows, pinks, oranges, and deep browns are in for 2024.

With Pantone choosing soft Peach Fuzz as its color of the year, and trend forecasting company WGSN opting for a slightly richer Apricot Crush, interior designers are embracing colors that create a restorative mood. Whether used as a wall color that enhances the warmth of a sunlit room, or for a pop of color with pillows or other home accents, warm tones can add energy to various spaces.

If you gravitate more toward neutrals, tastemakers in both fashion and interior design are leaning into “latte dressing,” a colloquialism popularized on social media to describe layers of warm brown tones in an outfit or an interior space that exudes coziness.

Pinkystock // Shutterstock

Quiet luxury

Expansive living room with contemporary furniture and marble wall fireplace.

This trend is defined by sophisticated, classic silhouettes; fine fabrics; and comfortable, made-to-last pieces that won’t fall apart within a year or two. In other words, flashy accents and fast furniture are out. Quiet luxury prizes timelessness over trendiness and quality over impulse buying a cheap version of the next hot thing, making it an ecological and economical choice.

Although getting in on the quiet luxury trend can cost a pretty penny, it doesn’t have to break the bank. Searching for well-preserved secondhand pieces at thrift or antique stores, hunting at estate sales, or scouring Facebook Marketplace can yield pre-loved treasures at a fraction of the retail price.

STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images

Romantic flourishes

Green jewel toned interior with floral patterned furniture and ornate accents.

Bows, florals, and other romantic touches continue to feature heavily in clothes and interiors in 2024. Botanical elements in fabric patterns, wallpaper, and rugs are big right now, as are vintage lighting and beautifully displayed collections of dishware and other finery.

Adjacent to this trend is a continuation of maximalist aesthetics. Embrace gallery walls filled with framed art, niche collections of trinkets, and unique and personal items that make your space feel like yours. In other words, interior design this year is moving away from sterile, ultra-modern finishes and toward a cozier and more eclectic aesthetic.

Victoria Lytvyn // Shutterstock

Texture on texture

Warm toned venetian plaster wall detail with chair and side table.

It’s easy to think small when adding texture into your space—maybe a throw pillow with a funky fabric or an area rug enlivens the room. But this year, interior designers are embracing multitextured elements on a larger scale.

Think textural wallpaper or interesting paint finishes like Venetian plaster, stucco, or color washing; combining different types of fabrics like velvets and linens; and playing with layers of texture within a whole room, making the carpet, furniture, and drapes all part of a cohesive space.

If revamping an entire room is out of the question, there are many ways to DIY elements of your space or introduce more texture. Start by color washing or wallpapering just one accent wall or finding a throw blanket, pair of pillows, or tableware that offset the texture of your existing furniture.

Chinh Truc // Shutterstock

Bringing the outside in

Living room comfortable sofas, abundant greenery, and window to outside space.

This trend brings elements of the natural world—wood, stone, plants, natural light—inside the home. Think about incorporating more organic finishes and shapes into your space instead of hard, straight lines. You can also integrate plants more dramatically into your inside space in the form of a living green wall or large houseplants. Using earthy colors like green and terracotta, or even rich jewel tones plucked from the natural world, can also help make your space feel at one with nature.

Story editing by Mia Nakaji Monnier. Additional editing by Kelly Glass and Alizah Salario. Copy editing by Paris Close.

This story originally appeared on Lazzoni and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- An El Pasoan is spreading the joy of reading books to children through her work at a bookstore with a special mission.

"The idea came about out of a tragedy," said Susan Patterson.

That idea is "Books are Gems."

Susan Patterson is the bookstore's manager.

"The founder, Miss Paula Madrid, she was a teacher in South El Paso, and her teenage daughter passed away tragically in a car accident. and her daughter loved to read, so she wanted to honor her daughter," said Patterson. "So she started collecting books."

Susan is helping honor her memory.

"It's grown into this just great resource for, for children and adults to to read."

"Books are gems" is a non-profit organization.

"The best thing is seeing a book that you read when you were a child" said Patterson. "We have all of these books right here. They're just waiting to be put on the shelf."

It's been around for more than 20 years. And it's books fly of the shelves.

"We probably have close to 200 people come in a week, and get books for their children, or themselves, or their classroom."

The bookstore offers up to 9 free books a week.

Susan also helps bring stories to life by organizing weekly story hours to capture the imagination of children including Saturday story time on Facebook live.

"It's really a lot of fun to see the kids, participate with the reader and everything." said Patterson. "It just brings great joy to help these kids learn how to read and sometimes help their parents as well."

