Erika Gonzalez
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Weekend Evening Anchor and Reporter for NBC Washington, native Texan y orgullosamente Latina!
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Articles by Erika Gonzalez
Are sports drinks better than water? Debunking common heat myths
Amid a sweltering heat wave, News4's Erika Gonzalez speaks with Dr. Elisabeth Kramer and debunks common heat myths to help keep you safe this summer.
Why kids' YouTuber ZoeTube brings up an ‘awkward' topic despite losing followers
The YouTube sensation known as ZoeTube makes vibrant, zany videos for kids – and has almost 12 million subscribers. Her videos range from food tastings to video game trials to challenges. She visited Children’s National Hospital in D.C. to make a different type of video and talk about something many people are too embarrassed to say out loud: She lives with a rare intestinal disease.
Is it better to buy or rent? Here's what the experts consider
With home prices climbing and rental prices doing the same, is it better to buy or rent? The answer used to be a lot more clear. Before the pandemic, that decision came down to whether you could pull together a down payment, according to Zillow. Mortgage payments were hundreds of dollars cheaper than rents back then. But now, the two are much closer. Some experts say potential homebuyers could find deals, depending on the location.
Convicted and cashing in? Au pair in Virginia murder plot tries to sell her story
The Northern Virginia au pair who had an affair with her boss and helped scheme to kill his wife and a stranger may have a good chance of selling her story. But the law limits whether she can cash in. Juliana Peres Magalhães testified about trying to reach a deal in Hollywood. “I had some people, I'd say, cellmates, that talk to me about it,” she said on the stand in January.
Convicted and cashing in? Au pair in Virginia murder plot tries to sell her story
The Northern Virginia au pair who had an affair with her boss and helped scheme to kill his wife and a stranger may have a good chance of selling her story. But the law limits whether she can cash in. Juliana Peres Magalhães testified about trying to reach a deal in Hollywood. Stream Los Angeles News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. “I had some people, I'd say, cellmates, that talk to me about it,” she said on the stand in January.
Hertz México presenta “Modo Selección” en el Tianguis Turístico 2026
Hertz México presenta “Modo Selección” en el Tianguis Turístico 2026 Coberturas Especiales | 28/04/2026| 20:10 La industria turística y deportiva en México comienza a alinearse hacia el Mundial 2026. Ante esto, Hertz México presentó su campaña en el marco del Tianguis Turístico Acapulco 2026 nombrado “Modo Selección”, una propuesta operativa y visual que marcará las actividades de la arrendadora oficial de la Selección Nacional durante el ciclo futbolístico del próximo año.
DMV real estate: How home hunting got so hard and what's expected this year
The sun is shining, the birds are chirping – and if there’s a house for sale in the D.C. area, chances are it won’t be on the market for long. The spring housing market is the most robust time of year for home sales. But you’ve seen the prices. “Do I just gotta move to Texas at this point? I’m over it. Why are houses a million dollars?” the maker of one popular TikTok video on the DMV housing market asked.
Northern Virginia mom runs marathons worldwide despite heart condition
Maddy Campbell’s running journey began in her teenage years, but five years ago, as a Northern Virginia mom, a routine doctor’s visit for her daughter uncovered both had long QT syndrome, a genetic heart disorder. "Sometimes you can feel it, sometimes, you can't," Campbell said. "What's happening in the heart is that the electrical signal is misfiring." The mother-daughter duo began treatment, and for Campbell, that included a pacemaker. After treatment, she returned to the sport she loves.
Skin care: When to save and when to splurge
When it comes to skin care, many assume the best results come with an expensive price tag. News4 asked an expert when to save and when to splurge – and the answers may surprise you. Dr. Randa Khoury, a dermatologist with Kaiser Permanente, laid out how to build an effective skin care routine with drugstore essentials. "You absolutely don't have to spend a lot of money to get good skin care. In general, I recommend building the bulk of your routine at a very accessible price point,” she said.
DC surgeon takes on AFib case of man born with heart on opposite side of chest
John Lock was born with his heart on the opposite side of his chest. It was never an issue until he developed atrial fibrillation — a common heart condition that put his life at risk and created a major challenge for doctors. That’s when a D.C. surgeon stepped in to take on the case. For most of his life, having his heart on the opposite side didn’t affect him. He had no symptoms, no limitations. He even competed in triathlons. “I was always an athlete.
Common cold prevention: How a nose spray could be a ‘game-changer'
Imagine a nasal spray that could stop you from getting sick. Researchers in Maryland are testing an experimental treatment designed to block common respiratory viruses, from colds, the flu and even COVID-19. That goal is to create a new tool to keep us healthy during cold and flu season and avoid illnesses and missed days from school and work. News4 spoke with volunteers who are helping test the treatment at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.
How to decode your child’s emojis
Texting with emojis may seem innocent, but some aren't what they appear to be. Doctors say some teens are using the images to talk about drug use and other risky behavior without getting caught by their parents. "Emojis can seem harmless," Dr. Aishwarya Thakur said.
