Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Monday, December 23, 2024. We're starting off the day with some significant updates from around our city.

First, let's talk about the local job market. According to the latest data from the Dallas Fed, El Paso employment increased by an annualized 3.9 percent from July through October, with professional and business services experiencing the largest gains. This is great news for our community, as it indicates a strong and growing economy. The current unemployment rate in El Paso is 4.5 percent, slightly higher than the state and national averages.

In other news, the holiday season is in full swing, and our local businesses are gearing up for the festivities. The City of El Paso is marking Small Business Saturday and inviting the community to shop local at The Market at WinterFest. This is a great opportunity to support our local entrepreneurs and find unique gifts for your loved ones.

Speaking of local businesses, Big Lots has announced that it will be launching 'going out of business' sales as its closure looms. This is a reminder to shop local and support our community's small businesses.

In terms of real estate, there haven't been any major developments in the past few days, but we do have some updates on road closures. TxDOT has announced road closures happening from December 22nd through 28th, so be sure to plan your routes accordingly.

From city hall, we have some updates on decisions that affect daily life. The El Paso City Council has been busy with various meetings and discussions, including a recent meeting on December 17th. You can find more information on the city council's schedule and agendas on their website.

Now, let's talk about the weather. Today is expected to be sunny with a high of 70 degrees, making it a perfect day to get out and enjoy some of the holiday festivities. However, be sure to check the weather forecast before heading out, as temperatures are expected to drop significantly tonight.

In terms of new business activity, we have some exciting updates. The El Paso Plaza Theatre is gearing up for the holiday season with various events and performances. You can find more information on their schedule and ticket prices on their website.

Upcoming community events include the "Magic of Lights" show at Wet N’ Wild, Artspace’s 3rd Annual Christmas Market in downtown El Paso, and a free guided walking tour of the San Elizario Historic District on the 4th Sunday of every month.

In local school achievements, we have some great news from our local schools, but unfortunately, we don't have time to cover them all today. We'll be sure to highlight some of the standout achievements in our next update.

In sports, we don't have any major updates, but we do have some exciting events coming up in the new year.

Now, let's talk about some feel-good community news. Helen Hunt has recently explored El Paso's cultural tapestry in a captivating short documentary, showcasing the city's rich history and diversity.

Unfortunately, we also have some crime updates to share. There have been several significant incidents in the past 24 hours, including a crash that closed lanes on I-10 west near Airway, leaving one person critically injured. Additionally, a motorcyclist died in a west El Paso crash, and the driver has been charged with DWI and a weapons offense.

This has been El Paso Local Pulse. We'll see you tomorrow with more local updates.

This content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI