Author: KVIA

Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Tomatoes are one of the most grown vegetables on Earth, according to the University of Texas at El Paso. Salty soil can threaten its growth, and a UTEP researcher helped develop a low-cost spray to save them.

According to UTEP, Hamidreza Sharifan, an assistant professor of chemistry at UTEP, said salinity is a threat to global food security, and growers need solutions to use in their fields.

High levels of salt in soil can stop plant roots from absorbing water, which can slow down photosynthesis, UTEP said. Excess salt can also be toxic to plants.

The research team at UTEP said soil salinity affects more than 3.2 million square miles of land globally. That’s roughly the size of Australia or Brazil.

The research team made a solution to spray on plant leaves that includes a natural polymer from crustacean shells.

While trying the spray, researchers said it reversed damage salty soil made on tomato plants.

“What makes this approach exciting is that it is low-cost, sustainable and effective at very small doses.” Sharifan said. “We are giving plants the tools to protect themselves instead of fighting the salt head-on.”

UTEP said researchers tested the spray on tomato plants exposed to moderate and severe salt levels. Under the highest conditions, the treatment increased root wright by more than 55% compared to untreated plants.

Additionally, the solution reportedly lowered chemical markers of cellular damage, UTEP said.

Nusrat Easmin, a doctoral student in environmental science and engineering at The University of Texas at El Paso, was part of the research team behind a study that found a low-dose leaf spray combining manganese oxide nanoparticles and chitosan could give farmers around the world a practical new tool to keep growing tomatoes on land that salt has rendered increasingly unproductive. Hamidreza Sharifan, Ph.D. (not pictured), an assistant professor of chemistry at UTEP, served as the corresponding author of the study.(Courtesy: UTEP)

The team said it tested the solution in controlled greenhouse conditions, and field trials are needed to confirm the spray’s efficiency at scale.

The team also said it needs future studies to see how the spray affects soil health and the environment.

Researchers published their findings in the International Journal of Phytoremediation.

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Gabrielle Lopez

SUNLAND PARK, N.M. (KVIA) — The Sunland Park Police Department on Monday welcomed a new member, K-9 Simi, after completing a three-week K-9 academy in Virginia.

The police department said Simi completed the academy with Sergeant Duran. Together, they will serve the community.

“Congratulations to Sgt. Duran on this outstanding accomplishment, and welcome to the team, K-9 Simi! We look forward to seeing everything this incredible team will accomplish together,” SPPD said on Facebook.

Simi and Sgt. Duran trained at the American K-9 Interdiction in Wight County, Virginia. According to its website, the training facility is a service-disabled veteran-owned small business.

Simi is a German shepherd and Malinois.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Next Monday marks the seven years since the deadly Aug. 3 Walmart mass shooting. Memorial events around the city have been organized to honor the 23 lives lost.

“August 3 left an indelible impact on El Paso, but it also revealed the compassion and resilience of our community,” said Mayor Renard Johnson.

July 29: El Chuco Blood Drive

When: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Where: KVIA-TV Station (4140 Rio Bravo St.)

ABC-7 has partnered with Vitalant to host an annual blood drive leading into Aug. 3. It’s our way of honoring victims and the donors who stepped up that day. We encourage El Paso to maintain that very spirit of giving. Make an appointment here.

Aug. 1: Community Sound Bath

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: Gary del Palacio Recreation Center (3001 Parkwood St.)

The United Way of El Paso County will host this free event. Attendees should bring their own mat, water and comfortable clothes.

Aug. 2: Day of Remembrance Community Sound Bath

When: 10:30 a.m.

Where: The Pavilion at Ascarate Park (6900 Delta Dr.)

The United Way of El Paso County will host this free event. Attendees should bring their own mat, water and comfortable clothes.

Aug. 2: Day of Remembrance Ceremony

When: 6:45 p.m.

Where: Ascarate Park Healing Garden (6900 Delta Dr.)

The United Way of El Paso County and the county collaborated to organize this event. El Paso Pro Musica will play live music, local officials will name local officials and luminarias will be lit in honor of the victims.

Aug. 2-8: Unite with Light

When: 8:30 p.m.

Community members are encouraged to light up their porches or windows with orange lights each evening as a visible expression of remembrance and solidarity.

Aug. 3: Community Remembrance Ceremony

When: 9 a.m.

Where: Jim Crouch Park (7500 W. H. Burges Dr.)

