ABC-7 at 4: El Paso Locomotive FC Host Colorado Springs Switchbacks
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)- El Paso Locomotive FC host Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC to open the USL Championship Season. Ricky Ruiz gives ABC-7 a preview of the match.
Honoring Mental Health Advocates: Sharon Butterworth to Receive Richard Salcido Lifetime Achievement Award
Marcel Clarke
As part of ABC’s Be Mindful Initiative, ABC 7 has continued to highlight mental wellness resources and groups in our community. This month, our focus is not only on reminding you, you’re not alone, but also on celebrating the individuals who are paving the way on eliminating the stigma on mental health in our community.
Among the most influential of these community pillars is Sharon Butterworth. a tireless advocate for mental health in the Borderland. Through years of service, Sharon has helped eliminate stigma, championed mental health education and worked to expand access to care for those in need.
In recognition of her transformative leadership and unwavering dedication, Sharon Butterworth will be honored on Wednesday May 27th with the Richard Salcido Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award acknowledges her lasting impact and commitment to improving mental health.
Sharon Butterworth sat down with ABC 7’s Marcel Clarke to share her personal journey on how she became a transformative leader.
Maquiladoras continue to lose jobs south of the border
Heriberto Perez
JUÁREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) — Industries and maquiladoras south of the border continue to lose jobs month after month.
According to the Mexican Importers and Exporters National Association (ANIERM), Juárez lost another 1,874 jobs in March of this year.
Closing reports indicate that these 1,874 losses bring the total to 29,904 job losses since March 2024 and 62,506 since June 2023.
“The reasons we’ve talked about and talked about repeatedly are both the tariff war that came under President Trump, and the depression that the United States was already experiencing due to a lack of sales and purchase orders,” said Chihuahua delegate Marcelo Vázquez. “So if there are no purchase orders, there’s no production in the maquiladora industry, and employees have to be sent home.”
The state of Chihuahua along with the Mexican federal government announced last week a plan to boost economic development and assist maquiladoras and industry in Juárez.
Several cities in Mexico were selected for this plan called ‘Polos de Bienestar’ or wellness poles, which aim to give fiscal benefits to selected cities like juárez.
It also promotes more investments in machinery and equipment for the industry.
El Pasoans remember fallen heroes this Memorial Day
Heriberto Perez
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The El Paso community is marking another Memorial Day by remembering those fallen heroes who have served the country for years.
Hundreds gathered at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery Monday and over the weekend to honor those who died in service to their country as part of the yearly commemoration.
ABC-7 spoke with local residents to learn how they mark and remember those fallen in the line of duty.
More updates of today’s Memorial Day ceremonies in El Paso in later newscasts.
“A Flower on Every Grave” Memorial Day event at Fort Bliss National Cemetery
Nicole Ardila
This Memorial Day, one organization is hosting a “Flower On Every Grave” at the Fort Bliss National Cemetery, to honor each and every life lost serving for this country.
Victory for Veterans hosts this event every year, now at 12 cemeteries around the country — Fort bliss being one of them.
Their mission is to reduce veteran suicides.
“There’s a lot of stories of valor, there’s a lot of stories of sacrifice and when you walk through that cemetery, you are reminded of our solemn duty to honor those who have given so much right as we place a rose at the foot of their grave,” says Mikel Burroughs, CEO of VFV.
VFV hopes that the community including businesses, volunteers, and individuals to help place those roses on every grave all to commemorate the people who sacrificed, left their families, all to defend our country.
“We’re just not placing flowers, we’re ensuring that our heroes feel our gratitude and that every headstone becomes a beacon of remembrance,” said Burroughs.
The event begins at 8 a.m.
ABC-7 at 4: Tx Dot El Paso teams up with local law enforcement to prevent drunk driving Memorial Day weekend
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—The Texas Department of Transportation is working with law enforcement to remind Texas drivers to wear seat belts every ride and drive sober this Memorial Day weekend. TX Dot’s Jennifer Wright shares a few reminders to help you stay safe this holiday weekend.