Susan's willingness to help readers of all ages navigate book genres has earned her the title of this month's ABC-7's Do-Gooder, rewarding her charity of choice with $1,000 from the El Paso Community Foundation.

Susan will donate the award money to non-profit "Books are gems" to keep the literacy efforts.

"It it feels really good. I mean, a lot of people don't realize, how many people don't have access to free books or free teaching materials, and we're just trying to help out the community, teach their children to lead and be to read and be successful and, lead some productive lives."

"Books are gems" accepts book donations including children's books, adult books, and curriculum for the teachers. Because of community response books for gems has made donations to Ruidoso libraries that faced damages after recent flooding.

You can nominate someone who makes a difference in the community like Susan for ABC-7 Do-Gooder. Just follow this link to the submission form on here.

ABC-7's Do-Gooder is sponsored by the El Paso Community Foundation and Gozo's Ice cream.

The post ABC-7 Do- Gooder: El Pasoan exchanges books for smiles appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- Meet Antonia Pacheco, a local student whose incredible journey from Mexico City to Juárez, and then to the U.S., highlights her perseverance and success.

Moving to a new country at 12, Antonia faced language barriers but excelled academically.

She entered Canutillo High School early, graduated in the top 10%, and pursued higher education at EPCC and Texas Tech, earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Encouraged by a school counselor, she applied to Ivy League schools and was accepted by all four: Princeton, Yale, Columbia, and Harvard.

Pacheco was thrilled to receive a full scholarship offer from Princeton, where she will now pursue a Master’s in Architecture.

She plans to return to the Borderland to give back to the community.

Her story is a testament to overcoming challenges and achieving dreams.

The post From Mexico to Ivy League: Local student inspiring journey appeared first on KVIA.

El Paso, TX, August 15, 2024 - The Alzheimer's Association announced the launch of a new Dementia Care Navigation Service. The Alzheimer's Association and Ripple, a dementia care specialist company, is a new service that provides personalized support for people living with dementia and their caregivers through their dementia journey.

Dementia Care Navigation Service include:
●      A dedicated person (care navigator) who will help coordinate care and develop a care plan.
●      Clinical support including medication management and counseling.
●      Access to Alzheimer's Association resources and education.
●      24/7 Helpline.

For more information about the Dementia Care Navigation Service or to speak to a Rippl engagement specialist, visit ripplcare.com/alz or call 855.271.2662.

The post ABC-7 at 4: The Alzheimer’s Association launches Dementia Care Navigation Service appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- He's got the moves, the voice...and even the real sideburns! Elvis impersonator Bud Sanders has been donning bedazzled bell bottoms, belting out Elvis tunes to local crowds for 45 years. He performs anywhere and everywhere - from backyard barbeques to local events - to our KVIA studio!

Sanders first fell in love with Elvis when he was just five years old. He says he stole his sister's records. The rest, as they say, is history! When he was young, a friend told him he should get up on stage and sing. He did, and was hooked. He says he loves the people he meets. Many share stories of their affection for Elvis, or tell stories of days gone by. Sanders himself saw Elvis perform in El Paso - twice! He says he just loves Elvis, plain and simple.

 "I was gonna retire. Give the suits up.  But everyone sees me different than I see myself. I can still do it.  People are still calling.  Why should I quit" Sanders asks.

We agree. He's bringing way too many smiles to people's faces to stop now.

The post “Elvis” rocks out with the Borderland for 45 years appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, TX (KVIA) -- As the school year begins, many parents will be packing lunches for their children. Having healthy, kid-approved meals can be challenging at times.

ABC-7 spoke to Leticia Diaz, registered dietician at Del Sol Medical Center to get tips for parents battling with picky-eaters. 

“Packaging different food groups such as vegetables, fruits, a dairy, a protein or whole grains is very important for them to be more proactive at school,” says Diaz. “If you make fun shapes from the food by using a cookie cutter, there will be more interest spread and they will be more motivated to go ahead and eat it.”

Diaz recommends engaging children in the lunch preparation, “Let them give them choices like peanut butter, yogurt, fruits, vegetables. They'll be a little bit more willing to go ahead and try it because they were involved and they could choose what they wanted it on their lunch box,” she advises. 

Building healthy eating habits early on is crucial to long term health, experts warn that processed foods, high in sodium and saturated fats can lead to chronic health issues if consumed regularly. “I would recommend if it's possible for parents to start with their healthy whole foods early in childhood and then all the way until they're a little bit more grown up, like teenage years” says Diaz. 