The Border Network for Human Rights will host a remembrance ceremony to honor victims and reaffirm El Paso’s commitment to unity and inclusion. Elected officials, faith leaders and community advocates will join.

Aug. 3-10: Remembrance of August 3 Tribute

Where: City Hall Council Chamber Lobby (300 N. Campbell St.)

A tribute installation will feature photos of the 23 victims. It will display outside City Council Chambers, providing visitors an opportunity to reflect and pay their respects.

Aug. 3: Star on the Mountain

When: 8:30 p.m.

The Star on the Mountain will flash 23 times in memory of the 23 victims.

Aug. 4: Community Blood Drive

When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

City Hall Breezeway (300 N. Campbell St.)

The City of El Paso and Vitalant will host a blood drive to reflect the compassion and generosity of the city. Donors are invited to participate in honor of the victims.

Additionally, the permanent August 3 Memorial near Viscount and Sunmount Drive remains open year-round. El Paso artist Albert “Tino” Ortega created the granite memorial.

The memorial features seven pillars arranged in a circle, each with the victims’ names.

A photo of the August 3rd Memorial by Albert “Tino” Ortega.(Courtesy: KVIA/File)

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Nina Gallegos

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) – ABC-7 stormtrackers are tracking triple-digit temperatures in El Paso all week.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), temperatures inside a vehicle can rise 20 degrees in as little as 10 minutes.

The NWS says the inside of a car acts like a greenhouse. Actual temperatures inside the vehicle can reach 120°F in minutes and approach 150°F in as little as an hour.

ABC-7 reporter Nina Gallegos will track temperatures inside a car to see if it gets hot enough to bake a tray of cookies.

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Armando Ramirez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Walmart mass shooting survivor, Claudia Cano, has turned her grief into action by organizing a free community Stop the Bleed training event ahead of the 7th anniversary of the day where 23 people were killed in the mass shooting.

“Honoring the 23” was the name of the event which was held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, one week before the annual August 3 memorial, at the Arts, Science & Technology Building at El Paso CommunityCollege (919 Hunter Dr., El Paso, TX 79915).

During the event, attendees learned how from experts on how to treat wounds with things like tourniquets, bandages and other items to essentially stop a wound on a medical mannequin from bleeding.

Organizers said that this event was held in partnership with BoderRAC El Paso, Lifesaving Technologies and the American College of Surgeons, all sessions are certified, hands-on, and completely free to the public.

“I wanted the 23 lives lost to be remembered in a meaningful way. My hope is that by bringing our community together to learn these lifesaving skills, we honor their memory while helping prepare others to save lives in future moments of crisis.” Claudia Cano, Survivor & Event Organizer said.

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Armando Ramirez

UPDATE (July 29, 2026): A spokesperson with Fort Bliss confirmed to ABC-7 that Ryan Reid Woodcraft worked as Network Integration Planner for the military installation and provided the following statement:

“Mr. Ryan Reid Woodcraft was a contractor employed by JANUS Research Group who worked for the U.S. Army Joint Modernization Command as a Network Integration Planner on Fort Bliss, Texas. JANUS Research Group has since dismissed Mr. Woodcraft and he no longer supports the JMC.”

UPDATE (July 27, 2026): Socorro ISD Board of Trustee member Ryan Woodcraft allegedly choked a teenager and asked for narcotics at a party in June, according to arrest documents obtained by ABC-7.

According to arrest documents, on June 21, El Paso police officers went to a home on Meadow Lake Avenue near Pebble Hills High School for an assault report. There, officers met with a 16-year-old boy who alleged Woodcraft assaulted him.

Woodcraft left the home before officers arrived, documents said. The boy’s mother reported the alleged assault to police, and her family friend was also there.

The boy and his mother told police they went to a Father’s Day barbeque at the family friend’s house. While there, the boy alleged Woodcraft was “acting strange,” according to documents.

Documents said Woodcraft allegedly placed a temporary tattoo on his chest and lifted his shirt to show children at the gathering.

The boy said he tried to get away from Woodcraft while he undressed, documents said. Woodcraft allegedly continued following them, according to documents.

Documents said the boy and others at the gathering entered the garage, and Woodcraft allegedly entered after and grabbed a large trash bag roll, which weighed 50-100 pounds, and threw it at the boy and his friends.

The boy told police Woodcraft missed and allegedly charged and tackled him.

