Good morning, this is El Paso Local Pulse for Thursday, February 6, 2025.
We're starting with some breaking news from the southern border. Asylum seekers are facing uncertainty after President Trump's executive orders changed U.S. immigration policies. Many who had been waiting for months to enter the U.S. through El Paso's port of entry found their appointments canceled. This has left many in limbo, unsure of what to do next. Some have decided to return to their home countries, while others are choosing to wait, hoping for a resolution.
In local job news, the city of El Paso is still grappling with COVID-era disruptions, with nearly one in five budgeted positions remaining vacant. This has impacted basic city services, from public safety to street maintenance. However, the city is working to address these vacancies, with City Manager Dionne Mack reviewing positions and implementing strategies to attract and retain employees. The city has also increased its starting pay and is offering incentives like job training and tuition assistance.
On a brighter note, El Paso's tech job market is thriving. Major companies like Apple, Dell Technologies, and IBM are expanding their operations here, creating high-paying jobs in fields like AI development, cloud computing, and cybersecurity. Full Stack Developers are particularly in demand, with salaries reaching around $92,000 annually. If you're looking to break into tech, there are various entry-level positions available, and certifications like A+ can boost salaries by $13,000.
In community news, UTEP's Career Fairs are happening throughout the year, with the next big one coming up on February 6-7, 2025. This is a great opportunity for job seekers to connect with local employers and learn about available positions.
Moving on to weather, today is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 68 degrees. However, we're expecting a slight chance of rain later in the week, so be sure to check the forecast before planning your outdoor activities.
In new business activity, we're seeing a surge in tech companies setting up shop in El Paso. Microsoft's data center project is set to create over 1,000 high-paying jobs by 2025, further solidifying El Paso's position as a tech hub.
In upcoming community events, the El Paso Zoo is hosting a Valentine's Day event on February 14, featuring animal encounters and activities for all ages. And on February 15, the El Paso Symphony Orchestra will be performing at the Plaza Theatre.
In local school achievements, the El Paso Independent School District recently announced that several of its students have been selected as National Merit Scholarship finalists. Congratulations to these talented students!
Finally, in today's crime report, the El Paso Police Department is investigating a string of burglaries in the Upper Valley area. Residents are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
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