Gene therapy helps Virginia 12-year-old battle rare ‘bubble boy' disease
A rare disease that has cut off children from the outside world now potentially has a cure. A clinical trial to treat severe combined immunodeficiency disorder (SCID), commonly referred to as “bubble boy disease,” has marveled the medical community. Eliana Nachem is a little girl with big dreams. “I would like to be an artist,” she said.
Former Falls Church teacher turned artist lands collaboration with Pottery Barn Kids
A Northern Virginia woman who left her teaching job to pursue her artistic dreams now has a collaboration with Pottery Barn Kids. Riley Sheehey was teaching elementary school students in Falls Church when she decided to make the leap to become a full-time artist in 2017. "I had a backpack with all my art supplies and I would take it to school with me and just after the school day I would end up just working on, like, different client projects and stuff. So it's, it's pretty crazy," she said.
Mouth taping: What to know about safety, effectiveness and how to get better sleep
Is taping your mouth shut really the secret to better sleep? Mouth taping is the latest sleep hack to go viral on social media. Some claim the practice leads to deeper sleep, less snoring and more energy in the morning. But there’s no real science to show it works. To get some answers, News4 turned to Dr. Jennifer Gourdin, a primary care sports medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente. “There's currently no research to suggest that mouth taping improves sleep quality.
Treatment at Children's National gives hope to pediatric cancer patients, families
Mikaela Shumway, 4, loves to sing and dance and just started Pre-K 4. But two years ago, she was hooked up to machines at Children’s National Hospital after tests confirmed she had leukemia. "It was just like a whirlwind. You know, your mind always goes to the worst place, you know?" Mikaela's father Jon Shumway said.
South Florida man saves thousands of dollars with this loan option as housing market shifts Original
In South Florida's real estate market, every dollar counts, especially when mortgage rates are hovering near 6.5 %. But one Brickell condo buyer found a way to cut those costs nearly in half. Paul Turcutto traded his West Coast life in California for the sleek skyline of Miami's Magic City. "I like that Latin flair, that Latin culture that's here, obviously," he said. Turcutto knew he wanted a condo in Brickell, but he didn't want to be locked into today's rates.
Woman whose family was killed in DC mansion murders speaks about learning of crime
A woman whose parents and young brother were brutally killed in D.C. 10 years ago spoke about learning of the crime. Abigail Savopoulos was 19 and away at boarding school in Pennsylvania when her family was held hostage and killed for ransom in their home on 32nd Street NW in May 2015. The victims of the crime that came to be known as the mansion murders were her dad, Savvas Savopoulos; her mom, Amy; her 10-year-old brother, Phillip; and their housekeeper, Vera Figeroa.
Trouble sleeping? Why wearing socks to bed could help you get better rest
Slipping on a pair of socks before bed could help you fall asleep faster and have better quality sleep. A small study published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology found that young men who slept in socks fell asleep nearly eight minutes faster and slept 32 minutes longer than those who didn’t wear socks. The study participants who wore socks also didn't wake up as much in the middle of the night, researchers said.
Why wearing socks to bed could help you get better sleep
Slipping on a pair of socks before bed could help you fall asleep faster and have better quality sleep. Research shows that sleeping with socks on can help regulate your core body temperature, which naturally drops at night as part of your circadian rhythm. In fact, a small study published in 2018 found that young men who slept in socks fell asleep nearly eight minutes faster and slept 32 minutes longer than those who didn’t wear socks.
Microschools on the rise, offer families a flexible alternative
By Erika Gonzalez Click here for updates on this story FLORIDA (WFOR) — A new model of education is taking root at an office building near you. Microschools, small and highly personalized learning hubs, are drawing more families who want something different from traditional public education. Primer, one of the companies leading the movement in Florida, describes itself as a blend between private school and homeschooling. The model is defined by small enrollment.
‘Leave our kids alone': DC school year starts amid armed National Guard patrols
D.C. students began a new school year Monday with National Guard troops patrolling streets two weeks after President Donald Trump declared a crime emergency. Some parents are on edge over the presence of armed troops and federal law enforcement officers tasked with cutting crime and enforcing immigration laws. "Parents are anxious.
Doctors seeing hand, foot and mouth disease uptick in DC-area day cares
Pediatricians in the D.C. area are reporting an uptick in cases of hand, foot and mouth disease at day cares. The viral illness is common among children under age 5 but anyone can get it. Symptoms include a fever, sore throat and a red rash in the areas in its name.
Two former Caps players are selling their Virginia homes. Here's an inside look.
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Courtesy of The Yerks Team and Sean Shanahan Former Washington Capitals teammates and friends T.J. Oshie and Nicklas Bäckström have listed their homes in McLean for sale at the same time. So if you're looking to walk in the footsteps of two players who helped bring the Stanley Cup back to D.C. in 2018, now's your chance. The homes are in the coveted Langley Farms neighborhood and are within walking distance of one another. But they come at a hefty price.