Helpful Information Courtesy of TX Dot El Paso:
AAA projects 45.1 million people will travel at least 50 miles from home over the Memorial Day holiday from Thursday, May 22 to Monday, May 26. Most of those people will travel by vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is ready for the road trip and remember these TxDOT Resources:
Road Conditions: https://drivetexas.org/
Rest Areas, Travel Information Centers:
https://www.txdot.gov/…/rest-areas-travel-information…
Live Traffic Cameras: https://www.txdot.gov/discover/live-traffic-cameras.html
For updates follow us on X: @txdotelp and like us on Facebook: @txdotep
Plus get email alerts on closures straight to your inbox by registering at www.drivetexas.org.
I-10 Widening West
Monday, May 26 through Saturday, May 31
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as needed)
North Desert and South Desert between Anthony and Redd alternate lane closures
Redd east and westbound at North-and South Desert intersections alternate lane closures
Crews will be working on electrical and miscellaneous construction work.
I-10 west and eastbound between Redd and Resler alternate lane closures
Crews will be paving.
Monday, May 26
9 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Night)
I-10 East closed at Transmountain to Artcraft
Detour: Traffic to exit at Transmountain Exit (ramp 05), proceed through Transmountain and Artcraft intersections and enter I-10 eastbound using the Artcraft Entrance (ramp 09)
I-10 eastbound at Los Mochis Entrance (ramp 06) closed
I-10 eastbound at Transmountain Entrance (ramp 07) closed
Transmountain Flyover to I-10 eastbound to be closed
Tuesday, May 27
9 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Night)
I-10 West closed at Artcraft
Detour: Traffic to exit at Artcraft Exit (ramp 09), proceed through Artcraft and Transmountain intersections and enter I-10 West using the Transmountain Entrance (ramp 05)
Crews will be working on portable concrete barrier removal.
4 a.m. Saturday, May 31, through 5 a.m. Monday, June 2 (49HR closure)
I-10 East at Redd to North Mesa
Detour: Traffic to exit at Redd Exit (ramp 08), proceed through Redd, Thorn and Mesa intersections, continue CD Lanes and enter I-10 East after Sunland Park
I-10 East Transmountain Entrance (ramp 07) closed
I-10 East Artcraft Entrance (ramp 09) closed
Crews will be placing bridge deck.
Advance warning
4 a.m. Saturday, June 7 through 4 p.m. Sunday, June 8 (36HR closure)
I-10 East closed at Redd Exit
Detour: Traffic to exit at Redd exit ramp (08), proceed through Redd, Thorn and Mesa intersections, continue on CD Lanes and enter I-10 East after Sunland Park
I-10 East Transmountain Entrance ramp closed (07)
I-10 East Artcraft Entrance Ramp closed (09)
Advance warning
4 a.m. Saturday, June 14 through 4 p.m. Sunday, June 15 (36HR closure)
I-10 West between Sunland Park and Resler closed
Detour: Traffic to exit at Sunland Park/Resler Exit (ramp 13), proceed to CD Lanes using the Resler Exit (ramp 12), continue on CD Lanes through Mesa, Thorn, and Redd intersections and enter I-10 WB using the Redd Entrance ramp
I-10 West Sunland Park entrance ramp closed
I-10 Widening West 2
Tuesday, May 27 through Saturday, May 31
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (as needed)
I-10 East and West between Anthony and Nashua alternate lane closure
North and South Desert between Anthony and Nashua alternate lane closure
Crews will be working on dirt work and miscellaneous removals.
Thursday, May 29
9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (night)
South Desert between Anthony and Valley Chile full closure
Detour: All traffic will enter I-10 East at the Travel Information Center and exit at the Valley Chile On-Ramp if desired.
I-10 East Travel Information Center Exit closed
Crews will be setting bridge beams.
Thursday, May 29
9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (night)
I-10 East and West between Nashua and Vinton left lane closed
Crews will be placing bridge deck.
Friday, May 30
2 a.m. to 6 a.m.