Balance is important, while treats are okay occasionally, the focus should be on giving them the right nutrients to grow and develop a healthy life style.

Diaz also says making healthy food accessible for children can prevent them from choosing junk food, “I know moms are very, very in a very limited time. They have to prepare quick and easy meals. But having, for example, a fruit already cut, a vegetable already cut up, everything ready where the child goes and opens the fridge and can have that ready and easy to eat helps a lot for them to enjoy those nutritious foods that you can offer.” 

“I would highly recommend to limit, for example, the sugary drinks,” says Diaz. “When kids are thirsty, they want to have something flavored, so they want to have a juice first, offer water when they're very thirsty and limit the juice or diluted as well so we can decrease the calories and the sugars.” 

Diaz says it’s important to have a structure and schedule meals and snacks to ensure they are hungry for lunch and dinner time. “When kids are hungry, they tend to ask for milk because the milk provides carbohydrate proteins and fats,” she says. “Try to limit it to four ounces, three times per day. That way you can encourage them to eat a little more at meal time because they can they can get full with milk.”

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El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- It’s no secret that with the baby boomer generation reaching full retirement age, we’re seeing more retirements in the U.S. than ever before. As a record number of employees begin to exit the workforce, many are left wondering what will the true impact be? Investment Advisor, Brian Mirau joins us today to discuss the retirement surge.

The post ABC-7 at 4 Smart Money: Retirement Surge appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA-TV)-A man in his 50s is dead after a shooting at Franklin High School. El Paso Independent School District officials say the officer investigated an incident on Thursday morning.

ABC-7 spoke with students and parents who were at the campus when the shooting happened. We reached out to the director of clinical services at El Paso Behavioral Health to get a better understanding of how to talk to your kids after a traumatic situation.

Dr. Tricia Stallings spoke about what we, as parents, teachers, and students, can do to help our kids after a traumatic event.

The post ABC-7 at 4: El Paso Behavioral Health expert discusses how to talk to your kids after trauma appeared first on KVIA.

Elena Berd // Shutterstock

Small towns are paying remote workers to move in

Scenic view of person in a pink shirt sitting on the Coopers Rock outlook in West Virginia.

When Penelope Gomez arrived at her new home in Lincoln Center, Kansas, a crew of a dozen townspeople was there to meet her. “There were men and women and children all there to help me unload the moving truck,” Gomez recalls. “It was unbelievable!”

The pleasant surprise was just another step in Gomez’s journey from Atlanta’s metro to a new home in rural Lincoln County, Kansas. Around the country, people just like her are carving out new lives in one of 27 largely rural states and towns across the U.S. that offer incentives to relocate there.

In fact, this new take on local economic development is allowing rural states, counties, and towns to engage in a growth strategy that was traditionally closed to them. In the past, states would use their labor force, proximity to higher education centers, and all manner of incentives ranging from real estate deals, to multiyear tax breaks and utility discounts, to persuade companies to locate their headquarters and manufacturing facilities there. Frequently, those became “boom/bust” towns where the area’s communities and economies were precariously contingent on a single employer.

“You know how it is with company towns,” said Danny Twilley, Ph.D., assistant vice president of economic, community, and asset development for West Virginia University, in an interview with The Daily Yonder.

Meanwhile, the COVID-19 pandemic drove many workers out of corporate offices and into remote roles that they were loath to abandon after their bosses called them back to the office.

In 2020 and 2021, rural states like West Virginia, counties like Lincoln County, Kansas, and towns such as Mattoon, Illinois, began to embrace a new kind of economic development that capitalized on the remote worker phenomenon. They hoped to entice people who were able to work from anywhere to live in rural areas where homes were more affordable, the commute was nonexistent, and the community was close-knit and friendly.

According to Twilley, the trick is to find what makes each community unique. In West Virginia, emphasizing the state’s natural attributes to attract those seeking an outdoor lifestyle is the way to go.

“West Virginia has been at the bottom of the list when it comes to maintaining population … In fact, according to the 2020 census, we lost 12% of our population from 1950 to 2020,” he said. “And in order to build a factory, you have to have a lot of flat buildable land – we don’t have that in West Virginia – it’s mountainous, so the outdoor connection is a good fit.”

As a result, the Brad and Alys Smith Outdoor Economic Development Collaborative Ascend Program offers remote workers who qualify a $12,000 financial relocation incentive, a free outdoor recreation package including outdoor equipment rentals, and remote work certifications and academic programs for entrepreneurs through West Virginia University. 