By Erika Gonzalez Verified, Érika González, Patricia Fantis Verified, Annika Duneja, Victoria L. Rivera
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WRC-TV (Washington, DC)
Verified
Why a sleep doctor says drinking coffee then taking a nap works
Looking for an extra boost of energy? A "nappuccino," also known as a coffee nap, may be just what the doctor ordered. A nappuccino is when you drink a cup of coffee immediately before taking a power nap. "The nap helps you feel more refreshed, and the caffeine helps with focus and concentration, giving you a double boost of energy," said Dr. Keisha Sullivan, a sleep medicine physician at Kaiser Permanente. The order and timing are key. First, down the coffee and then get to sleep.
Una joya enclavada en la selva de Cancún: el Santuario María Desatadora de Nudos
Enclavado en la selva de Cancún se encuentra un santuario único en su tipo, un verdadero Oasis donde la paz y los milagros son concedidos, por eso en este Momento de Aventura te adentraremos a descubrir este místico lugar: El santuario de la Virgen María Desatadora de Nudos. Este pequeño rinconcito se encuentra ubicado sobre la zona sur de Benito Juárez, actualmente colindante con los límites de la zona urbana pero rodeado de la gran naturaleza.
Parque Kabah, un edén en medio de la ciudad.
Ubicado en el corazón de Cancún, existe un oasis natural escondido en medio de la ciudad que ofrece un refugio natural para los visitantes que buscan escapar del bullicio urbano, hablamos del Parque Ecológico Kabah, así que en este Momento de Aventura nos adentraremos a este pequeño pulmón verde. Antes que nada, déjame contarte que esta es un área natural protegida de 41 hectáreas aproximadamente.
How much should parents allow their kids?
Keeping kids busy during the summer sans screens can be tough. But how much screen time is too much? News4 spoke with Dr. Adrienne Collier, a pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente, about how much screen time is appropriate for children and teenagers. How much screen time should parents allow children and teens in the summer? "A good range would be between two and three hours of non school-related screen time," Collier said.
Meet the dogs working full-time at Children's National Hospital
A few of the full-time employees at Children's National Hospital have a knack for healing hearts - despite having no background in cardiology. Tux, Hampton, Montana and Company are specially trained in their own right, working 9 to 5 days at the hospital in Northwest D.C. just like other staff. They even have their own badges. Charlotte Stinebiser broke her arm playing soccer last year and said rehabbing an injury is a lot more fun with a furry friend by your side.
Once homeless, a Georgetown resident opens his home for charity house tour
When you step inside a home on N Street NW in D.C.'s Georgetown neighborhood, you can feel the Parisian flair. Built in 1890, the home was renovated by a prior owner with inspiration from the Ritz-Carlton in Paris. Jewel box details offer surprises at every turn, including hand-painted features mimicking the Luxembourg Gardens. "This place is unique because it kind of takes you to Europe right here in Georgetown," homeowner Tyler Crockett said.
'Gift of life:' Tiny heart transplant saves life of Maryland baby
A baby boy in Maryland is back home after being given a second chance at life, just before his first birthday. Baby Jack received a life-saving heart transplant that kept him in the hospital for nearly a year. Now, the boy's mother and surgeon are sharing the remarkable story of a moment that changed all of their lives. Rachel Lally is mom to two boys -- and when she talks about them, you can hear the pride in her voice. "We have Nolan, who is our 3-year-old," she told News4.
Woman says she was swabbed for diseases at Miami International Airport. CDC says it's part of a COVID-era program
There's a surveillance program tracking disease threats in the U.S. right now. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has teams in major airports across the country, collecting samples from international travelers. One Florida woman reached out to CBS News Miami after she encountered one of these programs at Miami International Airport.
Realtor plays hide-and-seek, uses ASMR on viral listing videos
A local realtor is creating a roar on social media with a whisper. Lisa DuBois, a RE/MAX realtor in business for 20 years, uses her social media platforms to promote her listings. Recently, she found a creative and unique way to get more traction. A few months ago, she decided that due to the heaviness of the world around us, her videos could use something fun, so she partnered with brand strategist Eric Cruz. Cruz wanted to personalize DuBois' social media videos.
New treatment for advanced melanoma gives patients hope
Rick Schneider is a family man - a husband and doting father to three girls. He's also an outdoorsman who loves to bike, hike and ski. There's no mountain he's not ready to climb. But a few years back, he was hit with a new mountain to climb: cancer. "I had had a mole removed that I had had my entire life," Schneider said.
what you need to know
Measles was eradicated in the U.S, 25 years ago, but now, cases are climbing nationwide, largely among unvaccinated individuals. And as the airborne virus spreads, so does misinformation. Here are some common myths about measles and what you need to know to separate fact from fiction. False: Vitamin A can prevent measles While Vitamin A is used to prevent complications in a patient who already has measles, it is not preventative care.
As measles cases spread nationwide, here's who needs to get vaccinated
With Measles cases on the rise nationwide, infectious disease experts say some older adults should get vaccinated against it. Measles is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. An individual's best defense against the virus is the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. The shot is given in two doses. The first is given to children 12-15 months old, and a second dose is given to those 4-6 years old.
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