(This will only a backup date in case deck placement doesn’t happen on Thursday morning)
I-10 East and West between Vinton and Nashua left lane closed
Crews will be placing bridge deck.
Artcraft
Monday, May 26 through Friday, May 30
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Artcraft east- and westbound between state line and Doniphan alternating lanes closed
Crews will be performing electrical work and delivering construction materials.
Traffic Signal Improvements
Tuesday, May 27 through Friday, May 30
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Intersections of Edgemere & John Hayes, Lee Trevino & Ivanhoe, North Loop & Burgandy right lanes closed and shoulder work
Crews will be installing traffic signals.
Saturday, May 30
7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Intersections of Edgemere & John Hayes, Lee Trevino & Ivanhoe, North Loop & Burgandy left lanes closed and shoulder work
Crews will be installing traffic signals.
Districtwide Signing
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tuesday, May 27
Spur 601 eastbound between Gateway North Blvd and Chaffee Exit (ramp 21) alternate lanes closed
Wednesday, May 28
Spur 601 westbound between Chaffee on ramp and Gateway north alternate lanes closed
Thursday, May 29
Spur 601 turnaround between Fred Wilson and Chaffee signage installation
Spur 601 turnaround between Global Reach and Liberty Expressway signage installation
Friday, May 30
Spur 601 Westbound at Exit 26 lane closed
Spur 601 between Constitution and Liberty Expressway turnaround closed
Spur 601 between Global Reach and Liberty Expressway turnaround closed
Spur 601 between Fred Wilson and Chaffee turnaround closed
Safety Lighting
Monday, May 26 through Friday, May 30
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Delta eastbound between Cypress and Customs right lane closed
Loop 375 east- and westbound between Fonseca and Paisano alternate lane closed
Delta east- and westbound at Customs shoulder work
Crews will be working on lighting improvements.
Guardrail Repair
9:00 am to 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 28
U-54 northbound between Pershing and Fred Wilson right lane closed
Thursday, May 29
I-10 eastbound between Resler to Sunland Park left lane closed
Friday, May 30
Loop 375 (Transmountain) eastbound between Main Gap to Plexxar shoulder closed
Crews will be working on guardrail repair.
Miscellaneous Concrete Repair
Tuesday, May 1 through Friday, May 23
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gateway South between Transmountain and Hercules alternating lane closed
Crews will be working on curb.
Maintenance
Tuesday, May 27 through Friday, May 30
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
McCombs north- and southbound at Loop-375 alternate lanes closed
Bomarc north- and southbound at loop-375 alternate lanes closed
Crews will be cleaning.
Executive Exit at Mesa Park eastbound alternate lanes closed
Sunland Park entrance ramp to I-10 eastbound closed
Crews will be working on bridge joints.
Wednesday, May 28
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
US-54 northbound at Diana Exit closed
Purple Heart 375 Widening Project
Saturday, April 26 to Friday, May 30
Daily, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Purple Heart Highway (Loop 375) north- and southbound alternate lane closures between Montana Avenue and Iron Medics Drive
Purple Heart Highway (Loop 375) southbound Iron Medics Exit Ramp closure
Crews will be paving and boring in median.
Loop 375 Widening Project
Wednesday, May 28
Nightly, 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Loop 375 northbound Alameda Exit Ramp and North Loop Exit Ramp closures
Crews will be working on painting concrete barrier.
Horizon/Darrington Reconstruction Project
5 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Horizon Boulevard eastbound right lane and shoulder closure from Darrington Road to Breaux Street
Crews will be moving concrete barriers to open and close driveways.
Tuesday, May 27 to Friday, May 30
Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Horizon Boulevard eastbound right lane and shoulder closure from Horizon Crossing to Breaux Street
Crews will installing light poles.
Continuous closure, beginning 5 a.m. Monday, May 12 to 7 a.m. Monday, May 26
Breaux Street north- and southbound at Horizon Boulevard
Crews will be working on slotted drain system.
