Congressman O’Rourke Offers Plan To Fix El Paso VA + More Local News

O'Rourke Offers Plan To Fix El Paso VA

U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke wants to fix the El Paso VA Health System by sending veterans to other places to get treatment. O'Rourke told veterans at a Saturday forum that he wants to spend $20 million to increase the number of providers where veterans can go to get medical care. He also wants to offer incentives to get qualified personnel to join and stay with the VA. O'Rourke says his office has found veterans are waiting 77 days for medical appointments and 64 days for mental health care under the current system.

Children's Hospital May Owe More Money Due To Rent Issue

The unpaid rent Children's Hospital says it never owed may cost the hospital a lot more than the $2 million it has been ordered to pay. State Senator Jose Rodriguez says Children's may owe the state a reimbursement of up to $36 million. That's because the hospital has claimed unpaid rent as a cost since opening in 2012. Rodriguez is advising the board of the hospital to reopen negotiations with UMC in hopes of keeping Children's open.

Rescue Team Aids Hikers In Franklin Mountains

Two hikers are safe after the Combined Search and Rescue Team helped get them off the Ron Coleman Trail. The El Paso Fire Department says the two hikers suffered a medical issue that was treated at the scene yesterday. They were then helped with the climb down. Six units and 14 firefighters responded to the scene in Franklin Mountains State Park yesterday afternoon.

Rising Minimum Wage May Bring L.A. Garment Companies To El Paso

A group of Korean-American clothing manufacturers are looking for a new home, and El Paso could be one of their targets. An apparel association representing their interests plans to meet with Mayor Leeser and economic development officials tomorrow and Wednesday. The companies are looking to escape Los Angeles after that city's vote to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2020. In a statement, Mayor Leeser called his part in the visit "customary" and said he remains committed to bringing high wage jobs to El Paso.

Fresno Ends El Paso's Season & Cody Decker Gets Padres Call-Up

The El Paso Chihuahuas are done for the season, but one of their players is on his way to the show. The Chihuahuas lost to the Fresno Grizzlies 7-4 Saturday night at Southwest University Park, ending El Paso's first ever playoff trip. However, fan-favorite Cody Decker will get to continue his season for a few more games. He announced yesterday he has been called up to the San Diego Padres for the remainder of the Major League Baseball season.