Governor Abbott Requests Federal SBA Disaster Declaration for El Paso County as UTEP Celebrates Kayla Thornton Day

Governor Greg Abbott Formally Requests SBA Disaster Declaration for El Paso Flood Victims

EL PASO, Texas — Texas Governor Greg Abbott officially submitted a disaster declaration request to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) on Friday, November 13, 2026, seeking federal assistance for El Paso County homeowners, renters, and commercial business owners affected by devastating flash flooding. Severe late-October and early-November rainstorms caused severe structural inundation across Horizon City and East El Paso County, inundating drainage canals and damaging municipal infrastructure. If approved by the federal government, the SBA declaration will make low-interest disaster recovery loans available to expedite private repairs and property reconstruction.

UTEP Women’s Basketball Honors WNBA Champion Kayla Thornton at GECU Arena

The Don Haskins Center and GECU Arena celebrated a historic moment on Saturday afternoon as the UTEP Miners women’s basketball team hosted Alabama State in a matchup officially designated as "Kayla Thornton Day." The university honored former Miner standout and two-time WNBA champion Kayla Thornton, retiring her jersey and recognizing her distinguished professional career. A raucous home crowd celebrated Thornton’s enduring impact on Sun City youth sports and Borderland collegiate basketball excellence.

Sun Bowl Stadium Hosts Week 11 College Football Clash Against Wyoming

El Paso football fans gathered at Sun Bowl Stadium on Saturday evening as the UTEP Miners football team hosted the Wyoming Cowboys in a pivotal Week 11 non-conference showdown. The contest highlighted intense defensive line battles beneath the Franklin Mountains, with local emergency services and veterans honored during halftime salutes.