I-10 Landscape & Aesthetic Project
Tuesday, May 27 to Friday, May 30
Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Gateway West Boulevard alternating left lane and right lane closures between Zaragoza Road and Henry Brennan Drive
I-10 eastbound right lane closure at Zaragoza Road
I-10 westbound various right lane and shoulder closures between George Dieter Drive and Yarbrough Drive
I-10 westbound Entrance Ramp closure before Lee Trevino Drive and Lomaland Drive
Crews will be painting concrete riprap, landscaping, placing concrete riprap, and placing decorative metalwork.
I-10 Metal Beam Guard Fence Project
Tuesday, May 27 to Friday, May 30
Daily, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
I-10 westbound right lane closure between Eastlake and Zaragoza Exit Ramp
U.S. Border Patrol commemorates fallen agents
Heriberto Perez
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — The U.S. Border Patrol El Paso Sector, along with other law enforcement agencies, commemorated its 101st anniversary at the Border Patrol Museum in El Paso.
“Today’s memorial stands as a solemn tribute, honoring the unwavering dedication and ultimatesacrifice of our fallen Border Patrol Agents. The memories of our agents are forever imprintedin our hearts and are a constant reminder of their heroic service in safeguarding our nation’sborders,” said Border Patrol El Paso Sector Interim Chief Patrol Agent Walter N. Slosar.
Border Patrol also commemorated the 27th annual memorial ceremony that served as a tribute to honor the 159 Border Patrol agents who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Good Vibes Only: Cooley Elementary students bring children’s book to life
Rosemary Montañez
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — One local author recently celebrated a big accomplishment, as students at Cooley Elementary School brought her children’s book to life.
Last Friday, children performed the play based on the enchanting children’s book “Unicorn Jazz.” The book centers around a shy unicorn who moved to a new land in search of belonging, hoping to find new friends.
The book was written by El Paso native Lisa Caprelli, who was able to witness the performance from the front row. She said she never thought this could be possible.
“I waited for this moment. I didn’t think it would get here. Never would I have thought that, growing up with humble beginnings, that, this could happen at still my young age and that I could bring stories, music and life, to so many children and really inspire them to do the things that they love to do,” she said.
On-stage students transformed into characters from the El Paso Zoo as they sang all about friendship. One student told ABC-7 she enjoyed participating in this play. She said the book has a positive message for kids of all ages.
“So I like the book because it teaches, like, a good lesson about friendship and, like, you know, be kind and everything,” Salette Terrazas said.
One special education teacher at Cooley Elementary said these students had been working on this performance since August.
“They were excited to do this. And like I said, when I first started this, I didn’t think there was going to be that much interest. But oh my goodness, they are talking to me about next year.”
Caprelli’s family was also in the audience. They said they also eagerly waited for the day to come.
“Oh! I think it’s amazing. I think it’s, it’s great that she’s bringing El Paso into her book and then taking it out into other cities,” said Caprelli’s sister, Suzanne Funk.
“It’s nice to see children engaged and actually wanting to, to read the next book and find out more. And I still can’t believe they’re doing a play. Yeah. The book, it’s, it’s really cool,” said Caprelli’s brother-in-law, Richard Funk.
After the play, Caprelli was still in disbelief. She told ABC-7, the students made the story magical.
“Never in my wildest dreams do I. As I’m sitting here, I’m telling my sister with me, ‘I don’t feel like I’m here.’ It’s just, I’m still in shock.”
After the performance, illustrator Davey Villalobos was posthumously honored. His family said it was great to know his legacy continues to live on.
Caprelli hopes her book will inspire other kids. She said sometimes all it takes for one person to believe in you.
“To remember that we’re all unique and we’re all different, and each one of you has special gifts and talents to share with the world.”
The author said she can’t wait to see more schools perform the play across the United States. Caprelli also explained she is currently working on an upcoming book, which is set to release this fall.
If you have a Good Vibes Only story, email news@kvia.com.