Documents said the boy fell backwards and hit his head against the garage door. He alleged Woodcraft grabbed the bottom of the boy’s shirt, pulled it over his head and dragged him through the home.

When he stopped dragging him, Woodcraft allegedly started choking the boy, documents said. The boy told police he tried to fight him off by punching him.

The boy told police it was hard to breathe, felt dizzy and had “tunnel vision like sensations,” documents said.

A witness had kicked Woodcraft in the head multiple times, which is when he released the boy from the chokehold, documents said.

Woodcraft reportedly started apologizing to the boy when he got up. Documents said Woodcraft was escorted out of the house and left.

According to the witness, the family friend who hosted the barbecue, Woodcraft had already been drinking alcohol when he arrived, documents said.

The witness also told police Woodcraft was “acting odd” because he allegedly asked the witness if he had marijuana, documents said.

At one point, Woodcraft allegedly took the witness’ phone, went to an unknown website that sold narcotics and said, “If you order shrooms, tell them in the notes that Woodcraft sent you,” according to documents.

The witness told police that 30 minutes after the phone incident, he entered the home and saw Woodcraft allegedly choking the boy, documents said.

Documents said the witness saw the boy had “red and purple in the face, drooling and [had] tears coming out of his eyes.”

The witness said he grabbed Woodcraft’s hair and yelled at him to stop, which reportedly didn’t work. Documents said the witness said he kicked his head until he let go.

Woodcraft’s mugshot.(Courtesy: El Paso Police Department)

According to Woodcraft’s description on the SISD website, he’s a Network Integration Planner at Fort Bliss. He’s also a retired Army Chief warrant Officer and served more than 20 years in the Army.

Woodcraft is also a member of the City of El Paso’s Bond Overview Advisory Committee and volunteers with the Pebble Hills High School band & Baseball Booster programs, according to the website.

Woodcraft’s term expires in 2029, according to the district.

SISD said it’s aware of Woodcraft’s arrest.

Woodcraft’s attorney, Brian Kennedy, sent ABC-7 the following statement:

“Mr. Woodcraft categorically denies the exaggerations and erroneous statements that have been made public. We look forward to clearing his name in court.”

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — According to court records obtained by ABC-7, Socorro Independent School District (SISD) board Trustee Ryan Reid Woodcraft was arrested and is being charged with assault causing bodily injury.

Court records say that Woodcraft was arrested on Saturday, July 25 and was booked into the Downtown Detention Facility.

ABC-7 reached out to SISD for a statement regarding Woodcraft’s arrest and released the following statement:

“Socorro ISD is aware of the situation involving Mr. Woodcraft and will follow the appropriate process in reviewing the matter. The District has no additional information to share at this time.”

According to a biography on SISD’s website, Woodcraft represents District 2 for the district.

This is a developing story and once more information becomes available, we will update you on air and online.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV) Getting to your destination a few minutes faster as a result of speeding isn’t worth a lifetime of consequences.

Choosing to slow down is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself—and everyone else on the road.

Lauren Macias-Cervantes has helpful tips to keep you and your family safe.

CLOSURES ( TXDot El Paso):

Artcraft Project

9 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

Sunday, July 26 – Thursday, July 30

Sunday, August 2 – Thursday, August 6

I-10 east and westbound between Loop 375 (Transmountain) and Artcraft full closure

Crews will be placing steel girders.

Loop 375 Rehabilitation Project

Sunday, July 26 – Thursday, July 30

8 p.m. – 6 a.m. (Nightly)

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound between Fonseca and Oregon full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound entrance ramp from US-54 full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound entrance ramp from Delta full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) west and eastbound between Fonseca and Oregon alternate lane closures

Crews will be working on paving.

Saturday, August 1

6 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound between Fonseca and Oregon full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound entrance ramp from US-54 full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound entrance ramp from Delta full closure

Loop 375 (Border Highway) west and eastbound between Fonseca and Oregon alternate lane closures

Crews will be working on milling and paving.

Horizon/Darrington Reconstruction Project

Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28

9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Horizon Boulevard Full westbound lane closures between Horizon Boulevard and Homestead Drive.