Since the program began in 2021, 226 people have relocated to West Virginia via the Ascend Program. Of that group, 141 are members of families, including seven babies born to relocating families resulting in 367 new West Virginians, according to Twilley. So-called “Ascenders” hail from 38 states and five foreign countries, and work for a wide range of companies including Capital One, Ziprecuiter, the Mayo Clinic and NASA. “By all counts, it seems to be working,” Twilley said.

Similar programs are in place in Lincoln County, Kansas, and Mattoon, Illinois, where small town living and social connections are taking residents away from big cities.

According to Alexander Benishek, Community Development and Planning Director for the city of Mattoon, 14 people – including remote workers and their young families – have moved into Mattoon, Illinois, since the Move to Mattoon Program began in 2022. Under the program remote workers who earn $45,000 or more a year and currently live more than 100 miles away from the town may qualify for a more than $11,000 relocation package including $5,000 cash to help cover moving expenses, $500 in local restaurant vouchers, free storage for six months, a one-year membership for co-working space, a $100 gift card to a local appliance and home center, and a $200 gift card to a meat market.

Above and beyond these benefits, young families especially are drawn to the town because of its affordability. According to Benishek, the median value of a three-bedroom, two-bath home is just $89,959. Also, commutes are shorter, quality healthcare is accessible, and outdoor attractions are nearby.

Another thing that’s important to young families is education. According to Benishek, parents of school age children are eager to escape big city school systems where their kids can be overlooked in overcrowded classrooms. “People are also concerned about the quality of education where their child is going to get individualized attention and is not going to be a number,” he said.

DJawings // Shutterstock

Making connections in a new environment

Top down view of a dozen eggs of varying colors from white to brown in a cardboard carton.

With a population of just 3,000, Lincoln County, Kansas, is also appealing to prospective newcomers who want to be a member of a community and not just a demographic. Via its Make My Move program, the self described “very rural” community offers remote workers who earn at least $50,000 and who agree to stay in the county for one year, a $4,500 cash incentive to help defray the cost of moving. Other assorted perks include a $500 voucher for high speed internet service.

“That’s important because people have to have high-speed internet in order to do their jobs,” says Kelly Gourley of the Lincoln County Economic Development Foundation.

The last thing to sweeten Lincoln County’s deal is one dozen fresh eggs every month for a year, and a potluck welcome event for newcomers. “We are an agricultural area after all, and it takes a special kind of person to move from a metro area to a really rural area like ours,” said Gourley. “It’s also why we do everything we can to make this a welcoming community where people want to settle down.”

Since 2022, four remote workers have moved to Lincoln County including two families and two single people. One of those is Gomez, who relocated from the Atlanta area and was greeted by neighbors who helped her move in. She is working as a staff accountant for a medical services firm. 

Some of these new residents are renting, some are contemplating buying a home, but all are pumping fresh revenue into the community’s tax base, its local businesses, and its recreational economy.

“Economically it has to make sense and honestly, we get that initial $5,000 [incentive package investment] back the first year,” Gourley says.

But whatever the incentives, not everyone who wants to relocate to a rural area actually makes the move. Mattoon, Illinois, was ready to welcome a retired executive from Boeing, but ultimately he decided not to make the move. “He wanted to do some work on the side, but the housing part of the program didn’t work for him,” Alexander Benishek says.

Likewise, according to Gourley, some people go through the application process in Lincoln County, Kansas, and even visit, but just can’t make it work. “We have had people apply for the program and not relocate because they couldn’t find the housing they wanted or didn’t relocate because of their own life considerations,” Gourley said. “But we have never had anyone move here and say ‘Boy, that was a mistake.'”

For Gomez the move was the right one, not just in terms of dollars and cents, but for lifestyle benefits too. “I can walk to the bank and the grocery store and have lunch all in 30 minutes,” she says. “I don’t know if this will be my forever home, but I’m happy to be here – this was the right move for me.”

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso Community College has announced it has opened mamava lactation pods at 5 of their campuses. This is part of EPCC's Family Friendly Campus Project.

The lactation pods will be available students, faculty, and staff at Mission del Paso campus, Valle Verde campus, Rio Grande campus, Northwest campus, and the Administrative Services Center.

EPCC says the pods will provide a welcoming study space for students and their families, and will also help with parenting responsibilities. EPCC says the lactation pods will give mothers a chance to recharge as they nurse or pump. EPCC adds they want to encourage mothers to continue their education and utilize these lactation pods.