ABC-7 at 4: Paso Del Norte Health Foundation supports mental health across the Borderland
Nichole Gomez
El Paso, TX (KVIA-TV)—This month is mental health awareness month. ABC-7 has been bringing you mental health stories as part of our “Be Mindful” initiative. Sandra Day, the program officer of the Paso del Norte Health Foundation, and Enrique Mata, the executive director of the Paso del Norte Center, explain how the Paso del Norte Health Foundation supports mental health across the borderland.
Be Mindful: Training El Paso’s future psychiatrists
Rosemary Montañez
EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) — This month of May, ABC-7 continues its commitment to raising awareness about mental health with its Be Mindful initiative.
Mental health care continues to be in high demand across the United States and in El Paso. Medical experts largely attribute this rise to the COVID-19 pandemic, as more people started seeking mental health support, but it also exposed the shortage of mental health providers.
An assistant professor at Texas Tech Health El Paso told ABC-7 that medical residents are being trained to handle real-world scenarios.
Dr. Patricia Ortiz said she always wanted to study psychiatry after seeing firsthand how mental health conditions impacted those she loved. Now, she’s part of Texas Tech Health El Paso’s Psychiatry Department, which is responsible for training the next generation of psychiatrists, many of whom remain in the Borderland.
“I think students and people in general are seeing the increased demand, and they’re recognizing mental illness in their communities and their families, and they’re understanding that this is a really important field that that needs to be addressed, and so more people are rising to the challenge,” Ortiz said.
Andrew Serefine is a fourth-year medical student at Texas Tech Health El Paso. Before going to medical school, he was a licensed therapist for 15 years, working with patients dealing with mental health conditions.
He said back then, patients were forced to wait weeks before getting care because of the lack of services. He said much hasn’t changed.
“I do still hear that quite a bit that there needs to be more emphasis on mental health,” Serefine said.
Both Dr. Ortiz and Serefine explained that the stigma surrounding mental health is still very prevalent.
“I think there’s, certainly there’s, some stigma attached to it for people. And sometimes people just simply don’t want to talk about it. It can be uncomfortable,” Serefine said.
Ortiz explained that residents undergo two years of study work and then continue classroom training with standardized patients. Mental health training begins in the second year of medical school, when they learn about mental health disorders and illnesses.
Medical residents at TTHEP go into clinics and train in hospital settings. They learn how to interview patients, diagnose disorders and treat the most common ones.
“They learn what types of challenges these patients may face and the sort of sensitivity that is required when you’re talking to people who are struggling with mental health issues. So, I think it’s hard to prepare for them fully. You never know what’s going to happen, you know, what patient is going to present for you,” Dr. Ortiz.
She also said they undergo simulations with actors who pretend to have mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, etc.
She said this practice helps students gain real-world skills.
“I think throughout their education, cultural competence and empathy, good listening skills are always emphasized and are very important in their education. And so I think that they carry that through with them through all four years of their education. I think that’s very helpful when it comes to any patient, but in particular patients with mental illness,” Dr. Ortiz explained.
Dr. Ortiz said they also emphasize the importance of medical residents taking care of their own mental health during their studies.
“Making sure that they are taking care of themselves in terms of wellness, and I think that that helps them also to impart some sort of help to patients as well, in terms of making sure that they’re getting enough rest and exercising regularly. Eating healthy—these types of basic things are integral to, to our general health and, of course, our mental well-being,” she said.
Serefine said he does many things to take care of his mental well-being.
“Spend time with family, you know? Doing things with them, trying to make sure I always carve out time for downtime, really. So, with family, with, you know? Walks with the dog, making sure I got enough sleep, that type of thing.”
Dr. Ortiz also said medical residents are frequently broken into groups as they discuss different topics, like how they are taking care of themselves. She said it is important for people to continue having conversations about mental health to help break the stigma.
She hopes one day everyone will be able to talk about their mental health openly.
“Being open and being able to talk about, not being worried to say, ‘I’m going to go see my therapist next week’, you know? Just the way we say, ‘I have a doctor appointment or my annual checkup’, one day I hope we can get to that point where we have enough providers to do that for everyone and where everyone can feel comfortable talking about their physical and mental health.”
To read and find more mental health resources, click here.