Crews will be conducting paving operations

Guardrail Repair

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Monday, July 27

I-10 westbound between Mesa Park and Sunland Park left lane closed

Alameda Avenue Westbound right lane closure from Oil Mill Drive to Valle Verde Street

Tuesday, July 28

US-54 North between Pershing and Cassidy right lane closed

I-10 Eastbound Lee Trevino Entrance Ramp complete closure

I-10 Eastbound right lane closure from Lee Trevino Exit Ramp to Zaragoza Exit Ramp

Wednesday, July 29

Loop 375 (Transmountain) westbound between US-54 and Main Gap picnic area right lane closed

Gateway East right lane closure from Horizon Exit Ramp to Horizon Intersection

Thursday, July 30

I-10 westbound between Los Mochis and Vinton right lane closed

Zaragoza Southbound right lane closure from Escobar Drive to Cristo Viene Drive

Friday, July 31

SH-20 (Doniphan) at FM-259 right lane closed

Post and Cable Repair

Friday, July 31, 2026

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

I-10 Eastbound left shoulder closure from Clint Exit Ramp to Fabens Exit Ramp

Crews will be working on post and cable repairs.

Maintenance

Sunday, July 26

4 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Ramp K between US-54 South and I-10 West closed

Entrance ramp between Trowbridge and US-54 South closed

Crews will be working on bridge joints.

Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

US-54 north and southbound between Diana and Sun Valley alternate lane closure

US-54 North at Diana entrance ramp closed

US-54 North at Sun Valley exit ramp closed

US-54 South at Sun Valley entrance ramp closed

Crews will be working on the bridge.

Loop 375 (Transmountain) westbound between Tom Mays Park entrance and Paseo Del Norte right lane closed

Crews will be working on shoulder.

Spur 601 east and westbound between Chaffee and US-54 alternate lane closures

Spur 601 westbound at Chaffee entrance ramp closed

Spur 601 eastbound at Chaffee exit ramp closed

Crew will be doing crack sealing.

Thursday, July 30

9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Loop 375 (Border Highway) westbound at Exit 62 full closure

Spur 1966 entrance ramp to Loop 375 closed

Crews and Signal Shop will be removing signs.

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Nichole Gomez

El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)-A new nonprofit in Socorro is bringing people together through theater, music, and art.

Jornada Del Muerto takes place after the Pueblo Revolt of 1680 and shares the story of the Piro people and Spaniards who left New Mexico. Based on real events, the play explores the personal challenges and cultural conflicts faced by refugees crossing the Jornada Del Muerto desert. The people in this story later founded the Socorro Mission and helped build the communities that are now part of El Paso’s Mission Valley.

Actors are invited to audition for this production.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — Friday, Texas Tech Health El Paso held a special event where children of university employees and cancer patients discovered heavy construction equipment used to build the future Fox Cancer Center.

Beyond construction, the children visiting got to look at other specialty vehicles, such as the El Paso Fire Department’s firetruck and a cement truck.

“Every day these machines help us build the future Fox Cancer Center,” said Adam McDavitt, project manager. “It’s exciting to pause for a morning and let children experience them up close. We hope they leave with great memories while gaining a better appreciation for the teamwork that goes into building something that will benefit our entire community.”

The Fox Cancer Center will be the first comprehensive cancer center to serve the Borderplex region, according to Texas Tech Health El Paso. It’s expected to open in 2028.

One mother told ABC-7 the cancer center is something her family always prayed for so they could stay close to home while receiving treatment.

“This month we’re actually traveling three times. So we’ve traveled to so having Texas Tech and a cancer center here, bringing it to our home, it is life changing for us,” Crysta Lerma, a former oncology patient.

While the event took place on a hot day, one of the trucks sprayed water for the children to play and cool off in.

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Gabrielle Lopez

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The Texas Gas Service offered tips for people to save money and energy this summer. It encouraged people to manage household energy costs and focus on simple steps to keep those numbers down.

One simple tip was to change the direction of your fan so it spins counter-clockwise. That will push the air down toward you.

Other small actions include sealing doors and windows to keep cool air within your home.

Additionally, TGS suggested dusting your vents frequently.

Another tip was to keep the stress off your cooling system.

“Your air conditioning is running at its peak during the hottest hours of the day. Running other appliances like your dryer and your dishwasher after dark kind of reduces the stress on your cooling system when you do that,” said TGS Public Relations Manager Safeena Khanmohamed.

TGS suggested running dryers, dishwashers and other large appliances after dark.

If you want to take an extra step, TGS said upgrading to high-efficiency natural gas appliances can keep you cool while saving money.

A low-flow showerhead can also reduce water and energy use.

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