Lactation pods do not have room numbers. The Mamava XL-V6 pods are best suited for large workspaces, and wheelchair accessibility. Lactation pods will have a cell phone app that allows students to unlock the pod.

For more information, click here.

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LAS CRUCES, New Mexico - NMSU soccer player Meredith Scott was honored by being named this week's Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week.

It was the second time Scott has received the award in her college career.

For her accomplishment, Scott is this week's Community Champion.

Community Champions is sponsored by Albertsons and the El Paso Community Foundation.

(Article below is courtesy NMSU Athletics)

Meredith Scott is coming off a spectacular week scoring two goals in the first two games of the 2024 season.

The first of which came in the final 30 seconds of the USC match to tie the match.

Her second goal of the week happened in the first three minutes of the UNM match as she scored off an assist from Ariana Leamons and Loma McNeese.

Scott played in 19 games in the 2023 season scoring one goal. Just two games into the 2024 season Scott already has two goals.

In the 2023 season, Scott recorded 17 shots with 7 on goal for a SOG% of .412. In the 2024 season, Scott has recorded two goals with both of them finding the back of the net for s SOG% of 1.000.

The Aggies have now won six Conference USA Player of the Week Awards. McNeese has won two with both Valerie Guha and Megan Ormson winning one.

This becomes Scott’s second player of the week tying McNeese for most CUSA Player of the Week awards on the team.

The post Community Champion: NMSU’s Meredith Scott named Conference USA Offensive Player of the Week appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA-TV)—MPOX has been declared a global health emergency. The World Health Organization says a deadlier strain of M-pox is rapidly ongoing in Africa, reaching four largely unaffected countries. El Paso Health Authority explains what this means for the El Paso area.

Helpful resources:

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/index.html

https://www.who.int/health-topics/monkeypox#tab=tab_1

The post ABC-7 at 4: What to know about MPOX appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso County recently honored Marissa Teijo, a 72-year-old bodybuilder and pageant contestant, for her remarkable achievements and inspiring impact.

According to Teijo, this recognition highlights her role in motivating women both nationally and internationally, particularly through her participation in the Miss Texas USA pageant.

Her dedication has opened doors to interviews, collaborations, and commercial opportunities, reflecting the supportive spirit of the El Paso community.

Marissa first gained widespread attention on ABC-7, making history as the oldest contestant at 71 years old.

Her story went viral, and she has since received an overwhelming amount of positive feedback on social media.

Many have shared how her journey has inspired them to pursue their own fitness and health goals.

Though she didn’t win the crown, Teijo considers her true victory to be in personal growth and resilience, resonating with countless individuals across the country and world.

The post El Paso County honors 72-year-old Marissa Teijo for inspiring achievements appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO (KVIA) -- If you go to the Heart Gallery of El Paso website at www.heartgalleryelpaso.org you can see a handful of amazing kids who hope to find a forever home.

Whether it's through nonprofits like Heart Gallery or not, Sylvia Pitcher, who works with Child Protective Services, breaks down what's required to adopt a kid.

"It's one to have the interest in becoming a foster parent," said Pitcher, "It's going through the orientation meeting, kind of getting an overview of everything, and from there were have a training class, we have background checks, we do a home check."

After that initial home check, Pitcher says they then conduct a home study project.

"So we ask you in-depth questions about your life and why you want to be doing this," said Pitcher.

Familes are usually asked to become foster partents first.

"If you're a foster parent and you're fostering a set of siblings or a child, and that child becomes legally free, then you're able to be that first choice in case you do want to adopt," said Pitcher

To start the process as a foster parent, you have to be 21-years-old and financially stable.

Heart Gallery El Paso is also made possible as an initiative of the Paso Del Norte Community Foundation, to promote adopting here in the borderland.

ABC-7 anchor Paul Cicala has done a number of segments on kids looking to be adopted, as KVIA continues to partner with the Heart Gallery, and will continue with these profiles in the upcoming weeks. Look out for the stories on ABC-7.

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA-TV)- Immunize El Paso is marking the month of National Immunization Awareness by holding mobile outreach clinics throughout the city.

Mobile Outreach Clinics:

The three stand-alone clinics are at 1400 George Dieter 79936, 6292 Trowbridge 79906, and 513 W. San Antonio 79901.

· 8/20/24 – Eastlake High School (13000 Emerald Pass Ave, El Paso, TX 79928)

· 8/26/24 – Ricardo Estrada Middle School (851Darrington Rd, El Paso, TX 79928)

· 8/27/24 – Pebble Hills High School (14400 Pebble Hills Blvd, El Paso, TX 79938)

· 8/29/24 – Montwood Middle School (11710 Pebble Hills Blvd, El Paso, TX

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EL PASO, Texas (KVIA-TV)—Memorias del Silencio will hold a release party at the Mexican Consulate in El Paso on Thursday, August 22, 2024, to honor its 15th Volume. Memorias del Silencio is a project that provides creative writing workshops to migrant farmworkers and their families finishing their GED at El Paso Community College. Daniel Rios-Lopera, the project's director, stopped by ABC-7 at 4 to talk about the event. Here is the information if you are interested.

What: Memorias del Silencio Vol. 15 Release Party

Where: Consulate General de Mexico, 910 E. San Antonio Ave, El Paso, TX 79901

When:  Thursday, August 22, 2024, 6:00 p.m.

Who: Open to the Public

Contact: Daniel Rios-Lopera, drioslop@epcc.edu

The post ABC-7 at 4: Memorias del Silencio will host release party appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas - ABC-7's Bea Martinez spoke with two young athletes who are looking to compete at the next Olympic games.

Amaris and Andres Cerra are a brother and sister duo who both compete in trap shooting and skeet shooting.

For all their accomplishments, Amariz and Andres Cerra are this week's Community Champions.

Community Champions is sponsored by Albertsons and the El Paso Community Foundation.

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UPDATE: Representative Mary Gonzalez -- who represents House District 75, an area that encompasses much of eastern El Paso County -- posted the following information on her Facebook page Tuesday afternoon:

Our office is aware of Red Flour Beetle infestations in the district. These bugs do not pose a serious public health risk. They could potentially cause allergic reactions. Once aware of the issue, we contacted the local Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office.

They are sending an specialized entomologist to our area to locate the source of the infestation on Wednesday, 8/21. The specialist dealt with a similar situation in the Lubbock region.

Above is some advice from the City of Socorro regarding how to handle the beetles if they make their way into your home. Please make sure to take proper precautions. Until the source of the infestation is identified, then there may be some bugs in the area. #txlege

SOCORRO, Texas (KVIA) -- Several Socorro residents and businesses have been dealing with little red bugs infesting their homes in recent weeks, according to the City of Socorro.

The bugs are known as red flour beetles, which the city said are one of the most common beetles that infest stored products in homes.

The city said it has received reports of infestations from both residents and business owners, but officials did not say how many reports they have received. ABC-7 reached out to the city's media department for that number, and is waiting on a response.

A post on the city's official Facebook page Friday provided more details about what the bugs are, and how to prevent and treat them.

PREVENTION

The city said there are ways to prevent infestations from happening:

• Weather seal the bottom of doors.
• Caulk all cracks around windows and gaps in entry or exit holes in exterior walls for appliances and plumbing.
• Put fine mesh screen on roof vents, and any under-home access points.

TREATMENT

The city also provided tips on how to treat infestations that have already occurred:

• Spray a pyrethroid insecticide to exterior parts of the home.
• Turn off all exterior lights if possible.
• Keep windows closed, unless the screen has finer-type mesh than a standard window screen.
• Spray perimeters with synthetic pyrethroids or pyrethrins.
• WARNING: Do not use insecticides in food preparation areas, and only use those labeled for indoor use.
• Throw away infested food.
• Empty the area where you store food and vacuum. Wash shelves, drawers and corners with hot water and soap. You can also check for hidden areas under or around appliances.

The post State representative addresses red flour beetle infestations in Socorro, surrounding parts of El Paso County appeared first on KVIA.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA-TV)- The 2024 Harvest Wine & Music Festival returns over Labor Day weekend. The event will feature unlimited tastings of award-winning wines from New Mexico's top vineyards, accompanied by non-stop music from some of the best bands in the state. With 19 winery brands representing 13 of New Mexico's premier vineyards, attendees can sample and purchase a diverse range of wines—from sweet to dry, bubbly to bold, and everything in between. The festival will occur at the Southern New Mexico Fairgrounds in Las Cruces, New Mexico, from 12 PM to 6 PM on August 31, September 1, and September 2.

Ticket Information: Any-day tickets are $30 in advance and $35 beginning August 31. Tickets for Monday, September 2 are $25. Discounted tickets are available for designated drivers, members of the military, and first responders. www.NMWine.com.

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